*there's his annual check up

Will had a visit with his cardiologist Dr. Johns this week. It included an echo and EKG. He happily watched Toy Story during the echo and was such a big boy during the ekg. He was still as he could be and actually managed it a little better than getting his blood pressure checked. That one had to be done a second time and he got understandably tired of having his arm squeezed. He did protest so much about having the EKG stickers removed that we just left them on awhile. I don't remember them checking his sats. If they did the number must have been fine because he got a great report. The doctor said they can't see or hear anything new or concerning.

The 2 main recurrent points in these appointments are: energy levels and the health of his teeth. The doctor said Will's heart functions close enough to normal that he doesn't expect him to have trouble with his stamina and energy. On the other hand, the structure of the inside of his heart is still different enough that a gum infection could affect the lining of his heart differently and have a larger impact than a gum infection in a person with a typical heart. Will recently had his 2nd visit with the dentist and things look good in that department. Getting a 3 year old to cooperate with brushing his teeth is another story, but we're getting there. 

Our sculpture photo shoot was crowded this year! The bored guys at the valet stand just make this year's pictures special don't you think?

*there's a big brother

My lack of posts explained...

Meet Caroline! Born May 21st, 5lbs 12oz

It is hard to describe what adding her to our family has been like. Healing probably. My pregnancy was closely monitored and her birth was uneventful. Will loves her so much and has taken to his big brother role so well. 

Our other big news...

Will no longer has a feeding tube!!!! It had not been used in 10 months. With the help of Pediasure he has gained weight without tube feedings. 

Here we are right after having it taken out by the nurse on the general surgery office:

It has been a rough couple of days. Having his tube removed was upsetting to him. It was placed when he was 7 months old so i think to him it was a part of his body. The good news is that it appears to be healing quickly. Hopefully we can stop using a gauze dressing on it soon. The doctor said the healing process will continue over a long period of time. Years in fact. I am anxious to see how the scar will turn out. Pics to come...