Cardiology update

Mitchell's next Cardio appt wasn't scheduled until March, but Jodi scheduled an appointment last week due to some subtle changes in Mitchell's respiratory status. Given his condition as well as the stent in the artery to his left lung, we keep a close eye on him.

To summarize his appointment, his Cardiologist was satisfied with his echocardiogram. His left pulmonary artery is narrow in comparison to the right, but appears to have adequate blood flow. His function has remained stable. His BP was also acceptable. However, his oxygen saturation was lower- 79 to 81%. He does have a mild cold with some nasal congestion- this could have an effect on his oxygen saturation, but wouldn't ordinarily effect it to this degree. She isn't eager to intervene at this point. We will continue to monitor him, with our next appt. scheduled in April. At some point, he may need to return to the cath lab to have the stent dilated. It is currently an hour glass shape, which does allow for dilatation. Otherwise, the pulmonary artery will be patched during the next surgery.

We continue to monitor his weight & are hoping to gain... 19 pounds, 4 oz. on Thursday. His growth curve has leveled off to a flat line the last few months.

His weight and oxygen saturation will be monitored at his Pediatrician's office when he receives his monthly RSV vaccination.

He continues to make progress with his activity and vocabulary. It is exciting to see new things, seems like almost daily.
Most recently is, "I (pointing at himself) attempt at love (crossing his arms), but it is followed by "me"... At least he knows he is loved! He also likes to say "Yes, ma'am which sometimes sounds like "yam", but other times like "yes am".

Thank you for your continued support!
We'll try to do a better job with the updates.

Love,
Ted, Jodi
Madison, Mackenzie & Mitchell

Christmas Pictures

Our Family on Pismo Beach in CA Dec 2010

Huff Family Extended- Dec. 23rd- Florida Christmas

Visiting my sweet Aunt Marilyn (dad's sister) in CA.

We enjoyed a nice holiday!
All of Jodi's family was together in Florida for Christmas. We celebrated Christmas Eve on the 23rd and Christmas morning on the 24th, since we were catching an evening flight to CA on the 24th.
We were able to see Ted's family & celebrate Christmas in CA on the 25th.
On New Years Eve, we visited Jodi's Aunt Marilyn, also in CA.

Prayers for Baby Ausk

I know I promised to post some recent pictures, and we do have a Cardiology update on Mitchell.
Will follow this entry with those.

We have appreciated all of the prayer & support during the last 2 years- Mitchell's diagnosis, birth & his/our journey.
We would like share the story of my cousin's baby and would appreciate prayers for Baby Boy Ausk & their family.

Baby Ausk has been diagnosed with a congenital heart defect- Transposition of the Great Arteries. We are thankful once again for an early diagnosis and the available resources to help correct the problem. If you are interested in following their blog, we have attached a link to Brandon & Karlee's family blog (Click on Title for link). Junior's anticipated arrival is June.

Thank you for your support!
Ted & Jodi

Happy 2011!

Sorry for such a delay since the last report. Thank you for checking on us, Nicole!
Mitchell is doing well. Things looked about the same with his last echocardiogram in December.
His oxygen remains high 80 percentiles, and his weight is creeping up. 19 months and 19 pounds.
I am happy to report that he isn't spitting up as much. It has been a daily occurrence for quite some time, but we have had several days recently without incident.
Mitchell is a happy boy, and we are so thankful for his progress.
Not quite walking, but getting close.
And his vocabulary seems to be getting bigger every day.
We enjoyed Christmas in FL with Jodi's family on the 23rd and morning of the 24th; then headed to CA for Christmas with Ted's family. So nice getting to see everyone, and Mitchell did very well for his first time flying.
Will post some pictures soon. Time to get some rest while the kids are sleeping!
Thank you for your continued support.
Good nIght!