1 week post-Norwood

Santi is 1 week post-Norwood today! I hold my breath every time I say this, but...He's doing great!

WARNING: graphic photos

We were debating about posting these photos.

They are graphic and painful to see. But in the spirit of full disclosure and helping future HLHS families understand the reality of the situation, we decided that it's best to share.

3/27 - Day of surgery

3/28 - Recovery, Day 1

3/29 - Recovery, Day 2 - Chest is closed!

3/30 - Recovery, Day 3 - getting wiggly

3/31 - Recovery, Day 4 - reconnecting with Dad and the pacifier

4/1 - Recovery, Day 5 - First food ever and first post-op snuggle sesh with mom

4/2 - Recovery, Day 6 - just being a baby :)

Surgery #1- Norwood

Today has been one of the toughest days of our lives.

Santiago was picked up by the surgery team at 7am.

We were a mess. There's nothing we could do except wait, anxiously wait. We walked around the block and got some breakfast. Then posted up in the family lounge. Our parents, Ricky and Renee came to the hospital around 9:30am.

At 9:50am Dr. Starnes came into the lounge. He had a smile on his face. Santi did great during surgery.

At 11:30am Santi was back in his room getting stabilized and we were allowed to go see him. Considering the circumstances he looked good, pale but good. His chest is open and will remain open for at least 3 days. He has multiple IV's, he's receiving blood, oxygen and help from a pacemaker. He will be heavily sedated for the next few days. He is doing well but he's not in the clear yet. The first 24 hours are the most critical. The doctor told us to take a break and get some rest. Surgery is tough, but the next few weeks/months of recovery is going to be even tougher.

We kissed his head and told him how proud we are that he is so strong. We told him how much we love him and how we can't wait to hold him again. This sweet new life has been through more in 4 days than most adults have in a lifetime.