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!

14 lbs.

Austin is reaching 14 lbs.! He's eating like a champ! He loves his cereal and veggies!

One of our ongoing prayer requests has been Austin's weight... he needs to keep gaining weight... and he seems to be on the road to doing just that!

excited to see Dr. Colvin today!

Austin saw Dr. Colvin today... and got a good report. He's doing very well! He is growing so much! And the fluid that was on his left lung is almost completely gone! We're thrilled! Dr. Colvin said, "Come back in 1 month." We've never gone this long without seeing him... but this is great news for us! This means Austin is doing well enough to stay away from Dr. Colvin, smile.

Austin is now eating cereal and vegetables along with his milk... he's a growing boy! We're so proud of him! He's smiling, cooing, and very aware of everything around him. Keep praying that he'll remain stable, and continue growing. We still need him to keep gaining weight... so keep praying! Thank you!

Happy Father's Day!

Andy, Happy Father's Day!

This is an old picture... but it shows how far we've come... Andy (and Heather) you've been amazing! Austin will ALWAYS thank you for the love and care you've shown him! And especially for the glory that you've given his Heavenly Father.

We went to the Doctor yesterday... all is good.

We saw Dr. Colvin yesterday... and received a good report. Austin is doing well. He has a little fluid around his left lung, Dr. Colvin put him back on Lasix, which will help relieve that fluid. It's only a little fluid, and Dr. Colvin isn't concerned. So, we're happy!

Austin continues to do well... he's eating, sleeping, playing, smiling, pooping, and doing all the normal baby things! He even got some new sunglasses yesterday, and looks so cute in his shades! Stay tuned for a picture with the shades... :+)

Happy Memorial Day!

Austin went swimming tonight... in the big boy pool! He LOVED it! He kicked and splashed, it was so cute! He's doing so well! Keep praying as he continues to heal from surgery and continues to improve.

Smiling & Eating

Austin is still doing well! He's smiling lots and eating very well!

We're so proud of him for being so strong!

in the 90s!

Austin's oxygen sats continue to be in the 90s!!! This is a huge difference from what it was before surgery. He's doing so well! He's even eating better! Before surgery he was averaging between 2-3 oz. per feeding, and now is averaging between 4-5 oz. and occasionally will even eat 6 oz.!!! Austin saw his cardiologist, Dr. Colvin, yesterday. Dr. Colvin said everything looks great and that they'd see him again in 2 weeks!

Austin is much more alert and smiling tons! It's a great feeling for us all to see him doing so well.

Keep praying! God has truly blessed our request! Thank you for playing a part in God's blessing!

HOME!

Austin is HOME!!!

Dr. Knott-Craig came in this afternoon, checked on Austin, and said he could go home! So early this evening, Austin was discharged from UAB! He's at home asleep in his own bed!

We're all amazed at the fact that 4 days after surgery, Austin is at home resting comfortably! His oxygen sats are averaging in the 90s, he's eating great, he's smiling and cooing, and sleeping like normal. He's doing so well!

He'll have a follow up appointment with his cardiologist on Tuesday, stay tuned for more updates.

one of our HEROs!

Austin's hero: Dr. Knott-Craig.

Austin has gained many heros along his journey called life... one of those is Dr. Knott-Craig. Dr. KC is Austin's heart surgeon, he's an AMAZING doctor!

Austin's ultimate hero, Jesus Christ, definitely blessed us with an amazing doctor, and an amazing community of believers to encourage us along the way. THANK YOU!

GREAT night!

Austin had a great night last night... he slept well, had a little pain medicine and slept some more. Smile. He's also continuing to eat well, which is very encouraging! We're so proud of the little fella! Keep praying!

Side note: please continue praying for Austin's friend Daric. Daric has some fluid build up around his lungs from surgery... pray for Daric and his family. They mean a lot to us, and would appreciate your prayers!

Out of CICU... in a room!!!

Austin was transfered out of CICU today and into a regular room! He continues to do very well!

Keep praying!!!

smiles for Dr. Knott-Craig

Austin is doing GREAT!!!

We walked in to see him this afternoon and he was wide awake! He looked at us and cooed at us, it was precious! But we couldn't get him to smile at us, then Dr. Knott-Craig walked in, said a few things to Austin, and there it was! Austin had plenty of smiles for Dr. Knott-Craig! It was PRECIOUS!!!

Austin's chest tubes came out today, his arterial line (IV) came out, and he is weaned off most of his meds. They're only giving him pain medicine as needed, and Austin is doing well! Austin is also breathing room air (this means, no additional oxygen)!!! He may still need some oxygen off and on during the next few days, but when we left today, he was off for now. We're so proud of him!

Dr. Knott-Craig plans to move Austin out of CICU tomorrow, and into a regular room... this is a huge step!

Keep praying!!! And be sure to give God the GLORY for all he's doing in and through Austin's life!

off the ventilator, and awake!

Austin is off the ventilator and doing very well! He's also awake! He's doing GREAT!

We'll get to visit him at 1 today... I'll update again after our visit.

to God be ALL the Glory!!!

Austin is out of surgery and doing well. Austin was in surgery for almost 4 hours, and Dr. Knott-Craig was pleased with the surgery. He did the entire surgery without putting Austin on the heart & lung bypass machine. This was amazing!!!

As of tonight, Austin is stable and in CICU (Cardiac Intensive Care Unit). He'll be in CICU for a few days, then go to a regular room.

We give God ALL the glory for Austin's progress today! Thank you for all of your prayers and support. It means so much to us!

Currently, we're asking you to pray for Austin as he continues to recover, and specifically for the drainage from his chest tubes, for his vitals to remain stable, and for him as he rests. Pray for Andy & Heather as they rest tonight at home. Pray God will give them the rest they need and strength for tomorrow.

Surgery Info.

Austin's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. We're told the surgery should begin sometime between 11 a.m. and 12 noon. I'll do my best to update tomorrow afternoon once Austin is out of surgery. The surgery should last appx. 3 hours.

Austin has done well today. His sats dropped some this morning, but have been stable most of the afternoon and evening. Pray that he'll rest well tonight, and that Andy & Heather get some rest.

Stay tuned for surgery updates tomorrow afternoon.

Austin is in the hospital; a change of plans...

Austin's O2 sats dropped again today... and his cardiologist decided he wanted to see Austin in the doctor's office. They checked his oxygen and heart and made the decision to admit him to the hospital. He is currently in the hospital at UAB and on oxygen. The extra oxygen seems to be helping him and he's somewhat better now than he was earlier today.

Also, Austin's surgery has been moved up. He will have surgery this coming Wednesday, May 16th. It was originally scheduled for late next week, but he can't wait that long. His surgery will be this Wednesday morning.

Stay tuned for further updates, spread the word. And more importantly, KEEP PRAYING!!! Specifically, pray for Austin, pray for him to remain stable. He's also trying to recover from a bad head cold and cough, pray he'll be well enough for surgery. Pray for Andy & Heather, pray for them to have the strength they need for this week. Pray they'll face the coming days with peace. Pray for Dr. Knott-Craig and his team as they prepare for Austin's surgery.

(these pictures were taken today at UAB)

Happy Mother's Day!

Austin: "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy! I love you!"

A few ups and downs...

The past few days have been rough... Austin has had a few ups and downs...

His O2 stats (oxygen levels) dropped on Friday to very low levels, they were back up Friday evening, but still it was a scary day. Then over the weekend he as run a low grade fever and seems to have a cold/cough. Join us in praying that he'll heal quickly without any major stress on his heart.

He's also still having a hard time eating. We're meeting with Austin's GI doctor soon to discuss putting in a feeding tube. This is the last route we want to go, but also know that Austin needs to eat and grow. Pray for wisdom and peace as we approach this decision.

Austin's 2nd open heart surgery has been scheduled for Thursday, May 24th. Join us in praying for this day. God's word says:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

4 oz.

Austin appears to be eating better today. He usually averages 3 oz. each feeding, but several times today he's taken 4 oz.! Guess he's making up for lost time, smile.

Keep praying for his appetite to increase and for him to eat more consistently.

a night in the ER...

After only eating 3 oz. in 18 hours... Austin ended up in the ER tonight... it was a long night, and he seems to be doing better now. Doctors don't really know what caused him to not eat... he didn't become dehydrated and they couldn't find anything else going on... so they discharged him. He seems to be eating a little better now.

Join me in praying that Austin's appetite will stay strong and that he'll continue to eat well!!! We're praying for no more set backs!

On another note, Austin's friend, Daric, is doing well. He came out of surgery yesterday and off the ventilator soon after being in recovery. He's a strong little guy. Please continue praying for Daric and for his family. Thank you!

New pictures: Austin

These two pictures were taken last Thursday at UAB... the day of Austin's heart cath. While Austin was recovering from the heart cath surgery, we put him in a wagon at UAB and pulled him around the Pediatric Heart Unit... we all needed the break. smile. Austin continues to do well recovering from the surgery, and he is already back to his old self.

Thank you for praying!

Daric, Austin's friend...

God has brought some amazing people into our lives through Austin's story, and one of those is a little boy... Daric. Daric and his family are from Kansas, and are currently in Birmingham preparing for Daric's third open-heart surgery. Daric also has Hypoplastic Left Heart.

We met Daric's family through this blog and have continued to stay in touch with them, it's been neat to see how God has intertwined our lives together!

Tomorrow morning, at 7 a.m., Daric will undergo open-heart surgery, please take some time to pray for Daric, for Dr. Knott-Craig, and for Daric's family!

Heart Cath. went VERY well!!!

Austin had his heart cath yesterday, and all went very well! I think the hardest part was comforting him before the cath... he was so hungry and we couldn't feed him... and he let us know that he was hungry... not later, but NOW... smile.

He came through the cath very strongly, and the doctor was very pleased with all that he saw. They didn't have to balloon any arteries and only did their "research" to get ready for the second surgery. We were thrilled!

Austin napped most of the afternoon yesterday at the hospital, took a bottle, and spent time recovering from surgery. The doctor discharged him early yesterday evening and he is at home resting.

We're so proud of him... he did so well!

Thank you for your prayers and support, they were felt yesterday... it got us through the day. Thank you!