Rod Expansion Surgery and Birthdays

We checked into the Primary Children's Medical Center at 6am Monday morning for Mason's 2nd back rod expansion surgery. Mason was happy as could be to be back at his home away from home-Primary's....silly boy! But, he did cry when I had to hand him over to the anesthesiologist, which never gets any easier with time. It makes for a tearful mom!

 The procedure to expand his rods took about an hour. Last time it took an hour and a half, but that extra time was spent placing his IV. Yesterday all they had to do was access his port, which is much quicker and easier than trying to find a spot to place an IV on Mason.

He has another 2 1/2 inch incision in his mid back where the doctor entered in to extend the rods. The rods were extended about 2 cm's. Besides Mason's back being a little sore he's doing really well! We stayed overnight just to be cautious and he also got his monthly IVIg treatment through the night while we were there. Double duty during a hospital stay is the way to go!  We were discharged and came home Tuesday afternoon. I'll take a one night stay at the hospital any day!!!

April 4:  Third Angel Heart Birthday

Happy 3rd Angel Heart Birthday Miracle Mason! 

On April 4, 2010 Mason received his new heart which 

saved his life! 

This amazing gift has has given him the chance to spend more 

time with our family here on earth, the chance to run and 

play like little boys should, the chance to teach us all more about

hope and faith, the chance to learn and grow, the chance to

continue melting our hearts with his wise eyes and contagious

smile, and so much more!!!  Thank you with endless love and 

gratitude to his donor family who we think of each and everyday!

We could never say thank you enough.....

We pray for our donor's family especially at this time

 of year that they may feel comfort and love from our

 Father Above. We pray even though they have chosen to 

remain anonymous, that they know we will forever be

grateful!!!

Our tradition is to write thank you messages

on balloons and send them into the sky in honor

of Mason's special donor in Heaven.

Then our annual Mason-sized little heart cake 

topped off our Angel Heart Birthday celebration!

And, this year Mason even ate some of it!

(He's had quite the appetite on this recent round

of steroids! Hooray for the bonus side affect!!)

April 5: Preston's 12th Birthday

My sweet little Preston born on April 5, 2001

is not so little anymore! I can't believe he's 12!!!

Preston is one very sensitive and kind son, brother,

cousin, and friend. He is liked by everyone he meets!

He is a very good example to all of his younger brothers.

Preston is fun to be with, smart, and athletic. He enjoys

skateboarding, mountain biking, surfing (when we

 visit the beach in Cali), playing lacrosse, and skiing. In

fact this year he has become quite the stunster on skis!

Preston, we love you and and are very proud of you!

Happy Birthday!

Here are a few pictures of Preston having 

some crazy fun on skis this year!

The day before Preston's birthday he

enjoyed a ski day with cousins and friends.

Mason and I went up to the Alta ski lodge at

lunchtime to deliver a cake and help them celebrate.

Then on Preston's birthday Mark and I took he, Kaitlin,

and Braiden out for a special birthday dinner.

We returned home for every one's favorite part

of any birthday celebration, birthday cake and presents.

Happy 12th Birthday Preston!

Happy 3rd Angel Heart Birthday Mason!

Happy Spring to you all!

PS. Are you an organ donor yet? (go to www.donatelife.net)