June 28th

Olivia is wonderful. I was able to hold and love on her for an hour and a half today, it was so sweet.
The surgery date is official now, Thursday July 1st. This will be the big surgery that will get her on the road to recovery so we are all relieved to finaly have it scheduled... but..... it is also a very scary time for us as it is a "big" surgery for such a little girl. I am sure that Crystal will be spending as much time as possable with her in the next few days and I think she is going to try to get Evangeline in to see her too. Please keep us in your prayers.

June 25th

Every day Olivia is getting bigger and stronger, she is over 6lbs now and is off of almost everything but her heart medicine. Wednesday she will be 4 weeks old and ready for her big surgery, Crystal got the "unofficial" word this morning that the surgery should be by the end of next week. She was able to hold her for about two hours this morning and it was a very sweet time for them both, Livie is very responsive to her mommy's voice and vocalizes back. :-) It's so weird , I feel like it was yesterday that we were celebrating Memorial Day with the family at home and yet it feels like I've lived here for a year. I will head home this weekend, Saturday Justus will take the kids to a wild life encounter provided by the "Starlight Foundation" and Grandad and Nana Kessler will visit here on Sunday. Thank You All for the prayers and good wishes and not tiring of standing in the gap for us, so many prayers have already been answered in Olivia's little life, her kidneys are functioning and her lungs are working, both miracles in their own right considering how we started. PTL! I am asking again for you prayer warriors to remember us as Olivia faces this "big" surgery, I will have more details later but "The Norwood" is an extensive procedure and Olivia and the doctors will need our prayers more than ever. This week I have read and re read Luke 18, he has a lot to say about prayer and persistnce and children and healing... The chapter starts with "Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." and the chapter ends with "When all the people saw it, they also praised God." Check it out. :-)

June 23rd

Not to much to report on little Livie, no new news on her surgery we are just in a holding pattern untill all of her numbers get lined up just right. She was off a little again today so we just wait... Crystal visits her during the days, Justus comes in the evenings, we all have dinner here at the house then mommy and daddy visit her together at night. Justus leaves early in the morning for the commute to work and we start all over again. Psalm 5:3 Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord.Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Today we had several people from "carmax" come to help with lunch and play with the kids, that was a lot of fun, Ezra had a great time learning about soccer and Evie loved the bubbles. Tomorrow we might go and explore Mission Bay

June 21st

Auntie Kimmy was able to see Olivia today, she and Crystal spent the morning with her while the kids and I held down the fort here at "the house". Olivia's surgeon stopped by bedside with one of his associates and explained to Crystal that after seeing the CT scan Olivia is not a candidate for the "hybrid" surgery they had been considering, she will be getting the full Norwood. He also handed the case to his associate as he is leaving the state. I guess Crystal showed a little concern in her face and Livie's nurse said "Oh don't be at all concerned, we call him Peter Perfect, he is great". :-) Well it is all in God's hands anyway so we "Trust, Pray and Obey! Olivia's numbers must be perfect for 3 days before she can have the surgery and she still has a little kidney thing going on, not much but enough to hold things off for a few more days. So she is still growing and gaining, up to 6lbs.... Everything else is status quo and that is good. Tomorrow the kids and I will go to the Del Mar fair with Kimmy and her friend, lots of fun animals to look at, it will feel good to take an outing.

June 20th

Happy Father's day to Justus and Papa and Grandad... What a wonderful day to celebrate! Today we had a houseful of guests here at RMcDHouse. Papa Erik and Uncle Caleb and Shawn and Auntie and Auntie Kim all came to celebrate Father's Day with Grandad and Nana Kessler. We had a wonderful chicken dinner with lots of love and hugs for everybody. Ezra and Evie were sooo excited to see Auntie after almost 3 weeks... It was great to see all the kids after another long week, we are so blessed to have this house, we were all able to sit around a table and catch up just like at home. The only thing missing was Olivia Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children Justus took Nana and Grandad to go see Olivia and of course it was "more love at first sight". The NICU is not a fun place to visit but the peanut princess is doing well considering and it is a joy to just touch her. Later this afternoon after everybody left (except Kimmy who is staying for a couple of days again), I was able to join Crystal at Livie's bedside, it is amazing how she follows her mommy's voice with her eyes. Her heart Dr. stopped by and confirmed that he and the whole team will be looking at the CT scan this week so we will be getting answers.

June 19th

Well after a long morning of waiting Crystal and Justus had an extensive meeting with the neonatoligst. The CT scan answered a lot of questions, Livie is doing well..... Yes her one problem is her heart. Her kidneys and lungs are up to speed, and some of the other problems that they thought she might have, have been ruled out!! I am shouting Praise The Lord. This baby girl has been held in constant prayer for all of her 18 days with us and I refuse not to give God all the Glory... We love you RADY Children's and Drs and nurses but God is our ultimate healer. There will be another meeting on Thursday with the whole heart team to discuss the plans for her heart but in the mean time she is growing and gaining and capturing the hearts of so many. We Love you Olivia Faith!! This afternoon Crystal and Justus have left with Ezra and Evangeline to see Toy Story 3 and have some real family time with a big burden off of thier shoulders. I am on my way to see my littlest one. Thank you prayer warriors, thank you friends and family... I pray the rest of your weekend is Blessed!!!

June 18th

Olivia came throug the CT scan and is still sleeping it off. She is intubated but the nurses think that should come out sometime tonight. Mom and Dad are with her again now and another day bites the dust. The Dr meeting we thought would happen today didn't, it was rescheduled for tomorrow AM so the CT results will be available. Finaly some news... Tomorrow will also be a big day for Ezra and Evie as Mommy and Daddy are taking them to see Toy Story 3!!! Yea!!! I will stay with Miss Peanut... Yea!! :-) Sunday is Fathers day and we will be doing it up big with both sides coming together at the house for a chicken dinner picnic thanks to Nana Kessler. What a treat, I can hardly wait.

June 17th

Another day ticked off the clock.... I was able to see Livie again but no holding today, alot of what goes on depends on her nurse for the day, but just sitting by her and loving her was wonderful. She opened her eyes a lot and did some regular newborn gurnts and stretches. Its amazing what we take for granted. She loves to have her little hands held and rubbed and to be sung to. Her feeds are being increased steadily and she is tolerating the breastmilk well , she is growing and gaining, just like a baby should. :-) Tomorrow afternoon after the medical meeting I am hoping we have more info on the surgery but for now its just love her and wait and pray. Tonight they had a big screen set up in the dinning room with the Laker game on and were serving lasagna for dinner, both Crystal and I are lactose intolerant and don't do basketball so we took the kids and left the house for a little while and had a Denny's dinner, good ole Denny's, great food, good prices and always friendly service. It was nice. After a quick trip to Food 4 Less for a few snacky and breakfast items its back to the house for baths and Crystal's last visit to Olivia for the night. Tomorrow's another day....

June 16th PM My Birthday Present!

Olivia is wonderful, yes I was able to see and hold her today and it was amazing.she peeked one little eye at me when I first spoke to her then went so peacefully to sleep as I touched, kissed, spoke to and even sang to this wonderful little peanut princess. Her heart rate stayed slow and steady and she was so peacefully asleep when we left she didn't cry when I had to put her down. It was an amazing time for me..
Ezra was also able to see her today, Crystal and he met with a child/family advocate provided by the hospital to "get him ready" for all he saw. the advocate was great, they had a doll with the same tubes as Livie that he got to hold, then they took a polaroid picture of Olivia that he watched develope, they had pictures of all the machines he would see, he was very prepared when he went in with mommy and he was amazing, he was not frightened at all and he has decided to be a Dr to make people better and when he asked about a machine and was told that was Olivia's medicine he said "well I will push the buttons more so she gets better faster". He had to leave after that! Ahahahahaha...... Crystal and Justus will be meeting with the Drs again this Friday so we will get surgery news at that time, I hope, but in the mean time she is growing and gaining weight just like they want her to, she is almost back up to birth weight at 5lbs. Today was a good day.

June 16th AM

Well, Olivia is two weeks old today. Wow we feel like we have been here a lot longer than that, this place and this routine are starting to feel like home.Olivia is doing fine for her. She has been resting and stable for a couple of days again and that is good. Today Crystal is hoping for some word on the CT scan but.... you never know. Yesterday Crystal took an infant massage class and learned about "healing touch", because Livie is mostly on her back she needs "special massage" to help loosen and relax her upper body and arm muscles. I love that this place lets the medical and some holistic methods meld. Father Crowley, a long time family friend, stopped by yesterday and was able to pray with Crystal, we are so grateful to everybody who is holding her in prayer.Now the really good news.... Ta ta ta ta.... Mammy gets to see her today!!!!!! yes I do! They lifted the ban on extended family yesterday, Crystal had to fill out special paperwork and my first visit has to be with a parent so hopefully this afternoon I will get to see and tell my little Livie just how special she is to my heart I am very happy.I am also trying to decide what kind of park pass I should get for the kids and myself. Looking into the zoo/wild animal park or seaworld.... I'm leaning towards seaworld, its close and if the weather ever warms up I think the kids will like the water play.

June 14th

Wow, it's rockin Monday in So. California and we just had a 5.7 earthquake to cap off the night. Olivia has been on the roller coaster ride we have all expected. Three good days and then one or two not so great. This weekend she started having SVT or Supraventricular tachycardia ( fast heart). They have changed her meds and seem to have it under control now and her neonatologist explained this was not completely unexpected. It's just kind of hard on all of us when her care givers start scurring around her, she is so tiny and fragile. Today her nurses put her is a little carseat of sorts because she does like to be "up". I just kept thinking pretty soon Livie we will put you in a real carseat and take you home. But befor that we are still waiting for the go ahead on her CT scan and of course the norwood surgery. Tonight was the 'cardiac parent support group meeting' and Crystal and Justus went to it and met more parents who are going through, or have gone through and some even expecting to go through the same thing. It was right here an the RMcDHouse and they were blessed by all the information and friendship.

Ezra loved the puppet show

We were also blessed at dinner tonight by "Hope Luthern Church; Temecula" when they showed up with an awesome puppet show. the kids (and I) were so entertained and grateful for all the good music and great messages.

Evangeline pointing out all the fun puppets

This afternoon my mom sent this verse to me; and I think it's a real good thought to close on tonight. Isaiah 41:10: fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

June 13th PM

Following is Crystal's most recent post; we have to remember that Olivia is on a rollercoaster ride and that there will be ups and downs; we just continue to praise God for His mighty hand. <3 I can't wait to get back there tomorrow.. :-) "Olivia had some setbacks this morning. She is having a hard time breathing and the Dr's had to put her on stronger pain meds. She recieved some of Daddy's blood and is doing better. They have backed off of her feedings and are watching her lungs carefully. Maybe she will get a CT scan tomorrow? Still one step at a time. I am hoping I will get to hold her again this afternoon, she is so precious."

June 13th

Following is what Crystal wrote about Olivia last night, it is hard for me to be away for a couple of days but it just warms my heart to know that God is watching over my sweet little family and that "of course" Olivia LOVES her mommy. Thank you God for your healing touch, thank you for healing Olivia. "Our sweet little Olivia loves to be held! The Dr's seemed amazed, but it made perfect sense to us that we belong together ;) She is still stable and they are increasing her milk drip. They have decided to hold off the bottle until Monday. We are taking baby steps one day at a time. I am very grateful to God for the amazing nurses and doctors. Thank you Lord for bringing us here, and thank you God for Olivia."

June 11th

Today we are on our third good day for Olivia. PTL Today she is breathing completely on her own, she is getting mommy's milk (through a tube) and her pain medicine is down to tylenol. Oh how far we have come. Thank you Jesus. After a weekend of rest she will face her CT scans next week and then surgery to be determined. Auntie Kimmy is heading home tonight, oh how she will be missed, but she will be back and maybe we will do the fair next week! :-) Daddy is coming for the whole weekend starting tonight so I will also go home for a couple of days, oh how I will miss my little peeps but I must do a few things at home and then I will come back on Monday. I am so thankfull to all of you who have been praying for us sooo diligently. Thank You... For now we are in a peaceful place, God is working to strengthen and heal all of little Livies parts I will continue to update next week, but may not for the weekend, remember no news is good news. :-D

June 10th

Lunch was very special at Ronald Mc Donald house today. There was a special menu, lots of people in suits and students getting schlorships and Ronald Mc Donald himself... Oh how much fun we had, sticker books, autographs and pictures with cake for dessert.


Ronald joined us for lunch.Crystal will be on her way over to see our little sweetie again soon. Today is the day they has started a breast milk drip and she has been extubated again. We are hopeful this afternoon but know that these things take a lot of time. The kids and I will rest after a busy morning of all sorts of crafts and fun.

June 9th

Today was a good day for getting stronger for Olivia, she wasn't poked or prodded too much, she opened her eyes for her mommy and even though she is intubated Crystal was able to hold her for a while. (what a blessing) The rest of us are getting into a routine, the weather is full June gloom and people are coming and going from RMcDHouse. Tonight I am asking for prayers to baby Triumph and his family and for new daddy Gordon and his son and wife. We are not in this alone.

June 8th PM

Day 7: Hmmmm I'm confused, I guess tomorrow is Olivia's 1 week birthday but yet today is labeled day 7, Oh well, the least of my worries ;-) At last report Olivia was doing well enough to be extubated, that is good news, her blood gases are better and better and that means her kidneys are doing beter. This is all just a very slow process but she is fighting. At this time we believe they will let her get stronger for a couple of days before doing a CT scan probably on Friday, there will probably be another big meeting at that time and her next surgery will be discussed. (of course all of this can change in a minute). So for the net couple of days we are praying for her to fight, fight, fight! Today crystal held her hand for hours, hopefuly tonight she will get to actually hold her, Justus gave blood for her, Kimmy and I did VeggiTale sing alongs and crafts then took the kids to Costco for a hotdog so mom and dad could eat and visit without so much comotion, RMcDHouse had dinner catered by a casino tonight, Mmmm Mmmm. Not a very exciting day really, but that is good. Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace

June 8th

Day 7 Yesterday we were concerned with Olivia's kidneys and today they are better!! Yes, answered prayer. All through the night her blood gasses came back better and better, this morning they are romoving her post op chest tube. :-) Today is starting out to be a good day! Crystal is with her now so we will have more info later. Meanwhile Ezra is a little sneezy today so we are going to take it slow, we've decorated some cards, done a few crafts and we have lots of movies and a DVD player now so a slow foggy day at the beach in their jamies is just what the dr ordered....

June 7th

Day 6: Not too many changes for little Livie today, she is sedated to encourage healing. Today the doctors did mention that Olivia's kidneys need to start doing a better job before any of the "dye" tests can be done so that is our current prayer. Everything else seems to just be moving along at a snails pace to us ;-) Crystal was blessed with a visit from Cherie and Grace Dunn the HLHS family they met at the Drs office last month, how sweet of this mom to take her time to find Crystal and encourage her. She was also visited by the hospital chaplin, John, he was able to talk to and encourage Crystal and then pray over Livie. That was nice and it seemed like Livie's color improved right after! Thank you Jesus for sending us so many friends, and Thank you for the continued healing of Olivia. Daily life at RMcDHouse; This morning they had preschool and Ezra and Evie got to attend, that was a lot of fun, singing, hand motions and paints... whooo hoooo! This afternoon Ezra and I did a couple loads of laundry (free)... my gosh they bless us here. Daddy is on his way back for dinner with the fam and a visit to the NIC U and maybe Kimmy and I will head out

special message from an angel

I was just sent a message from a young lady whose brother is one of the oldest HLHS survivors. This is so incredable, God has sent us a message of encouragement exactly when we need it. Faith, this girl's name, somehow knows my daughter Kelly and saw the posts about Olivia, she sent me her brothers story and the news that he is now a happily married 25year old... Isn't that amazing? Dont you feel encouraged? I do. This little guy underwent the Norwood procedure in Boston when it was still in the trial stages. His first doctors had already told his parents to just take him home and let him die peacefuly but God had a different plan! God already knew that 25 years later his story would be like cool water to our thirsty hearts. :-D Wow! Dear God, Thank you for sending us this news, you see our needs and give us great gifts. Thank you for the delay with today's surgery, I don't know why but you do and I trust you. Amen

June 6th PM

Today was a big day for Olivia and us, Olivia had her first surgery. She did well but there were a few things that came up; First, every HPLH is a little different so every part of every procedure is up for change all the time. Today we were expecting Olivia to have a Norwood "hybred" surgery but once the Doctors got in they had to change the plan, Livie's heart is very special, ( I knew that). She did have the bands put on to slow the blood flow to her lungs, therefore she is off the nitragin and her kidneys are doing better which is AWESOME News. but.....she still needs the Norwood procedure. Her doctor is great and so experienced with these little hearts that he wants more tests done befor he tackles this job so this week Olivia will have an MRI and then she will have another surgery within the next 10 days. Crystal and Justus stayed at the hospital during the whole surgery and the doctors and various assistants came out to speak to them a few times, they were very good about keeping them in the loop. Right after surgery they were able to visit her for a few minutes and she was resting well. Nana and Grandad Kessler, Papa Erik, Uncle Caleb, Auntie Kim and Baa and Papa came for the day. Ezra and Evie loved haveing so many people visit but it made for a very busy day and tonight everybody is very tired. Crystal and Justus will be able to visit again tonight then Justus will have to go home for work tomorrow but Auntie Kim and I will stay to do what ever it takes for Crystal and the kids until he comes back "home" tomorrow night. Please continue to pray for Olivia's streangth and healing, for Crystal and Justus to hold up through all of this and for all of us to be a good support system.

June 6th

Crystal and Justus are with Olivia, she goes into surgery in about a half an hour. Last night they had a very long and sweet time with her, one of Crystal's favorite nurses was with her and several people commented on what a good surgon Dr. Lombarti is. God is good. I am sitting her in a very quiet room waiting for the two little blessings God has already given us to wake up. It's hard to explain but I do have a peace about today, God is in control, He has knowen about this day from the begining and I do trust him, so praying and rejoicing in Him we will head to breakfast soon, then meet up with lots of family to wait. Crystal and Justus are waiting at the hospital so I wont be with them but I'm sure somebody will. Remember to be praying with us, I will keep you posted. This morning devotion is from a friend of mine; John 14:27“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” As far as parting gifts go, this is the best ever. Jesus leaves us with something we really can use and really need desperately...peace. And Jesus’ brand of peace is so different from a bubble bath, kids at their friend’s houses or the ringer turned off. That’s just quiet followed by anxiety when the noise resumes. People try and offer their solutions for peace like calling the police or prescribing pharmaceuticals. These peaceful solutions only treat the symptoms - the problem, the fear, the craziness is still there.Jesus’ peace outlasts fear and brings confidence and rest - something the police officer or prescription cannot provide. Philippians 4:6-7 accurately describes the indescribable peace of Jesus and how we attain it: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” And I love how he adds, “Do not let your hearts be troubled” because he knows that the peace they’ve only ever experienced before had let them down. But the peace Jesus brings is stronger than any of my troubles. It’s a really great gift!

June 5th

Day 4: Things changed, today Crystal and Justus were called to meet with Olivia's heart surgeon again and it was decided to do her surgery tomorrow morning at 8AM. Olivia is doing well and this timing seems to be the best for her. The surgery should take between 4 and 6 hours so please be praying for all of us tomorrow morning. Crystal and Justus were able to spend a long time with her today and will be going back again later tonight to tuck her in, Livie is really starting to like being held and it is a little hard on mommy and daddy when they have to leave her. :-( After the surgery she will not be able to be held for a few days and visits will be limited to just 5 minutes every hr. We know it is because she will be recieving the BEST care possible and her area will be very busy because of that but it is still hard to be away. Tomorrow we will have a lot of family and even some new friends from RMcD House to wait with us and that is very good, waiting is hard. Once again, thank you all for all of your prayers. Please continue, God is Great and to be Praised....

June 4th

Day 3, settling in: I can hardly believe it has only been 3 days. It feels like we have been doing this for a long time. Today the kids and I explored the grounds a little and found a wonderful indoor playroom, we were blessed with a fun continental type breakfast and a brown bag lunch, Crystal was able to be with Olivia twice earlier today and her and Justus are with her now. Papa Erik came to visit so he and the kids and I made a trip to Costco, life is starting to look familiar.

The playroom here is AWESOME!Olivia is doing well considering, she has been able to keep her body tempature up on her own today so the heating element has been turned off. Her white count is up just a little so she is on antibiotics as a precaution, but she is resting well nowThe big meeting with her team of doctors was today and it went just as we all had expected which is good, there were no new surprises, Olivia has HypoPlastic Left Heart or a variation of that because every case is a little different. She wil need the Norwood surgery within a week, they are waiting because of the elevated white count, and then the two other surgeries at about 5 months and 3 years. All of this is what we were first told.The road ahead is now laid out, Olivia's recovery from this first surgery will be from four to six weeks, Praise the Lord for this place to live.For now, Crystal and Justus can see her a lot, most days they can hold her and most of the NIC U nurses are very helpful, (of course there is always that one). Olivia has a wonderful social worker(patient advocate) who is so helpful, she was even at the big meeting today.Once again I thank all of you for your prayers and support.

June 3rd 2010 cont...

Day two: Olivia is doing better today, Crystal was discharged and we all checked into the Ronald McDonald house.
Crystal and Justus talked to Olivia's surgeon and the surgery has been put off, for maybe up to a week, it seems because Olivia is doing well on her own they want her to have some extra time to get stronger. What awesome news! We should know by tomorrow after all the doctors have their big meeting exactly what the plan is. Olivia's breathing tube was removed and Crystal was able to visit and hold her twice today and is with her again now. Something truely amazing happened today, while Crystal was holding Olivia her oxygen saturation actually went UP! It is so amazing, she knows her mommy and in all of this chaos mommy brings her comfort.

Because Olivia is doing better and the surgery has been put off Baa and Papa decided to head back home to the desert and come back again next week. The San Diego traffic and motel 6 living was just a little too exciting for them but they were so fun to be with for a couple of days, Kimberly and I will be laughing for weeks as we retell their "adventures". Thank you Jesus for my parents, they absolutely ROCK the house with the love they have always shown for me and my family. Kimberly is catching a ride back home with Baa and Papa so she can work for a couple of days and then she will be back to relieve me for a couple of days, at least that is the plan for now but we have a motto here "cherry jello" sweet and flexable, that's us...

Moving into Ronald McDonald House
So today we moved into our little place at Ronald McDonald House, I have to tell you how amazing this place is. The people here are so sweet and loving, they are aware of the stressful situations these families are going through and boy to they take care of you, it's kind of like going to camp. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by volenteers,yesterday SouthWest Arilines and today a local church. Nothing fancy but LOADED with love, we were givin little goodies bags for the kids that were made by the kids at a local community center, inside were books and little toys and hand written notes of encouragement. Believe me, I have been brought to tears more than once by the love showen here. Sooo, go ahead, buy those bergers and fries! and don't for get to drop your change in the bucket for RMcHouse!!! Tomorrow Justus has to go to work for a little and Papa Erik is coming for a visit so we will take the kids and explore around here and Crystal will love on her baby, and we will Thank and Praise God for all he is doing. I also thank all of you for your wonderful love and support and most especially your prayers, we so appreciate you.

June 3rd 2010

thank you all so much for all of the prayers yesterday, wow what a ride. (please excuse all spelling errors in the following notes) I will be keeping everybody up to date by these notes so I can include more details. Olivia Faith Renee was born at 2:48 on June 2nd. She came early and "fast", out in two pushes and then the adventure began. Olivia had a team of Drs and nurses waiting for her, Crystal didn't even get to see her before the team evaluated her and decided to intabate and transfer her to the children's hospital. The neonatologist was a very kind and wise man and allowed Crystal to hold Olivia for about 3 minutes before she was wisked away. Rady Children's hosp is attached to Mary Birch Women's by underground tunnels so Justus and the team rolled Olivia over while I stayed with Crystal. It was not an easy time for either of us but her nurse was wonderful and once things got quiet we were able to pray and thank God for all the modern tools and wonderful people that were helping Olivia. Auntie Kim and Ed showed up a little later and were able to find the NIC U and wait with Justus while Olivia was stabelized. Crystal was moved to a wonderful private room with a big window that overlooks the whole grounds about 7am. It is not easy going to a room without your little one, she was strong, always remembering that God is with Olivia no matter where she is and the people with her are helping her. Kim and I left to find breakfast and coffee while Crystal and Justus got settled into their room and had some time together as mommy and daddy. After getting settled in a little Crystal was allowed to go see Olivia in the NIC U so off we went, wheeling her through the maze of tunnels, keeping up good spirts of anticipation. Unfortunately this first visit did not go too well. Olivia was still being worked on quit a bit, the NIC U is crowded and noisy and busy with alot of babies and Crystal and Justus had to leave without even touching Olivia. We were all very sad. Well not too long after we got back Baa and Papa showed up to help cheer us up and we were all able to visit and love on each other for the next few hours. Crystal was kept busy with the regular hospital routine and texting and phone calls but by 2pm everybody needed a nap so Baa and Papa left to go eat and find their hotel, Kim and I found a couch and chair in a waiting room and Crystal finially got to rest. Good news came when the social worker called to let them know that they were accepted to the Ronald McDonald House, Yeah! this is a wonderful complex right across the street from Rady that the whole family can stay at while Olivia is there. About 4pm we got a little more good news when the geneticist dr called and let us know that both Olivia's kidny and brain scans came back normal and no genetic abnormalities have been found... Yeah, just HPLH syndrome so far. Well more sitting and visiting and praying and it was time for Kim and I to head home to get Ezra and Evangeline ready for the big day of "moving" to San Diego. We got home to relieve Kaitlyn of her duties and spent a little time really loving on these guys. Crystal and Justus were able to see Olivia again, another wheelchair ride, and this visit went well, she had, had a Pic line put in and was resting comfortably, after a pretty long stay they headed back to the room for a good nights rest. yesterday was the day of testing, today will be the day of planning, and tomorrow will probably be the day of surgey. I will try to keep you all updated in this way. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Olivia

Olivia was born on June 2nd, she was just over 5 pounds and such a cute little peanut princess, but Livie did come to us very sick and her first few weeks of life have been like a roller coaster ride with some great highs but some pretty low spots as well. We called on the Lord with many prayer warriors, friends, family and others we don't even know and I can say I have seen miracles.

Now four weeks later Olivia's lungs and kidneys are functioning, she is breathing on her own, she has already gone through one surgery on her heart like a trooper. Thursday she will have her big heart surgery,

Tomorrow is the Big Day!

Crystal went for another NST today and was told her amniotic fluid was too low, so off to admissions she went! Yes, the time has come, Olivia will be here tomorrow. Crystal will be induced at 5am. I don't really know what to think, I am a little frightened of whats to come but it is coming and I must be ready, we must all be strong. Many prayers are being said, I will have faith. I recently told Crystal that I think Olivia Renee should be Olivia Faith, she said maybe Olivia Faith-Renee. I like that. I hope that is who she ends up being.