Tovin's Appointment!

Tovin had another post-op appointment with Dr. Rios on Friday just to make sure that everything was still working properly.  He had a chest x-ray and also an ultrasound done, and everything looked great!  It's crazy how comfortable Tovin has become, he seems to be a pretty good patient and just sat and watched today having these different procedures done to him, not a tear was shed.  When we first brought him to Children's he was very apprehensive and would whimper during each procedure, but that to was after he had only been in the State for about six or seven days!

Yesterday Tovin was a little trooper and probably could have done the nurse's job!   He helped put on the pulse oximetry on his foot (sat levels read 81), the blood pressure cuff on his arm (86 over 62), and laid back and played with the toy the tech gave him; he didn't move during the ultrasound and she was done in a matter of about ten minutes.  The tech could probably have been in a one of those 'Staples' commercials cause when she was done she sat back in her chair looked at Tovin and said, "Well, that was easy!"  Tovin even checked out Sister's ears to make sure she didn't have anything growing in them.  How far he has come in three short months!  Tov!  God is great!

Dr. Rios took Tovin off another one of his medicines, so now he only has to take half a baby aspirin and one small dose of Furosemide.  Hopefully when we go back in two months,  he will be able to stop the Furosemide!  Dr. Rios is so pleased with Tovin's first surgery, and couldn't stop saying that Tovin is a miracle!  He also mentioned that just recently, at one of the yearly conferences he attends, he was able to present one of his cases.  There was a panel of doctors at the conference that he was able to present his case to along with one keynote world renowned peds cardiology surgeon (he didn't tell us who that Dr. was, only that he was very well known among his colleges) whom Dr. Rios was able to consult with individually to get his professional medical opinion on the case that he presented.  Dr. Rios said that he was excited to share Tovin with the panel and was particularly interested in the opinion of the keynote surgeon.  The guest cardiac surgeon was very pleased with the Children's team decision to do the PA surgery first and then discussed with Dr. Rios the three options for his next surgery, all of which the Children's team had already discussed as options.  It is such a great feeling to know that Dr. Rios has completely taken a vested interest in Tovin, and truly cares for him!  Thank you Miss. Kari for referring us to one of the best and most passionate doctors around!

Someday Tovin will see and know the impact he has had on us and the immense joy that he has brought to our family and also to his Children's family!  Tovin is a masterpiece that is still being worked on by God and the doctors, he continues to surprise us all with his resilience and strong will to survive anything that is thrown at him!  How did we get so lucky to be Tovin's parents?

After Tovin's appointment was done we went to a "Night Out" at the Minnesota Zoo.  Children's Hospital helped sponsor an event at the zoo for all of the families that had a patient treated at Children's Hospital.  It was a great night to just roam around the zoo and see the animals that live within it's walls.

Tovin and Addison were able to feed one of the giraffes.  It was so fun to watch him dive right in and  get excited about feeding the giraffe, and then it was Addison's turn, and she was so scared!

Tovin loved all of the animal statues that were scattered around to zoo...Addison did not!  Tovin enjoyed chasing all of the chipmunks that roamed free....Addison did not!  Tovin enjoyed being tipped up in the stroller...guess what...Addison did not!  Oh my, we have children with polar opposite personalities, likes and dislikes!

While Tovin was busy touching the ostrich and giraffe skins, Addison was practicing her fencing skills; not wanting anything to do with touching the skins!

 

Thank you Children's for the wonderful "Night Out"!

On our way to the car we ran into a good friend's daughter who has an internship at the Minnesota Zoo for the summer.  It was nice to see her and hear about her experiences with the zoo.  It sounds likes she loves working there and would love to stay!  

There are so many things to be thankful for today!  God gave our family two beautiful children, Tovin is on the road to becoming healthy, and we have an amazing medical team in such close proximity!

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:8

It's raining here again...summer can you please show up one of these days!  Don't get me wrong I like the rain and the clouds, but in moderation!  I really would like the sun to shine one of these days!