Heartbreak Hotel!!

Well....this week has been a trying one to say the least.  We found out on Monday that William, our now 2 week old son, has a congenital heart defect.  His defect is Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR).  Basically, it means that his pulmonary veins do not meet his heart like they should in the left atrium.  So, he will need OPEN HEART SURGERY!!!  Yes, our newborn baby will have open heart surgery next week.  We are not sure of a date yet. 

Our week has been chaotic to say the least.  Found out about his condition by chance when the neonatalogist at Overland Park could not figure out why he wasn't turning the corner on his respiratory symptoms.  So, the echocardiogram of his heart was done.  And, the results were abnormal.  So, William was then transferred to Children's Mercy.  He will likely be here for 1 week before surgery and 4-6 weeks after surgery. 

Chris and I have a room at the Ronald McDonald House which is truly a blessing.  It is fabulous to be able to give your baby a kiss goodnight and be back in your room in less than 10 minutes.  We will never look at McDonald's the same after staying here.  Please drop coins in the collection boxes everytime you eat a McDonald's and have your kids do the same.  These places are amazing.

Mackenzie and Carson are doing as well as can be expected.  They have been staying with family this week.  And, today we spent the day with them.  Running errands as a family--always an adventure!!  We plan to give them some special time this weekend knowing that next week is going to be crazy for all of us.

William is stable.  He is actually doing a little better after they added some diuretics to decrease the fluid and pressures in his lungs.  He is resting more comfortably in the last 24 hours.  And, today, they let him get some GROCERIES!!!  Even if they were not tasted, he is receiving all feeds through a nasogastric tube at this point.  He still seemed happier---and he woke up each time when it was meal time.  And, his mom is providing plenty of groceries.  Pumping might be the only thing I can do for him at this time!!!  Moo says the cow!!!!

My last snuggle with my boy before he was loaded up to go in the ambulance.

Snug as a bug in a rug---an expensive rug, if I do say so myself!!

Will post more pics soon....and keep everyone updated as to surgery and our needs.  But, please continue to pray for William and the rest of the Cunningham Family of Five!!!!