Blake's Surgery

So it has been a while since I blogged, clearly I’m a new mom who can’t multi-task, but I knew I needed to find the time to post this blog about ‘Big Boy’ Blake’s surgery.

Blake was born with a Congenital Heart Defect called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) which requires a series of 3 separate open-heart surgeries over the first 3-5 years of life. Blake has already completed the first 2 like a champ and we truly think that each of your prayers contributed tremendously to that. He will go for his final surgery (Fontan Procedure) tomorrow at Texas Children’s Hospital. The recovery period can be from 2-6 weeks. Keeping a 3-year old in the same room, same bed, with no activity and a controlled diet will be tough which is why I’m asking for your prayers.

Please join us in lifting Blake, the doctors (Dr. Frazier), nurses and the family up in prayer throughout the next few weeks. Bryan and Tiffany will be providing updates during this time through their family blog, http://lifewiththegalligans.blogspot.com. In advance thank you all for your prayers and support as Blake conquers his final surgery. As my Blakey says, ‘To Infinity and Beyond!’

Two of my kids

Blakey LOVES his baby Carter

'I want to hold baby Carter'

Carter update - 7am

Well we inserted the thing to help soften cervix around 3 am and I'm having contraction but not feeling them so doc asked nurse to check me and still not making progress as of now 6:30am. So doc wants to put me on epidural and come break my water - he thinks that will help soften my cervix. I feel great so far.

Carter's Baby Shower - 1/22/11

This past weekend some of my best friends threw Carter his 1^st baby shower! It was so wonderful to see some of my friends and family travel so far to come to celebrate our little man! I was and still am overwhelmed with the number of people who love, support and care for us. I wish I could have spent more time with each person but when you attend a shower these ‘hostess’ put you on a schedule…greet, talk, start the serving line, talk, take pictures, talk, open gifts, talk, take pictures and thank everyone for coming.

Deidra graciously opened her home and the hostess decorated it beautifully with pictures that Deanna (deannaaddison.com) developed from my maternity session, gorgeous flower arrangements (Flower Shoppe in Katy, TX) – my florist from my wedding, a delicious chocolate with peanut butter mouse (Cake Affairs in Houston, TX) – same flavor grooms cake from my wedding, yummy food made by all my hostess and other friends, a baby shower fingerprint tree (etsy.com – lovliday) – which will be framed in Carter’s room, cute cookies with scriptures on them (Psalms 7:8, I Samuel 1:2) for each guest and a note card section for each guest to write a note to Carter for him to read on his 18th birthday!

Here are some photos of how blessed Cory, Carter and I really are:

Maternity Photos

One of my best childhood friends, Deanna Addison (www.deannaaddison.com) was able to capture these incredible photos of my ever growing belly. I don't know how she managed to get such great photos because I was a horrible model. I know some of you can't believe that, but I cannot take 'normal' pictures, I love the 'crazy' style - Michelle waving, mouth opened pictures. Despite the weather and the MANY laughing sessions, Deanna pulled it off! A special shoutout to Deidra for being both of our assistants too. I was 32 weeks.

28 week check-up

We went in for our measuring ultrasound today and overall Carter is right on target. He is 2 lbs and some change, 148 heartrate and head a little over 3 inches (which is a lil larger than normal, must be his brain). I don't remember much, it happens all so quickly.
One 'minor' concern is swelling of one of Carter's kidneys. He appears to have urine blockage, I believe it is called hydronephrosis. Dr. Balat doesn't seem as concerned because this condition often goes away while in the womb. We will continue to monitor his kidneys at the 9 month u/s and another after he is born to determine the next step, if one is needed at all.
I've lost 2 pounds, I think we can blame that on the nasty virus I had last week. I'm measuring 2 days earlier but that is about it. Carter was cute as can be sticking his tongue out at us, showing us his little but long fingers and all his little toe toes. He appears to have some hair but can only imagine more will grow, a lot more judging by his father and mother...he will be a baby chiapet!
Here are some of the ultrasound pictures.

Carter & Baby Pate Pics

You may know my best friend, Alex Pate, but for those that don't we have known each other since high school, were roommates in college and will be life long friends. In 1999 we thought it would be so cute to get Christmas pictures made of us and our Rottweilers (Ramsey and Niner). We went out bought matching shirts and Uncle Armando took our photos. We loved them! We bought enough to send to every friend and family member we could think of.

I know, awful haircut for me!!

I couldn't resist taking pictures of us both pregnant to add to the collage of pictures so before Baby Pate arrives we took a couple quick shots. Jon and Alex aren't finding out the sex so it will be very interesting to see what Baby Pate is because we are thinking it is a girl from the difference in the way we are carrying these kiddos.

Alex is 36 weeks and I'm 26 weeks:

Reggie is healed!

Reggie went for his check-up this mroning and he is healed! We were told he is healed and didn't need to come back in again. They were sad to not be able to see him again and said he was such a sweet boy. He needs to take it easy for the next week but overall he is good to go! Finally the drama ends and we get our puppy back. I'm one happy Mama and his daddy is a very happy Papa.