Friday, September 5, 2008 in the Evening

Hello everyone. TGIF. Although it was a short week, it has been a long week. We hope everyone is doing well and is gearing up for a nice weekend. Jackson has a soccer game in the morning and it appears that the weather here is going to be nice. Congrats to Steve and Melissa, some friends of ours, on the birth of their son, we cannot wait to meet him. We hope all is well in Birmingham.

Zander had a good day. I met with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon about his vertebra. Zander has a hemi...not not that type of hemi, but a hemi-vertebra. Essentially his little body formed in the womb a partial vertebra was formed at the T-3/4 (thoracic 3 or thoracic 4 vertebra) which is basically right between his shoulder blades. Due to the partial formation of the vertebra the ribs that should go with the T2 and T3 vertebra on the left side are instead part of this partial vertebra. As a result, as Zander grows, if not surgically corrected, his spine would tilt to the left. Thus, surgery will be needed at some point to fuse the vertebra in this region together. Fortunately, the vertebra in this area are relatively rigid and will not affect his mobility to a significant degree. He also has an extra first rib at the top of his spine which is likely the result of the hemi-vertebra malformation. Only time will tell what, if anything needs to be done to this rib; however, surgery will likely be needed to remove the rib.

At this point, the orthopedic doctor, Dr. Moses is ordering an MRI to more closely examine Zander's spine. We will keep everyone posted on this issue.

Zander's jaundice is being controlled by medication and his GI doctor said he thinks the jaundice will resolve itself in the coming days.

As far as his left nostril is concerned, Dr. St. Charles wants us to schedule a visit with him 3 to 4 weeks after bringing him home. He said that by that time the structures in his nostril will have grown apart more and he will be in a better position to see what needs to be done to correct the problem.

As the pictures show, Zander likes his mobile and I helped Dallas, his nurse, bathe him earlier today. He is looking better and he has not had any reflux into his mouth or nose that had any food in it. For now, it appears that the reflux is non-existent.

We remain positive about Zander's progress, but sometimes it seems that with each good day we only learn of another problem that Zander has to overcome with surgery. God is still in control and we know that he will take care of it all, but I am truly amazed at what our son has endured. Just think, he has never seen the light of day (literally) and yet he has endured so much. It is frustrating, worrisome and miraculous all wrapped together.

We are truly thankful for the care he is receiving. Everyone has been great. We just want him home and the length of his journey in ICU is starting to take its toll on me for sure, but I know Christie feels the same way. With each new day brings new grace and this has become the promise that we live by.

Thanks to everyone for prayers, comments, phone calls, food and reassurance about Zander. We can never repay the support, but we will sure try to if we can.

I will write again tomorrow if not sooner. Zander, be sure to give your Mommy some good love as she is on her way to see you. Rest easy son...stay strong...keep moving along.....

Sweet dreams Houston and Jackson, we love you.

Clancy

P.S. The picture of the cow was taken outside Jackson's school today and has to do with a fundraiser.