Patience in Our Afflictions

          Yet another Heart Check up Ultrasound. No new pictures of baby Scarlet, thats in two weeks when we have another growth ultrasound. Every day we wake up to a doctor appointment we choose our optimistic mood for the day. Basically no matter what the outcome we get from the doctor we try and remember to stay positive and that we've gotten this far, we can make it all the way. Good news and not so good news. Pretty much the fluid around her heart is gone :) Which is amazing news, nearly a miracle, the doctor was very surprised. Today Dr. Rollins (Pediatric Cardiologist) saw what he called "Sparklies", explaining that there was a micro-valve letting blood into the left side of her heart, but because of HLHS does not have an outlet... so once she is born, even if the surgeries are successful, this valve could create built up pressure and could possible rupture, resulting in a heart attack at any point and time in her life. She's a"ticking clock." 

           Well of course I started to tear up and freak out, then I remembered the optimistic mood I put on for the day. All these questions and fears are running through my head, how long will I get with my daughter? What if I am not around when it happens, if it happens at all? So many these things making my mind going through a roller coaster of emotion. As I  sat there thinking of something to keep me optimistic I remembered a blessing my father placed upon me when Scarlet was first diagnosed at 18 weeks 6 days, and it said "Be patient in your Afflictions" in another, "Faith" was emphasized. Through all of these trials with our little monkey, I feel like i've been granted these exact things. I am learning to be more at peace with the news at each ultrasound, and understanding that no matter what is said "could" happen, necessarily will, especially with faith and the strength and courage to push forward giving her a chance. Scarlet has already opened my eyes to so many things. I never thought i'd appreciate the lessons my child teaches me before she is even born. I am so grateful for my daughter, and I hope that through faith, and the power of prayer another miracle can happen, and if she is going to have a heart attack, I hope its when the Lord wants it to happen. Obviously Im rooting for a long healthy life fore her, and if she goes that way, not till she's at least 75. 

           So contrary to the news being not so good, I am very happy to say her heart  beat is a steady 156 and beating strong. She is our fighter. The outcome of Scarlets life is not ultimately in the hands of the doctors in which her surgeries are be performed by, or even us, but more between her and the Lord. I am placing my Faith in the Lord and my baby girl. I believe that through them, she will make it. Along with keeping my Faith, I just want to give her more of a reason to want to fight to live, and thats all I really can do. We will just create as many memories as she will grant us with and love and cherish every moment. Because memories are so important I have decided to put the BabyShower back on, June 18, 2011. I feel Scarlet deserves the celebration or in other words a "hope, we believe in Scarlet" party. :)

          May 9th, 2011 is her next growth ultrasound, I will do another update to let everyone know how her stomach is growing. More updates with the Save Scarlet HLHS Awareness, recently Vins side of the family held an incredible bake sale at Kishwaukee College in Illinois, raising over $400 for our little monkey. Here are some pictures from the Welty family bake sale in Illinois, Thank you to all our family that put their talents to the max and made all the food and helped in each little way. We love you very much. Looking forward to bringing our little monkey to meet all the family

           The bracelets are continuing to sell, overall we've been doing amazing with helping spread HLHS awareness. The warmth and love I  feel in my heart for our daughter is so immensely indescribable, not only from family but even complete strangers. It helps reassure me that there is a better world out there then what is advertised across all the social networks. The good people are often lost amongst the evils of this earth have shown themselves, and I appreciate the community that is stepping forward showing they are there for us. We truly appreciate and feel the love that is being sent our way. Prayers are especially felt. Well, as long as this blog took to write I believe i've said what is efficient enough to let people know how were doing, and whats going on. Again, we appreciate and love the readers, and supporters. Until next time, don't forget to have patience in your afflictions. 

The Sock Monkey Family

Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith