Today marks 3 years since I handed my tiny baby boy to the anesthesiologist. I will forever remember walking down the hallway and crying the whole way back. This is a short and happy post because his Congenital Heart Defect was detected while we were still in the hospital and as you can see, he’s perfect now! My baby is a fighter and he’s my first little miracle boy! For those that don’t know, here’s Charlie’s story.
If you meet Charlie, you’d never know he was so sick as a baby. The only way you’d ever know anything was wrong is if you see his scars on his chest. They have faded (and will continue to do so) over time, but they’ll always be there to show how strong he is.
Today is a day I try not to think about the things that could have happened, but instead look at my little boy and think how awesome he is! 2014 is the first year that we don’t have an appointment with his cardiologist. His 2 year check-up was great, so we don’t go back until he is 4 in 2015! It still amazes me that my 3 year old has a cardiologist, but we’re truly blessed with the amazing team that he has.
There are many signs and symptoms that new moms can look out for (some even while pregnant) with their babies. I think everyone should know some basic facts about Congenital Heart Disease.
Thanks for listening and I hope that I can help someone else that is going through something similar or even help diagnose a missed problem.
Robin Rue says
Thank goodness that this story had a happy ending. He is a strong little man 🙂
Amber Conaway says
Awww what an amazing story! I almost lost my son during labor, I know what it means to looks at your son and see an amazing little miracle!! God Bless!
Laura says
Thank goodness for early detection. I am glad that everything turned out so well for you and that Charlie is continuing to do so well.
redheadbabymama says
My friend had a baby exactly a year ago and she’s just now scheduled for surgery with the exact same thing! Happy 3 years!
Christina Shirley says
That’s a good sign they waited so long! Charlie was 7 weeks old. I hope everything goes great for her as well. It’s amazing what we can do now!
Debbie Denny says
Amazing! Thank goodness/ Beautiful baby!
Chrystal M. says
Amazing story! I have a friend who just had a baby (well his wife did) about 2 months ago. She is already on her 2nd or 3rd heart surgery. I believe she is missing her 4th chamber. So far, she is a real fighter. I am going to share your story with them.
Lori says
I can’t even imagine what you’ve gone through. So happy for you and your son that things are better now.
Beth@FrugalFroggie says
What an amazing journey. Glad it had a happy outcome!!
musingsonmotherhoodmidlife says
I’m so glad you have your precious boy safe in your arms. It’s so important to recognize how far you and he have come since that moment when you handed him over to the anesthesiologist.
Estelle
Debbie Lamb says
He is a cutie – that had to be so hard to watch your baby go through surgery. Thank you for sharing the information on Congenital Heart Disease – amazing facts.
jaimemckee says
Such an amazing story for your little boy. So glad he’s a healthy 3-year-old!
Courtney says
That picture… oh that breaks my heart! Then to see him happy and healthy, that’s so wonderful!
Christie says
Oh my goodness, what a journey! I couldn’t imagine the roller coaster ride, but what a blessing today!
SippyCupMom says
I am SO glad he is doing so well. What a precious boy. Thank you for spreading awareness.
Janell Poulette says
I couldn’t imagine how hard that could have been. It’s great he is doing so well now.
cookiesandclogs says
What a horrible experience to deal with for any mother. I’m so glad to see your son pulled through and is doing great!
Brett Martin says
What a scary moment for any parent! He’s looking great! So glad that surgery is behind you now.
Krystal says
What a sweetie! Thanks for sharing your story.
traceynicole says
What a scary experience. Thank you for sharing this positive outcome!
PamIW says
So happy that everything turned out well for your son and your family. It had to be a very stressful time in your life and it is those type of life experiences that shape who we are and how we grow.
Teresa McCluskey says
Awesome story! Thanks for sharing!!
Cassie Tucker says
I’m so glad that his checkups are going good! He really is a fighter 🙂
mail4rosey says
We have friends with a similar happy ending for their daughter. Happy for happy endings and great new beginnings.
Chrysa Duran says
What a wonderful story. Thanks for sharing your experience because you know someone will read this and it will be very helpful! WTG!
Veronica Solomon says
What a wonderful miracle! He looks so strong and healthy! Best wishes to him!
Jenni E. says
My great nephew was born super early and we didn’t think he was ever gonna make it out of the woods. Now, he’s 2 years old and such a healthy and feisty boy! Kids are so tough!
savoryexperiments says
Your son is strong and YOU are strong! So happy you are able to share your story and educate others today.
Carly says
I could not imagine going through this with a newborn! I am so happy to hear that your baby is a happy healthy kid now!
Amanda Love says
Thanks for the informative post. I’m sure it will help another mom going through the same thing. Charlie is a darling and I’m so glad he’s ok now.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
What a blessing that he’s as strong as he is now. No more battles with that!
Angela S says
I am so glad that you and your son have been blesses with an amazing group of doctors and nurses. It’s wonderful to hear he is doing well.
Virginia @thatbaldchick says
It is amazing the advances that have been made in neonatal heart medicine. My husband had an ASD and his scar is from the top of his sternum to the bottom of it! What a beautiful blessing your son is!
TheNewClassy says
I am so glad that your son is happy and healthy! What a great story.