Bouncy Fun

Last weekend we took Katherine to Flip N Out, an indoor space that has about 8 different moonwalks, or as she calls them "Bouncies". She had a blast! You can stay as long as you want for only $6.. cheap entertainment. One inflatable had a slide that was about 10-12 feet tall, that's where she spent most of her time.

Family Fun

This past weekend was our 6th year wedding anniversary. Saturday Matt's parents watched the kids while we went to dinner and a movie.

Sunday we took the kids to the park in the neighborhood, then we set up the pool in the backyard for Katherine. She was out there for almost three hours, by the end there was hardly any water left in the pool. She had her sand bucket and was either taking water out to water the flowers or to throw at Matt and me.

Like Mother Like Daughter

When we go for a walk with Colin, Katherine has to take her baby too! She has also named her baby Colin. She pushed her strolled halfway around the block, then she was "tired", so I pushed Colin and carried her stroller while holding her hand. At least it's great exercise!

True Love

Update

Colin went to the doctor last Friday. Everything is looking good. He has had good weight gain since being home. His chest x-ray and EKG looked good. The doctors are happy with his progress. They are thinking that his 2nd surgery will be between mid August to mid September. But it all depends on how well his heart is doing and his growth.

He is cooing and talking a lot. He is a very happy baby.

Katherine is doing a great job as big sister! She always wants to be next to him. This morning she wanted to give him his bottle, and was a little mad when I wouldn't let her. She is becoming such a big girl.

I was filming Colin the other night and Katherine did get a little jealous, she stared singing songs and saying "look at me". So Colin's 1st video soon turned into "The Katherine Show"!

Colin Arrives!

Colin was born Friday April 3, 2009 at 8:00am. We had no idea what was in store for us for the next month!

On Monday April 6, Colin was transferred to The Children's Hospital and was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, his left side of his heart was too small to function. The only way he could live is to have a series of open heart surgeries to reroute to flow of blood to his body. This is rare and only occurs in 1 in 10,000 babies. There is no know cause for this heart defect.

On Monday April 13, 2009, Colin had the 1st of his three surgeries. It was 10 1/2 hours long. We then spent a 12 days in Cardiac ICU then we moved to our own room for two weeks.

On Tuesday May 12, Colin got to come home!!!!

We have been home a week and it has been great! Katherine ADORES her baby brother and is such a big help, especially during diaper changing time! Colin is doing well. He has to see the cardiologist every Friday.

His next surgery will be between August to October.

The last month has been challenging to say the least, but we have such great family and friends to help us through it. We appreciate all the good thoughts and prayers sent Colin's way.

The doctors said 6 weeks after his second surgery, he could attend daycare. Until then, we are using the approach "It takes a whole village to raise a child".

I will try to keep this more updated, as for reason you can tell, the last month has been a trying time. But we are all doing better now and are grateful for everyday we get to spend together as a family.

Colin & Katherine