Surgery #2

Luke went in for his second surgery on March 9th. It lasted about 2.5 hours. Dr. Ritchey and Dr. Singh were the attending surgeons. They were both sure Luke would need a graft but he ended up not needing one. Amazing! We are so thankful for the fasting and prayer of so many and especially for the goodness of a loving Heavenly Father.

Aunt Karen is an angel (as if we didn't already know that.) She took Spencer Drew and Bria for 3 days and 2 nights. Luke was able to have all the attention and quiet time he needed those first few days. I was sick with fever and sniffles so it was such a blessing to have her help. Nana and Papa brought us dinner the night of the surgery and they took the boys last night. We have once again been the recipients of an outpouring of charity and love. I am so thankful for the blessing of a loving family. I know Luke was in the thoughts and prayers of our family in Idaho too and that means so much to us.

By the day after surgery Luke was kicking his legs with all the vim and vigor he has always had. He choose the week after surgery to learn to crawl. He is doing so well I continue to be amazed at his resiliency.

Free

In preparation for moving we tried to get rid of unneeded items. The couch was gone in less than an hour. Nobody wanted Travis and the kids!

Luke's Story

Luke was born 3 June 2010 in Flagstaff, AZ. He weighed 6 lbs 8 oz. He was born with bladder exstrophy, a rare condition. He was quickly flown to Phoenix Children's Hospital where he spent 5 days being monitored. A perfectly normal and healthy baby in every other way, (minus a little jaundice,) he was sent home to await surgery when he was 2 months old.

Saying goodbye before he's airvact to Phoenix.

Precious cargo ready for the flight.

Together again at PCH.

Awake and alert.

First glimpses.

Cute feet just like his big brothers.

Gettin' some sun.

Going home.

Welcome home Luke!

August 2, 2010 Luke was once again admitted to PCH, this time for major surgery-basically he required bladder reconstruction and an osteotomy among other things. Dr. Michael Ritchey and Dr. Lee Segal were the attending surgeons. We are so thankful for them both! After about 8 hours, the surgery was complete and we got to start the recovery process. He stayed in the hospital for 5 days. Luke did amazingly well. His legs were in two bright orange casts for about 7 weeks and we had to keep them propped just so. It was very tricky to keep him in the right position! His medicine regime was pretty intense for awhile too. We feel so very blessed to have had such a good experience with everything. Our Luke is such a precious baby!!!!

Were we called home.

Happy smile =)

The nurses loved him. Who wouldn't?

Gotta love those toes!

Corduroy

We all love a good book and there is nothing quite like falling asleep to a favorite story. I want all of my kids to find the joy in getting lost in the story. There are so many good books out there. I want to find books that nurture and inspire, not just entertain. There are books and there are the "best books." The best books are the ones that instill values that will bring joy, peace and a desire to do good. And yes, Corduroy is one of those books! =)

Spencer and Austin

Spencer and his friend Austin had a great time on this field trip to Sedona in 1st grade. They did some scientific research (Spencer's favorite subject) and...

had plenty of time for silliness too!