Yesterday Ava was one ounce away from eight pounds. I may walk into the hospital room to find that she's an eight pounder today. Everything has been pretty smooth lately (blood pressure and SVTs under control, etc.) Ava was very happy and alert yesterday. She was awake most of the day and very content. Michelle Asmus brought a Boppy up for us to use and she loves sitting up in that thing instead of being on her back all the time.
I am a bit uneasy about leaving tomorrow morning but I pray all will go well here. Carol will be here in the afternoon with Ava and I've "reserved" one of the full time volunteers to hold Ava in the morning. He's an older man that is so good with the babies. He just loves and cuddles them (especially the ones whose parents aren't around very often). He seemed thrilled to help out with Ava on Thursday.
Jenny brought me dinner and helped me wrap all of Brayden's bday presents last night. I will take a few home for the party at my dad's in the evening. The rest will stay here at Ronald McDonald for him to open. We're going to have a little celebration here on Friday, just the three of us. Praying we have more than just a birthday to celebrate since the ECHO is Friday too. Thanks to my sister we will be taking a treat to Bray's class on Thursday. And Fran is putting on the party at her house Thursday night. Thanks guys, we couldn't have done it without you!
Thank you Gretchen for all your kind words. By the way, you can call anytime, don't worry about the minutes. I just increased my minutes to 2000 per month! Thanks, Brenda for the encouraging words, support, and ornaments. It's nice to know I can call to talk to someone that has been through something similar.
Please pray for Ava's strength and healing. (I don't know why I always ask you all to keep praying because I know you are! Thanks!)
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
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Ava with Mommy & Daddy
Isn't she beautiful!
It's A Girl!
Hello everyone and welcome to Ava Christine's Blog.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
First a little info about the new edition to our family.
This beautiful little girl comes to our family after many years of trying on her parents part as well as her being the first girl in 19 years. Yes 19 years! So to say that she is going to be a little spoiled is putting it very lightly.
Ava Christine was welcomed into this world on September 29 2007 by her mommy Jamie, Daddy Jamie, big brother Brayden, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends. Shortly after Ava's arrival the wonderful medical staff at Memorial hospital of South Bend found what they called a murmur in Ava's heart. After some testing little Ava was transported to Motts' Children Hospital at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Jamie and Jamie were informed that little Ava has a heart defect that could be life threatening and that she needed to undergo open heart surgery to fix the defects. So, on Tuesday October 2 2007 Ava was operated on by the wonderful medical staff at the U of M. What this team of doctors did to Ava is incredible. First of all Jamie explained to me over the phone today just what problems Ava's heart has endured. Ava's heart has a couple of different problems. The first is known as Interrupted Aortic Arch. The following info about interrupted aortic arch is best explained by the U of M Cardiac website, "Interrupted aortic arch is a very rare heart defect that occurs when the aorta does not develop normally while the baby is in the mother’s womb. It comprises about 1% of all congenital heart defects. It usually occurs along with other heart problems such as truncus arteriosus, ventricular septal defect, transposition of the great arteries, and aortic stenosis.The aorta is the large blood vessel that arises from the left side of the normal heart and takes red blood out to the body. The first part of the aorta, called the ascending aorta (1) arises upwards. It then curves leftward forming the aortic arch (2). The aorta then curves downward towards the lower body, and this part is called the descending aorta (3). Three blood vessels exit from the aortic arch and supply the head and arms with red blood. These vessels are called the innominate artery (4), the left carotid artery (5), and the left subclavian artery (6).In babies with interrupted aortic arch, there is a complete blockage between the ascending and the descending aorta (1). This means that there is no direct way for red blood leaving the heart to reach the body parts that are "downstream" from the blockage. The site of the defect varies (2) and may or may not involve the take-off of the head and neck vessels. In most babies with interrupted aortic arch (70-90%) there is also a large ventricular septal defect (3).In newborns with interrupted aortic arch, the only way for blood to bypass the blockage is via the patent ductus arteriosus (4). Prior to birth, this small blood vessel permits blood to by-pass the baby’s fluid-filled lungs. One or two days after birth, this vessel usually closes on its own. In a baby with interrupted aortic arch, if the duct closes, blood can no longer reach the lower body. This can cause the baby to suddenly become very ill. Therefore, after the diagnosis is made, a medicine called prostaglandin is used to keep the ductus arteriosus open until surgery". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
So how did the doctors fix this? "Interrupted aortic arch is a serious heart defect that requires surgery soon after birth. The goal of surgery is to create remove the blockage. This used to be done in a two-stage operation but is now done most of the time in one stage. The two ends of the aorta are sewn together (1) and the patent ductus arterious (2) is tied off. Sometimes a patch is needed to reinforce the repair. If present, a patch is sewn over the VSD (3)". (http://www.med.umich.edu/cvc/mchc/parint.htm)
In #1 of the picture below is the part of Ava' heart that was repaired.
Before surgery
The Next Step
The next step in repairing Ava's heart was to fix what is known as Truncus Arteriosus. Truncus arteriosus is "characterized by a large ventricular septal defect over which a large, single great vessel (truncus) arises. This single great vessel carries blood both to the body and to the lungs". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073) Below is a picture of what Ava's heart was like before surgery.
Before Surgery
After Surgery
The above picture shows what the surgeon did to repair Ava's heart. "Surgery is required to close the ventricular septal defect and separate blood flow to the body from blood flow to the lungs. This is generally done early in infancy to prevent high blood pressure from damaging the lungs' arteries. A patch is used to close the ventricular defect. The pulmonary arteries are then disconnected from the single great vessel and a tube (a conduit or tunnel) is placed from the right ventricle to these pulmonary arteries. This is sometimes called a Rastelli repair". (http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=11073)
Blog Archive
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2007
(67)
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November
(21)
- ECHO results
- 8 Pounds Yet?
- "Status Quo"
- Just an Update
- Happy Thanksgiving from Aunt Trace
- U of M Report
- What will the future hold?
- Jamie, this post is for you. Ava WILL get through ...
- Jamie wanted me to blog something, but her last bl...
- Broken Hearted
- Not Quite Ready to Leave ICU
- Not Even A "Whiff"
- Team Meeting
- Finally Some Good News!
- Watching and Waiting
- Quick Update
- 3rd Time is a Charm?
- For Mommy & Daddy
- Rough Times at U of M
- To good to be true
- Out of ICU!
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November
(21)
21 comments:
Jamie,
I can only imagine how difficult it will be for you to leave Ava, but I am so glad that you are so that you can enjoy Brayden's birthday. How wonderful that Ava is hanging in there, gaining weight, and able to have breastmilk today!
Your situation definitely makes me not take for granted all of life's little moments. You will have those moments also, I am confident of that. It is just going to take awhile! You sure will apppreciate them won't you?
Be safe driving home tomorrow and enjoy your time.
Love,
Emilee
Jamie,
I can only imagine how difficult it will be for you to leave Ava, but I am so glad that you are so that you can enjoy Brayden's birthday. How wonderful that Ava is hanging in there, gaining weight, and able to have breastmilk today!
Your situation definitely makes me not take for granted all of life's little moments. You will have those moments also, I am confident of that. It is just going to take awhile! You sure will apppreciate them won't you?
Be safe driving home tomorrow and enjoy your time.
Love,
Emilee
Jamie
Have fun at the birthday celebrations on Thursday. Just bring a warm coat because, boy is it cold... Birthdays at preschool, are great, they make the kids feels so special. For Miss Ava let's go 8 pounds.
Thinking of you and your family.
Joyce Miller
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN!!!
My birthday is tomorrow too!!! Hopefully for your birthday miss Ava will give you a present and gain more weight tomorrow! Jamie have a great day with your son he will remember this day forever, still praying for you and Ava! Of course everyone! Have a safe trip home tomorrow :)
Way to go Ava...keep gaining that weight!!!! Jamie, enjoy the time spent at Brayden's party, I'm sure he is really looking forward to it. You are so blessed to have a wonderful family helping you out!!! They all love you so much. We will keep praying everyday...
Connie Brentlinger
jamie, once again, ava's new picture's are tooo cute! erin
Jamie,
Ava looks amazing! I love the hot pink bow the nurses surprised you with. Enjoy your time with Brayden tomorrow and know that Ava is in great hands. Also, know that you are all loved and prayed for everyday back at home.
Love,
Beth Altergott
Happy 4th Birthday Bray Bray~ from your friend Mac.
Jamie~ you, Ava, Jamie and Bray remain in our thoughts and prayers. It is so wonderful to hear she is gaining weight. She is a true beauty...
Enjoy the birthday party, drive safely~
Love & Prayers~
Kelly, AJ, Katie, Dylan,& Mac
Happy 4th Birthday Brayden!!!
and a
Happy 2mo Birthday Ava!!!
xoxo to you both.........
Jamie-
Ava looks so alert - like she is ready to pop out of that bed to see the world!! I just know that 8pounds is around the corner for her soon.
Safe travels. Enjoy Bray's birthday and being with your family. You have arranged for Ava to be in wonderful care, but I know that you will be eager to get back to her.
Love, M
P.S. I was thinking about Velcro again for some reason this morning and how crazy it is that you always have so much of it when you H-A-T-E the sound of it :)
Jamie,
Ava looks so great!!! I hope that you get good news on Friday-you all deserve it! We continue to pray for you all.
Take care,
The Meek's
Hello our ms. Ava!!! My gosh, how more beautiful you are than last week even! Your new pics are so awsome!!!!!!!!!!!! you remind me of your greatgram and your mom and your poppy!!! You are a beauty Ava Christine. We will miss you tomorrow. But you will be in our hearts and spirit and prayers the whole time. It is a celebration for you also little one. But we have to give big brother the credit right now. he will be the big 4!!!! Jamie-know that next to me(ha) Carol is the best ever to be there. She graduates Dec 13th. She is an angel, I do believe that. Carol will look after Ava like no other. I give you my life on that. So Jamie-please come home feeling ok and at somewhat atease. Enjoy your son and family as we will enjoy you and them and mostly-Bray. Drive safely to you jamie and to my angel-Carol. and now-Ava's angel. Sweet dreams.
love you Ava!
granny and poppy
For Brayden Lee only-Happy almost birthday when you see this or by the time you do it will be your birthday! number 4!!!!!!! We love you Bray!
granny and poppy
Jamie -
The new pictures are beautiful! Ava is such a doll and looks so happy and alert! I'm so glad she is gaining the wieght, like we knew she could and would. Have a safe trip home and enjoy your time with your family. We are all hoping for the best with tomorrow's echo. You are all in our thoughts and prayers daily!
Ginger Andres
It's Brayden's birthday and you have given everyone presents - posting pictures of Ava. She really puts things in perspective with that smile, she has bigger battles than I can imagine and still shines.
Have fun at the birthday party - I will pray, pray, pray, pray, and pray for good news tomorrow.
Happy Birthday BIG BROTHER BRAYDEN!
Emily
HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN!!!
Have a great day with your mom!! (and dad too)
Jamie,
Thanks for the pictures! She is so precious. What a sweet smile!
Happy birthday, Brayden! Have fun and enjoy the day!
Love,
Emilee
Jamie,
The new pictures are so cute. Ava looks like a little angel.
We continue to pray for all of you especially for the test Ava will be having tomorrow. Enjoy being with your family in Niles.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Hang in there Jamie!
Sarah Gowen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRAYDEN!!! Hope you had a great day. We're thinking of you so much. Dylan, Erin and kids
Good night sweet ava and Carol. I think your mom had a good time due to our Carol being there to watch over you. Brays party was so much fun and when Jamie asked Bray what he wished for, Bray told us that he wished for ava to come home soon! It made you want to cry! Jamie and jamie, you have done a wonderful job. Please let us know about tests as soon as you can. I will be saying lots of prayers all night. Good night 4 year old Bray. We hope you loved your birthday as much as we love you.
Sweet dreams all.
granny and poppy
Hello Bray and Ava! I am praying ava-that your tests are good today. All of us are. We love you and I hope Bray is having fun with his toys!
We love all of you
granny and poppy
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