Saturday, August 23, 2008

A Fearless Heart

What a day. We feel awful it has taken us so long to post. Today (I guess it's yesterday by now) was McKay's first big hurdle--receiving his BT shunt. The day started with the details trying to take over. After some drama getting myself discharged from the hospital, we finally got over to the NICU to spend time with McKay before his surgery. They were a little concerned with some rising bili levels so they ordered a light and had him suntan for a few hours (see pic below). He liked the lights and his stats did very well all morning.

Then the surgeon came in to explain all that would happen during the operation. It was overwhelming and a little too real at times to listen to and believe he was talking about my baby. But we put our faith in our choice of surgeon and his skills and in God to guide him through the procedure. It turned out to be faith well placed. McKay was out of surgery in about three hours and all went beautifully. Even better, the method the surgeon choose to insert the shunt involves a large incision that starts on the right side of McKay's chest and runs around to his back. That means no zipper up his sternum for now (and no scar tissue to have to work through for his second surgery in the months to come). Before we knew it we were back at our baby's side cheer leading him on.

Although a bit swollen and battling to regulate all of his many tiny body systems, for the most part McKay is doing extremely well tonight. He is an absolute champ. We can truly feel the fire in his spirit and have witnessed his gift for connecting people. We are exhausted, but honored to be a part of this journey with him. He has already given us a life changing two days. My advice? Kiss your kids and wonder at the miracle of your body.







7 comments:

BrennanFamily said...

Mindi and Matt we are happy to hear that Mckay is doing well after his first surgery. I think we checked your blog more then 100 times yesterday for an update(we were so concerned)When you said the comment to kiss your kids and wonder at the miralce of their little bodies, I was thinking that yesterday. How amazing and strong they are. We love you all.

Emily said...

Go McKay! We are so happy all went well yesterday. I also checked the blog several times waiting for an update. Please let me know if you need anything! I would love to have the boys...especially on a weekend when Ty doesn't have school. Let me know! Love you all, Emily Evans

heidivee said...

Thank you for posting. We too have checked back a few times. I'd say you are pretty 'on the ball' with keeping us all updated. We are so glad things went well. We hope and pray little Mckay has a great day today. And that he continues to get stronger and better. And we hope you two can get some rest. What a sweet baby boy he is. And you two are amazing. Such a true testament of the gospel and how we all should be living it. Thank you for your great example.

jaci said...

Way to go McKay! We were so happy to hear everything went well! We thought of you all day long! What a tough little guy! Thanks for keeping us posted, I know you are tired and if we can do anything please call. We love ya.
The Lang's

brennans said...

We are so happy to hear McKay and all of you are doing well! You're on our minds throughout the days. Thanks for keeping all of us out here so well posted on your strong little guy!
Love from Quinn's family

nASHTONville said...

HE WENT FOR THE GOLD IN HIS FIRST HEART SURGERY! Congrats on making it through that first hurdle. It's so nice to hear it went well and that he is a fighter. Amazing what a little body can endure and recover from. I have not stopped thinking about you and how things have been. I am so happy that things are going well so far and that he has such amazing "cheerleaders" to guide him through this. Keep up the great attitudes and know that many are praying for you and sending positive juju in your direction. Thank you for keeping your blog up to date...I don't know how you do it. Get some rest and love you, Marshelle

Kimi said...

Wow, this is truely amazing! What an experience. I am so in awe of your attitude and faith. McKay came to an awesome family!