Hello everyone! Once again, thank you for all of your words, thoughts and prayers.
Just a short note letting everyone know that this blog is just about ready to go to print. So, if anyone had anything they would like to say and would like it included in the book, please make your post by Wednesday Feb. 6, 2008. But, we will still keep this blog going for as long as needed.
Again, thank you.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
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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)
24 comments:
Just wanted to say good morning!
Angie Plude
Weaver/Zimmerman Family -
Your beautiful little angel brought together so many people, a whole community. So many lives have been touched and changed by the love for a precious little girl. Our support for you and your family will never fade, be strong, you will pull though and you will be able to smile and laugh with everyone when thoughts of Ava arise. Instead of tears, there will joy in remembering her even though she was hear for such a short time. May God bless you all and keep giving you the strength that you need to get though each day. Enjoy the wonderful book that you will be receiving and hold it close to your heart, just as Ava is close to ours. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Love, Ginger
Good morning Ava Christine!!!! I have not written you in a few days. But I saw your Aunt Tracy and she said that the book is going to be ready soon, so I best write again. Ava-I can't even tell you how much love you brought to the family in your 3 months of life. You were wanted so badly and loved so very much. Your mom and dad are the best a little one could have. Why God needed you we will never know, but it just means that you must be even more special than we imagined. Ava, you are a beautiful little girl. I know you are a beautiful angel. Please take care of Lizzie up there. And all the rest of our loved ones. I know we will see you someday. Keep dancing in the clouds beautiful granddaughter of ours. We will NEVER forget you, nor NEVER stop loving you. You will be our number 10 grandchild for as long as poppy and I live. I will celebrate your birthday every year. I will say a special prayer to you every night. And I sweat to always watch over your big brother Bray and all of your family. Hopefully one day your mom and dad will find peace and smile again. We love you Ava. You were a miracle. You still are. I will miss writing to you. For I enjoy it. But I will still talk to you little one. May God always protect and watch over you.
God Bless you and sleep tight and free of worries. Keep dancing in the clouds! I see you in a pretty dress and your pretty pink ugg boots your Auntie bought you!!!!!!!
May God be with you
all our love for a lifetime goes to you.
granny and poppy
Jamie & Jamie,
God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is "No".
Poppy
Jamie & Jamie,
God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is "No".
Poppy
Jamie & Jamie,
God answers all prayers. Sometimes the answer is "No".
Poppy
Zimmerman Family,
Just a note to let you know that we are thinking of you every day. Our thoughts and prayers continue and that maybe someday you can find happiness and peace.
The Brentlingers
To Ava Christine Zimmerman, and to all the loved ones of our families, whom are with Ava, may God Bless you, and someday, we will all see each other, and Ava, we will tell us why she was chosen. And-then-maybe we will understand. Your poppy, so you know, is alot like your mom. a person of few words. But his " few words" mean more than alot of words at times. I have just now reread a few things, not very good spelling ot "wordage" so to speak"- but then end result is -- we love you -God bless you-and we will never never never never --forget-or-stop-thinking of you little angel-tough cookie-sassy pants-fighter-whatever perfect nicknake all of us had for you. We love you.
I will see you in my dreams.
Jamie & Jamie,
You are always in my thoughts and prayers. Uncle Bob and I wonder how you are doing. I haven't called because I didn't want to bother you, but I think about you all the time.
Someday maybe I can bring Lexie over to see Brayden so they can play together.
As Great-Grandma Behm would say, "My love is winging it's way to you."
I love you with all my heart,
Aunt Stce
I met the Zimmerman family in Ann Arbor while my son was in Pod A and moderate care. I did not get to know them well, but they seemed like such a special and loving family. I was so inspired by their determination, strength and ability to balance the needs of both Ava and Brayden. I was so saddened to hear of Ava's passing and thought of your family often during our stay in Ann Arbor.
Although I never met your beautiful girl, I can imagine she had an amazing strength and spirit. I am comforted to know that my son Rocco has a special friend to dance and play with and that our precious babies are at peace.
Our thoughts continue to be with your family as you find your way through this difficult time.
Crista Hines
(Rocco Hines 10/21/2007-1/17/2008)
To Crista- I am sure that Ava and Rocco are bonding and dancing and watching all of us from the clouds. God Bless you and your family also.
jamie Jamie Bray-Always know how much we love Ava and wanted her so badly. We do have our beautiful kind loving Brayden. That is very special in itself. Always stay the loving and kind family that we love so very much.
Good night Ava
We love you forever
granny and poppy
good morning!
Happy Valentines Day Ava Christine!!! We love you sweet one.
granny and poppy
Just wanted to let you know that you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. We hope all is going well.
Angie
We think of you every day. All of you. Ava-I look up at your picture everynight. You are a blessing and an angel. You are watching over all of us. I just know it. Please-I want you to especially watch over your mom, ok?
God Bless and Good night Ava-Lizzie my dear friend-I miss you also every day!
granny and poppy
We just got back from Orlando, we said hi to Mickey for you guys. We hope that all is well and you are handling the snow. Thank you for the lovely thank you card. I put it in my "favorite card" box. I will treasure it always.
Ang
Just wanted to let you know Livi and Bella got a heart (with angel wings) Jibbit to put on their Crocs in honor of Ava. I hope it will be a daily reminder to us, of your little angel.
Ang
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I’m caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won’t turn back
I know You are near
And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?
Chorus:
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth
Chorus:
Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You
Jamie,
Thank you for the card as well. I know you are missing your little girl so very much and that you always will, but I hope that your hearts feel a little lighter as the days pass. I still think about all of you everyday.
Much love & prayers,
~Lori
Jamie & Jamie -
I continue to think of you daily and still check your blog. I can't get Ava out of my mind, she taught me so much in such a short amount of time. Thoughts and prayers are with you and Brayden.
I don't know what we can do - if there is ANYTHING please let us know.
Emily W
Hey Jaime I just wanted to let you know I sent you something in the mail. I bought it through e-bay so it will not have my return address on it. Hope you like them.
Angie
Jamie -
Even though I have not posted in a while, I check the blog everyday. Ava, her precious little face and you family are still in my thoughts each day. I pray that time is helping you and your family. Please remember that everyone is here for you, we have not gone away. Thoughts and prayers continue and the hope that each passing day becomes a little easier for you. We hope to see you soon!
Ginger
Zimmermans-
Just wanted to let you know that we are still thinking of you each and every day. Ava has become a part of our lives and we think of her often. The girls still mention her and how much they miss her, it's amazing how children do not forget. NONE of us will ever forget your sweet baby girl!!
May God continue to give you strength and healing.
Becky Asmus
Jamie,
I just wanted to say how absolutely beautiful your little Ava was. Thank you for sharing this blog and letting me learn a little bit about your daughter. Hopefully we will see you at Lory's Place in April.
Charity White
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