Heart Month 2019

We don't take for granted the fact that it has been a year since we last used the blog as a way to update the latest about Piper's heart. It feels like yesterday that we were updating daily with prayer requests and praises.  We are abundantly thankful for a quiet and uneventful year in terms of Piper's heart health. #toGodbetheglory

In December we paid another visit to Dr Lee. After a quick photo shoot we colored while waiting to be called back.

For anyone keeping track - yes, she has worn hearts to every single Dr. Lee visit since the beginning of time! Riding that train as long as her sweet buns will let me!! #sayitloudwearitproud

 

It wouldn't be a Piper echo if we didn't watch the first 30 minutes of Finding Dory and have a ring pop.

 Then we waited for the big man himself AND took more pictures.

This year's vibe was different. Same friendly smile - but almost immediately Dr. Lee started drawing a picture of her heart! That's when I knew something was up. No one has drawn us a picture of her heart since the VERY EARLY DAYS!! I was waiting to hear Dr Haw get paged to our exam room as I attempted to choke back tears. 

In the end the story is this! Heart function is good! No change from previous echoes. However, her left ventricle has grown! He said that upon looking at the images he couldn't tell it had grown - but because everything gets measured from visit to visit, he noticed an increase.

After what felt like an hour of explanation, we ended on the note of "this is something we will watch, it's mild, let's see you back in a year." #GLORY

In the end, Dr Haw wasn't paged - so we will call it a good visit. All good visits are celebrated with Panera Bread.

Letting the prayers for a left ventricle that slows its roll - in the growth, not function department!! 


 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20 

HAPPY HEART MONTH!!!

We started our new year as every heart family should... with a visit to our favorite cardiologist in his brand new office.

As Bry will attest  -- I don't like change -- #firstbornproblems --  but the new space is absolutely gorgeous and it was a much needed expansion.  I embrace the change if it means reaching more families and saving more lives!!  #gohelen

Dr Lee was pretty sure we wouldn't need to go the sedated route for Piper’s echo this year -- and while I appreciated his confidence, I wasn't as optimistic!!   It took us four separate sessions to finish Finding Dory because someone has NO sit. Make that two out of the three of us have no sit!!  Piper is her Daddy’s daughter!!

Much to my surprise she was (nearly) a perfect gem for the echo.  Our beloved Lindsey did the honors yet again and was more than patient with the heart princess!  The frequency with which Piper asked "Are we done yet?" was nothing if not comical.  We joked it was the echo equivalent of "Are we there yet?"

So while Piper watched Finding Nemo and chewed the life out of a ring pop, Lindsey got the images she needed and I breathed a huge sigh of relief!

Fast forward to the exam room where we did the traditional weight, blood pressure and EKG. The gal let Piper stick EKG pads wherever she wanted --  and then stuck hers where they actually needed to go.

Dr Lee comes in and immediately asks how Piper is doing.  Is she active?  Does she eat good? Is she everything a three-year old should be??  Yes, yes and again YES!!  He was thrilled because that was the impression he got from her echo too. He was pleased - no new surprises!!

And the next words out of his mouth we will never forget!  "Folks, I am happy with today's images and feel good about not seeing Piper for another year!!"  As I've eluded to in previous posts -- yearly visits are the holy grail. Those sweet words came out of Dr Lee's mouth and it was like the heavens opened and angels sang us the hallelujah chorus.

All four of us high fived!  Piper had no clue why - but obviously wanted in on the action.   She's only three, but we have waited for this day for what feels like forever!  Thank you Dr Lee, Thank You Jesus!

He asked about the future new baby’s heart (wasn't that thoughtful?)  He was happy that we shouldn't be needing his services for this next Oosting little love!!

And here is a 'Throw Back Thursday' photo (a day early) for all my Dr Lee loving friends.  This is where it all started for Piper and Dr Lee -- in a little corner of the NICU!

Piper and I then celebrated the days major victories with lunch at Panera (her favorite!) And of course I couldn't deny her the heart shaped cookie!!

HAPPY HEART MONTH EVERYONE!!

Happy Heart Month 2018!! + Heart Update!!

We recently paid a visit to Dr Lee, our beloved Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital cardiologist!! We pray you never need our wonderful children’s hospital - but if you do - they are pretty great!! Emphasis on pretty AND great!! 

We started with an echo done by Allison. Piper watched Finding Dory while Bryan and I watched the screen pretending to know what we were looking at!! 

Piper was a trooper and cooperated fully for all the heart festivities!! I actually asked — “is it going quicker (better, smoother) because her heart is bigger than it was in the early days?” To which Allison replied something to the effect of ‘it’s going quicker because she’s not the wiggly worm she use to be!’ #sweet

We waited for a short bitty — planting seeds that she should consider a future career in hearts. 

“Isn’t that chair great?” 

 "Wouldn’t you LOVE to work here someday?” 

“Eating lunch with Dr Lee would be SO FUN!” 

She was more interested in her ring pop! But whatev!! We still got time to steer the ship towards hearts!! And at the end of the day as long as she loves Jesus we don't care her career path!

Next up was the EKG. 

Dr Lee is my favorite - especially when he says right out of the gate “Mr and Mrs Oosting Piper’s heart looks great!!” 

There are three things he’s watching - but they are things that are stable, and not overly concerning at the moment!! 

Dr Lee listened to her heart and then answered my 37 questions!!

1.  He had no reservation about Piper going to Nature (outdoor, even in the winter) Preschool. 
2. She can play t-ball, soccer or participate in dance class. 
3. Still a FIRM NO on cough / cold meds when she’s sick. 
4. When the Hudsonville Fair rolls into town she can ride the cute little kid rides. Which is good, because we’ve let her ride them the last two summers. #oops
5. No need for antibiotics prior to dental cleanings.

We ended with Dr Lee saying "see you in a year!" And just like that, on December 9th, my Christmas wish came true!! 

Then, in true Oosting girl fashion, we celebrated the days goodness with Panera.

Happy February, ya'll!!

Breaking News... Not election related!

For those of you that know us, and know us well, there might be some degree of shock that comes with Piper's announcement!  I have loudly proclaimed that "one is wonderful" but God has this amazing way of healing over time AND gives you exactly what you need when you need it!!  Ironically, baby #2 will be making its entrance during heart month (February).   How's that for timing and healing rain? 

I continue to confess "that I am the best pregnant person ever!!"  Mental anguish does seem to follow my pregnancies, however.  The last half of Piper's and the first half of "new kid's" pregnancy looked vaguely similar.

"New Kid" is what I have kindly coined this new nugget since we are "Team Green" and not finding out gender! 

Piper is "Team Pink."

Bry is "Team Blue."

I am "Team for cryin' out loud can it just be healthy??"

I've struggled with thoughts like "after having Piper we DESERVE a healthy baby, a baby that we get to bring home like normal people do - on time, on schedule, no hiccups!"

Well my friends... It's been a long stretch of weeks here at the Oosting Abode.  I was repeatedly reminded that we live in a broken world -- where nothing is guaranteed or deserved and that only in Christ can hope be found.

We had the 20-week anatomy ultrasound four weeks ago and, while the heart looked great (thank you, Jesus), the technician couldn't get a visual on the last portion of the spine.  Piper's story started in a similar fashion. They couldn't see something on her initial ultrasound and we needed a re-scan. We were assured and reassured that it was likely nothing and to go about business as usual. #fatchance

That last portion of the spine, as we all know, is important. Hello, Spina Bifida.  We know some really great little ladies with Spina Bifida -- but the thought of being the heart defect spokesperson AND the Spina Bifida spokesperson was too much for me. 

The day following the news of "We can't see your baby's spine," a passage from my 'Jesus Today' devotional was this. I can't make this stuff up people!  

"Don't let your past or present suffering contaminate your view of the future, I have good things in store for you. I alone know the things I am planning for you - to give you a future and HOPE!" 

Fast forward to yesterday.   We had a precautionary fetal echo on "new kid" and a repeat and more thorough anatomy scan. 

To God be (ALL) the glory!!  Heart looked great!  And they zoomed immediately in on the sacral spine when they went to look for it.  

We are now shifting our focus and taking any and all name suggestions.   We will send you to St Lucia - an all-expenses paid vacation if you find us a name we both can agree on AND end up using!! 

Things that get you bonus points... (like your hair braided or a massage on the beach of St Lucia):

1) There is a heart-related meaning to the name. I suggested "Hart" for a boy and was immediately shot down.   FYI. Bry is picky and I'm even pickier!!  Working in a pediatrician's office will do that to you!! 

2) The name somehow involves Bry's love of hunting or the University of Michigan. 

And since this blog started because of Piper Pie (who will be 3 in a few short weeks), here is the latest on her adorably mended heart: 

We had a visit in July with Dr Lee (her cardiologist.) Love that man! I was mentally preparing for an echo (it had been over a year since the last) -- but he again threw us a curve ball and said it wasn't necessary.  We told him about "new kid" and he said to come back with Piper in January 2017 before "things get crazy!" 

So, letting the prayers arise for a great Piper visit in January with Dr. Lee and an uneventful heart month delivery of "new kid!"   

Happy Heart Month + Heart Update.

It seemed like a fitting kick off to heart month to update this little blog of ours!! 

After all, the only reason this bloggie blog exists is because of a little thing called Transposition of the Great Arteries!! 

We recently {1/14/16} paid a visit to our favorite Helen DeVos Children's Hospital cardiologist!! In usual fashion, I overdosed on Benadryl the night before so that I could actually sleep! "Pre-appointment heart mom anxiety" is a real diagnosis! Look it up my ICD-10 biller friends!!

The above picture is here for documenting purposes only as the lighting in the lobby of 10 is HORRIBLE!!  I just want Piper to know that I continue to dress her in hearts for Dr Lee -- even though he never sees her with her shirt on. 

Here is "the top less toucan" sitting on Dr Lee's stool! We paid a lot of money for that stool over the last two years! We had no qualms about her drooling goldfish on it before he arrived to the room! 

 

In terms of her cooperation level - 'fiesty topless pants' actually did GREAT! {Thank you, Jesus!!} After our visit in May, I feared we were headed for sedated BP's, EKG's, O2's and echos! 

 

 

And then came the big man himself! My cardiology crush, one might say! (Can I get an amen, Jana??) I kid not when I say that his mouth was open and he was willing to let Piper shovel in the aforementioned goldfish! Except that she wasn't willing to share! Ekk! It was hilarious! But perhaps you needed to be there to truly grasp how funny this banter was between 'the cardiology king' and 'our cardiology princess!!' 

In terms of her heart -- he said everything sounds great! (EGK looked the same as in previous visits!) She still has the murmur - but he doesn't expect her to ditch that... ever. 

He couldn't believe how big she was -- YES, WE KNOW! And was happy to see she is a chatty, normal 2 year old! 

Her heart leaks a little and there's narrowing here and there! But Lee didn't call Haw and Hillman (the surgeons) in STAT - so we're cool! 

No need for an echo since we just did one 6 months ago! 

We had hoped to hear those 5 little words that every newer heart parent waits {in anticipation} to hear at every visit -- "see you in a year!" 

Alas, we did not make it to 'the holy grail' of heart appointments - but we will see Dr. Lee again in 6 months - and that's ok too! 

Letting the prayers rise for another uneventful 6 months!! 

Adios friends and Happy Heart Month from Piper Noelle!! ❤️

A Happy Hearted Summer 2015

Forgive the absence from blogging... Bry and I have been busy with 18 months of pure firecracker!! {God Bless America!!} 

Yesterday marked 18 months since Piper's big open heart surgery!! Monday we celebrated by taking a 'peek-see' at her heart!! It's been 14 months since we last looked -- so it was time according to Dr Lee!! 

We had an official visit with Dr. Lee back in May! {Note: We kept our streak alive of wearing hearts to the our favorite cardiologist!! I'm doing it till she refuses!! At which point I'll wear hearts!!} 

 

 

 

 

Piper screamed through the whole EKG -- that bought her the one way ticket to a sedated echo!! 

 

 

We were quickly reassured that the good doc wasn't worry about anything in particular -- but that since it's been a bitty since we looked last, we really should get some updated images!! 

Fast forward to 06/08/15 -- Monday

P Dazzle can't eat or drink after midnight -- just shoot us all now!! Girlfriend loves her some food -- this certainly can't end well!! 

Bry had strict instructions the night before that he was not, under and circumstance, allow to eat in front of Piper that morning!! He knew I would never feed him again should he even dare crinkle a water bottle in her presence!! {mama don't play!}

 

She woke earlier than usual -- but why wouldn't she!! Between videos on our phone {of herself} and roaming outside -- we killed 90 minutes!!

We arrive, wait our turn in the underbelly of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, and then get called back by George! 

 

Time was spent getting her prepped and ready for her nasal (yes, nasal!) sedation! While waiting for the Dr. to give her final blessing -- Piper ran the halls like she owned the place!! Or was searching for an exit!!

 

 

 

Dr. Winterhalter came in and immediately proclaimed "well she looks like her mommy, but her height is all daddy!!" If we had a dollar!! At her check up recently we found out she is 18 months, but the size of a 28 month old!

 

She was also quick to say that red heads are nitoriously harder to sedate! Bry still fights {with every fiber of his being} that she isn't a red head. But a lot of people say differently! A LOT! I meet him 1\2 way and call her a strawberry-ish blonde!!

 

We were then mentally preparing for a LONG morning - but she did great!

 

 

Piper sedated quickly -- 20 minutes and she was out!! 

Lindsey, our favorite, and very pregnant echo gal got the images she needed without even a hiccup from Piper. 

 

 

 

Dr. Lee then came in -- looked at her heart -- and after some offical heart talk with Lindsey gave us a big thumbs up! THANK YOU, SWEET JESUS!!! 

 

 

 

He said - and I quote "Mr. and Mrs. Oosting, I am very pleased, and not worried at all about Piper's heart!!

We had no reason to believe there was anything wrong with her heart - but it's really nice to hear from people who make their living servicing hearts that her heart is A-OKAY!!

She has some narrowing and some regurgigation - but both are mild and things we already knew! As with all heart babies - you watch and pray! And pray some more!

 

Piper had some snacks, we said our goodbyes to our outstanding nurses George and Megan and we departed for home!! (Note: George asked if I was a teacher becuase he said the items I brought for Piper to play with were all very educational!! Hollar, I always wanted to be a teacher!! Some of my favorite people in this world are teachers.)

 

 

 

 

 

And to close, words from my lastest favorite song... I get weepy everytime I hear it! {big surprise, I know} It's really worth looking up on youtube if you haven't heard the real deal!!

 

Good Fight by Unspoken

 

Until you stop breathing, till you stop bleeding
Until your heart stops kick drum beating
When it's hard times, when it's long days
And the enemy is right up in your face
When your back's against the ropes
And you're feeling all alone

(chorus)
Keep fighting the good fight (never give up never give in)
Keep letting your light shine (holding it high as long as you live)
‘Cause I'm never gonna leave you
Always gonna see you through to the other side
Keep fighting the good, fighting the good

Letting the prayers rise for an uneventful 7-8 months until our next ronduzous with Dr. Lee!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Everything {Birthday, Heartiversary & Christmas}

Happy 1st Heartiversary to our precious Piper Noelle!! We made it girl!! WE.MADE.IT

 

It was exactly year ago today this blurry picture was taken!! We walked behind Mr. and Mrs. Anesthesia as they wheeled Piper to the OR for her big 'my heart is silly and needs to be fixed' surgery!! Side note: She cried the whole way from the NICU to surgery Level A!! Imagine that circus - tears, hysterical tears and then some more tears!! And then more tears!! Piper girl and I, we were made for each other!!

 

Praise God from whom all BLESSINGS flow!!  

The road has been bumpy, and not without its challenges - but when is parenthood peppermints and puppy paws? NEVER, my friends!! NEVER!!

 

We celebrated Master P's {FIRST BIRTHDAY} exactly a week ago!

We had quite the celebration...

And she quite enjoyed every moment...

 

Here is Piper that morning, excited about her celebration to come!

Let it be said, I was crafty before Pinterest...

but yes, this {1} picture idea did come from Pinterest!!  

 

 

 Piper was blessed with gifts in abundance and cards with messages that would make any mama cry!!

 

 

Piper is crying in cupcake picture número uno because I accidentally snapped her with her party hat. #momfail But please remember she has been through so much worse!

She inhaled the cupcake (duhh!) 

And then I nervously bit my nails until bedtime pondering the idea that she might not sleep all night from the sugar overload!! Thankfully she slept like the heart princess she is!!

 

 

We are so thankful for a birthday, heartiversary and a Christmas that is setting up to look VERY different from last years!! No offense Helen!!

 

 

Letting the prayers rise for Piper, her many heart baby friends and some friends that aren't exactly heart "babies" anymore!! Hello Kasi, Noah and Luke!!