Team Ayden

This is Ayden.  He was my very first patient I took care of as a doctor.  He is 2 weeks younger than Alexis.  He has a complicated congenital heart defect with the main defect of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, meaning his left side is too small to function.  He has had the first two stages of his repair and his third surgery will be around 2-3 years of age. Not only does he have the heart issue but he also only has one full size lung because his heart is on the wrong side.  Plus his intestines were rotated and he had a g-tube placed.  Needless to say he's been through a lot, a total of 9 months in and out of the hospital.   He was in the hospital from May-July this admission for respiratory distress and he received a trach while in the hospital.  He has now been home for over a week and doing great. 

(Don't worry his mom gave me permission to post this.)

This little boy really touched me. It might be because he was my first official patient, maybe because he's so close in age to Alexis, but I think it was because God allowed our paths to cross.  He makes anyone smile. My first few days taking care of him, he didn't care for me. He had to warm up to me. Then by the time he was discharged, he would smile when I came to his bed. He would also wave bye to me and we could communicate back and forth with tongue "clucking."  Its such a joy knowing I took care of this kid. I feel so blessed that God has chosen me to care for sick children and help them feel better. I love that not only do I get to help the kids, but I enjoy getting to provide comfort and peace for the families.  He is surrounded by such an amazing family. I can't imagine what his parents have experienced, but they never left his bedside. There was never a moment while I cared for him that he was left alone. What's even more amazing was to see the love his parents had for him. To see that special nurturing bond between a son and mother and then the playful bond between father and son. 

I share this information with you and ask for your help.  I will be walking in the Congenital heart Walk on Team Ayden next month. This is a huge fundraiser for congenital heart defects. I am trying to raise $150.  If you can donate in honor of Ayden, that would be great. Even if its only a dollar or two. I really believe God made our paths cross. 

http://congenitalheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1057623&lis=0&kntae1057623=995308CF45E54F92B7869F04A97E150D&supId=387995441&team=0&nmv=true

Fun at the Zoo

I had last Saturday off so we took a fun trip to the zoo. We only saw about half the zoo before Alexis fell asleep. Then this week I had Sunday off, so we made a second trip to the zoo to see the other half. The St. Louis zoo is free so why not. I think Alexis had fun! 

Slathered up with sun screen ready to see some animals. 

Watching the penguins. 

She loved watching the big elephants. There's even a baby elephant! 

Passed out not even in the car 5 minutes. 

Zoo Trip #2

We had to see the penguins again. 

Right before they got splashed. 

She loved the big "monkey". 

Looking at the zebras. 

The giraffe was so tall!!! 

Having fun with mommy and daddy! 

I hope you enjoyed viewing our trip to the zoo as we sure had a blast!