What an adventure!!

Sam's bling

Well, modern miracles have happened and we have successfully navigated our way through having a child go through heart surgery.  I wouldn't wish the experience on anyone, but if you do have to go through it, I would highly recommend Colorado Children's Hospital.  From the moment we walked in to the moment we left, we were treated like we were the most important thing they had going (and I know that others must have felt that way too.)  We are so thankful for all of the prayers and thoughts that were sent up for us by people we know and people we will never have the opportunity to know.  We know that we are truly blessed.


I wanted to share some photos of the experience with you...don't worry, they aren't too graphic!

July 25, 2011

Pre-op Day

We  got to meet with the nurses and surgeons that were going to be performing the repair.  They were very helpful and we left feeling like we had a great team on our side.

One final scrubbing before surgery

July 26, 2011

Surgery Day

We arrived at the hospital at 6:00 am.

They were ready for him

Playing around before they took him back

Sam's message from two of his great caretakers while he was there.  He and Cortney had a special bond!
He left with the nurses around 7:20 am to head down the surgical hallway. This was one of the more difficult things to do, but we knew he was in great hands.

Esther, one of the surgical nurses, kept us updated as to everything that was happening.

By 10:30 am, the repair work was done and they were taking him off bypass.

By 11:00 am, he was off bypass and doing well.

They got him stitched up and shortly after 12:00 pm Dr. Campbell, the surgeon came out to talk to us to let us know that things went as planned and that Sam was doing well.  Whew!!

It was close to 2:00 before we got to go back and get our first glimpse of him. Yet another VERY difficult moment, but we were so happy to see him and get to give him kisses.

They took his ventilation tube out before 6:00 pm.  Mason went back to see him after that.


Melt my heart!  Mason was holding Sam's hand and blowing him kisses.
This was taken just a few hours after surgery.

He was off oxygen support by midnight.

July 27, 2011

Recovering in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)

24 hours post-repair

Showing off for the CICU nurses

Happy to get to sit up

July 28, 2011

Moving to the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (CPCU)

On the way to the penthouse (the CICU is on the top floor of the hospital)

48 hours post-op

Thanks, Grandma!

Watching TV together...just like at home.

 July 29, 2011

Life in the CPCU

72 hours post-op

Wagon ride around the floor. We got to go all over the hospital in the wagon.  Lots of fun!

And, I'm spent!

July 29, 2011

Dismissal Day

4 days after surgery, Sam was doing well enough to be released. He was so happy to see his car seat toys!

We could not have imagined the time spent going any better than it did.  We are eternally grateful for the quality of care that we received and the support that has been given to us during this time.

Now it is time for us to start focusing on our next adventure, whatever it is...