Monique is 6 !!

Monique's first year in school os over. She is learning to read and to write. She is getting so big and I am amazed every day by her strength. We are now enjoying her first official summer vacation of many to come. It hasn't been very nice outside but we are trying hard to find things to do. And if all else fails there is always day camp.

Monique turned 6 on July 15 2009. Today we are August 5th, 6 years ago today I held her for the first time after her surgery. My little miracle! Now she had a lose tooth and is excited for the tooth fairy. Being a child is so magical, I think in ways we, as adults can't even remember.

This year, we will be attending the Heart Talk for the first time. She will play with children who have scars like hers. I am curious to see how she will react. If at all... nothing really phases her much.

Just a note to let you all now that all is well. Heart hugs to you all!!

Faith

May 2009

Hello again... it's been a while. We have been busy I guess. Monique's last cardiology appointment went well if you have been wondering. Her cardiologist said she was stable but was worried because of her complaints and her few episodes of having to sit out of an activity because her heart "hurt". I am waiting for a phone call. An MRI of her heart or a cardio cath may be in order to find out what is really going on. I also asked him how many Truncus cases there are in NS. he told me they see about 1 new one a year - not necessarily the same type as Monique. He also told me they treat Truncus much like Tetralogy of Fallot which I didn't know. Nice to know I guess.

Summer is coming. We all can't wait. Lots on the agenda. Monique has started another season of soccer. I am not sure if it will be any better then the last. It is late - from 6:30 to 7:30, and bedtime is 7 on a school night. We will see... by 7 she is ready to go home.

I am cutting sugar out of her diet as much as I can again to see if it will make a difference in her activity level and tolerance. She did well before but I guess we have gotten slack... so i guess it is our fault that she has been a little difficult. Funny how sugar and certain foods affect some kids so differently than others. We will see... hopefully we will get her all buckled down again and able to concentrate and listen a little better.

We got 2 kittens 3 weeks ago, Edward (the girls call her Egwart - they can't pronounce Edward, it is too cute!) and Bella. The kids love them to death. Edward is a little ham, outgoing as can be and has no fear while Bella is timid and affraid of everything, she growls at everything too! Hopefully she will settle in ok.

thanks for reading! ...

April 2009

Here we are mid April... no new things to report really... Monique still has this cold that she cannot seem to get rid of as well as a nsty cough! Other then that, we really can't complain! Her last appointment with her pediatrician went well, we are now waiting to see the cardiology team in late May. I am keeping my fingers crossed... again... not sure for what... to push the inevitable a little further or to get it over with.

Monique started swimming lessons with her school this week. She was so excited!! Cutie pie.

So many things I have missed this year. I so wish I could be one of those moms who is always at everything and is a volunteer for activities at school but I can't because I work at a different school. I remember how good it used to feel when my mom was there for activities... I am missing everything. Having a hard time with that. I am glad however that Monique has many people around her that love her and that give their time to be at the activities mom can't be at, thanks Grand-mères... !!

I am hoping and praying to be transfered to her school in September. I don't think I can be away for her for another year. She asked me again today when I was going to be working at her school (last year we were in the same school). I miss out on way too much, plus I worry constantly that I could be missing something important in her condition. Not that I don't trust the staff at her school, they are completely capable and trustworthy but they aren't mom. I think any mom would understand that.

Anyhow... keep praying
ox...

March 09

So.. here we are. March 2009.
Update on Monique?? She is doing great other than the cough and cold she can't seem to get rid of. her pediatrician thinks she has a tough of bronchitis... nothing to worry about and not bad enough for a puffer.

We are going to the city for a few days on vacation for march break. She is desperately asking to go stay in a hotel with a pool... ha ha ha... cutie. She deserves it! She is learning so much so fast. I am amazed on how fast they start to learn to read. Sha can read simple french words - les, sa, son, dans, la, le, un, une, des, mais, voici, vais, fais, ma etc... and she can figure out the sentence by looking at the pictures and reading the words she knows.

She had her spring concert this week at school. She was too cute! The whole class dressed in baggy clothes and crooked hats because they had a rap song. Monique, my little model, of course had the pose to go with it!

Check-up

Monique's check-up went well. Her cardiologist is pleased with what he has seen. Seems I have been worrying for nothing other then a virus that's making her tired. Her cardiologist said that he understood however why I was concerned and reassured me it was ok to feel that way. What an emotional roller coaster the last week has been... punctured ear drum to not punctured ear drum.... huge change since november to no huge change since october... WOW girl... you keep me on my toes (doctors around here seem to help that along!)

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and positive vibes.

Appointment tomorrow

Monique's fever is gone, but I am afraid her heart is not well.
Cardiology appointment tomorrow...


... need I say more. I will update when we get back.

What?

Monique's doctor just called... she does not have pneumonia... she has little fluid in her lungs but she is still tired and has a fever. She is not one to usually have a fever for no reason. She has a little bladder infection... what?... that's what the doctor has told me. It is safe to wait until tuesday to go see her cardiologist. Ok... well... why does she have a fever? Flu?
I hope it will go away soon...