Sigh - we made it! We're pretty exhausted after a night with little sleep and a day filled with commotion. But the news is good. We are home! I woke up for the 1 a.m. feeding today to look out onto a winter wonderland. The snow was coming down so strong that I wondered if it perhaps would be a game changer. But we braved the snow, cold, and bad road conditions and arrived fashionably late to Children's hospital at 6:30. After checking in we met with nurses and doctors and Ada had her vitals taken. All systems were go, so we passed off a crying baby to a nurse - a stranger - and shed a few tears. That was the toughest part of the day. But by 11 a.m. we were reunited with a sleeping baby, a wonderful feeling.
The heart cath went very well, we are told, and there were no major surprises in Ada's heart anatomy. The pressures in her heart also are showing to be a good sign, and the doctor was able to definitively rule out the possibility that her body had produced little "runners" or extra veins that formed to try to make their way to the lungs in order to get oxygenated - those would need to have been closed off prior to the surgery.
After the cath was completed, the doctors did a sedated echocardiogram to again get an accurate picture of the heart and the size of the veins/arteries that they will be dealing with in a couple weeks. Again, no major upsets there.
Ada has of course been more fussy than normal, but the up-side is that she has been eating like a champ today - already 15 oz. taken today by 5 pm, which is pretty stellar. We were told to expect that the first 24 hours after coming down from the anesthesia are the hardest and most fussy. I'd better get some rest before "nighttime" comes, just in case!
Your prayers and support are so appreciated. So encouraging to know and feel that we are not alone in this. We'll keep you updated!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Upcoming Surgery
A year ago we were finishing up our stay in Guatemala, at the end of "The Grand Adventure" - or so we thought! In those last weeks we had learned that I was pregnant; and added to the sickness from the food, I was also very weak and struggling with morning sickness. I was at the point in my pregnancy that I had lost our first baby that spring, and was of course extremely nervous about the baby that I was carrying. More than anything, I just wanted to be home. We flew back to Denver on Halloween - I remember that a few of the airlines in the Guatemala City airport had decorated for the occasion!
Well, those of you who are parents or those of you who know someone who is a parent (...?) will attest to the fact that in fact, our adventure was far from over.
Today little Ada is peacefully napping in the next room, giving me a chance to connect with you all this afternoon. Some people would say that they can't remember what life was like before their kids. Well, I do. I remember it, and it had its benefits. But of course I wouldn't want that life back now. Ada is a little special treasure, and I am not saying that "tongue in cheek". Her current favorites include: scraping off her socks on the floor or the changing table, looking at her mirror buddy, smiling and high-pitched "talking", and now most recently... staring at the fire in the fireplace. What a life! I can't say that I know much of her personality yet, but it is clear that she loves time with mommy and daddy, and that she is a bit more hesitant about hanging out with anyone else yet (pretty sure that is normal!). Also, she really does seem like a joyful little girl. If she is well rested and fed, why, she's a charmer! Super smiley and talkative! It is so much fun!
Time has flown by since the day we were rushing up University to get to the hospital as I was in labor. Ada is now 4.5 months old, and that means that it is Time.
(Summoning up courage now...)
Wednesday of this coming week, we head in to Children's Hospital for a heart catheterisation. It is a one day procedure where Ada will be put under general anesthesia and a cardiologist will go in through an artery in Ada's groin and snake a thin tube up to her heart in order to measure pressures and get accurate pictures of her heart so that there are no surprises for surgery. A sedated echocardiogram will also happen, as well as a meeting with the surgeon who will be doing the surgery.
Surgery has been set for Monday, November 14th. We don't know all of the details of the surgery, but wanted to at least let people know the timeline for when it will be occurring. It will likely be about 4 hours of actual surgery with an hour on either side when we will not have contact with Ada. We are thankful that we live so close to such a great hospital, and the surgeon who will be performing the operation is one who comes highly recommended from multiple sources.
Nick and I plan to use this blog as the primary way of communicating throughout the process. If we change our minds, we will post that here, to direct anyone to wherever we might choose to use. There are a number of you who have asked how you can help us in these days. It is difficult to know, to be honest. We've never been through anything similar to this before, thank the Lord. Encouraging notes, calls, etc. are always appreciated. Food at the hospital is not a bad idea, as we will be there for likely a week, more or less. As we become ready for visitors at the hospital, we will post that as well, for those of you in the Denver area. After the surgery we will likely have more of a clue what will be both possible and helpful for our family.
Nick and I are hanging in there, some moments "on a shoestring". We try to think of the the things to be thankful for: that this surgery is even possible so that our daughter's life can be saved, that we have health insurance, that Ada has done so well these last months as we have waited so that she is bigger and stronger, etc. Yet if I could choose to not go through this difficult time in life, I'd jump at the chance. I know that often times people can look back at the tough times in life and realize that it helped to make them the person they are today... I'm not there right now. I'd like to opt out of open heart surgery on my daughter, please. No, I'd like to opt out of the NEED for my daughter to have open heart surgery. But life is not fair, and none of us will journey through this life without a taste of difficult days.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I trust Him these days. That is all I have at times, and I know that Nick would say the same. Jesus conquered death and decay, once and for all. Below I have posted a video of sweet Ada talking, and then a video of me playing and singing a Sandra McCracken song, Feast or Fallow. This song has been so special to me for the last year and a half... I know I've mentioned it here before. The song speaks of the seasons of life... some of them times of feasting, some of them dry and barren, "fallow" seasons. We'll endure this hardship by clinging to our Rock. Please think of us and pray for us as we do.
Grateful, love for you all.
Well, those of you who are parents or those of you who know someone who is a parent (...?) will attest to the fact that in fact, our adventure was far from over.
Today little Ada is peacefully napping in the next room, giving me a chance to connect with you all this afternoon. Some people would say that they can't remember what life was like before their kids. Well, I do. I remember it, and it had its benefits. But of course I wouldn't want that life back now. Ada is a little special treasure, and I am not saying that "tongue in cheek". Her current favorites include: scraping off her socks on the floor or the changing table, looking at her mirror buddy, smiling and high-pitched "talking", and now most recently... staring at the fire in the fireplace. What a life! I can't say that I know much of her personality yet, but it is clear that she loves time with mommy and daddy, and that she is a bit more hesitant about hanging out with anyone else yet (pretty sure that is normal!). Also, she really does seem like a joyful little girl. If she is well rested and fed, why, she's a charmer! Super smiley and talkative! It is so much fun!
Time has flown by since the day we were rushing up University to get to the hospital as I was in labor. Ada is now 4.5 months old, and that means that it is Time.
(Summoning up courage now...)
Wednesday of this coming week, we head in to Children's Hospital for a heart catheterisation. It is a one day procedure where Ada will be put under general anesthesia and a cardiologist will go in through an artery in Ada's groin and snake a thin tube up to her heart in order to measure pressures and get accurate pictures of her heart so that there are no surprises for surgery. A sedated echocardiogram will also happen, as well as a meeting with the surgeon who will be doing the surgery.
Surgery has been set for Monday, November 14th. We don't know all of the details of the surgery, but wanted to at least let people know the timeline for when it will be occurring. It will likely be about 4 hours of actual surgery with an hour on either side when we will not have contact with Ada. We are thankful that we live so close to such a great hospital, and the surgeon who will be performing the operation is one who comes highly recommended from multiple sources.
Nick and I plan to use this blog as the primary way of communicating throughout the process. If we change our minds, we will post that here, to direct anyone to wherever we might choose to use. There are a number of you who have asked how you can help us in these days. It is difficult to know, to be honest. We've never been through anything similar to this before, thank the Lord. Encouraging notes, calls, etc. are always appreciated. Food at the hospital is not a bad idea, as we will be there for likely a week, more or less. As we become ready for visitors at the hospital, we will post that as well, for those of you in the Denver area. After the surgery we will likely have more of a clue what will be both possible and helpful for our family.
Nick and I are hanging in there, some moments "on a shoestring". We try to think of the the things to be thankful for: that this surgery is even possible so that our daughter's life can be saved, that we have health insurance, that Ada has done so well these last months as we have waited so that she is bigger and stronger, etc. Yet if I could choose to not go through this difficult time in life, I'd jump at the chance. I know that often times people can look back at the tough times in life and realize that it helped to make them the person they are today... I'm not there right now. I'd like to opt out of open heart surgery on my daughter, please. No, I'd like to opt out of the NEED for my daughter to have open heart surgery. But life is not fair, and none of us will journey through this life without a taste of difficult days.
I am a follower of Jesus Christ, and I trust Him these days. That is all I have at times, and I know that Nick would say the same. Jesus conquered death and decay, once and for all. Below I have posted a video of sweet Ada talking, and then a video of me playing and singing a Sandra McCracken song, Feast or Fallow. This song has been so special to me for the last year and a half... I know I've mentioned it here before. The song speaks of the seasons of life... some of them times of feasting, some of them dry and barren, "fallow" seasons. We'll endure this hardship by clinging to our Rock. Please think of us and pray for us as we do.
Grateful, love for you all.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Ada at 3 months
 |
| Resting atop Bjork mountain |
 |
| Ada's first trip to 7,000 feet elevation; she did great! |
 |
| Aah! A hand-knit bonnet from mommy - such fun!! |
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Ten Pound Baby
A great celebration occurred in our household this past week... Ada is now over the 10 pound mark, and we are glad and rejoicing! A week ago at the pediatrician, she had gained about a half ounce a day, which the pediatrician was happy about... "Keep doing what you're doing!" was her word of encouragement to us as we headed out the door. Sigh. Do you know what the means? That is not encouragement! One of these days I want to hear the doctor say, "Hey, go ahead and relax, let off a bit! Take the pressure off!" But until then, we keep going with the 8 time a day feedings, followed by bottles... followed by pumping, followed by collapsing in a pile of exhaustion!
But it was GOOD news that she is gaining weight, and continued to do so this past week, at the same pace of a half ounce a day. We pray that it continues and that she continues to grow big and strong, heart-wise and other-wise. So we celebrated and I made a Peach Kuchen, recipe to follow. Feel free to make it in your own home and party with us! Tasty with the fresh Colorado peaches which are now gloriously in season...
SD Peach Kuchen (from the March/April 2011 edition of MidWest Living)
1.5 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1.5 t. baking pwdr.
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
2 cups sliced fresh peaches
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 T. corn syrup
1 T. butter
1 t. lemon juice
Grease and flour 9 by 9 pan. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Cut in butter to resemble rice grains; make well in center. In small bowl, mix egg and milk; add to flour mixture. Stir til moistened (it will be lumpy).
Spread into pan. Arrange peach slices over batter. In saucepan, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, 1 T. butter, and lemon juice. Bring to boiling. Drizzle over peaches. Bake in 350 degree oven 40-45 minutes. Yum.
We are awaiting the arrival of a "holter" (sp?) for Ada to wear. At the last doctor appointment she had missed or delayed heart beats, which apparently is somewhat common for little ones, but under her circumstances, the cardiologist wants to know how often this is happening in case there is cause for concern. The holter will register how often it is happening over a period of time... maybe just a couple of days. So we wait.
Today was good, for the most part, and we are so thankful. We continue to be grateful for all the prayers and words of support!
But it was GOOD news that she is gaining weight, and continued to do so this past week, at the same pace of a half ounce a day. We pray that it continues and that she continues to grow big and strong, heart-wise and other-wise. So we celebrated and I made a Peach Kuchen, recipe to follow. Feel free to make it in your own home and party with us! Tasty with the fresh Colorado peaches which are now gloriously in season...
SD Peach Kuchen (from the March/April 2011 edition of MidWest Living)
1.5 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1.5 t. baking pwdr.
1/4 t. salt
1/4 t. nutmeg
1/4 c. butter
1 egg
1/2 c. milk
2 cups sliced fresh peaches
1/3 c. brown sugar
1 T. corn syrup
1 T. butter
1 t. lemon juice
Grease and flour 9 by 9 pan. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and nutmeg. Cut in butter to resemble rice grains; make well in center. In small bowl, mix egg and milk; add to flour mixture. Stir til moistened (it will be lumpy).
Spread into pan. Arrange peach slices over batter. In saucepan, mix brown sugar, corn syrup, 1 T. butter, and lemon juice. Bring to boiling. Drizzle over peaches. Bake in 350 degree oven 40-45 minutes. Yum.
We are awaiting the arrival of a "holter" (sp?) for Ada to wear. At the last doctor appointment she had missed or delayed heart beats, which apparently is somewhat common for little ones, but under her circumstances, the cardiologist wants to know how often this is happening in case there is cause for concern. The holter will register how often it is happening over a period of time... maybe just a couple of days. So we wait.
Today was good, for the most part, and we are so thankful. We continue to be grateful for all the prayers and words of support!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Ten Years to the Day.
Today I had a realization.
Ada was born on June 15, 2011.
Where was I ten years prior to her birth?
A 20 year old, riding back to summer camp after a week of staff training on the North Shore of Lake Superior. In a patch of road construction, the driver lost control of the 15 passenger van in which we were riding and at 65 mph we headed into the ditch, rolling end over end. Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics presumed that at least half of the passengers would be dead on the scene. There were seven of us in all. Seven young, passionate, adventurous camp counselors. Seven daughters and sons. Seven souls. And all seven lived.
The accident on June 15, 2001 was an event that I will never forget - the sights: wriggling out of the window next to me and falling on the ground in what I thought was the wrong direction. In the crash, I'd squeezed my eyes shut so tight that I lost my contact and was unaware that the van was now upside down on the ground. The sounds - I'd been wearing headphones, listening to a song, "Can't Live a Day" by Avalon, when the wreck occurred. I don't remember the sound of the crash itself, but remember the sounds of our director yelling for us to get out of the van. The smells - gasoline and rubber and damp earth.
This was a moment of my life when I saw it all - though briefly - pass before me, and I thought I was going to die. In the weeks and months that followed I struggled with many of the other survivors of the accident - my friends - as we dealt with a lot of aftermath of being involved in a traumatic accident. I asked God why. Why me? Why did it have to happen? Why did I survive?
As I realized today that Ada came into the world exactly ten years after I went through this experience, I was stunned. And I thank the Lord. Though I don't know exactly why, yet.
I only know that recently I have been working through a question: How long will I live here? The question started off even before Ada was born as a particular struggle of mine as I continue to miss my homeland, and never planned to live for so long away from family and friends back in MN. I knew and know that having a baby with need of consistency in health care and insurance junk would mean that we'd be living longer in this land out west. And some days that can be so hard, particularly as holidays and birthdays and family events come and go. And for the Larsons, this has been a year with a lot of transition, which I have watched from a distance.
So I was driving around one afternoon, pondering this question, when I turned it around. Well, I probably didn't all on my own, since many times I take my time and enjoy living for a bit in my "woe is me" world. But slowly I began to ask myself, "How long will I live here?" Wait, that's the same question. But instead of meaning, "How long will I live in this physical place or with these specific circumstances that I don't like...", it changed to asking, "How long will I live in this place of discontentment?" How long?
How long...
How long, O Lord? It seems that in our present situation, every other day is a hard day, a tough day with Ada. Feedings that do not go well. Weigh-ins that aren't high enough. Inconsolable evening crying. I wish that things were different, and I cry out to God, "Let her eat - MAKE her eat more. It's not enough! She's burning through her calories with this crying - make her stop... help me." I miss out on social events and "mommy groups" and engagements out of our apartment that would only tire Ada and put her in contact with germs. And although we're managing okay and hanging in there, I get tired and frustrated and worried and wonder how long and for what purpose.
A week ago I read a verse in Psalm 138... "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." I don't get it right now. The purpose of these trials, these tough days, that is.
Ten years ago, I didn't get it, either. What was the purpose of the accident and of my survival? I wrestled with it for months. Ultimately at that point, a different verse became life-giving to me: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." I was confronted with the frailty of life, and the uncertainty of tomorrow, and had to deal with the fact that I was not guaranteed another day, another breath. But the importance came in living each day with purpose, acknowledging the Lord's grace to me in my life. And to have been given a gift in a precious baby daughter on the 10th anniversary of the event that called this to my mind... is pretty awesome.
A bit of an update on Ada's situation: slowly, slowly she gains weight, though now we are supplementing more often with breastmilk infused with delectable formula for extra calories. She continues to be on the diuretic, and a chest x-ray last week and blood work showed that her lungs are not filled with fluid, which is a huge blessing. Her coloring is good, her breathing seems fine, so really the main issue is her weight gain. She is cooing like crazy these days, and I'm convinced that she tries to sing with me. What a doll...
Please continue praying for her heart condition and preparation physically for the surgery this fall, and for Nick and I as we make decisions in feeding, schedules, social engagements, work possibilities, and anything and everything else that all ties in. Grateful for all of your support and love!
Ada was born on June 15, 2011.
Where was I ten years prior to her birth?
A 20 year old, riding back to summer camp after a week of staff training on the North Shore of Lake Superior. In a patch of road construction, the driver lost control of the 15 passenger van in which we were riding and at 65 mph we headed into the ditch, rolling end over end. Upon arrival at the scene, paramedics presumed that at least half of the passengers would be dead on the scene. There were seven of us in all. Seven young, passionate, adventurous camp counselors. Seven daughters and sons. Seven souls. And all seven lived.
The accident on June 15, 2001 was an event that I will never forget - the sights: wriggling out of the window next to me and falling on the ground in what I thought was the wrong direction. In the crash, I'd squeezed my eyes shut so tight that I lost my contact and was unaware that the van was now upside down on the ground. The sounds - I'd been wearing headphones, listening to a song, "Can't Live a Day" by Avalon, when the wreck occurred. I don't remember the sound of the crash itself, but remember the sounds of our director yelling for us to get out of the van. The smells - gasoline and rubber and damp earth.
This was a moment of my life when I saw it all - though briefly - pass before me, and I thought I was going to die. In the weeks and months that followed I struggled with many of the other survivors of the accident - my friends - as we dealt with a lot of aftermath of being involved in a traumatic accident. I asked God why. Why me? Why did it have to happen? Why did I survive?
As I realized today that Ada came into the world exactly ten years after I went through this experience, I was stunned. And I thank the Lord. Though I don't know exactly why, yet.
I only know that recently I have been working through a question: How long will I live here? The question started off even before Ada was born as a particular struggle of mine as I continue to miss my homeland, and never planned to live for so long away from family and friends back in MN. I knew and know that having a baby with need of consistency in health care and insurance junk would mean that we'd be living longer in this land out west. And some days that can be so hard, particularly as holidays and birthdays and family events come and go. And for the Larsons, this has been a year with a lot of transition, which I have watched from a distance.
So I was driving around one afternoon, pondering this question, when I turned it around. Well, I probably didn't all on my own, since many times I take my time and enjoy living for a bit in my "woe is me" world. But slowly I began to ask myself, "How long will I live here?" Wait, that's the same question. But instead of meaning, "How long will I live in this physical place or with these specific circumstances that I don't like...", it changed to asking, "How long will I live in this place of discontentment?" How long?
How long...
How long, O Lord? It seems that in our present situation, every other day is a hard day, a tough day with Ada. Feedings that do not go well. Weigh-ins that aren't high enough. Inconsolable evening crying. I wish that things were different, and I cry out to God, "Let her eat - MAKE her eat more. It's not enough! She's burning through her calories with this crying - make her stop... help me." I miss out on social events and "mommy groups" and engagements out of our apartment that would only tire Ada and put her in contact with germs. And although we're managing okay and hanging in there, I get tired and frustrated and worried and wonder how long and for what purpose.
A week ago I read a verse in Psalm 138... "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands." I don't get it right now. The purpose of these trials, these tough days, that is.
Ten years ago, I didn't get it, either. What was the purpose of the accident and of my survival? I wrestled with it for months. Ultimately at that point, a different verse became life-giving to me: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." I was confronted with the frailty of life, and the uncertainty of tomorrow, and had to deal with the fact that I was not guaranteed another day, another breath. But the importance came in living each day with purpose, acknowledging the Lord's grace to me in my life. And to have been given a gift in a precious baby daughter on the 10th anniversary of the event that called this to my mind... is pretty awesome.
A bit of an update on Ada's situation: slowly, slowly she gains weight, though now we are supplementing more often with breastmilk infused with delectable formula for extra calories. She continues to be on the diuretic, and a chest x-ray last week and blood work showed that her lungs are not filled with fluid, which is a huge blessing. Her coloring is good, her breathing seems fine, so really the main issue is her weight gain. She is cooing like crazy these days, and I'm convinced that she tries to sing with me. What a doll...
Please continue praying for her heart condition and preparation physically for the surgery this fall, and for Nick and I as we make decisions in feeding, schedules, social engagements, work possibilities, and anything and everything else that all ties in. Grateful for all of your support and love!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)