Little Heart Walk

On Friday, Marlee and I released 1 red balloon in the air to thank our Jesus for bringing us through the scariest time in our life one year ago! Marlee is officially a one year heart survivor. I remember not knowing if Marlee was going to make it last August. It was truly the scariest time of our lives! God brought us to MUSC where the amazing doctors and nurses worked so hard on Marlee and brought her through her open heart surgery. We are so proud of our baby girl and all that she has accomplished! On September 26th, our family will be participating in the Little Heart Walk in Charleston, SC to raise money for research for children with Congenital Heart Defects. We set a goal to raise $500 as a team and we are almost there! We would love to go beyond that goal! If you feel led, you can donate on our team page at http://heartwalk.kintera.org/lowcountrysc/teammarlee. We are looking forward to seeing MC's "boyfriend" Hunter who was in the crib right beside Marlee in the PCICU! It's wonderful being with our heart friends and our strong and brave babies! :)

Time to drop the mattress

Well it's 9:00 and I have been sitting here watching Marlee on the monitor. I first saw her sit straight up from laying down, crawl over to grab some toys in her crib and then proceed to stand up over the side! Well needless to say, she will not be in her crib tonight because neither Jason or I feel like taking the bed apart at this point! My girl is getting to be a mess, but we love it! Better late than never! :)

"Walking"

Marlee LOVES to walk and would much rather walk than crawl! She pulls up on me and wants to walk wherever she goes! Her balance is getting much better and she can stand along for a couple of seconds! She just barely holds onto my index fingers and can walk like a big girl! Here she is walking outside in the grass! :)

A Day in the Life of Marlee

Marlee is now 12 months old, I can't believe that! She has so much personality and is very dramatic! We call her our drama queen because she is very over the top with her expressions, whether she's happy or mad! She is going to be a mess by this time next year! Marlee is now crawling, cruising, walking with help and pulling up to her knees and with a tee tiny bit of help pulling up all the way to standing! She can say mama, dada, ight (light), duck and nanana( no no no)! Just don't ask her to do it on demand! It has to be her idea! She's a lot of fun and we're looking forward to seeing what the next year holds!

Happy Birthday Marlee!

Our little miracle turned one yesterday! You know, I always thought my mom was crazy for starting my birthday off with saying " you know 25 years ago I was in the hospital with you and so excited!" She's told me this ever year of my birth! I now know what she means! I spent the day thinking about how nervous and excited I was on August 11th of last year! Seeing my baby girl for the first time! This week is also bringing hard feelings for me, because it reminds me of the feelings that came about on August 13th when we found out that Marlee's heart wasn't perfect like the rest of her. God brought us through this situation and I know that he will continue to bless us! Marlee's birthday party will be on Sunday and we can't wait to celebrate! More pictures to come!

I get around!

I hate that this video is upside down, but you still get the point! Marlee is getting around and is enjoying her newfound freedom! I finally pulled out the camera when she was getting tired and ready for bed! So here is a little piece of the action! We are soo proud of you Marlee Claire!! :)