Recovery Record

January 3: Parker's development is progressing well within the normal range. In November he weighed 25 pounds 1 ounce and stood 32 inches tall. Walking has given way to chasing Izzy the dog and trying to keep control of a soccer ball. His vocabulary continues to grow: Unlike adults who get annoyed by the trains that interrupt travel between Grosse Ile and the rest of the world, Parker loves to yell "Choo-choo!". Like other men during playoff season, he loves to say "football."

November 9: Parker had a heart catheterization today. The procedure is part of a pre-operative asessment of heart valve function and pulmonary pressures in preparation for the third stage of the Norwood Procedure to optimize function of his heart.

The procedure, which involved entry to the chest through both the groin and the neck, lasted less than 2 hours. Heidi reported that Parker had done "really well" and that all pulmonary pressures were good. All previous repair work from the first two stages of the Norwood Procedure was working well. The cardiology team found only one collateral artery, a common complication in HLHS. In this case, the collateral artery was considered so insignificant that there was no need to insert a coil to block it.

Parker was in recovery by 10:10 a.m., with discharge expected after 3:00 p.m.

His surgeon, Dr. Walters, would like to perform the surgery in January, when Parker reaches the ripe old age of 18 months.

The catheterization is a minor interruption in the life of this busy toddler. His accomplishments this week include 2 full minutes of cooperative play with his buddy Spenser and his first spontaneous kick of a soccer ball.

October 15: At a doctor's visit last week, Parker stood 31 inches tall and weighed one ounce shy of 24 pounds. Heidi reports that he's eating everything--including homemade pizza with roasted red peppers.

He can take a dozen or more steps unassisted but prefers to tool around with a toy that resembles his great-grandma's walker.

He continues to delight everyone with his growing vocabulary and his full repertoire of body language. One of his favorite pastimes is flirting with strangers in the grocery store.

Sharing his Dad's love of music, Parker's recently shown an interest in musical instruments. Heidi laments that the little man is adept at playing a kazoo and blowing on a harmonica but refuses to blow his nose.

Parker's accomplishments are mirrored by the successes of Team Parker in the American Heart Association's annual Heart Walk on Saturday, October 2. The family appreciates the support and encouragement they received from both walkers and donors who helped support pediatric cardiac research.

September 27: Parker loves to demand "Cracker!" anytime he hears the sound of a crackling plastic bag. Asking what animals say and he'll do great imitations of a horse, pig, cow, and sheep. When asked "What does the Mama say?" he either says "No-no-no" or he laughs.

He's got beautiful honey-colored curls that just got cut in a big-boy "do" for the third time.

Parker's stepping out! He's walking around furniture and taking up to ten steps "no hands" at a time.

July 27: Parker spent the month of July celebrating a year of miraculous events. He appears healthy and is developing normally. He cruises around the house, often with his favorite cloth ball or silky clasped tightly in his eight pearly teeth. He climbs the stairs easily and claps for himself when he reaches the top. He loves books ("gook") and spins around on his bottom while he reads them. True to his Motor City roots, he has his first car and has managed to propel it in reverse around the lawn.

His vocabulary is growing to include Mama, Papa, Grampa, and Bubba. His non-verbal language includes waving bye-bye, holding his hands out for "all gone", and an unmistakable no-no.

To celebrate this miraculous year, his family hosted a benefit/birthday party on July 17 to benefit pediatric cardiac research. The joyous event included 150 of his closest friends--including more than 50 children under 12.

July 11: Parker has been busy healing and growing. In June, he weighed 21 pounds 5 ounces and was 30.5 inches long. That puts him at the middle of the growth chart and characteristically tall and thin. His blood saturation level was a respectable 85. He had a small but scary setback on his first birthday--July 3--when a virus caused his temperature to spike to 104. The family had flashbacks of last year's events as they took him to Children's Hospital on July 4. Thankfully, the cardiology team gave him an "all clear" and he even got to make a brief appearance at the Cholger Fourth of July Party. His vocabulary includes book (gook), dog (gog), moo, and his favorite commentary, "Uh-oh!" According to Great-Grandma Benn, who was among the first to see him crawl, "He knows where he wants to go and has no troubling getting there." He has started pulling himself to standing. Everyone is cheering his steady progress and he is more than eager to accept and give high fives. He's already taken a dip in the country club pool and loves to take rides in the bike seat.

May 22 All the news to report is about a happy little boy who's developing normally. He's reaching for everything and trying out all sorts of variations of getting around--rolling, squirming, a leap-frog motion and a kind of commando crawl. And almost every action is accompanied by a great bid smile showing off his eight teeth. Everyone agrees that he's good-natured. When he cries, all it takes to calm him is a rousing chorus of Old MacDonald Had a Farm (wouldn't his Great-Great Grampa Wilkie be pleased).

His first word was "book." His parents think they heard him say one of his sister's names (but they're not telling which one). When asked, "What does the cow say?" He says, "Mooo." Best of all, he mocks Heidi every time she raises her voice, like when she calls the dog. (If he's doing that now, we can imagine what things will be like when he's a teenager!). The doctor has removed Parker from all medication except a daily baby aspirin to help circulation.

April 8: At a cardiology appointment in early April, Parker weighed 19 pounds 3 ounces and was 29 inches long (that translates as tall and average weight). During the electrocardiogram, he enjoyed an his first lollipop. Heidi says that was his candy and that he won't get any more until his next doctor's visit. After all, he needs to protect the four teeth that he's been cutting all at once over the last week.

February 13: Parker, his mom, and his sisters were featured in a wonderful story in the Ile Camera. To access the article, click on www.ilecamera.com.

Valentines Day had special meaning for all of us this year--especially since it has been declared Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day. Many thanks to all of you who helped support this effort.

Thanks, too, to everyone who helped care for Parker and his sisters so Mom and Dad could take a much-needed vacation to Cancun last week.

From Heidi, February 6: Parker has experienced several "firsts" in the last few days.

The most dramatic new experience (at least for his Mom) was the cutting of his distinctive newborn hair into a big boy cut. The growth of the newborn hair hadn't kept stride with the growth of his head, leaving the look of a poorly fit toupe. Now he looks like he's ready for preschool!

He also took his first official test. A nurse from the early intervention program conducted a Bayley Assessment to check his developmental progress. His development appears to be at age level in all areas. We'll be working on his gross motor skills, which are still well within normal range. While the nurse was there, he took the opportunity to roll over from front to back for the first time, quite a feat considering that his sternum is still healing from the surgery!

Yesterday, he granted his first newspaper interview for a story on National Heart Defect Awareness Day.

All these activities seem to have worked up quite an appetite: He weighed in at an impressive 'pork chop' weight of 16 lbs 9oz. yesterday--a 9 ounce gain in only one week!

But the nest news of all is that his lungs are now clear following his recent bout with an upper respiratory condition.

From Heidi, January 28: Parker continues to improve following surgery and a nasty upper respiratory condition that landed him in the hospital overnight.

There are noticable improvements in his breathing, sleeping, eating, and mood each day. The visiting nurse who came today said his lungs have cleared considerably since the end of last week and that his weight has now reached 16 pounds.

We are grateful to the Grosse Ile township supervisor and board for passing a resolution naming February 14 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day at their meeting this week. Unfortunately, Parker was unable to attend because he was still wheezing.

From Heidi, January 20: The "slight cough" that his parents noticed early last week followed a "slow. steady progression" into what was initially disagnosed as bronchiolitis. Parker was admitted to the cardiac floor at Children's Hospital for treatment and monitoring Saturday and he stayed until the following morning.

This morning, there was some suspicion that Parker might have been infected with respiratory synctial virus (RSV) when he received his monthly immunization against the disease last Wednesday. RSV is a serious respiratory tract disease that generally attacks the respiratory system of high-risk infants under 2 years old. A new and costly immunization has proven very effective when administered monthly between October and April. This month, however, there was concern that he had received the wrong dosage at the wrong time.

Heidi and Granny Judy took Parker back to the hospital today for a scheduled follow-up. A chest x-ray showed that his lungs were slightly better than over the weekend. An echocardiogram didn't provide any reason for concern. Because Parker wasn't producing large amounts of mucuous typical of many children with RSV, the doctor could not conduct the test to see if he has the virus.

From Heidi, January 17: After a visit to his pediatrician this morning, Parker was admitted to the cardiac floor at Children's Hospital for treatment and monitoring under the care of his cardiologist, Dr. Humes.

By this evening, although his respiration rate was higher than normal Parker's blood oxygen saturation rate was an impressive 87. Dr. Humes was pleased with his chest x-ray.

Because of an intermittent low grade fever and a slightly elevated white blood count (17,000 instead of 10,000), he has been placed on amoxycillin.

Despite generally good signs, he isn't taking bottles well or urinating sufficiently. He was given Lasix at 10:00 p.m. and may be placed on an IV in the night. Heidi, who is spending the night at the hospital, says he seems comfortable except when he's awakened for some sort of treatment.

From Heidi, January 16: Parker visited Dr. Humes, his cardiologist, for a post-surgical visit on Tuesday.

All the news was good: His oxygen saturation level was in the 80s, his dissolving stitches are healing well, some of the steri-strips were removed.

His voracious appetite post-surgery has resulted in a one pound weight gain since the hospital discharge. He now weighs 15 pounds 4 ounces and is 27 1/2 inches long.

Carb-loading--especially carrots and sweet potatoes--is a favorite activity. But eating is a delicate exercise; even the slightest cough can gag him and set off vomiting.

Another important sign of recovery is that Parker (and therefore his family) is getting back into a normal sleeping routine, including a morning and afternoon nap.

As the recovery process continues, the family's next major concern is minimizing exposure to colds and flu. He had his monthly RSV injection this week. Although that offers some protection from disease, we're still being especially careful to limit his exposure to anyone who might be ill.

From Heidi, January 16: Parker visited Dr. Humes, his cardiologist, for a post-surgical visit on Tuesday.

All the news was good: His oxygen saturation level was in the 80s, his dissolving stitches are healing well, some of the steri-strips were removed.

His voracious appetite post-surgery has resulted in a one pound weight gain since the hospital discharge. He now weighs 15 pounds 4 ounces and is 27 1/2 inches long.

Carb-loading--especially carrots and sweet potatoes--is a favorite activity. But eating is a delicate exercise; even the slightest cough can gag him and set off vomiting.

Another important sign of recovery is that Parker (and therefore his family) is getting back into a normal sleeping routine, including a morning and afternoon nap.

From Heidi, January 10: Parker is doing well. He and his parents are getting more sleep. He's really working up an appetite during the healing process, demanding at least one extra bottle and an extra meal of solids each day!

From Heidi, January 5: Heidi reports that the recovery continues to progress steadily. Parker is taking only three medications regularly--Captopril for blood pressure;Lasix, a diuretic; and a whole baby aspirin. Occasional doses of Tylenol or Motrin are all that's needed for pain management.

Parker is making up for lost time by taking as many bottles as he can and waking up for late night "conversations" with his weary Mom and Dad. Last night, he followed his dinner with bottles at 11, 1:30, 3:30. After that, he decided to stay awake for an hour and a half, then woke for breakfast at 6:45. And that's a great improvement over the night before!

January 3: Parker has shown marked improvement and a steady recovery from his surgery on December 29. He was discharged from Children's Hospital this morning. Heidi says he's "all smiles" and about "70% toward his normal self."

From Heidi, January 2: Heidi and Parker were as comfortable as possible last night in their room at Children's Hospital.

This morning, Parker had another x-ray to monitor the pneumothorax, or small air bubble, in his chest cavity.

Next on today's agenda is another echocardiogram.

If all continues to go well, the little man will be discharged tomorrow morning.

From Heidi and Frank: January 1: Parker and his family are having a Happy New Year with lots of reasons to celebrate. Frank says that Parker is "doing well" and that he's alert and looking around. Heidi says he raises his eyebrows as if to ask "What's going on here?" and holds so visitors' fingers so tightly that they take turns making sure someone is always within reach.

All of the chest tubes and the catheter had been removed by 1:00 today. He still has a "hep-locked" IV, meaning that the IV is in place but not in use at this time.

He's eating well--and eliminating it as he should.

An x-ray this morning showed a "small air bubble" in the pleural cavity that was pressing on his lung. When a second x-ray showed that the lung was inflating more, they moved him out of intensive care late this afternoon.

Abby and Libby visited for the first time today. Heidi is planning on spending the night at the hospital.

From Heidi, December 31: Parker's recovery continues at a steady pace. Two of the four chest tubes (those around the heart) and a pacer wire were removed this morning.

The bloating has been reduced and that he "looks like himself" again.

He took his first bottle and "sucked it right down."

He is aware and "fairly responsive." It's clear that he's feeling some discomfort but mostly it's resulted in only "grumbling."

Frank and Heidi, December 30: Parker continues to spring back from yesterday's surgery. Unlike the last time, his chest is closed with dissolvable sutures so another procedure won't be required later in the week.

This morning, they removed his LAP line and continued to reduce his oxygen levels (down to 35% at 10:00 a.m., 15% at 1:00 p.m.). They delayed extubation this morning because it's easier to suction mucous while the tube is in place. However, they extubated and placed him in a kind of oxygen tent shortly before 5 p.m.

As the photo at right shows, Parker's still quite bloated. Lasix has been prescribed to reduce fluid retention.

Although he was sedated heavily overnight, they've now taken him off all pain medications in an effort to rouse him. This morning, Heidi reported that "he's wiggling but he hasn't opened his eyes." By 1:15, Frank said that Parker was responding to sounds by squeezing his parents' fingers and occasionally trying to open his eyes. At 5:00, he had opened his eyes a couple of times.

All of these signs indicate steady post-operative recovery.

From Frank and Heidi, December 29: Frank reports that no one got much sleep last night but Parker was happy and good natured through it all, including when he was taken into surgery.

At 9:00, the surgical staff reported that they'd had difficulty "finding a vein" and told the family to expect bruising on both the arms and legs following surgery.

At 9:30, they said that the chest was opened and the surgery was proceeding well.

After 11:00, they reported that Parker had been placed on the heart bypass machine and that the surgery was progressing as planned. They also said they would conduct an echocardiogram while Parker's chest is still open.

By 3:45, Parker was out of the recovery room and on his way to intensive care. Heidi said that his face was very swollen but it appears that the surgery was a success.

At 10:30 p.m., Heidi reported: By all indications, Parker has already begun the road to recovery from today's surgery.

The staff of the inensive care unit are gradually weaning him from the oxygen, 10% at a time. At 10 p.m., he was breathing 70% oxygen (room air is 21%).

His blood pressure is slightly elevated, the result of medication designed for that purpose.

A central line has been removed from his neck while they rely on another one inserted into his groin.

Tomorrow, they plan to remove a LAP line that goes directly into the heart. This line must be removed before extubation can take place.

Although heavily sedated (morphine, verced) and strapped down, he is responding to voices and blowing bubbles through the equipment.

From Bub: December 26: Parker was a healthy 14 pounds 15 ounces at the time of the pre-operative visit to Children's Hospital on Friday, December 26th. His winning smile revealed two new teeth on the bottom with two ready to break through on the top. Another developmental milestone was a special Christmas gift for his family--he rolled over from back to front for the first time.

From the Family, December 23: Parker's development has progressed steadily and evenly. He weighed 13 1/2 pounds the first of December ("the size of a good-sized turkey," says Great-Grandma Benn) and cut his first tooth the week before Christmas..

He was baptized on Saturday, December 13, with beloved family friends LeAndra and Brian Champnella serving as his godparents.

From Heidi, October 27: Parker visited his favorite surgeon, Dr. Walters, last week. Guess how Dr. Walters knew he had the appointment with Parker: He read it on this website! He said that he had the site bookmarked and checked in often on Parker's progress since the last surgery. That's just one example of the extra-special care that Parker has received at Children's Hospital.

October 15: Parker's cardiology visit this week went very well. They are puzzled as to what caused the trouble he was experiencing a few weeks ago but the most important cardiac function has improved. The function of the ventricle is back at the level it was when he was discharged from the hospital after surgery. His oxygen saturation level was at a respectable 77%.

In fact, Dr. Humes, the cardiologist, said Parker is back on the HLHS "superstar list".

The "Little Man" is continuing to grow and gain weight (11 pounds 10 ounces as of yesterday).

From Heidi, September 30: Parker had a small setback recently. We had a unscheduled visit to the cardiologist. I was not happy with Parker's color and his hands seemed very cold: These are signs of a low blood oxygen level. Unfortunately, I was right. His blood oxygen level was 68-72 percent, several points lower than on the previous visit. Therefore, they moved up the timing for the Cardiac Catheterization to today.

It was done on an outpatient basis. They used an oral sedative that put Parker into a deep sleep for the one-hour procedure and for several hours afterwards. The only difficulty they had was trying to thread the catheter through Parker's tiny veins. It took three doctors to do it!

During our time at the hospital, Parker's blood oxygen fluctuated from the low 60s up into the 90s. They said that the symptoms we'd seen could have been caused by something as simple as a slight cold.

They did find some evidence of reduced ventricle function but with good pressure. They are likely to want to delay the surgery as long as possible to see if the ventricle function improves over time (something that they did with the first surgery).

From Heidi, September 17: Today, Parker weighed 11 pounds, 1 ounce!

From Heidi, Wednesday, September 10: We had a cardiology appointment yesterday and Parker weighed in at a heafty 10 lbs and 11ozs. He is becoming a little heavyweight! The weight gain was significant enought that he is now on a diet of regular formula (not the 24 calorie concentration that he had been on); he is off of the soy and back on regular formula.

His blood oxygen level was lower than the previous visit. That was basically an expected drop because of his growth: The shunt that was put in with the first surgery doesn't grow with him. His blood oxygen level was at 79% which is about perfect--at least Because Parker is still healing from the surgery, he has to be handled a little differently than most babies: No picking up from under the arms, no vigorous burping, etc.

Other than that, he's just as cute (or cuter) and just as demanding as most babies his age. His most distinguishing feature is his thick head of hair. As you can see from the recent photos, Heidi's already picky about the way it's styled!

for someone with Parker's condition. If that were you or me, we would be rushed to the emergency room! Babies are really amazing.

We also discussed the timeline for the next surgury. A cardiac catheterization will be scheduled on an outpatient basis at Parker's 4 month visit. Results of this cath and an echo cardiogram will be discussed by the cardiac team and then we will meet with the cardiac surgeon (Dr. Walters) to discuss the timeline for surgery. They indicated that the surgery will be at or before 6 months.

From Bub: Wednesday, August 27: Parker has been doing fine. He has been switched to soy formula to see if it helps with his gas problem. (He must take after other unnamed memebers of his family.) It is still too soon to tell if it is helping or not.

He is gaining weight steadily; he was 9 lbs 12 1/2 oz on Tuesday so he should be a ten pounder very soon. He also seems to be getting longer. I notice a definite difference when I look at the pictures here on the website. He used to look so small and frail: although, of course, I didn't think that at the time!

He is smiling more and more and cooing more and more.

He also slept for 7 hrs last night which makes mom and dad very happy. Hopefully we can keep that trend going!!!!

Friday, August 22: Dateline NBC did a special feature on a baby with HLHS. A transcript of the entire program is available at NBC.com.

From Heidi, Tuesday, August 12:

Parker visited the cardiologist today and we were told that his progress is steady. He's been taken off Lasix (not one of his favorites) and is taking other meds only on an as-needed basis. A visiting nurse comes once a week to check on his weight and vital signs. His stomach upsets are lessening--just one major throw-up today to remind me who's boss!

From Bub, Sunday August 3:

Heidi and I ran Parker through his paces using several items from the Brazelton Neonatal Assessment Scale and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. All were within normal range--an amazing accomplishment given all he's been through. More importanly, it is my objective professional opinion that he is absolutely ADORABLE!

From Frank July 26

Dad took a turn last night caring for Parker and it was a joy. I was able to keep him on the expected feeding amount for an eight hour period. However, the little guy likes to sleep and I had to gently wake him for the 11:30 and 6:00 am feeding. Parker gently woke me up for the 4:00 am feeding.

My method for keeping him awake was simple, don't let Parker get comfortable, when he doses half way through the bottle change his diaper (always gets a reaction) and try to burp him frequently.

I felt fortunate each time I fed him, changed his diapers and gave him the meds. I found myself thanking God every opportunity through the night.

The doctors made their rounds this morning and said his x-rays from yesterday looked good. Parker's right ventricle is not a 100% but one ventricle was never meant to pump blood to the lungs and body. They suggested that the next two operations should help alleviate the stress.

I can't wait to get him home!

From Frank July 25

Parker is enjoying his new found freedom and actually extracted an IV from his foot yesterday without help from an adult. He was moved to a private room and we are now caring for him around the clock. It's another step to coming home, the doctors would like to see the family in action. Giving Parker his meds, feeding, burping and changing his diaper (he went through 4 in 2 1/2 hours)..... Heidi is spending the evenings with him and I am taking my turn during the day with the grandparents.

I spoke with one of the physicians yesterday and he said that some parents require time to feel comfortable making the transition. If you watch what the medical staff is doing to handle the baby you soon realize there are only a few limitations.

Parker has moved from a feeding schedule of every three hours to whenever he is hungry. Instead of letting him work his pacifier we give Parker a bottle. I guess that would explain the 4 diapers in 2 1/2 hours! The next goal is to get him to take 160cc's of milk in 8 hours. As each day passes his appetite increases so this should be no problem. Although he likes to sleep through the night and feeding is a challenge. What a concept a infant who wants to sleep all night.

From Heidi, July 23:

Parker has an even temper and a hearty appetite. This morning, he downed 30 ccs of milk in the 6 minutes allotted to him. By this afternoon, he wanted 50 ccs and the doctors approved his feedings for 60 ccs every 3 hours.

The move to a regular room is another milestone in his recovery. We look forward to being able to play a bigger role in his care.

From Frank, July 22:

Monday afternoon Parker had a pretty restless time; he would sleep for 10-15 minutes and then wake up crying. I wondered what it would be like to have open heart surgery and seven days later be off all pain medication. He did however work his pacifier vigorously which was a pleasant sign. In the evening we actually were allowed to hold him for the first time since the operation, I was quivering the whole time.

This morning the little fella consumed 10cc's of mommy's finest from a bottle. Prior to the procedure he was up to 40cc's but also had a propensity to spit up afterward. If this becomes a habit the doctors will help him with some medication. My mother said that I was a pro at spitting up after drinking from a bottle, come to think of it I still have that problem occasionally now!

Parker is going to have the chest tube removed this morning since a pneumothorax (air bubble in his chest) has been reduced. The risk of having a pneumo is that it could cause his lungs to collapse if became larger. The medical team also plans to remove the central line that is in lower side of his neck this morning as well. The central line was left in to serve for potential maintenance if any complications occurred. He could be almost line and tube free by the end of today with the exception of an IV in his foot.

If he continues to progress Parker will be moved to another room by tomorrow.

From Frank, July 21:

The extubation was done at 9:15am and Parker was having no issues with his breathing. He was wide eyed once again for over an hour, staring at anything with bright colors.

Parker was also taken off the Versed drip at 7:15am. He will no longer have any pain meds except for Tylenol if it's needed.

Abigail is here today to have her stitches removed.

All in all a good morning.

From Heidi, July 20:

Parker is as active as they'll let him be and he's ready for them to remove the ventilator. We have to put his hand under the covers to keep him from taking swipes at it. He's trying to breath on his own, over the ventilator. Steps in his recovery that we expect to see in the coming days are removal of tubes, extubation, and feeding.

From Frank, July 19:

The little guy is doing great today and his eyes were open when we arrived.

Parker had one of his chest tubes removed this morning. The second one is being removed as I send this update. He was also taken off the Fentanyl drip which was replaced with Versed. Parker is also receiving morphine for pain.

Tomorrow they will make the first attempt to extubate him. We have been told that it is not unusual for this to take more than one try.

From Heidi July 18:

His numbers are holding steady right where they expect them to be. Although still sedated and a bit groggy, he is moving.

From Grampa Herb July 17:

He did real well during today's surgery. He was taken from his room at 4:15 p.m. (and) the doctor met briefly with us at 6:10 p.m. to go over the results of the surgery. Parker was then transported to his room and we were able to visit him at about 8:15 p.m.. Heidi & (I) were the first ones in the room, she was talking to him and I stroked his forehead when he opened his eyes and looked at us.

From Frank July 17:

When Heidi and I arrived this morning to sit with Parker, as soon as we walked in he heard my voice. Parker's first reaction was to open his left eye, move his legs and arms. All good signs the medical professionals are looking for in recovery.

As his physical activity increased throughout the day he was given a sedative called Versed. This acts to calm him, relaxes skeletal muscles, blocks memory and prevents feeling pain. The primary reason for sedating Parker is to keep him from injuring himself since his chest has not been closed. Tomorrow he is scheduled to be back in the operating room to have his chest closed in the afternoon.

He had a peaceful day being comforted by his grandparents and the sweet sounds of Liszt, Bach, Beethoven, Yo Yo Ma and Harry Conick on the CD player we brought to the room.

From Frank July 16:

Parker is resting and doing great after a hard day on the table. Dr. Walters and the surgical team did a wonderful job and are cautiously optimistic. In the surgery they actually enlarged his aorta by adding a human patch (vascular tissue from a donor)! Dr. Walters is one of the most cool and collected individuals we have ever met.

The outpouring of support and prayers for Parker was definitely a factor in the outcome. Now his challenge is getting through the next couple of days.

Thank you for everything,

Frank, Heidi, Libby, Abigail & Little Parker

From Heidi July 16:

Parker is holding steady. He's not very swollen. He's so alert that they've sedated him to help keep him calm.

From Granny Judy July 15:

Parker is in the ICU hooked up to a zillion things. He has his own cardiologist and nurse in the room for tonight. The surgeon returned 4-5 times while the family was visiting post-surgery and reiterated that the baby is doing very, very well.