SNOWBOARDING!

August 2010

Mario is 3

Mario had a great week in Mexico for his transplant anniversary and had a great birthday Sunday smashing his pinata and finding many monster trucks inside. Renetly Mario has; started to "try" and sometimes succeed in using the bid boy pottie, lost every single toy from his room for hitting his sister after being told not to, earned toys back by having great days as a polite little man, splashed around in the pool with mama, had his first official swimming lesson, "graduated" at school to the Starfish class... the list goes on. In short, he's being quite the "normal" boy. Other than a few sideways glances in swimming at the large scar across his tummy, no one would know he'd been so sick just 2 years ago.

Please take a moment...

...to think of Clinton this week.
Mario received his transplant 2 years ago and is doing fine. We are forever grateful to Clinton's family for the gift of life, their decision to donate. Our hearts go out to them for their loss.

Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico...vacation with sis and mum

Team Mario walking in Liver Foundation 5K on Sunday!!

Check out the link:

http://go.liverfoundation.org/site/TR/LiverLifeWalk2009/LiverLifeWalkSpring09?team_id=9350&pg=team&fr_id=1310

cutest kids ever

Helmets Rule!

Hanging out with Gavin, being "safe" wearing helmets :)

Clinton's Birthday

July 23 is a special day and we'd like to ask you all to take a moment to honor Clinton. Clinton lost his life in a tragic accident during the spring of 2008. When his parents, Lesa and Chris, realized that doctors could not save him, they agreed to donate his organs so that others might have a chance at life. Mario received part of Clinton's liver. As you know from reading here, Mario has done amazing because he recieved the gift of life from Clinton. Clinton would be 5 years old. Our family and Clinton's would be touched if you would take a moment to think of Clinton on this special day.

We met Clinton's family on Friday, I can share his name with you now with permission from his family. As you can imagine this was a very emotional experience for everyone. His parents, Lesa and Chris brought pictures of Clinton for us to look at. Mario and I looked through the photos while Eva played in the office with Clinton's 2 older brothers dressing up in swag from around the donate life office. There was one photo of Clinton wearing a little hooded frog suit which Mario noticed right away. He was holding his little stuffed frog that he always carries around and kissed Clinton's photo with his frog. Mario is of course too little to understand the situation, but it was so cute to see that connection between the two boys. Here's a couple photos of Clinton that his mom gave me to share.

Meeting Mario's donor family

Our updates are less frequent these days, but I know some of you still check here for updates...so, NEWS! We are scheduled to meet the parents and siblings of Mario's donor (the 2nd one) on Friday. Words cannot describe the feelings I have as I try to prepare for this meeting. I only hope that Mario's life and smile will help give some meaning to their loss.

Hawai'i pics

Phoebe MADE a cake

Mario is turning TWO on Saturday. There will be a small, low key, frog themed party at home. We've asked guests, in lieu of presents, to please consider a small donation to Children's Hospital Tranplant Fund: https://secure.seattlechildrens.org/ Here is a photo of the frog pinata - work in progress - Eva still wants to add spots, tongue, etc.

Mario's Anniversary

Today marks the one year anniversary of Mario's second Liver Transplant. I have struggled over the last few days to find the words to put here. It is with mixed emotions that we recognize this milestone in his progress and recovery. I would ask you each to take a moment out of your day and send your thoughts, prayers and energy toward the family who passes the anniversary of their young sons passing. Because of their amazing gift, Mario is with us today.