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| Dad Mom and Mallory 5 months old. |
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| Michael and Mallory Christmas 2006 |
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| Mom and Mallory at Disneyland for Mallory's Birthday! |
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| Mallory 2 years old. March 2007 |
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Mallory's Birthday! |
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Mallory, 2 months old |
Our daughter Mallory was born on New Year's Eve this year (2004-2005). Everything seemed perfect until the next day. She stopped breathing in the nursery and was flown to Loma Linda University Children's hospital where she was diagnosed with TGA, VSD, and pulmonary atresia. She had BT -shunt surgery at five days old, and is now home growing, so she can have her complete repair (the Rastelli procedure).
Mallory is as cute as a button. She is a joy to me (Madeline 28), her dad (Jason 33), and her brother (Michael 9 Heart Healthy).
We were surprised to learn how many children are affected with CHD?this whole community was previously unknown to us, but we pray for all of you (children with CHD and their families).
April 2007 Update
A lot has happened since we last posted. Mallory had her Glenn down at CHLA in December of 2006. We were hoping that she would be able to have a complete repair and that is why we traveled to another hospital, but as our initial surgeon stated, a Rastelli was not possible with her anatomy. Not only was she unable to have the Rastelli, but she also had some complications that kept us in the hospital for 22 days. Her complications included both diaphragms being paralyzed (for which she had an additional surgery), a chylothorax, and pleural effusion (fluid on her lungs). It was very scary at times, but we pulled through with God's strength and the support of our families and friends.
Now we are back at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital with Dr. Bailey, and are preparing for the Fontan. We pre-op on May 24th and surgery is scheduled for May 29th. We are anxious, but also excited to finish the last of three-step surgeries.
On the developing baby front she is GREAT! She did do things like crawling and walking a little late. But she is very smart, and not to mention cute as a button. She talks up a storm. One of the cute things she's done lately is count the cars as we pass them in the van, and when I clap for her she'll say "thank you, thank you." She loves Disneyland, music, dancing, the park, and hanging out with her family.
Although the heart stuff has been scary, and overwhelming at times, we love being Mallory's parents and wouldn't change it for the world, so if this the price of admission we are happy (most of the time :-) to pay it!
