It has been an amazing month since Owen was discharged from the hospital. Owen has done wonderful in the weeks since coming home and had so many fun experiences. It has been a true blessing to finally be home after such a long stay in the hospital.
Owen quickly adjusted to being home. He has been smiling non stop and making up for lost time at the hospital. He sleeps without being interrupted. He has been able play with all his toys and continues to develop new skills. He gets to wear new outfits and not just pajamas that button up. Owen met all his cousins and had a number of visitors stop by to meet him.Here are a few things that he has been able to do:
He enjoys his baths and his warm towel.
He got to see his first snow .
He discovered Mom's "Owen Strong" bracelet and fell asleep holding it.
He gets to hang out on the couch and read books.
He gets to talk, hold hands, and play with his cousin Max.
Owen has a had a couple of doctors visits including his first peditrician appointment, a follow up with cardiology, a meeting with the surgery team for his hiatal hernia operation, and a meeting with Hematology to discuss his high platelet count due to his asplenia.
Cardiology was very pleased with how Owen's heart was performing. The valve ia holding up and his heart function actually improved a little from the last time he was evaluated. We scheduled his Hiatal Hernia operation for December 11. The procedure is laproscopic and minimally invasive. It will bring his entire stomach below the diaphragm and help him feed in a more normal fashion. Even though the procedure is minimally invasive and normally would be an outpatient procedure, Owen will have to spend a couple days in the hospital due to his heart condition. The doctors want to monitor is heart for a little bit post surgery. As part of the operation, Owen will have a G tube placed in his stomach which will be accessible through a port on his side. owen will need to be able to tolerate his feeds in this new way before leaving the hospital. This will also allow Owen to have the NG tube removed from his nose and face. Once he fully tolerates feeding orally, the G tube will be removed. We are very excited to have the NG tube removed from his face and be able tos see his huge cheeks and adorable face more without tubes and tape.
The Saturday after Owen came home, his Great Grandma passed away after 96 years. He only got to meet her through Facetime, but she loved Owen and his smile. My Grandma lived a full life and her last wish was that she could offer a trade with God, she would go to heaven if Owen could come home. The fact that she held on long enough to see Owen come home was a truly special moment and showed what a wonderful woman my Grandma was.
Owen was fortunate enough to experience his first Thanksgiving with his family. We were so lucky to be home to be able to experience the holiday with everyone. It was extra special to spend the time with out family after all that we have to be thankful for this year.
Owen is such a lucky boy to have so many people praying and caring about him. He continues to be spoiled and receive some extemely thoughtful gifts. We would like to thank Brendan Hosty, Alison Kropf, Emily Kaniecki, The Mirtes, Great Grandma Fagel, Debbie and Jim Murphy, The Brown's, Katie Lowstuter, The Thelen's, The Bolger's Steph Miles, Holly Piddock, and The Thompson's for sending Owen toys, books, and clothes and also food and wine for Mom and Dad. We can't thank you all enough and let you know how much it has meant to us to have your support. We wouldn't have been able to get through this without all the prayers and support of so many wonderful people.Owen also got a pair of custom Nike's from The Frericks that he looks awesome in. Thanks again to everyone for everything.
Owen quickly got in the Christmas spirit and loved looking at his first Christmas tree. He even helped decorate with his very first ornament thanks to Ali Stigler.
Owen is ready to take on this next operation and move forward. The hope is that after a quick recovery, Owen will work on eating, growing, having fun, and being a kid. We look forward to more great experiences ahead for our Little Warrior.
The Frericks, Holly Piddock, Steph Miles, Brendan Hosty
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