We have created this site to keep our family & friends updated on Gavin’s progress. When I was just 22weeks pregnant, our sweet baby was diagnosed with a very rare Congenital Heart Defect called Truncus Arteriosus. We were also informed that with this diagnosis, there was a good chance our child would have a genetic disorder called DiGeorge Syndrome. The day we got the news about the CHD, was the day we brought our worries and fears to the Lord and we were given peace in return. The only thing we could do to help the situation was to take care of ourselves, while the little miracle was developing. Sure, we still had times when we worried that our newborn was going to have heart surgery and all of the pain and weeks without holding our child, but we had hope and faith that God would guide us through this and he did, in so many ways.
Gavin was born at CS. Mott Children's Hospital on April 29th, 2010 at 11:25pm,
weighing 6lbs 10oz and 19 inches long. He was delivered through csecion because his heart rate kept dropping and was not rebounding successfully. He spent his first week of life in the NICU, then on May 6th, his heart was FIXED.
God has done amazing things with our little guys surgery and recovery.
Gavin had an Interrupted Aortic Arch (see diagnosis link) and usually with that repair the chest is left open for a period of time during the recovery stage, to relieve the swelling of the heart, However, Gavin's repair went so well that Dr. Hirsch "CLOSED HIS CHEST" We were so surprised and so relieved. There were bad days to go along with the good, but that's just par for the course.
He was discharged May 25th and was home to celebrate his 1 month birthday! He came home with a list of medications that were given around the clock. He also had an NG tube for all of his feedings.
According to his cardiologist, Gavin's surgery and recovery was quite remarkable, it couldn't have gone any better. "Above Average" what parent doesn't like to hear that?
Although Gavins' journey has just begun, he has already overcome so many obstacles and we, as mommy and daddy have learned so much from him.
He is truly a gift from God and an answer to countless prayers and each day we get to spend with him is a blessing.
We want to thank our family and friends for their acts of kindness, words of encouragement, continued prayers and support.
Thank you for sharing in our journey with Gavin.
Justin, Esther & Gavin
Aikey
