Sunshine through the snow

I have recently become really sensitive to the negativity I see in the world around us. In response to it, I have tried to restructure my thoughts and actions so that I focus on the good side of everything. This morning on my way to work, I started to think, UG! STUPID SNOW! STUPID COLD! but I stopped myself before I got too worked up. I turned it around and tried to see the positive things. Even in the early morning darkness, snow is beautiful! The trees look so fragile and pretty covered in it. I continued to focus on the good things, and by the time I got to work, the positivity wasn't forced at all. If it gets a little warmer, we might be able to take Elijah sledding!

From now on, I'm going to do my best to apply this principle to every part of my life. Negativity breeds negativity. If I focus on how Elijah is sick a lot and this and that and wahh wah waaah...well then, that chaos will probably just continue.

So with that as my new philosophy...onto a quick Porta update..

Dan is feeling much better after his tummy bug, and Elijah hasn't thrown up since Sunday, woohoo! He woke up in the middle of the night coughing, so we were on top of it right away this morning with a neb.

We are dog sitting the cutest puppy ever right now. We get Buster for a week, and we are falling in love with him! He and Elijah are so cute together. Elijah likes to touch Buster and check him out (he's soooo soft). Buster sees that as an invitation to lick his face and sometimes knock him over (gently) out of excitement. Elijah doesn't seem to mind. He just makes funny faces in anticipation.

We are fulfilling two of our Giving List items today, and before Christmas we will fulfill the last one. It feels so good to help people out this time of year. I love it!

I can't be totally sure, but I think Elijah tried to say, "Hi Daddy" yesterday. It came out as, "Hah Dah." I think his speech is on the cusp of some serious development, and that is so exciting. I can't wait to hear his sweet little voice say real words. He certainly is good with the fake words. Sometimes Dan and I listen to him through the baby monitor as he talks to himself before falling asleep. We just laugh and laugh. The sounds and inflections that come out of his mouth are hilarious.

Elijah is taking steps! His legs are stiff as boards, and he has to hold both of my hands, but HE IS TAKING STEPS! I didn't even see this coming. His PT tried it last week and he just did it! I will get video this week sometime and share. He looks uncomfortable and robotic, but...STEPS!

Tomorrow is Elijah's post-cath cardiology check, so keep the cute boy in your prayers. Also, Dan's dad had a scary thing happen last night, so keep him in your prayers, too. He recently stopped taking his blood thinner medication (for his heart) and they think that may be why his body formed a blood clot in his head that is slightly affecting his vision. We're praying it will go away with medication.

We have some fun doggy-Elijah pics to share later. Sooo cute...have a good day everyone!