Matters of the Heart

My precious Brooklyn was born with a heart murmur that led her to get an echo and EKG as a three month old baby. The procedures revealed that she has a congenital heart defect called Pulmonary Valve Stenosis. Part of her Pulmonary valve is fused together so it doesn't fully open. The cardiologist said there would be nothing to worry about for the present time and he would re-evaluate her in two years. And well two years from then was today!

Jordan took the day off of work and we took Brooklyn to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake. Because she is so young, she needed to be sedated for her echo. Let me preface this with the fact that she has a cold. Stuffy nose. Hard to breathe... And clingy as usual.

After taking basic vitals, it was time for her to get the IV and be sedated. The room was too small for us to stay for the echo but they allowed us to stay until she was asleep. I laid her down on the hospital bed and stood by, holding her hand. In an attempt to distract her from the needle, I talked to her. Asking her questions about Ellie and Hazel. You could tell she felt the pain of the needle and was trying so hard to not cry. Her mouth pulled into this tender little frown and she started to whimper. My sweet sweet girl. They started the medicine flowing into the IV and I continued to stand by her. She was a little upset but I began to sing primary songs to her. They dimmed the lights and I continued to sing song after song as three nurses and Jordan stood by. What a sacred experience. The comfort the Spirit brought was indescribable.

After she was asleep, they led us out to the waiting room and told us they would come get us in about an hour. All went well and she was awake when they came to get us. We walked beside her bed while they rolled her into recovery. Her mouth was so dry from breathing through it and being sick and she was so tired from the medicine. She was miserable. She was so cute and so out of it.

I love the cute things that get donated to Primary Children's for all of these little patients. We are grateful for the many things Brooklyn received: a new blanket, Monsters Inc. book, sippy cup and baby doll.

Jordan asked her to smile for a picture and this was the best she could do....

All she really wanted was mommy. That is one of the best feelings in the world: to be needed by your child.

After a short time in recovery, we were released and taken to the cardiology unit to discuss the results of her echo with the cardiologist. We got a much clearer explanation today of what her heart condition is and what to expect throughout her life. Brooklyn only has a mild pulmonary stenosis, which usually does not get worse with time. Rare severe cases may require surgery, but the cardiologist does not expect this to happen for Brooklyn. She should live a healthy life with no limitations, just the regular echo for monitoring.

Yay for good news. And extra prayers tonight for all of the parents out there not receiving such good news. It is a terrible thing to watch our children suffer. May the Spirit bring you the same comfort that He brought us today.