Trad Gang
Main Boards => Prayers/Concerns/Honors/Ailments => Topic started by: Hooked on April 06, 2007, 03:07:00 PM
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My wife is 21 weeks pregnant. Found out on Monday it would be our first boy. Found out on Tuesday that he has a heart defect. We saw a cardiologist today and the baby has what they call a Hypoplastic Left Heart. I will try to describe as simply as possible.
In a normal heart the blood comes into your right atrium from the body, it passes through a valve into the right ventricle then through another valve and on into the lungs. After the blood is oxygenated it returns to the left atrium passes through a valve to the left ventricle then through another valve into the aorta and on out to the body.
Basically, Garrett's (already named) valves in the left side of his heart are sealed off. The chambers are there (very tiny because they are not being used) but the blood is not flowing through them. He is fine now because all the oxygenated blood is being provided by his mother. The difference will be at birth.
They will put him on a special medication immediately, then transfer him to Children's Mercy for his surgery. He will have a surgery at birth (80% of babies make it through this one), another surgery at 5-6 months, and another at 2-3 years (98% make it through the second and third surgery). The surgery will be to reroute the blood to bypass the left side of the heart. Instead of the blood going to the heart from the body, it will be redirected directly to the lungs, then the oxygenated blood from the lungs will go into the right atrium, right ventricle, then out to the body. In other words he will really only have half a heart.
If all the surgeries go well he should be able to live a relatively normal life, with the exception of no real strenuous activities (for example he will not be running cross country or playing quarterback for the high school football team). They are not real sure about life expectancy. They have only been doing these procedures for 15-20 years. 25 years ago they would have told us there was nothing that could be done, but thanks to the advances they have made they can do these surgeries.
We asked if there was any chance of the valves opening up or further developing. The answer was that they have never seen it happen. Which leads me to our prayer request: We will be praying for a miracle. That they will see those valves are open and functioning when we go back to the cardiologist at the end of June. If that is the Lord's Will. If not, then of course we pray that the surgeries will be successful and we will value every day we get to spend with Garrett, no matter how long (or short) of time the Lord blesses us with him!
Thanks in advance for all your prayers!
Chip Jones
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Amen and prayers sent
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Thoughts and prayers sent for your son, yourself and your wife...
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sent
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Prayers sent.
God Bless
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Garrett is already in /God's plan and His capable hands..prayers for true healing and miraculous things from this unborn Son of yours...that he may come to revere and trust the Son of God for all that he will need.
Blessings and peace for you and the wife du8ring the times of trial and challenge.
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I second Doc's prayer! Keep the faith Chip!
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Amen
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Lord we pray that your will be done. Lord we also ask that if it's possible to please give this childa life that may bring Glory to your name and may he be a soul winner for your Kingdom. Lord please give strength to the parents and family of baby Garrett. In your Holy Name we pray.<><
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Prayers sent.
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Prayers sent.Amen doc and sticshooter.
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Just want to say thanks for all your prayers!!!
Ya'll have no idea just how much your prayers mean to my wife and I. The first night after getting this news my wife was a wreck (I was not in the greatest shape myself). But since then we have felt a real peace which I believe is a result of all the prayers folks like you have been saying for us. The positive attitude my wife has had since that first night has really been a blessing.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers for whatever the Lord has in store for us, because we are going to need them!
God Bless!
Chip
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Prayers Continue
God Bless
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Chip,
As the father of two young boys I can only imagine what you and your wife must be going through. I will pray for the three of you.
God bless,
Jaz
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Prayers continue
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CHIP, PLEASE KNOW PRAYERS ARE ON THE WAY FROM MY FAMILY FOR YOURS. PLEASE KEEP US UPDATED. GOD'S PEACE, JED
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God's Peace is amazing...when they penned the phrase, "peace that passess all understanding..." they weren't idle words!
That peace comes and goes day-to-day for some of us, according to our willingness to "let Go and Let God!"
Prayers as Stick wrote for total healing, so that your son might be a mighty warrior for God's purpose...and that whatever is unfolding for you guys, it's your Peace...
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Prayers sent up from Crisfield, MD.
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I know many of you have followed Garrett's fight on some other sites. If you want to know the whole story goto www.caringbridge.org/visit/garrettjones (http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/garrettjones)
Just thought I would put an update here! We really appreciate all of your prayers. There is no doubt the Good Lord has been looking after Garrett.
This is the update I just put on the caringbridge website:
Well, bout that time again...time to give ya'll an update.
Garrett had a checkup with the Cardiologist this afternoon. Everything still looks good. They are a little concerned that his weight gain has slowed down, but otherwise everything looked and sounded good.
As far as the weight gain goes, they told us to start adding a little extra formula to each bottle.
They did say he is the oldest baby waiting for the fountaine (spelling) procedure. So unless something happens where they have to do it sooner, I expect his surgery to be in mid to late April. At his next appointment in February they will do a cath procedure. Basically they put him under then run a catheter up to his heart. They inject dyes and watch to see how well everything is flowing. It is possible they may have to balloon his shunt. If so he will have to spend the night. They want to get the cath done just in case something happens requiring the surgery to be done before April. They said they will not do surgery until they have done a cath, so they need to get it done just in case.
The procedure in April will be a bypass procedure where they reroute the blood coming into the heart through the superior vena cava so that it goes directly to the lungs. His third surgery in a couple years will do the same with the inferior vena cava.
Dang! I sure sound smart when I talk bout this stuff!
Your continued prayers are very much appreciated!
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Prayers continue
God Bless
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Praise and prayer continue
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Hey Chip,
Praise's to the Lord, that your lil' huntin' buddy is doing great!
I'll keep him in my prayers.
Bobby
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It's obviously been a long hard road for you, your wife and family.
Praises to Him that things have progressed as well as they have. I'm sure you've grown in your Walk through this trial, both in faith and wonder at His Glory.
Keep strong as Garett gains strength. It sounds as though many challenges still lie ahead for you folks.
May His love, peace and grace swallow you all up in Loving Holy Arms and give you all the peace and patience and strength you require.
Keep the Son in your eyes! Prayers for continued blessings on Garett and his team...
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Prayers are going up for your son's continued healing and for his Mom and Dad as well. I sure can understand what you all have been going thru and I will continue to pray! Mike
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Prayers continue Chip. Hug that little man for me.
Danny
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You KNOW my prayers are on the way! Give you wife a big hug and tell her that she has friends here. We will all pray
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May the Lords healing hands be upon you.Prayers on the way from Ohio.
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Have not updated ya'll in a while, so here goes...
Garrett is still doing great! He has had a bad cold for a week or so now, but seems to be finally getting over it. His momma has been keeping him next to her at night because his breathing sounded so bad. Hopefully he is on the down hill side and he and his momma will both be able to get more sleep.
His Cardiac Cath is on Feb 18th. They have to do this before his next surgery to map where everything is and see the size of everything. Still no definite date on the second surgery, but he is the oldest baby waiting for this surgery, so he should be first on the list.
Last weigh in he was 14lbs 15 oz. His growth has slowed down quite a bit, which is a concern, but we can't be sure right now why. It could be just because of the cold he has been fighting.
They like for these heart babies to be atleast 14 pounds before the surgery, so we have reached that point. There is probably an upper limit also, due to the shunt they put in at the first surgery. I don't know what that upper level is, but I am sure they have a good idea of how big he can get before he outgrows that shunt.
Thanks again for all your prayers and kind words!!!
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Chip,I am praying for you, your wife,and your son.It's like Doc said, God already has this planned out.He will take care of you all.Stay strong.
PRAYIN HARD IN PA
Monkeyball
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Prayers sent!
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Prayers continue for you and your family through this long process. God a
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Continued prayers for strength, peace, power and His Holy Grace to fill your lives and baby Garrett and the docs as this moves forward!
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Prayers sent
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Oh boy, we are praying for you, the wife, and the little guy!
God bless!
Goose
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Prayers sent.
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prayers sent
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Prayers Sent
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My wife posted this on the caringbridge website, just thought I would share it with ya'll too:
I just wanted to start off by saying "Thank you" for all of your prayers and support throughout all of this. We so appreciate your kind words of encouragement and all of the prayers.
Chip has always done all of the postings and has done such a wonderful job, but I thought I would tell you a little about life with Garrett.
It's hard to believe Garrett is almost 6 months old. In many ways it has gone so fast. But, when I think back to everything we have been through, it seems like so much longer. I just try not to think too much about the past or the future. I am just enjoying every minute of being a mother to our three wonderful children today.
I just want to share with you all what a joy Garrett is to us. From the moment he wakes up, he is so happy. His favorite thing is for you to give him any sort of attention. He seems to smile most of the day. Garrett is always eager to see his sisters. He greets them with a genuine smile. The girls are absolutely darling with him. They love being big sisters to him. They have never been jealous of him. They are his little protectors.Some days Katie doesn't want to go to school because she wants to be home with Garrett. The girls are always willing to help with him. (Except changing his diapers-they always remind me that they won't do that!)
We had a great day yesterday.(The really beautiful day!) We were able to spend most of the day outside. It was so wonderful because we don't get out too much with Garrett. Ashley and I went on a walk with our friend Kathleen Howard and her boys. We went to our neighborhood park where Garrett enjoyed his first ride in a swing. He thought he was big stuff! He just had a huge grin on his face the entire ride. We were also able to play out front in the culdesac with all of our neighborhood friends. While we were outside, Garrett put both of his darling little hands on my face and smiled at me. He then reached up and quickly grabbed my sunglasses off of my face and laughed out loud. He thought he was pretty funny! I can already tell he will keep me on my toes!!!
Garrett just got over his second cold. He handled it pretty well. He was very congested and had a little cough. I had him sleeping in his bouncy seat at night next to our bed so he could breathe a little easier. It was a great idea at the time! We decided to put him in his crib tonight since he was feeling better. Unfortunately, he didn't think that was such a great idea. He decided that he liked his bouncy seat better and cried until we put him back in it. I guess you could say we have spoiled him just a little. He used to be so easy to put to bed and he was sleeping through the night. I'm sure we'll get him back to that eventually with a little patience, tears, and lack of sleep!!
I guess I have gone on long enough about how blessed we are to have Garrett! God has given us Garrett because he knows we can handle all of it with HIS help.
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It sure warms the heart when the little ones do something like Garrett did to you when he reached up and touched you. Remember God feels the same when you reach up and touch Him. God's continued blessings and grace to you and your family.
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Prayers sent
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Thank you for letting us share the little pieces of your lives through telling us about Garrett's. Children are a blessing. Continued prayers to cover all your needs.
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great new from Garrett's mom(sorry ,do not know your name) OK guys and galls. Lets keep those prayers going so the little guy will have every advantage to live a long and healthy life. He needs us to keep talking to the "big guy" to help him along on his recovery. Dave
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Continued prayer for all of you... John
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Hooked, I just saw this and you are definitely in my prayers. I was just recently asking for prayers for my twins that came into the world a little early, and the Lord answered those prayers. He will answer your also. I have no doubt.
My sister was born with a heart defect and has underwent surgery three times, once at birth, once at about 4, and once at 18. I can't say I know what you are going through as a parent but I can relate. It's scary. The Lord's hand was on my sister throughout all of her surgeries and I know his healing power will be with you and Garrett. God bless.
Aaron
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Prayers Contining
God Bless
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Very cool story! Thanks for sharing your blessings with us as well as your concerns!
Prayers continue for strength, hope and peace to continue for the whole family, according to His will.
Keep the Son in your eyes! :)
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Prayers for Chips family
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Hey Brother,
Your son and all your family will be lifted up in prayer, I pray GOD will pour out his richeast blessings on all your family and guide the Dr's throughout the surgery.
GOD BLESS YOU,
ARCHER2
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Need some prayers!
Garrett's got a really bad cold, in his chest and sinuses. You can hear him having a hard time breathing and of course his coughs are deep. He is supposed to have his cardiac cath on Tuesday, but don't think they will do it if he is this bad. My wife, Suzie hasn't hardly slept in nights because she has been sleeping on the couch with him on her chest.
Home health nurse is coming by today. Suzie called and asked her to come by because she is so concerned.
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Home health nurse is here. She said as long as he is eating, his activity level is normal, and his oxygen saturation level is stable then his body is doing ok fighting it.
Tomorrow we have an appointment to prepare for the cardiac cath on Tuesday. Guess we will find out then if the will have the cath procedure on Tuesday or not.
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Praying for the little man every night since the first and will keep on praying Chip.
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The Cath procedure for tomorrow has been canceled, due to Garrett's cold.
We will let you know when it is rescheduled.
Thanks for your prayers!!
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prayers sent
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Continued prayers for everyone involved.
Keep the Son in your eyes, bro!
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Hooked, prayers through tear filled eyes sent.
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Suzie took Garrett to the pediatrician this morning. He has an ear infection. He will be on antibiotics for the next 10 days. They will not do the cath procedure until he is off the antibiotics. So it will probably be a couple weeks before he has the procedure.
Once again, thanks for all the prayers!
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He's led you and your son this far...
Keep the faith! Prayers continue
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Prayers from Frank and I for your little Garrett and his comfort/health, for you both mom and dad and for those who are helping to care for him.
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My wife and I will be praying for you.
God Bless
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Continued prayers for Garrett and the rest of your family as you travel on this path.
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Our continued prayers are with you and Garrett. Just a small bump in the road to recovery.
Aaron
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You and your Wife are an inspiration to us , prayers sent for Garrett and yourselves , Fred
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Need to enlist your prayer help again!
Garrett's thrown up twice in the last hour. If this keeps up we will end up in the Children Mercy's ER.
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Father please watch over and minister to Garrett and his family. Bless them with your perfect will and the grace to receive it.
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Amen!
God Bless
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Prayers continue...
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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Praise the Lord, we have not had to go to the hospital. He has not thrown up anymore, but is not eating to well. It is super important with his heart condition that he not get dehydrated! The goretex shunt they put in at the first surgery could collapse if he gets to dehydrated.
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Bud,
It has to be a living nightmare to know so much about something you'd never wished to know anyhting...and with it, knowing all the things that could go wrong...
I guess it brings to mind the fact that maybe all that you know, drives home the point that there is so little any of us can do to control the future. Maybe it's just God's way to keep reminding us that we are TOTALLY dependent on Him! In all things. Big and Small.
Garrrett is small, but HUGE to you, your family and to your Tradgang family. But in it all we're humbled before God for all that has happened for the li'l tyke and all that will happen.
Lord, our friend, your child, Chip, is overwraught with emotions about his wee son... Help him to know that you KNOW the pain of seeing your Son in harm's way..suffering...at risk. Wrap Chip, his wife, son Garrett and all who love them, in yoru Holy Spirit and provide them Peace. According to your Holy Will, Lord, we ask continued blessings and healing on Garrett that he might come through all this as a living testement to your Power and Glory, Lord.
In Jesus' name we ask these things. Amen.
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Suzie took him to the pediatrician. Pediatrician sent her to Children's to rule out RSV and do a chest x-ray. She is there right now. It's gonna be awhile because she said the place is packed.
Please pray that it is not RSV because if it is he will have to wait atleast six weeks before they can do any procedures.
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Suzie and Garrett are home. Unfortunately, we really will not know anything more until atleast tomorrow. Radiologist was supposed to call tonight, but he hasn't. Hopefully, that is a good sign! Maybe he didn't see anything wrong and lost the urgency.
As I may have stated before, please pray that it is not RSV!
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Well my wife couldn't wait until tomorrow so she called. Eventually she was able to get the on-call Cardiologist on the phone to give her results.
The good news: he was negative for RSV! Praise the Lord!
The not sure yet news: Tomorrow the cardiologist will look at the x-ray vs some of his past x-rays. The radiologist who read today's x-ray mentioned possible pneumonia and some other negative things. We will have to wait until tomorrow!
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Prayers continue
God Bless
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You've got prayers from Ky. God bless!
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No RSV, but it does appear he has Pneumonia. Cardiologist said the antibiotic he is already on should take care of it. He also was not concerned about the other negatives the Radiologist mentioned. For example, radiologist said he had an enlarged heart...well, duhhhh....of course it is enlarged it is working twice as hard because he only has half of one!
Because of the pneumonia we will have to wait six weeks to do the cardiac cath and then the next surgery should follow very soon.
We are going in to have them check him out tomorrow. They are going to do an echo to make sure things are ok.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
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Prayers continue, Chip! That li'l tyke is sure a tough hombre with all he's been through. We think of you and Mom, but Garrett prolly thinks this is how things are supposed to be, huh?
Keep the Son in your eyes! Some caution mixed in with good news right there. Under the circumstances, God has been so faithful to you guys but we pray for more Grace and blessings for more miracles to kick this over the top!
Lord in your mercy!
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Doc,
You sure have a way with words!
Though I don't know if the word "tough" is strong enough for the lil guy. His breathing sounds so bad right now, its gotta hurt! If you have ever had pneumonia, ya know how it hurts when ya take a deep breath or ya cough. It's killing me watching him suffer and hearing his laboring breathing. He has thrown up three more times tonight! I am very glad that Suzie will be taking him to the Cardiologist in the morning!!
They will only admit him if he is dehydrated or not getting enough oxygen. So far his oxygen saturation has stayed in the normal range and he has continued to pee (best indication he is not dehydrated).
I almost wish they would admit him. Atleast, we would not always be worrying about whether we should take him in or not.
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My prayers are with ya'l.
as a wish man says "keep the son in your eyes"
God Bless
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update
Suzie just called on her way home from children's. They did an echocardiagram and everything still looks good with his heart. They are not positive he has pneumonia, they said his lungs sounded clear. So they are calling it viral. Instead of pushing back the Cardiac Cath six weeks they just moved it back one week and they will do a chest x-ray the day before just to make sure.
Thank you, Lord!!
Now that Mom and Dad feel a little better about things, we just have to get the Lil Tiger feeling better! The power of prayer is awesome!
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Chip...
I come here and always hope the "words" aren't mine but His. I ain't smart nuff to get it right cept' from the heart.
Just keep remembering them playing jokes on me at Chidren's Hospital NICU tellin me to watch the #'s on the gazillion dials while the NNP "had to check something". Man...them li'l chests were up and down breathin like a hummingbird! Dials allover...LED's flashin and numbers changin...I was a wreck in 5min. Here they were all hiding on the other side watchin me...danged women! They were having fun with the new "training guy". :)
Guess my point would be that while we know and understand pain, Garrett has had nothing but challenge his whole life...He probably thinks that is how it ought to be... bless his heart.
Lord watches out one way or another and I have to believe He is making provisions to empower the li'l ones so they're not suffering like we might, knowing what things should be like...
So hang in there bud. Good to hear the neat news on the Echo looking good ... darned "bugs" that chase us today... we've kinda fouled our own nest here on planet earth...
Prayers continue for Garrett's healing and strength to grow and you guys to grow in peace.
You've been through a whale of a lot and remarkably trusting in Him. Ya just need a lube job and oil change now'n again. We're here to try to help with that, Hoss. :)
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Lord please give comfort to the Jones fomily let them feel your presence help them through there hard times put your hands on this child and if your will heal.
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There already is one miracle and thats the life that lives in the womb.
Another is very possible we as human will be amazed indeed. But the creator is just that the creator I will be praying for a miracle. Wether its before or after the blessed birth.
Peace and divine comfort until then.
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Garrett had a bad day yesterday. Fever and Lethargic. I am not allowed to tell you how he is doing so far today because every time I say he is doing better he gets bad again.
Thank you, Lord!
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By the way, there is a bow being passed around called the LGB (Lil' Garrett Bow). It will be given to him when he is old enough to shoot it. Each person who hunts with it is supposed to take pics of their hunt and write something about it. If any of ya'll are interested in spending some time in the woods with the LGB then PM me and I will let ya know where you can get signed up. Only cost to you is sending it to the next person.
Here is the LGB rack I have been working on that will hang in Garrett's room.
Couple different light perspectives
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/Feb2008165.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/Feb2008156.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/Feb2008154.jpg)
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Wow...with that level of talent, I'm sure keeping busy building that beautiful piece helps keep your mind occupied.
Don't go getting suspicious now about sharing good news along with bad! :) Lord wants to see your rejoice in every bit of positive that comes.
I'm not there yet, but I keep reading and hearing that we should even rejoice in our trials for it allows us to know a small bit of the price Christ paid for our salvation.
Prayers continue to this li'l trooper to get better fast from this latest malise so they can do the cath and get on with gettin on with his full recovery. You guys hang in there through this tough time.
Keep the Son in your eyes, Chip! :)
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just wanted to share a post from my wife, Suzie:
Just wanted to let you know how much all of the prayers worked. Garrett is feeling so much better. It is so amazing how prayers help. Not only with Garrett, but lifting us up as well. Thank you!!! God is awesome.
Garrett really enjoyed getting outside to play this weekend. His sisters enjoyed pushing him in his swing. They take such good care of him!!
The other day, when Garrett was sick, Katie said something really sweet. She said, "I hope Garrett starts to feel better and I hope the doctors make him better. But, the bestest doctor of all is GOD." Isn't that so true!!! After she made that wonderful statement, it made me feel so silly to have been worrying so much. It all is in his hands. It took my daughter to remind me!
Have a great week!
Suzie
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Children are God's special angels when we get wrapped up in our role as parents and being grown-ups in general! Neat message God sent you through Katie!
Sounds like things are moving foward again. Thank you, Jesus! I continue to pray that all your family remain well and Garrett especially continue to improve and become a beacon of testimony to God's maginificent Grace and Love.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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Its kinda different with Garrett...with our first two kids we coulda told ya to the day how old they were. Guess we still can: Ashley is 5 days short of 5 years and 2 months, Katie is 5 days short of 7 years and 8 months.
But with Garrett, Suzie and I have not really paid attention. We have just enjoyed each day that we have with him. Someone will either ask how old he is or say he's 7 months old now and we both kinda think, ya I guess so...and Thank you, Lord!
He's is really checkin things out now...whether it is a diaper or a toy or anything...you give it to him and he holds it and looks it completely over, soaking in every last detail.
He has had a great week! He has been back to his normal happy self...again, Thank you, Lord!!
Tomorrow morning we take him in for his Cardiac Cath procedure. It's not supposed to be a big deal, but as the parents of this little treasure...any procedure is a big procedure. Especially when he will be under anesthesia and they are inserting something into his body. It should start around 8:30am and if they do not have to balloon his aortic arch then we will be home 5-6 hours later. If they do have to balloon anything then we will be spending the night.
Please say a prayer that the Lord will guide that cardiologist's hands tomorrow and make this procedure quick and easy!!
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Prayers sent.
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Prayers continue
God Bless
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Chip & Susie
Blessings on your whole family, the docs and especially wee Garrett! Keep us informed, as I know you will.
Prayers for a successful outcome for the procedure and God's Grace to be on each of you providing peace and joy in His will!
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Cardiologist showed us the movies they took of different parts of the heart. Everything looks good! One of the main reasons they do this before the next surgery is to check the lungs (pressure and capacity). The next surgery they reroute the superior vena cava so that all the blood coming in from the top half of the body goes directly to the lungs. They have to make sure the lungs will be able to handle it. They will probably release him around 4pm today.
Thank you, Lord!!!!
tomorrow the surgeons and cardiology staff will look over the images from today and then we should have a date for his surgery scheduled pretty soon. The surgery will definitely be after April 15th and possibly later depending on if there is still any RSV around.
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CONTINUED PRAYERS
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Lord,
I am lifting up little Garret, his sisters, Mom & Dad. You can see that they have put their trust in you for your healing and your will for their lives. Continue to watch over them and bring them through this situation and every day to come. May their journey be a great testimony to you.
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Wow! You guys have sure seen your share of incredible miracles in that child's short life.
Thank You, Jesus! We ask your continued blessings on this small bundle of love and joy to Chip and his family...that we, they and Garrett can all attest to your incredible Healing Power and Love... In Your Holy Name, Lord, we ask these things. amen.
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Yes Lord please bless this wonderful child.
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Garrett made it through his Cardiac Cath very nicely! Everything looks good...Thank you, Lord!
The surgeons and cardiologists went over the images from the cath today. They called and said we should be hearing from them to schedule a date for the next surgery next week sometime. The surgery will most likely be in late April.
May have explained this before, but this surgery is call the Glenn Procedure. They will take the Superior Vena Cava (vessel that brings the blood to your heart from the top half of the body) and reroute it to go directly to the lungs.
I know it has to be done, but I am definetly not looking forward to it!!!!
How about a couple pics?
Computer is downloading them now, so give me a few minutes!
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(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/Mar2008069-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/Mar2008104-1.jpg)
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Aw, buddy...that is something to hang your hat on...what a smile! He knows God is on his side, doesn't he...with that big a grin?
I had friends with a life limited child...far worse situation than yours...but that child, despite a horrific existence, knew nothing else and felt the love around him and was the happiest, most go-lucky baby for the years that he had.
God sure does take care of all things big and small from the hairs on our head to a sparrow.
May His grace, peace and healing continue to be on Garrett! Blessings to you all!
Peace on you and Mom as the surgery approaches!
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Suzie. I am a father of two children. I know what kind of love I have for my children. I cannot imagine the love a mother whom has carried this child in her womb for 9 months or so can have for her child. But I feel that with your love, the love of his father, the love of his Lord and the love shared by every one here on Tradgang and the expperience and knowledge of his Doctors, Garrett is in good hands. Keep the faith and please give Garrett a hug and kiss from myself and my family. You are always in our prayers. Dave from Nova Scotia, Canada
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Dave,
Thanks for the nice message to my wife, Suzie. I will show it to her tomorrow.
Also, thank you to everybody for all the prayers!
And Praise the Lord for all that he has done for Garrett already!!!
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Prayers from Lubbock,TX
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Just thought I would give a little update, for those who are still prayin and payin attention...
Time for the next chapter!!
Garrett finally had his cardiac cath done last week. Everything looked good, no narrowing of any of the arteries, so no balloons had to be inflated!
Thank you, Lord!
The hospital called today and his surgery has been scheduled for April 23rd. We will meet with the surgeon on April 11th, go in for a preop visit on the 22nd, then it's back to the surgery waiting room on the 23rd. Not one of my favorite places to be!!!
please keep Garrett and our family in your thoughts and prayers!
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Continued prayers for healing, grace and peace!
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You know you're in our thoughts and prayers, Chip. You've got a lot on your plate, but the neat thing is that you've a lot of positives on which to hang hopea nd build your faith. The Lord has surely shown his love to you guys through this li'l miracle baby of yours. Every time I look at those grinning pictures of him, I can only imagine the range of emotions you all feel.
Lean on the Lord with all your weight as He is mighty and true. Whatever lies ahead, His love will bind you up and bring you through.
Lord, you've done so much in li'l Garrett's life already and we don't wish to be selfish, but we beseach You, Lord, to continue to pour out your love and healing power on this li'l guy and bring him through each and ever stage of his healing and surgeries these next years that Garrett might grow up to be a strong young man, full of life and Love for his family...and most of all, for His Lord and Saviour...and be a living testament to your Grace and Power. amen.
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Just found this thread and as a father of three I will pray daily for you and your family.
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Thanks everybody for your continued prayers for Garrett!
On another note...
another baby (Peyton) with the same heart defect as Garrett passed away on Monday. From what I understand, they were never able to get him off the heart and lung machine after the first surgery. Please pray for Kylee Stalkfleet and her family.
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Chip, my family and I will keep Garrett in our prayers. And maybe God will see fit to give you your miracle. But I hope I can offer this comfort. Things work out. I have 4 sons. The youngest, 13, had "issues" from his first year. He can't run a marathon or play football But guess what, shooting the longbow is great exercise for him. We hike and hunt. His best friend has one kidney from his dad. He is also limited. But guess what, shooting a bow and being outdoors are the best thing for him too. So the four of us shoot and hunt together, we set a pace we can follow, and we have the very best time.
God has funny ways of drawing us close together.
Things will work if you trust in that.
sam
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Thanks for sharing, Chip. Keeping Kylee and her family in prayer, along with you, yours and Garrett.
God has a plan...our job is to listen and learn.
Keep the faith...don't let the Liar rob you.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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Garrett's next surgery was supposed to be next week (April 23rd). But, he came down with a cold and they canceled it. Surgeon said any virus (even a very minor one) significantly increases the risks.
So, when he has a full day without any symptoms, we are supposed to call and they will reschedule the surgery for about two weeks later.
Please pray for him to get healthy so we can get this surgery done. And please pray for my wife, Suzie, as the stress of trying to keep him healthy is really weighing heavy on her!
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Stilling praying, will not stop.
God Bless
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You got it Chip.
Thanks for keepin us updated and helping us remember this li'l tyke along with you, Mom and the kids...it's got to wear on ya'll.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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Keep us updated. I am the father of two. You will be in our prayers my friend! Hug the little guy for us.
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I will pray for you and your family!
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Prayers Continue
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Continuing prayers too, God Bless this little one, you and your family Chip.
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Thanks everybody for the continued prayers.
Garrett's surgery has been rescheduled for May 5th. Lord willing we will finally be able to get past this one!
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Hang in there... Waiting on God is the true test of Faith!
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Garrett had his pre-op visit on Friday. It is a GO!
Surgery is scheduled for 7am Monday morning. If ya think of it, say a prayer for him when ya wake up Monday morning!
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Prayers sent.
Here are some good verses to pray over Garrett
Hos 4:6.............My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Gal 3:13............Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us...
1Pet 2:24..........(Jesus) bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness -- by whose stripes you were healed.
Isa 53:5.............He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.
Mt 8:17.............He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.
Ps 107:20.........He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
Prov 3:7............Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.
Prov 3:8............It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
Ex 15:26............I am the Lord who heals you.
Ps 103:3...........Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases...
Ex 23:25...........serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you.
Prov 16:24.........Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
Isa 58:8.............your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Ps 118:17..........I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Ps 147:3...........He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Prov 17:22.........A merry heart does good, like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.
3John 2.............Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
Mk 16:17...........these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; ...they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
Jas 5:15............the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Jas 5:16...........Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
Mt 8:13............Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.
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Praying for all involved.... John
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Thanks, everybody!
To say the least, Suzie is a little off kilter tonight. She is so worried about having everything done around here before we go in the morning.
We have to be up there at 6am. Not seeing much sleep in my near future!
Gonna try and post some updated pics before hitting the sack tonight.
Also, I will try to keep ya'll updated through the day tomorrow.
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here is a new slideshow:
Garrett March thru May (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/?action=view¤t=f1b4cf2f.pbw)
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7:50am - first report - he is asleep under anesthesia and everything is going fine.
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Prayers for the little blessing. Keep the Faith.<><
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9:20 am - incision has been made, lots of scar tissue which means more time. He is not on the heart and lung machine yet because they have to deal with the scar tissue first.
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10:15 - he is on the bypass machine, still all good
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Praying for all of you Chip.
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Bless your hearts - stay strong in your faith and prayers.
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Wow. Great li'l show. He is truly a blessed li'l baby.
Prayers for continued good news and that the Lord smile up him through this surgery.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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11:30am - he is off of bypass, they are in the process of closing him up. He will be in recovery for an hour and then they will come get us.
Thank you, Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Lord watch over this little one, send your angels to bless all involved.
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Thanks for all the updates, bud! May God continue to bless you and Garrett and the whole family...
Lord, hear our prayers...
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Amen, Continued prayers for all of you<><
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STAY STRONG IN FAITH AND LOVE. WE'RE PULLING AND PRAYING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!
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We are in the PICU with him now. He has not really woke up yet, but should be soon. Then it's gonna be rough because he is going to be upset about alot of stuff and we can't hold him. He has opened his eyes a few times and earlier he was holding my hand.
Everything continues to look good.
I got a little nap, now Suzie is trying to take one.
Their goal is to get him off the ventilator by tonight. They will keep giving him some pain killers, but not enough to knock him out. He also will not get to eat anything until tomorrow. That alone is enough to insure he will not be a happy boy when he wakes.
Thanks for your continued prayers! The Lord sure brought him through the surgery. Now we need his help to make sure Garrett is comfortable and heals quickly!
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They just pulled his ventilator and he is breathing well on his own.
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Prayers sent and that is some great news.
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AWESOME NEWS!!!
God Bless
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We have a very fussy baby on our hands. He is itchy and has headaches, not to mention a sore chest. That being said, he is doing great. In fact, we will be moved to the floor from the ICU whenever a room becomes available.
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moved Garrett from the icu to the floor about 6pm tonight. He was feeling better, until the nurse came and started making him take oral meds. The boy doesn't like being messed with! He starts growling when he sees a nurse coming.
He was resting comfortably in mommy's lap when i came home about 9:30 pm.
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What a journey you guys are on... one of Faith, blessings a many, and trials enough for a life-time! And yet, just looking at his picture in your avatar, it takes little imagination to know how you'd have it no other way.
Blessings and prayers to the whole family. Not only is Garrett in discomfort, but a close family like yours all suffers through such an ordeal.
What doesn't kill us will make us stronger. The Jones family should be ready to tackle Hell with a squirt gun pretty soon!
Prayers continue for Garrett's total healing and quick recovery and trip home to continue to grow in God's favor.
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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The Lil' Tiger is feeling much better! He finally pooped today! He has to be feeling better!
I came home last night and Suzie stayed up there.
We still have to get the chest drains removed...and most of you know what happened last time (he crashed because his chest filled with air and put pressure on his lungs).
Thank you for your continued prayers!
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Ah...the miracle of a good constituitional! :rolleyes:
Such a joy to keep reading of how things are continuing to improve...
My fingers were ready to type to not fear because of the last time...and then I had to stop and smile, Chip, since now that my job was eliminated, my biggest fear is how long it took "last time" to find new work. :)
funny how we can tend to encourage others to have faith and not fear, but when it stares us in the face personally, it can change complexion.
So...together now...Let's not FEAR the past and live in Faith that God will Provide!!! God's brought you guys this far, He's going to see you through to the end! And I will try to hold that image myself!
Congrats on current progress. Keep the Son in your eyes...thanks for keeping us uplifted. Peace, brother.
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Just talked to Suzie and it sounds like they are getting ready to pull the chest drains.
The only issue he has had is his oxygen saturation levels are occasionally going to low.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Doc,
to quote you:
Keep the Son in your eyes!!!!!
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Praise the Lord!
The chest drains are out and they have turned off the oxygen. Once he has had the drains out and the oxygen off for 24 hours he can come home. Assuming everything else is okay.
So, could possibly be coming home tomorrow.
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Thank You, Jesus! Hitting the home stretch (literally) now, bud!
Prayers continue for a speedy recovery and getting that precious li'l boy home tomorrow or whenever He wills!
:)
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I stayed up there with him till about 6:30pm last night. He was cracking up! All I had to do was say BOO and he would start belly laughing! Nothin better than hearing your baby laugh like that! You'd never know he just had open heart surgery, no complaining from him! It was great for me before I had to leave for Wichita.
Hopefully he will be home when I get there tonight!!
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Tears of joy reading your report...what a joy that must have been for you... Laughter is such good medicine.
May God's grace, peace and love surround and envelope you, Garrett and your family and continue to carry your Son in God's Son's loving arms through total recovery.
Peace...
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First chance to get on the computer since late Thurs night.
Garrett came home on Friday!!! Praise God!!
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Man, what a Momma's Day present that has to be...and Sister's Day...and Daddy's Day...
Thank you, Lord, Thank you!!!
Congratulations! Give him a tickle and make him laugh for us here on Gang! :)
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Thats great PTL! What a joy and a blessing.
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For some reason it just dawned on me. You might want to save this thread offline on a disk or an SD card to share with the little tyke at the right moment when he is older. Love to him and your family. :wavey:
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Suzie is on her way downtown right now for some follow up appointments. Think they are doing a chest x-ray, echo, and removing the staples on his incision.
Garrett's doing great!
By the way, his new favorite babble is:
'DA DA DA DA DA!' :-)
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:clapper:
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SWEEEEETTT! Just remember chip, DADADA is easier to form than Mamamma...so don't go getting upity on Suzie...her Day was just yesterday! :) :thumbsup:
Prayers continue for excellent check ups and progress!
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:clapper: :clapper:
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Doc Nock,
He has already said "ma ma ma ma ma", but he only says it when he is upset.
Chest x-ray was clear and echo looked like it was supposed to...Garrett was not happy when they removed his staples.
Thank you, Lord!!
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OOps... :) Thanks for the correction! But that ain't winning him points just to say Mamma when he's upset! :)
Great news as I get ready to head to the B'more shoot that all was well with follow up!
I had to smile when you said he wasn't happy when they removed staples...seems that is true for all of us... progress and betterment has it's pain in life and most of us, me included, tend to hollar some when we go through that process!
Thank you, Lord, for Garrett's progress. We pray for continued healing and watching over to ensure he will be around to laud your holy name!
Keep the Son in your eyes!
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Chip, so glad to hear things are going well.
Our prayers are with you
Kevin
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How's the Little Man?
Todd
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God Bless! Shawn
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Prayers sent.
May God Bless you & your family!
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Just thought I would share a recent pic...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/April2008003.jpg)
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Chip...that kid is one disarming li'l guy ain't he? what an adorable grin...after all that he's been through...
God surely is good all the time and deserves this special day, His day, and extra round of praise looking at that sweet, adorable face!
May God continue to bless your household!
Thanks for starting the day so special!
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Amen on the blessing! His smile goes right to your heart.
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I read this thred and when I got to this pic I got a big lump in my throat. He is a beautiful boy and a tuff little sucker. I wish him all the joy and life he can get his hands on.
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We are in TROUBLE...the boy is MOBILE!
Yup, get any small objects outta reach and get those tamper proof child protection devices in place cuz Garrett is curious and fast! He's doing a half army, half knee crawl. For those without kids that means one knee is on the ground and one isn't. He is one determined lil guy!!! If he wants to get somewhere (for example, the top of the stairs, or a lamp cord, or an outlet), he is gonna keep going there no matter how many times you place him far away! And no matter what obstacles you put in his way! He may be in more danger in our house than he was in the operating room!!!
Will post some pics when he slows down enough to get him in focus!
Praise the King!!!
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:biglaugh: I'll be praying that God gives you eyes in the back of your head, the ability to sprint like an olympian, and the ability to catch like a pro baseball shortstop.
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GReat news, bro! I know you're loving the challenges that come from a rambuncious (sp?), lively baby boy who is curious to make up for all the quiet time he's had.
Thank you, Lord. Keep this tyke safe now that you've brought him such miraculous healing!
Praises to our Father and Christ His Son.
Go Garrett!!
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Amen!
I also agree with BenBow
God continue His Blessings
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Man. Enjoy this time because before you know it. The little one is not so little and on his was to colledge. They grow up SO quick
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Garrett... you are gonna be fine when all this is over. My grandson Joseph had a heart problem similar to yours when he was born. They operated on him when he was 3 months old. There are things he couldn't do and he spent alot of time at the doctors and on medication. Take it slow...
He is now 14 years old and over 6' tall. He is off all medication and pretty much has no restrictions. God has a way of helping little men grow up to be big men and you are sure to be one of them. Bless you, and your Mom and Dad
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Here is an update. Hope the link works!
(http:// [url=http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/?action=view¤t=garrettcrawl.flv] [img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/th_garrettcrawl.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]
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ABSOLUTLY PRECIOUS
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Chip,
That brought a big ole smile to my ugly ole mug! :)
Grandma used to call someone that small and energetic with the twinkle Garrett has in his eyes a "nicksnutz"...some PA Deutsch phrase... but it was one of endearment for sure! :)
IT's so good to see him up and around gettin in mischief after all he's been through...
Praise God! To Him goes the Glory!
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Can't believe it has been this long, but...
Happy Birthday, Garrett!!!!
Thank you, Lord!!!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GARRETT!!!!
MAY GOD CONTINUE HIS BLESSINGS
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AMEN! Garrett's found God's Favor. Let the celebrations roll! :)
Thank you, Lord, for your healing and care...
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A few new pics for those of ya'll who have followed Garrett's ups and downs
He has to reach 30 pounds before he can have his last bypass surgery. He is at about 22 pounds right now.
You would never know he only has half a heart! He runs around non-stop getting into anything he can reach just like any normal toddler.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/DSC04260-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/086-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/095-1.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/wfjones2/DSC04226.jpg)
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Oh yeah he's all boy. Are you sure he doesn't have a heart and a half! Prayers continue for God's Best.
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Originally posted by BenBow:
Are you sure he doesn't have a heart and a half! Prayers continue for God's Best.
Yup...after what's he's been through, seems that tyke is ALL HEART!
Prayers continue to the next campaign level and beyond!
What a delight! Thanks, for sharing, bud!
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Hooked, I spent the morning with crocodile eyes as I went through this post, half the time because of God's love for us all, the other because I can be so selfish and self centered I ashamed.
My friend God is bigger than anything we can go through, just ask Paul, he said: His grace is sufficient, so rest in his perfect peace knowing he has His eye on the sparrow.
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Prayer sent out
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May The Lord continue to give You,Your Wife And Garrett Strength and peace.I 2nd Docs and Stic shooters prayers Also. In Our Lord Jesus Name Amen.