Let me Introduce you to Austin!

Austin Carter Anderson, born January 7, 2007 at 7:44 a.m. to Andy & Heather Anderson. Weighing in at 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 inches long. A handsome baby with a grand welcome!

Andy & Heather are dear friends of mine and baby Austin has won my heart! I am starting this blog with the intentions of it being a place where you can stay updated on his journey and better pray for Andy, Heather, and especially for Austin.

Heather and Andy enjoyed several hours with their precious newborn in their room on Sunday evening before allowing him to go to the nursery for a good nights rest. Monday morning he was in NICU and our lives changed forever. By 12 noon on Monday, Austin had been diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and is facing an extensive series of surgeries.

You ask, what does all of this mean?

Austin's heart did not fully develop inutero and the left side of his heart is "small" and does not function. He has a heart defect known as Hypoplastic Left Heart. Austin is currently in the Regional NICU at the University of Alabama Birmingham's hospital. He is on a ventilator which is helping him breathe, and on medication allowing his heart to function properly for the time being. He is awaiting sugery. The first of a series of three surgeries is scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th. This surgery is called the "Norwood Procedure." It is a very complex surgery that will rearrange the dynamics of his heart allowing the right side of his heart to function as both the right and left side should. The success of this surgery marks the road ahead for recovery and the two surgeries to follow. After surgery Austin is facing an appx. month stay in the hospital as he recovers. Once well enough, he will be able to go home for a few months before facing surgery #2. The second surgery is known as the "Glenn Procedure." This surgery will be done once Austin reaches 4 to 6 months of age. With the third, the "Fontan Procedure" being completed between 2-3 years of age.

How can we be praying right now?

1. Pray for Austin to be able to come off the ventilator at some point over the next several days. Coming off the ventilator will allow him to be more alert.

2. Pray for Austin to remian in stable condition. As long as he is stable, surgery will be performed a week from today.

3. Pray for Austin as he faces surgery, that he'll be strong, and especially pray for his doctors and nurses. Pray that Dr. Knott-Craig will remain confident and encouraging. Pray that he'll allow God to guide his every move as he touches Austin's heart.

4. Pray for Andy & Heather, pray as Heather is still recovering from childbirth, and pray for her as she is pumping her milk to provide the best nourishment possible for Austin. Pray for Andy as he supports his wife, and cares for himself. Andy & Heather need to stay well for baby Austin.

Remember to check this website frequently as it will be updated. Alson, feel free to post words of prayer and encouragement for Andy, Heather, and baby Austin. Thank you!