It's been a long day.

Well, today was the day we have been waiting for but dreading at the same time. Maddie could not have anything to eat after midnight. We were very nervous about this because Maddie has been eating every 3 hours even through the night. We gave her a bottle at midnight and she slept until we got her up at 5:15. We left our house at 5:30 and got to Children's at a little after 6. We were prepared for a long ride full of screaming but Maddie slept the entire way. I am so thankful that God provided Maddie what she needed and she was able to sleep. What a loving God we serve! We got checked in for Maddie's open heart surgery. Jeremy and Gerry came by and prayed with us and stayed until they took Maddie back. We walked her down, kissed her goodbye and headed to the waiting room. That is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced...to hand over my baby for what was about to take place!
Mom and Dad brought the girls down to the hospital so they could wait with us. Ronnie and Randy took Miles to Jennifer's to play with Caden and then they came down to wait also. As we were waiting my sweet, precious friend Tiffany Brown showed up. I had no idea she was coming and it was such a blessing to me. Words will never be able to express to her what that meant to me.
The doctors and nurses gave us updates ever hour and a half. That was nice to be kept in the loop. Maddie did great! They started surgery around 7:30 and were pretty much finished by 12:00. Dr. Galantowicz (Maddie's surgeon) came out to the waiting room to talk with us by 12:15. All I can say about what her Dr. said is GOD IS GOOD!!!! Maddie came off the breathing machine and heart machine with no problems. He repaired the large whole and actual stitched up another tiny hole. He was able to save her pulmonary valve (huge answered prayer request) and he shaved the muscle tissue that was blocking her valve. All in all Maddie did wonderfully. Once, Maddie was settled in ICU we were able to come back to see her.
Right now, we are in the icu just trying to keep Maddie relaxed and calm. I can't put to words how she looks, so I'll show you a picture...




Children under 12 are not allowed in the ICU except if patients are doing ok they let siblings come back. So, Emma and Molly were able to come back and see Maddie for a few minutes. This was very hard for them but they really wanted to see her.
Once everyone had their visit, my mom and dad took the girls to Claire's (at the mall) to have some happy time. That is one of the girls' favorite things...going to Claire's with Pop and Gigi! Ronnie and Randy headed out to pick up Miles.

As for Maddie...
She has already had a bottle of pedialyte and formula. She kept that down and so they are happy with that. The first 12 hours are crucial and after the first 24 hours we will be able to relax a little. They did have to switch her pain meds b/c the first one was not working. We are continuing to pray for her comfort and healing and a good night's rest.

Isaiah 41:10 says "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

This has been my verse from the day I found out that Maddie had tetralogy of fallot. I never dreamed when I was pregnant that I would be walking this road but for some reason God chose to create Maddie's heart exactly the way He did and I am thankful. I am thankful because God has taught me so much through this journey and I'm continuing to learn more about Him every day. I am reminded that I am nothing with out Him. I know that God is going to use this experience to bring glory to Himself and we would want it no other way. I'm excited to see how Maddie will be able to use this experience to tell people about Jesus...and I know she will.

I am so thankful for all the many prayers being lifted to our Heavenly Father for Maddie. What a blessing!!! Brent and I will never be able to express our gratitude to all of you who have and are praying!!! So, to those of you praying....THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! and WE LOVE YOU!!!