Boys are Back Together

Colby has had a pretty good day.  He's starting to move a little easier, and we are slowly figuring out the best places for him to get comfortable.  He even felt well enough to play Xbox with Brody for a few minutes.  Having them together makes my heart so happy!

Brody has been amazing this past week, and we are so thankful for him!  Seeing him balance his finals, other school responsibilities, and take care of the house and dogs while we were in the hospital reminds us just how special he is.  We are so proud of him and the man he is becoming! 

 

Headed Home!

Colby had a good day yesterday - chest tube out.  Today was an even better day - leads taken off, all 3 IV ports removed, released to go home for Christmas!  Colby said after pre-op he wasn't going to hang around the hospital over the weekend...I guess he was right.  His courage, strength, determination, and most of all faith are inspirational and never to be doubted!  Thank you for all the prayers, calls, texts, treats, and encouragement. We are SO blessed and grateful.  This Christmas will always be a special memory! 

Post Op Day 1

Post Op Day 1 - Colby slept pretty well on and off last night.  The scheduled pain medication is working ok...still hurting a little bit but nothing he can't handle.  He has been weaned off oxygen, which is great!  The nasal cannula was driving him crazy.

Goals for today are eating and getting the chest tube out.  They plan to check it again around 1:00.  Pray with us that they can move forward with taking it out at that time!  Having the chest tube out should help him start feeling much better!

Thank you for all the prayers, messages, and check ins!  We appreciate them so much!

Surgery Went Well

Colby's surgery went really well.  They only had to do a partial sternotomy, so it went a little faster than expected and he got to skip the ICU!!  He has been moved to a room and is resting well at the moment.  Pain management will be his biggest concern right now. 

They were not able to remove his old pacemaker today due to an increased risk of complications.  They will schedule another surgery to remove the generator and lead in a few months, once his body has healed from today.  

Thank you again for all of the prayers and well wishes!

Colby's Surgery has Started

They took Colby back to the OR around 9:15.  He was in good spirits and ready to get going.  He even told the anesthesiologist that he was going to beat the medicine and stay awake.  They said challenge accepted!

Thank you for the many prayers, messages, and love.  We have felt them this morning for sure!

 

Pre-Surgery Dinner

The night before surgery, we had a little get together for Colby.  He invited friends from his club soccer team and high school soccer team, as well as Taylor Washington.  We are so thankful that these boys could all come together to eat, hang out, and pray over Colby.  I think this is the best thing we could have done for Colby and our family.  We were able to just hang out and have fun, rather than feel anxious about the next day.  Our boys have been blessed with some pretty great friends!!   

Family Pics by McKenzie

We were able to squeeze in a quick family photo session with McKenzie before Colby's surgery, and I am so thankful!  

@mckenziegregoryphotography

Colby is Having Surgery

In a completely unexpected turn of events, Colby will be having another heart surgery Wednesday at 8:30 AM.  There are a lot of variables to this surgery, so we don't know the exact details of the procedure.  It's kind of a wait and see how things go once they get started.  His surgeon laid out all the options though, and we trust her completely to do what's best for him. 

Please pray for Colby. The last time his chest was opened, he was only 2 1/2, so this is a new experience for him.  He is handling it really well, but I know he has some nerves setting in as we get closer.  

Please pray for Dr. Christian and the surgical team.  Pray that she is able to complete everything that needs to be done with minimal complications. 

Please pray that this surgery does not get postponed.  Unfortunately the ICU is currently full, which can cause some surgeries to be delayed or rescheduled. 

We are so thankful to be surrounded by so many people who love and care for us.  Your prayers are always felt when we face challenges, and we appreciate them more than you know! 

 

Thankful

Forever thankful, always grateful, and truly blessed by these two boys and Jason!  

 

Gatlinburg Get Away

We had a perfect little get away to Gatlinburg at the perfect time!  I LOVE having these special times with the boys, especially knowing our time is so short before Brody goes to college.  I'm trying to soak it all in!  We hiked, drove go karts, went to Dolly Parton's Stampede, shopped, ate lots of great food, and saw some bears.  It was an awesome few days with great memories made! 

 

Colby's Club Fall Season

Another club season comes to an end for Colby.  His team lost a tough one in the Semi Finals of State Cup, but they played great!  It's always fun to watch a team grow together through the season.  

 

First Time Voter!

Jason and I were able to vote in the Presidential election this year with Brody.  I can't believe he is old enough to vote.   We are so proud of him and his eagerness to have his voice heard.   

Happy 18th Birthday Brody

I don't even know how this is possible!  It truly is amazing how fast 18 years can go by.  The old saying, "the days are long but the years are short" is 100% accurate.  They grow up too fast! 

Happy 18th Birthday Brody!  Your love for others, your work ethic, your commitment to always doing your best makes you the great kid that you are, and we are so proud of you!!  Never stop hustling.  Never stop living for God.  Never stop loving others well.  Never stop being YOU!

Even though you're officially an adult now, please remember that we will always be here for you!!  We are your biggest supporters always!  Your future is so bright, and we are thankful to have a front row seat to your journey!  We love you BIG!