Much Needed Update

Well it has been two weeks since Sam came home. I didn't realize how busy we have been with him until I realized I hadn't updated the web page in a while. So here is the scoop...

We actually didn't get to bring Sam home for an extra day after they told us we would. They wanted to be sure he was eating enough without it draining too much of his energy. We brought him home on a Tuesday (Dec 9). Our families had already gone home, so it was just Chris, myself, and Relo as a welcome home party.

Since then Sam has done quite well. He weighs 7lbs 13oz now, and is eating like a champ. He really doesn't cry or fuss unless he is hungry. Sleeping at night is still an issue. He doesn't exactly sleep at night. He will sleep for an hour and a half or two hours and then want food. Last night we did have a bit of a Christmas miracle...he slept for 6 hours straight!! I'm sure it won't happen again any time soon.

His current health status is another miracle. He still has all of his heart defects, but they are currently 'stable' and not causing any immediate concern. His oxygen levels stay steady at 77-80 percent. We have been educated on warning signs of heart failure...turning blue, decreased O2 levels, trouble breathing, decreased eating, decreased weight gain. Our understanding is that these will occur gradually (over weeks/months). As they start to happen, we will start to look more seriously at setting a date for the Glenn Surgery to begin the process of re-plumbing Sam's heart. For now, everything is as good as it can be, and we are just thankful to be HOME for Christmas, and not in a hospital. We are also so thankful to NOT need tube feedings, NOT need medications, NOT need supplemental oxygen...all these things may come in the future but we could not be more happy with these first few weeks of normalness!

My family (mom, dad, sister and brother) came up for Christmas and have had a blast spoiling Sam. He has barely been out of someones arms since they got here. I will update on Sam's first Christmas tomorrow!

Before I close this, I want to give a big THANK YOU to all of our neighbors who have been supporting us! We have received many dinners, goody baskets, and gifts during our first weeks home. They were greatly appreciated (and enjoyed)! They didn't have to do it, but they did and once again we are very thankful!

~Kathy and Chris