Fintan at last home with the family

Fintan Schiltz was a little cranky early Thursday afternoon.

Maybe he needed a nap. Or the sunlight was in his eyes.

Or it could have been the cameras clicking away at the mini-news conference on the driveway of his St. Charles home.

The 7-month-old heart transplant recipient was in the middle of his first day at home, and there was a lot to learn.

More Coverage Video Fintan comes home

"He likes to see what's going on," said mom Gina, as she turned him to face out instead of in to her. "Even crabby he's social."

For a while, Fintan will sleep in his parents' room. In a few months, he'll share a room with his brother Leo, 4.

And although he has to avoid being in large crowds to limit exposure to germs, the Schiltzes might bring him to Sunday's benefit concert at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles and let people see him from the stage.

Fintan's days the last week have been full of new experiences, such as riding in a stroller, seeing sunshine and even riding in a car. They brought him home from Kohl's House at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago Wednesday evening in rush-hour traffic.

"When we were moving it was good," said dad Mark, laughing. "He liked that."

Fintan also likes to be placed on his stomach. And his three sisters and brother love to pat or rub his face, arms and legs.

"He is so overwhelmed with all the new sights and sounds. We sure are happy to have him home."

Funds for Fintan

bull; A fundraising concert is planned for 6 p.m. Sunday at the Arcada Theater, 105 E. Main St. in St. Charles. Call (630) 587-8400, or go online to onestientertainment.com for details.

bull; To donate money, send a check to the Fintan Patrick Schiltz Fund (Account 4500232949 in the memo line) in care of the Remittance Processing Department, Charter One Bank, P.O. Box 42006, Providence, RI 02940-2006.