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.
70 comments:
Not sure what to say, but I feel that I have to say something. Jamie and Jamie, pleeeaassee DO NOT give up yet. The doctors have yet to come to you two for "the talk" and until this happens, hopefully never, keep your chins up and your prayers going, we all are here!
I love u all!
Trace
I am so sorry that you are having to endure so much heartache. Thank you for the update, I just can not even imagine what you are experiencing. We continue to pray for your little angel and you as well.
Love,
April
I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!
I'm praying harder than ever that there is never any need for "the talk." I keep reminding myself that miracles occur every second of every day... praying that today is your day. My heart goes out to you and your family. I cannnot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. We'll continue the prayers on our end... I just wish that we could do more for you and Baby Ava right now.
Sending lots of love and prayers your way~
Kelley
I know that words can not comfort you right now,but I wanted you to know that we are thinking about your family and praying for you. Thank you for keeping us posted.
Angie Plude
Don't really know the right words to say, but I pray you feel God's love more than ever right now! PLEASE don't give up on him yet! Stay strong and keep believing that she WILL get through this!
Love,
Becky Asmus
Holy Mother of God, hear the prayers of the Church for all mothers,
especially those wearied by life and overcome by the suffering they bear for their children.
Hail Mary...
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, intercede for them from your place in heaven,
that the mercy of your divine Son might lighten their burden and give them strength.
Hail Mary...
Glory to the Father....
We are praying for all of you.
Miracles do happen.
KEEP THE FAITH,
Dave & Tracey Beemer
Wishing,hoping and praying for miracles. My hearts aches for you. You both are amazing parents who are always by Ava's side. I wish there was something I could do. For now, please know I am praying and having my family and friends also pray. Ava has prayers coming from all over.
Hold on to hope and hang on to your faith.
Heart Hugs,
Sandy,Chris,Ethan(7,HLHS), Carleigh & Carson
You have no idea who I am, but I started reading your blog through the way of Molly Brawley's blog. I recently lost my dad and my uncle within 2 weeks of each other. At a time where I didn't want to talk to God, reading about your Ava has given me strength and reassured faith in God. Please know Ava and your entire family have been and will continue to be in my prayers. God bless...
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. There are no words that can bring you comfort right now. We are continueing to pray for that miracle. Keep on fighting Ava!
Love,
Barb, Dana and Heather Daniels
Each night that we put our girls to bed we all say an extra prayer that God be with Ava. Trust in your faith and know that He is always with her (and you) especially during the most difficult times. Our hearts go out to you all and our prayers are never ending.
Love,
Jeff, Beth, Morgan, & Taylor Altergott
Dearest Zimmerman family,
I know that there are no words to comfort so I thought I would share our prayer with you. Please know you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers.
Spencer and Paula Rose and Hunter Horton
Dear Lord,
You know my friend so much better than I do. You know his sickness and his need. You also know his heart. Lord, I ask you to be with my friend now, working in his life. Let Your will be done in my friend's life. If there is a sin that needs to be confessed and forgiven, Lord, please help him to see his need and confess. Lord, I pray for my friend because Your Word says I should pray for His healing. I believe You hear this earnest prayer from my heart and that it is powerful because of Your promise. I have faith in You to heal my friend, but I also trust in the plan you have for my friend's life. Lord, I don't always understand Your ways, and why my friend has to suffer, but I trust You now. May You be glorified in my friend's life and also in mine.
Amen
I am so sorry-I've been praying for all of you daily. I can't imagine how hard this is on all of you but DON'T GIVE UP, she is such a strong little fighter! I wish I knew some comforting words, but I don't. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers daily!
-Kim Runyon
Zimmerman Family~
Don't give up hope. Baby Ava is a strong little girl. She has shown her strength many times and we believe she will do it again. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Try to stay strong and know that there is a world of people out here that you may or may not know that are praying for baby Ava. She's a fighter.
Love,
Mark, Sara, & Zack Grishaber
Thank you for the update. I continue to pray for all of you. I know that God holds each of you close to his heart as He hears our prayers for your sweet baby Ava.
Vicki Kidwell
I am so sorry that you are all suffering so much. I cannot even begin to imagine how you are coping. I wish there was something I could say or do, as we all do, to ease some of your pain. We continue to pray for you all. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated. We all care so much.
Love,
The Lake's
Jamie,
I have printed my favorite picture of Ava, "not even a whiff!" That picture is worth a thousand words. Her eyes show so much personality and determination. Karen mentioned she seemed to be saying, I am here world, let me have at it! Every day I wake up and think of Ava and hope that this is the day that she makes the final step forward in which she never moves back.
Lately I have been having some words with God. It is so hard to understand. But I have told him that I am continuing to pray fervently for Ava with such HOPE, because that picture that is engrained in my mind, tells me everything I need to know. My heart hurts for all you and your family are going through Jamie. I hope in some little way you can draw strength from the fact that so, so many are praying for Ava. But more importantly from knowing that Ava feels your love and God's presence.
Love & Prayers
Janelle
Greg and I are here in Tampa visiting Angie and our granddaughters; but our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you in Michigan. Ava's life is uniting people from near and far in prayer for this beautiful child and her loving parents who make us all tearful, joyful and hopeful that a miracle is yet to come. God has said one only needs to have faith the size of a mustard seed.
Having read your messages and the comments of others over the past months I know the collective faith is far, far greater than God could imagine. Know we hold Ava and you in our hearts and prayers 24/7.
Love,
Kathy & Greg Hartsell
We will continue to hope and pray for you and your amazing little girl.
The Widemans
Jamie & Jamie,
I am so sorry to hear that things have gotten worse. I cannot begin to imagine what you are going through each day. Just remember that we are all with you in spirit and we are all praying so hard for your sweet little girl and for each of you. Also, if you are interested in a complimentary photo session of yourselves and Ava, please let me know...I will drive up in a heartbeat! In the meantime, stay strong & keep the faith!
Much love & prayer,
~Lori, Carey, Allysen, Caiden, Adison & Kendall Baxter
Thank you so much for the update! We check on Baby Ava every day and say our prayers morning, noon and night. Max has become so accustomed to having Baby Ava in his life that he wants to check the "puter" every day after breakfast and when we say our prayers he says "God fix Baby Ava's broken heart". We believe that God will always be with Ava and with all of you and we are praying for a miracle every day.
All of our love to you,
Jeff, Charisa and Max
Jamie,
Remember the Summer when Ava was still in your tummy and the peace that you felt laying out on the pier at the lake. We all were so sure she was a little girl and you were so excited. Remember that time, that peaceful time, and know that you will feel that way again. The sun will shine on you again and you will find total peace. Just hold on to that feeling you had and that thought and stay strong. You are one of the strongest women I have ever met. I think about you and your family all the time, and I pray for that peace to come over you again.
Rachel
Our hearts ache terribly for the pain that each of you are feeling right now. God will give you the strength that you need at this time as well as the strength that Ava needs.
Love,
J and M
How sweet are you to think about all of us right now! Thank you for the update. I'm very sorry for your pain and suffering. We wish you peace for the new year. We pray all the time!
Love,
Lori, Chris, Tate & Connor Brawley
I am so sorry you all are going through this, please know we are all here praying & thinking of your family every day. Don't give up on hope.
Love
Chelie, Brian, Caiden, Sean & Aunt Kathy
It's so hard to know what to say to you. None of us can possibly know what you are going through. All of us out here wish with all of our hearts that we could do something to help - but we know that all we can give you is our prayers and our love. You have mine.
Thank you for the update, as we check on Baby Ava several times throughout each day. We will continue our prayers. Ava has been a miracle baby from the start. She's the strongest little fighter we know and now we know she gets it from her mommy. Please take care of yourself too Jamie. As we ring in the new year we will all hope and pray that 2008 will bring health and happiness to Ava as well as the rest of the Zimmerman family.
Love,
Jeff, Amy, Tate,& Drew Rudlaff
Let God carry you right now. Feel comfort through our prayers and know that Ava is in our hearts at all times.
May God bless Ava, your family, and each of those caring for her.
Love
Fritz and Juli
Mrs. Zimmerman.
I hope Ava feels better. I am thinking of you and Ava a lot. I miss you.
Addison Davies
I am sorry to hear that Ava is having a hard time. We are thinking of all of you tonight and are hoping that things will improve. I wish I had words of comfort that would help you through this. Ava is an amazing little person with great strength. Continue to take care of yourself and each other. All the best.
Tori Davies
and family
You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. Your family is so loved by so many.
Thank you so much for taking the time to update all of us.
We will continue to pray for sweet baby Ava and your family.
Love,
Becky Hamm
Praying the new year brings good news for you all!! With man, things can seem impossible. With God, all things are possible!!
Continuing to believe, along with MANY, for little Ava's miracle!!!
In Christ,
Holly and Katie
Our hope is that God will grant precious Ava with the power of healing and bless her loving family with continued strength. Please know that you continue to be in our hearts and prayers.
With Love -
Karen, Skip, Nicole & Nick Muir
(Great-Aunt Barb, Kent, Karol, Kaye & families also)
Happy New Year! We hope that 2008 brings great things for Miss Ava
Angie Plude
Ava, I do not know what to say right now. You are 3 months old, very few people have seen you, yet you have had more love and an impact on lives more than most people get in a full lifetime. You are an angel of Gods. I have to believe this. Why HE put your family through all of this pain, no one will ever understand. But I suppose that there is a reason. I cant fathom what that reason may be though. Other than to see you and hold you even for a short period of time. Your mom and dad and wanted you for so long. And the love you have is beyond realm. You have to be an angel. That is all I can think of in all this. And what a beautiful angel you are. We will see you in the morning my little one. Your poppy and I have been blessed with you. I do thank God for that. But why such a short time? I will never understand. We love you Ava. Help your mom and dad and Aunt and Uncle and cousins and especially your big brother Bray, be strong right now. All of us need whatever strength God can give us at this time. Just in case I cant post again before I get there to see you, know you will always be loved, you are the special #10 grand child for us. That is a magical number for a magical little girl. Your poppy has tears in his eyes every day. It breaks my heart for I love him so. I am sure you are going to a better place as they say. But for myself, I believe the best place is here with us. Ava Christine Weaver-Zimmerman, you have brought so much magic and love to all of us. You have affected more lives than you know. You will always be our "special angel". God be with you Ava. rest.
granny and poppy
Love and prayers and a wish that we could offer more. Take care,Zimmermans...Gretchen and Dan
Love, Prayers, and Peace. Our hearts ache for all of you. Ava has taught us so much about grace, strength, faith, hope, and above all, love. These lessons and the angel you have shared with us will remain in our hearts always!
~AJ, Kelly, Katie, Dylan,& Mac
Hi there...you do not know who I am but I am another heart mommy. I found you through Kate's blog. I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for your sweet Ava and the rest of your family.
Heart Hugs,
Samantha
www.caringbridge.org/visit/micahmajor
Hope is a thing with feathers
which perches in the soul
and sings the songs without the words
and never stops at all
--emily dickensen
Hope and prayers for Ava.
Love, Karen
There isn't anything I could say that hasn't already been said - we are thinking of you so very much and you are all in our prayers. There's not one minutes that goes by without that!!
Love and encouragement,
Scott, Sarah, Jordyn, Natalie, Brigg
Jamie,
we are very sadand you guys are always in our thoughts.
Love
the rice family
Dear Brayden,
Your little sister is so cute. She is lucky to have you for a big brother. My mommy and I pray for you and your family every night.
Your friend,
Natalie Lucero
Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eye can see.
We continue to pray for your family and little Ava. Don't give up your faith yet. She has proven to be a fighter for this long and the doctors must see that. Everyday has been a battle for you, I wish that everyone who cares about your family and Ava could help you carry the load you bear. You have touched so many hearts. May God give you the strength and courage you need to get through this difficult time.
Where there is great love there are always miracles-Willa Carter.
Still praying
We are so sorry that you are all having to endure so much pain during this difficult time. Your love and strength is gently reminding us all to hold our families just a little tighter.
We continue to pray for your family and beautiful Ava.
Jeff, Kellie and Hannah Montgomery
How difficult to know how to comfort you, or be of help or support to you, but we still want you to know we are with you in thought. Aunt Judy and Helmut
Just wanted to say good morning. You are in our thoughts and prayers today, as always.
Angie Plude
Ava, it is 610 am. We are on our way baby girl. I want to yell at God to keep you safe. But I am learning he has plans for you. I love you so much. Your little face will be in my heart until the day I die. Guess what? Its grannys birthday today. So-maybe-that might help?!
all our love angel
granny and poppy
Just can't quit checking this site to see if there has been a miracle for your family and little Ava. It is so hard to see your family going through this difficult time and understand why. Praying God will show your family and everyone who is praying for you what miraculous work he can do. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Schelkopf family
As allways we continue to pray for your sweet little Ava. Our hope and prayers that she will continue to fight. Everyone loves that little girl, even those who have not met her. Remember you are loved and surrounded by many people who love you. Wish that there was anything that could help the pain you are feeling, but god has a plan for all of us. Sometime it is wonderful and somethime we just don't understand why he decides what he does. Our strength and love go out to you in this time of hope and sadness. Surround yourself with love and remember all the special times with Ava. The highs and the lows, the love and the smiles. If love could fix her heart she would have the strongest one around, because she is loved to the extreme by all the people she has touched. You will be in my prayers Jamie, Jamie and Bray. Gain strength from the ones who surround you today. Take their love and know that it is meant for you and that they would do anything to take away your pain.
In our hearts and thoughts,
Debbie M.
Our thoughts are with you today. We love and pray for you. Today may be the hardest day of your life so far, but be strong and know that everyone is here for you and your family. We love your family and hold you all in our hearts.
Mike & Debbie M
May you find the courage
to face today and tomorrow
in the love that surrounds
you today.
As everyone's messages say, we continue to hold your family in our hearts and prayers.
Angie Cramer
AVA,
I hope things go ok today.God has a plan for you.
Love,
Hannah Rice
I have been thinking about you constantly and praying so hard..I am so frustrated for you..I think I gave God an earful last night from all of us, as I shoveled us out of the snow. I lost two nephews within 6 months of one another four years ago... I can't ever understand "why." I hope that he answers our prayers today!
Much love & prayers,
The Baxter family
Zimmerman family -
There are no words that can be said to comfort you. We are so terribly sorry that you have to endure so much pain. No matter what the future holds, please be assured that family and friends are here for you all. We still continue to pray each and everyday. Our thoughts are with you all. Please try your best to stay strong. May God bless you all and especially your beautiful little ANGEL.
Ginger Andres and family
Our Love and Prayers are with your family. We have been thinking about you daily. We will continue to pray for little Ava, and your family to give you more strength to endure whatever obstacles lie ahead.
Praying every minute…
The Vanlerberghe Family
My heart is aching for the whole Zimmerman-Weaver family and friends. I think about each and every one of you every second of the day. I am praying that God answers all of our prayers and that precious baby girl of yours gets through this a strong and healthy baby. Just know that sooo many are thinking and praying for you 24/7! Stray strong!
Love,
Missy and family
Just wanted to let you know that we are thinking about you today. Your sweet little Ava feels all of the love around her.
Love-
April
We can't stop thinking of all of you. I am so sorry for the pain and suffering you are being made to endure. Life seems so unfair as you well know. Everyone is here for you in any way that you may need us. God bless you all.
Love,
The Lake's
You are on my mind and in my heart 24/7. My prayers are with you. May God bless sweet Ava and the family.
Becky
The latest update on Ava can be read at mebrawley.blogspot.com.
We are all praying for Ava and your entire family. Our thoughts and prays are continuously with all you. All our love,
The Catalanos
Bill, Kelly, Ryan, Christian and Dylan
Jamie and Jamie,
My heart is breaking for you and your family today... May God be with all of you in this difficult time.
With love always,
Jenny
J & J,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless to all.
Love, Your friends and family,
Bill and Cindy Coleman and girls.
Pete and Mary Miller.
We continue to hold you close to our hearts during this incredibly difficult time. Thank you for allowing so many of us to be a part of your little angel's life. We continue to keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Love~
The Rudlaffs
My heart is breaking for you guys right now. I am not even sure if I could get out of bed if I were you. You have taught me how to stay strong as a couple and if possible to love my children even more than I did before. Please know that your lives and Ava's life have touched so many people, we are all better for knowing you. From this day on, we will all live our lives in a more caring loving way. The gift that Ava has given us all is the gift of unconditional love, for that is what we all feel for you and your family.
God Bless you
Angie Plude
Zimmerman and Weaver families -
We are with you in spirit and are praying for each and every one of you. May you find strength and comfort in each other.
Sending our love,
Theresa & Duffy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Wish we could give comfort or find the right words to say. Just know we are with you in thoughts and prayers.
The Brentlingers
Jamie & Jamie,
You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Our hearts break for the pain you are going through.
My son Austin asked me "If I give Ava my heart would it make her better?"
That made me cry a new batch of tears for your family and for the selflessness and compasion that children have for each other.
May we all see the world and each other as children do.
It's so hard to understand why God is letting all this happen to little Ava. I don't understand and I know that sometimes your not supposed to understand. I will continue to pray for understanding and for peace and miracles for your family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Sarah & Casey Gowen
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