First swim, first play group, first snowfall.

Day + 348 today.  Life is good and Phoebe is growing. She can now add swimming and playgroups to her list of things tried for the first time. She loved both. She took to the water in a wonderfully easy and natural way, kicking her legs, using her arms, and "swimming".  She smiled non stop and it was a beautiful sight.  Her big sister Mae held on to her for most of the time that she was in the water, "helping" her to swim and making sure she was safe.  Mae was also very excited to be in the water with her sister as she has gone swimming too many times without.

Phoebe is loving her new freedom and is becoming a "regular" at playgroup.  On our first visit, she walked right in, got settled and played her little heart out.  When I asked her the following week, if she wanted to go back, she answered with a very enthusiastic "yes!". It is interesting to watch and interact with other parents as it has been a while since I have frequented play groups and "normal" stay at home mom outings. The talk usually revolves around size, age, accomplishments, milestones ... as in, how old is she? She is small. Is she talking? Potty trained? I honestly try to avoid these conversations as I would like nothing more than for Phoebe to just be Phoebe, instead of Phoebe who has spent most of her life in the hospital. For the most part, she is, and most parents are unaware of the hardship and struggle she has faced. I have noticed as some notice her beautiful silver teeth with looks of wonder on their faces, however. Princess Phoebe with her many crowns.

Today, Phoebe saw her very first snowflakes. We stood at the window and watched as the very tiny snowflakes fell to the ground (and thankfully melted). Phoebe said "it's raining, look!" and when I told her that it was snow and not rain, she very thoughtfully answered, "it's raining snow, Mama".  Smart cookie.  I don't know how she will like the snow when it falls non-stop, covers the ground, needs to be shovelled, and when we are freezing our buns off waiting for the car to warm up to take Mae to school.  For that we will have to wait and see. I do not love winter, or snow, but I am so excited to take Phoebe toboganning, "skating" on the canal, and maybe even cross country skiing for the very first time.  Winter, snow and so much more awaits us.

For now, we will continue to take things one day post transplant at a time.  Working our way to one year and beyond, all the while keeping our eyes and hearts fixed tightly on the future and all of the bright things that await Miss Phoebe Rose.

This beautiful photo of Phoebe in action was taken by http://vinidhillonphotography.com/ It is not an easy feat to get this two year old to look at the camera.