Three Weeks - Post Fontan

First and foremost, all is going well at the Schattmaier house. I can’t believe it was three weeks ago today that Henry’s heart was given a new lease on life. Henry continues to get stronger and stronger each day. His fingers and toes are no longer blue and his skin is this wonderful shade of pale PINK!!!! . We have visited CHLA twice since coming home. During both of those visits, his sats were around 97. As a CHD mom, this is something I only could dream of prior to this procedure. Words cannot express how proud we are of our little guy. It’s difficult to imagine that your almost three year-old knows what to expect during his blood draw, chest x-rays, echocardiogram and vitals. During these visits and also a visit to the pediatrician, he was so accepting and sociable. Not what one would expect given his surgery just weeks ago. Simply amazing!



Henry at his 1 week check-up with the surgical team

Steve and I want to thank my mom for being here with us. It was comforting to know that the two older boys were home safe with her or at Jamie’s house while we were away at the hospital. She was also able to stay with us for two weeks after Henry came home. I described Henry’s behavior after coming home to a few of you as, it was like having a newborn that could also walk and talk. We were exhausted! My mom allowed me to take those afternoon naps and spend time with Ben and Will. As for Ben and Will, they had a busy two weeks since I last posted. Steve took Ben and Will to Zion National Park for three days of tent camping. The boys hiked, swam in the river and experienced their first rain storm in a tent. Last week the boys started school – Ben 1st grade and Will Kindergarten.





Zion National Park - August 2011


We are settling in at home, saying good-bye to summer but looking forward to a new school year. Gramma Jerre, Steve’s mom, will be visiting us later this month. We’re looking forward to her visit. The boys love a visit from their Gramma. She’s quite the trooper playing sports, trains and cars and reading books to the boys.





Will and Ben First Day of Kindergarten and 1st Grade