Tricuspid Atresia

I realized that I have never posted an informational piece about Lucas' specific defect. I get asked all of the time to explain exactly what his defect entails.. which I don't mind at all!! I actually love explaining it and helping others to understand it, because it can be quite complicated. I found this info on Wikipedia and AHA. It even has pictures of what a tricuspid atresia heart looks like. The only thing slightly different about Lucas' heart is that he has two superior vena cava. Hope this is informative.

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1310

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricuspid_atresia


Here is a picture after Lucas got his hair trimmed. He has gotten several trims.. maybe soon he will get his first real big boy haircut.

11 Months Old

I was literally brought to tears on my way to work today when I realized it was Lucas' 11 month birthday. It was this week one year ago that I went out on maternity leave..not knowing where life would take us. I just cannot believe or even really fathom what we have been through this past year. As we are quickly approaching Lucas' birthday I find myself trying to remember parts of the last year. I can barely remember the days right after he was born, it is a blur. What I remember most is when I was still paralyzed from my spinal and all I could do was turn my head.. he raised his hand in a fist (which he still does sometimes) as he was being wheeled out in his plastic incubator with the flight crew.

It is too much for two people to go through as many of you know. I often find myself getting mad or upset with myself because I can't remember certain parts of this past year...why can't I remember, why have I suppressed this..? I want so badly to remember every memory of him as a sweet little baby boy, but I can't remember everything. I really feel like it will take more than a year to process and sort through this past year...I have a feeling we'll be processing it for a lifetime. As always, but so much recently he has been such a beacon of light. Such a reminder of what is truly important in life. We finally decided to take Lucas to church with us this past weekend.. we haven't taken him yet because we have been trying to keep him out of large crowds to keep him as healthy as possible.. but we decided it was time, and it is what we needed as a family. Lucas hummed along to all of the music..and even clapped to some songs. Truly a miracle child!

As I was writing this blog, Peter brought Lucas out wrapped in a towel after his bath.. like he loves.. and Lucas reached over to me and gave me a (very wet and sloppy) kiss and long hug. And yet AGAIN he gives me faith and hope...he is truly the best!

Pictures...Finally

Everyday I keep saying.. gosh Lucas is at such a fun age. He is so interactive and overall a very happy baby. He is so intuitive and exploring EVERYTHING. No cabinet or door is left unopened. He is still a bit wobbly on his feet, but he is really trying to move accross a room. I hope you enjoy the pictures, I apologize for the long time it took to get them up. Thank your for your continued prayers for Lucas, he truly is a miracle boy!!

My Grandma came over for a visit and Lucas really loved her walker, he actually cried for quite some time when she left with it!
Who needs to hire movers when we have this little guy...he is quite the box mover!