Question number 5

How does Eden spend her days?

As most of you have gathered, Eden is limited a bit. However, none of her limitations have to do with her heart or transplant recovery. She is completely capable of running to her heart's content (in the spiritual sense) and spending as long as she likes at high altitudes. They even say older kids can resume contact sports at 3 months! Yikes! Unfortunately, her limits are associated with getting sick and because she is immune compromised it is much more likely. The mechanism works kinda like this: her immune system is suppressed to keep her white bloods cells at bay. She does have some in order to fight infection, but rejection occurs when those white blood cells are revved up to fight a cold and then move on throughout the body and recognize a foreign heart. It is a tricky balance... when she does get sick (which is inevitable) the hope is that she can kick it with the immunity she has and leave the heart alone. Rejection will be an issue for the rest of her life. So, it all comes back to... "just don't get sick!"



There are no hard and fast rules (unfortunately) regarding her exposure. We try hard to keep her away from crowds and busy public places. She does not generally play at indoor kids play areas like at the mall or McDonald's. I hate shopping carts, but use them out of necessity - only after a very thorough wipe down. And, of course, we limit her exposure to sick people, especially kids. This has ruled out day care or preschool for awhile.

Now, you ask again... what does she do?

Fortunately, she gets to spend two days of the week with this little guy - Zander, with whom we share a wonderful nanny - Nicole.





The other 3 days of the week are spent with Chaco and I. As you can see from the pictures... she may be getting bored with us. I am a little concerned about a long winter ahead and keeping her stimulated, socialized, and germ-free. The poor child attaches onto other young children like glue (watch out for her in the super market, she may grab your kid by the ankles and never let go!). For what it's worth, the time I have with her could not be any more entertaining (for me).



decorating Chaco's cone



sharing lunch

flashdance?

naked yoga

What do you do all day?