Out of the Woods

Dylan had two doctors appointments this week. He weighed in at 12 lbs. 7 oz. and he gained that weight with regular formula, which is a first for him. We have always "fortified" his milk and formula from the time that he was born (which means added extra calories to help him gain weight faster). The fact that he has proven that he can gain weight on his own is very important. (We can now buy regular formula from Costco instead of the special kind for preemies which allows us to get 3 times the amount for the same price!)

The cardiologist was very happy with how Dylan's body has handled being off of his medications for the last two weeks and said that he is now "out of the woods" and that we can treat him like a normal baby now. This includes lifting him up underneath his arms, which I've been nervous about because I just don't want to hurt Dylan. When the doctor sensed my concern and hesitation, she took him from me and lifted him up under his arms to show me that he is fine now. He is 6 weeks out of his heart surgery and has done so well with everything. This also means that his siblings can hold him again. They're excited for that! 

My boys showing their true colors - BYU Blue

In reflecting back on this experience, I realized that our lives were turned upside down with the original bad news of two birth defects and possible chromosomal disorders about nine months ago. What a long nine months it has been. So much has happened that we never anticipated. We have seen so many miracles, large and small, and we have been blessed  in so many ways. There are many things we do not understand, like why Dylan was not born with all four defects that we saw on ultrasound and with Down's syndrome, and why his neighbor in the NICU was. We don't understand all of the reasons that Dylan was born in Utah and why we had to stay there for nearly 2 months, both enjoying the time and support of family and also dealing with work, a new school for Brandon and adjusting to being away from home for an unknown amount of time. And we don't understand why this beautiful little boy has had such a rough start to life. But through it all, there is no doubt that we know that God has a plan and is mindful of every one of us. We have been filled with faith through this entire experience and although not knowing how it would all turn out, felt that it would all be for our good. He has given us the added strength that we have needed, and we have felt the power of fasting and prayers by so many in a very literal sense. We are incredibly grateful that we live at a time when there is a surgery that can heal Dylan's heart and make it possible for us to have him in our family in this life for longer than 3 or 4 years. This little boy has changed our family forever and we will not take the time that we have with him for granted. Life is a gift and we now understand that on a new level.

We hope and anticipate that this nine month long roller coaster ride will be coming to and end and that the ups and downs of normal life will take over. We will continue to have this blog and update it periodically with how Dylan is growing and any news pertaining to his heart. Thank you to all who have stopped by to check in on us and experienced some of the joyous moments and at times cried with us. We have felt your strength and support more than you could ever imagine.