May/June 2012

Happy beginnings of summer everyone! We're embracing the warm temps and loving the longer days and extended outside time summer brings lately. Our house continues to be busy, and we're enjoying the extra excitement and love Gus brings to the family! He's starting to make "conversation" with us and showing us the beginnings of rolling over (GG claims this has already happened- the magic of grandparents:). Henry has a special high pitched voice just for Gus, and it is a treat to witness their relationship blossoming.

We had some disappointing news this past month when our Cardiologist told us she felt based on the cath findings that Henry would need another surgery "update" before the end of the year. Henry had his last surgery in October of 2010, at which time they placed a conduit from his right ventricle to his pulmonary arteries, placed a pulmonary valve and closed his VSD. During the cath in March they found his conduit to have a considerable amount of calcification and narrowing, causing the increased pressure (and swelling) of the right side of his heart. They don't want his heart to continue to work this hard, and feel intervention is needed. Timing of the surgery is not yet known, though his case has already been discussed with the surgery team and Dr. Lofland (his cardio thoracic surgeon) agreed with the need for intervention. We will return to Henry's Cardiologist for an appointment in August and see what the plan will be at that time. It was big news to swallow, but we're adjusting and overall feel fortunate that Henry does have options for improvement to his heart function. We will relay information as we hear and take comfort in knowing his providers are amazing and that he is in good hands.

Henry finished up the school year with his therapies and will take a three month break from OT, PT, speech and ed supplement over the summer. He will continue learning at his Montessori school over the summer with his wonderful teachers there. We are still working on approaches for potty training and hope by the end of the summer we're getting closer to being ready to ditch the diapers- at Henry's pace of course! Henry continues to be very motivated by space/space shuttle related "presents", and Mommas are not above this form of encouragement:)

We're headed for our summer vacation this weekend with my family and look forward to some together time!! At the end of this month I will begin a new social work position at Children's Mercy Hospital after ten years with my previous employer. Lots of change in the next couple of months, but we're very excited about these new opportunities for growth. Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Julie and I think we have two of the best and feel fortunate to have so many wonderful male role models in our boy's lives. We can't wait to celebrate them and wish you all a wonderful start to the summer!

Much love,

Kate, Julie, Henry and Gus

A few pics that capture some of the adventures we've had already this summer...