Thursday, February 9, 2012

POSTER BOY




Henry McDonald is the Johnson County Start!Heart Walk Sponsor child this year. The walk is the morning of May 5 at City Park. We would love to have all our friends and family there to walk with us. We also intend to throw a small party/picnic after the event. More details to come on that.



Right now what we need is donations to the team. All monies stay local and go to the UIHC and the AHA. To donate, please visit the following website.

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=487115&lis=1&kntae487115=92693DA8A95D4C458CD8CB04BCBE843D&login=o


Click on "Find a Team" on the right hand side of that page. Then, click on "Team McDonald".

Let me know if you have any questions.

Cheers,
Kelly

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

A GREAT APPOINTMENT

Henry's appointment yesterday could not have gone better. Seriously - he was a rock star. To start things off the nice nurse who took his vitals had bubbles to distract him. Bubbles!!! Possibly one of his favorite things. We have never gotten his blood saturations and pressure so quickly before. #winning

While waiting in the Cath Lab we run into Dr. Divekar (internalist that does his caths). He took Henry to look at the fish. One of which Abhay had named "Henry". That may be a little white lie, but it's okay by me. Henry loved the fish and I quote, "whoa!"

Then, Roger, our amazing ECHO tech who has been with us through this entire ride, had Mickey Mouse Clubhouse playing for him in a nice and warm room. He sat through the ECHO with little to no problems and didn't have to be sedated. Another win in our book.

Then......the long wait in the Peds Specialty Clinic. Now, when I tell people this they most often say, "weren't you scared that it was taking so long to get back to you". And the answer is - no, not at all. This is why. In the past, when a picture/scan/reading/blood test didn't look right we knew right away. I mean, like walk-into-the-ECHO right-away-to-tell-us-the-next-step sort of fast. The fact that no one was rushing to talk to us made me feel at ease.

We finally get a room (and free parking because of the wait) and the resident comes in. He tells us that he has seen the ECHO pictures with Dr. Law (our Cardiologist) and everything looks GREAT. GREAT!!! No stenosis (narrowing) of his RPA. Essentially, no change from his last exam. #winningtimesamillion I of course tear up and plant close to 75 kisses on my little man. Dr. Law then comes in to tell us the same thing and to give him a quick once over. His pulses in both legs were amazing. One of them used to be less prominent due to the work they have done through the artery. But, he was amazing. A perfect appointment in our eyes.

This does not mean that problems couldn't arise in the future. They ceratainly can. But, this is our present and we are thrilled. Henry is a growing, thriving, and "big 19 month old"......doesn't look like a heart baby at all except for his "zipper" - as per Ian (Dr. Law).

He is off his daily aspirin and is cleared for an entire year. One year people. Yes, I'm nervous about that long wait. But, I have also learned that the UIHC errs on the side of caution. If they didn't think he could go one year, they would not hesitate to have us back in 6 months.

So - as if I even need to say this........YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for your continued support,
Team McDonald
(James, Kel & Henry)

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Super Bowl Sunday

Who are you cheering for? I'm rooting for the Giants (simply because of Sash). James has always been a Patriots fan. And, by a very scientific cheese pole, Henry has chosen the Pats as well. The reality is that Henry will be in bed before half time. I certainly won't last the entire game, and James will probably be forced to watch the ending solo. Oh well, such is life with a vivacious 19 month old that likes to get up at 5:00 in the morning with mommy.

This weekend has been great. Spending most of the time together as a family doing a lot of playing, coloring, hide and see and of course, laundry. We did celebrate our friend Matt's 32nd Birthday Saturday night at Orchard Green in Iowa City. It was a fun, much-needed night out. Kiki was gracious enough to babysit with H-man - I think they both had fun.

The big 6-month cardiology check up is tomorrow. My anxiety is starting to rise to a point of being uncomfortable. I just wish it was over and done with. However, I know I can't change this. Whatever will be, will be. Que sera - right? But, it is my baby and my mind tends to go to the dark side if I let it. My pledge for the evening is to think positive. Feel free to send good vibes our way for a stellar appointment tomorrow for our sweet heart baby.

Gotta run, I must go "find" Henry. His hiding spot between the fireplace and the toy box might take a while to uncover. :)