Team Ayden

This is Ayden.  He was my very first patient I took care of as a doctor.  He is 2 weeks younger than Alexis.  He has a complicated congenital heart defect with the main defect of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning his left side is too small to function.  He has had the first two stages of his repair and his third surgery will be around 2-3 years of age. Not only does he have the heart issue but he also only has one full size lung because his heart is on the wrong side.  Plus his intestines were rotated and he had a g-tube placed.  Needless to say he's been through a lot, a total of 9 months in and out of the hospital.   He was in the hospital from May-July this admission for respiratory distress and he received a trach while in the hospital.  He has now been home for over a week and doing great. 

(Don't worry his mom gave me permission to post this.)

This little boy really touched me. It might be because he was my first official patient, maybe because he's so close in age to Alexis, but I think it was because God allowed our paths to cross.  He makes anyone smile. My first few days taking care of him, he didn't care for me. He had to warm up to me. Then by the time he was discharged, he would smile when I came to his bed. He would also wave bye to me and we could communicate back and forth with tongue "clucking."  Its such a joy knowing I took care of this kid. I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to care for sick children and help them feel better. I love that not only do I get to help the kids, but I enjoy getting to provide comfort and peace for the families.  He is surrounded by such an amazing family. I can't imagine what his parents have experienced, but they never left his bedside. There was never a moment while I cared for him that he was left alone. What's even more amazing was to see the love his parents had for him. To see that special nurturing bond between a son and mother and then the playful bond between father and son. 

I share this information with you and ask for your help.  I will be walking in the Congenital heart Walk on Team Ayden next month. This is a huge fundraiser for congenital heart defects. I am trying to raise $150.  If you can donate in honor of Ayden, that would be great. Even if its only a dollar or two. I really believe God made our paths cross. 

http://congenitalheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1057623&lis=0&kntae1057623=995308CF45E54F92B7869F04A97E150D&supId=387995441&team=0&nmv=true

Fun at the Zoo

I had last Saturday off so we took a fun trip to the zoo. We only saw about half the zoo before Alexis fell asleep. Then this week I had Sunday off, so we made a second trip to the zoo to see the other half. The St. Louis zoo is free so why not. I think Alexis had fun! 

Slathered up with sun screen ready to see some animals. 

Watching the penguins. 

She loved watching the big elephants. There's even a baby elephant! 

Passed out not even in the car 5 minutes. 

Zoo Trip #2

We had to see the penguins again. 

Right before they got splashed. 

She loved the big "monkey". 

Looking at the zebras. 

The giraffe was so tall!!! 

Having fun with mommy and daddy! 

I hope you enjoyed viewing our trip to the zoo as we sure had a blast! 

Happy Father's Day

We Have a Walker

I've been meaning to post this for a week now, but for some reason I can't post videos from my phone using the blogger app. :(

Alexis took her first steps May 26th, the weekend we moved into our new house.  What a great way to start new memories in a new home.  This video was taken a few days after her first steps.  She is now all over the place.  She walks more than she crawls now.

Cousins

My sister in law and nephews made the drive from Dallas last weekend to come visit. We haven't seen them since Christmas, so it was fun getting to spend time with them. Alexis was in awe of her cousins. 

Jordan, Alexis, and Jacoby 

Jacoby wanted to hold Alexis so bad. She's not a girl that likes to sit still long enough to be held. Haha

Walmart trip. Alexis wasn't too sure about these crazy boys. 

Fun at the park. 

Uncle Eric took the boys to the pond to go "crawd" fishing. They didn't catch anything. 

Thanks for coming to visit us in our new home in St. Louis. We had a great time! 

Welcome Home

We are officially all moved into our new home in Eureka, Mo. We moved in on Friday, and we have been non stop ever since. We have lots we want to do to make it ours. I painted the kitchen this weekend. 

I will eventually paint the counter tops with Gianis Granite Paint. Then we will either put in hardwoods or stone flooring and a new range/microwave. But for now I love our big open kitchen. 

Ill post more pictures as we get things settled in. It will take some time as we moved from a one bedroom apartment into a four bedroom house with a finished basement. Lets just say we have some empty rooms. Haha

Water Play

Today's fun activity was playing in the water on the patio. I grabbed the largest thing I could find, threw some bath toys in it and she had a blast. Our new house will have a big backyard to play in. For now, the patio and Tupperware bowl will have to do.