I Will Survive!

Check out Dad here!

Hi Friends, first I have to say thank you to the many, many of you who have been sending lots of love, energy and prayers for me and Mom and Dad the last few days. Your support has been so important and helpful for us during this time.

Wow, where to start! Well, two nights ago I knew something must be going on. Mom and Dad looked a little more concerned than normal. I thought maybe it was just because Dad was still worried about Mom. She got sick that morning and had to go to another hospital to get help. She still looked a little rough when she got here but I was just so happy to see her and Dad. She looks way better today, by the way.

Anyway, it turns out their concern wasn't about Mom but about me, which I realized when people in masks and colorful gowns came and wheeled me away from Mom and Dad. I was really scared at first, but then I saw them putting stuff in those plastic tubes and suddenly I was floating on clouds, seeing gumdrops and lollipops and didn't even realize I wasn't with Mom and Dad anymore.

Matthew's First Surgery

Matthew's aortic valve dilation was delayed until last night, and everything went well there. The delay was a blessing of sorts, since Nikki ended up in the hospital herself yesterday morning. She was released with meds and seems to be doing well now.

The dilation procedure is not one that produces immediately visible results, but is an important step to complete before the surgery. Matthew is scheduled to head into the OR sometime this morning for his Norwood procedure. Dr. Baird at Boston Children's is doing this surgery and we've heard many wonderful things about him.

This is very important, and also very major surgery (the link above explains this procedure). They will access Matthew's heart through a vertical incision in and separation of his sternum. He remains intubated from last night's procedure. The surgery should take 6 - 8 hours. Please remember William, Nikki and Matthew today.