Successful Surgery!

So many emotions. Its hard to know where to start...we are just incredibly blessed. Jake came through surgery so well and is currently the star of the ICU. Every doctor, nurse, and therapist that came in last night reiterated how well he is doing and how pleased they are with his progress. I'll share some pictures and some of our journey yesterday.

We got to Texas Children's Monday morning at 5:45 to check Jake in for surgery. Here he is in his Spiderman pajamas having no idea what the day holds for him.

Ty and I were able to stay with him in a holding area until surgery. We met the anesthesiologist who was very friendly and reassuring. I had given Jake his OU pacifier because I figured he needed a little "Sooner magic" and the doctor asked me right away if Jake knew what the wishbone offense was yet. I knew he was a kindred spirit :) We also spoke with the surgeon, Dr. Heinle, who reassured us that Jake's surgery would go well and he was glad that we were going ahead with the surgery now. They gave Jake what they called a "baby margarita" which basically was Valium and that made his pretty loopy. You can see in this picture that he was in a funny mood...he was laughing but couldn't hold his head up.

The surgery got pushed back from 7:00 to 8:00 so we had extra time to spend with Jake. Right before they took him back, the anthesiologist came and asked if he could hold Jake for a second. After I handed Jake over for him to hold for a second, he told us to tell him goodbye for surgery. He definitely tricked me into letting him go which I realize made it much less emotional. The doctors and nurses here obviously understand how to deal with parents...Our wonderful family was here in the waiting room with us during the surgery. All six of our parents were here as well as Destin and three friends from church. The nurse updated us three times on Jake's progress and each time held good news. Dr. Heinle explained the hole was definitely very large, and he was able to patch it with a portion of Jake's pericardium. The right side of his heart was quite large as well so he was glad Jake went ahead and had surgery now. He repaired the mitral valve by stitching it together; he had to leave it a bit loose because his valve is small and so that he can grow into it. We were able to see Jake about 6 hours after we let him go that morning. We were overwhelmed with how great he looked. We knew he would have many lines and tubes in his small body and were prepared for that...his color was great right after surgery and he had little swelling. Here are a few pictures from when we first got to see him.

By Monday evening Jake began moving around in his bed. Once he really woke up and was alert, the doctor and respiratory therapist was able to take out his breathing tube. They came out telling us Jake had a great set of lungs and was strong...that was a nice way to say he threw a fit! Of course, anyone would throw a fit having a giant tube pulled out of his neck. Jake's nurses have been absolutely fabulous and kept him comfortable all night with doses of morphine. Several of us took shifts staying with Jake last night so we could each take naps. Here's Jake after the tube was out. You can see how he already looks so much better!

The next pictures are from this morning. Jake had his eyes open and posed for a picture with Dr. Heinle. They just now removed his central line from his heart and we are waiting to go back and see him. The plan is for him to be in his own room tonight...just a little over 24 hours after surgery. Jake is just recovering at a rapid rate and we know our good Lord is indeed the Great Physician. We will keep the blog updated through the week with more information.