7 years old

No, it's not about the really good song by Lukas Graham, but it's about my little, not so little girl.

She *just* turned 7. Regarding her health, nothing has changed. She's still doing very well, nothing bothers her (except for her little sister and dad from time to time ;-)  ), keeps up with all her friends and is absolutely amazing.

She finished 1st grade and is about to start 2nd. Was on a swim team this summer and did very well, especially for a new swimmer and first time on a team.




And here perfect dive ;-)















She learned to drive a boat

Shoot her first rifle






Had fun ice skating





It's been an incredible year so far, fully of great accomplishments for her and her sister. She's growing so fast, has a sweet and beautiful heart, is compassionate, caring and loving. It is very easy to forget her heart is still so complex.

Another cardio visit is approaching fast, in the next couple of weeks. This is the time when we remember and the anxiety goes up.

I'm looking forward to another great cardio report though.

Hugs to you all,

A&A

Another cardio visit another great report

This morning we had another cardiologist checkup. Both of our girls did great at the doctors office. Abigail was not stressed she had a really good time and all the results of EKG and echo came out great.

We had a really good chat with Dr Ohmstede about Abigail's current state and her future. I am really hopeful and keep praying that things will continue as they are and if so, she may not need anything and have no issues for a very very long time if ever. We are really blessed by how she is doing, how her heart is growing and there are no negative changes regarding the last defect, namely Ebsteinoid tricuspid valve and mild regurgitation.

Here are some pics from today's visit

Last year review

Last 12 months were really busy and a lot good has happened.

After celebrating Abi's 5th birthday with multiple parties both at home and at her grandparents' in Poland, Abi started Kindergarten.

I am amazed at how much she has learned within the first couple of months and continued to practice for the remaining on the school year.

She can count, read, write, does additions to 200. Just crazy! And all of this before she turned 6.

Her cardiologist appointment went very well and no changes have been recorded so she keeps on going strong with the meds and no limitations.

In the winter we signed her up for swimming lessons and she really enjoyed it making a great progress. In the summer she did a great self awareness and self defense training for children called radKids with Carolina Self Defense.

In the very early spring her grandparents came to visit and celebrate her 6th birthday with us early.

In couple of weeks Abi's going to 1st grade. Her pediatric well check went great a her cardio appointment is in 2 days.

Our Facebook CCTGA (LTGA) Group is growing, meaning there are more people and families getting so needed support and information.

If you're here, on this blog, because you just found out that your baby has LTGA (ccTGA) and you're searching for information, want to learn about this defect and need support please find us on Facebook.

5th Birthday - or Birthdays ?

Five. There must be somthing magical about this number. I wish I remembered when I turned 5. Months before turning 5, Abi was psyched about her 5th birthday and being 5. No matter whether asked or not she kept telling everyone she was just about to be 5 years old.

So, since it seemed so important to her, we chose to jump on the same wagon with her and, yes, celebrate all month long. We took the girls to see the family in Europe and this was a great start to the month long celebration.

There were 2 birthday parties thrown for her in Poland and then another one when we got back home. The last weekend of July, or rather the last week and first weekend of August she got her last birthday present and it was spending all day at Carowinds with mom, dad and her friend. It was her first time at such a great amusement park and, to my surprise, she was unstoppable and fearless. She rode all the rides, all roller coasters she was allowed on (even those she barely made the hight requirements for). She had a blast and we all had a great time!

Here are some pictures starting with the pictures of the first birthday party.

First 5th Birthday party (no more picture at the moment of writing this post, still sitting on the camer).

It was a fun birthday party thrown by her grandparents at a children's place. Bouncy houses, outdoors playground, games etc.

And the most important, a Barbie princess cake :-)




A week later, the other grandparents threw the 2nd 5th birthday party. This one had family and cousins over and ended with sending 2 big lanterns up in to the skies :-)









One week after getting home, there was the 3rd 5th birthday party at Sugar Pop's, back home





And here are some picture from the trip to Carowinds. Oh what a blast she had. I'm truly amazed seeing how brave this little girl is












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Little bit of winter, little bit of spring

As much as we love the weather in NC, last spring, summer and fall have been really unusual and there we go, 4 seasons in 1 week.

Yes, 8F on Tuesday morning and snow for 1.5 days. Yes, 1.5 days. Then Friday, yay, spring came to town, 66F, long stroll to Bruster's and then to our great playground for an hour of crazy play.

The picture below is the following: Top- Tuesday. Bottom- Friday the same week





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It's been too long

Yes, it's been way too long since the last post and so much has happened. I will try to catch you up in just a few words, in a short post, with not too many pictures.

Our girls are growing big, smart and healthy, loving each other and being a true joy to be and have around.

In June, soon after our family leaving we went to the beach for our first family vacation. It was a great time and everybody had lots of fun.









After the beach the most exciting day of summer arrived, namely Abigail's 4th birthday!!! Yes our little girl is 4 !!!! I still can't believe it. She's thriving, she's doing amazingly well and does not stand out from kids her age.

Her birthday was a nice and hot day with lots of friends around and ever since Abi keeps proudly telling everybody she's 4 now :-)













And after Abi's birthday we had a chance to visit Atlanta, GA for fun. Yes, for fun, no hospital visits :-) We went to Children's Museum which Abi just LOVED and then to World of Coca Cola and her second best place - Georgia Aquarium. She talks about the aquarium a lot. Glad it made such a good impression on her





Oh and one more thing. Abi absolutely loves swimming and this year she ditched her swimmers and loves swimming with me. She is crazy for diving and going down to the bottom of the pool (5ft) to pick up our toypedo. Loves jumping in to both, pool and the lake. Here's are 2 short vids. One at our pool and one from her visit to the lake with mom. Since I was working and was not there she had to have her swimmer on. She's allowed to swim without the swimmers only when I'm around.

I hope to do much better on updating the blog. With Kaya Annabelle's arrival we're still trying to figure out the new pace :-)

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Drowning doesn't look like drowning

One of my friends posted this interesting article on her Facebook page and with the summer, finally approaching I believe it is very important we think, read and learn more about how to keep our kids and friends safe, so here we go.
Enjoy reading and learning:

Drowning Doesn't Look Like Drowning
















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