Baby Stellan

I am still trying to get around to blogging about Easter, but this is heavier on my heart for now and I want to share...

I have recently added some new blogs to my "Amazing Blogs" list, and also a picture on the side that says "Praying for Stellan". If you click on the blog "My Charming Kids" it will take you to the blog of an incredible woman. I have never met the mother who writes this blog, however I feel more connected to her and in touch with her than I do with most people. She has 4 beautiful children under the age of 4, the youngest of which has a heart condition called SVT. I have followed her blog since before Stellan was born, and I encourage you to read her story when you have the time. But I will give you a quick introduction in the mean time.

At 20 weeks pregnant the mother (who is a photographer) learned that her baby had this heart condition SVT, which means that his heart beats at a dangerouly fast pace. She was told that he would not live once born. Well, he was born seemingly healthy and fine, and lived the first few months of life happily at home with his siblings. In March his heart switched into SVT, and he has been in the hospital now for over a month in the CICU. The mother has been faithful to blog almost everyday, and she has been able to put into words many of the same feeling and emotions that I felt as I sat in the CICU beside my son. I can identify with the words of this woman so much and as I read them certain memories of my own experience with a heart baby play back through in greater detail than they have in a while.

Lately, since Stellan has become sick, I have been more wrapped up in his story and circumstances than ever before. I am constantly checking my blog and twitter to see what is going on with Stellan, and how his mommy is doing each day. I feel so emotionally connected to this woman, as she shares her deepest feelings and thoughts while going through this storm. She loves the Lord, and has faith that amazes me every day. Stellan was moved from Minneapolis to the Children's Hospital in Boston today to see a doctor there. He will undergo a very risky surgery next Tuesday. He is known around the world (see his name gallery on her blog) and has even been on the news. With every breathe I am praying for this child and his loving mother and family. I have been there. I know what she is going through.

Following her story brings out lots of emotions in me now. Not only does it make me remember in detail how it felt to live in the CICU, but it also makes me think a lot about how my life could be now had Odell lived. I could be living at the Children's Hospital, torn between my sick son, and my children at home.

I encourage you to read the words of this faithful mother. We could all learn something from her love.

And of course I can't end this without a few picture of my sweet CICU son. So here are a few of my CICU memories...



Look at how purple the top of his hand was from getting "stuck"

The first time Payton came to visit Odell at Egleston this wonderful lady from the hospital spent time with Payton before she went back to see her brother. They talked all about what she would see, and what the machines around him would look and sound like, what all the things were that were attached to him, etc. Basically just preparing her for what she was about to see and experience. She also had art supplies and let Payton make pictures to decorate his area.

Payton was so happy to get to see him!

Look how swollen his belly is!

That's my boy!