the number five

Since learning about Heidi's heart condition, we've been given a lot of numbers. The first one though stuck with us all these years: "40% of children with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome live to age 5". These were the numbers that had us consider terminating the pregnancy. Later, we were told that the numbers could be better. We heard about survival rates a lot initially, such as 85% for the first surgery at CHOP, and improving all the time. Then, the first surgery behind us, numbers focused on oxygen saturations (the amount of oxygen in the blood - normal is 100%, but hlhs kids live on a lot less - Heidi is currently around 90%), weight gain, calorie intake etc. etc. Weight is always an issue with heart kids, and Heidi did well, plotting her own line between the 5th and the 25th percentile on the growth chart. Lots of numbers everywhere during that first year. Husband plotted Heidi's food intake in a spreadsheet and showed up at the Cardiologist's office with a graph in hand to better argue for continued breastfeeding. And so it went.

Today we remember that first number we were given. We remember the Quinn's and Corbin's and the numerous other heart kids (get a box of tissues before you click on the link) who were not among the lucky. And we know just how blessed we are to have another day with Heidi, our little miracle who beat the odds so far.

Happy 5th Birthday, Sunshine!