Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

Throughout these blogs you will see me refer to Scarlets congenital heart defect as HLHS. This stands for Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a child with this defect only has the right side of their heart. When Scarlet was born we were under the impression shed go through the standard three surgeries...At just 3 days old she underwent a procedure that showed her coronary arteries were not what they should be and IF the surgeries were successful she could have a heart attack at any point in time... which left us with Heart Transplant. At a week old she had a pulmonary Artery Banding to help preserve her life during the wait.. She also had a balloon septostomy at 2 1/2 months to help.. we almost lost her 4 times, and after waiting 3 1/2 months she got her second chance at life. September 26,2011 an angel entered our daughter and saved her life. Our daughters life will be treasured no matter the length of time she may grant us, though we hope for a entire lifetime. "Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow may never come." If you'd like to know more about Scarlets condition please feel free to read more of the upcoming blogs.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

"Hope is Everything"


Our precious angel is fighting her battle as best she knows how, and unfortunately her time is wearing thin. Last time we checked in Scarlet had aspirated (choked on her milk and coded), since then shes been getting worse.. She was started on 6 antibiotics to try and help fight whatever infections she may have gotten. The pneumonia seems to have cleared up but then she developed something called NEC which is where her intestines become swollen and get blisters if those blisters were to pop that part of the intestine would die and her "sewage" would leak into her little body doing way to much harm. Luckily with the help and guidance of MANY doctors theyve gotten it to the point where they think she may fixed this and they may start feedings again. Scarlets heart function is worsening every day. She keeps retaining all the fluids shes getting because her heart cant work hard enough to get rid of it so shes getting super puffy which makes it even harder for her. The profusion is something we seriously worry about, her heart is beating so hard you can see it from across the room. Shes had more doctors then I can keep straight coming in and examining her everyday. Shes no longer on hold for a heart, we just need one to become available and she may have a chance.

Due to Scarlets loving looks and awesome personality she has picked up what the NICU calls Primaries :) Nurses that when they work, work specifically with Scarlet, thankfully we have what I consider the three best primaries at loma linda, theyve all worked with cardiac babies and they all just absolutely adore missy girl. They make hard days much easier on us, they know what to say to comfort and they know how to explain reality in a calm way. This week theyve been talking alot about the "what ifs" of our life at this moment.. What if scarlet were to go into cardiac arrest and couldnt be brought back. As hard as this is to hear, its definitely a possibility... no one knows what God has in store for this little fighter except for himself and scarlet. We are to come up with a plan of how we would want to experience her passing and although we all hope it never has to be put into action its something that we need to have just in case. Scarlet is three months old and to that age where she looks at EVERYONE. No matter whos talking that girl will follow your voice with her eyes, she loves looking at mobiles and watching you talk.. Sadly shes been very drugged the last week to try and keep her from wiggling and working harder then necessary to stay alive. Its definitely hard to see her lie there motionless, every now and then shell peek her little eyes open as if to say "Im still here mom&dad, dont give up on me yet," theres always that little twinkle in her eye that just melts my heart. They paralyzed her today for a few hours to try and keep her knocked out while they inserted a new central line, for some unknown reason her last one clotted and they needed a new one in ASAP. But she eventually woke up and gave me that look and all I could do was thank the Lord for getting her to this point. Although were not out of the woods, each little achievement keeps us going. Seeing her eyes are achievement enough.
Our media efforts are doing great, a friend created a page on facebook for scarlet called "Help get a new heart for Scarlet" and thousands of people have liked it. Over 6 newspapers have taken scars story on in California, Illinois, Oregon, and Vegas, shes had a couple radio announcements in Oregon and as of tonight shes had two TV debuts thanks to her grandmas! Channel 13 in Las Vegas as well as Fox 5 did a little segment on our angel and especially Organ Donation Awareness. We hope that in our endless efforts our daughter, along with her heart friends and others can be saved through organ donation. Its hard going through this but she has opened our eyes and hearts to a whole new world, a realistic world. We are not the only ones going through this. We know of 5 babies at Loma Linda alone waiting for heart transplants. Think of all the other hospitals throughout the US. Its disheartening. But were here to instill hope in others, I recently finished a book about this little girl named Sarah who had CF.. She passed away at just the age 13 and in the book her mother wrote, taught me more thankfullness and power of prayer in 2 weeks then in my 19 years of life. The last day of sarahs beautiful life she told her mom.. Hope is Everything. Its just that.. Organ Donation is going off Hope.. and Hope is Everything. As I sit here tonight with love in my eyes and Hope in my heart I can only wish that we have brought hope to others, that Scarlets story will be heard by millions, and her life will be given a second chance. If youd like to see scarlets TV segment go to this link (http://bcove.me/ly1mgw97)... and please consider going on facebook and liking scarlets page. Any bit of support gives us hope <3 Thank you for the prayers, they keep us going.


With all our love
The sock monkey Family,
Alexis, Vince, and Scarlet Griffith


Thursday, September 8, 2011

Emergency Miracle Needed

        On bended knees, tear filled eyes and extreme love in our hearts we need an emergency miracle.. Scarlet was doing great for the last 3 weeks and on saturday evening during a feeding she started choking and her heart plummeted to 40, Scarlets Primary Sandy had us put her back in bed and immediately started working on her. Scarlet was reintubated and was put on more meds to help her stabalize, she developed pneumonia and another UTI infection which put her on hold for the heart transplant list. The pneumonia caused her lung to collapse and with more antibiotics it recorrected itself although the antibiotics keep her on hold for this list. She has now overcame the collapsed lung but her breathing has gotten worse and a recent heart echo revealed that her heart has stretched and is failing much faster then they thought . Organ Donation is a subject not to be take lightly but is much needed in today’s world. Unfortunately, infants, children, teenagers and adults die everyday due to organ failure. Transplants are a second chance at life, and ones that are greatly cherished.
 
         We know donation is not an easy decision to make and asking parents to make this decision is not easy for us. Our only chance with her is if she receives a heart transplant, and quickly. Organ Donation is the most generous choice a parent can make when placed in the tragic situation. To give another a chance for life in the midst of it all is absolutely incredible.
We pray on bended knees that Scarlet has a chance at this life, that she may experience all that life may offer her. She is a joy to have and a true blessing to us, we did not think she would make it this far and we can only pray that by some miracle she can stay with us. We hope one day she can share her story with others and the selfless heroic efforts made by a donor family to save hers.
       The thoughts have crossed my mind lately of how unfair it is that baby girl has to go through this, but she knew what she the Lords plan was for her before she recieved this body and she came it gladly knowing these things. Im so proud of Scarlet already and I really pray and hope that she makes it, Im not really sure what wed do if we lost her.. It hurts me to think of this, especially so soon. My fighter is hanging on but were not sure how much longer she can. Our future and faith is placed in Gods hands, he has a plan, we can't give up and must accept whatever it may be.  Also we ask that if you or anyone you know has not yet signed up as an organ donor, please go onto DonateLifeCalifornia.org a non-profit registry and become a donor today. Scarlet and many other babies are not promised tomorrow, please help save another’s life and donate. Many depend on it. One lost child can save many lives. This is a short blog, I appologize, ive been working on contacting the media since we got home and Im needing to feed my hubby before we rush back up to the hospital. Please Please Please pray that scarlet finds a heart in time.
 
With all our love
The sock monkey Family,
Alexis, Vince, and Scarlet Griffith
 

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Scares & Prayers

 Look at our monkey, NO OXYGEN! August 4, 2011 we came in to see our Scarlet on complete room air, satting wonderfully in the high 70s. We were under the impression that she was thriving. Unfortunately to our dismay she was actually doing worse on the inside. Her heart echo from that week had changed significantly more from the previous week. So, because of this they did whats called a balloon septostomy opening a little valve in her heart from 1 mm to 6mm. They took her down to the Heart cath lab, she had to be reintubated and it was done within a few hours. When we went back up to see her we noticed her leg was triple the size it should be and she was ghost white.. Her sats were OK, not the best and she was requiring much more oxygen then before. We figured it was just her little body under stress, well... the next day after visiting we decided to go see a movie to calm down a bit from all the emotions. Little did we know that was a terrible idea, our phones on vibrate caused us to miss nearly 10 calls from NICU asking us to come in immediately. Half way through the movie I checked my phone and next thing, we were up and running to the car. Scarlets stats had dropped into the 20s! She was taking a turn for the worst. Tears running down my face, racing in a car to the Hospital, we said a prayer. By the time we got to the hospital she had stabalized a little bit requiring more oxygen and still very pale, they also discovered she had pnemonia. Her leg was still triple the size and it was due to a blood clot from her pic line in her leg so, they had to shave both sides of Scarlets head to get a new Pic line in, poor baby!             
 She is still in very good spirits and nearly 72 hours later, 3 different antibiotics, and 2 blood transfusions our baby girl is looking much much better and is being weaned slowly off her intubation. Thousands, even Millions of prayers and strong faith have got us to this point. Without our Heavenly Father and angels guiding the doctors and giving Scarlet the strength our baby girl may not be here today fighting her battle. Shes not happy with her intubation tube, shes use to sucking on a binky and things when shes mad so hopefully that will encourage her to fight harder to get it out. Were so blessed, were still staying at Stevens Hope and even though we dont have a lot of money to our name were trying to give back as much as we can. Vins mom Kim applied for something called AeroCares through her organization and its where they give money to families in need that work for Aeropostale. We were accepted and the money recieved is in the process of going to Stevens Hope. This organization helps so many families, who are absolutely incredible and we are so blessed to be part of their Special Family. <3 Its hard not working and not having any money but were trying to find jobs currently and possibly finding a local news station to come do a story on Scarlet and Organ Donation. We want to help spread awareness the best we can and get these amazing childrens stories told, their voices cant be heard yet so its up to heart parents to speak up. My mind has been going a thousand different directions with all the Scares and Prayers weve had this past week but I want to give back in a big way. Not sure how yet, or even when but I pray that the Lord gives me the opportunity to spread the word and give back to all the amazing people in our lives.  Still scatter brained Im not sure what else to mention, of course I can always answer any questions you guys may have so for now I will sign off saying once again, Thank You. For all the love and support you guys give, for the thousands of thoughts and prayers you send our way, they are much needed and felt. We have complete faith that our angel will make a full recovery and have all the energy to wait the long wait she still has. Scarlet is almost 2 months old, shes 7 lbs, 21 inches long, and the biggest love in the world. My pride and joy, my strength, she is my Scarlet Marie Griffith, Half hearted Angel who continues to fight the battle from leaving a piece of herself in Heaven. Here are some more pictures to enjoy before she took her journey this week. Finally getting her in outfits and seeing her little personality.<3 thank you all again.



                                          
The Sock Monkey Family
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith        

Saturday, July 16, 2011

A long wait ahead

       Hello all! Sorry its been so long since weve updated, its been a busy 5 weeks, the good news is... Were still fighting strong. Our angel is past her first OHS (Open Heart Surgery) where they put bands on her pulmonary arteries to restrict blood flow to the lungs and back to the heart, to buy time for the transplant wait. She went through it with flying colors, and was back in the NICU the same day.. Her scar is healing magnificently! A week later, at just two weeks old she took her first plane ride over to Loma Linda, California, where almost immediately after she got extubated, meaning her breathing tube came out!!.. Loma Linda is now our new residency while we wait, it was all very fast, the transition over here. With the wonderful help of our social workers we were set up with an amazing organization called Steven's Hope. Stevens story brings tears to my eyes, if you'd like to read it please visit this website. (Stevenshope.org) His parents wanted to help other families in need and have 2 bedroom apartments they sublease to families, us being one of them. I can't even describe to you this blessing, and the weight it lifts off our shoulders. When Scarlet recieves her heart we have a safe enviornment (home away from home) to bring her too for the 4 months we must remain in Loma Linda. The wait can be long, the longest wait theyve had was bout 7 months just to get a heart. Just getting on the transplant list seemed long. We ran into a few issues, Scarlet having CMV being one of them, after many tests, including lumbar puncture and MRI's they discovered its more or less "asleep" and it would be safe to continue with the evaluation process. It took a week, and many tests to get her there but were on the list!!! July 8th we got the call from a transplant coordinator, and a day later we recieved the official letter. 1A transplant status <3
           Recieving this letter, we immediately bowed our heads and prayed... Yet again another blessing and weight lifted off our shoulders. Our Heavenly Father is here for us and we feel that. Our angel girl is now off IV fluids and completely on breast milk!! :) Not only is she on breast milk but shes taking it straight from the breast, and when we cant be there, bottle! Something they told us she would never be able to accomplish because of her heart. She continues to prove the assumptions wrong and we cherish every milestone she completes. Shes up to her minimum amount which is 48 ccs, which she takes with no hesitation. Weve been able to give her baths and hold her more then ever imagined. We feel very lucky to get so much time with us. They reassure us that they want our wait to be as easy and normal as possible, and though it may be long were very blessed and thankful to be at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Were still trying to get her to gain weight, shes up to 5.5 lbs, the nurses have decided to add an extra supplement, a milk protein to help her and so far it seems to be working.

            We visit Scarlet everyday, I couldn't imagine not seeing her, we get to hold her and talk to her, shes always in high spirits. Smiles are her favorite thing to do for us, shes also found her voice. What a loud mouth this little fighter has, shes got the most adorable cry! We had Vins parents come and visit us about a week after being here and they got to hold her, which was amazing for us. We want all our family to get that chance. My wonderful mother came out here with us to help where ever she could and I dont know what we would have done without her, seeing our angel in our parents arms brings the most amazing feeling to our hearts. The same feeling fills our hearts when we hear from our family, that people who dont even know us walk up to them and hand them checks for our little Scarlet. Theres no doubt were struggling financially, Vin lost his job with the move, but that doesnt seem to be a major stress for us because of the amount of support we have. Dont get me wrong it is stressful trying to live off a small amount of saved money but every time we hear of donations, or even prayers our hearts simply melt and we start crying from shear joy. People don't HAVE to offer, or send money, but they do.. It reassures us that people are kind, loving, compassionate and supporting us through this hard time. I cant express our graditude to all of you that take time out of your day to read our updates, to pray for our scarlet, or even think about us, we know its not something you feel obligated to do, but do out of the kindness of your hearts. <3 So thank you, those two simple words dont really say it enough but we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
             Scarlet is already setting an example for so many, and she proves her strength. We've met alot of wonderful Heart families through the internet, and even at the NICU in Loma Linda and their support is incredible. We know our heart babies are amazingly strong, and we hope that what people are doing for us, we can do for other people. Recently we met a family thats daughter was born on the 4th of July and is going through the SAME EXACT thing as scarlet.. The surgeries wont work, so theyll do part of the hybrid with the bands and then she will be put on the heart transplant list as well. When we met this family it was like the world was lost, they were crushed, and with a few simple comforting words of positivity my husband spoke to them you saw the hope rise back in their hearts. We continue to talk to them everyday and make sure their angel is fighting on strong, we reassure them that we are there for them and know exactly what their going through and that it will get easier. Yes there are bad days, Scarlets having one today actually, but there are many GREAT days, and every day with our precious angels is a miracle and a blessed one at that. We cherish this journey God is allowing us to take. It sounds weird but we are grateful for this trial and were trying to embrace it anyway we can. Thank you all again for reading and staying close with our story. Ill do my best to make sure the time between the blogs isnt so long next time. Our angel is doing well and we appreciate the continued prayers. Hope all is well with everyone, we continue to pray for the donor families of all babies that make a second chance possible for all our heart transplant survivors. Please keep them in your prayers as well.


The Sock Monkey Family
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Presence of an Angel

             June 15, 2011 at 9:17 am Scarlet Marie Griffith graced us with her presence, 4 lbs 15.5 ounces (which they rounded to 5) and 17 beautiful inches.  She came via c-section due to stress during the labor, the cord was wrapped around her neck and stomach. Our monkey, who was said to come out ashen grey blue came out pretty and pink. With one little cry my heart was sold. As many know with a babies heart the ductus that is open while in the mother closes a few days after birth, due to scarlets condition they had to immediately take her to NICU and get her started on medications to keep that ductus open and our little angel alive. Normally after c-section your suppose to wait 12 hours before getting up and around, at 6 hours I was demanding my nurse to get approval for me to go see my daughter. Waiting to see her was very hard for me. Luckily my husband went with her to the NICU and took our family to go see her. Our baby girl is already 5 days old, were so proud, she's doing very well. The nitrogen level in her oxygen was too good for her little heart and was becoming toxic so they started her on a diluted nitrogen/oxygen supply to keep that number in a safe range for  her. Its alot to explain and especially running on as little sleep as I have been. Even though Scarlet is in the NICU, I find myself sitting up at night wondering what she is doing, what wed be doing if we had her at home and many many more things. 
I cant even express to everyone the amount of love we already have for our daughter. If you have children you know how unconditional it already is, but imagine they werent promised tomorrow, or even the next hour. How proud of them would you be for fighting, how much love would you allow yourself to give.. We have decided that we will give scarlet all of us. No matter how much fear we  have, no matter how much pain we have for what she has to go through, we will give her all of our hearts, even if we bleed. My daughter is my pride and joy and even though the fight and struggle has just begun I try and keep the faith and strength in knowing she will make it through. Scarlet had her first Heart Catheter on Friday the 17th, it went well, they found that her case of HLHS is much more severe then they had anticipated. They feel the best route for Scarlet is not only the hybrid procedure of the Norwood but a complete heart transplant. This is because the surgeries wont fix all of her heart, it will only buy time to wait for a heart. Her first surgery is this wednesday. We will know more when I talk with the doctors tomorrow.. We still have to get details like time, estimated recovery time, and when we will be transferred to another hospital within the region to wait for a heart transplant. 

              Baby Hearts aren't easy to come by, we will have to be patient and pray for our warriors strength to muster through.. We know the Lord is good and will do what he has planned for Scarlet. In the mean time, we are very scared and without my husband I would be lost. He saves me everyday and reassures me that our daughter is a fighter, she will make it. He works hard for our family and I am very grateful that my children will have a father as amazing as him. Scarlet  already has her daddy wrapped around her adorable little fingers. Not to mention she looks JUST like him :) my beautiful baby girl. While we wait to hear what the plan is for our angel I will humble myself and ask that you all please pray for our family. For me and vins comfort and strength while we watch our little girls chest be cut open and operated on this weds. and more for our Scarlet. That with each passing day, with all the visits from us, and the grandparents, along with friends that she finds a reason to fight. We not only want our daughter, we need her, she is an inspiration and miracle, one that should share her story when shes older. Please just prayer for our angel, the world should know her. Thank you for being so patient, as well as tuning in to hear about our baby girl. If you have any questions please let me know, ill try to update a short blog once I talk with the drs. <3

The Sock Monkey Family
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Thoughts Become Reality

            The week of May 16th was a very Real one to say the least for us... That monday we met with Dr. Galindo at the Childrens Heart Center of Nevada, he is the man that will be responsible for any intervention surgeries Scarlet may need after her initial surgery. We heard more in depth what her "Hybrid" procedure will be, due to her most recent diagnosis of the cardiac abnormality.. most will remember it as the so called "sparklies." Hearing what Dr. Galindo had to say about the first surgery she will need helped us put it more into perspective and be reassured that the Doctors have a plan for our little angel. Later we met with one of our nurses that will be helping out with Scarlet, Mia. She took us on a tour of the Sunrise Children's Heart Hospital where we will deliver. We went through numerous floors of the hospital touring the NICU, seeing where our little angel will be taken once first born. She'll be given the appropriate attention, medication & preparation for her surgeries, as well as gaining weight in her case. Next we went up to the PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), which is where she will be taken after her first surgery to recover as monitored. Once she's taken to the PICU floor we can stay at the hospital with our little monkey. 
            As you know Scarlet was underweight by about 2 or so weeks, at the first ultrasound we found that out she was weighing about 3 lbs 6 ounces... Chalking up the protein I did my best to try and help her grow, per the Doctors orders, unfortunately at the latest ultrasound we learned she hasn't grown much more.. she's now 4 lbs 1 ounce.. Its true that the ultrasound could be off, which we cross our fingers and pray for but its unsure till she comes out. Because of her weight my doctor wants to take her out close to 37 weeks. Right now were at 34 weeks 6 days almost 35 :) That leaves 2 1/2 weeks till scarlet is coming... June 15th! We did indeed get to pick her date and unless she wants to come out earlier were scheduled to go in the night of the 14th when we will start induction for the 15th being her due date!!! only 17 SHORT DAYS!!! As excited as we are to see our little angel, were also nervous as to how it will all go, but with faith and strong prayer we believe that baby scarlet will be just fine. She is our fighter. 
             Hello everyone! At the last ultrasound Scarlet also decided to give us a little wave. As I studied the pictures I noticed in the center of her hand there appears to be a heart.. Me and Vin take that as our sign that baby girl is going to be alright. Not every day is promised, but it can be cherished. Nerves are rising, excitement is bubbling and were very eager for these next 17 days to fly by and meet our little angel! Although some may not like Oprah she's brought me a sense of peace the past week with her farewell shows.. In one moment she talked about "Surrendering" something that got me is when she said... "I don't get it God, but I know you do." How perfectly simple that is.. I don't get why this is happening to our special little monkey, but I know he does.. he has a plan. She also sang the song "I surrender all to you, I surrender all, all to thee my blessed savior , I surrender all" All we can do is pray for the strength, God can dream a bigger dream for us then we can and I know no matter what the outcome we will be alright and carry on. "When you've worked as hard, done as much, tried, strived, hoped, just surrender...When you've done all that you can do and there is nothing left for you to do, give it up, let it become part of the flow. Live in Letting Go, you are NOT alone." -Oprah Winfrey. Thats exactly what we have to do. We have done all we can do for baby Scarlet and at this point her destiny is what God has planned for her. We surrender our lives, our path, and our journey to God and hope his plan for us includes our baby girl. 
         Unless things change with in the next 17 days this will most likely be the last post before Scarlets Journey begins. Thank you for all those that have followed us up till this point, and supported us in every way, prayer, donations, and such. If you know about the baby shower and are planning on coming, its still going to take place on the 18th.. Either natural or C-section I should be recovered and even though baby scarlet will not be there or in my belly she will be on this earth and we will have many many photos to share. The maternity shoot still hasn't taken place, it will happen next sunday just one short week before scarlet comes :) Thank you again for all the love and prayers we have felt. Don't hesitate to ask questions or comment anything, our blessings are with you, hope every one is great. 

The Sock Monkey Family
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith


Monday, May 9, 2011

Sooner then Later??

              Coming in at 32 weeks, 1 day normally we would have about 7 weeks, 6 days to go.. turns out our little monkey may be scheduled to be taken out at 37 weeks.... leaving only 5 weeks left! At todays ultrasound, Dr. Gorski told us Scarlets weight is smaller then what it should be.. she's weighing in around 3 lbs 6 ounces and should be about 4 lbs 2 ounces. The Dr. wants her to gain at least 2 more lbs before D day. If around 37 weeks it looks like she has gained enough she'll let her go closer to term.. If, however; on the other hand she doesn't seem to be growing well enough on her own, the doctor would like to go ahead and induce so she can be out and fed enough to gain the wait necessary. We have a ton of questions obviously as were sure you do too. A lot of those questions are still unanswered but Dr. Gorski says as we get closer shell update us on her intended plans. The initial shock for me was seeing where 37 weeks lands us... June 12th. JUNE 12TH! Thats like a month away, its so soon.. Not to mention the baby shower is on the 18th!!! Oh my goodness. Everything is happening so fast. BUT... a suggestion the Doctor gave me to help her gain some weight, is eating more protein. So naturally me and momma treated ourselves to Fridays where I got steak for lunch today :).
             Over the next couple of weeks we will go into twice a week monitoring to make sure she's still moving around, heart rate stays strong, and my blood pressure is good. In another two weeks we will meet with Dr. Gorski and Dr. Rollins for a heart ultrasound update. In exactly a week we will go to Dr. Rollins office where we will meet one of the surgeons, an interventionist, as well as a tour of the NICU. So much in what seems like such little time. Or more so quick time... These weeks have already been passing so fast its so hard to believe our little monkey could be here as soon as 5!!!
                Heres some 4d pictures of our little monkeys face, she was being stubborn, having her hand right up close to her face blocking half of it. Needless to say, we were still excited to see her so up close. Vin thinks she doesn't look like him, I told him hell have to wait till she pops out. Were both anxious to meet our little girl but hope she continues to grow so she is healthy enough to undergo all her surgeries. As you may notice I have incorporated my Faith necklace in both pictures. I do so for my Scarlet. She has given me a new sense of Faith. Her life is in our Lords hands and we can only pray and have faith he'll have her come to us safely for a long life to live. Contrary to whatever news we hear our faith stays strong... for Scarlet. We want her to know that no matter what the outcome could be we have all the faith in her and our Heavenly Father, we will never give up on her. She is a fighter, she has proved it thus far, and we know she will continue to. As for being emotionally ready for my little Heart Angel I cant say Im 100% but if Scarlet can beat the odds by making it this far, I can be strong, or at least try. No one can ever say they're ready to see their childs heart cut open to be exposed and operated on, to be put through the wait of a surgery, wondering what the outcome... but again... We have FAITH. We hold on to that, and the joy of seeing our little girl and we are grateful these things are possible. 
              On the last note of this blog, baby shower invites are going out either today or tomorrow :) And we may have pictures of her if she decides to come the week before :P Hopefully ill still have my giant baby belly and be carry her a little longer :) Thanks for staying tuned. We appreciate all the continuous prayers and followers. Also... we have a pregnancy shoot at the end of this month :D Exciting! Cant wait to work with Bryan Steffy, hes the BEST! <3

The Sock Monkey Family
Vince, Alexis, and Scarlet Griffith