New Nephew- Jon's a Dad!

Nolan arrived February 20, 2009

7# 9 oz.
20" long.


Becky & Nolan are home and doing well.

Perinatal Visit

Just a quick entry to note a positive report- We followed up with our local Perinatologist yesterday afternoon for another fetal echo. According to him, the 2 new things that the Cardiologist was concerned about are OK- He said that the Atrial Septal Defect was adequately patent as well as the pulmonary vein. This should make the HLHS repair more typical. Of course, they will know more after he is born, but it was good to hear and see.
Thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement.

Update after Appointments in Atlanta

We had a long day yesterday in Atlanta and made it home about 10 last night. We're both feeling a little drained today, but I wanted to give you a little update.
I guess we didn't learn a whole lot that we weren't already aware of- the Pediatric Cardiologist repeated the fetal echo and confirmed the defect as well as detected a couple of other specifics not identified before. I won't give you all of the technical diagnoses, but it could potentially make things more critical and the surgery more urgent. It is possible that the pulmonary vein is small (based upon resistance heard by doppler)- this makes it urgent that the surgery is done right after birth. Due to his position and size, they could not get a good view of another portion of the heart that needs to be open to allow blood flow after birth. If this is not adequately patent, they will take him for a heart catheterization immediately after birth to balloon the opening and better prepare him for the surgery. With a typical Hypoplastic Left Heart, once they are on the necessary medications they can usually wait a few days to do the surgery.
All of the doctors were very nice, and we were impressed with the facilities. Our surgical consult was with the head of the Cardio-thoracic department, and he is assigned to us; unless something changes, he will be doing the surgery. This was encouraging as he has alot of experience in this area.
The plan is for us to go back to Atlanta in 6 weeks for f/u appointments and then at 38 weeks- around May 12th to deliver close to 39 weeks.
We were reminded that we have to take 1 day at a time; The whole picture can be a little overwhelming. We can't think about the potential complications and health risks in the future. While we were at the Children's Hospital, we received a tour of the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. There were many babies post-op some type of heart surgery. It's a little difficult to see them with all of the necessary support, but they wanted us to know what to expect.
We appreciate the continued prayers for Mitchell. We are praying that he will be prepared to handle this surgery, and the physicians will be able to complete an optimal repair.

We appreciate all of the emails and cards of encouragement. Thank you for praying for Mitchell and for our family.
Ted & I will be leaving Tuesday afternoon to drive up to Atlanta for our appointments on Wednesday; the girls will be staying with grandma. We're thankful for all of the help here. Mackenzie gets to have a play day with her friend on Wednesday; and Juliane will pick Madison up from school the times we have to be away. We're hoping to make it back shortly after they get home from church. This 1 night trip is a good trial, especially for Mackenzie. We're a little concerned about how she will do over the next few months when we have to leave the girls in Pensacola; She is (and we are) a little attached. Bethany watched the girls yesterday, so we could have a date; when we got home, Mackenzie gave us each a big hug and said, "I missed you!". I know her big sister will be a big help.

We will update you on any news we receive from these appointments.

Psalm 62:5: "My soul, wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from Him."