Scars scars scars

Our appointment went pretty well. We had the chest x-rays done first then the Echo. She was really good for the echo until they got to the under the neck part. (they put a towel under her shoulders so her head is leaning back.) looks kind of like it sounds, not very comfy. She was happy again once it was all over. We got to see how small the left side really is again, well again for me and the first for Sam. Its looks almost like a growth on the left side of the right side of the upper heart, mm yeah. does that make sense? It was neat to see her heart at work.

We weighed her before we saw Dr. Williams (Dr. Pulver was gone) and Bonnie. With a long sleeve onesie, a dry diaper, jeans, and socks she was 58kg... 12.13lbs for the rest of us, hehe. WAHOO talk about making every once count.

We took her o2 stats with o2 on and off. Sam and I think it might have been a bad reading (it was every where) With o2 she ended at 80 started at 85. Then with out it she was 75... I'm getting a monitor for the house. Just so I know what her normal is. We go back in next month so hopefully we can get off then.

Dr. Williams said her echo looked the same as last time. A little leaking in the errr sorry just for got where again. The pressure looks a little high still, and its not as good as they would like for it to be but it ok. So good and bad news. He also said they worry a little less about kids after they have their Glenn's. And she will most likely be on 2 of the 3 meds for a long time. But that's ok, they are helping her.

Dr. Clay came and took off the take thingys. Mariska didn't care for that to much, Then she gave her her a cute t-shirt.

We saw a few of the nurses, they all said Misky looked really good and was cute, which we already knew, hehe.

I also started to do some Digital scrap booking. Its fun but I have tons to learn with the programs.

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers.

Love the Anderson's.

PICTURES!!

Here they are, Sorry theres so many and it took me a while to get them on here. Heres the update

Mariska just after her surgery 04-16-08Just after she was extubated!

Dr. Bonnie Clay and our nurse Lisa taking our the chest tubes. Misky tuckered our afterward.

She kept kicking off one sock.

Us with Mariska's Surgeon Dr. Hawkins.

Uncle Tyson and Sam

Bonnie and Mariska. We laugh later how Misky Doctor frog looked a lot like her. We love our Bonnie

Mariska chilin in the swing and her dad playing games. Mariska with her Canula on top of her nose. Shh dont tell the nurses. hehe.

On the "Floor" From Mariska's eyes. Shes looking at her new toy.

Playing with mom. All smiles.

My First wagon ride. We went almost every where. Mariska was really good and enjoyed seeing something new. Most of the time we keep her covered up when we go to the hospital.

Pretty normal stats for Mariska.

Mariska's silly face. Her playing with LEGOs. I cant believe how long shes getting. And her chillin with her buddies.

There you go. The last two we're just a few days ago. Shes such a funny kid.

Melynda

Follow up tomorrow at PCMC

Tomorrow we see Linda or Bonnie, not sure which, for our 2 week I think we'll get to finally see whats under the surcher strips (?) and get our first look at how Misky's scar really looks!! I'm nerves. No matter what it looks like we'll still love our little goofy girl.

So we're hoping to lose a few things tomorrow. Like Mariska's wonderful tail. hehe I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my prayers going that we can come off O2. Live will just be so strange with our the tank (Sam and I joke its like we had twins we have to take it every where, it has its own seat and seat belt in the car, and we are always carry it with us. Its like having a 2 year old hanging from your neck. blah) I think she will all so have the stitches taken out from the top and bottom of her scare and where some of the larger chest tubes where. YIPPY.

We have our appointment at 8:45am. Nice and early. We might stop and see some of our heart buddies at the hospital. I dont think we'll see many because Mariska is to young to go into most of the units. But our hearts and prayers are with those brave families. please keep them in your prayers also, they could all use a few more.

Melynda, Sam, and Mariska

Wish us luck!!

Things at home

I thought I would post something seeing how its been a while. Mariska is pretty much back to her normal self. A few things have changed.

Shes getting bigger. YIPPY! I think every time I look at her she changes, or she does something new that cracks us up. A couple nights ago she we hear her first real laugh, She has a sweet little laugh.

She hasn't been a very good little sleeper at night time, its starting to show on me that I'm getting up every two hours to give her a bottle, ugh. Shes good for the first 3-4 hours when shes first laid down for the night but after that she wants to eat every 2 hours all night long. Last night she was a better sleeper only woke up 3 times it was nice to sleep and not take naps all night. I hope tonight will be better.

Today she helped me clean, I had her in the front carrier, she was a great helper until I drop something then she groans when I pick it up. haha. We went out side for a little fresh air sat there for a while she did pretty good at doing nothing.

I fed her some baby food for the 3rd time. Bananas again. She ate the whole thing, only a little on her bib, hands, high chair, tubing.... haha. She would put her hands in her mouth, I pull them out then feed her a spoon full when she wants more in go her hands, then her hands help paint everything with bananas. I was surprised how much she ate, 2 servings. I was talking to my brother her uncle Tyler he said shes a little pig. I'm happy with that if it means she'll pack on some more pounds. I'll give it a few more days of just bananas and see how her body handles it. then we'll try prunes. They have the most calories. So she'll be getting them for a while.

I gave her her first real bath since the Glenn. Sponge baths just doesnt get her smelling supers nice and clean. She loves her bath, we didn't get any of her stitches or tape stuff wet. Now I know I can give her a bath and keep everything dry shes going to smell a lot better. :)

Looks like shes awake, hmm I wonder how this nights going to be, she slept for 3 hours.

Melynda

First Night Home

So last night was kind of rough. Mariska would wake around the same times people would make her cry all week!! She didn't eat very well either. I cleaned out her nose and now shes doing a lot better.

She only ate two full bottles the rest she just nibbled on. 1/2 to 1 oz. A little frustrating. She gets a little fussy when its time for her Tylenol but other then that shes been pretty happy and back to being a little stinker. It's surprising how well shes acting and playing so soon after surgery. It blows my mind.

Hurray for poop. Sorry. I think Mariska was saving allll of it for us here at home. lol. I'm happy her little system is getting back to normal.

Mariska had three really nice and long naps. We were glad she was finally getting some much needed rest. Rest little Misky Rest...

Sorry it took me so long to post an update. Things were very busy.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers. We have felt them.

Love,

Mariska, Melynda, and Sam

HOME!

We got home yesterday around 11 am. So Sam and I still think we were there for two days just waiting on someone to come and pull the pacer wires.... So in the morning Bonnie and a hand full of med students came in, not sure if they we're there to see the wires come out or if they were just doing normal rounds. I was in the restroom when they all came in, I came back just after they pulled the wires out. Bonnie said they probably just got stuck on the closer wires on the chest or from the scar tissue. They just needed an extra hard tug to get them out.

Bonnie said we didn't need another ECHO, but did want us to hand around for an hour just to make sure the wires didn't cause any trouble. Every thing went fine. Bonnie them came back talked to us a for a little while got us our meds -the same ones just a little bigger doses. We did our discharge paper work and we were out of there.

We did plan on visiting some friends at PCMC, but we just want to get home, I'm sure they understand.

I think I might have forgotten the day before we left we took Mariska for a wagon ride for a nice hour or more. We wandered the halls. Had a few rides on the elevators and Let Mariska drive. Is was nice to get out of the room, and I think Mariska thought so too. We told her for her next surgery shes going to have to pull us up and down the halls.

Yesterday early morning. We had the IV team come and take her blood. I will never let any one else take her blood. They left the lights off, which was nice. The girl took a light lite, put it under her hand marked where the best place would be. left for a sec, when I came back she had the needle with an open end and let the blood drop into the viles. Mariska didn't even cry the whole time it was so nice.

After that we went and got an chest x-ray. The tech who took was was funny. Was crazy in a good way. She was trying to clear the halls by moving the crib every where, hahah no worries no one got hit.

A little releaved

Thanks everyone for the comments on the blood draws. We told our nurse that we only wanted the IV team to do any blood draws, she was really sweet and even wrote it on the white board just in case she or someone else forgot. Pheww.

We have had awesome nurses today. The first one we had her twin sister on the floor back in December. I was looking at her and said yeah you had my sister last time. They are so identical, they wear close to the same things, and do their hair and make-up similar too. Its fun.

Our nurse Lindsay, tonight keeps asking us if she can do anything for us. So we had a few slushes for us and also for my dad and younger bother who came to see us. When I was gone Sam was trying to get her to calm down she offered to help calm her down tonight if we wanted to get some rest. That would be kind of nice. The days are really mellow but the mornings are crazy.

I had my brother Tyson bring us Mariska's bottles from home. To see if this would help her to eat more food here. I'm starting to worry more that shes not eating that often. Shes only eating maybe 3 bottles and a mouth full here and there from others. She doesnt even act hungry. She really happy talking and smiling. So we hope its just a phase and nothing more. I've had to make her eat, but once she gets some in her belly she eats the rest of the bottle. Sam said he thinks that maybe hunger is not that big of a deal after all the blood draws and open heart surgery.

I was just talking to our nurse she said that she things that some times manipulate their environment since they have pretty much lost all most all control, that's their way of acting out. She also said that Loratab will make some kids just to tired to want to eat anything. I'm glad we finally have a nurse that knows what shes talking about!! Shes awesome.

I was feeling sad a few days ago when we thought we would not be here for church. We love this branch the spirit is so Strong, Its nice to be in a room with every one who truly wants to be at church, When ever we start to sing I always have a hard time. My heart is always so humble when we're here and the hymns always hit home. I am so grateful for Sam and the priesthood he holds, it has brought so many wonderful blessings into our lives.

Please pray that Mariska will have a easy time with the blood draw in the morning and everything will go smoothly so we can go home.

Lots of hugs and loves.

Melynda, Sam, and the brave Mariska

Just waiting

So Mariska is still here at PCMC. hmm we're a little unsure why we are still here. We think they like us to much to send home. haha.

We think they are afraid to pull out her pacer wires, They tried yesterday from the x-ray this morning it looks like they only could get the half the way out, seems odd. they said yesterday they would try to pull them today, and today they said they are going to do a echo and pull the wires tomorrow... Our nurse is not sure why we are still her either, She thinks they want Linda to come and pull the wires...She's works tomorrow so looks like we're just chillin today. How do I get them to just get the IV team to take her blood? they are having a hard time with the draws yuck.

This time the girl poked her and nothing came so she started "FISHING" (moving the needle around OUCH) That's when I had to leave, Sam said they poked her a few more times, and did a few pull out half way and go back in.... It makes me sick to even think of it.

Please keep us in your prayers

Hugs Melynda, Sam and Mariska

Blood.

I'm mad, sad, frustrated, nauseous, and exhausted from the 4 AM blood draws! Last night we were told we didn't need the lab work done. Then at 4!!! they not sure who they is, ordered it at the last possible time, I'm so mad, Mariska is such a hard stick.

The girl that came to do it... I'm not sure how many time she poke her poor little arm. I had to leave at the first one when she was grinding it alllll around!!!!! and didn't get anything! I knew it was going to be a few pokes. I'm going to give our card (he comes on today) an ear full. GRRRRrr I was so mad when sam said she would come half way out and then jam the thing back in again. That was rough. After they left I just sat and cried and now I'm venting, sorry everyone.

We are so ready do get out of here! all three of us, as much as we love everything everyone does for us it will be nice to be at home where we can take care of her and not have to ask someone to get her some food. I'm tyring to stay positive but the 4 am blood labs just get under my skin. I think our awesome nurse streak is all over. blah. on top of all of this Misky only ate around 8 oz of formula. She did eat 4.5 oz at midnight, I keep telling her if she slows down on eating then we'll ending up having to stay.

Sam and I think it was the Loratab, we think it made her have a loss of appetite. She started to eat less after we started it in the PICU. All the nurses said they don't think that is a side effect!! Well we googled it and guess what it is. some times it makes me crazy they don't know what the side effect is of something they give Misky, I mean how can you watch for a reaction if you don't know what to watch out for. On the other hand they see a lot of meds and it could be a lot to learn about everyone....

Please pray for us to go home today and that everything will be fine.

Melynda and family

almost every thing is off Mariska chest.

I forgot to say in our last post. We also had a doctor come in and try to pull out Misky's pacer wires, he could only get them half way so they will try to do it pull them all the way out tomorrow.

Our nurse Pam last night was fun. Mariska was pulling on her pacer wires, so Pam went and brought her some cloths that Target was so kind to donate. How nice was that? I put the pants on her but I'm kind of waiting for her to be a little happier before I try the shirt. I dont want to make her cry, they make that happen her enough. So maybe later.

Thanks again for all your prayers.

Melynda, Sam, and Mariska

Sleeping

I forgot when your on the floor you no one really sleeps. Well Sam is still sleeping. Around 12 I went to bed, a few hours after the nurse came in to do something then I fed Misky. Then the pabotimas (SP?) came to take her blood, we just got that back the potassium was high, so they are going to redo the test. YUCK!

I left the computer so I have more news. They came back to draw more blood. The girl who did it that time didn't have any trouble getting the blood, YAY, Misky's stats when down for a while but they came back up. She looks a lot more blue when shes really upset.

Before the redraw they did rounds, We met Dr. K. Hes a pretty cool guy, I don't think they had any fellows this time. They said we should be going home tomorrow. I asked about Misky's chest x-rays I thought the liver looked a little enlarged, he said it was but it was fine. POOR Misky.

Then meds then around 8:30 I finally got some more sleep.

Our nurse with the case study for Dr. Null, Jeanie came today shes still here waiting for Miskys vitals. We called her a few days ago to come, Because Mariska needed the shot before she left the hospital but that looks like tomorrow.

We had to get more blood drawn for that, yiks. The Guy who did it was pretty good got all 4ml they needed. In fact she was still bleeding when he pulled out the nettle that's a first, so he had a really good stick. Or he was just messy...

Shes could eat more then she has been but shes still doing pretty good.

Please keep us and our heart friends here at PCMC in your hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Melynda, Sam, and Mariska Anderson

Things are moving right along

Bonnie took out her AR line around 11. Then she came back and took out all 3 of her chest tubes around 2. We left her to rest for a bit and got some food came back and she was having her discharge ECHO, After she was done with that I got to hold and feed her.

I think she has slowed down a little on her feeds, or now shes just not starving. She is still eating pretty well.

We we're planning on moving to the floor today but they said all the beds were taken. After about 20 mins Lisa said she was going to move Mariska to the floor after her break. So 30 mins later we we're on our way to the floor. YAY!!

While our nurse was at lunch we saw Dr. Hawkins, I was a little surprised to see him, because Bonnie had just told us he wouldn't be coming in today cause it was his day off. I wanted to get a picture with him, so when we saw him I was really happy, and we got our picture. :)

We are in room 3088 on the 3rd floor. Sam and I just went and bought Mariska some balloons. So her room has some more things.

On the way to the floor Mariska had this very worried kind of scared look on her face. She kind of has had that look since after her surgery. Silly girl. Giving every one mean eyes. I cant sayI blame her for that.

Right now she is sleeping right now. Tori our new nurse for a little while is getting Misky's meds ready. Looks like we'll still be on digxoin (sp?) and lasix only lasix is every 8 hours in the IV so we have a pump.

I think that's it for now.

Love,

Melynda, Sam, and Mariska

A good night.

Sam went in to see her this morning a little after 8. They said they were going to take some lines out at 9. Mariska got her IJ tube out a little while ago! That's the one in the neck that goes into the vain. Its the one that really bugs me to see, because it looks so uncomfortable having something coming out of our neck. Anyway she got that out.

Around 11 we are going to get another line out called the RA line. This one goes into her right atrium. We have to get this out before we can hold her again.

They said there is a good chance we will be going to the floor today some time!! (the floor is the CSU. Children's Surgical Unit)

Last night her O2 was turned down to 1/2L so we're less then what we came on right now! Our goal is to get to come all the way off of it. I'm a little worried about her coming all the way off cause what would I do with out her tail. haha. No really They said she was going into a little bit heart failure before the surgery (I guess that's the sign they need the Glenn) So I'm not sure. I really hope and pray she will come home off O2 or at least be taken off of it really soon.

She had a good night last night, This is always awesome news!!

We're going to watch the CPR video later today, maybe after breakfast.

I'll post you after some more news.

Love,

Melynda Sam and Mariska

Hi 5!!

just a little bit ago the nurse from last night came in to see us (she was here for a meeting) She wanted to see how little Mariska was doing. She told us a cool story about this morning.

She said Dr. Hawkins came by this morning looked at Mariska and gave Her a hi 5, because of how well Mariska is doing!!! How awesome is that?? Heidi said she has heard of that happening but has never had it happen to her in the 5 years shes been working here. We all were pretty excited about that.

Thought I would share the awesome story!!

Mariska is still doing well. They turned her O2 down to 1 L this morning. Now we just have to work it all the way to off, The nurses said thats the hard part.

Heart Hugs

Melynda, Sam and Mariska

Bed 2!!

They just moved us to bed 2 in the PICU. We're next to another HLHS/HHI buddy, How cool is that? His is the same bed we were in after she was taken by Life Flight to PCMC. Right now she just woke up and Sam is feeding her, she ate almost 4 again and got her loratab. We still cant hold her because of the neck line she has in.

I forgot to say that earlier she got the cath off because she was peeing so well, so now we get wet diapers. She was very constipated before we can in for the surgery. They are not very worried about that yet, our nurse Mary Alice said to remind them again tomorrow if she hasnt pooped yet and they will do something for it. I bet Mariska would just love that I'm saying this in her blog, haha.

Linda also came by and took off the chest bandages so now its just the little tape strips.

She's doing really awesome. Dr. Pulver our Card came over earlier asked us how we were doing and said she looks really good. :) Dr Hawkins also came by and also said she looks good.

Our nurse from yesterday stopped by on her day off to see how Misky is doing. She was so cute, she also said how good Mariska looked, happy she was off them vent doing well and a little surprised that she is off most of the meds. (she was only on about 4, last time she was on 12.)

Being back in bed one makes me thing of the kids that were next to us last time. Baby Alice, Carter, and Elisabeth(I think she went by abby). I wonder how they are doing I hope well.

Thats your update. Hopefully I will post another one later tonigth if anything new happens. s

Day 2

Today Misky has been doing really well. They are going to start giving her pain meds orally with her next bottle! So that will be one step closer to going home. Shes still on Milrinone with the pump.

They had a PICU parent lunch in the conference room today. It was kind of nice to meet some of the other parents. It was heart breaking to hear some of the other parents stories on why there are here. I feel very blessed that things have been going so very well, that she was able to spend a lot of time at home, that we truly got to bond with her. My prayers go out to the families who have lost a little one, and to the ones where they just cant seem to get out of this place. I feel very blessed that I have awesome support group! I don't know where I would be if I did have Sam and everyone to help us when times get hard.

Thank you so much for all your prayers, thoughts, comments, calls, visits, Hugs and support!!

LOVE, the Anderson's Melynda, Sam, and little Misky Moo

COLOR...

She has so many more shades of color now. The first fit we saw after OHS (Open heart surgery) she was so mad but she was so red!! this is a new color for her. :) I knew she was pale but this just shows shows how much better she can look. Its nice to see her with red lips and cheeks.

The nurse just said her Blood Gases after extubate look Great!! Awesome news. I am so shocked on how fast all of this is going. We cant hold her until tomorrow because she still has art lines in her neck, so once she gets some of them out then she can be in our arms.

When we talked to Dr. Hawkins after surgery he said she was all done, I was still thinking her chest was going to be left open like the last time, he looked at me funny and said nope shes all done closed and every thing and in the PICU. This a lot better then the last time we were here. To get her where she is right now it look over a week! She is so strong and is a very good little fighter, I know this has helped her do well.

Hugs,

Melynda

PS I left my USB cord at home so when I get that I'll load some pictures of here.

We are in bed 1!! We forgot to tell everyone that part, sorry. I think we are going to try and get some sleep now that shes happy, sleeping and doing well. Please pray for us and all our little heart buddies here, we all can do with a few more prayers.

Extubate!!

They did a spontaneous trial she lasted for an hour so they decided to extubate. Her BPM breaths per minuite (?) was at 14 they like to have it at 10 or so before they try, but sometimes they do it earlier. Her blood gases looked the same before and after the trial so that was a big help to get her off the tube. Shes been off the vent for 57:25mins now and counting. YAHOOO!!!! Way to go Misky!!

Sam and I went and grabbed dinner so we missed the trial and her being extubated. I told our nurse Heidi if Misky did anything spectacular to take a picture for us, Heheh she did, she got a few shots of her first off the vent.

When we got back she had been extubated for 15 mins, and boy was she mad! Her blood pressure was pretty high so they gave her some more for the pain and some meds for her blood pressure.

They have a new monitor on her right now like a big patch on her forehead, I forgot the name. The doctors don't seem to sure about how it really works.... She started at almost 30 and now shes at 62 now. It measures the oz in her brain tissue. They I guess do this in the OR and now they are starting to send the kids with it on for the first night. They taped her hair in with the take and the pad thingy. Poor thing.

Thanks for all your prayers!! It has helped in so many ways. I truly know Heavenly Father is watching over Misky.

Love,
Melynda, Sam, and Misky Moo

Going Swell

Surgery Went well and everything is going good. Dr Hawkins spoke with us and said that everything went very well and that he expects us to be out in 5 days or so. We had to wait about 20 minutes before we could see her so we waiting a long 20 minutes and then went and saw her.

She is doing really well and it progressing well, they expect to take out the breathing tube tonight they keep lowering the oxygen on the ventilator and she continues to breath on her own so they are going to do a spontaneous trial and then excavate her. Everything seems to be going well she isn't bleeding much and she is peeing a lot so she isn't holding much of fluids. Even though she looks really swelled up she is doing as they expected and everything is going good.

Thank you so much for all your thoughts and prayers we will continue to keep you posted.

Love The Andersons

waiting

I on my toes waiting for Dr. Hawkins. Every Doctor that comes in I think is him. Its making my heart flutter! yuck. I know I'm going to lose it after I leave the room form seeing Misky. That is something I'm prepared for. hugh the Waiting game. Its making me crazy. I know Dr. Hawkins will do a grate job so I'm not worried about to much.

Hugs

Melynda

She's done!

Linda the PA (?) Came in at 11:30 and said their done with the surgery. So in an hour or so Dr. Hawkin's should come and talk to us.

She said everything went really well. Way to go Misky!!!!

We're praying for a fast recovery.

Love,
Melynda, Sam

Today is the big day/ They have started

Last night Sam and I packed every thing so we could just get up and go. Misky was really good last night. She ate a full bottle (4oz) at ten, then we fed it again at 12 for her last formula bottle she only ate 1 or 2 oz. Then at 4:30am we few her some pedialyt. Its hard to want to wake a peacefully sleeping babe up. We just didn't want her to be super hungry. We loaded her up in the car she slept for the first 20 mins then she babbled for 10mins then slept the rest of the ride. It was nice to hear her cooing this morning. Any other morning I would have told her to go back to sleep. Haha she minds pretty well for her age. :)

Once we got checked in we weighed her, With a PJs on and maybe a dirty diaper she was 12.1!! WAhoo she hit the 12lb mark... with a little help.

We wrapped in into a warm blanket and she feel right a sleep until the anaesthesiologist(sp?) (Doug) came then she was awake looking around. Sam's parents joined in in the OR waiting room then just before Misky started her adventure my parents and Tanya joined us took a few pictures then we walked to down the hall to fix her heart and said our good bye's.

I cant wait to see her, With her pinker skin and HIGH her O2 readings. Dr. Hawkins said she should be in the low to mid 80s!! (Normal I think is 90s) Oddly Her stats we're 82!! most of the time she reads at 74-75, I was surprised.

Now we are staying busy in the waiting room, We have had two updates so far.

9:10in They have made the incision

10:20 She has been put on the heart lung machine.

I'll update again later.

I feel very calm and at peace, I know Heavenly Father is watching over her and us. I am so grateful I can feel the spirit, Thanks to everyone who is Fasting and Praying for our little family. We are so thankful for all of your support.

Love, Melynda, Sam, and Misky

Here it Comes

We went to our pre-op appointment at primaries today the 15th of April. We had to get her blood drawn and a urine sample and then we went and got her chest x-rays. Then we went to the Sameday surgery registration and she got a physical and Dr. Bonnie Clay check her out and then we spoke with Dr. Hawkins our Surgeon.

So She is good to go for the surgery tomorrow she goes in at 8:00 a.m. and we have to be there at 6:30 a.m. .... So Yes I am trying to hurry so I get some sleep before we leave so I don't fall asleep driving up.

Anyway the surgeon says that everything looks good and that he expects to just do the glenn and there should be any complications or anything else he needs to do. They say most likely if all goes well she can go home in a week. They said that this surgery has 99% Success rate so we have high hopes.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers and feel free to visit us in the hospital, we Enjoy visitors.

Love The Anderson's

Tomorrow the 15th

I get to do all the check in stuff tomorrow, I'm not sure what that really means. I know some blood and paper work, I really hope that's it. Sam did most of the talking to PCMC, I've only read a little from a packet they sent us. I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. Love

The Anderson's

ps. I will post a lot of pictures soon I promise.

Misky is 5 Months today!!!

I cant believe how fast the time has gone. Everyone always said they grow up too fast, its so true. HAPPY 5 MONTHS MISKY!! We love you!!

Today we went to visit one of my sisters long time friends Laura (the one who did our family pictures) Sam had to work so Tanya, her two little ones and Misky and my self all went on a road trip up to Laura's house. We adore her family! We met at her house then we went over to her hubbies work in logan (I think) To pick up the bags we ordered from her. (the one thats black and white with Sam and Misky's feet) I LOVE the bag. Every time I've walked by it I have to smile and say I love that bag. hahaha its funny.

Back to our day, we met at her place the then went to McDonald's for lunch. Mariska's first time at mickadee's. Then we got the bags then headed back to her place.

We visited for a while then I wanted to get some pictures of Mariska's scar before she gets a new one. We took some picked the ones we loved then put them in to a collage. I cant wait to see it when its all printed and here. It looks so nice. We ordered our pictures, its going to be so nice to have a big family picture with the three of us, I cant wait we're so excited to see all of them.

Mariska was sooooo good all day I am very proud of her. I'm glad we have family pictures before her surgery it helps to keep me calm. I feel like I have done just about everything with her that I can think of before her surgery.

Surgery... Its coming up so fast. Please keep us in our prayers, we want a speedy recovery and smooth sailing. :D Thanks for all your prayers your forever in our hearts!!

Love Melynda Sam and Mariska (the brave, tease, smiling little girl)

Getting sick or not...

Today we took Misky to see her ped. Our card told us to see him if shes starts to change in any way. Like having a hard time breathing, change of color, gets sick. Dr. Pulver if shes gets sick it will dely the surgery.

Mariska has had a stuff nose since a little before the cath surgery. After the Cath at the card follow up appointment a nurse gave her a little bunny stuffed animal. Well we think that the toy may have given her something. The next day she had a goopy left eye not too bad but bothersome, So we watched it, after 6 days it cleared up and went to the other eye, ugh.

We had the RSV synagist shot on Monday, our nurse had the card take a look at her and have him give her something if needed. He had to clean her ears out not a fun thing I thought he was going to hurt her ear drum I was nurves, he said ever thing looked fine and that it was most likely just a viris that would clear up on its own.

Now back to today or yesterday now.. We went to see Dr. Alvey cause I thought Misky was making a strange sound at my grandmas house, like a whize (sp?) sound. He things it was just from talking and being a little horse. I hope so, she did babble a lot that day. He gave us some eye drops for her eyes so that it will no just go back and forth from eye to eye. And that we should keep her away from anyone sick

My sister and her kids are here for another week and her 1 year old has a little cough so keeping them apart has been a challenge. And even harder to clean all the toys. I feel bad that I havent really gotten to play with their kids, its killing me. I such a germ-a-phobe now with Misky before surgery more then every. I just dont want to get sick and give it to Misky or Sam. But you cant blame me. Its been a joy to have every one come all the way out of their way to see us. We feel very blessed.

I forgot to say that Sam's Grandpa Anderson turned 89 in March. Way to go Grandpa!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! We love them so much. Sam's Grandma is the sweetest person I know, awesome people.

Sorry I havent put up a picture for a very long time. I have my computer up and running, it knows when I want to post a picture cause the internet will go down until Misky nap is over, hehe or maybe its just the user. shhh.

Sam got a grant for school so will the left over money we bought a laptop. This way he can do his home work and not get behind. And I can post on the blog while we live at the hospital.

Please keep us in your prayers that our hearts will have comfort and our minds be clear. As always thanks for the thoughts and love.

Love, Melynda, Sam and Mariska

All About The 3 Surgeries Mariska Will Have

Hopefully you can read this if not heres the link... http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=321223

Heart buddy

I wanted to write a few words about sweet baby Annabelle who passed away on the 27th. She was a beautiful little angel and fought so hard for the two months she was here. She is back in Heavenly Fathers arms, happy and whole. Their little sweetheart was almost 2 months old. January 28th - March 27 2008. Please pray for thier family.

Through our experience, we have been able to come to know the most amazing, strong people, and we have been so blessed through those relationships. The Lord knows what He is doing, and knows what His children need, and although it's hard to see it in the here and now, it will all be for our benefit in the end.

Sweet little poem

I found this poem off of one of the support groups we joined. It brings comfort to my heart and helps to remind me that Heavenly Father has a very special plan for Mariska and for all of us.

It's a beautiful day up in heaven.

Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels,

to go live on earth, and be born.

One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus

"I don't want to leave,

I like it here, and I will miss you".

He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay,

and that she is just going for a visit.

She is still not swayed on this idea.

So Jesus kneels down, and says,

"How about if you leave half of your heart here with me

and take the other half with you,

will that be okay?"

The angel smiles and says,

"I guess that will work".

But the little angel is still a little scared.

She asks,"Will I be okay with only half of my heart?"

Jesus replies,"Of course you will,

I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine.

" Then Jesus gives the angel more details about his plan.

He says "When you are born, your mommy will be scared,

so you have to be strong,

and when you feel weak just remember that I have the other half of your heart".

"Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday."

"And when its time to come back to heaven,

I will make your heart whole again.

Always remember that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."

Cardio update..

Today we had a appointment with Dr. Pulver our card at 11am. Sam had to work so I had Tanya come with me again, I tried to get Mariska's Grandpa (Melynda's dad) to come but he said hes afraid of needles..haha I tried to tell him this is not the scary visit that is ones isn't too bad. He stayed home to get the 4 wheelers ready for their Moab adventures.

When we checked in with Cardio they sent us to go and have an echo done... This I was not aware about having an echo done today, the ladies at the desk said Dr. Pulver just ordered it this morning and they said they would just tell me when we got there. A little heads up would have been nice, I hate for Sam to miss some of the bigger stuff that happens with out him. :(

The ECHO it was really neat to see Mariska's heart in action. The left side is really not their at all. I was thinking it was just super small cause it was there at my 20 week ultra sound. Ernie did the echo and a student watched. I kind of like having students in the room they end up saying more because their teaching them so I always learn something new. Mariska was really happy for the echo it was funny, they made a comment on how good she was.. it helps that it was at her play time. Shes a little ham.

After the echo we went and had a chest x-ray. I over heard a guy asking for a print out of his x-ray. I had no idea I could get them on each visit, I will be doing this from now on. She was also really good for the guy that did her x-ray. Clear lungs always something I'm grateful for when I see the x-ray.

Then after the x-ray we went back to cardio. Had an EKG done. this is where they hmm how do say this... they put little sticky circles with a little metal nipple like thing on it they do about 15 on her chest kind of following her heart, then they put on almost like jumper cables for a lack of better words on and it reads her heart rhythms. Misky had a easy time with that one too only made a little little sound when she pulled off the last circle thing.

just before we EKG we got her O2 sats and her blood pressure. The nurse was a little worried that Misky had her canula out of her nose and off and on in her mouth, Its been a battle to keep they little thing in her nose, Its one of her favorite things to havin in her mouth. So I retaped to get it to stay. Silly little girl.

Right now Misky has the canula out of her nose and into her mouth blowing bubbles.

The at about 2pm Doctor Pulver came to see us. Mariska fell asleep by this time. Being there all day makes the day go on for ever. We talked about her next surgery The Glenn, what they are planning on doing. Tanya asked a few really good questions about finding surprises in misky when they open her up again. Because our surgen said Misky's aort vulve was really tiny they smallest he's ever seen. The other card said they knew about it and so did the surgen, he said thats the surgens way of saying they did a good job, haha funny the different opinons they all have. He said the bypass machine stops all the blood in the heart so it makes the vessles smaller since theres nothing really opening them. Tanya also asked about what other complications their could be, like on the norwood Misky's right diafram was parallyed, of something like that could happen again. They said the glenn is a shorter surgery so the chest is not open as long, so it tends not to damage more things. The Docs. said they have not lost a little one after the Glenn. This makes me feel better, I have faith things will go just fine. I'm happy they a cofedent in this surgery.

Dr. Pulver asked about how Mariska was doing on the two new drugs. This is why he ordered the echo to check on the heart to see if it has helped any. They we're both surprised by my anwser. I told them I was very happy with the drugs. Misky seems like shes in a lot less pain then before, Shes happier for a longer amount of time. One thing they worry about with the drugs is how blue she gets with it. Misky has had pretty good color, while we were in the office I noticed her nose was looking really blue, so they bumped up her O2 to 3/4th. We also increased the dose of one of her heart drugs.

I asked Doctor Pulver about his back ground. So here it is. He graduated from Duke, did his residentce at PCMC. Hes has done hes peds training, so he could be a Ped, and is now working one becoming a peds cariolaigest which he is a year and half into with half to go. Hes looking for a job so he will go where every has an opening, So in a year we may or may not lose him as Misky's card. He's married and has a son thats about Misky's age.

Then The three of us ate at the rainbow cafe. This time we got real food and not just a burger. I think I got every thing. It was a busy day we finally got home around 4pm. Please keep us in your prayers.

Melynda, Sam and our pride and joy Mariska Elizabeth.

We have a surgery date!! the 16th!!

PCMC called on friday. Mariska is 4.5 months now so shes right in the middle range for the Glenn. Sam got to awenser the call, then lucky duck. So in two weeks we'll be back living at PCMC. Sorry I didnt post this earlier, you know how things get with a new little one and family staying with you.

Please keep us in your prayers, That she will stay healthy so we can get this surgery done and behind us. Thanks for following the blog and all the prayers.

Love Melynda Sam and Mariska!