Happy 7th Birthday Caiteyn!

How is it possible that my first born is 7 years old today?!? I guess what they say is true, time flies when you're having fun! I couldn't imagine my life without you Caiteyn, you have brought so much joy and purpose to my life that I wouldn't be the person I am today if it weren't for you. I enjoy every minute that we have together and I am proud to be your Mom...I love you Baby Girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAITEYN!!!

Gabriella

During spring break, the girls and I had the opportunity to meet Kristi and her daughter Gabriella. We were first 'introduced' to each other through Andrea, Owen's mom. Andrea had asked if I knew of Gabriella and when I said no, she explained that she was waiting for a heart transplant and was being treated at Loma Linda. I immediately made contact with Kristi and found out they had a clinic visit coming up and they were planning on staying in Southern California for just over a week because the jet that would be flying them out (they are from the Phoneix area) if they 'got the call' was undergoing maintenance. Kristi is a DIE HARD Disney fan and explained that they would be spending a couple of days at Disneyland...what better place to meet each other?!? We hit it off right away and the girls fell in love with Gabriella and Kristi.

Gabriella and Caiteyn under Cruella's spell.

Standing in line for Toy Story.

Gabriella, Caiteyn and Carlie waiting for the Electrical Parade to start.

Fast forward to April when Kristi and Gabriella had to travel back out to California for another clinic visit. They were lucky enough to be able to fly out this time and after Gabriella's check-up had a few hours to kill. I invited her over to our house to hang out for a bit which allowed Kristi and myself to do some catching up. We ended up going to dinner before their flight left and were having such a good time, that they almost missed their plane.

A few weeks ago, Kristi got 'the call' which turned out to be a false alarm. On Monday, May 17, she got another call and this time it was for real! I immediately sent her a text and explained to her that I would be at the hospital within a few hours. I was lucky enough to see and spend some time with Gabriella as they waited for the donor heart to make it back to the hospital. Gabriella, as well as Kristi and her husband, were so strong. Watching them say goodbye to their little girl before she left for surgery made my heart ache, it brought back so many memories.

Gabriella did great during surgery and 48 hours post-transplant, she is no longer intubated, is not requiring oxygen, has had her foley and arterial line removed, and is walking the halls...she is a strong little girl and I am so glad that she and her sweet family are a part of our lives!