In memory of Gabe...

Would you please join us in praying for the family of a fellow HLHS friend, Gabe. Gabe was born in December of 2006 with HLHS, and shared many weeks with Austin in the NICU at UAB Hospital. We were truly blessed to have two other families walking the same journey with us during Austin's time in NICU- those friends are the families of Gabe and Mitchell.

Gabe's journey ended early this morning, as he went home to be with our Lord. Gabe passed away sometime this morning; his heart stopped as he went into cardiac arrest. Gabe was at home with his loving parents and baby sister. Gabe had been doing well, and was healthy; his death was sudden and a shock to his family and friends. Please join us in praying for this precious and dear family!

This came as a reminder to us, of the gift we have in Austin! It came as a very quick reminder to cherish each day in a special way and be thankful for the life Austin continues to live. Our hearts are heavy tonight as we begin to think of Gabe's family, and pray for them in the coming days! We're reminded that God is ultimately in control, and we're trusting Him in everything, even in this. Thank you!

Happy Halloween!!!

We're good to go for SIX months!

We visited with Dr. Colvin yesterday, and got a green light for the next six months! Dr. Colvin checked us out and said everything looks great! He was thrilled with Austin's growth and how much he is talking! All of the nurses were so excited to see how big he is! Austin is talking up a storm! It was a good visit and we'll head back in March of next year (unless something changes before then).

Dr. Colvin also explained to us that Dr. Knott-Craig (Austin's heart surgeon) has left UAB and is moving to Memphis. He will begin operating there sometime late fall, and chances are that Austin's third surgery will be in Memphis with Dr. Knott-Craig. We were sad to hear that he has moved, but very relieved to hear that Dr. Colvin will send Austin to Memphis for his next surgery. Hopefully that'll be a long time from now, but comforting to know where Austin will go when the time comes.

Thanks for sticking with us and walking this journey! Stay tuned for some picture updates soon!

on the road to recovery...

Austin is improving- he actually feels great! We got a call this morning from the doctor's office asking us to come back in... Austin's bloodwork from last week came back still having high white blood cell counts and evidence of bacteria in the blood. In other words, his body is fighting an infection somewhere, just not sure exactly where. His pediatrican is treating him with antibiotics and Austin appears to be doing well! Continue to keep him in your prayers!

Also, Austin has a regular checkup with Dr. Colvin (his cardiologist) coming up soon. Stay tuned for that update!

Pneumonia

Hey, prayer warriors... we need your prayers! Austin is sick with pneumonia. He isn't being hospitalized (as of now), but is needing your prayers as he fights this with antibiotics and rest. His white blood cell count is also very high, higher than the doctor wants to see it, so join us in praying that it'll come down over the weekend. Also, pray that the pneumonia won't put too much stress on his heart, and he'll recover well.

Stay tuned for updates after a follow up appointment on Tuesday. Thank you!

Back-2-School!!!

Its BACK-2-SCHOOL time!!!

Andy, Heather, and Austin have moved back to Montevallo. They're busy getting settled in and getting ready to start school! Heather is pursuing her dream of graduating college, and going back to school this fall. Her classes start tomorrow! Heather was enrolled in school when Austin was born, and due to the care that Austin needed, Heather withdrew from school to focus on Austin. But now Austin is stable and doing well, so they're headed back to school! While Heather is in school, Austin will be going to a local "Mother's Day Out" program at a church in Montevallo. This will be the first time Austin has been in a daycare/preschool type setting, join us in praying that this transition will go smoothly! With Heather and Austin in school, Andy will be working to support them. Pray that he'll be able to find the job that God has for him, and pray for Heather and Austin as they adjust to the new routine ahead of them!

Thanks for journeying with us!!!

Peek-a-boo!

Hey! I hope everyone had a very Happy 4th of July!!!

Austin went and saw his GI (stomach) doctor this past week, and everything looks great! Still off the acid reflux medicine and doing well! Dr. King was very pleased! We'll go back in 6 months for another check-up. We love Dr. King, but hopefully we won't have to keep going back for much longer. We love him, but it'd be nice to have one less doctor to see, smile.

I hope you're all having a great week!

Summer is here!!!

Hey guys! Summer is here, and we're having a great time! I love to play with my toys, swim in the pool, and spend time with my family! I hope you're having a great time this summer! I really appreciate all of your prayers and support! I hope one day I can really tell you how much it means to me! Keep praying for me!

-Austin

All is Well for now- thank you!

We spoke with Dr. Colvin last week, and as of right now there is no concern about the blueness of Austin's skin. His O2 sats and heart rate are normal, so the doctor has no immediate concerns. Austin will go to see Dr. Colvin next month and be checked again, we'll keep you updated!!!

Thank you!

BLUE- a new prayer request!

Join me in praying for our precious little boy. Austin has been waking up looking more "blue" than normal. It is normal for him to wake up with a blue tint in his hands and face, but he has been waking up with a blue tint all over his body. It goes away after he has been awake for a few hours, but still concerns us.

Andy & Heather are very concerned and would appreciate your prayers! We will be discussing it with Dr. Colvin on Tuesday- join us in praying that its nothing serious! Thank you!

It's been way TOO long!

Hey... no news is good news... right?

Austin is doing really well! He's growing and WALKING! He went to the cardiologist this week for a checkup, and all is well! Dr. Colvin was very pleased with how he is doing. Austin's pulmonary artery has narrowed some, but Dr. Colvin wasn't concerned... and just said they'd keep an eye on it and check again in several months.

Thank you for continuing to check the blog and lift Austin up to our Father!!!

I was with Austin some this week, and was reminded of how amazing our Father is! Austin is quite the miracle, and we're honored to have a part of God's work in His life! Thank you!

another GREAT report!

Austin saw his GI (stomach) doctor today, and received a great report! The doctor took him off his acid reflux medicine and was VERY please with how well Austin is doing! He was speechless, so impressed with Austin's weight gain and growth. We were thrilled to hear how well he is doing, and also, very encouraged.

Your prayers and support helped make this possible. THANK YOU!

Stay tuned for more updates... thank you for being Austin's community!

We saw Dr. Colvin today...

We saw Dr. Colvin today... and all is well! Austin is doing good! Dr. Colvin was very pleased with his health, heart rate, oxygen levels, etc... And then he said come back in 3-4 months. Yay!!! It's so encouraging to hear how well Austin is doing and know that he continues to be such a blessing to us all!

Continue praising and praying!

Happy Birthday, Austin!

Happy Birthday, Austin!!! We LOVE you! And are so BLESSED to have you in our lives!

Build-a-Bear Workshop

Austin got a Build-a-Bear bear for his birthday. Saturday night we went to Build-a-Bear Workshop to build his bear. We cut the bear's heart in half, so that he would only have half a heart, just like Austin. Austin was fascinated with the whole process, and LOVES his bear!

Austin & Elmo... party pictures are here!

Austin's 1st Birthday party was yesterday, we all had a GREAT time! Austin loved all the attention! He wasn't a huge fan of the cake, but sure did enjoy making a mess! It was neat to have so many special people all in one room! Thank you!