Day of Surgery!

This is our little fighter after surgery. He is swollen like a balloon :(
His chest is still open-covered with a sterile bandage. It looks like a bow tie-he was stylin' !

Our little family. . . just before the came to get him for surgery.

Thursday, June 2, 2011 (Day of Surgery)

Jess and I arrived early at the hospital to be with Tritt for an hour. We were able to love on him before the nurses came to take him at 7:00am. We were able to follow him to a certain point into the operating section of the CICU. There we said our tearful goodbyes and were directed to the "same day surgery" waiting room. There we did just that. . . . . WAITED!!!

Dr. Burch had said that he wouldn't be starting the surgery until 9am. The prep work takes time. They had to drop his body temp. around 24 degrees, put him on a pumping system that monitored his heart and lungs, IVs, tubes and such (I call it all BLING!!) Then they began the first incision right around 9am.

We had a nurse practitioner--Ann-- who came out of the operating room and gave us several updates each hour, on the hour. She was usually within 2 minutes from the last visit. I greatly appreciated her promptness. We were told that surgery would end around noon or one depending on what went on. Unfortunately this was not the case. After they did the "first" surgery, they had to warm his body temperature up slowly, monitor everything with an ECOgram, then wait and watch to see if there were any issues. During this time the doctor found out that his artery and coronary were laying on top of each other constricting the blood flow. They once again had to lower his temperature, monitor, go back in and elongate the coronary to make it longer so they don't constrict. The part put in was a human organ called a pulmonary valve and conduit, that will possibly have to be replaced as he grows older. (I am having a really hard time with this possibility, but right now I cannot be concerned with it. I have to keep telling myself to focus on the moments now and cross that bridge when we get there).

We finally were able to see Tritton around 6:30 that evening. He was very swollen. Although we were prepared for this image, it was still hard to see our little boy so sore with more bling attached to his little body. The doctors were worried that since he had been on the lung/heart machine twice that his kidneys would have a harder time getting rid of the excess fluid (basically getting rid of it through his urine) There were two nurses with him that night watching him consistently. Dr. Delgaldo was very adamant about us leaving and letting the nurses and doctors work their magic that evening. She knew that we had a long and very emotional draining day. She assured us that if there was any problems that she would call us.

We have really taken to Dr. Delgaldo and I believe her to us. I have observed her with others and she is a little more professional and to the point, but with us she is that with a compassion that just yields to friendship. She hugged us both and told us to go take sometime that night to be together. She also mentioned that she was going back to Ecuador to do some training and wished us well, hoping that she would see us before we left, but wishing Tritton a speedy recovery. I sure felt a warm feeling as she spoke these words to us. I knew my baby was in good hands. We will miss her!

Surgery was hard on all of us that day. It will be a day that I will never forget how I felt and the emotions that came so freely. It was hard to accept that it didn't go text book, that there were complications and future surgeries as he grows. But at least we have the chance to have him with us and to raise him. It was a hard day to try and find the good among all of the mishaps, but together Jess and I talked it through and helped each other understand that the Lord has his hands in this and will strengthen us with whatever we will have to face in the future with Tritton. Jesse shared a story with me in the waiting room and helped me see that although it was not a complete successful surgery, that the end result was one of progress and a path to healing. I can't express in words the gratitude I feel for him and his ability to see through situations so clearly with so much faith. He has mentioned to me that through this process he has been able to "see clearly" and understand fully what is going on around us. The way he talks and asks questions to the doctors and nurses is amazing. I honestly can't keep time straight each day and he is able to completely understand what we are being told and asking questions I would have never thought to ask. What a blessing it is to have him here by my side, I couldn't do this alone, this "sight" he has is a blessing in itself. Yes the Lord truly has his hands in all things. . . . how blessed we truly are!

5 Days Old!!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011 (5 Days Old)
Today was a good day to be with Tritton. We feed, changed diapers, loved, and hugged on him all day. His surgery is tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM, so we have to get as much love in as we can, since after the surgery we will not be allowed to hold him for a few days.

All of the doctors and nurse practitioners visited with us today about the procedures of the surgery and had us sign the consent forms. Dr. Birtch will be the surgeon performing the surgery. He said that usually within a year they maybe see about 12 cases of this heart defect, but this year alone they have already performed over that number. So, fortunately or unfortunately they are very well aware of what needs to happen during surgery. We feel blessed to have a doctor who is well versed in such a task. We know we are in good hands.

We have had lots of prayers and blessing from so many loved ones. That is what keeps us going. Today, although it was a good day, I have been really emotional at the thought of my little boy being in pain and having to go through this ordeal. I am so blessed to have a husband who loves and draws his strength from Heavenly Father. Jess is such a good man and is my rock! I can't imagine dealing with this without him, so blessed that I never will have to.

A thought I had today while we sat with Trit. . . . I was thinking what it says in my patriarchal blessing. I would like to share one thing from this personal blessing from my Heavenly Father. It is repeated 3 distinct times that although hardships, trials, and tribulations will come into my life to always seek the guidance and direction of my Heavenly Father. I can't tell you how much that use to scare me, but know I feel that it is serving its purpose in comforting me to rely on my Heavenly Father and his healing powers. To place this in his hands and have the faith on my end to understand the outcome of what will take place. I know my Savior loves me and knows the desires of my heart. I know that love is abounding all around our little family right now, I feel it in every phone call, text, message, thought and prayer that has been directed our way. The plan of Eternal Families is real and I know we have Papa Westwood and many, many others carrying us and Tritton through each day-each moment.

Again thank you to all for your love. Words cannot express our thankful hearts to you and all you do. Thank you to our families whose strength we have felt and continue to feel. I can see why Heavenly Father created the family unit. We all are family, connected in a beautiful plan. I am grateful to be apart of it and have the knowledge that we do. May the Lord bless and protect you all as you have blessed us! Love to many. . . .Love to all!

Loves & More Loves & Pictures !!

This monitor watches his heart rate (When I first saw him, I thought "What is a bow doing on my little guy??!") Ha Ha

Look at his hair!! Just like his Daddy's!

This is his room-he has a 24 hour nurse-we just sit and love on him all day!

The tubes look more intense than they actually are. After surgery we will not be able to hold him for a day or two, so SNUGGLE-SNUGGLE-SNUGGLE as much as we can!!

This is his name tag that is on is little bed.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011
We have had some of the best nurses today!! They have been so friendly, aware, and simply put AMAZING!! What a terrific place to be! I do feel at peace here.

We both slept in a little this morning and got to the hospital around nine. We have spent all of the day here, just lovin' on our little man. We have been able to hold him most of the day!

Aunt Mary and Uncle Kevin stopped on by to see him. It was so great to see family. Thank you for coming and seeing us, we just love you!

We will know tomorrow what the doctors have decided after their meeting. Dr. Delgato mentioned maybe Thursday or Friday. Sooner the better for me. . . I just want to get the healing process going as soon as possible.

Chalk this up for a great day with my boys!!
Moment. . . to . . . Moment!

Loves to All!!

Finally . . . I am with my BOYS!!

Monday, May 30, 2011
Arrived yesterday at Primary Childrens Hospital. My sweet in-laws helped me make the trip up. They were able to bring up my car so we could get around.

We were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald house-terrific place and close to the hospital!

On to the really good stuff!
I just couldn't wait to see Tritton! He looked so good and was just a doll. I got to hold him as soon as I arrived and later help feed him. I even got to change a poopy diaper-silly moments but I just loved it!

Tritton was able to get of all forced oxygen, but still has a nose tube of oxygen. He keeps wanting to hold his breath so we have to watch the monitors to make sure we keep him breathing. What a little stinker!!

I met Dr. Delgado, who is the charge Dr on the CICU (Cardiovascular Intensive/Infant Care Unit) She will not be the doctor who performs the surgery, but will assist in making decisions and care of our little angel!

Primary's is such a wonderful place. It reminds me of an elementary school, with all the children artwork and sweet-spirited environment. I feel at peace there and love being with my little boy.

Surgery is not scheduled, but possibly this week sometime. We will know more after Wed-when the doctors meet. They feel where Tritt is doing so well that his case is not a "high priority" and want him to get a few more days of life and strength under him-basically to make him stronger.

Here are some pics from the day. Will try to post more. He is such a fighter and your prayers are all felt. Jesse and I are so thankful to all for being so supportive. WE LOVE YOU!

Beginnings + Blessings x Miracles = Tritton Dan Leavitt

Beginnings. . .

(Names of many have not been mentioned for their privacy)

Monday, May 23, 2011
Just beginning my usual afternoon at school and getting the kids ready for their Buccaneer "Last Splash" event of the year put on by the PTA, I began feeling a load of pain in my lower back, which was getting worst as time went by. With the love and concern from PTA moms and the best principal in the world, I quickly made lesson plans for the last two days of school-just in case. But I knew I would be back (Yeah I am pretty naive).
I went home, laid down, and later on I was feeling a little better. Whew! False alarm. :) Then I got the chills/hot flashes, fever, flu like symptoms! NOT GOOD! I was so sick the rest of the night!

Tuesday, May 24
Didn't make it to school on Tuesday! Thank heavens I had lesson plans!
Jess left for work and about an hour later I was up using the potty when I began to bleed out with some impressive blog clots. Jesse came home "mock chicken" and we headed for the hospital. Once there, the nurse checked me out, dilated to a 3, bleeding had stopped some, contractions were irregular 5-7 min, they were not too concerned with the clots-thinking that things were just shifting and moving to get me ready, but wanted me to take it easy and not do anything! Sent us home about 1 1/2 hour later! I rested the rest of the day.

Wednesday, May 25 - The Last Day of school!
I CRIED! From the moment I woke up. . . I was feeling awful that I could not be with my students on the last day of the school year. Here you spend 177 days with them throughout the year and can't see them the last two! It was hard, but I still need to get writing folders and poetry books to them, so I'll have to communicate through the mail! :)
I rested throughout the day and was feeling much better come Thursday!

Thursday, May 26
Feeling better. . . I ran a few errands this morning-thinking that if this baby comes earlier than expected (I was at 37+ weeks) that I better get his room ready! (DUH-I only had multiple months to do this beforehand!!) I went to my Dr. Apt and was told I was 3+ and to take it easy and not to over do it. Fine, I understand! I do little things and then would take it easy-I really was not over doing it. Slept terrific-the best sleep I had in weeks!

Friday, May 27
I have an amazing family! My terrific friend and sister-in-law came to help me paint a dresser for the baby room. We worked on it and then went to lunch. After lunch I returned home just in time to beginning feeling pain in my back again and cramping. I began to bleed-AGAIN!
I called Jess to inform him, called the nurses hotline-and the nurse said to lay down, get off my feet, and watch for any signs of major contractions, clear liquid, and of course more bleeding.

Jesse got home and laid down with me on the couch for a couple of hours. Little did we know that this was just the beginning. . . . :)

5:20PM. . . . Door bell rang. . . sweet little visitor. . . then mad dash to the bathroom. My water was SLOWLY leaking, but the contractions were IMMEDIATE!

Jesse showered in 2.3 seconds, I threw in a load of laundry, changed my clothes, fixed my hair (really. . . yeah that is me!), grabbed our previously packed bags, and out the door we went! Contractions were 3-5 minutes apart & getting stronger (WOW that is a feeling!)
EXCITED, NERVOUS, & EAGER to meet our lil'man!

6:00ish PM-The Blessings. . .
I had called the labor and delivery to let them know that we were on our way. As we came rolling around the corner there was our #1 Blessing waiting to take us in. Jesse has a cousin-whose wife is a RN at the hospital-who came on shift just 5 min before our arrival-she would be my nurse! . I couldn't have asked or even handpicked better, more loving, and concerned nurses that day!

Contractions grew, I was dilated to a 4, up to the room we go for a much needed epidural and relief! The epidural was just terrific and not this horrible experience I had heard so much of. After that things progressed rapidly-with the little help of pitocin!

Blessing #2
My regular doctor was out of town for the Memorial Holiday, so in walks Dr. R! An amazing man in all faucets of life! I quickly felt comfortable and knew of his concern for us. I just had this amazing feeling about him the moment he walked in-peaceful.

6. . . 8. . . 10 all within a few hours! Bets were placed as to how big this little guy would be and what time. We were fast approaching the midnight hour and I kept thinking that he will be born before 11 :30pm so I bet 8lbs 2oz and before 11:30. (I can't remember the other bets-or I would have posted them)
Jesse's brother was able to come with his wife and give me a blessing! Thank you bro! I love you!

11:06 PM Practice Pushes. . . 11:34 PM Tritton arrives!!
(AWESOME DELIVERY!!) Blessing #3-No stress delivery on mom or baby!

What a Couple of GOOFS!

Tritton Dan Leavitt
8lbs 3 oz
19 inches
11:34 pm
Birthday: May 27, 2011

We were able to spend some time with Tritt before we headed down to the "mom & baby unit" We were able to snuggle, kiss, hug, cry, and just love on him!
Tritton was such a calm baby. He cried a few minutes just after birth then he was calm and taking in his surroundings! He would look at me and Jess and make these soft noises. He was alert and just precious!
I felt such a presence of my Savior and my Dad in the room! Peaceful and warm. I knew that this little guy-my son-had left his Heavenly Fathers' and Papa Westwoods' arms and came to mine. What an amazing feeling! I knew my dad was in that room!

Blessings x Miracles. . . .

Saturday, May 28 2:00 AM
We made our way to the "mom and baby unit" a couple hours later. We arrived, got settled in, and met our nurses! Once again amazing women! Our RN was checking out Tritt when she said that she was going to take him to get his oxygen levels checked. I thought nothing of it-so we got settled in and ready for a night of good rest with our boy.

When she returned with Tritt and a NICU nurse . . . I knew something was not right. They said that his oxygen levels were severely low and they were going to take him to the NICU to saturate his lungs with oxygen and see what was causing him to be deficient. Jesse followed. I stayed. Now what? I began to pray - because I knew this was going to be a long night!

Little did I know that Miracle #1 just happened . . .

3:30 AM . . .
When Jess returned to the room with one of the NICU nurses, I was not ready to hear what was said. Tritton's lack of oxygen was either due to some lung issue or related to his heart-Congenital Heart Defect (CHD). In either case, he mostly likely need to be sent to Primary Children's Hospital.
Jesse left for home to pack a bag to go with life flight and I quickly got ready (with the help of my amazing nurses) to go and be with Tritt in the NICU, while they ran a Eco-gram and Sonogram of his heart.

I expected to hear him crying when I arrived. . . but it was calm. The dr's were preforming the pick/central lines and even though Tritton was restrained (just so he would not "help" out in the procedure) he was calm and alert. They didn't have to sedate him! What a good little boy!

Jesse returned and after all the test this is what was confirmed:
Tritton has a condition called TGA-Transposition of the Great Arteries in his heart. This is where the main arteries of his heart are switched.
In your heart your arteries help make a "figure 8" shape for the blood-oxygen to mix and then to re-enter your lungs and the rest of your body. In Tritton's heart he doesn't have the "mixing" going on since his arteries are making their own "circles" on each side. One circle is moving blood to the heart and body and the other to the heart and lungs. They are not crossing in the middle, due to the switch in his arteries. Therefore, he will need surgery to switch these arteries.

Miracle #2: Tritton does have an opening in his heart that otherwise would cause great concern if he didn't have this condition. This opening is allowing SOME mixture of the blood and oxygen to cross in and out of the heart-lungs rotation, making him able to LIVE! Without this, he would not have been able to live out of the womb for very long. Thus the change in color once we moved to a recovery room and Miracle #1 - my nurse discovering his color had changed quickly.
Had my nurse not caught this, Tritt would not be with us. I owe her my everything! She was yet another angel in our path this night.
The NICU doctors said that most often than not-this is not caught early and babies will be sent home thinking all is well and will then turn blue and not be able to breathe and being without the necessary-quick intervention of oxygen will die.

The doctors also said that if they had to choose a heart condition - this TGA would be the one to have (Miracle #3) It is fixable and kids can live a normal life. They also said that Tritton's good size is in his favor and will make it better for him in the long run! (Miracle #4)

As the team prepared for Life Flight-Jess and I knew Tritt needed a Priesthood Blessing before he left. Not long after that thought, Dr. R (who had been with another patient preparing to deliver a baby-left) came to our side with the intent to help in blessing my son. . . Miracle #5.
There is not a doubt in my mind that he knew what needed to be done and so he came once he had heard the news. Another Angel!

6:45 AM . . .
Jesse and the Life Flight crew prepared to leave, I got to touch my sons leg through all the monitors and lines, kiss him, and off they went.

I spent the rest of the day in the hospital and came home later that evening around 6:00PM.

Jesse is up with Tritton at Primary Children's Hospital. The doctors will not be performing surgery right away. They wanted to wait a week or so to let Tritt get stronger and to make a game plan and not rush into the first thought of surgery.

I will be heading up there hopefully soon! I feel good and have been able to get around-slowly-but enough to make the trip when it comes time.

I will keep all posted as to the little Miracles that are happening around us continually! Thank you to all for your love and prayers! The power of blessings and prayers are real! Thank you and we love you!

The Decision Is. . . .

We took the $$$$!!!
They were going to limit us to 12,000 miles in the year we had the car (1000 per month)
And any additional mile over was .22 cents.
So, since I have a little commute to St.G everyday and back, plus we travel a lot, it was more logical for us to take the money.

Which leaves me to car hunting. . . again! We have been looking for a car for the past 6 months and this extra $$ dough will be an extra incentive to get really serious!!

Maybe my next blog will be pictures of my new-NEW Car!!

I NEVER WIN ANYTHING. . . . BUT TODAY. .

Jesse and I have always said that we are "jinxed!" We NEVER win anything! But today our luck has changed. Here is the story. . .

Earlier this year, one of my student's amazing moms had nominated me for the radio stations (Planet 94.1) "Best Teacher on the Planet" award. I felt very honored to think that I would be nominated. I was then invited for a luncheon at Findlay Subaru to celebrate being nominated. The invitation said that all teachers who show up will win a prize. Of course I thought FINALLY I will win something!!

Jesse and I arrived, we ate, visited with other fabulous teachers and just enjoyed the time together. Finally they announced how they would proceed to give each teacher their "prize" and an opportunity to win a new car. I was tickled pink just to be there
& hey free lunch-can't beat that.

Planet 94.1, Chris and LaRae were there and they had a bunch of balloons in the car. Each teachers name was pulled out of a drawing and they got the chance to go and pick a balloon, pop it, and then the little paper inside would tell you what you had won. They had prizes such as:
30 -1 hour massages, two-nights stays in Mesquite, Tuachan tickets (which I really wanted), Ashley Furniture gift cards, etc. Pretty nice prizes if you ask me, I was thrilled!
Well, we had been waiting for a while and my name still had not been drawn and the car was still not claimed. Finally they call my name-yahoo!
Jesse had dared told me to say (when they asked what school I taught at and what grade level) "Oh, I don't teach, I just wanted a chance to win a car!") Ummm, so I did! That got a chuckle!
I opened up the drivers side door, picked up the balloon on the seat and got in. I was trying reach another balloon on the passenger floor, but quickly decided to take the one in my hand.
I got out, popped it open, and . . . . silence!
I read, "Congratulations! YOU JUST WON A 2010 SUBARU FORESTER FOR A YEAR FROM FINDLAY SUBARU."
Still silence.
There I was bug-eyed, jaw dropped, and numb!
I couldn't believe it.
LaRae (the announcer) came over to see if I could read it or if I really had just won.
"We finally have a winner!" she said (Cheers)

I was still silent.

I finally looked over at Jess, who was about as shocked as I was, and then he let out a big yahoo!!
When I finally regained awareness, I had to talk on the radio and all that jazz!
It was really a once in a life time feeling! Numbness, amazement, loss of awareness, happiness, exhilaration, and panic all at once!

So this is the car that I won from The Planet 94.1 and Findlay Subaru!!

So here is the fine print. . .
I do only get to drive it for a year
The stickers have to stay in the windows
Tax/registration free
But we have to insure it for that year

OK, not so bad. We have actually been looking for a car and thought we would drive this for a year, sale my car, save up our $$, when the year is up then go buy me a new car!

Great idea, right?!?
(We thought so too, until. . . )

They offered us $1000 cash instead of the car.
After our "test drive" they then offered us $2000 dollars in cash.
(they said that where it is a new model they needed one to advertise-but the value of the car will decrease after I bring it back after a year and they lose profit-that is if I decide to take the option of the car for a year)

So we have until the Monday to come up with a decision.
Do I take the car, drive it for a year, save $$, return it, and then go buy me a new one?
OR
Take the $2000 cash and go buy me a new car now?
(which we are leaning more toward the later- but still???)

May be a no brainer for some, but for me I am torn!!
Oh what to do??

I'll take any suggestions!