1...2...3...cheese!

the MILK baby!

Austin appears to be doing a little better. He's eating better now and improving from Thursday last week. Keep praying! Pray that he'll continue to be interested in eating... we need a little "milk piggie." Smile.

Remember, this Thursday is his heart catherization. He'll be admitted to the hospital at 6 a.m. with the catherization beginning around 8:30 and lasting appx. 1-2 hours. Pray for Austin, and for Andy & Heather. Austin will probably have to spend the night in the hospital, pray he recovers well!

Sometime Friday or the first part of next week we'll know when Austin's second surgery is scheduled... stay tuned for updates.

Pray... Austin needs to eat!

Austin hasn't eaten since 3 a.m. last night... please join us in praying!

Pray that he doesn't become hydrated, and especially join us in praying that he'll eat!

Stay tuned for an update.

the Doctor said...

Austin had his two appointments this week, and both were good appointments.

On Tuesday, he saw his cardiologist (heart doctor). Dr. Colvin is still very pleased with Austin's progress and we are closely approaching his second surgery. On May 3rd, Austin will have a heart catherization done to look at his heart, possilby open up an artery, and take some pictures of his heart to prepare for the second surgery. Then sometime around the middle of May, Austin will have his surgery. Please begin praying now for his heart catherization and for the surgery. Pray for peace and comfort for Andy & Heather, and especiallly for Austin.

Then on Wednesday, Austin saw the GI (stomach doctor). Dr. King was amazing! We were very pleased with him and all he helped us with. He isn't very worried about Austin's bloody stools. He says they're related to a milk protein intolerance, and Austin is outgrowing it, so Dr. King isn't worried about it and says they will go away. If Austin were younger, he might would change something, but since he is 3 1/2 months old, Dr. King says it'll go away. Andy & Heather agreed with Dr. King since Austin hasn't had any bloody stools over the past two weeks. Yay!!! This was a huge praise for us!

Now, our main concern with the GI doctor is helping Austin eat better and increase his appetite. Dr. King has changed some of his reflux medication and next week Austin will have a GI test done. Pray for Austin on Monday as he undergoes some GI testing, pray that Dr. King will be able to find a solution to helping Austin eat better. The tests will be done on Monday, then Austin will see Dr. King again on Wednesday. Pray that all will go well. Especially since we're approaching surgery and would like to have Austin's stomach issues behind us.

I know I say this a lot, but THANK YOU for all your prayers! This wouldn't be possible without your support! Thank you! It means a lot to us to know that so many people are going before the throne on our behalf. Our God is amazing! Thank you for loving us because of Him.

We're going to the doctor today...

Reminder... we're headed to the cardiologist (heart doctor) today... pray for the Doctor's wisdom as we discuss a possible surgery date and check on Austin's progress.

Also, remember, Austin has an appointment tomorrow with a GI (stomach doctor).

Pray that all will go well with both appointments.

Keep praying for Austin to eat well!

Happy Easter!

Austin had a good day yesterday celebrating our RISEN KING!!!

He is eating well, but still has a hard time sometimes. Join us in praying that he'll eat well and continue to grow. He has gained some weight over the last week, which is good! But we need him to continue gaining... keep praying.

Austin is also still having some problems with blood in his stools, he will go next week to see a special stomach (GI) doctor. Join us in praying that this doctor will be able to figure out the problem, also pray that once we know whats wrong, we'll be able to treat it.

Austin has two big doctors appointments next week, one on Tuesday with his cardiologist, we'll probably begin discussing his second surgery next week, pray for the doctors to have wisdom and for Andy and Heather to have a peace about the journey ahead. Also, pray for Austin's doctors appointment on Wednesday with the GI doctor, pray that all will go well!

Stay tuned... updated pictures coming soon!

HLHS Poem

I recently received this poem from a HLHS mother. It's been such a BLESSING to see how God has brought various people into our lives through Austin's journey. It has greatly enriched our lives and made this journey all the better! Thank you!

1/2 OF AN ANGEL'S HEART

It's a beautiful day up in heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don't want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you." He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that the angel is just going for a visit. The little angel is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus kneels down, and says, "How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles and says, "I guess that will work." But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks, "Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help you out, and you will be fine." Then Jesus gives the angel more details about His plan. He says, "When you are born, your mommy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart." "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to heaven, I will make your heart whole again. Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."

Austin is our little angel sent to us with half a heart... but so comforting to remember that God has Austin's whole heart in His hand and is in control of it all! What a peace to know that its in our Father's hand!

Thank you for walking this journey with us.