Noah's journey from the beginning...

Noah is our greatest blessing and a miracle to Justin and I. As many know, when I was about 4 weeks pregnant, my appendix ruptured and I underwent an open appendectomy. Doctors let us know my chances of having a miscarriage were very high. But after many prayers and tests, my levels kept rising and our sweet baby was growing well. We went in for our gender ultrasound at 19 weeks and everything seemed normal. We found out immediately that it was a baby boy (Noah didn't hide it at all!) but we were sent out to the waiting room to wait for the doctor.  We didn't think anything of it, as there was a full waiting room and the doctor was late arriving.  We were just excited about our baby boy.  Nothing can prepare a parent to hear the news that we heard after going back into the room. We were told there was something wrong with our baby's heart. The doctor couldn't explain it thoroughly to us, as he said he wasn't a specialist, but that a problem was definite with the heart.  Although trying to remain positive, we both were very concerned with the well being of our baby.  We were referred to a children's hospital and set up an appointment to meet with pediatric cardiologists there.  I had several fetal echo cardiograms from that point on in my pregnancy.

Noah was diagnosed with what is called Tetralogy of Fallot.  It is a common congenital heart defect that causes low oxygen levels in the blood.  It includes four defects of the heart, but three are usually present.  Noah has a large hole between the left and right ventricles, a pulmonary outflow obstruction- narrowing of the artery & valve that connects the heart to the lungs, and an overriding aorta- the artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the body, that is shifted over the right ventricle and ventricular septal defect, instead of coming out only from the left ventricle.  It is a lot of information to take in when you assume a normal pregnancy but we were determined to be proactive about this and find the best care for Noah.  We had wondered if somehow my ruptured appendix and surgery had caused any of this and were told it did not, as there are several babies in this world with this same defect.  We are thankful doctors have been able to follow Noah's condition for quite some time vice it being a surprise after birth.  Doctors told us this could be corrected, but we would have to determine the time frame when Noah was born. Some babies are born blue and need surgery immediately, while others can wait 4-6 months.  Doctors tried to prepare us for both possibilities.

He's Here!

Noah came out crying on the morning of July 28, 2012, which to any parent is a relief, but to Justin & I it meant Noah could breathe on his own and that alone gave him some time to be monitored, instead of rushing into surgery.  It was the most thankful moment of our lives.  He was not blue, he had great color, he was quite large for a tetralogy baby (as a lot have trouble with growth), and he could cry.  Best sound ever.  Noah came home and for the most part, has been like any other healthy newborn.  He has grown and gained weight exceptionally well (90% for height & 65% for weight) and you wouldn't know he has a heart defect when looking at him.  Unfortunately the excellent growth also meant his defect was progressing and Noah's oxygen levels started to decrease during his second month.  Doctors didn't see a reason to put the surgery off as Noah is already at a good weight, so we set it up for October 17.  We are excited for Noah to have his heart "mended" after this long journey so far, while still very nervous for his open heart surgery and recovery.  We cannot say enough about Noah's cardiac team~they are amazing individuals. We know prayers work, and we know the Lord is faithful; after all, Noah is a smiling, growing baby boy who brings us joy everyday.  We thank you all for praying for our little Noah also. :)