Long time, no post.

We haven't had anything to update everyone about until today.

Before I get into the technicalities, let me just assure everyone that Adriana's heart function is looks great. Her oxygen saturation is at 98%, and she is having zero trouble keeping up with her older sisters. By looking at her, no one would ever guess she was born with multiple heart defects.

And now, for a more in-depth look at what's ahead for Addy:

Addy was not very cooperative during the echocardiogram today. This is not a new thing, but she is now older, stronger, and able to wiggle away from the doctor or a sonographer performing it. Though today the sonographer and her cardiologist got some good footage of her heart function, her cardiologist would prefer to have a better look into her pulmonary branches, since that is really the only area she foresees any future issues with. During her open heart surgery, Addy's surgeon did some patch work in her pulmonary artery, opening it up a little more than it had previously been, to ensure adequate blood flow to her lungs. It is possible some of that tissue obstruction (stenosis) could come back. However, since there is no leaking in her tricuspid valve (and the fact that her oxygen saturation % looks great), that indicates that she does not have a lot of built up pressure in her pulmonary branches. Of course, Dr. Baker-Smith always likes to cross her T's and dot her I's, so she is scheduling another echocardiogram for Adriana. This time, she will be sedated--that way, they can take their time and take a good hard look. We do not have the appointment date yet, but it will probably be in a month or so.



If Addy's pulmonary stenosis becomes an issue again, in most cases, they can open those areas back up with a cardiac catheterization (heart cath). That means a doctor will insert a long, thin, flexible tube with a balloon on the end, called a catheter into a blood vessel in her groin (upper thigh), and thread to her heart. They will then balloon the area to open it up more. Or, they may have to insert stints. There is a very small chance that they would have to do another open heart surgery.


Hoping and praying for the best. Adriana has surprised us all so far, and I am optimistic she will keep doing so.


We did a photo shoot with her Heart Hero cape last night. Enjoy ;)

Cardio Check-Up

Dr. Baker-Smith says Addy's repair still looks phenomenal! She does not see any problems that may arise any time soon. She said they would continue to monitor the slight stenosis in her pulmonary artery, but she is hopeful that even if it requires intervention in later years, it will most likely be done through her groin (Cath).

It's so hard to believe how great things are going :-) We are so blessed.

Addy's Almost Invisible Scars

It's amazing--Addy is only 8 months post-op and her chest scar, as well as her drain tube scars, are almost invisible. :-)

Happy Birthday, Adriana!

What a year. I'm feeling a bit emotional today, thinking about what Adriana has gone through. I feel that she and the rest of our family are so blessed. Though we had a very difficult time from the time she was 20 weeks gestation until she was around 7 months old, every second was worth it, in order to get to this point. Addy is thriving and we couldn't be more ecstatic!

Happy Birthday, baby girl. We love you  <3 p="">

Addy at her first birthday party

Cecilia & Addy at her birthday party ;)

We're Home

Matt, the girls, and I took a 12 day trip to Sacramento, CA, courtesy of Matt's Uncle Don and Aunt Marsha! Though it was over 100° for most of the trip, we had a nice visit. There was a lot of swimming, grilling out, as well as a whitewater rafting trip (thank you again, Aunt Kim & Uncle Merrill) and skeet shooting. Adriana was baptized in Grandma Great's church among many friends and relatives, too.

I hope everyone had a good 4th of July--we did! As much fun as we had, we are thankful to be back home, working on getting back to our routine.

Routine Cardio Check-Up

Addy's heart is continuing to function properly! The VSD at the apex of her heart is still not closing, but it has virtually no bearing on her well-being. The cardiologists are not worried about it posing problems later, either. However, there is still a gradient in her pulmonary artery (the artery Doctor Kaushal had to clean up, due to tissue obstruction). Luckily, it does not pose a threat right now. Cardiologists will monitor it for the rest of her life, and make sure that the gradient does not get worse. If it does, it will most likely be a slow process, and eventually she'll have to have some type of procedure (hopefully through her groin).

As for the bump on her sternum, it seems to be a bone callous. It's totally normal to develop a bone callous after a break, and though Addy will have it for the rest of her life, it will look smaller as she grows. More subcutaneous tissue will cover it as time goes by. No matter what though--she's beautiful and always will be :-)

We are counting our blessings!

A Formal Thank You

I just wanted to formally thank everyone who contributed to the Congenital Heart Walk for the DC metro area! Team Adriana surpassed our fundraising goal, which was $1,000. There are still two more donation days left and we have raised $1,455! Friends, family, and even individuals whom we do not know donated anywhere from $25 to $200. Thank you.

People have donated a whopping total amount of over $56,000 for CHD warriors, their families, and research efforts! This is a  reminder that there are charitable, and caring people in our lives, as well as all over the country. Though our family seems to be winning the battle over our little girl's congenital heart defects, we feel compelled to spread awareness, and lift up those who will fight the same battle in the future. Thank you so much for helping us do so. Words cannot describe what it means to us and families like ours.

Congenital Heart Walk 2013

There will be a Congenital Heart Walk on April 20 this year, and we are excited! Matt and I have put together a team--Team Adriana--and we are looking to raise $1000. The money raised will go toward services for CHD warriors and their families, as well as research. Also, if you would like to walk with us, we would be absolutely delighted to have you!

Please share/donate/join the fight against congenital heart defects!

Here is the link to the main page for donations/registrations. You will have to search "Team Adriana" to five money to our team's donation pot:
http://congenitalheartwalk.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1056145&lis=0&kntae1056145=9DD6CD57A492411E934334C87A5E3206

Life is Good

Things are going very well for us! Addy's cardiologist called the other day to let us know she went through the data from Addy's 24 hour heart monitor from a couple weeks ago. Dr. Baker-Smith says that the extra beats are originating from the middle of Adriana's heart, but occur less than 1% of the time. This confirms that there is nothing to worry about, because these rare extra beats do not make any difference when it comes to her heart health. Keep the good news coming!~

The girls and I got all dolled up and went to church this past Sunday, while Daddy was at work. As you all know, it was St. Patrick's Day too, so I made sure our little ladies wouldn't get pinched ;)

Doing Well

Everything is going very well here. Addy is healing and has even had some belly time! At the last appointment, an extra beat was found, originating from the middle of her heart. This is not a big deal, but Adriana's cardiologist requested a 24 hour monitor anyway. She wants to know how frequently these beats occur. Addy does not seem to mind.