Dedication of Our Miracle Babies

I was blessed last year to share in the bond of pregnancy with my two sisters - Keri, my big sister and Christina, my sister-in-law. We were all only a few months apart, with Keri being first, me second and Christina third. Keri and I were both having girls, and Christina was having a boy...her third!
Each baby in our family is a special miracle, but there was something amazing about the three born this year. A little background...

Christina is a breast cancer survivor. She underwent chemo, radiation and a double mastectomy after the birth of her first baby, at the age of 29. Her cancer was hormone-induced, so she was warned that getting pregnant again was pretty much out of the question. Her second son, Matteo was a divine "accident", and God blessed her with a healthy pregnancy. So when they wanted a third to complete their family they prayerfully considered it before stepping out in faith. Levi, her third is another amazing testimony of God's grace. Christina is healthy and thriving and completely cancer-free!

Keri started bleeding only a few months into her pregnancy, and found out that she had a large melon-sized hematoma in her uterus along with placenta accreta. She was told that if there were any complications with Hannah's birth, that she could bleed out on the table. As you can imagine, this was devastating news to our family. However, as I've witnessed countless times in my life, prayer and the grace of God can move even the biggest mountains. And move they did! A few months before Hannah came into this world Keri's hematoma had re-absorbed into her uterus and her placenta had moved enough to be considered within "normal range". Hannah was born several weeks early, and after a short stint in the NICU was cleared to go home.

While we were out in California in July we planned on dedicating all three miracle babies. What an awesome gift to be able to stand in front of the congregation as examples of God's amazing grace.

The three babies being dedicated

Our amazing pastor from Sierra Bible Church and the grandbabies (minus Levi who was asleep in his car seat)

Our sweet girl!

OUR Aspen IN Aspen

We took a family trip to Aspen, Colorado at the end of September to see the beautiful fall colors, and to introduce our Aspen to the inspiration behind her name :) Here are a few of the photos we got of our sweet girl with her trees!

Have to give credit to our friend Melissa for making this adorable headband!

Mommy's sweetie!

So cute!

Daddy's girl!

 View more photos on Photobucket under "Colorado Trip".

Like Father Like Daughter

A lover of the Food Network, just like Daddy!

Sitting Up

Sitting up all by myself!

Video Of Me Sitting Up 

Long overdue update!

Aspen has been doing so well! We went to the cardiologist the day before we left on our big trip to California and everything looks good. They still hear a slight murmur (small leakage) in her lower chamber, which is supposedly pretty common post-op. They are hoping it will close on its own over time, but they'll keep an eye on it - nothing she'll need another surgery for though, praise God! We have another appointment in several months to continue to monitor her progress. I am continually amazed at her strength and healing, and most of all the grace of God!

We took our first trip with Aspen out to California to spend time with my family and to introduce Aspen to her cousins and aunts/uncles she wasn't able to meet. Apparently we booked the trip at the right time, avoiding some of the horribly hot 100 plus degree days we've had here in KC. Yuck!

We've included pictures below that capture some highlights of our trip.

My sister-in-law organized a family photo shoot for all of us and our respective families.

Our family

Our sweet girl

Aspen & Daddy

Aspen with her Aunt Jo

Some cute photos Nini captured

Happy girl!

Oh, the life!

Surgery Progress - Day 7 and NOW AT HOME!

Approximately seven days after open heart surgery, Aspen is now back home!  Talk about a speedy recovery!  From fighting off potential germs and infections to healing the heart muscle after a complex surgery, the human body is remarkably resilient...

What a special week it has been for our family... we have made many new friends and cannot express enough gratitude to our CMH medical community.  While the week started with tears and the fear of the unknown, we ended with lots of smiles and laughter.  These are the times you simply cherish, and will remember forever. 

We cannot thank each and every one of you enough for your continued support.  We will have more updates very soon! 

May God bless you all!

P.S.  Aspen sends her love to all of the staff at CMH.  She was all smiles leaving the Sutherland Tower early this afternoon.

Intercepted a Letter

As a father, I've always wondered when "The Time" would come.  When I reference "The Time", I am referring to my little daughter dating.  As many of you have seen via the blog, our little Aspen went on her first date with Sandy and Marvin's handsome son named Austin.  I'm not going to lie, I was nervous, but knew that Austin had a heart of gold and that he had a fantastic set of parents.  The date went extremely well, but little Aspen was surprised that Austin had not picked up the phone to call her --- post date.  While she was saddened, she knew that it was also important to play the dating game.  Surprisingly, she told us that it was critical to not agree to all dates right away and to not answer every single phone call.  I smiled...

HOWEVER, while Aspen has been in the hospital (and unable to check our mail box), I intercepted a letter.  I don't think she'll mind that pops was snooping through her mail!  In fact, she will actually be super excited to see that her first date wrote a very sweet and sincere note, which included one of most adorable dressess known to mankind.

Sandy and Marvin, I hope you don't mind that I am sharing the note.  It is perfect for such a stressing time! 

Sincerely,

A Smitten Father

Surgery - Day 3 Progress

Good evening,

Quick update...

Aspen had a fantastic Day 3!  Her ventilaton tube, kidney tube, pacemaker wires, brain electrowave wires, two IVs and catheter were all officially removed.  She was also allowed to consume a few ounces of Pedialyte in order to replenish her vital minerals and nutrients.

She was quite alert for being so heavily sedated over the past couple of days! 

We continue to praise God for all of the wonderful love and support he has supplied us over the last few days.  This not only includes watching over little A, but also for everyone thinking and praying for us.  Thank you all!

Surgery - Day 2 Progress

Just wanted to send out a brief update - Aspen is doing well, praise God! They weaned her off four medications today and are slowly weaning her off the sedation medication. She woke up for a brief second and looked us both in the eyes before falling back asleep, but that moment was priceless to us!

She's still on her ventilation machine because they need her more awake before they take it out to ensure she can breath well on her own. It may come out later this evening or tomorrow morning.

Thank you again for your thoughts and prayers. More updates to follow...

Surgery - A Success!

All,

Amy and I are excited to report that Aspen's AV canal surgery was a success!  The medical staff at Children's Mercy has been FANTASTIC.  We couldn't have asked for a better team of care professionals.  It's simply astounding to see the amount of care and affection poured out by Aspen's doctors and nurses.

Our amazing Lord continues to provide for our daily needs, as well as bless us with continued love and peace through these difficult times!

We will be updating everyone with more information in the coming hours.  For now, we wanted those who are following the blog to know that she is doing very well and resting peacefully!  Thank you all again for your continued thoughts and prayers... they are MUCH appreciated!

Below are a couple of photos of Aspen resting in her bed. 

More updates to come...

Love,
Matt & Amy