One Year Anniversary

It has been one year since Owen's heart surgery, and we are so amazed at his progress from last year until now. He was just starting to crawl before his surgery and now he's running, jumping and climbing all over the place! He enjoys climbing and jumping on our couch cushions playing "Ocean" with Clara in the living room. He loves to color and read books and tell knock- knock jokes he makes up himself. His funniest quotes have been: As we were passing McDonalds, "Donald Ducks!" When we turned on some Jazz music he was saying, "Listen Jasmine" (which is a Disney princess and his only association with "jazz"). As I was putting Owen's first year pictures in his scrapbook it seemed strange to see him swimming in the pool without the scar on his chest. We've grown so accustomed to it and it holds such a special story of God's faithfulness in our lives. We thank you again for your many prayers for Owen and our family throughout this last year.
-Amy

Below are a few recent pictures.

Clara and Owen having fun in the snow

Owen likes to draw

Dying Easter Eggs - stir it up!

Disney World Photos

Here are a few recent pictures of Owen. The first two are from our November trip to Disney World in Florida. The others are from a day of fun at Grandma Tea's house making Christmas cookies. As you can see, Owen is very healthy and doing great!

I love playing in the water!

"O" is for Owen!

Our new Christmas aprons made by Grandma Tea

Frosting some cookies (and my face)

-Jon

Spring Pictures

Spring has sprung and we've had some nice weather days. Here are a few recent pictures of Owen and sister Clara.

Owen and Clara in our backyard

Easter Egg Hunt at Grandma and Grandpa's.

Hi!

Post-Op Appointment

Today, Owen had his post-operative appointment at Children's Hospital. He had another chest X-ray and an EKG. Results were good for both. He is still retaining some fluid, so needs to continue taking medication a while longer. Owen is energetic and wants to be active, so we have to keep him from doing too much. His next appointment will be April 19th.

Many have asked how large his scar is, so here is a picture showing that:

Here is a picture of him riding his firetruck, one of his favorite activities:

We will probably not be updating this blog very often in the coming weeks, mostly because there isn't a lot of news to report. That's a good thing since it means life is back to normal! Check back after the 19th for another update.
-Jon & Amy

Home Sweet Home

We believe we are home today because of your faithful prayers! It's amazing to think that just 2 days ago Owen looked like this:

Today he was sitting up, clapping, and smiling, looking so much happier:

We are all relieved to be home! Owen was so tired of all the poking, prodding, wires, and medicine.

Right now, both Clara and Owen are sleeping soundly in their own beds. What a wonderful, peaceful feeling!

-Jon & Amy

Surgery Time - 8am Monday

Today we found out that Owen's surgery will take place at 8:00am on Monday morning March 26th. Many of you are asking us how we are "really" doing with all this. Honestly, we are feeling positive about the change and feel much more relaxed about getting ready for the surgery day since we've already packed our bags and had a trial run. We will do our best to post something here soon after the surgery.
-Amy

Here is a picture of Owen at his pre-op appointment. He is connected up to the EKG machine.

Photo Gallery

Here are some photos of Owen from the last 6 months.

(click photos to enlarge)

Owen is a messy eater

Dressed up in his bumble bee costume

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Swinging at the park

Tearing up paper is a favorite activity

Bath time

Owen loves jumping!

Owen loves riding his toy truck. It's how he gets around since he doesn't walk or crawl much.

He's a fun loving kid!

Owen with big sister Clara