Oct 23, 'The Tales of Lindsey Lou'

Over the weekend we received a small book called, "The Tales of Lindsey Lou". It is a cute little bed time story about a little girl on an ocean quest. The words and pictures are incredible. We struggle for the proper words to describe how moved we are. We have both been moved to tears several times.  That thoughtful little book has become such a strength for our family.  Jason left a copy of the book at Jason's office in Baker. If you want a copy you will need to contact Danny or Sarah Kerns.

I apologize for the late update.  When Jason goes home he takes his computer, which leaves me with our alternative electronic devices. For some reason the alternative devices were not working, but now they are.  Lindsey slept GREAT last night.  Her wonderful nurse gave her a massage, and she was sound asleep by 10 pm and didn't wake up until 7 this morning. She was happier and feistier when I got there this morning.  I am not sure how her infection looks today, because the awesome nurse, Tracy talked the doctors into doing dressing changes 3 times a week instead of every day. This is great because her skin was breaking down around the VAD tubing and all over her stomach from the abrasive cleaner they use.  She was excited about that.

She had a great day at school and is into acting bossy and teasing her siblings like the old Lindsey. It is good to see, but you still have to remind her that her tubing is only so long.  I have heard the doctors and nurses say more than once that they have NEVER had a patient this active on the Berlin. We are truly blessed!

Megan won her volleyball game yesterday. The team did awesome! They beat them in two games, it was a fun game to watch. Her team has improved so much it is amazing to watch.  They really play as a team. Winning this game put them in second place, we are uncertain if there is a play off game, but tomorrow is her last scheduled game for the season.

Gage had his echo, EKG, clinic and pacemaker appointment today.  All good news! His echo looks the same if not a little better. They don't want to give us any false optimism, but he is in a great spot right now clinically. They don't need to see him for another 2 months. They checked his pacemaker and he is still riding it. I asked if it is normal to see that, and Deb said it is not common at all. He got the pacemaker at just the right time. His left ventricle pacemaker has been having to fire harder to keep the pace they want, so they will see him in 2 months instead of 4 with his other appointment. Again we are so blessed that we are where we are and that we have the technology available today that has saved 3 of our 5 children's lives so far.

Jason and Hunter are back and it is so good to have them home. Hunter is already asking when he can go back to school at North Powder. Thank you Allie for letting him come to your class on Monday, he has talked of nothing but that. He LOVED it!  He brought back a wonderful stack of letters and cards for Lindsey.  They were sure neat.  Lindsey sure lit up when she saw her Dad. She was almost ushering us out the door tonight, so she could have her daddy time.

Tomorrow Jason says he is going to put on his 'tough guy' hat and find out where they are at with letting her go to the Stanford side on extended walks.  She has been very good about staying on the LPCH side, but this is starting to drag on.  We will have to see how 'tough' he can be.

The Smiths were here on Friday last week.  It was so nice to see them and have them here. We sure love this family.  Jason sure wishes he could have been here to see and laugh with them.

 Good comparison of how her infection is doing.

1st picture is from last Thursday 10/18.

 Friday, October 19. Redness down drainage up.

 Saturday, October 20

Sunday, October 21

 Monday October 22.

Next dressing change will be tomorrow, Wednesday.

This is a fun video of the night life in Lindsey's room. Plenty of excitement as 'we' (Stacy) rounds the kids up for the trek to the RMH.