So much has happened since our last blog.

First off, Natalie is 5 now and she wants EVERYONE to know. She is quite proud and appears to be in some secret club that her mommy and daddy did not know of. She was so happy to have so many friends come and celebrate with her at Urban Air! The girl is still talking about it! On her actual birthday, she celebrated at Sullivan’s Hardware with her brothers. They took the train to see Santa at the North Pole. She didn’t hesitate to “remind” him about her birthday and he gave her extra candy canes and hugs. The evening ended with Frozen II and lots of popcorn. Usually, I take advantage of a nap during these outings, but Disney did it once again (slow hand clap).

Fundraisers!!!! Top Golf was an absolute blast!!!! I had no idea that little children could enjoy something as boring as golf. My kids slept well that night. On a serious note though, we had such an amazing turnout. We cannot thank our COTA team, our sponsors, friends, and family enough! Thank you to all the local businesses that made donations too! Someone I worked with a few years back said it best – It’s amazing how the community comes together to help you through this. As she has a child with a chronic illness, she knows the drill and she couldn’t be anymore accurate. Thank you!

“The” great-aunt Ruth organized a bridge game night with her bridge club. Natalie’s grandma and great-aunts were in attendance as well. Those ladies raised 2k! Thank you ladies!

We just had a dining event at Tried & True Alehouse this past Sunday! We love to eat there anyway, so it was a double win for us. Thank you to everyone that was able to stop by!

Last, Natalie had clinic not too long ago. It was pretty routine. Blood gas, labs and caught up with doctors. Good news, her oxygen levels are decent and stable. Her vitamin levels are good, but her liver function (alt/ast) jumped up quite a bit. Her white blood cell count is really low as well. Good news, she looks great, and she is already listed. The even better news, Natalie’s exception points for her PELD score (Pediatric End Stage Liver Disease) was accepted. Her score is 30! If she isn’t transplanted in the next 3 months, more exception points can be granted and will put her very high on waiting list.

That said, Natalie will continue to be 5 and enjoy daily life. I can’t believe how well she is doing. We hope and pray this continues until she gets a new to-her liver. Continued prayers please!