Two Weeks Old

Dear family and friends,

Josiah has been home from the hospital for a week.  He is feeding better and growing.  We actually ended up taking him to the local Emergency Department at 3:30 AM on our second night home as his breathing and colour had changed but thankfully he turned out to be fine. All of the doctors and nurses were wonderful and very understanding. 

We met his paediatrician on Wednesday morning and we'll see him twice a week for now to ensure he continues to grow.  We were asked at SickKids if we knew of a local paediatrician for Josiah and were told that it can be hard to get one outside of Toronto.  Elizabeth remembered that her nieces had gone to one and suggested his name.  It turns out that he trained at SickKids years ago and specialized in neonatology and was specifically interested in isomerisms (Josiah has right atrial isomerism).  He said that many paediatricians wouldn't be familiar with isomerisms (as less than one percent of babies with congenital heart defects have an isomerism).  Once again, God has provided the perfect doctor.

We were at McMaster on Thursday for another echocardiogram, ECG and general checkup.  His oxygen saturation levels remain at an acceptable level, and there is no obstruction in the veins, which is very good news.  The cardiologist was very pleased with Josiah's status.

Isaac is a good big brother, but he does not always understand why he can't have Mommy to himself.

The next few weeks are full of appointments with the paediatrician, our family doctor, and cardiologists at SickKids and McMaster, as well as other departments at SickKids.

Some prayer requests if we come to mind:

• That Josiah's nursing would continue to improve, and that he would continue to put on weight.
• Safety during all the travel to and from appointments.  We always have to be mindful of where we can stop as we are not supposed to let Josiah cry too much, and sometimes the car seat bothers him.
• That Isaac would adjust to being a big brother.
• That Mommy and Daddy would get some sleep. =)
• That God would continue to give us wisdom in making decisions.

Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.

Blessings,

Graham and Elizabeth