Maya's First Halloween

Maya really enjoyed her first Halloween. She was a cheerleader! She loves posing for pictures. Can you tell?

Maya's New Puppy

We got Maya a puppy on April 16, 2008. Her name is Minnie, and she's a 12-week old miniature pinscher.

Maya's Back to School Already!

Maya returned to school last Tuesday (3/4/08) which was a full 4-6 weeks before her estimated return. Terry took her to her surgeon for a follow-up visit on 2/28. They ran some labs and performed a chest xray, and her surgeon thought that she was doing just GREAT!

Unfortunately, even though she'd only been back to school for a couple of days, Maya came down with yet another bug last Thursday. She missed school on Friday. All weekend she had a really yucky sounding loose cough and a rash on the back of neck and up her arms. I can't wait for spring to arrive here in Illinois so the germs will go away!!

Maya is Home!!

Maya was able to come home from the hospital yesterday afternoon. She still has a couple of minor issues, but the doctor wasn't concerned enough to keep her in the hospital. For example, she's bleeding around the patch to close her VSD. The doctor believes this will stop during the healing process. We'll just need to keep an eye on it.

Maya's VSD Surgery - Sunday

Maya is continuing to improve. Today she was taken off her IV heart medicine and is being weaned off the oxygen. Yesterday afternoon, Maya started taking walks. For lunch, Terry smuggled in a McDonald's fish sandwich, fries and orange drink, and Maya's appetite suddenly returned. I think she just didn't like the bland hospital food. The doctor is hopeful that Maya will be able to go tomorrow (a full week ahead of schedule!!).

We are thankful for all of the prayers everyone has been sending our way.

Maya's VSD Surgery - Thursday

Maya is doing really well. She was extubated (sp?) last night. She's had three popsicles today. They're keeping her sedated because the doctor wants to keep her still today. So, she'll wake up briefly for a popsicle or water, then she falls right back to sleep. She asked me for a hug this morning. If things keep going well, they're going to take her off of sedation tomorrow and let her sit in a chair.

Maya's VSD Surgery - Wednesday

Maya's surgery is over, and the doctor is very pleased! He said that she's doing better than he expected. We found out that she also has an ASD (atrial septal defect), but he left that open because it can used as a "safety valve". Obviously, the next 12-24 hours are very critical. She will be monitored very closely before they decide if they can take her of the ventilator. Right now, she's still under sedation. She should be waking up in the next 2-4 hours.

Maya's Surgery Scheduled

Maya's open heart surgery has been scheduled for February 13. How ironic that the hole in her heart is being repaired the day before Valentine's Day!