I realize I have not touched the blog in some time. Thank you so much for checking it and continuing to pray for our family. I think I have wanted so much to feel "normal" again that things like writing in the blog got put on the back burner. It always forces me to reflect on all that has happened in our life--and sometimes I just don't want to do that.
Brian returned to work full time just three weeks after being released from the hospital. He feels as good as new. Brian expected the doctor to say he could go back to work after two weeks but he encouraged him to take one more week off--so we took a mini-vacation to a resort in Austin. It was good to get away. We are still trying to work out what the best activity level for him will be. A stress echo revealed that his heart isn't handling exercise as well as it should--so for now, the orders are to try and keep his heart below 120 bpm. We have been able to hike and play some tennis and do yard work at that level. Contact sports are off limits for now. I have been amazed at Brian's ability to focus on what he can do and not on what he can't.
Brian and I have very different ways of dealing with all that has happened. I do a lot of internal processing and occasional conversations with good friends--but I want distance from the pain and fears of that week and the implications for our future. I want to focus on the day to day and try and not worry about the future. Brian on the other hand takes a much more proactive approach. He has immersed himself with information and connected with people who have walked a similar road. He joined some organizations made up of people who have HCM or have children with the disease. These communities provide support and advice for families as well as advocate for heart healthy legislation. The Sudden Cardiac Arrest Coalition recently flew Brian to Washington DC to share his story with lawmakers. They are hoping to save lives through awareness and training. Brian sees his arrest as a platform God has given him to share Christ with others. And wants to be able to make the best decisions for himself and our children to keep everyone healthy.
This summer, besides adjusting to having a new baby and recovering from a cardiac arrest in the family. . . My parents came out for a nice long visit. My dad built us a beautiful window-seat in the living room. My mom and I made the cushion. We took a last minute trip in September to Nashville to spend time with Brian's sister Lori and her family. That was a great time. Aubrey started preschool at our church two days/week. She loves it. It took her a few weeks to talk to her teachers, but she is settling in well now. At home she is as spunky as ever--and never stops talking! She definitely has a mind of her own and a strong will for such a sweet little girl. We went camping with Brian's folks one weekend and I cut Aubrey's hair for the first time. Aubrey's birthday was Oct. 7th and we had a lot of fun celebrating it. She brought cupcakes to school on the 6th, we celebrated as a family on the 7th and then the next Saturday we had a costume party!
Malakai is really a delight and a blessing in our family. When I look back on that week Brian was in the hospital and Kai turned 8 weeks old, I am so thankful for him. He is such a sweet baby and he got a lot easier for me that week--in terms of eating and sleeping well. I think that sitting and nursing him every 2-3 hours was so good for me in so many ways. He is just now about 6 months old and I just adore him. He is so smiley and friendly. He loves attention. I am thankful for those two mornings a week when it's just him and me at home.
I think I'll stop there. Know that our family is doing well and so appreciative of all the prayers and love you all have shown us.
