Drew's Heart

1 Year later

2011-12-18T16:09:00.000-08:00

It has been one year since Drew went to heaven. It seems like forever ago. Now we are getting ready for Christmas. This is not our first Christmas without Drew, but it is the first Christmas Brian and I actually feel the intense pain of not having him here with us. Last year it was all so new and such a fog, we really did not take it all in.

It is all decorated for him down at the cemetery. He has a few wreaths, a small tree with a Buzz ornament, a Santa light and of course a green stocking. It is the most unnatural feeling to visit the cemetery where your little boy is buried and decorate around his headstone, instead of buying and wrapping special presents you know will light up his smile and bring him such joy.

Right now Toy Story is on T.V. That may be the most difficult thing to watch and to hear. It reminds me of how he watched Toy Story 1, 2, or 3 multiple times each day and night. He loved that movie and actually memorized so much of each version. We loved listening to him act out the movie with his Buzz, Woody and other toys.

My prayer for each day is that is gets easier to remember all the wonderful memories without so much hurt. Hopefully in time we will feel like he is with us and always in our hearts instead of so far away in heaven.

Miss you

2011-10-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was 11 months since we lost Drew. I think about the months, days, and hours that led up to last Thanksgiving and then the blackest of all black Fridays. I can't shut my thoughts, images and sounds off in my mind, but yet it is so hard to remember what it's like to hold him, feel his hugs, and hear his voice. If I could change things in life the only thing I would obviously change is loosing Drew. One of his cardiac nurses asked me if I could go back and do it all over again would I? Would I endure the emotional rollercoaster of the pregnancy, the heartbreaking surgeries, daily medicines and multiple doctors appointments? Yes, all of those things have made me a different person. My son made me a better person. He was the strongest little boy and reminded me daily that life was precious and he was a gift. I would have gone through anything that I thought had a chance of saving him and giving him to us longer.

I was looking through photos and I came across this funny photo of Drew from exactly 1 year ago today. How drastically things have changed in 1 year.

10 Months

2011-09-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

It has been 10 months today that you have been gone, Drew. Soon it will mark 1 year. I don't know how this time has passed, I still feel like I lost you just yesterday. Not much has changed in our house. Our family is still trying to cope with this loss and not having Drew physically here with us anymore. Will, Brian and I just get through each day, not with much enjoyment, more like we have to get through it. I have found that after watching my son die, there is not many minutes in a day that I can actually say I am happy, I am really happy. I think happiness left me the day that Drew went to heaven and I don't know if it is an emotion that will ever fully come back.

I am going to go now to the cemetery to water Drew's mum plant and check on things. That is just not supposed to be part of a mother's list of things to do.

9 Months in Heaven

2011-08-26T11:57:00.000-07:00

Today is 9 months in heaven for Drew. We are having his first memorial golf tournament to benefit the foundation we created in his honor and memory. Last weekend our Friend Brian, ran 50 miles in honor of Drew and raised money for the foundation too. We have been blessed by the support of friends, family and strangers. We have been able to purchase 2 AED's so far and God willing we have not had to put together any grief baskets for other parents in the area. Drew's memory will live on through us giving back to others.

It has been 9 months and it seems like he has been gone an eternity. He should have been starting his 4 year old preschool class in September. He loved school and I'm sure he would have loved going for a full day. It was hard school shopping this summer. Only buying William outfits, sneakers, and a new backpack. I felt like something was missing each time I bought something for Will and I was right, it was not being able to buy anything for Drew. The feeling that I feel most of the time is that a physical part of myself is missing. I'm trying to live without something just as an amputee is learning to live again without a limb. Probably not the best analogy but it is what I feel. I'm learning to live without a major part of myself, my world, my baby.

Missing you forever Drew,

Mommy

The stone

2011-08-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Drew's stone was put in today. Now it is even more real that he is not here and gone to heaven forever. The stone did turn out beautiful but it should not even be there, he should not be gone, he should be here with us and loving life as he did.

8 months in heaven

2011-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today marks 8 months since Drew left for heaven. Some days it feels like at any moment he is going to walk in the door or that I will find him playing in his room. Other days I know this is not the case. I know that we will not see him again, hold him, kiss him, or hear his little voice, this can only be done in our dreams.

I love the country song that sings about going to heaven for a visit and seeing all the people who are there. Then you won't miss them as much. Oh how I wish our family vacation could be to visit Drew if only for a day. Then it wouldn't hurt as much.

Our life as a family has definitely changed... we are just different. In our Parents Grief Group they talk about how change is the most important thing for you. You need to change up all the typical things you used to do for holidays, vacations, important events. But even though the different routine helps some, it still reminds us that we are now changed forever. Nothing can or will be the same.

A child that in 3 and a 1/2 years changed everything about us.

We continue to miss you, love you, and remember everything about you Drew.

Love, Mommy

6 months

2011-05-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

In 6 months since my little boy left us, I have learned that grief is something that can and will consume you. It can be overwhelming, difficult to understand and will change everything for you.

Having Drew gave me perspective on life and showed me how precious the little things are. He had a way of letting you know how much he loved you. For me it was the way he would give me kisses, say my name and squeeze my hand when he sat with me. He was amazing. I have heard the saying " If love could have saved you then you would have lived forever". This is so true. As a mother, my love for Drew was unconditional and at times fierce. I thought I did everything I could for him but in the end, I could not save him.

Today as 6 months have passed, my love for Drew is still fierce and the loss of him is overwhelming. I miss him so much.

Happy Birthday Drew

2011-04-23T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today is Drew's birthday. He should be 4 years old. He should be bouncing around the house getting ready for his awesome Toy Story birthday party. This is just the beginning of the things Drew will not get to do and milestones we will not get to celebrate with him.

Four years ago today we went to the hospital for a planned c-section. We had anticipation, happiness, and fear of the unknown. When we saw him we couldn't believe how amazing and so healthy looking he was. You would have never known how sick he was and how underneath all of his perfect little features was a heart that was defective. He had blond peach fuzz for hair, big cheeks with Brian's dimple, and a large personality from the start!

He was our little fighter, and oh how he fought.

Today we are going to go to the cemetery and bring him a special Toy Story wreath, his brother Will colored an Easter egg green for him, and if we can we will sing happy birthday to him.

To our baby boy in heaven, We love you and we miss you. Happy Birthday Drew.

Love mommy and Daddy

Forever changed

2011-04-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

I was sent this poem and it truly defines who we are now that our little boy, Drew is gone.

Don't Tell Me
Please don't tell me you know how I feel,
Unless you have lost your child too,
Please don't tell me my broken heart will heal,
Because that is just not true,
Please don't tell me my son is in a better place,
Though it may be true, I want him here with me,
Don't tell me someday I'll hear his voice, see his face,
Beyond today I cannot see,
Don't tell me it is time to move on,
Because I cannot,
Don't tell me to face the fact he is gone,
Because denial is something I can't stop,
Don't tell me to be thankful for the time I had,
Because I wanted more,
Don't tell me when I am my old self you will be glad,
I'll never be as I was before,
What you can tell me is you will be here for me,
That you will listen when I talk of my child,
You can share with me my precious memories,
You can even cry with me for a while,
And please don't hesitate to say his name,
Because it is something I long to hear everyday,
Please realize that I can never be the same,
But if you stand by me, you may like the new person I become someday.

Judi Walker
(In Memory of Shane)
Copyright 1998

4 months

2011-03-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

Today March 26th is 4 months since Drew became our angel. It is hard to believe he has been gone 4 months. I feel like it has been years since I last heard his voice, hugged him in my arms and saw his beautiful smile. I wish we could find a cure for congenital heart diseases. No parent should ever have to feel this pain, nor should they have to be without their child.

For anyone who says "I can't imagine what your going through", well I wish no parent would ever have to imagine or worse, feel this horrible pain.

Right now I should be planning his awesome birthday party, but instead I'm trying to think of ways to keep his memory alive.

Heart Day February 14th 2011

2011-02-14T05:04:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day. He should be here to celebrate heart day. He should just be here! He always had a bunch of special valentine's outfits or shirts. This year would have been no different. His closet is full of the special shirts he was going to wear all last week. Today he was going to wear his special heart shirt. The one that said "I'm a survivor". He was our special little fighter. Our survivor.

Instead of finding the perfect valentine cards and treats for him to bring his friends at school, or giving him his valentine gift this morning when he woke up, we attended a mass for him at church. Not the way I had planned for our heart day to go.

I don't know how we keep going on without him here, but somehow we do.

It is ironic that he came into the world with half a heart, now his heart no longer hurts and it is whole again. That is because he has the other half of my heart. My heart is forever broken.

Mommy misses you so much Drew Drew. I love you forever. Happy Heart day

Seems like yesterday

2011-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

It has been 1 month since Drew became an angel. It feels like he was just here with us yesterday. We have all heard the saying " time heals all wounds", right now, not so much. Everyday we do not have our little Drew with us feels harder to get through. As each day passes, it truly becomes more unthinkable that he is gone forever.

I look at his pictures each and every day it gives me joy to see him but hurts because I can't hold him or kiss him. I would give anything to hear " I love you Mommy" just one more time. I know I can't, and the memories are now my treasure.

As we enter into 2011, I hope and I pray that this year will a bit better for our family.

To all of our friends and family who continue to check Drew's site, thank you and I hope you find, peace, good health and true happiness in the new year.

Thank you

2010-12-01T07:15:00.001-08:00

Thank you to everyone who has expressed their sympathy for the loss of our beautiful baby boy.

The words of so many are comforting and the memories shared by others bring a smile to my face.

Drew's wake and funeral had so many people attend and Brian and I thank you for coming. It meant a lot to us to see how many people went out of their way to come and say goodbye.

Drew's funeral was in every way beautiful and heart warming, just like Drew. If you did not come to the cemetery I will explain the beautiful experience.

As we headed down the long road towards the cemetery, we passed our other son's school, the students, teachers, and principal all stood outside and made the sign of the cross as Drew passed by them.

It was a sight to be seen. Drew would of loved it. The innocence of a child was truly expressed in that single moment.

As we headed toward Drew's final resting spot, the sun slowly started to come out and the rain stopped. As we said our final goodbye to our baby the sun shined so brightly it was blinding. It was as if the clouds opened up and in one spot the stream of beautiful sunlight shined down.

I will believe in my heart that Drew was giving us a sign. The sign that he is happy.

We will always miss Drew and the joy he brought to each of our lives. Drew gave everyone a reminder to live your life completely and to love unconditionally.

I love you Drew, Love Mommy

April 23, 2007-November 26, 2010

2010-11-27T04:54:00.000-08:00

This is a post I never wanted to write. Our baby boy passed away on Friday, November 26th at 5:25pm. He suffered a massive stroke and cardiac arrest that he could not fight back from. He tried so hard though. God needed a feisty little blond angel with a devious smile and bounds of energy to help him in heaven. I know he is wearing his buzz lightyear wings now. Drew was surrounded by his family and all the love you could imagine.

We love you to the moon and stars and back again and to infinity and beyond!

Drew Drew, "I lub you and adore you forever" Mommy and Daddy

Seizures or Heart Issues?

2010-11-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Drew has been having small episodes where he "faints". He turns very pale, becomes tired and for lack of a better medical word, passes out.

He had 2 episodes last week and now another one this morning. We called Dr. Orie and got him in right away to be seen. He had an EKG, and echo. Both came back fine. Right now it does not look like it is heart related but my gut feeling tells me it is.

He had an EEG yesterday because of the other episodes. I have tried to get a hold of Neurology and of course they are not quick to call you back or even give you guidance about what could be going on. Our wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Kanaley has tried to expedite the process by getting in touch and letting the Neuro Doctors know what the latest development has been. I hope we get answers soon. 3 maybe more episodes and no one but Dr. Kanaley and us seem to think this is a big problem.

I may have to call Strong hospital's Pediatric Neuro department and get a second opinion. I need to feel confident that we are going to get to the bottom of this.

Halloween

2010-11-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

Buzz lightyear and cowboy Woody to the rescue!

The boys have talked about Halloween since September. Drew has been firm that he wanted to be Buzz. He would only be the Buzz that had light up wings and was a "real buzz". Of course this meant that the costume he had to have was the most expensive. He truly is just like his Mom!

Apple farm

2010-11-04T15:28:00.000-07:00

We went to the apple farm and had a great time. The boys love going each fall. They ride the train to the apple orchard and pick their apples. Drew eats at least 3-4 apples from the trees. He thinks he is so cool picking his own apples and putting them in his own bag. We came home with 4 large bags of apples and lots of apple cider, the boys favorite fall beverage!

Heart Walk

2010-11-04T15:21:00.002-07:00

We participated in the American heart walk. We walked with Grammi and Papa as well as our new HLHS friends. it was amazing to find and meet all the CHD families that participated in the walk. My mended Little hearts friend and HLHS mom, Sibbohan (Mom to Joseph) put together a booth for us to hand out MLH information to parents. It was wonderful to meet the families. We actually met 4 families of boys with HLHS.

William and Joseph are the same age and hit it off right away. Drew joined in of course. Joseph and Drew wore their survivor shirts and red hats. It was sweet and also a reminder that both boys are miracles and prayers answered!

Neurology update

2010-11-04T15:21:00.001-07:00

Well the Doctor said everything looks good with Drew and we will just continue to watch him.

I guess we will continue to monitor him.

Neurology appointment

2010-10-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Drew has his first Neurology appointment since we were in the hospital this summer. Hopefully we will get more answers to a lot of questions that were never really answered in the hospital.

Drew is going to be mad that he is going to the doctor and not to school! I am sure he will be a wonderful patient when we go (NOT).

School

2010-10-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

Drew loves school. He is in a wonderful preschool program that is inclusive. He has the same teacher that his big brother had. We were able to get a personal care aide for him to help him during the time that he is in school. He is completely in love with her. She is a wonderful woman who is taking care of Drew when he is away from home. He is receiving PT, OT, and speech in school.

I would have loved to put a picture with this post but Drew did not cooperate and refused all pictures!

Sesame Street

2010-09-11T08:16:00.000-07:00

We finished off our vacation by stopping at Sesame place in PA. I thought it would be a great time for the boys, it was only alright! It was packed with people and 95 degrees. That was hot for all of us but way to hot for Drew. The first day there was short and the second day we played on the water rides. He enjoyed that part, but then just got to tired, so Grammi and Papa took him back to the hotel. We stayed and Will went on more water rides.

Sesame Place was not the best amusement park. It has more water rides that actual rides, good shows (even though Drew wanted no part in watching them!), and it is a super small park. The restaurants are pretty awful and very expensive. They were out of just about everything each time we tried to order something, like a bottle of water!

Drew likes cookie monster but was scared to get close to him, so next vacation we will just go to the beach or a hotel with a pool!

Vacation

2010-09-11T08:11:00.001-07:00

We went to the beach. Drew LOVES the beach and swimming. He really has no fear when it comes to adventure. The harder the waves crashed into him the happier he was. Drew really loves just being on a vacation and staying in hotels with elevators! Will and Drew think it is very exciting to get on a elevator and fight to push the buttons! Go figure :)

The Captain

2010-08-12T08:22:00.000-07:00

We had the opportunity to go out on our friend's boat. It was all the boys could talk about. Drew was super excited. Both boys loved their lifejackets. Drew even enjoyed swimming in the river. He did NOT want to get out of the water, even when his big brother told him the sharks would get him! (there are no sharks in the river or anywhere around us!). Drew responded, "I love sharks".

New Diagnosis

2010-08-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

We were only supposed to be in the hospital for 3 days to determine if Drew has seizures or not, but we ended up staying 5 days! It was a long 5 days for us but I believe even longer for poor Drew. He hated the wires attached to his head and just being stuck in the hospital room. What kid would tolerate that well? We left the hospital with a diagnosis of sorts. He is having seizures but for now they are only present when he becomes tired and or sleeping. At the moment they are not interfering with his daily activities. He is not going to have to take anymore meds but he will be monitored. The Doctors did fine a cyst on his right temporal lobe. I asked what that means and their response was it could of formed in utero and does not appear to be the cause of his seizures and is not complicating his brain and it's functioning. Again we just watch it with a yearly MRI and hope it never becomes anything more. We have a follow up appointment with his Neurologist in October and hopefully she will give us more answers than the hospital doctors.

Drew's attitude remained the same in the hospital and out, NAUGHTY! But that's Drew and thats how we know he is feeling ok. He always keeps us busy.

MRI

2010-07-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

Today we take Drew for an MRI at Children's Hospital. The Doctors are looking for any abnormalities or seizure activity. He will be sedated and that is where the problems lie. Drew's condition has the staff very concerned. We have received a lot of phone calls throughout yesterday and today. The doctors say no meds before the procedure, now this morning and another phone call, he has to have his meds. I know that this hospital does not see HLHS kids very often, but I hope everyone can get on the same page before this procedure!

Drew is not going to be happy, so we will have to get him something or take him for ice cream after.

Drew is 3

2010-05-21T14:37:00.001-07:00

Our Drew is 3! Yeah! We jump for joy that he has successfully made it another year. He has shown the Doctors and all of us that he is strong, stubborn, and our little miracle man. He had a wonderful birthday. His Papa, Grammi, Mommy, and big brother Will took him to lunch, then ice cream and finally the playground for some fun. We ordered chinese food (Drew LOVES chinese noodles!) for dinner for him and then just played outside the rest of the night.

He had his birthday party that weekend. We went to the same wonderful place we have been going. It was a Blues Clues birthday party. He is obsessed with Blues Clues and his notebooks. He had such a great time with all of his friends and family. He tried to get the notebook off of his cake before the party began. The notebook was made out of frosting so he just left some marks on his cake trying to get it off to use it, true Drew style! He had two huge pieces. It was a wonderful day and one that we are all thankful to God that we have been able to celebrate for the last 3 years. Each day that Drew is active, full of love, and of course naughty, we cherish for we do not know what Drew's future holds so we just enjoy the present.

Finding Answers

2010-05-21T14:31:00.000-07:00

We have spoken to his cardiologist here in Buffalo and we have seen a pediatric neurologist. Both Doctors are in agreement that Drew had a seizure. The neurologist wants Drew to have a sedated MRI and then be admitted into the hospital for 3 days to be observed. We have the MRI on June 10th here at Children's Hospital. We will be admitted to the hospital on July 19, 20, and 21st. Drew will have a 3 day EEG and video monitored for seizures.

For everyone that knows our Drew, you know that video footage will definitely be some show! He will not be a well behaved patient.

Now we just wait and see what the results will be.

Big Scare

2010-03-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

On Monday night, Drew had a bad episode. He was waiting for his coat to go on a walk, his eyes rolled back and he quickly became unresponsive. He was lifeless and blue around the mouth. It was a scary situation. I called 911, my Dad stayed with Drew to check on his breathing ( it was very shallow and difficult to even tell if he was breathing) and Brian ran to get our neighbor who is an EMT. Our neighbor Mike quickly came and began rescue breaths until the ambulance arrived. Drew was rushed to our hospital where he was stabilized and then transported to our Children's Hospital. We spend some time in the ER, then we were admitted. After extensive tests it was determined that Drew did not have a seizure, just a severe drop in blood pressure which resulted in his heart slowing down. As of right now we have no idea what caused it, and if it will happen again. Drew has proven again that he is a fighter. He is now back to himself and it is his family that is trying to return back to normal after this horrible scare! We will have a follow up appointment on Tuesday with his Cardiologist. I hope we can find out more answers.

Rubber Ducks

2010-03-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, I noticed that Leo from the Little Einsteins was floating in the toilet. When I asked the boys why Leo was in the toilet, Drew replied "he's thwimming" (swimming). I knew there was probably more things swimming in the toilet and it had to be investigated. I could not flush the toilet so I called Brian and he came home from work. He had to take apart the toilet and sure enough there was a yellow rubber duck! Then he put the toilet back together and it still would not flush. He took the toilet apart again and this time found a blue rubber duck! William had no problem blowing his little brother in. He said Drew put the ducks in the toilet. We asked Drew if he put the duckies in the toilet and he replied "yup". After a quick assessment of all the bath toys, we feel confident that we have retrieved everything from the toilet. Drew never makes things dull.

update

2010-02-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been so long since I last posted any info about Drew. I guess that is a good thing that we have not had any major news to report. He is doing well. He continues to have the purple/blue hands, lips and feet during the winter. We can't wait for Spring and then this is not as often.
We have started to realize that he wants to do everything that everyone else does now, but this is not realistic for him. He tries very hard to keep up with the other kids ( his brother especially) but he gets blue easy and winded. This is difficult for him but more difficult for us as his parents. This Summer is going to be very hard to keep him less active. We will talk to Dr. Orie about this at our next appointment.

Dr. Orie appointment

2009-10-25T13:02:00.000-07:00

We had Drew's cardiologist appointment the other night. He was to say the least very naughty! Poor Dr. Orie, he tried very hard to get a temperature, weight, height and pulse ox from Drew. It was a challenge. Then it was time for the echo. He was not good for that either. Dr. Orie told us that for doing the echo on a moving target it looked good! His function remains the same, no leaky valves or blockages. All in all he is doing well. His pulse ox was even 80. That is actually very good for Drew. Dr. Orie anticipates that drew's next surgery, the fontan will be in a year and a half to two years. Fingers crossed that we are able to go that long.

Snack time

2009-10-25T12:55:00.000-07:00

Drew did not want to leave school when it was time for dismissal, so I asked him if he wanted to go and eat lunch, he said " sure" then sat down at the classroom's table!
His Teacher, Mrs. Colleen said he really enjoys snack time. I am not surprised.

School

2009-10-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

Drew Loves school. This picture is from the first day of school. He now goes 2 days a week and learns how to play with other children as well as listen and follow directions! I did expect him to at least want to give me a kiss goodbye, but no, he could not have pushed me out of the door fast enough.

The writing on the wall

2009-09-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

Drew found his favorite activity at the Crayola Crayon Factory, writing on the glass wall with markers! You can see how much he loved it, it is all over his shirt. Yes the new shirt and shorts we had to put on him since he went "swimming" in the last clean outfit! He really enjoyed the crayon factory.

The Swimmer

2009-09-04T13:58:00.001-07:00

We decided to take a pit stop on our way home from Ocean City and we stopped in Easton PA. We really wanted to take the boys to the Crayola Crayon Factory. We were all clean and just about ready to leave the hotel room when we heard Drew say " thwim" (aka. swim) and we ran into the bathroom to see what he was talking about. Drew decided he wanted to swim in the draining bath water, clothed and all. He really keeps us on our toes!

It's 5:00 Somewhere

2009-09-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well Drew and Will had to wear their beach shirts while we were on vacation. Drew was very happy with his dinner, a hotdog and french fries. He was actually well behaved during this meal. I think the salt water and beach air might have affected him for the better during this meal!

Beach Bum

2009-09-04T13:52:00.001-07:00

Here he is being a ham for the camera and just hanging out on the beach. We went to Ocean City, Maryland.

Beach Vacation

2009-09-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Drew went to the beach for the first time this summer. He LOVED it. He became such a water baby. He had absolutley no fear of the ocean and all the waves. He became braver in the water each day. He did look so cute in his surfing suit!

Drew Loves his Doctor

2009-08-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

We met our new Pediatrician and we all agree he is wonderful. We are so excited to finally have a great Pediatrician that listens, cares and takes his time with Drew. WOW what a difference from our old Doctor's office.
We are encouraged and relieved that our boys will be under the care of such a great new Doctor.

New Pediatrician

2009-07-27T21:12:00.000-07:00

We have not been very pleased with our Pediatricians office and they have made a few mistakes that are not OK with me, so it is time to look elsewhere. After some exploring and phone calls, I think we are going to look at one particular office first and I have picked out the Doctor that I want both boys to see. We will go on Thursday to see the office, meet the staff, talk to the Doctor and Drew will have a physical (that should be tons of fun). All I have to say to the new Pediatrician's office is Good Luck with Drew. He is not the most well behaved patient, but who can blame him. That little guy has seen more doctors, had more procedures, and been to the hospital more than some adults. I guess it is only natural for him to have such an aversion to physicians.

Cardiologist Appt

2009-07-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Since Drew was not acting like his usual self on the 4th of July and a few days after that, I decided that he needed to get in to see Dr. Orie. I was thinking the worst and fearing that maybe we would need to have the 3rd surgery sooner or that maybe he had a leaky valve. All sorts of things were running through my mind when he was excessively tired and not his wild child self. His Cardiologists office is wonderful and got him right in. He had an echo done (Drew was not to pleased about the echo) and the function of his heart remains the same. So at this point that is good. They wanted to get and EKG on him, but he REFUSED! He was not the most cooperative patient. Dr. Orie said that he was just an active toddler and his body was letting him know that he needed to slow down. He said that if his body is telling him to sleep or rest than it is OK. We will just watch and see what Drew needs and if he needs to slow down then we will make sure he does. Dr. Orie did let us know that Drew will probably get a pacemaker put in during his 3rd surgery.
Everyday is a new adventure or worry with Drew. He sure keeps us on our toes!

4th of July

2009-07-09T13:56:00.000-07:00

Our family went to a friend's house for a great 4th of July party. Drew was kinda miserable because he just could not decide what to do with himself. He really wanted to run around and play with the other kids, but he seems to get tired more easily now. He enjoyed eating and swinging on the swings, but we decided it would be best to get him home early and tuck him in for the night. Papa as Drew calls my Dad was his babysitter for the rest of the night. That was the best part of the night for Drew, just spending one-on-one time with his Papa!

What a scholar

2009-06-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

Drew loves to "read" everything. Now he has decided to read the newspaper. Maybe he is advanced!

"The Chief"

2009-06-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Drew definitely thinks he is in charge all the time, but riding in the sheriff's car at the kiddie amusement park definitely makes him look in charge!

Ronald McDonald House

2009-06-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

For Drew's birthday we asked friends and family to help bring in items from the Ronald McDonald wish list. I also asked the wonderful faculty that I work with at my elementary school to join in our cause. Between our family, friends, and my colleagues we had a whole car load of food, cleaning supplies, everyday items, and gift cards to give. It really felt great to give something back to the house that supports us while we spend time at the hospital for our son.
Drew was pretty excited to see all of the wish list items too! Check out the picture.

Let him eat cake

2009-04-27T21:17:00.000-07:00

Drew loves cake. He ate two Elmo cupcakes at his party and then continued to eat one more later that night. I know we really gave in to him on this one, but he will only turn 2 once in his life. I think the cupcakes were his favorite part of having a birthday party!

He made it to 2!

2009-04-27T21:06:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Drew is 2 years old. Where does the time go? I look back at the last two years of his life and I thank God everyday that he is strong, healthy (in every way but the heart), and a determined child. He keep us on our toes, but makes us laugh everyday. If you would have asked Brian or I two years ago what Drew's future looked like, I don't think we would have said it was going to be this good. He continues to amaze us in every way. I know that we do not know what the future holds for Drew, but I hope that in 10 more years we can look back and say, wow, it has continued to be so good!

Our Little Rocker

2009-04-27T21:02:00.000-07:00

Drew would not stay in one place for a picture on Easter Sunday. He was on the move and into everything. We finally got him to sit and play the drums. This is one of the only pictures I got of him in his plaid jacket! He loves the drums and finds it really funny to bang as loud as he can on them.

No Fear Factor

2009-04-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

We took the boys out for an early dinner and ice cream on Sunday. Drew had one of his favorite meals, a hot dog, fries and ice cream for dessert! After everyone was done eating it was time to play on the playground. Drew and his big brother Will were all over the place. They loved being outside and climbing on everything. Drew started off on the swings. Grandpa pushed him on the swings until we took him off kicking and screaming. Brian and Will showed Drew how to climb up the slide and then slide down. No surprise, Drew did not want any help! He climbed up the slide and went down the slide all by himself. I know we will be at the playground a lot this Summer.

Luck of the Irish

2009-04-08T18:17:00.000-07:00

Andrew did not do anything special on St. Patty's day, but he still enjoyed the day. Andrew Patrick definitely has the luck of the Irish on his side!

Patron of the arts

2009-03-08T19:42:00.000-07:00

Brian and I took the boys to see Elmo makes music at Shea's theater. Both boys had a wonderful time. Drew could have stayed for the next performance if we let him. He was so mesmerized by the lights, music and of course, Elmo that he did not make a peep until intermission. I think he might be ready for a few more theater productions!

He finally jumped!

2009-03-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Drew fell out of his crib the other night. I don't know who was more scared, myself or Drew. He was pretty shook up, but after a while he decided he wanted to color and eat goldfish crackers. I knew he was feeling alright at that point. He has not tried to get out of his crib since that one and only episode. Yet one more time Andrew Patrick has made his mother's heart skip a few beats!

Little Monkey 2/7/09

2009-02-07T17:13:00.000-08:00

As if we did not worry enough about Drew. He tries to climb out of his crib a couple of times during the day for his naps and at night when it is bedtime. He is such a climber. We call him a little monkey because he never stops climbing, jumping, or getting into something that he should not be. We might have to think about a big boy bed much sooner than I thought!

Feeling better 2/2/09

2009-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Drew is feeling better. He is still taking his antibiotics and becomes a bit more exhausted at times, but is doing well. Tonight he climbed on every piece of furniture we own and is back to being a little dare devil! He keeps us on our toes.

January 31, 2009

2009-01-31T09:20:00.000-08:00

Drew has had a cough for a couple of days now. We went to the pediatrician yesterday and we decided it would be best to get a chest x-ray. We took Drew to have a chest x-ray done and it was determined that he has pneumonia. He has been a bit blue, but continues to try and keep up with his big brother. We are going to monitor him very close and make sure that it does not get any worse.