Yesterday, we met with Dr. Weinhouse, Julia’s cardiologist for a longer-than-normal consult. She continues to do very well and gained another four ounces. But we are shifting from maintenance mode to preparation for the surgery, which is less than three weeks away now. We did another echocardiogram and EKG so that the surgical team at Children’s Hospital could have the very latest information. Julia was good natured through all of it until the last blood pressure, where she decided she had had enough and was ready for second breakfast!

I can feel our efforts beginning to focus as the surgery date nears. We are a little more careful with her exposure to germs since any illness could delay the procedure and Jocelyn and I are ready to get this done. We are pulling ahead her four month vaccinations to give her that much more protection in the hospital. But we are still amazed at how well Julia is eating and responding. By now, a lot of kids with this condition start showing a blue tinge in their hands and feet and often have to go on a gastric tube to get the nutrients they need because they just don’t have the stamina to feed anymore.

The images I saw in the echocardiogram of a 1.6 centimeter hole in her heart just doesn’t match the vibrant little girl I see in front of me. We really do believe that God – and your continued prayers – are sustaining Julia far beyond what the structure of her heart can do. There will be more “mini-updates” in the days to come; but on behalf of this little family that is encouraged and blessed by you, thanks so much for your concern and stay tuned as we count down to the day we can take our healthy girl home!