Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments!  They have been so encouraging.  Haven is beautiful and we have spent several hours with her today.  Because she is doing so well, we have been able to hold her (which we were told probably wouldn’t be able to happen).  Infact, the doctors are so impressed with Haven’s status that they have suggested that Alison begin breast feeding her.  That is happening even now. 

Currently, the plan of operation is to perform the first open-heart surgery early next week.  They want Haven to do as many “normal newborn” activities as possible before the surgery because this will be better for her recovery:  she will be paralyzed after the surgery to allow things to heal and due to this paralysis many babies “lose” many instinctive reactions (such as breathing or eating), so they say the more things she can do on her own before the surgery, the better she will be when she comes off the paralysis.

Thanks again for all of your support.  It really does mean so much to know we have you in our corner.  We will continue to update as much as possible.  Uncle Justin and Grandpa J will also continue to keep the site current.  I know everyone wants pictures.  Don’t worry, we have them.  We’re just having a little trouble getting them on the site from the hospital.  Keep checking back, I promise to have some up very soon!

Mid day news break…
I just talked with Jeremey. All are well at the frontline. Doctors want Alison to start breast feeding Haven. All the vital stats are good on Alison, Haven as well as Jeremey.:)

Mom and Dad are able to spend more time with the baby then originally planned.
If all goes well the team of specialist are considering surgery the beginning to the middle of next week.

I would like to mention that though all things are going better then anticipated Haven is no ways near being out of the woods. Her situation has not changed and she will be going through the planned open heart surgeries and adjustments to life as so very few children have. Haven, Alison and Jeremey will continue to need all of our support as family and friends.

With all that being said, those of you who are itching to send that special card, bouquet of flowers, gifts or cookies(hint), I will have an address for you by tomorrow morning. Jeremey and Alison will be assigned a room at the McDonald house in Indy. Alison will remain at I.U. Med. Center for the next couple of days.

Look for another update this evening. See you then.

Grandpa pa J.

Goodmorning everyone!

Another miracle last night or was it this morning. When Aunt Jenny and I left the I.U.Center around 3am Mom,Haven and yes, even Dad were doing good. During all the action I counted at least four doctors, four specialists, a head nurse, and six other nurses assisting at one time or another. And that was just on Grandpa McMullin!

No, really there were all of those I listed and maybe more.
I will let Alison and Jeremey share there version of the entire event. It was somthing to witness. Alison did an outstanding job. She was a real trooper. Jeremey will need a week or two to recover. All are well.

Again I thank everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Keepem comin’. We will continue to keep all of you posted.

Haven Leigh was born on December 12, 2006 at 12:12am. She is 8 pounds 5 oz and 19 inches tall.

Mom and dad are doing well, and the doctors are carefully monitoring Haven. The doctors will now take Haven to the Riley intensive care unit and stabilize her for her first surgery this week.

The first surgery is the Norwood procedure. Learn more about it by clicking the HLHS link at the top of the blog.

Pictures will come soon.

A phone call says that they are calling in the doctors because mom is feeling those good ol’ vibrations. They are moving into delivery mode.

Haven is making a break for it!

…More to come.  

WOAH!This just in from Riley. Before the doctors could give mom the hormones her water broke. So it looks like Haven wants to do things her way.

Mom is feeling stronger contractions closer together now and so Jeremey’s arm is getting raw.Hopefully, more to come soon.  

I just got off the phone with people in the room. Things are going well and on schedule.The first step of inducement is over and now everyone is getting ready for phase two – hormones. The hormones will help ripen the runway for takeoff (…in layman’s terms of course). The experts do not want Alison getting out of bed once she receives the hormones because they want to keep a close eye on the baby. So until the second half gets underway Alison is taking advantage of the ‘free time’ by taking laps around the room, and eating frosted flakes.

We’ve received another report from the hospital. Grandpa pa J reports this time. I have copied his report from the comment to this post so that everyone can see it.

Things seem to be heating up but on schedule. Here is what Grandpa pa J reports:

“It is I once again. Received an update from Dad, that would be Havens Dad (Jeremey). It is now 4pm and there is some activity developing. Besides mild contractions Haven seems to be doing well.
We are in hour six of the twelve hours needed for the inducing process. We will continue to keep you informed.
Later. “

Stay tuned!

Uncle Justin

We received our first report from mom and dad at the hospital!

This morning at around 9:00am they began the first steps in inducing labor. The doctors say everything is working out fine but it will take a little time to ‘prep the engines’ – so to speak. So while mom is dilating dad is patiently sitting by cheering her on.

Things are going as planned so far, and they said thank you all for your support. Check back on the blog this evening and throughout the week for more updates.

Uncle Justin

Well, it’s Saturday evening and the expectant mother is feeling great.  No contractions or other signs that tell us we should be rushing down to the hospital.  We suppose that we’ll be heading in on Monday morning as scheduled.  Of course, once that’s published on the blog, Haven will decide she’ll be ready tomorrow!