What a difference two years makes...

This blog post is DEDICATED to Caden, Melissa and David Smith and their families, the Smiths and the Monroes.

Caden and Brynlyn share something very special and unique in common: They share the same date (May 29th) as their second heart surgery date.

May 29th, 2009: Caden's 2nd heart surgery

May 29th, 2007: Brynlyn's 2nd heart surgery

We checked Brynlyn into St. Joseph's Hospital so she could undergo her 2nd open heart surgery. This was full reconstruction and a doozy of a surgery. She came through it with just some minor bumps along the way, but she was a trooper and fought it all the way home. We brought her home 7 days later and we haven't looked back since. Now, Brynlyn is an almost 3-yr-old darling, spunky, and full of life baby girl. She has this dark brown hair that has tight curls all over her head that look like Annie. She's as smart as a whip and spunky as all get out. She can be a girl with a 'tude whenever she wants to be, but most of all, she's cuddly, cute, and sweet as can be. We cannot possibly imagine our life without our little DiGeorge baby and I can honestly say that we are so GRATEFUL for all of the challenges that come with Brynlyn, including tough days, great days, sick days, healthy days, happy days, sad days, upbeat days, bummer days...but mostly ANY DAYS that Heavenly Father lets us have with our sweet fourth daughter! Brynlyn has taught us the sacred nature and precious nature of life and how we truly must enjoy each day, each moment that we have with one another. And for these lessons and more, we are truly grateful.

So to the Smiths and the Monroes, you will look back on this very pivotal day in Caden's life and remember all of the things (good and bad) that you have learned from this experience and you will be grateful for them all, for these experiences are shaping you into the person that God wants you to be.

In a few years from now, Caden will be jumping and hopping around as a happy toddler and you will be so grateful for everytime you have to pull him down from climbing on the table and furniture, and you'll remember a day a few years before, when he was having his heart worked on...........


Brynlyn in recovery, fresh from surgery. And to answer your question, NO, you never, ever get used to seeing your child like this.

All of her medications, tubes, monitors, keeping her in check. Thank heavens for modern technology. I'm afraid to say that Brynlyn would never have survived crossing the plains with the pioneers.

Me and Brynlyn in pre-op just moments before surgery. I was wearing my little Gap T-shirt with a heart on it that said "Sweet Heart" and this darling necklace that my dear friend (and heart mommy April Layton) gave to me that is in the shape of a heart and says CHD (congenital heart defect). The look on my face says, "And you think you're taking my daughter WHERE to do WHAT? I don't think so!!!!!" ha ha

Just a few minutes after this, after they took Brynlyn to pre-surgery prep, I spent the next 20 minutes in the bathroom crying my eyes out. Yep, just another day, just another heart surgery.......

Brynlyn with Daddy right before surgery. She was a chunky monkey, and technically in congestive heart failure. Yep, she needed this surgery. Thank heavens for a wonderful team of doctors and nurses and hospital and staff that took such great care of us. But quite honestly, I don't care to see them for a while. I think I'll keep my baby at home with me and enjoy her for a little longer before I have to take her back to them. =)

So Caden and Family, Hang in there! Fight the tough fight, and never give up. You have people all over the world praying for you and for Caden's recovery. Try to stay optimistic at all times and always know that God is holding Caden's hand through this. Faith and Hope (and lots of chocolate) will get you through many, many tough days.

We love your family and we are always thinking of you. Please let us know if there's ever anything we can do!

love,

The Jensen Family

Caden Smith

Hi there,

Our dear little friend Caden Smith just underwent his 2nd surgery to repair his Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. He and his parents had a rough day (and for you heart mommies and daddies out there, you know exactly what that means.)

They could use all of our faith and prayers to help them through this difficult recovery process. I know they would appreciate it.

You can read more about sweet little Caden at:

www.thesmithsbaby.blogspot.com

We wish you all happiness and good health!