Happy 9th Birthday Owen!

This little Superhero is celebrating his 9th BIRTHDAY today!!

Owen is the bravest boy!  He is hilarious and has a witty comeback for everything.  His laugh is contagious and his smile lights up a room.  He is wise well beyond his 9 years and loves to be around people.  He loves Legos, video games, and watching his favorite YouTube channels.  In school his favorites are Science, Geography, Art and Writing stories. He has the biggest heart and wants others to be happy.  He loves to stay up super late and sleep in late.  He still love to snuggle and will chat my ear off for hours.  He has a very sensitive side, but puts on a tough exterior.  Our hearts are so full of love for this little guy.

Owen..

Your last year has been such a tough one.  It has been physically and emotionally draining on you.  You never give up hope and you keep on pushing through the tough times.  You find joy in the small things and celebrate the big ones.  I am so lucky to be your mom and you never stop teaching me to be a better person.  Daddy, Bo and Logi love you so much and adore everything about you.  I would do anything to keep you in my arms forever.  You're the best!  :)   I hope you always remember how brave you are and what you have overcome as it has molded you into the incredible boy you are today!  Happy Birthday Buddy!  Love you to the moon and back a million times.

Here's a recap of the past 9 years!

Born with half a heart... blessed with a fighting spirit.  You came into this world ready for anything!

His first year was intense full of unknowns.  Two open heart surgeries, 3 cardiac catherizations, transplant evaluations, oxygen, 24/7 NG tube feeds, therapy 3x a week...

At two he was butt scooting around the house, manueving around his oxygen tubing.  We ditched his NG tube and had a Gtube surgically placed.  Owen started being treated at Stanford for heart failure and we had a couple more caths this year.  He was talking up a storm and such a stubborn little spitfire!

By three, we finally had a walking boy!  He would say the silliest things all the time and we knew he was trouble. We told him to bring it!  Owen had his third open heart surgery at Stanford to repair his Tricuspid Valve, another couple cardiac caths and we continued to talk transplant. Owen wrapped up his year with his Make A Wish trip to Disneyworld!

By four, we knew Owen was having a tough time keeping up, satted in the low 60s and was listed for a heart transplant.  He had a great year with many ups and downs, but such a tough guy!!  He continued to work hard with PT, OT and Speech therapy weekly and always impressed us.

Owen's fifth year has been the year of change.  He received his heart transplant in July and has thrived ever since!!!  When we look back at the first part of his fifth year and compare to the last half, we are so grateful for this amazing gift of life he has been given. He had started Kindergarten with a homebound teacher, learned to jump on the tramp, and improved in every area of development.  It's like he is a new boy!

Six has been the year of transformation!!  Owen has physically, emotionally, cognitively.. every area has changed for the better.  He is growing like a weed (finally)...he started 1st grade..he is running (almost), jumping on the trampoline (getting air)..wicked smart in math.. his writing has improved so much.. he is reading (when he has to).   He is happy, smart, funny, and such a delight to be around!  He no longer has hulk rage and his teacher says he is the most obedient, kind boy.  Even with a bajillion biopsies and trips to Stanford, you always have such a positive attitude.

Owen's 7th year started off a little rocky.  I know your biggest goals were to make it to 2nd grade and to finally ditch your Gtube for good.  You have done amazing with second grade at home and the gtube will have to stay a bit longer.

Your eighth year has been a challenging one... a year of survival. Your failing heart has taken it's toll, but you keep on pushing through.  You've spent 192 days in the hospital this past year and you still find ways to enjoy it.  Third grade has been challenging and you have been patient and eager to learn.  You've made friends with other patients, teachers, nurses and doctors.  We are SO proud of you!

Here's to NINE amazing years!!  As always.. thank you to Aly's family for giving us the past 3 1/2 years with our boy... we celebrate this day with you.