Marshall is ten weeks old today.

It’s amazing.
And unbelievable.
And just fantastic to be a part of this kid’s life.

He’s incredible.

And to know how far he has come and how much further he has to go is remarkable.

When we left Boston, they said that his second surgery would be when he reaches 13 pounds and is six months old.
I have a hunch it will be sooner.

He is OFFICIALLY ten pounds. He reached that milestone yesterday afternoon during his weigh in.

And all I keep hearing is all of the “they said he can’t” in my head.

They said he wouldn’t be able to feed enough to gain.
He did.

They said he wouldn’t be able to nurse.
He did. And does. Like a freakin’ champ.

They said he wouldn’t develop as other babies do.
Granted I am not an expert but so far he has…with very little delay.

They said a lot.

But I’ve seen the proof. He smiles (since he was three weeks old). He coos. He LAUGHS. He cries tears (one heartbreaking tear usually… since he was four weeks old). He reaches for objects. He rolls over with motivation. He holds his head up. He stands in my lap.

He does all of the things (and more) that “typical” and “not-so-typical” two month-ers do.

And he does all of this with a one ventricled heart.

Just because his anatomy is different doesn’t mean he has to be different, too.

So, if you take nothing else away from this post or Marshall’s story, remember one thing: YOU CAN.

Especially when they say you can’t.

And you won’t know unless you try…so please go try.