Still progessing

I have been terrible about posting! It is nice that some people have asked for more, so here goes. Yesterday was our first Halloween and Gabe was the cutest penguin ever. We went to a few houses of friends, but I don't really think Gabe "got" the trick or treating. He enjoyed seeing friends, but was very glad to get out of the costume at the end of the night.

We went to see the cardiologist on Friday because Gabe is still having problems with getting winded. The doctor says that there is no reason for him to be so winded and the echo cardiogram they did on Friday looks good. His right pulmonary artery has benefited from the shunt put in during the August surgery. It started at 2.7 mm and the last time, it was at 4.1 mm. Friday is measured 4.9 mm. The cardiologist still wants to put the big surgery off longer, so Gabe will get bigger and stronger. Not only that, he would like to wait until the flu season is over. He and the surgeon do want to have another angiogram done within the month. That way, they will know exactly what is going on and we can come up with our plan. Gabe is thriving and it doesn't seem like this next surgery is as pressing as it was before the shunt was put in. I am guessing we will be doing this in the spring. Gabe now weighs 24.2 pounds, which is almost 7 pounds that we have put on him in 4 months.

It is amazing to see how great he is doing. Not only is he growing like a weed, he is learning so much. He says more words everyday. Brian and I are always singing to him and yesterday in the car, he just starting with "row row row" just like the beginning of Row Row Row Your Boat. The first three words were as far as he got, mostly because he couldn't stop clapping and cheering for himself. He has also gotten very lovey. He likes to give hugs and kisses to everyone. He will occasionally grab your face with two hands and give you the biggest kiss. That is the best!

We are so excited for the holidays this year. It is going to be so exciting to experience them through his eyes. We also have his birthday coming up the week before Christmas. It sounds like the cardiac cath will be around Thanksgiving and I will keep everyone posted. I will also make sure that I get some more pictures posted. Additionally, I will try to not be such a stranger. Thanks for all of the continued thoughts and prayers.

Ludlums