Benscoter Family: May 2012

This month started off with a slow, easy pace which was a very welcome change from the last couple of months! I have continued to work 4 days a week but will be back down to 3 days a week starting in June (thank goodness...this Mommy is getting tired!). I had a wonderful Mother's day on May 13th as I woke up with a sweet card from Joe with a gift card to a local Salon & Spa for a day of pampering. What a keeper! Unfortunately Joe had to work that day but he made me feel special even in his absence :) Melissa and David arrived in Clovis late at night on May 17th. The following morning Joe, Sophia, Melissa, David, and I drove to Lubbock for an appointment with our pediatric cardiologist. We learned that Tyler's left ventricle had not improved so he has been diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This means that Tyler will need a series of 3 surgeries within the first 3 years of his life. His first surgery will be sometime the first week of his life, the second one usually takes place between 3-8 months old, and the third occurs sometime before the 3rd birthday. Tyler will have routine check ups with his cardiologist and, from what I understand, the cardiologist will be the one to determine when these surgeries should take place. Our cardiologist originally referred us to Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX but since that is out of network for us, we are now going to be sent to Chidren's Hospital Colorado which is located just outside of Denver in a town called Aurora. Both hospitals are used to dealing with children with HLHS and Children's Hospital Colorado is actually ranked #17th nationally for pediatric cardiothoracic surgery. We are hopeful that these surgeries will go well, Tyler will have few if any complications, and that he can live a happy, healthy, long, life! On May 24th we were lucky enough to have Nana and Grandpa Ben come to visit for a week! We all enjoyed their company and Sophia was spoiled as usual :) On May 26th our friend Brittney Dixon threw us a baby shower for our little man. He was spoiled with lots of cute new clothes and well wishes. We are so thankful to have such wonderful, supportive friends in our lives! On May 28th we spent the morning at Hillcrest Park to celebrate Mother's day with Nana. It was such a beautiful morning that we couldn't waste such a gorgeous weather day inside! Joe made fabulous burgers for us all to enjoy that evening as well. On May 31st our month concluded as we said 'bye-bye' to Nana and Grandpa Ben. We had a great week with them but look forward to seeing them again in the next couple of months. The month of June has already been an eventful one but I'll keep you in suspense until next month's blog. Well, here's a hint...someone in our family is enjoying a brand new set of wheels (and I think her name starts with 'D')!! Joe and I are scheduled to meet with all of our specialists in Colorado later this week and I will be sure to post all of the details of this visit next month. Thanks for your continued support and prayers, they are greatly appreciated!