Happy Halloween!

This litte dragon loves chocolate!

Shepherd at 9 Months

Hi Everyone! Talking, standing and laughing are my favorite activities! I can't wait to start walking! As you can see, I am sitting up all by myself.

Shepherd @ 8 months

Hi Everyone!

We've Moved

Shepherd was a big help during the move.

Abalone Diving and Camping

My first camping trip and abalone diving! Mom and Dad bundled me up to keep me warm.

Its Week #19 for Shepherd!!

Hi Friends and Family! We finally bought a new house! We have been busy packing and getting ready for the move. Shepherd has been extremely talkative lately, we think he is excited for the move too!

Week #14

This is my very first spring break. I have been spending it with my dad, he took a couple days off to spend time with me!

My 12th Week

This week was filled with firsts. First time to sleep in my crib, in my own room. I have been picking up my head. I will be crawling very soon.

Its week #10 for Shepherd

Shepherd has been rolling onto his belly and lifting up his head. Cooing, babbling and smiling is his preferred method of communicating...we like this much better than crying.

Week 8

This week has been filled with lots of smiles!

7 weeks old

Hi Friends and Family!

We have been so busy spending time with Shepherd that we had not updated the blog. Shepherd is growing so fast. We have attached pictures of two of his favorite activities....bath time and sleeping. His incision has finally completely healed from open heart surgery.

Home Sweet Home

Well, things sure do happen fast! It was nearly two weeks ago that Shepherd was rushed to UCSF Children's Hospital. After surprising his parents and doctors with a quick recovery, Shepherd was released to come home.

We are grateful for all of the UCSF Cardiac staff. The nurses and doctors are a truly talented team.

Shepherd will require many follow up cardiac appointments and additional surgeries in the years to come, but the hardest part is behind us.

Thanks to all of our family, friends, co-workers and others we have yet to meet. We have been blessed with so much support, we greatly appreciate it.

Warm regards,

Justen and Mindy

Another Great Day

Shepherd is eating and healing quickly. We are still waiting for the drainage tubes to be removed by the doctors. This will be a big step for him. Currently his breathing is restricted by the tubes and the tape that holds the tubes in place. Once removed, his oxygen levels will be closely monitored to see how his repaired heart is working. Currently, he is being given a small amount of oxygen and hopefully will be weaned off soon. Shepherd definitely has his dad’s appetite and is eating more every day. This is the next step in the healing process. He is eating so well, there are a few steps in the healing process that he was able to skip, like adding a feeding tube in the nose. Soon he will be stable enough to be move from the cardiac intensive care unit. Mom and Dad are still taking it one day at a time. It is a joy to hear the little guy cry, see his eyes and be able to hold him again.

Happy New Year from San Francisco!

Shepherd has been recovering quickly. He has been bottle feeding 2 ounces every two to three hours. This is better than the doctors and nurses expected; it is the rate a normal healthy newborn typically eats. The nursing staff suggested the drain tubes may be taken out as soon as tomorrow. Once the tubes are taken out, Mom and Dad will be able to hold their son again, he will also be able to breastfeed.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, 2010 is already starting to be a great year!