Emmett James Guzman

Our Journey

2010-07-31T18:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Guzman family journey upon the request of an amazing friend of mine, I have been asked to share my journey with you! For it has been exactly that, an amazing journey. My name is Jimie June Guzman, I married Benjamin 8 years ago and we have three beautiful children. (I have to say it is kinda funny how as you grow up you only think about dressing up your babies and changing their diapers, LOL). Ok, maybe that was just me when I played house, but little do we know what can really happen in becoming a mother. Here is how our journey began, after being told I wouldn't conceive a child, Me and Ben decided to take a job opportunity in California. I had come back to visit my family and my pregnant sister Brooke, upon the plane ride here I became very nauseated. While I was at my mothers home I still continued to be sick all week long. Well of course, as dumb as we are we thought I just had the flu, when I got back to California it still never seemed to get better. So, I had decided to take a pregnancy test, low and behold guess what "pregnant". I called my mother and of course, because of what I had been told in the past, she told me to take another one, I told her I did and she said do it again. Long story short it was hard to believe. It was a tough pregnancy, but rewarding. I had my first little girl on June 27, 2003 O'Riawna June. O'Riawna was born with a "cone" shaped head that was very severe and they had told me at that time it was normal for babies to look like that. Two days after she was born, a pediatric doctor came in my room while I was holding her and said "we need to talk" (the look on his face still haunts me to this day). He told me "your little girl has something that is called Cranial synostosis. Which means that her soft spot has grown over to early, we are going to have to refer you to a doctor at primary children's hospital" and that was about all he said. I was horrified, no more explanation nothing. My OB/GYN Dr. Froerer (an amazing man) came in and set up the appt. for us at primary Childrens. We went up there on July 3, 2003. And sure enough she was diagnosed with Metopic-Cranial Synostosis. O'Riawna underwent a scull reconstructive surgery at 7 months old. This was 100% necessary for the growth of her brain, and survival. She is now 5 years old and as Beautiful as ever. Though it is a rare Facial defect it is not suppose to be genetic, (LOL) what are my chances right? Well that brings me to my next child, Francelle Christine Guzman born on Oct, 10, 2005. When she was born she looked amazing, we didn't think anything was wrong, she had a hard suture line on the front of her skull but we truley thought it was just an overlapping suture. Wouldn't you know it 8 months go by and her head starts to form into a cone/triangle shape (also on the front of her head just like her sister). I than knew that we had a problem. I immediately called Dr. Morales at Primary Children's and scheduled an appt. Sure enough Metopic-Cranial Synostosis, he wanted to watch her, by 11 months Francelle underwent the same reconstructive surgery as O'Riawna. Francelle is doing very well too. Now you may think I am done, but not even! We finally got pregnant again with our baby boy. He was born on Nov.4, 2008, Emmett James Guzman. This pregnancy was trying from the start I was put down on bead rest around 13 weeks, and when we were 15-16 weeks along, we had to go in for an Ultra Sound due to some complications. This when we found out we are having a BOY!!! yeah!! The ultra sound tech (bless her heart) tells us she can't see all four chambers of the heart so we will probably have to go and get another ultra sound. She then sends us to my OB/GYN Dr. Froerer once again, an AMAZING man who likes to give us the bad news. (LOL no he is the best ever I LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART) he tells me, Ben, my mom and dad that "Emmett has only the left halve of his heart, at least that's what it looks like, but I am pretty sure. This is known as Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome." He then tells us, that we will need go to another doctor so we can get the diagnoses confirmed. So we did, and we did, and He did. Emmett was born with Hypo-plastic Left Heart Syndrome. I gave birth to our beautiful baby boy at the University of Utah. When he was born, they took him from me and sent him through what they like to call a drive threw window. There they immediately gave him medication to help keep the ductus in his heart opened. After I was moved to my room and he was finished being stablized for the Life Flight Crew, they brought my son in to see me for the first time. He was in an enclosed crib. Ben, my Dad and the Bishop were able to then give him a blessing and he was then taken to Primary Children's Hospital. Three days later Emmett had his first open heart surgery. (The Norwood procedure). It was a great success. We spent 3 long weeks there, and were able to hold him for the first time 2 weeks after he was born. What an amazing day that was. We were home for about 3-4 weeks when Emmett had shown signs of needing oxygen. We went into the emergency room thinking it was going to be a routine exam and he would just be sent home with oxygen. My Luck nope I am always that 5% chance. HAHAHA! We found out that Emmett had a infection that they were not able to locate. So we were admitted once again. That next morning nurses and doctors showed up in YELLOW GOWNS. You know what that means. He had para-influenza. We had no idea were he could have gotten it..... But things happen. At this time they had attempted to replace his NJ tube (a feeding tube that by passes the stomach and feeds him staight into his intestinal track.) to a NG tube ( a feeding tube that goes to his stomach.) and all seemed to be going well. We were excited to finally be able to feed Emmett with a bottle. We went home three days later and while at home Emmett threw up and chocked on his vomit. We had at this time a special trip in an ambulance. We got to spend an amazing 6 days and 5 nights in the luxurious hotel known as Primary Children's Hospital. I officially felt like I could call it home. While there, they were trying to determine whether or not it was safe for Emmett to keep his NG tube. By the third day it was decided that Emmett had to get his NJ tube put back in, it was to risky to let him be fed into his stomach. Finally, home at last so we think. In Feb. Emmett returned to the hospital for a blood transfusion. This was this last thing they could do to postpone his 2nd surgery by at least 3 weeks, and it worked. Emmett was able to go 4 more weeks before needing his second open heart surgery known as the Glenn procedure. "fewwwww". His surgery was done at end of March. It was a success. While in the hospital after his Glenn procedure Emmett developed breathing problems. After the ENT scoped his throat for the fifth time, they found that he had cartilage at the bottom of his voice box that was obstructing his airway. And again another surgery. The recovery after this procedure was amazing, it just seemed like things flowed so smoothly. OK but how smoothly you ask. HAHA! It was time to try the NG tube one more time. Long story short, Emmett is still on his NJ feedings, and is finally gaining weight. YEAH!!!!! We are in high hopes that Emmett will be able to get his NG tube placed sometime this fall. It's crazy how a child who has never eaten food. Still wants to put everything in his mouth. It has been a journey but We have 3 AMAZING KIDS and an AMAZING LIFE. Trials may be difficult, but they always have rewards in the end. We are an example of that. With Love to all, Jimie Guzman

July 26

2010-07-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

What a blast we just got back from lake Powell with the kids. I can't believe how fast life passes by. Emmett is doing really good right now, the newest news that I can give is he has a doctors appt. in October and this appt. will determine if he is needing his next surgery.(the fontan). We are praying that he can go a little longer. Because it will be better for him in the long run. He is at a fun stage in life right now, he loves to rock it out to music and is talking and walking all over the place. We are so lucky to have him in our lives. So Go baby Go. Here are some new pics of little Emm and his sister's.

2010-05-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much American Fork Junior High Students. The choir fundraiser was amazing. I want you all to know that you have an absolutely outstanding teacher because you sounded awesome. My whole family really enjoyed themselves and you have no idea how much you have helped us out! You have touched out hearts with you amazing talents and kindness. As I told you before you have imprinted all the hearts of my family, and we will enjoy the memories forever. Thanks again Cami you are really a true example of kindness and love. Everyone will learn from you as they get to know you. I know I have. Love you all. The Guzman Family!

2010-05-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

Below is a share, this will take you to the story that the Dailey Hareld did on Emmett, for the American Fork Choir Fundraiser.

2010-05-18T06:32:00.001-07:00

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May 11,2010

2010-05-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

My son is finally Getting his Gtube removed. GO BABY GO! We had a visit with Doctor Molly on may 5, in the desphasia clinic, and because Emmett is doing so amazing with his eating and his growth, he has been discharged from the desphasia's care. We are so excited! Dr. Molly also gave me the final go ahead to remove Emmett's G-Tube in June as long as he can keep hiself hydrated well. So far he has had no problems doing that. What a journey it has been and we are truley blessed. My kids are growing so fast. We have allready started making amazing memories as a Family this year and here are some pictures.

Febuary 2010

2010-02-07T13:51:00.001-08:00

Gaul I am bad at this. Life gets crazy sometimes!

Emmett James Guzman has done very well since his last procedure in October. He came home with a nisen (were they tie his esophagus around his stomach to prevent refluxing.) and a G-tube (a feeding tube directly into his stomach). Even though this procedure was done we were still not able to feed him by mouth, because the lack of sensation around his voice box from refluxing. On January 7, 2010 Emmett went into to see his ENT, DR. Muntz and we recieved the news we have been waiting for sense day one. Emmett is finally able to Eat by mouth. WOHOOOO! Go baby Go. Since then my little guy is the happiest he has ever been, his growth has improved and has not needed to be fed through his G-tube for about a month now. He started crawling in October right before his surgery and didn't miss a lick when he came home. He is now walking along things and we are hoping that he will start walking soon. He is a determined little man, and it is My girls have been having a blast with him cause he thinks that he needs to be wherever they are and they think it is pretty funny.

Sept.23,2009

2009-09-22T15:05:00.000-07:00

We just went into see the surgeons, and they agreed that Emmett is in need of surgery to help his refluxing. The procedure is called a Nisan. This is were they tie the top of the stomach around the esophagus and create a one way passage so Emmett will be able to swallow but it will not allow any refluxing to come up. They will also put a G-tube in which is inserted through the belly directly into the stomach. This is how he will eat. (it works just like to NJ does that goes down his nose. Except the G-tube will go into his stomach not his intestinal track.) This way he will be able to get his NJ removed.YEAY!!! It has been a long time coming but I think we are on the right road. The surgery will take place on October 8,09 and the visit will be between 5-10 days depending on how well Emmett takes to the feeds and exactly what they decide to do with his feeds. Other than that he is doing Awesome he is starting to scoot and is wanting to be everywhere and has his hands on anything he can get to. His weight is doing amazing he is up to 15 lbs. and his height is 25 inches. He is in the 98 percentile for his weight and height.(in Emmett's book LOL). Which is a land marker at this house. We have been tyring to get there for months. So that was an Exciting day.

Sept.3,2009

2009-09-09T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's time for an Update.On Sept 3,2009 Emmett had another swallow study with DR. Muntz (ENT) and his Speech Therapist, Melanie Gray.The doctor did what is called a scope. (The scope has a camera on the end of it.) During this procedure they insert the scope down through Emmetts nose, they than are able to watch him swallow baby food that has been died blue.This allows them to see the function of his throat and his air way.During this Emmett had no vocal cord stimulation, which means that the food pooled around his vocal cords, and he had no reaction to cough or gage the food out. So as Emmett got more and more upset, he took a deep breath and the food went right down into his airway.This is called an aspiration.Due to the results of this Emmett is not able to take any food by mouth due to the risks of aspirating his food, and causing major problems to his lungs.He is also not going to be getting his NJ removed any time soon.We are now being referred to the Disphasia clinic, whom take care of survival, and work of gastric problems, like reflux and such.It has been talked about that he may have to receive a surgery to help his condition. The surgery is called a Nisan and in that they tie the top portion of the stomach so he can no longer reflux, or throw up.In hopes that this will relieve the chance of aspiration and allow him to take food by mouth.This is not a for sure thing the surgery is very serious and Emmetts condition has to be reviewed before they will decide on what is best for him.I wanted to keep everyone updated on his progress and let you know what the future brings.Other than that set back Emmett is doing amazing.He is having a harder time now with the feeding tube down his nose so any chance he gets to get his fingers around it he pulls it out, so more trips to primaries.He has started to scoot, and has been siting on his own.We are working with an occupational therapist and a physical therapist to help improve his strength.Although he gets tired, he loves it. Cause right after they leave, he is trying to do exactly what we practiced on his own. He is brilliant. Thank again for everything everyone has done for us.We love you all.

The AWARNESS FUN RUN

2009-08-27T13:47:00.000-07:00

August 22,2009
Thanks to all who participated in Emmett's 5k Run. I appreciate all of your love and support you all mean the world to us.We were able to raise close to $2,000.00 and we had a blast doing it. Congrats to Matt for being the first runner in! I also have to give a shout out to my mother in law for walking the whole 5k, you are amazing. Carlee and Dustin you did awesome at the face painting. Emmett got a sunburn and still has a mark of a heart on his head from his face painting. We had a raffle in which Dave took home the bacon. ( thanks for sharing your tickets.) We had really neat balloon animals and hats made. We had lots of yummy homemade treats, and a ton of smiles. I have to give a huge thank you to all of those at fortified financial, their families and sponsors for all the work you put into the Run. Emmett's Family looks forward to the Run in the Spring and making many more memories. We love you all! The Guzman Family

2009-07-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

Gaul I can't even believe how time has flown. I cant believe we are through the 2nd part of his surgery (the Glenn procedure.) It feels like we just had his first one done. (the Norwood.) It's amazing how fast time can get away from you. I cherish every minute of it though! Well how about that update. Emmett is off of his oxygen. YEAY! He is doing amazing. It is so crazy to watch him go from 0 to 100 in just days. To explain myself on that comment. Because of Emmett's heart condition, his little body was working so hard to pump oxygenated blood through all of his body that he was always so tired,and had a hard time holding up his head, before he went in for this last open heart surgery. And now he is kicking his feet and growling at his mommy, and holding objects in his hands. I cant even believe my eyes. It is like I had a 1 month old for 5 months and now I have a rejuvenated 6 month old. LOL he is amazing. And Oriawna and Francelle love school, and are so happy that they it is warm enough to go out side. Well some days. They are all the light of my life and i cant imagine my life any different.

march 30, 2009

2009-07-07T18:02:00.001-07:00

Emmetts surgery went very well. We are on the road to home... We have only had a few bumps in the road but, all in all relieved that he is through his Glenn. The girls are back in school. Ben's sister has been awesome and has stayed with us to watch the girls so I can be at the hospital.

march 11, 2009

2009-07-07T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well I guess it is about time for an update. I am sorry for the laps in times. It is hard for me to keep up. Emmett is doing OK. His surgery is scheduled for the 23rd of March. We also went into the doctors today. He is struggling with gaining weight and it looks like he has some swelling in his airway which is causing some breathing difficulties. So this has caused him to have his oxygen turned up. We also have been asked to have him sleep on his stomach, now isn't that a weird one. But I trust in the Doctor's.=O) And as for Oriawna and Francelle they have had to go and stay with they're grandma and grandpa because Francelle has caught a cold. They are having the time of they're lives. After being on quarantine for 3 weeks and not having any social time they think it is pretty cool. For me on the other hand, it's hard, not to have them here. I am definitely a daughters mommy. lol. (But that is the price we pay for being in quarantine.) Well I guess being a mom is a test and I am sure trying to pass. Hahaha. As good as I can. So as always we finish with a GO.BABY.GO

feb, 23, 09

2009-07-07T18:00:00.002-07:00

Emmett is doing great. He just got a blood transfusion which has increased his oxygen Sat's. Other than having a little cold, we are on schedule for his next procedure. He goes in on March 2, for a heart Cathe, this is a procedure that prepares him for his 2nd surgery. We do not have an exact date on his surgery but it sounds like the first couple of weeks in march. We are all hanging in there. Oriawna and Francelle had to be taken out of school until Emmett has his next surgery, which has been a little trying for them. We know there is an end in sight, & we are excited to have him healthy.

Feb. 1, 09

2009-07-07T18:00:00.001-07:00

I am sorry it has taken me a while to give an update on baby Emmett and our family. We are doing well. We have had a few bumps in the road since Christmas time which has kept me from home. Emmett got para enfluenza, which put us in the hospital for a few days. The next week we returned to Primary Childrens because of some feeding problems. He also had to be put back on oxygen. Being put back on oxygen is one indicator that he is needing his next surgery. Due to the para influenza they are not going to be able to do the second surgery for at least six weeks, probably around the first part of March. It has been an emotional roller coaster the last few weeks for me and Ben but I think if we can survive this we can survive anything. I honestly can't believe you can see your primary care physician so many times in one week (laugh out loud). No but honestly it all is just a learning experience. With lots of Love to all. Jimie Guzman

Dec. 30, 2008

2009-07-07T17:59:00.001-07:00

Christmas was wonderful. We stayed home. Our tradition is to go to the cabin and spend it with grandma and grandpa and all the cousins but because of the change in altitude Emmett is not able to go there, so it was our first Christmas at home since we have had our children. It was different and a little sad for my girls but all and all we wouldn't change a thing cause we received the best Christmas present anyone could ever ask for. I thank the Lord for the blessings that I received every day. I don't get a lot of work done. Emmett is spoiled. He loves his mommy to hold him. I think he is making up for the time he wasn't able to be held. Here is an update on how Emmett is doing. He was able to get off of his oxygen on the 10th of December He also had a swallow study that same day, ( he failed) which resulted in him having to keep his NJ tube in which is his feeding tube that still feeds him into his small intestine. We go in Jan.12. for another swallow study. So hopefully we can pass this one. The reason we want him to pass this is so that they can pull his feeding tube into his stomach. This way we can do what they call bolus's feeding which means we can take him off of continues feedings, and bottle feed him in between the pump feedings, and eventually work towards taking out the tube. Which would be awesome. Another thing we are fighting against with him is he has extreme Reflux which also may cause problems with him getting his NJ tube removed. We may be looking at getting a permanant one put into his tummy. But other than that little set back, everything else is great. It sounds like his next surgery will be sometime between April or May. So as I always say,GO BABY GO. Thanks for the support. Loves and Kisses The Guzmans

dec. 1, 2008

2009-07-07T17:58:00.001-07:00

We are proud to announce that baby Emmett is home. He got home on November 25 it has taken a little getting used to. We have already been back up to primary childrens twice for an NJ tube or feeding tube to be replaced. But other than that things have been going great. He sleeps all the way thru the night. It is awsome I truley have been blessed with an amazing little man. Go Baby Go. With all the love in the world and thanks the Guzman Family

2009-07-07T17:56:00.002-07:00

Jimie and Ben got to

hold EMMETT!!!!!

Nov. 20, 2008

2009-07-07T17:56:00.001-07:00

We are happy to announce that baby Emmett has had all but two of his lines removed. An exciting day was the day we started feeding him, although it is through a feeding tube, it is a step in the right direction. They are planning to take the last two tubes out on Saturday, and then we will be able to hold him. YEAH....Long day awaited. He will also be moved to the surgical floor on Saturday. We are all so happy with how well he has done and I can't even express the love and gratitude we have for all of you during this time. Loves and kisses the Guzman Family

Nov 16. 2008

2009-07-07T17:55:00.002-07:00

Emmett is doing very well. He was able to have his breathing tube removed yesterday, and has seemed to be sustaining it very well. They are hoping to get some of his major lines removed today so they are able to start feeding him. It sounds to me like we will be in the hospital for a couple more weeks. We are excited that he has done so well, and know that all your prayers and love have helped him through this. We love you all and continue to tell Emmett GO BABY GO!Lots of Love the Guzman Family

Nov. 19 2008

2009-07-07T17:55:00.001-07:00

Emmett has done very well. His swelling has gone down they expect to close his chest on tuesday or wednesday. He has been a little fighter. Oriawna and I were able to give him a bath yesterday which was awsome, he opened his eyes for his big sister as she tickled his feet with the wash cloth. Ori was also able to make a surgical doll which means she was able to put bandades an IV in its hand and some other things, so it looked just like her little brother. We had an awsome day with her little baby brother. They are telling us that he will be in the hospital anywere from 3-4 weeks. So far we have been blessed with no major set backs. We have also been blessed to have so many of you in our lives. Thank you so much for your love and support. With love the Guzman Family

November 5, 2008

2009-07-07T17:54:00.000-07:00

Baby Emmett's Arrival
For those of you who did not get an official update here it is! Emmett James Guzman was born on November 4th, 2008 around 11:30pm. He weighed 6lbs 9oz and was 17 3/4 inches long. Labor took a little longer for Jimie, because Emmett did not like the contractions. Pitocin was stopped 3-4 times because his heart rate would decrease during the contractions. Never the less Emmett is now here and "doing well". He was born at the University Hospital and the Staff was very attentive to Jimie and Ben's Family. Francelle was taken through the window to see Emmett, she was the first to see Emmett all cleaned up (she was a very happy sister), Oriawna was taken through next and smiled from ear to ear. After that they received a updates and then around 2:00 am were able to see him in their room. Bishop Meyersick arrived at the Hospital to help Ben and Grandpa Jim give Emmett his name and a Blessing, (Thank You Bishop). Emmett was then taken to Primary's PICU were his still remains waiting for surgery. Emmett is on a breathing machine because of the medication to help his dutcus stay open. He has a tube in his belly button and a few other lines for medicine and monitoring. Jimie and Ben were told they were going to be able to HOLD Emmett tonight for the first time. Surgery is scheduled for Friday the 7th, time is unknown still. Thank you all for you prayers and concerns, Jimie and Ben are feeling very loved and supported. We will continue to try and keep the updates coming.

October 29, 2008

2009-07-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

We have finally got an induction date. We will be doing an amnio on the morning of the nov. 5th and we will go in later that day for delivery. The amnio is to make sure that the babies lungs are developed. Benjamin has decided on a name. Emmette James Guzman. We are looking forward to seing him. Ecspecially his 2 sisters. With all the love in the world. Jimie and the Guzman Family.

october, 14, 2008

2009-07-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

Well it's about time for an update. We still have not been scheduled for our induction. The whole time we thought that primary children's would schedule it, but when we went to the last eco. we were informed that my doctor was suppose to schedule the induction date. When we talked to doctor Froerer he had no idea what they were talking about, because he doesn't have privileges at the U. So come to find out the Perinatal doctors were suppose to have scheduled me for my induction. The reason for the appt. is so I don't go past 38 weeks.(they do not want me to go into labour on my own.) Other than that, everything has been coming along. Baby has dropped which has made for some painful contractions. But we are hanging in there. I'll let you know when we are planning to have the baby as soon as I know. Thanks again for all your love and support. You have helped keep my spirits high. With love Jimie

September 12, 2008

2009-07-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day for my family. Me and Ben took the girls to see their first ultra sound in 3D. They enjoyed being able to see a real image of their little brother. The fun thing is francelle has now been asking multiple times a day, when she get's to see & hold her baby brother. Although this has been a struggle for us, I feel like things will work out for the best no matter what that may be. It's crazy how prepared I already feel. I know that going through surgery with O'Riawna and Francelle has helped that feeling. Even though it is a totally different situation, I have a true understanding that our trial's in life only prepare us for tougher trials that we will endure. Thank you all so much for your support and Prayers. We have been truley blessed to have you all in our lives.

August 16, 2008

2009-07-07T17:47:00.001-07:00

Today we had our second Fetal Echo Cardiogram. The doctor's seemed very reasuring, our little man's heart is still in favor of operating. We were also able to see a 2 week old baby who has a similar situation. It was a very overwhelming room. She was decked to the hilt in IV's and Tubes. Though it is hard to see any child in that situation, it was very insightful to me. The next echo we have is scheduled in 7 weeks (I will be 34 weeks by then). I will update you on the progress @ that time unless things change before then. Also, I will be delivering "our little man" at the U of U at 38 weeks. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you again for all the love and support. We love you all and are grateful to have such wonderful friends and family in our lives.Love Jimie June Guzman

Thank you! November 8, 2008

2009-07-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to tell everyone thank you for the support and concern you have shown towards my family and me. I am starting this blog as a request from my family and in hope that I can keep everyone updated as changes in my pregnancy occur and our little baby boy arrives. We currently have two beautiful little girls O'riawna (age 6) and Francelle (age 2). O'riawna will be starting Kindergarten next week, and is excitied for her new baby brother. Francelle is a lovable, cuddly little girl who loves to pick on her older sister and loves to talk to her little brother. Ben is still working at GSL and enjoying hunting and gardening at the moment, I am currently off hair duty as per my "DOCTOR'S" request and I get to rest and relax (ha ha ha). We are all excited for our "Little Man's" arrival and pray that all will go well. Here is the most resent update. Our "little man" has Hypoplastic left heart syndrome. So far we know that he will be requiring heart surgery with in a few days of birth. I have given a web site so that you may see what this syndrome is about and what he will be going through. For a short summary HLHS is where his left Atrium and Ventricle are under developed along with other arteries and aorta. In his case the left ventricle did not develop and his right Atrium and Ventricle are doing overtime (which means they are growing larger to compensate for the underdevelopment of the left side). At birth they will give him medication to keep his Patten ductus open (this is the ductus Grandma Bonnie and Trisha had to have closed surgically). He will be closely monitored for 3-5 days, due to the medicine he will receive. He will then need to be on a bypass machine and have a feeding tube. The surgery will be to reconstruct his heart; this has a 70% survival rate. He will remain at Primary Children’s Hospital, until he has recovered, which will be anywhere from 1-2 months. He will then come home for 1-2 months and receive another surgery between 3-6 months of age (the next surgery has a 90% survival rate). There will be a third surgery required between the ages of 3-6 years old. We still have a lot to learn and are anxiously awaiting his arrival. Thank you once again for your support and concern. I hope to keep everyone updated as we continue on our new journey Love, Jimie June