caterpillar friend.

{I want to remember this.}

This morning at a friend's house, Audrey found a caterpillar, and of course, had to take it home with her. It's a pet, a real pet! Poor girl, has been asking for a kitty for probably a year now, so finally getting something, even if it is just a caterpillar, has made her day. On the way home she talked to it in the cutest baby voice. Oh, Charlotte (that's what she named it), are you hungry? Here is some grass. No? Okay. That's okay. Charlotte is my friend. Naomi do you love Charlotte?

When we got home, it had to eat lunch with us. Then, while I was laying Naomi down for a nap, apparently it was really thirsty and Audrey put some extra water in it's container. Fortunately, just enough to not drown. While reading books to Audrey before her nap, Audrey told me Charlotte didn't want to nap, but she told it, it had to if it wanted to grow big like her.

We read The Very Hungry Caterpillar and have plans to make a caterpillar and butterfly craft this afternoon.

Toys are out, caterpillars are in.
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On another note, Audrey had her yearly heart check up this week. I don't really think too much about what we went through when she was five days old until she has to be hooked up again each year. Then the flood of memories comes rushing in. And my heart tries to come out of my chest to hold her and squeeze her and not let her go and keep growing up.

Right after her heart procedure, 5 days old. 

She did so well being hooked up. I think she actually enjoys the doctor checking her. 

Her heart sounds fine--doc said he could hear a couple of murmurs, and the pulmonary valve that was originally worked on, may have decompressed a little bit---but he has not immediate worries. She is a healthy little girl that just needs to make sure she always stays hydrated and have her heart checked each year. Eventually, she will probably need to have her valve replaced, but hopefully not until closer to teenage years. 

I seriously love this girl, she has the most beautiful heart inside and out. 

5 Days After.

It's been 5 days since Audrey's first birthday. And I can't help but be reminded of what she went through 5 days after being born.

5 days old.

You can read about her story here. And here. And here. It's my old blog. But I will cherish those words forever.

The Good. The Bad. And the Ugly.

Let me just start with the ugly. Remember this. The horrible idea of me in a swimsuit. I went shopping for one on Friday. Failed. And felt even worst. Like I should never be in a swimsuit again. Or at least one that fits snug and is made of polyester. [Oh, wait that is ALL of them]. BUT, I found the good on Saturday. I ended with a tankini from Old Navy. AND it was on sale. Double bonus. And the triple bonus? I also found a rug from Home Goods (practically a TJ Maxx). Remember this too. Well, now I have a beautiful, wool rug caressing my feet right now. It was love at first sight. It was also my anniversary gift.

The good continued today. Hubby, baby, and I went to the Indianapolis Zoo. We have a membership so we will be going, um, all-the-time. It was beautiful weather, not too hot yet (we went in the morning), and not too crowded. Then after the Zoo we headed to Riley Hospital for Audrey's heart check up. [Background info: Audrey had a heart procedure done when she was 5 days old to have her pulmonary valve opened, it was too closed and not allowing enough blood flow]. Everything looks great! Doc told us on a scale of 1 to 6, 1 being the best, Audrey is a 1! Holla! We were on our merry way from Riley.

Here is where the bad comes in. Notice I have no pictures to show you of the Zoo? Or at the hospital? No, I didn't forget my camera. It practically comes with me everywhere like it is my second wedding ring or something. I even got some great shots today. I used my aquarium setting for the first time-loved it. [Then where are the pictures you took?] On the way home I was fiddling with my camera. Next thing I know I have formatted it and OHMYGOSH ALLMYPICTURESAREGONE. I am hoping my husband's magical powers will bring them back some how. He is a smarty-pants when it comes to technology thank goodness. So, say a little prayer the pictures come back tomorrow.

At least I have my huggable, kissable, squishable, 19lbs 2oz. baby to adore each and every second. [Insert picture of chubby leg baby here]. And a hubby that takes care of me.