Frann Clark sent these today. She has sent them earlier, but for some reason got them back.
Just checked the web site & found the following. It was posted Tuesday night at 9:35. Nothing there for today yet.
There is a picture posted & he looks great–color, build
God Bless You
Frann
I am so happy to announce that Aaron entered this world last night around 9:20 CST weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz and 19 inches long. His mother informed me that he came out screaming (could be that he was screaming at her since her epidural wasn’t given early enough and he just thought you were supposed to scream). He did not have to be incubated and isn’t on oxygen at this time (PRAISE GOD). He is being evaluated today to see what will need to be done. Scott is with him now and Faith is getting ready to go over to CHOP to be with him and she sounds great. I will keep you updated.
Hello everyone-just a quick note as we post these photos of little Aaron. We have had a long day here at the CICU, but really haven’t heard anything from the heart team on a plan. One of the drs did mention this morning that they are looking hard at his mitral valve and a possible additional problem there. We have been anxiously awaiting any more news on this issue, but there has been none.
Please pray for clarity in evaluation of Aaron’s heart and that God will show the cardiologists and surgeons the right path to take for his surgery and treatment. We hope to have some more information tomorrow to allow for more specific prayer, but right now we’re in the dark.
Aaron has only been in this world 24 hours, but we love him deeply already. We love you all for caring for him and praying for all of us.
Well, it appears that you have all summed it up very well with your comments about little Aaron. He does look quite a lot like his older brother and thus, like his daddy! These boys are chips off the old block for sure. It’s a good thing I married a handsome guy. J
Today brought about a lot of news and change after a couple of frustrating days of not knowing what was going on. First thing this morning, Scott and I got to hold Aaron. The doctors decided to stop giving him prostaglandin, also. Then right after lunch and another echo, we got to help with his first feeding. Then about 9 o’clock tonight, he got moved to a private room. This is all good news that bears some explaining to be sure.
Aaron has a complex set of heart defects consisting of double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with a subaortic ventricular septal defect (VSD), mild left ventricle hypoplasia and mild mitral valve hypoplasia. He also has mild pulmonary stenosis. This combination of defects and the physiological makeup of Aaron’s heart are allowing his heart to work well enough to provide sufficient oxygen to his lungs and body at this point. After they stopped giving him prostaglandin (to keep his PDA open and the blue and red blood mixing), his oxygen levels are still ok.
After evaluating Aaron’s heart several times since his birth, the doctors have now decided it would be best to hold off on repairing his various heart defects until he is a little older, if possible. This will allow him and his heart to grow and get stronger, giving the doctors a chance to make a better assessment for repairing his heart in one operation instead of several. Of course, having Aaron undergo only one major heart operation is preferable to several. This can be accomplished if his mitral valve is able to function well enough to sustain his heart function for a few months until surgery. Because of this new goal, they would like to keep Aaron here for 2-4 weeks to evaluate him continuously and guard against any potential problem with his mitral valve or other defects.
Of course, this plan is subject to change if Aaron’s heart cannot sustain this function. The next few days will be critical in determining his care. There is a meeting amongst the surgeons next Tuesday where Aaron’s case will be presented for review. We are waiting to see if he continues to do well and to hear what the doctors have to say after they discuss Aaron’s treatment plan next week.
We realize this is a long post and too much information to really grasp (we are struggling ourselves), so we hope it makes some sense. Scott and I covet your continued prayers as each day passes, mostly for Aaron, but for us as well. We are still commuting b/t New Jersey and Philadelphia and are very tired. We are hopeful that we can get a room at the Philadelphia RMH soon so we can visit the hospital more easily and so that we can spend some more time with my mom and Levi, as well. We apologize that we cannot return each call, email and message to us, but please know that we appreciate each and every one. We could not do this alone and are thankful for each of you and the strength we gain from the knowledge that you are lifting us up before our Father.
More good news from today. Aaron was moved to the cardiac step down unit early this morning, before we even arrived. The is the “lowest” level of care here at CHOP, so we think this is a good thing (even though we’re once again sharing a room). We can only go home from here!For now, we have been instructed to work on getting Aaron to feed well. After all, he didn’t get to eat anything for more than two days. They are watching his oxygen levels and will look at his heart again on Monday, most likely. After the surgeons’ meeting on Tuesday, they should tell us a)how long they want us to stay here locally/or in the hospital and b)when they will want to do surgery to repair Aaron’s heart. We have heard “a month or two” and “three or four months,” so we’re not really sure what to expect. Please pray that God will make the plan clear to the doctors. Of course, we are hopeful that we can come home in a couple of weeks to return later when Aaron is stronger, but we want to make sure God directs this entire situation.
We were pleased to learn today that we got a room at the Philly RMH, so Scott, Mom and Levi are busily moving in there from Camden while I stay with Aaron. Thanks to everyone for praying for this convenience issue. 🙂
We love all of you and thank you for loving us. We will send more news and pics asap.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us; but to Your name be the glory, because of Your love and faithfulness. Psalm 115:1
Thanks to Cheryl for reminding us of this wonderful scripture. 🙂
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