More video of a very happy little man!

4 day countdown photos

Inquiring minds want to know......

I just thought I would post this now, since I know I will be asked in the upcoming days, what is exactly done during Chris' surgery.

I posted a diagram of a healthy heart and one of Chris' heart pre-op, so you can all see the very underdeveloped left side components. On the diagram of the HLHS heart you will notice the PDA which is the only way Chris' body was getting blood at birth. This is a ductus which typically closes during the first hours or days of life, which is why you will not see it on the healthy heart.

Now that Chris has had the Norwood procedure his body is getting oxygen rich blood via the Sano shunt. This is the shunt that was put in so that Chris would be able to be taken off medications that kept his PDA open. This shunt ultimately does what the PDA did without the use of medication. The workload on the heart is still double that of a healthy heart.

During the Glenn Procedure, the Sano shunt will be removed, and the blood to the body will be redirected through the Pulmonary, removing about 50% of the workload. After this surgery Chris should be able to put on more weight and function fairly normally without tiring as easily

After the Fontan, (3rd surgery, between 18 months and 5 years) the right ventricle will pump only oxygen rich blood to the body, and the pulmonary (with the help of a new shunt) will essentially bi-pass the heart completely, keeping a steady flow of oxygen deprived blood going directly to the lungs.

Hopefully I did okay describing that, it is fairly confusing, I know. The way I normally describe it is, his heart is broken and has to be jimmy-rigged to work right (not to be too light-hearted no pun intended).

So he has a hard road ahead, but I hope we can raise him so that he doesn't feel different than any other kid. My goal is, since he won't know how it feels to have a fully healthy heart, that he won't feel deprived or like he's been cheated, but to be thankful everyday, and be able to have a normal childhood and adulthood. ( I hope the same for my other children too.) His heart defect is the norm for him... even if it's been a roller coaster for us. Besides, he will always have Uncle Luke to relate to and talk to about his defect. I know they will be close. I love you all, and am grateful for all your love and support.

Second stage reconstructive open-heart surgery: The Glenn Procedure

Hello all. I wanted to update everyone on Chris' Wednesday check-up with the cardiologist. Dr. Chang was kinda regular, meaning not pleased, but not overly concerned. Chris' heart function is good, and his tricuspid valve is still leaking moderately, as expected, but it is no more worse off than it was a month ago. As you all know, he has been struggling to put on weight. This is one area that seems to be a reoccurring problem. Dr. Chang was not very pleased with his weight gain at all. I have truly tried very hard to help little man to eat but he is not that interested. Dr. Chang also informed me that poor growth is a sign of heart failure. Great.

Dr. Chang let me know that we are ready for the second surgery, but that he needed to present Chris to the team. This is a meeting where everyone involved with surgery reviews his progress, and all his echo's and makes sure everyone is on the same page with moving forward. Prior to this meeting, which took place on Thursday, Chris' surgery was scheduled for the 21st. Now, due to scheduling conflicts, we chose to move the surgery to the 13th. This coming Tuesday. Please pray for our little family, as it will be one of the hardest things we will have to face. Mom and Dad are definitely having a hard time, knowing what lies ahead, and that we will have to hand our precious little one over to the capable hands of Dr. Iguidbashian and Dr. Axel. We love you all. I will be periodically updating facebook and the blog during the days to come and on surgery day. I appreciate all your love and support.

Well check & visit with Grammy & Grampa

So I wanted you to all know that Chris has gained weight appropiately and now weighs 11lbs 5oz. He could stand to put on some more weight though. He got all his boosters, and was not happy. But he is right on track with his developement. Our nex appointment with the cardiologist is July 7th and we will be scheduling surgery.

Also this week, Grammy and Grampa came to visit. We had all sorts or fun. Cooked lots of food, sewed some blankets, cleaned the house. Tyler and Anthony played with Grampa, and swam at the hotel pool. Anthony had fun at scout camp. And just like that the weekend was here. And that's about it folks. Here is a couple of pix of Tyler and Grampa.

And here are some pictures of Tyler. He wanted to wear the hat and boots that Great- Granny knit for Christopher. But I had to catch him before he'd let me take his picture.

Well Check

Tomorrow is Christopher's 4 month well baby check. He hasn't been eating quite enough, so we hope he has gained some weight. Please pray that he hasn't lost any. I am working very hard to keep the NG feeding tube out of his throat, with little luck. Thanks guys. I will attempt to post following the appointment! I heart all of you!

Photo Factory!

None of these are posed except the one on the pillow.