The latest from the nest.

We will post details later, but we wanted to share that Oakes has had a pretty good week. He went to the OR on Tuesday for a dilation, then Thursday to the Cath lab to have a new broviac placed. He was all smiles today, on his 9 month birthday!

Here are pictures that have been piling up for months....

These were taken two weeks ago. Oakes was paralyzed and Isla and I went up to visit. Amazing and thoughtful Nurse Tammy had brought in reindeer hats and we found a copy of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" for Isla to watch.

Momma's phone to the rescue when the movie got dull!

And when the phone got old, we moved to stickers.

Without a doubt, the most festive legs on the floor!

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In October, Isla and I made a quick trip to Oklahoma for Isla's cousin's birthday party. It was an amazing "petting zoo" party and Isla and I were both thrilled to get away for a couple of days and see family.

We were picked up from the airport and went straight to buy "cow boots" for Isla, which she wore all weekend.

Isla's cousins LOVED being up close with the animals...

...Isla did not.

Her happy place was outside of the animal pen, feeding the "cute, pink-nose bunnies!"

The handsome birthday boy!

Isla spotted the cake!

What a big boy!

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Back in St. Louis, a few weeks later we had a great Halloween:

My two baby bats!

Happy Oakes smiling at Shelly, his wonderful Respiratory Therapist.

The best part of the day....candy!! Thank you, Tricia!

Our little bat walking to school in the morning with Grandma Jane, Grandpa Greg and Pappa.

Everyone with Oakesie!

Back at home, waiting for the sun to set, and getting her wings ready...

A few final costumes....

Dr. Pirooz Eghtesady

Superman!

Oakes as Chuck!

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He is not wearing them now, but we have quite a collection of NIRS stickers for Oakes, and the always uplifting selection of mustaches.

I had no idea that Oakes would lose his NIRS sticker the next day, but it seemed so perfect that his last sticker said "Thankful"

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We always LOVE the Mighty pose.

....and a sweet smile!

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Yvonne and Oakes

And Oakes sandwich - with Yvonne and Madison.

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Isla and I came to the floor one day, months ago and Oakes was sitting his his yellow little bumbo chair. I had the happiest tears ever and simply could not get in the room fast enough. Isla was amazed to see Oakes sitting up like a big boy.

This is Rebecca, Oakes patient and talented Physical therapist. Cheers to Rebecca and her belief in and dedication to Oakes!

Isla gazing at Oakes.

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Right after Oakes transplant, nearly 5 months ago now, when we were admitted to the floor, we were given a welcome bag. In it, among other things, was this little red heart with instructions to make a wish and drop it in a little dsiplay outside of the CICU. The display was a gift from Build-A-Bear, and the overall message from the display is about having hope. We have walked past it hundreds of times, but I just had Isla add our little heart a few weeks ago. She was so excited!

One of Isla's nightly prayer for Oakes, "come home soon."

I love Oakes. Heart, Isla.

Oakes was sleeping when we left the room.

Getting ready to add out heart to the display

Dropping our heart in

There it is....

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Oakes is off of the home vent now, but this is what it looks like. He will get back to it, you'll see it again!

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More quality time with Rebecca!

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Oakes in a swing!

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Isla in a swing. I recently spent an amazing morning with Isla at school. I stayed all day as the parent helper. We both had a great day!

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Oakes Thanksgiving dinner.

Powdered sugar donuts on the way to see Oakes on Thanksgiving morning!

We passed out cookies to all of the staff and families that were in the CICU on Thanksgiving day.

And Isla organized our Acorn tree!

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Our little ones in their silly hats.

Isla as a pilgram and Oakes wearing a turkey hat that we made from Isla's hand.

Lots of love to our family and friends.

More details soon.

XOXO