Josie's Visit to the new Children's Hospital

Josie's cardiologist has moved into the new Helen Devos Children's Hospital and I have to say that the building is absolutely beautiful. Even the walkway from the parking lot to the hospital is impressive.

Prior to becoming a school social worker, my husband worked at the hospital as a medical social worker and we were both impressed Monday afternoon walking around the new building. It's full of lots of interactive artwork and feels almost like a children's museum.


I'm happy to report that there are any major changes since her open-heart surgery in April 2008. She's now 33 pounds and 42 inches tall. She's gained 3 pounds and grown nearly 3 inches since last year's appointment. Dr. Lacina is pleased that her echo appears stable and that her energy-level remains high (that's an understatement...she never stops MOVING).

She continues to have quite a bit of back flow through the valve back into the right ventricle and eventually she will need to have this valve replaced. Josie has Tetralogy of Fallot and you can click here to find out more information on this condition. Her valve replacement isn't anything that needs to be done right away. Her cardiologist keeps hinting that she probably wont' need this surgery until she's a teenager. I couldn't be happier with Monday's appointment.

Just look at this little face nearly three years ago.

Yes. I'd do another special needs heart adoption in second.
We're not adopting again.
But it's an amazing life-changing journey for the better.

XOXO