Dad/Grandpa Has Surgery

So, today my Dad had what you would consider major surgery as he was at Mayo for open heart surgery. My brother and I traveled to Rochester to spend the time with him and my Mom during his surgery. I don't know all the medical terms and given that it's a bit late and I'm exhausted, I just thought I'd share what he went through. As I write this, the surgery went as planned and he is in the ICU and doing well. He will get his breathing tube out later tonight and should be awake tomorrow and be responsive to visitors. When I saw him earlier tonight, he looked good for someone who just had major surgery. He does have a number of tubes and wires hooked up to him but he just looks good. I held his hand for a quick minute and it was just really good to see him and know that he'll be awake tomorrow.

Surgery
6:00 - Dropped Mom and Dad off at hospital for his preliminary tests
10:00 - Has Angiogram which shows 2 partially blocked arteries that they will "fix" during surgery in addition to other issues
1:12 - rolled into surgery
2:40 - Working on releasing vessels so can be rerouted Not on heart and lung machine yet. A double bypass is reported
3:30 - Aorta vale will also be repaired/replaced
4:10 - Put on heart and lung machine
5:55 - Off bypass
7:00 - In ICU, normal rhythm without a lot of meds. Will be on ventilator for 4-5 hours.

Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. We really appreciate it as it was an emotional day for all of us and I know my Dad will need the positive vibes as he recovers in the coming months!

9 Month Stats & Predications

Gwyneth and Lillian went for their 9 month check up last week.  The doctor said that both of the girls are growing pretty much right on target. 

Gwyneth
Height: 28.5"
Weight: 21 lbs. 14 oz.

Lillian
Height: 27.75"
Weight: 19 lbs. 14 oz.

I know that I'm more relaxed with Gwyneth and Lillian's development than I was with Charlie.  With Charlie I knew what she was supposed to be doing developmentally every month.  With Gwyneth and Lillian I figure that they will do everything in their own time.  It's such a different experience being able to truly enjoy them at this age.  It's nice not worrying if they're 'on track'.  If Charlie taught me anything it's that kids have their own schedule and they'll do things when they're ready. 

So far Lillian seems to be a trailblazer.  She has been the first to babble, crawl, pull herself up, cruise around furniture, and clap.  Gwyneth is doing all these things too but she seems to pick them up after Lillian.  Nothing seems to scare Lillian or slow her down.  If you turn your back for one second she is half way up the stairs!  I know that a lot of you have heard my predictions but based on her personality now, I think that Lillian is going to be the mastermind behind all of the girls' shenanigans.

 

Charlie loves her little sisters so much and loves to play with them.  Every once in a while she gets a little too rough with them but for the most part she is great.  She loves to read and sing to them and LOVES to make them laugh.  Charlie will be right by Lillian's side when Lillian is hatching a plan.   Owen doesn't like when I say this but I'm sure that Charlie will have a mug shot some day.  I feel that this mug shot is going to be a direct result of one of Lillian's ideas. 

Now for our sweet Gwyneth.  Her chubby little cheeks and her chubby little thighs make her so kissable!  She is overall a very happy, smiley baby.  Based on the low key personality she has now I see her as the voice of reason when Lillian is planning something.  She is going to try and convince Charlie and Lillian that it's a bad idea.  But since she is a good sister and doesn't want them to get into any trouble, she'll drive the getaway car! :-)