Update 2009

Age:  8 ½ years old. Wow, how quickly time flies, it seems like only yesterday she started school.

Star Sign: Virgo

Cardiac: Taylor continues to be given very positive reports from both her cardiologist and paediatrician. She is now on once yearly visits to each, offset six monthly.  There has been no noticeable deterioration in her heart function, including only minor valve incompetence.  She is very conscious of her condition and is proud of her ‘special heart.’

Medications:  Warfarin, which has been stable now for several years, even with her growth and high Vitamin K intake.

Growth and development: 90^th centile for height, 75^th centile for weight. Tall, lean, very muscular and healthy looking. Wears glasses for reading and writing. No developmental delays in any area.

Food: Eats like a horse at least 4 times a day. Eats as much as her parents at most meals. Loves basil, cherry tomatoes, mango, salad, vegetarian pizza, blueberries, smoothies and frozen yogurt. Oh, can’t forget liquorice and the occasional lollies. Still not allowed carbonated drinks, except for special occasions.

Pets: 5 Siberian Huskies, one Yorkshire terrier, has a special gift with all animals. Catches insects, mice and any critters she can to observe then sets them free. Loves the Zoo, Pet shops and the neighbour’s farm animals.

Schooling:  Year 3 this year. Does well in all subjects, certainly age appropriate, and does particularly well in science and maths. Does get lazy and also disinterested at times. Only takes pride in work she is interested in. 9 days absent for 2008, of which some were appointments, and a couple were mental health days to go to the movies with her Mummy.

Books:  Favourite books are Harry Potter and Alice in Wonderland. Also loves writing stories.

Movies:  Harry Potter, Chronicles of Narnia, Spiderwick, and any adventure or mystery movies.

Music: Loves her i-pod. Favourite songs include ‘I’m Yours’, Jason Mraz; ‘What About Me’ Shannon Noll; ‘One of Us’ ABBA; ‘The Simple Things’ Vanessa Amorossi; ’20 Good Reasons’ Thirsty Merc.

Sport:   Plays all sport at school including soccer and netball, however takes rests when needed for cross country and other sports outdoors, especially when the temperature drops below 5 or above 38 degrees. Cold air still hurts her lungs. She is very good at gymnastics and related activities. Very confident in the water but not a strong swimmer and prefers not to compete in races. Self manages to her own ability level and no one notices she has a heart condition.

Favourite clothes: Unlike her Princess younger sister, Taylor has absolutely NO interest in fashion. Prefers comfortable, casual clothing and hair that can be pulled back. Jeans, T-shirt, crocs and cap.

Favourite Colour: purple and lime green

Special interests:  Art class and trumpet lessons. Loves both. Surprisingly good with a trumpet, which we thought she may not initially have the lung capacity for. Will start with the school band this year.

Holidays: loves going to the beach the most. Also enjoys snow, and theme parks. Can’t wait for our big adventure to Boston USA for 12 months.

Special gifts: creativity, sensitivity and individuality. Does not care about peer-pressure or trends. Very much does her own thing. Sometimes lives in her own parallel world, which is challenging.