Quote of the Day

"God likes sharing...give that to me!" by Isaac (our almost 5 year old)

six days old

For me, this day is a milestone. Levi is six days old today and the significance of this day is that Ethan was six days old when we found out that he had been born with a heart defect. It is a good feeling to have reached this point.

Levi Dean Bohrer

Levi was born early this morning, March 11 (6 days early), at 1:52 a.m. He weighs 7 lbs. 9oz and is 19 inches long. He looks a lot like big brother Isaac with his blond hair and blue eyes. Thanks to all who prayed for this little guy! We praise God for a safe delivery and healthy baby!

Great News!

Ethan's heart still looks good! There have been no changes since his last visit. Everything is wide open and the blood flow looks great. His blood pressure was great as well. The nurse was able to get readings in his arm and leg on the first try, which never used to happen. He has good pulses too. Dr. Ardinger was very pleased. Everyone kept talking about how good he looked and how well he is growing. He doesn't go back for another 6 months and he is still on no meds! Ethan cooperated like a champ. It is an understatement to say that we are grateful for another good report. Thanks so much for your prayers! God has been so good to keep Ethan's heart working well.

In the next month, Ethan will move from being the baby of the family to being a big brother! What a way to begin this new season of his life!

Update on Ethan

Two years ago today, Ethan was admitted to Children's Mercy South with RSV and we spent 5 nights in the hospital. We went home and then were back in the hospital two days later for his second heart cath and balloon (unrelated to the RSV) to rewiden his aortic artery because it had renarrowed for a second time since surgery. His aortic valve was also ballooned. What a difference two years can make and I am so grateful to God that it has been a positive difference.

Ethan's next cardiologist appointment is Feb 25th. Six months sure went by fast. He will have all the regular heart tests. Please be praying that his heart looks good and that he will cooperate with the doctor, echo tech and nurses. I am not too concerend right now, but as the date gets closer, I will start to worry about it more.

Just this past week, I was outside watching Isaac and Ethan play and they wanted to show me how fast they could run. Isaac went first and I cheered him on and praised him for running so fast. Then it was Ethan's turn and he gets ready and looks back at me to make sure that I am watching and says, "watch me, mommy, watch me!" And then he takes off and goes as fast as his little lets will let him. I get tears in my eyes often as I watch him play because it is a miracle that he can run around and be a normal 2 year old little boy. He is my constant grace reminder.

Thanks for continuing to check in on our family!

February is "American Heart Month"

Please go to this link to sign a petition to raise awareness about congenital heart defects! Ethan would not have lived if it wasn't for the research and technology that we have available today. And his future is dependent on continued research. Thanks so much and Happy Valentine's Day!

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/media-awareness-for-chd.html

happy new year

2007 began with cardiologist visits every 6 to 8 weeks, then a third heart cath, then a second heart surgery. The year continued with a great finish to Kindergarten, a relaxing summer, a new pregnancy and a broken collar bone. It ends with rejoicing that Abigail and Isaac know that Jesus lives in their hearts, Ethan is the healthiest ever, and our family will soon become a family of six! I pray that in 2008, God will continue to grow us and stretch us to be more like Him and that our children will see that living for Him is the most important thing ever. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas. Happy New Year!