To those affected by a heart defect:

Memories in the Making!

December 13, 2006 at 10:53 am by Grandparents Kevin and Joy

(This message was originally posted on Dec 12, 6:03pm. It was moved to the front page by Justin)

We were able to be with Jeremey and Alison for Haven’s birth. What a day of excitement and wonder! Alison did such an awesome job, docs and nurses were amazed (no epidural!). Of course, she had Jeremey right there every second to hang on to. They were the same sweet loving couple as they always are, working together to bring Haven into the world. Grandma Joy was at the delivery and Grandpa Kevin, Grandpa Johnson, and Aunt Jenny supported from outside the door. They really surprised the whole staff by insisting on doing this on Monday (well, really Tues. 12:12am). We are so happy that Haven is so strong and healthy, and that she is in such great care. Thank you all for your prayers, thoughts, support, and encouraging words. We’re excited about this website that will keep us all connected to what is going on in our granddaughter’s life.

Love,
Kevin and Joy

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 3 Comments »

Haven’s First Lunch

December 12, 2006 at 1:43 pm by Grandpa pa J

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.

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 2 Comments »

A Good Morning

December 12, 2006 at 10:04 am by 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.

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 4 Comments »

Hello Haven Leigh

December 12, 2006 at 1:16 am by Uncle Justin

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.

Posted in At the IU Birth Center, Pre-Surgery #1 | 10 Comments »

All hands on deck!

December 11, 2006 at 11:43 pm by Uncle Justin

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.  

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | No Comments »

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink

December 11, 2006 at 11:02 pm by Uncle Justin

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.  

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | No Comments »

Halftime

December 11, 2006 at 10:44 pm by Uncle Justin

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.

Jeremey is taking advantage of the free time by eating some Papa Johns. (We love ya Jer… save a slice for me!)

The professionals say that things will quicken up once the hormones take effect, and we might expect Haven to make an entrance by morning.

The worst contractions are yet to come for Alison (don’t worry she isn’t reading this post), but she performed well in the first half. With a large cheering squad of grandparents, a team of experts, and fans from the internet she’ll make a good run in these final hours.

I was able to read the comments so far to the room and they were enjoyed by all! As you probably have noticed, I have been given the responsibility to make updates as soon as I get them. If you feel like I am leaving anything out don’t be shy to comment about it.

Perhaps now is the time for you moms to share your sympathy stories, or you dads to give your words of wisdom for what Jeremey should NOT say to Alison during labor.

Meanwhile, things are going as well as they can at the moment.

Keep up the good work team!

Justin

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 1 Comment »

Things are heating up.

December 11, 2006 at 4:55 pm by Uncle Justin

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

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 2 Comments »

Let the races begin!

December 11, 2006 at 12:47 pm by 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

Posted in At the IU Birth Center | 2 Comments »

This site contains the story of Haven Leigh and serves as a source of hope and encouragement to anyone who has or knows a child born with HLHS, a congenital heart defect, or other terminal illness. Here, we show the rewards of nurturing and supporting a special child while celebrating her memory by sharing her story with others.

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