9-30-06 It has been some time since we have updated the blog and we figured it was about time to do so! Things continue to go well with Helena, our little superhero. It is official - the doctor said that she has the record for the least amount of time spent in the hospital for this type of surgery. They also said that she is the poster child for how to heal from this surgery. Helena continues to astound as well as dazzle her medical team. She is just over a month old and she is already an overachiever! Ok, I have to brag a little bit! But bragging is my job right? We just had a check-up on Friday and she had another echocardiogram. The doctor said that the echo looked really good and they are happy with the way things are going. She will soon get her nose tube removed and the Dr. took her off two of her medications. No nose tube means no more tape on her face. We will update the site to show off her lovely cheeks. This weekend my sister Anne and her husband Grant are visiting. We took Helena on her first outing today(besides her doctors appointments). We walked to a cool restaurant called Medici's. Note the above picture of us walking to the restaurant in her new stroller and also a picture of us at the restaurant. We did keep a blanket over her car seat the whole time (except for the picture opp) so that she would not be exposed to airborne pathogens.

Next weekend Mary's brother Jon and his wife Sarah are coming from Vancouver Washington. Mary's sister, Karla will also come next weekend. Then the weekend after that, my parents John and Judy will be coming. Other than that Mary continues to take classes and I am still having a good time doing the chaplain thing at Christ Hospital. Enjoy the new pictures!