Independence

Today has a new meaning for me...not only are we celebrating our country's freedom but our baby is not a baby anymore. She has found her independence and Maddie's quite quickly turned into a kid. I can honestly say we've seen this transformation happen in the past couple of weeks since her surgery. Maybe it's because I've let down my guard with her, letting her play like a typical 3 year old, or maybe it's because she doesn't feel as lousy and tired from the lack of oxygen her body was so used to getting by on. I assume it's the latter. But watching her par-take in the fireworks we had last night for Nany's birthday party defined independence. She played hard with her brothers and cousins, running and carrying on with her precious half-heart like she has a whole one. She kept up.

I found myself taking big sighs of relief watching her. She's as healthy as she's ever been and it will only be 6 weeks tomorrow since her heart and little body endured surgery. The fontan has done wonders for her and for our family. I'm a fontan fan. Simply put, Maddie is more liberated and it's a joy to witness. I'm so glad we have a baby coming this fall though...I've turned around and this little girl is quickly growing-up. Her heart is happy and so is ours.