Glimpsing Back

As much as I might complain about it, I blog for me. I love having this visual and written record of what happens in our family. Even so, I am tired of feeling behind. So today I am trying a different strategy--I am going to blog in reverse, starting with this morning and then glimpsing back. This lets me talk about what's on my mind and still hopefully get caught up!

This morning Annika had her quarterly cardiology appointment, beginning with an echocardiogram at 8:00 am. If I'd remembered that it was Daylight Savings, I might have scheduled it for later! I still get emotional every time I watch this shared heart steadily beat inside her. Today was an interesting mix of feels as Annika was simultaneously watching Inside Out 2, the Pixar show that leans heavily into the life of a teenage girl experiencing puberty.  Managing a transplanted heart is a lot of work, but managing all those new emotions is even harder!

Afterward we got to see our very favorite nurse Karla who brought Annika the cutest gift. I've never seen an apron quite like this one!

When we realized it was missing a kidney, Annika immediately quipped, "I'm a donor!"

It was fun to see Annika thrive at this appointment, excitedly chattering with the nurses, pharmacists, social worker, nurse practitioner and doctor. You could tell she feels so very comfortable and safe with them. They express genuine interest in all she is doing and it really matters. They've become her people and she shines in their presence.

As much as we enjoy hanging out, the best news is that Annika's heart and labs look fantastic. Assuming nothing changes, we won't see the team for another three months. They've upped her dosage of Vitamin D and are continuing to keep her on Lasix because of slightly elevated pressures in the pulmonary artery, but other than that everything is completely typical.

Meanwhile, Annika adores living life as a teen like any other. It's taken a lot of courage for me to let her participate in the school musical along with 213 other middle schoolers, particularly with measles in the community. Still, the play brings her so much purpose and joy that it is totally worth it. If there is a lesson to be learned from Moana, it's that we need to explore and find connection, risks and all.

(In case you are wondering, Annika is in green on the front row, stage left of the piano.)

Annika isn't the only daughter that I've accompanied to a medical appointment recently. Last night I talked Brooklyn into going to InstaCare because she's has this lingering cough that sounds just awful. I happened to be in Provo picking Jason and Talia up from the airport, so I headed over to Utah Valley Hospital so that I could have a moment to hang out with my beautiful girl. 

Pulling up to the hospital, it occurred to me that the last time we we'd been there was as a mommy/daughter pair as well.

You know, that was an intensely happy moment, but I had absolutely no idea how much joy the next couple decades would bring. I love you immensely, Buttermilk!

We also contacted Dr. Justin yesterday because Jason tried to come home from San Francisco with a hitchhiker.

Yup, that's a tick with the head buried in deep. Ew. Ironically, I passed this sign while out for a hike with Zion earlier today.

Anyway, Justin prescribed a prophylactic antibiotic to help ward off Lyme disease. That's certainly not something we're anxious to mess with. So between Jason, Brooklyn, and Annika, I ended up at three different pharmacies in less than 24 hours!

Speaking of hours, it's amazing how much the weather can change in a short period of time. Here was my hike up Millcreek today (March 9th.)  With weather in the 60s, the trail was dry and I felt overdressed in my long-sleeve shirt.

Backtrack three days to Friday, March 6th and this was our morning meander through the Avenues.

Poor daffodils.

It didn't last long, but for a moment we enjoyed a winter wonderland.

It also made for some fantastic skiing with the Wilhoits. We didn't take many pictures of our jaunt up Brighton because we were too busy chasing the powder in the trees.

But, as long as I'm on the subject of skiing, here are some other photos we've taken this season. We definitely have NOT had the great snow season as in years past. It's concerning, not only because of the lack of powder days, but more significantly because of it's impact on the reservoirs and the Great Salt Lake. Even so, we've still had a ton up on the slopes.

That's a big yawn, Anders!

Some big lines waiting for Crest6. At least it moves fast.

My favorite views from the top of Great Western.

My favorite people! It's hard to tell who loves skiing more--Eli or his Dad. The competition is definitely on. Eli might be faster.

True love is when your Dad gives you his coat because you forgot yours. Annika is certainly adored!

Tuckered out...

...and ready for more, AI style.

Whether as a cartoon or in real life, skiing is Jason's love language. So glad we can speak it together!