First Soccer Game

This is Jack celebrating because they just scored a goal . . . on their own goal.

The boys were a little bummed that they didn't get to play the whole game.
Cooper took advantage of halftime for a little practice.

Soccer

FINALLY! Jack and James are on a soccer team! I have been wanting them to play soccer since they were born and we finally get to do it.


They are so excited too but are a little unclear about they process. They don't understand the whole "practice" thing - well, Jack doesn't. He thinks they should just get to go and play. So, the first practice was a little frustrating for him.

Playing a name game to get to know their teammates.

We're just slightly bigger than the other kids!

Their first game is this Saturday! We can't wait!!

Baby feet

What is it about a baby's feet?!?

Oh, so sweet!

It seems like the plan changes everyday!

We thought we were on for a February 15th or 16th surgery. We were planning on meeting the surgeon on the 7th to discuss the surgery but he called on the 6th to tell us he wasn't comfortable doing the surgery. He explained that the repair was an easy one; he wasn't worried about that. "There is nothing like a heart surgery to really test the lungs!" and Caroline's lungs have already been through a lot. He wanted her to be in a bigger hospital for her recovery.

Jesse and I both felt like the wind had been taken out of us. It was a strange feeling. Of course we wanted her to be where she would get the best care but hearing that a surgeon was concerned about her recovery was very unsettling. On top of that, we have now been told from 3 cardiologist that she needs to have her heart repaired as soon as possible and the surgeon said that this change could add one to three weeks to her surgery date.

We have been working closely with our normal cardiologist to get things moving in a timely manner but when we hadn't heard from the new Dallas surgeon by Friday, Jesse started making calls. The new plan is to have the surgery in Dallas on March 8th. As long as Caroline stays health, that plan shouldn't change.

We are having issues with her feeding again. The doctors feel confident that it is acid reflux and have changed her medicine. She just started the new dose yesterday and has already done a little bit better.

Praying for an uneventful three weeks!

It's On

One of Caroline's cardiologists called this morning and said the group decided that Caroline needs to have her heart repair as soon as possible. Because Caroline's repair is not a normal case, they are scheduling it around a specialized surgeon from Dallas who comes down to Austin twice a month. The next step is for us to meet one of the surgeons on Monday in Austin. Hopefully we will get specific details about what the surgery is like and what the recovery process is.

We would greatly appreciate your prayers for Caroline, prayers for the surgeons, prayers for the surgery, and prayers for peace. You know my apprehension about being in the hospital so please pray for a quick recovery.

Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 62 5-8

We're Home!

After just three days in the hospital, we are back home. It's a strange feeling being in the hospital now. We are so nervous that we are going to be there for a long time. You feel so helpless. It's a horrible feeling having to ask another person to get your daughters formula . . . having to ask if you can hold your daughter.

But, hopefully, this will all be over soon. The cardiologists are meeting Friday and they are proposing that she have her repair on February 15th or 16th. The decision will be made by the group. I am terrified that my baby will have to go through a surgery like this but if that is the path God has chosen for us, I know it is the path we must go down. We're not sure what she will be like after the surgery. Will she become a perfectly pink, chubby baby that eats more than 3 ounces at a time? Will she be off oxygen immediately? Will her breathing stop being so labored? Will she continue to be a perfectly happy baby no matter what is thrown at her? Only God knows and only time will tell!

So, we wait until Friday . . .