Surgery

Erik had his surgery today and may still be in the operating room as I write this. His surgery was scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and it was expected to last 2 1/2 - 3 hours. The surgeons decided to put a valve in his esophogus to help prevent him from vomiting his food. This made the surgery time longer and made the surgery more invasive. I have been praying for my little buddy all day. I can't wait until my brother calls to tell me Erik is okay and how it all went. Hopefully he will recover soon. I love you and I am praying for you Erik! Love, Your Aunty:0)

Update

I just got off the phone with my brother and they have gotten a result back from one of the tests. Erik does have a seizure disorder (I don't know what kind) that can result in mental retardation. They are hoping that the medication they give him will work and help him to grow normally. Please pray that they find the right meds so Erik isn't brain damaged. It is sad news for us to hear. I love this baby no matter what, but I'd love for him to be able to learn to walk and talk. He is so special to me and I just adore him. At 1:15 this afternoon (3-25-09) They are going to do the suck and swallow test to see if the food goes to his lungs. I hope he passes this test, because if he doesn't, they'll have to put a "button" in his stomach to feed him formula. They are also going to do an MRI today to see what's going on in his brain. Hopefully there isn't too much brain damage. I know he's intelligent right now because he recognizes his family, he smiles and coos and he also has an opinion when you do something he doesn't like. Last night when the doctor was trying to measure him, he fought her. When the nurse started messing with his IV he fought her. When I was aked to help hold his arm still so she could change the shunt, he was calm and peaceful, which, of course, made me very proud. I know he know's who I am. He didn't fight the nurse or cry because he had his Aunty. Once, he did start to fuss, but then I just kissed his chubby cheeks and he relaxed right away. If Erik does need a "button" in his tummy, then they will be doing a surgery today. PLEASE PRAY!! I know most of you don't know Erik, but you know me and I am begging you to pray! "The effectual, fervant prayer of a righteous man availeth MUCH".

Smiles

Erik was all smiles last night.
He's so precious!

Erik was all smiles last night. This was taken right before they had to take him to the hospital.

In the hospital...again!

Erik had to go to the hospital again last night. He lost weight (he went from 9 lbs. 6 oz. down to 8 lbs. 12 oz.) and the doctors are concerned. He also has what appears to be mini-seizures. So, the pediatrician had him admitted to the hospital last night. I am praying that they find out quickly what is going on with him. I also hope it is something that can be cured or at least controlled by medication. I know Erik is a fighter. I love this little guy and I am hoping we will now get some answers. He's in a good hospital with specialists.

Meeting family

Erik's 2nd cousins, and Great Uncle
Erik's great-Aunt, Judy.

Erik with his 2nd cousin, Ray.

After leaving Arizona, I decided to take Erik over to meet his great-Aunt, Judy. She had not seen him in person before. And to my surprise, 4 of my cousins (Erik's 2nd cousins) were there too. So, here are some pictures from that meeting.

Arizona

Erik with Aunty Karen and big brother, Justin in Oatman, AZ.
Snuggling with grandma

Erik in Oatman, AZ with a donkey looking at him.

Well, I took Erik out of the state of California for the 1st time. We went to see his grandma (my mom). We also went to Oatman, AZ for the afternoon to see the old town. We ended the trip on Sunday after going to church in the morning. We then headed back home, but not before stopping in to visit with some relatives.

Arizona!

Tonight around 6 p.m. I will go to my brother's house and pick up Claire, Justin and baby Erik, then head on over to Bullhead City, AZ to visit my parents. I know my mom will be happy to see me and Claire, but I'm sure she's more excited about seeing her grandsons. I have never traveled out of state with Justin or Erik before, so we'll see how this goes. In fact, it will be the 1st time Erik has ever left California. I will be sure to take lots of pictures and post a few later. Probably not until Monday or Tuesday though. I can hardly wait to hold my little buddy again, it's been almost 2 weeks since I have seen him. I will say though, that last time I saw him, I was holding him and kissing him on the cheeks and he'd look up at me and smile. My heart melted! I don't get to see him smile very often, so when he rewards me with a smile, I cherish it. He smiled at me a couple of time that night. Precious, little guy! I love him sooooo much! I am so happy to have 3 nephews, all of them are precious to me. I thank God for them!

Going on a trip

I am taking Erik, along with his mommy and big brother, on an overnight trip to Bullhead City, AZ this weekend. We are going to visit my mom and of course mom wants to see the grandkids. I am hoping to find a good church near my mom's new place. My mom has not seen Erik since he turned 1 yr. old. (She moved to AZ the week prior). So, this will be my 1st time taking Erik out of the state of California. In fact, it may be the 1st time he has ever left CA. I will post pictures after we return. We are leaving this weekend for only 1 1/2 days.

Birthday pictures.

One year old!!!!

I can't believe it! Erik is one year old. (He turned one yesterday). Tonight we are going to do a little cake for him (hopefully). I will take pictures and post them later. I am so happy he is with us here today. I can't believe it has been one year already! Time does fly by so fast!