AT THE ZOO

Matthew and I took Samantha on her very first zoo trip today. The weather unfortunately didn't cooperate like we had hoped, but she loved being outside and and seeing all the animals we did see.

Samantha and Mommy on the carosel.
We saw the penguins
Riding on the baby tiger
Just some mommy baby cuddles
Looking at the tigers

Heart Surgery

Tuesday May 20th. Day of surgery.

This was a really long day. We had to be at the hospital at 6 a.m. Samantha was hungry and tired but kept a smile on her face for the most part before the surgery. The surgery lasted about 3 hours and then there was an hour in ICU getting her all plugged in before we could see her. I was a mess but I had a lot of support from friends and family. Nathanial was worried about his sister but seemed more concerned about giving me hugs while we waited. He is a sweet boy.


Samantha in ICU about an hour after surgery. Mommy is rubbing her head hoping to comfort her.

Big brother Nate frowns Big brother Chris doesn't know what to think All the machines and cords and tubes were a

little overwhelming.
All hooked up Wednesday May 21st

In the morning she was still under sedation and we didn't see much change. By the afternoon, we were unplugging her from machines and she was awake for short periods at a time.

Still a sleepy baby, but has turned herself to her side to sleep

Mommy finally gets to hold her baby. I'm not

sure which felt better, holding her after her surgery,

or holding her when she was born. I cried like a baby.

I hope she liked being held as much as I liked

holding her. Her first meal... See the battle scar. A big ouch.
Daddy gets to hold his little princess. Gives her

a tender kiss.May 22nd. Day 3
Out of ICU. Lots of visitors. She was as happy this day as she was before her surgery.

Grandma and her brothers came by to see her.
We went for a ride through Pediatrics in the big red wagon.
Mammer came to visit too Trying to crawl off the bed, but it's hard with

only one usable hand. Daddy is making silly faces.

Samantha & Mandie at the park

So, I know this is a little excessive considering we just got home, but I was looking at the pictures we took at the park and I just couldn't wait to share. These two girls are just too funny together. We had a great time playing and walking and talking. Thanks Tricia and Mandie for a wonderful afternoon.

Surgery time

Hi Everyone,
I just want to take a minute to let everyone know what's going on with Sammy's surgery. It is scheduled for the 20th of this month at 8:00 a.m. The surgery will take about 3 hours. We have been told she will be in ICU for the first couple of days but don't be afraid to come visit. Although, a fair warning, I've been told she will be hooked up to lots of tubes and machines. She will need her friends and family with her. Only two people at a time will be able to see her when she is in the ICU, but I promise to get everyone in to see her. After that she will be in pediatrics. Anyone can visit at any time then. There are no visiting hours. We expect to be at the hospital for about a week. I will keep everyone updated.
Love, love
Vikki

Hanging with the kids

Computer time Sammy and Grandma
He lets me push the buttons

I want the bubble....I GOT IT What do you know, Mom finally captured a smile
Clapping for way up high
I love my brother
Happy time

Nathanial's 15th Birthday

Birthdays with the boys are always an adventure. Both sides of the family get together for dinner. This year we went to Mongo's. It's a Mongolian BBQ place. It's a good thing I love this kid as much as I do because I wasn't impressed. That's ok, it wasn't about the food. I hope he enjoyed it though. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATER BUG!!!!!

BBQ

We went to a BBQ with the Creech's. Lisa K was happy to see her girl.

Clyde has a way with the kids. Put them in his lap and they are happy as punch.

More pictures of Sammy

Sammy snuggling with Cousin Sierra.


Just another pretty smile.
Naked Baby, Standing up.
Found a great big stick.