September 29... that's the day!

Austin's third surgery has been scheduled, we'll head to Memphis, and Austin's surgery will be on Tuesday, September 29th. As I'm sure you can imagine, we have mixed feelings about this surgery. It doesn't get any easier handing him over to a surgeon, much less a heart surgeon, even if it is the third time. The encouraging part is knowing this should be his last heart surgery for some time!

As I think back to January 8, 2007 when Austin was diagnosed with HLHS and we were told he'd need a series of three surgeries, I don't think we really knew what to expect when this time came. How could we? And the many nights Austin fought for his life in the NICU, it was hard to imagine an abundance of energy and life. Austin is FULL of energy, life, joy, curiosity, smiles, and love. He's an amazing little boy, and we're so grateful for his chance at life!

Join us as we pray for Austin as we being to prepare him for his next hospital stay, pray for his doctors and for the team we'll be working with in Memphis. Pray that he'll remain healthy over the next few weeks leading up to his surgery. And even more specifically for his time in Memphis at the end of September.

We'll be sure to update more as we know more details... start praying!

Heart Catheterization

Hey guys- sorry for the lack of updates today. It has been a long day, but things went very well with Austin's catheterization. Dr. McMann was pleased with what he saw, and was able to check pressures, take measurements, and pictures of Austin's heart in preparation for his upcoming surgery (Stage 3: Fontan). All of the information that was collected today will be sent to Austin's surgeon, Dr. Knott-Craig, for review. We're hoping to know something over the next month or so as to when Austin's surgery will be. And as always, we'll be sure to keep you updated!

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers today! Please join us as we pray for God's guidance and wisdom for Austin's doctors and team as they prepare for the next step in his heart journey! Thank you!!!

we're at UAB... waiting...

We're here at UAB. We arrived this morning at 6 a.m. Austin is scheduled to have his heart cath this morning. Stay tuned for more updates!

one week to heart cath...

Austin's heart cath is scheduled for one week from today. Please join us as we approach this big day and pray God's guidance on Austin's doctors and wellness for Austin going into the cath. Thank you!

ready for Summer???

Are you ready for the summer? Austin is; Austin and his new buzz cut are ready for hot Alabama summers! Austin continues to do well, and is enjoying life! Remember to be praying for his next heart catherization, it has been scheduled for June, 15th. 

We'll be sure to keep you updated as it gets closer.

Thank you for still walking this journey with us!

Lollipops, ipods, books, and more!

We saw Dr. Colvin yesterday, and had quite the fun keeping Austin entertained! After a lollipop, reading books, playing with toys, watching cartoons on the ipod, and lots of screams, we were finally cleared to go! Austin did well and Dr. Colvin didn't see anything that caused any concern. He said Austin's heart looks like it should, but he did go ahead and schedule a heart catherization for June. Dr. Colvin is thinking Austin will have his third surgery (Fontan) sometime within the year. We'll know more after his cath in June.
We talked with Dr. Colvin about Austin's "blueness" and he really feels like Austin's heart looks okay. Last Friday, Austin had an episode where he dazed out, became very dizzy, blue from head to toe, coughing, and couldn't catch his breath. Of course, it scared Andy & Heather, it only lasted about 5 minutes, but was enough to prompt concern. Dr. Colvin has issued Austin an event monitor to keep with him for the next month or so as we watch for further episodes. As these episodes arise, the monitor will record a small ekg and send the information on to Dr. Colvin. We hope and pray Austin won't have another one, but if he does, we pray that Dr. Colvin will be able to see what is going on with his heart. As of right now, we're thinking it has something to do with an irregular heart rhythm. Join us as we continue to pray for Austin's health, especially his heart, and his overall health as we approach his cath in June, and third surgery.

We truly truly appreciate your continued support and prayers! I know we say this often, but it means more than you know! As we were leaving Dr. Colvin's office yesterday (at UAB), we walked down the NICU hallway and by the RNICU. It brought back many bitter sweet memories of Austin's time there. They had an empty isolette bed in the hall, and we stood there with Austin for just a minute talking about the many hours we spent watching and wondering through the plastic. Austin has come a long way! He has fought more than most of us will ever fight in our lives, and has much more to fight. Thank you for walking this journey with us!!!

SNOW!

We recently had some snow here in Birmingham... Austin loved getting to play in the snow!

We have a few praises and requests to share with you, please join us in giving God the praise for answered prayers, and join us in continuing to pray for others. Thank you!

-Emma Kate is home and doing well! Thank you for praying for our sweet friend.

-Austin continues to have more and more periods of "blueness" and times when he isn't himself. Join us in praying that he'll continue to be stable and God will give his doctors wisdom in treating him.

-Austin has an appointment with Dr. Colvin on Thursday of this week, pray that we'll have some answers to the increasing "blueness" and guidance in what is to come.

Stay tuned for another update later this week! Have a great week!

Join us in praying for Emma Kate!

Our hearts are burdened for a local HLHS friend, join us as we're praying for precious Emma Kate! You can read more about her story here. Emma Kate, we're praying for you, for your sweet parents and big sister! We can't wait to see all God does through your life!

Thank you!

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Today marks two very special days for Austin! First, today is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day! And... as you all know... today is Valentine's Day!!!
Austin had a great day! He played with a friend and enjoyed putting CHD Awareness stickers all over himself! It was so fun!
We wish you a very happy Valentine's Day!!!

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week!

Join us in raising awareness about Congenital Heart Defects! February 7-14 is Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week... a week set aside for babies, children, and adults with heart defects like HLHS.

GI doctor- CLEARED!

Austin saw Dr. King today (GI/stomach doctor) and all is good! He cleared Austin to only come back on a "as needed" basis! We were thrilled with this and what a blessing to know Austin is doing so well! Dr. King was very pleased with Austin's growth and overall health... so we're good to go!

Stay tuned for more updates... in the meantime, here are a few prayer requests...
-Austin's next appointment with Dr. Colvin (cardiologist) is in March. Be praying for this appointment and what lies ahead for Austin.
-As Austin gets older we're getting closer to his third surgery. Join us as we're already praying for this process, where it will take place (Memphis), Austin's overall health going into surgery, the surgery itself, and his recovery. We'll keep you updated once we know more about this... it will probably be sometime over the next year.
-Also, join us in praying for a friend of Austin's. When Austin was in NICU at UAB, we had the privilege of sharing our journey with two other families who were also walking through the HLHS journey. One of these little boys, Mitchell, is having a hard time right now, physically, he has been in and out of Children's Hospital lately. Join us as we pray for Mitchell, and for his family!

Thank you!!! We couldn't do this without you!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Austin!!

Austin is TWO years old!!!

Its so hard to believe that he has already celebrated his second birthday! January 7, 2009 marked Austin's second birthday, with the 8th of January quickly reminding us that it has been two years since he was diagnosed with HLHS. And what an amazing two years it has been! God has proved Himself to be the INCREDIBLE God, and we'll forever be grateful for His goodness!

Austin, you're the blessing we never expected, thanks for being God's little miracle to us! We love you! Happy Birthday!!!

Happy New Year!!!

We're looking forward to 2009, and all that God will bring our way!!! Its so hard to believe that Austin is almost two years old, time goes by so quickly! We hope that your New Year is a great one! Happy New Year!!!

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!

Austin is turing ONE! and You're Invited!

Andy, Heather, and Austin would like to invite you to help celebrate Austin's first year of life!!! A year ago next week, we didn't know if Austin would be here in a year, muchless if he would be here for a month. God has truly blessed us with a precious little boy, a little boy who has been a blessing to so many lives!!! We want to celebrate, and would love to have you join us!

What: Austin's 1st Birthday Party
When: Saturday, January 5, 2008 at 2 to 4 p.m.
Where: The Church at Brook Hills, Room #130 (3145 Brook Highland Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35242)

***Be on the lookout for fun birthday pictures coming soon!***

Merry Christmas!

I'm growing and into everything!

I am almost crawling! I'm loving life and exploring my world. Christmas is almost here, and I can't wait! Then it'll be my BIRTHDAY!!! In a few weeks I'll be ONE year old! God has blessed my life! And I know I have you to thank! Thank you for being such an important part of my life! Thank you for praying for me!
-Austin

Happy Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween everyone! Austin is doing well! He's enjoying life and having a great time with his Daddy and Mommy!

I'm a CUTIE!!!

As you can see... Austin is doing GREAT!!! He's growing and so happy! Austin saw Dr. Colvin (his cardiologist) yesterday, and everything looks great! Dr. Colvin adjusted some of his medicines since Austin has gained weight (he now weighs 18 1/2 lbs!!!), and then said come back in 3 months! We're so happy!
Continue to pray for Andy and Heather as they care for Austin. And pray for Austin, that his health will remain stable. Especially pray for his health over this upcoming cold and flu season, pray that he'll remain healthy! Thank you for all your continued support!!! We wouldn't have made it this far without you. THANK YOU!

pray for SLEEP!

Austin is still struggling with pretty bad acid reflux... and it's keeping him up at night... we've tried several medications, and he still seems to be having a hard time with it. Andy & Heather ask that you join us in praying for Austin as he continues growing, and for their rest! SMILE. The acid reflux and his heart condition are keeping him up several times a night, but at his age, he could be sleeping through the night... join us in continuing to pray for precious baby Austin!

Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us!

We LOVE to eat our food!

Austin LOVES to eat his baby food! Actually, he prefers to eat his vegetables than his fruit, he's so cute! He went and saw his stomach doctor on Monday, and Dr. King said everything looks great and said come back in 6 months!!! This is such a huge relief for Andy and Heather! They can finally take some time to themselves to enjoy Austin with no regular doctor appointments and Austin is stable!

THANK YOU for your prayers!!!

Eating & Growing!!!

Austin continues to do well! He's eating and growing just as he should be. He enjoys rolling around on the floor, playing in his swing, and jumping in his "jumperoo." He's precious and so full of life!

GREAT news!!!

We saw Dr. Colvin on Friday and Austin is doing GREAT!!! Dr. Colvin took him off Lasix for the fluid, and said, "Come back in mid October!!!" We're thrilled! It'll be so strange not taking Austin to the doctor, but its awesome! Cuz this means he's doing well!

Keep praying for our sweet little boy! He's growing and smiling... so full of LIFE!!!

6 months old and doing well!

Austin is 6 months old!!! And he continues to do very well! He's growing, eating, and smiling!

Austin will go back to his cariologist (heart doctor) this Friday for a checkup... pray that all will be well and he'll be cleared for a few months! Stay tuned for updates from Dr. Colvin...

I'm pretty cute!