Gracelyn's Story: 8 Weeks Old

Our Story

Jeff and Andee were married in 2003. We were both born and raised in Utah. We have three sweet children. During a 23 week check up with our second child, the baby was diagnosed with Pulmonary Stenosis, a heart defect. She was born on December 16, 2009 when the doctors discovered she actually had Pulmonary Atresia, Tricuspid Atresia and Atrial Ectopic Tachycardia. After she was born she stayed at Primary Children's Medical Center for three weeks. During that time she had a BT Shunt and stent placed in her heart.

On June 4, 2010, Gracelyn received her Glenn shunt. During that time they removed her BT shunt and stent. She is doing great! The next step will be the Fontan procedure some time after she turns two.

We intend for this blog to keep family and friends aware of what's going on as our story progresses. We have learned so much and found strength from the blogs and websites of those that have previously gone through this that we want to share our story for those who will unfortunately face this as well, as there is currently no cure for Congenital Heart Disease. We are grateful for all the prayers on our behalf.

UPDATE: July 2013: Gracelyn was scheduled to have her Fontan this summer. Doctors feel like she is doing so great it can be postponed until next summer. We have recently contacted the Children's Hospital of Boston for second opinion. They believe they have an alternative to the Fontan. In September we will head to Boston to see what they can do for her.

UPDATE: April 2015- Gracelyn had her Fontan surgery on April 27, 2015. She flew through the procedure and recovery. It didn't happen immediately, but by day two she was a beautiful shade of pink.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

8 Weeks Old

Gracelyn is eight weeks old today. We took these pictures of her yesterday. My sister has come across quite a few photographers using what they are calling a baby pod or cocoon. Being the domestic goddess that she has become since moving to Indiana, she decided to make us one. I love how they turned out. Thanks Cam! Seeing Gracelyn every day I think that Jeff and I may not notice the little changes in her. My in laws are living in California right now, serving an LDS mission. They only see her through the pictures we send. After seeing these pictures, my mother-in-law told me that she looks like she is no longer in pain. She is right. I compared them to older pictures and her face has relaxed. She finally looks comfy! The fact that she loves to be in this little cocoon helps. :) Once you put her in this she will fall asleep for hours, WITHOUT a binki.