Some more pictures!

Incredible Story about HLHS!

Message from Dad:

Attached is a link about an amazing story about a young girl that was diagnosed with HLHS in utero. Doctors tried a relatively new procedures to actually correct this defect before the child was born. It is truly an amazing story and this country is so blessed to have such skilled and talented people that perform these types of surgeries and provide care for both children and adults. Each day I am truly amazed by the medical profession. Yes, I know there are a lot of issues and problems with the health care industry. I am not here to debate that. I am here to just thank and marvel at the individuals that we have come across due to our son's condition. They are all truly amazing people and have such special talents and gifts. We are grateful to all of them and it would take days, even weeks, to name them all here. Maybe one day, with the aid of Katie's wonderful memory, we can cite the names on this blog. In the meantime, they all know who they are.

http://www.npr.org/2010/12/13/131968225/stitch-in-time-fixing-a-heart-defect-before-birth

Merry Christmas!!!!

Hello from Arch Terrace! It's Christmas Eve and I am taking a little nap in my swing right now (and typing at the same time). Technology is great, isn't it? Well, Grandma and Grandpa are coming over in a little while to hang out with us before Mom and Dad go over to Grandpa and Grandma Butler's for a little celebration. I wish I could attend but it's too cold, too snowy, and I still cannot be around large groups. So, until then, I am just listening to Christmas music that Mom and Dad are playing and snoozing and eating all day long! Which is great! However, I miss all my aunts, uncles, and especially my cousins my size who I can't wait to meet and play with.

Mom and Dad told me the other day that my second surgery for my heart will be sometime in February or early March next year. I am not looking forward to it but I know it needs to be done in order fix the "plumbing" in my heart.

There will be pictures just as soon as Mom and Dad learn how to download them :)

Until then, Merry Christmas to everyone!!!! Oh, and a big thanks and hugs again to everyone that has sent cards, food, and gifts to our house. Keep up those gifts for the little one, I heard he likes them :)

Can't Wait for Santa!

10 Weeks Old!

Hi everyone! Well I'm pretty excited that I turned 10 weeks old yesterday! I can't believe how old I'm getting! I am eating great and now mom and dad are putting me back on 3 hour feedings so I can have a more predictable schedule and they are swaddling me at night to help me sleep longer - and it seemed to work last night so we'll see! I also got an early Christmas present from Santa - a Little Lamb Cradle Swing - and I loooove it! I nap so well in it because it is so cozy and soothing! I think mom likes it too because she can get more stuff done while I'm sleeping:) I still like to fuss a bit at night and I feel badly because that's when daddy wants to spend time with me, but I can't help it because I get pretty tired and need to let someone know about it! Luckily my Aunt Melissa lent us The Happiest Baby on the Block so my mom and dad are getting good at calming me down! I am getting really excited for my first Christmas and I love staring at the lights on the tree. My daddy keeps saying he is going to put lights up outside, but it snowed and has been sooo cold out, so there's been a little delay. No worries, Dad, I cant go outside to see them anyway! I want to give a big welcome to my new baby 2nd cousin, Quinn! He is out in Colorado but hopefully we will meet soon! Talk to you all again soon - it's naptime!

I'm Back!

Hello friends and family,

Sorry for the long delay. I have been busy lately with doctor's visits, sleeping, eating a lot, hanging with mommy, daddy, and shelly dog and of course pooping and peeing (can't leave that out). Oh, I got dad wet the other day again. That was fun! Well, to update everyone on my doctor's visits: I saw my pediatrician on Monday and everything went well. I received a couple of vaccinations (one orally and two shots). I didn't like the shots at all but within 20 minutes I was out cold sleeping like a baby :) My pediatrician, Dr. Kreusser, told mom and dad that I was in the 40% for babies my age. She was very surprised by this considering I was in the hospital for 5 1/2 weeks. On Thursday I saw my cardiologist, Dr. Balzer, and he was pleased with my progress as well! I weighted in around 11 pounds 4 ounces and was around 22.7 inches long! They took a electrocardiogram of my heart and everything looked good. It appears that I am on schedule right now for my second surgery in February-March next year. Mom and dad talked with both doctors about day-care and they each strongly recommended waiting til after my second surgery to even consider it. I think mommy and daddy both agreed with this recommendation as they do not want me exposed to other sick kids during the flu season as I might not be able to fight off sickness as easily as other babies.

Mom and dad keep reminding me of all the friends and family that want to meet me one day. I am soooooo excited to see them all but know it will be some time as I need to be strong and healthy for my next surgery so I will just have to wait til it gets warm (plus I don't want to go out in this cold, wet St. Louis weather right now). They also are very thankful for the food that people have brought them even though I don't get to taste it (they tell me it is very good though).

One more thing: GO BEARS!!! Beat pretty boy Tom Brady and the Pats!

-Will

Month by Month!

More Pictures!

I'm Two Months Old

Hey everybody, I am another month older today and I am feeling great! Check out these pictures of all the fun stuff I've been up to lately! I have an appointment with the pediatrician on Monday and I will be getting my 2 month vaccines - yikes! I also go to the cardiologist on Thursday and my mom and dad are checking out a special day care this week that they heard about for kids like me. I'm not sure if I like the sound of this "day care" place because I am pretty happy spending all of my time at home with Mommy and Daddy but I guess it could be okay. I spent my very special 2 Month Birthday with my mom, dad and Shelly and I also had some awesome visits from my Aunt Lizzie, Grandma and Grandpa Saykes, Aunt Melissa and Grandpa Tom! What a fun day but now I'm pooped! Talk to you later!

Hungry Hippo

That's what Mom likes to call me. I guess that is a compliment? No idea.... I do know that I love to eat and eat a lot I do!!!! What else is a baby supposed to do? Yeah, yeah, I know - eat, sleep, poop, pee, etc. I do all those too but I love to eat. I am probably close to 11 pounds now as I am gearing up for the winter cold. Don't worry ladies, I will hit the gym in the spring but I need to chunk up right now to stay warm :)

Well, I am enjoying my Saturday with mommy, daddy, and shelly dog. I am soooo glad dad is home now as 'us' guys need some bonding time too. That's about it from here. I was told that I have a few more doctors appointments this week with my pediatrician and cardiologist. They are both great so I don't mind at all going to see them.

-Will

Guest Blogger: Dad

Hello from Little Rock, AR. It's dad here and he misses Mommy, Iron Will and Shelly dog very, very much. WOW, it sure looks like Will is gaining weight as I write this blog. The pictures look great mom! Well, keep up the excellent work mommy and tell Will that dad will be home soon enough so he won't be outnumbered by the ladies anymore :) Dad needs to get in some "man time" with his son.

Daddy is so proud of you William and can't wait to hug and kiss you when he gets home. And don't worry mommy, you will get a great big hug and kiss as well!!! And Shelly will get one too :) Kisses all around!!!!

Love,

-Dad