I know it's been a while.  Life has a way of just rushing by these days.  I think when I last blogged, Amber was just beginning to trial feeds and come off TPN.  As of today, Amber has been advanced to full feeds for about a month now and has gained back all the weight she lost on TPN! (And then some....She was up to 42 pounds last week!)  She's tolerated her feeds well and has not shown ANY signs of pancreatitis at all!  I've been very happy with this.  She also will eat some food by mouth occasionally.  The other night, she ate half a bowl of chicken and rice soup. 

The month of December always brings with it a chance for me to reflect on Amber's past, and remember how fortunate we are to have her with us today.  Amber had her picture taken for our Christmas Card in November.  I always carry a picture of her with me on my name badge at work.  When I went to replace the picture this year, I was really astonished at how much she's changed since last year.  In her pictures last year, she looked very babyish, and could not sit up on her own.  Today, she's really become quite the little girl and has made huge gains developmentally.  When I remember how things were two years ago....well, it moves me to tears mostly.  I still remember the night we nearly lost her, and how quiet and scary the waiting room was the night she had her transplant.  I still remember how angelic she looked when she came back to the ICU from her transplant too. 

The other night when I was putting Amber to bed, I asked her if she knew who her angel was.  She simply looked at me and smirked.  I'm pretty sure she knows.  I believe that Amber was saved that Christmas for a reason, and I think often of the family who lost their child that day.  Words are not enough to express how thankfull we are for their gift.  I think constantly of that child, and I know in my heart that Amber's special angel is with her daily.

This Christmas, Amber and I have traveled to Medford to be with my family and friends.  We want to wish everyone a glorious holiday.  Please take a moment to say a special prayer for Amber's donor and their family.  Without them, our lives would be drastically different!