tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58691361328154306252024-03-13T20:08:49.898-04:00Journey to ChinaThis blog documents the Spitlers' progress towards the adoption of Xia Ping He (Noah Spitler) from the PR China. It also documents Noah's medical process in pursuit of a total repair to his CHD (congenital heart defect).Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-91846565490091703132024-03-13T20:08:00.000-04:002024-03-13T20:08:01.180-04:00Healthy Noah (Discharged!)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcW7uneRRZ6olGnh4FmXFSi6tjYnYsepxfBCk6z9dD_6A_-a-_mpxgLDGzRJTwjwQVz7YtphCVYOH9Bft8-4BScGY_3OjGvDuyjcryE9aVTktLCQZsVMTTlPQxHmShhxfaiiBYDoKWixgVYIdW7_1fh4IdWwoEydNmf4Jm8dyg6kwQbmUYc9zrFlUjYw/s4032/IMG_8670.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcW7uneRRZ6olGnh4FmXFSi6tjYnYsepxfBCk6z9dD_6A_-a-_mpxgLDGzRJTwjwQVz7YtphCVYOH9Bft8-4BScGY_3OjGvDuyjcryE9aVTktLCQZsVMTTlPQxHmShhxfaiiBYDoKWixgVYIdW7_1fh4IdWwoEydNmf4Jm8dyg6kwQbmUYc9zrFlUjYw/s320/IMG_8670.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBWXirmOxU8n1thJn3vyNn4HCRb716zjlAlyXpi9L6OT52ZOWCT2ACoeQxVVXbrPtfct9zehx7sAFrdnodmStfgeqrj27fm0htEz9ltprPi0bNFT-q0M5xyIYqmyREaoNhEY4bMoshwWoSoBdXoILGZFIjusEDp43cCVWLwQcn5wSKfjkldBkI0nUrE8/s4032/IMG_9460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvBWXirmOxU8n1thJn3vyNn4HCRb716zjlAlyXpi9L6OT52ZOWCT2ACoeQxVVXbrPtfct9zehx7sAFrdnodmStfgeqrj27fm0htEz9ltprPi0bNFT-q0M5xyIYqmyREaoNhEY4bMoshwWoSoBdXoILGZFIjusEDp43cCVWLwQcn5wSKfjkldBkI0nUrE8/s320/IMG_9460.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB8DMJ1gdwMUvh_DA94S1oz4T_gy_GWUtqNzOn-J3MDPl59b1lyVd5MRGJnUBhAx8oNI5BfsLmpT669L9zGYfFzV9MIu4S7oNidbB97PEATtvAVq4GPYWvotqrNUWeDCgug0gyh1TBmXbnej8QExOCs1scAo1E8DYNT5AogMR0JIfWyq38651o2rwfog/s4032/IMG_9476.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggB8DMJ1gdwMUvh_DA94S1oz4T_gy_GWUtqNzOn-J3MDPl59b1lyVd5MRGJnUBhAx8oNI5BfsLmpT669L9zGYfFzV9MIu4S7oNidbB97PEATtvAVq4GPYWvotqrNUWeDCgug0gyh1TBmXbnej8QExOCs1scAo1E8DYNT5AogMR0JIfWyq38651o2rwfog/s320/IMG_9476.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> More great news today, friends, as Noah’s echocardiogram came back “good” and he was able to leave the hospital! We are back at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford and Noah’s resting after a big lunch. <p></p><p>Thank you all for your prayers and for the Lord’s gracious favor on Noah. We lack the words to sufficiently appreciate the staff at LPCH and Dr. McElhinney’s team - all super professional and talented! It was bittersweet to leave the hospital, but Noah never looked back. </p><p>Noah was told to watch for some pain in the chest and his legs where the catheters were inserted, but nothing a little Tylenol wouldn’t manage. He was given a few restrictions on exertion but told to expect an energy boost to be apparent in a week- now that the blood flow to his lungs is no longer restricted. </p><p>Praise God from Whom all blessing flow!</p><p>Adam & Robin</p><p>Ps. From the photo above you can see the sedation wore off and Noah quickly returned to “harassing” his Mom. 😏</p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-80920403105999219202024-03-12T19:46:00.000-04:002024-03-12T19:46:08.381-04:00Thanking God for Great News<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHWADGu_tGM1iHFeiG8KJehIOeUIU7tgYXTXRaLllp7pjaEGIKgkRga4Ssqq5siE_Ac41XSaeR0LLqmFKH54-avZtRpp_6PFbDVADuIUA1B3XK4ZSM-Z_bg0pRKWJH4oNa7basMTyKdRLxPE75RvNVVMb6X0pazFK-IJCJqHRzoN57hPH38CLZKS6zyI/s4032/IMG_8656.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPHWADGu_tGM1iHFeiG8KJehIOeUIU7tgYXTXRaLllp7pjaEGIKgkRga4Ssqq5siE_Ac41XSaeR0LLqmFKH54-avZtRpp_6PFbDVADuIUA1B3XK4ZSM-Z_bg0pRKWJH4oNa7basMTyKdRLxPE75RvNVVMb6X0pazFK-IJCJqHRzoN57hPH38CLZKS6zyI/s320/IMG_8656.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Noah’s surgery went very well, according to Dr. McElhinney. They did insert a Melody TPV (valve) and everything looked good, including the shunt that Dr. Hanley installed/fabricated back in 2011. <p></p><p>Noah is in a normal room now and slowly waking up. All of his care has been fabulous. </p><p>Noah will spend the night here, get an Xray and another echocardiogram, then probably leave the hospital tomorrow. </p><p>We are humbled by all the notes and messages (and balloons!) from friends and family, knowing so many of you were praying. It’s very clear that God blessed this day by making things go “right down the line”. We are very grateful for God’s generous help!</p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-89322075897229075772024-03-12T15:49:00.000-04:002024-03-12T15:49:18.315-04:00Noah in Surgery for New PA Valve<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFCho-NLpkoQK2SdogvKliF2A9m26Yf5NM8DeG-6eYXclxPz0S4LNUy6dWz6uYZNq9lSdDf0taM7xhYfj5Uy-nyQRlAYoY0QzgF_44tQK-KgCbMw26mSwPPJBcuNT3FqxP0YVE1-pWRFtgEun-64sDu7wKWy9zONn76H1KD8ZS20ajdAsbkAPLDIrPC0/s4032/IMG_7078.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFCho-NLpkoQK2SdogvKliF2A9m26Yf5NM8DeG-6eYXclxPz0S4LNUy6dWz6uYZNq9lSdDf0taM7xhYfj5Uy-nyQRlAYoY0QzgF_44tQK-KgCbMw26mSwPPJBcuNT3FqxP0YVE1-pWRFtgEun-64sDu7wKWy9zONn76H1KD8ZS20ajdAsbkAPLDIrPC0/s320/IMG_7078.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2c2qJqv3YHYIY2xO8aGHJcCXz2VW2FA1SAHTtnuy52A7GIl0XPloGTNXHbcvYTAt_0YswHgfQzHfWvR2WR-7tuQhcUiqS2VoEkxkHzKFdyFAIofsipmmobbe_EwJU9AVRMbPA7FqNYtc6idjJBmY8wjr0Qm_-cv2hh9UDzeEQvUiq1lSLpV4FJGceGOA/s1256/IMG_8647.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1256" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2c2qJqv3YHYIY2xO8aGHJcCXz2VW2FA1SAHTtnuy52A7GIl0XPloGTNXHbcvYTAt_0YswHgfQzHfWvR2WR-7tuQhcUiqS2VoEkxkHzKFdyFAIofsipmmobbe_EwJU9AVRMbPA7FqNYtc6idjJBmY8wjr0Qm_-cv2hh9UDzeEQvUiq1lSLpV4FJGceGOA/s320/IMG_8647.jpeg" width="245" /></a></div><br /> Thanks for praying, friends!<p></p><p>Update: The morning went well and actually started earlier than planned (the surgery team asked us to come 2 hours earlier than planned), but then there was a patient that needed to jump in front of Noah, so around 1115am PT he got some “sleepy juice” and they wheeled him back for the procedure. </p><p>We got to meet Dr. Doff McElhinney and more of his staff- all impressive people; what an amazing team of God-gifted people out here. </p><p>The procedure is expected to last 2-3 hours. Thank you again for praying and for loving Noah!</p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-8946243007314579702024-03-11T20:28:00.000-04:002024-03-11T20:28:01.583-04:00Work Up Day at Stanford!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AL5dtNbg7ths1B3cOhGSIVMkZL-2DeukGz1NWg2EL8cz7C0c3yzNxtyFn98Qo56oLXCdgTcISawBASbeJQnAS8l6hKoMYPdjlx7QOSo9_RmV1aUN4noXsyNGSbq3t4CLW5FWoNV1Bhn9JdEthyphenhyphenhmXwlVCRbAoT9LZVOpGVRZKGi-3E2QawAJxllH9Bw/s4032/IMG_7056.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-AL5dtNbg7ths1B3cOhGSIVMkZL-2DeukGz1NWg2EL8cz7C0c3yzNxtyFn98Qo56oLXCdgTcISawBASbeJQnAS8l6hKoMYPdjlx7QOSo9_RmV1aUN4noXsyNGSbq3t4CLW5FWoNV1Bhn9JdEthyphenhyphenhmXwlVCRbAoT9LZVOpGVRZKGi-3E2QawAJxllH9Bw/s320/IMG_7056.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAigsggBckfur4SHpC0tL7wMWze4AgBoiiiQv4NJpue8SaGhc-Un4-Ocq2PBwHKGHNqbaA5d0iC3fdCYQ9zK4KIhEHjl4LzcRxaGBsgiH9-zLQn57dTdvlhIsMt9EzuCgLFgepnvSvsptTZsED0zIYvMf4OQYDlOMzwHo0yXD-j6mO5QWAL1mfhAh_Vak/s4032/IMG_8615.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAigsggBckfur4SHpC0tL7wMWze4AgBoiiiQv4NJpue8SaGhc-Un4-Ocq2PBwHKGHNqbaA5d0iC3fdCYQ9zK4KIhEHjl4LzcRxaGBsgiH9-zLQn57dTdvlhIsMt9EzuCgLFgepnvSvsptTZsED0zIYvMf4OQYDlOMzwHo0yXD-j6mO5QWAL1mfhAh_Vak/s320/IMG_8615.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi481dbx9XqOH_SJMmMqdpZMbqkDaksBQWXRPlVba8j8HMl-Timk1dFaFXRsKdgsX34fdvhxfjEpkotX1arIip6CtRq8LVfub51fEXf3y5PfjLIGf1Pfm3nRrTQAu0cD1PX8QoODPkU2UHG9DwDQfpTFxj6FFeI8zCpJJSD7PSzw-uWH9ykaopMMYfz0Hc/s4032/IMG_8622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi481dbx9XqOH_SJMmMqdpZMbqkDaksBQWXRPlVba8j8HMl-Timk1dFaFXRsKdgsX34fdvhxfjEpkotX1arIip6CtRq8LVfub51fEXf3y5PfjLIGf1Pfm3nRrTQAu0cD1PX8QoODPkU2UHG9DwDQfpTFxj6FFeI8zCpJJSD7PSzw-uWH9ykaopMMYfz0Hc/s320/IMG_8622.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Thanks for all your prayers! God has really blessed this trip and Noah (who feels great)!<p></p><p>We traveled to SFO on Saturday with an uneventful day. We met up with some super friends from earlier days (I called nobody “old”, ha ha), who spent Sunday showing us Santa Cruz, surfing, and California BBQ. It was a great day of rest and fellowship. To top it off, we were offered a room at the Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, which was a real blessing (and where Robin spent 80+ nights back in 2011). If you ever get a chance to toss some loose change into the donation bucket at a McDonalds- it’s a valid place to give!</p><p>This morning (Monday), we checked in at LPCH (Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital), and Noah got lab work done, an EKG, an echocardiogram, and a briefing from the anesthesia and catheterization teams. What an amazing group of professionals- they answered all our questions and told Noah what to expect. Amazingly- the sonographer who saw Noah today was the SAME LADY who did his echo back in 2011! I was able to show her the picture of her and Noah - which she found only slightly interesting. (Ha ha). </p><p>So- everything checked out fine and Noah is scheduled for the TPV (Tanscatheter Pulmonary Valve) insertion tomorrow at 9am Pacific Time (noon on the East Coast). The procedure should last 2-3 hours and Robin and I will post an update as soon as we can.</p><p>This afternoon we filled the time with Mediterranean food, a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, and a drive up and down Lombard Street. </p><p>Noah can’t have anything to eat after midnight tonight so I picked up his favorite - bacon and eggs, which I’ll cook him for a late “second dinner” before bedtime. </p><p>Thanks again for your prayers. God has great plans for Noah. May He also bless many of you who follow along and are praying for him!</p><p>Adam</p><p><br /></p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-24133989213533626982024-02-27T21:13:00.000-05:002024-02-27T21:13:23.737-05:00Update on Noah: Healthy but Needs a Valve<p> Hello friends,</p><p>It's been years since we posted on this blog. Not sure whom is still connected and listening, but wanted to give you an update.</p><p>We are all well. Noah is 20yo now and graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in May 2023. He's now a full-time student at Georgia Southern University and is studying finance. </p><p>We thank God that even though Noah's major heart repair (unifocalization by Dr. Frank Hanley in 2011) was given a 3-5 year "life expectancy", his repair has lasted almost 13 years! Glory to God and thank you, Dr. Hanley and your team at Stanford.</p><p>Last November, after looking at Noah's scans (heart cath MRI and annual echocardiograms), his Savannah cardiologist (Dr. Broderick) let us know that the time had come to replace Noah's pulmonary artery valve - which was installed in 2011. We knew the valve had been leaking slightly for a few years, but nothing needed to be done until now.</p><p>So - we are heading back out to Palo Alto, California; to the same hospital (Lucille Packard Children's Hospital) for Noah to receive a new PA Valve. Known as the Melody TPV - it's part mechanical valve and part bovine artery. It will be inserted using a catheter through Noah's leg. The procedure is planned for Tuesday, March 12th.</p><p>That's all for now. Thanks in advance to all of you who pray alongside us. The Lord has great plans for Noah!</p><p>Adam</p><p></p><p>Here is a picture of Olivia (23) and Noah (20) on their shared birthday in December.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLgw6q_m9WQOZQQbK1b8QCo1OgJ1nCWLupRZOUcE8l6HdkldqTvJlgJ_1xzg4moM8e-jBRiQhNm0BuqGNCPTv4OOOA_-RZCaDHG-IyKcRVZY_8n4JZV8ijRlY-3fH9-YYFkGe-2GqGned-2ufEd5805pWPjz-7ObszDEbDTkTjGvr0NQKSUkIvjZcBhM/s4032/IMG_6237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLgw6q_m9WQOZQQbK1b8QCo1OgJ1nCWLupRZOUcE8l6HdkldqTvJlgJ_1xzg4moM8e-jBRiQhNm0BuqGNCPTv4OOOA_-RZCaDHG-IyKcRVZY_8n4JZV8ijRlY-3fH9-YYFkGe-2GqGned-2ufEd5805pWPjz-7ObszDEbDTkTjGvr0NQKSUkIvjZcBhM/s320/IMG_6237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-82054982206079277472018-03-21T09:25:00.000-04:002018-03-21T09:25:48.000-04:00Six years laterDear friends,<br />
<br />
Well, nearly six years have moved by since our last blog and that has seen lots of change: not only to Noah’s health and stature, but to social media (Twitter, SnapChat, InstaGram). A blog might now be considered “old school,” but it’s still an efficient way to pass information to friends.<br />
<br />
So Noah is 14 years old now. Hard to believe that he’s lived longer in the US now than he did in China. He has really started to grow- he now weighs 80 pounds (he weighed 37 lbs. when we adopted him at age 6) and although he’s shorter than most 7th graders, he is up to 4ft 9in now, which often garners remarks of “You’re getting so tall!” from friends and family members.<br />
<br />
So how’s he feeling? Well, I continue to ask him if he ever feels weak or loses some peripheral vision, and he replies, “No, I feel ok”. (He’s not a man of many words.) We had an annual checkup last October in Savannah with his pediatric cardiologist (Dr. Broderick), and the ECG (echocardiogram) showed some leaking around the valve installed in 2011. We were told, in 2012, by the way, that the initial repair generally lasts for 3-5 years before needing another repair (surgery through the sternum). So now that it’s been almost 7 years since that time, I feel we are on “borrowed time”, especially since Noah has gained so much weight and height— it seems that would be much more stress on the conduit that was installed by Dr. Hanley.<br />
<br />
Tuesday, (March 20th) Noah and Robin drove back down to Savannah and he had a lung profusion scan- his first in 3 years - and that should help determine how things are “holding together” in his heart and pulmonary artery. Noah has a follow-up doctor’s appointment in April and we’ll update you when we know more. Thanks, as always, for your prayers!Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-17627342264759020372012-08-16T13:46:00.000-04:002012-08-16T13:46:10.552-04:00Photos from CaliforniaSorry it took awhile, folks. Here are the pictures from California. Noah continues to feel good. He should have a lung profusion scan soon and then we'll know more.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your prayers and friendship,<br />
<br />
Adam (& Robin)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALA04mjfKOk/UC0tsptc17I/AAAAAAAAAvU/l5YxA9xy5m0/s1600/DSC_0132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ALA04mjfKOk/UC0tsptc17I/AAAAAAAAAvU/l5YxA9xy5m0/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEgV9bFQ3rw/UC0tvwl2nOI/AAAAAAAAAvc/UfTbWiPlUJU/s1600/DSC_0253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEgV9bFQ3rw/UC0tvwl2nOI/AAAAAAAAAvc/UfTbWiPlUJU/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP7TkhcHNHQ/UC0tzHTlsBI/AAAAAAAAAvk/EMbfruYyiv8/s1600/DSC_0257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZP7TkhcHNHQ/UC0tzHTlsBI/AAAAAAAAAvk/EMbfruYyiv8/s320/DSC_0257.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XxWH1fATNM/UC0xbvBldGI/AAAAAAAAAv4/TBi1EvWUS88/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3XxWH1fATNM/UC0xbvBldGI/AAAAAAAAAv4/TBi1EvWUS88/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDf15Ru6Lvs/UC0xcL_27_I/AAAAAAAAAv8/cu8kGSmQMEw/s1600/IMG_0489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KDf15Ru6Lvs/UC0xcL_27_I/AAAAAAAAAv8/cu8kGSmQMEw/s320/IMG_0489.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94bwSKrlZZY/UC0xcplaifI/AAAAAAAAAwE/4Q4bwNborVI/s1600/IMG_0510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94bwSKrlZZY/UC0xcplaifI/AAAAAAAAAwE/4Q4bwNborVI/s320/IMG_0510.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOxQ6TGCh4Q/UC0xdZkHPCI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/U1qCG_yw30M/s1600/IMG_0521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOxQ6TGCh4Q/UC0xdZkHPCI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/U1qCG_yw30M/s320/IMG_0521.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl2A8Gmzq2Y/UC0xdzbs5VI/AAAAAAAAAwY/TIQAtPxOdas/s1600/IMG_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wl2A8Gmzq2Y/UC0xdzbs5VI/AAAAAAAAAwY/TIQAtPxOdas/s320/IMG_0542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttc2xAs6Ja8/UC0xeimRJ-I/AAAAAAAAAwg/BFEr3-FqvYM/s1600/IMG_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ttc2xAs6Ja8/UC0xeimRJ-I/AAAAAAAAAwg/BFEr3-FqvYM/s320/IMG_0553.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OevaN3Z6W8U/UC0xtTuHd8I/AAAAAAAAAwo/wiwgzC1bnnY/s1600/DSC_0234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OevaN3Z6W8U/UC0xtTuHd8I/AAAAAAAAAwo/wiwgzC1bnnY/s320/DSC_0234.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-12329707895743507972012-08-04T21:39:00.000-04:002012-08-04T21:39:49.043-04:00One Tough Day, One Great DayHi Everyone,<br />
<br />
We had a successful trip to Northern California this week. One really cool surprise was discovering that Dave "Picker" Cotton (a friend I flew F16s with) was the pilot of our B767 flight to San Francisco! When we took off, I told Noah, "You know, Mr. Dave is flying us all the way to California, so you'll have to judge the flight and his landing and tell him how he did when we get off the plane!" Half-way to San Francisco, Noah fell asleep and stayed that way all the way to the gate. When it was time to get off the plane, I woke him - he immediately said, "Dad, how was Mr. Dave's landing?!?" And I said, "Well, what do YOU think?" Noah hesitated for a minute then replied, "Well, I didn't even wake up...so it must have been a good one!" It was, indeed, a great flight. Thanks, Picker!<br />
<br />
Wednesday was consumed by a quick "Ride the Ducks" tour of San Francisco, visiting with the Lietzau's, and getting some much-needed rest. If you get a chance someday to take a "Ride the Ducks" tour - we highly recommend it! (I'll try to post pictures later).<br />
<br />
Thursday was a bit of a tough day; our first day at LCPH (Lucille Packard Childrens Hospital). Noah's vitals were checked and he had another ECG (echocardiogram). During the "pre-brief" for Friday's heart cath, we learned that the ECG revealed narrowing in some of Noah's pulmonary arteries and that his right ventricle was enlarged. We also learned (for the first time - or did we miss this earlier?) that the conduit installed last year normally lasts only 3-5 years and then must be replaced (by surgery). So as we were digesting all of this new information, the doctor then told Noah he'd have to go by the lab for a blood draw. Unfortunately, his veins and the phlebotomist didn't get along too well, so it took 3 or 4 tries before success was achieved. Noah was very, very brave through it all; Olivia and Dad...well, we had to excuse ourselves for most of it. But, soon enough, it was over and Noah had a couple "manly" bandages to show for it all. (Again, I'll try to show some pictures later). By that time it was well past noon, so we sought out some "comfort food" at a local favorite: "Lu Lu's" - home of the Super Burrito. "Miss Elizabeth" Wise met us there and we shared lots of laughs.<br />
<br />
Friday morning started off by Noah's consumption of apple juice and jello - the last things he could eat before 9am. We signed into the Ford Surgery Center, Noah was wiped down with special cleaning pads, then he put on his "hospital pajamas". Soon his "sleepy juice" arrived and he gulped it right down. Only one parent was allowed to accompany Noah into the "cath lab," and after much agonizing, Noah picked Robin. ("Good decision, son!") That meant Robin got to wear the "bunny suit," booties, and cap; I got to play photographer. (Again, I promise pictures!) Promptly at noon, Robin left Noah in surgery - he was literally holding his eyelids open with his fingers; exclaiming, "See, I'm still not sleepy!" We were told to expect a 2-4 hour procedure, depending on whether they dilated any arteries (ballooning) or simply took pressures and observations.<br />
<br />
Just a bit past 2 hours, Dr. Perry (the cardiologist and heart cath expert) sought us out with good news: Noah's procedure was complete and they were able to stretch 2 portions of his right "pulmonary artery" from a very small 2mm up to 6mm in diameter. Noah's RV (Right Ventricle) pressure (previously 36), then reduced to 30 - a much better number. Dr. Perry said that the conduit looked "very good" and looked to be big enough to sustain Noah for quite awhile (another 2-3 years??). We were led down to the recovery room where we found a very sedated Noah, sleeping on his back, stiff as a board. "You'd better get a video of that!", Robin said with a laugh; "I've never seen him that still." After an hour, we wheeled him upstairs to the notorious "3 West" - the "low-threat" recovery area of LPCH. He had a few stomach issues - did even want a Popsicle for awhile; but later took a nap and felt better afterwards.<br />
<br />
It's now the end of our day. Noah is staying the night in LPCH (for observation after his artery dilations) and I'm his co-pilot. He's now had 2 Popsicles, a bowl of broth, a bag of pretzels, and a cup of chicken noodle soup! With a little pressure from her husband, Robin headed for the Marriott, and since the girls are at the Lietzau's, she just might get a much-needed night alone in a hotel room! Go, Robin!<br />
<br />
Thanks for all your prayers today, friends. It's been a difficult week for us, but today was good. Once again, God's grace helped Noah remain calm and helped me overcome my normal hospital anxieties. We thank God for the amazing collection of talent and compassion He's assembled at LPCH. It's a long trip out here, but for our Noah, it's worth every mile!<br />
<br />
If possible, I'll get the correct cord we need to transfer pictures to the web, and post those for you this weekend.<br />
<br />
Your friends in Christ,<br />
Adam & RobinRobin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-80736947450202086862012-07-29T21:59:00.000-04:002012-07-29T21:59:21.820-04:00Back to San Francisco!Hi Everyone,<br />
<br />
I know it's been 9 months since our last blog, so if you don't happen to live near us (and receive periodic updates), here is a brief word on Noah's health. Noah is doing very well. Since his return from California last September, Noah's grown about 1+1/4 inches, added about 10 lbs., and has experienced very, very few respiratory illnesses (unlike before his repair, when he had a cough or cold every 6-8 weeks). His teeth have done a lot of catching up - he's currently missing some or all of 7 teeth - either having fallen out or needing to have been pulled. His energy level is very normal for an 8 year old, which means he does a lot of running around the house and throwing himself on the floor. He loves to ride bikes and play any sort of video or computer game. We'll try to post some pictures soon.<br />
<br />
The reason for this posting is to let you know we'll be returning to San Francisco later this week. <br />
Dr. Hanley asked that Noah return to LPCH for a one year follow-up heart cath, which is scheduled for Friday. Other than the normal risks associated with a heart cath, we don't have any known concerns for Noah, other than a slight increase in his "right side" heart blood pressure (going to the lungs). I'm sure the heart cath will determine the cause of this.<br />
<br />
We'll try to post the pictures and updates later this week. Thanks for your prayers!<br />
<br />
Adam and Robin<br />
<br />
<br />Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-801006353566843742012-02-16T13:02:00.005-05:002012-02-16T13:19:09.184-05:002012 Spitler Family Update<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMaq69bd9jc/Tz1H_qtqRdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/9pWBuRB4770/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hMaq69bd9jc/Tz1H_qtqRdI/AAAAAAAAAvM/9pWBuRB4770/s320/DSC_0002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709799061698790866" border="0" /></a>Hello Everyone,<br />I know you probably think we all dropped off the face of the earth but we haven't. We are still here in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Statesboro</span> living our everyday life...home, church, school, friends, family and oh, the drama that never seems to end. To catch you all up on how we all are, here goes...<br />Noah is doing very well. He is running around at the speed of light and never seems to stop. He has more energy than he knows what to do with. His overall health is very good. He continues to gain weight here and there and is growing taller. He is as handsome as ever and has a personality the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">screams</span>, "Look at me"! He is enjoying first grade and has many friends. He has the best teacher EVER. She has worked very hard with him to get him up to speed in all aspects of his schooling. She is the most patient women I have ever met. Noah loves to play video games, swing outside, play with friends and with his sisters. It has been a challenge to help him understand that parents are in charge and not him :) We pray every day that he will come to truly grasp what it meant to live in a family, submit to authority, and learn about who Jesus is and his saving grace. We continue to ask you all to pray for us on these matters as we continue on this journey. Actually, sometimes it is more of a drama than a journey but you can use which ever word you like best.<br />Madison is doing well also. She is a thriving and beautiful 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> grader. I am so happy to be home to see her, and Olivia, after being gone for so long. Madison played volleyball at school while Noah and I were in California. She seems to really like playing. She also enjoys her art class at school. She is a very artistic girl and has ambitions of using her art abilities in the future. Madison loves hanging out with her friends, listening to music, dabbling on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Pintrist</span>, and being involved in the youth group at church.<br />Olivia, the princess, is having a great life...every day. She almost always has a smile on her face and loves to have FUN!!! She spends a lot of time playing with Noah and her friends. She loves to watch movies, play on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Wii</span> (dancing of course), and reading. She is loved by all and loves all.<br />To catch you all up on the events of late I will add some pictures from various events and holidays so you can see the fun we have been having. Thank you all again so much for all of the prayers you have said for our family. The last year to two years have been the crazies roller coaster ride and our survival is only because of the Lord and you all. You, again, have prayed, made meals, sent gift cards, been a taxi driver, nanny, and so much more. We love you all and pray the Lord will bless you for all you have done.<br />Last but not least, I want to say a BIG thank you to my husband, Adam. There are no words that can ever truly show how much I love and appreciate you. You are my best friend and supporter. You did so much while Noah and I were away. You truly came to know how it would feel to be a single parent trying to do it all. It was so much work but you did a super job. Thank you love. You deserve a major vacation to some exotic place...oh, and I of course will join you :) THANKS!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLa6yJ1g_RY/Tz1G23UC7jI/AAAAAAAAAu0/HERG82qcVrg/s1600/DSC_0011.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLa6yJ1g_RY/Tz1G23UC7jI/AAAAAAAAAu0/HERG82qcVrg/s320/DSC_0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797810950565426" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uT9UgS__tWc/Tz1FLiT6kvI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Gl9EFyh0jWA/s1600/PC010157.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uT9UgS__tWc/Tz1FLiT6kvI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Gl9EFyh0jWA/s320/PC010157.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795967066870514" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUboY3erDew/Tz1G2SQigLI/AAAAAAAAAuo/q4PY7Q5bNV0/s1600/DSC_0114.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yUboY3erDew/Tz1G2SQigLI/AAAAAAAAAuo/q4PY7Q5bNV0/s320/DSC_0114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797801003745458" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijeoAYKzrfg/Tz1G31obyiI/AAAAAAAAAvA/nTznZel-kFI/s1600/DSC_0082.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ijeoAYKzrfg/Tz1G31obyiI/AAAAAAAAAvA/nTznZel-kFI/s320/DSC_0082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797827679078946" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jM-sAv2i4Q/Tz1GKbYH9cI/AAAAAAAAAuE/xv_l07uwVp4/s1600/PB290114.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jM-sAv2i4Q/Tz1GKbYH9cI/AAAAAAAAAuE/xv_l07uwVp4/s320/PB290114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797047537235394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjStBKvwa5g/Tz1GILlyRVI/AAAAAAAAAt4/bbg8M97IAuQ/s1600/PB300131.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjStBKvwa5g/Tz1GILlyRVI/AAAAAAAAAt4/bbg8M97IAuQ/s320/PB300131.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797008939828562" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI7oxxzSh7M/Tz1GHmDDOUI/AAAAAAAAAts/8f2C5p7kIh0/s1600/PB300130.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lI7oxxzSh7M/Tz1GHmDDOUI/AAAAAAAAAts/8f2C5p7kIh0/s320/PB300130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709796998862027074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ri8VXqaQ2vk/Tz1GLVrxMsI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0u7fkG2whhQ/s1600/PB280090.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ri8VXqaQ2vk/Tz1GLVrxMsI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/0u7fkG2whhQ/s320/PB280090.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709797063188886210" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuQj_ohoEDI/Tz1FKwAH9xI/AAAAAAAAAtM/uVhId2QjnDY/s1600/DSC_0022.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AuQj_ohoEDI/Tz1FKwAH9xI/AAAAAAAAAtM/uVhId2QjnDY/s320/DSC_0022.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795953562089234" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzvZkkawstc/Tz1FKGhIiLI/AAAAAAAAAtA/IuXxLY8YUlY/s1600/DSC_0041.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzvZkkawstc/Tz1FKGhIiLI/AAAAAAAAAtA/IuXxLY8YUlY/s320/DSC_0041.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795942426249394" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp5MbBGinX8/Tz1FJkNdSFI/AAAAAAAAAs0/4nxx6jqrbcA/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bp5MbBGinX8/Tz1FJkNdSFI/AAAAAAAAAs0/4nxx6jqrbcA/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709795933216917586" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uT9UgS__tWc/Tz1FLiT6kvI/AAAAAAAAAtY/Gl9EFyh0jWA/s1600/PC010157.JPG"></a>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-66903567910002645362011-11-05T12:15:00.000-04:002011-11-05T12:15:37.134-04:00Hart to Heart: Chinese adoption story fueled by faith | savannahnow.com<a href="http://savannahnow.com/accent/2011-11-05/hart-heart-chinese-adoption-story-fueled-faith#.TrVg7FHsD14.blogger">Hart to Heart: Chinese adoption story fueled by faith | savannahnow.com</a>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-68741455183418950462011-10-12T23:16:00.002-04:002011-10-20T21:35:15.553-04:00Very Brief (but good) UpdateHi Friends,<p>Noah is doing very well; we have good news to report.</p><p>The appointment with Dr. Long, (his pediatric cardiologist) went very well,<br />and we learned that the distribution of blood to his lungs is very good.<br />Noah will be restricted from rough activity (bike riding, sports, climbing<br />playgrounds) for at least a few months- until his chest is much stronger.<br />Dr. Long will continue to monitor Noah's heart and lungs, as the vegetation<br />(clot) still exist in his heart, and could remain there for a long time.</p><p>Noah had a second appointment this past Monday- in Atlanta (Emory<br />Univ/Egleston). This appointment, with infectious disease doctors, also<br />went well. They decided to end Noah's course of antibiotics (Nafcillin and<br />Rifampin), and even removed his PICC line! (A big yea!)</p><p>So, after starting with 13 "holes or tubes" in his body back on July 14th,<br />Noah is finally down to zero!</p><p>Noah was quite pleased to get his PICC line out, but no one was happier<br />than Momma! For the first time in a month, Robin didn't have to hook up or<br />disconnect an I-V every 4 hours; and she got a much-needed 9 hours of<br />uninterrupted sleep Monday night!</p><p>So, that's the quick update. I know Robin will post more details and<br />pictures soon. Thanks again for all the prayers and wonderful support. God<br />bless each of you.</p><p>Adam (for all the Spitlers)</p><p></p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-57985971518011760152011-10-06T11:41:00.012-04:002011-10-06T14:02:19.089-04:00Fun Times & Miracles<div style="text-align: justify;">I cannot truly express how happy I (we) are to be home. It is so nice to sleep in my own bed and be surrounded by my family. Going through difficult times sure does make you appreciate the blessings that God has given us. We are finally settling into life back in "the Boro". The weather is great and is giving us a hint that Fall is approaching. This is my favorite time of the year! I love to see the changing leaves, the pumpkins and the cotton growing in the fields. Didn't see many cotton fields in California.<br />Noah is doing great and is running almost everywhere he goes. This is a new scene for us because he is doing it without loosing his breath. What a miracle. He is a precious boy and we love him so very much. The girls are great too. Olivia has a thriving small business that she is so into at school. She spends most evenings crafting things like bracelets and pot holders. She is having fun and learning some good lessons in the process. Madison is almost finished with her first season of volleyball and has really enjoyed it. She is doing well and is looking forward to playing more in the future. Adam continues to work hard at keeping our family glued together and is doing a great job. I am so happy to have my best friend by my side again.<br />I am including some pictures of some of the welcome home signs that our good friends in the neighborhood put out for us. They were so great and we really enjoyed them. Our neighbors were a great support for our family. We couldn't have made it through everything without them.<br />Thanks everyone! We are blessed to know you all.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZlcAiOBiFU/To3m1GS6OfI/AAAAAAAAAmo/LMYryTue3os/s1600/PA010026.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZlcAiOBiFU/To3m1GS6OfI/AAAAAAAAAmo/LMYryTue3os/s320/PA010026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434106571962866" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOtbdUmd03c/To3m1gZct1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/_f9v8-goZJU/s1600/PA010032.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HOtbdUmd03c/To3m1gZct1I/AAAAAAAAAm4/_f9v8-goZJU/s320/PA010032.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434113578710866" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQIVn9dJ-qw/To3m1fzE14I/AAAAAAAAAmw/bp5as7PNJUY/s1600/PA010028.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQIVn9dJ-qw/To3m1fzE14I/AAAAAAAAAmw/bp5as7PNJUY/s320/PA010028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434113417762690" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last Saturday our family went to Gulfstream for "Family Day". We had a lot of fun eating cotton candy, touring the plant and hanging out with friends. We also went by and saw Adam's grandma. We had a nice visit with her and also saw Adam's aunt.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmCM0CQ2IA/To3nSQj-uyI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Q4w0awOQEpE/s1600/PA010033.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gbmCM0CQ2IA/To3nSQj-uyI/AAAAAAAAAnA/Q4w0awOQEpE/s320/PA010033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434607544122146" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nOSZh-tMc/To3nSjQNr4I/AAAAAAAAAnI/uY6RRB335Nc/s1600/PA020048.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-nOSZh-tMc/To3nSjQNr4I/AAAAAAAAAnI/uY6RRB335Nc/s320/PA020048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434612561489794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last night Noah and I saw down and put together two big necklaces. They were made from the beads that Noah received at the hospital. They have a program called, "Beads of Courage". These beads represent all of the things that Noah had to do in the hospital. For every procedure he had done there was a bead that stood for that procedure. They ranged from heart surgery to blood draw to dressing changes. I am including some photos of Noah and his beads. This is much like getting a trophy when you win a contest. As you can see, Noah has a lot of trophies.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0N23dYCl1Q/To3nTFOFKiI/AAAAAAAAAnY/FhlPD_f8bvg/s1600/PA060051.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X0N23dYCl1Q/To3nTFOFKiI/AAAAAAAAAnY/FhlPD_f8bvg/s320/PA060051.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434621679348258" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKAOtxTS8LU/To3nSwqy_CI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/M-Xs6LJf9aY/s1600/PA060049.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TKAOtxTS8LU/To3nSwqy_CI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/M-Xs6LJf9aY/s320/PA060049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660434616162647074" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Finally, I want to include two stories about some recent miracles that we have been privileged to hear about. In the last two weeks we know of two ladies who have been fighting cancer for many years. They both had been told that there was nothing else that could be done and basically they were doing everything to make their last days really count. In both cases these God fearing and God believing ladies had many people praying for them. One of the ladies I have known for years and she is the kind of person that lights up a room with her love of the Lord. She is simply amazing. They each had a final scan that showed that their cancer had just disappeared. The doctors told them it was gone. There was no logical reason for it to disappear but it did. This has been a big reminder to all of us that miracles still happen. God, the maker of the Universe as well as each of us on this Earth is in control. I know that our family has learned this through the last couple of months but this is still another example that supports that fact. Now, does this outcome happen to everyone? No, but it does show that miracles are not just something that used to happen but they still happen today. I am so thankful that I belong to God and He loves me. He wants me to know Him up close and personal, not from a distance. I am so thankful for prayer and for the opportunity to pray whenever I want to---in good times and bad.<br />I want to thank you all for the prayers. They have been needed and still are needed. We love you all and I pray blessings on you and your families!<br /></div>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-65649779023007207212011-10-02T10:52:00.007-04:002011-10-02T11:47:43.399-04:00Bittersweet WeekendIt was a great first weekend back together as a family, but as life often is, also had some bitterness. Today marks a difficult milestone for us - 6 months since an aircraft accident that claimed the lives of 4 great men; Dave, Kent, Reece and Vivan. As we celebrated the joy of our family being reunited, we were still reminded of these families who must wait until Heaven to be reunited with their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYn4OQ6Jjk/ToiEYWC9uBI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Qa7taPyZgxM/s1600/VR%2Bin%2BT6.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SHYn4OQ6Jjk/ToiEYWC9uBI/AAAAAAAAAmY/Qa7taPyZgxM/s320/VR%2Bin%2BT6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658918485560768530" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We are dedicating today's blog to Vivan LeRoy Ragusa, II; my good friend and Christian brother. I miss him for many reasons, beyond just flying with him and seeing him at work. He was a strong follower of Jesus Christ, and that empowered him to be an impeccable Dad, Husband, and loyal friend.<br /><br />Vivan also cared deeply for our Noah. His interest was truly genuine. Some of you might remember that Noah's initial diagnosis came with some concern: Dr. Hanley might not be able to take Noah as a patient because of his (older) age. When Vivan heard this, he began calling and emailing friends of his who were surgeons at Johns Hopkins. He had a "second opinion" or "backup option" all lined up for us should San Francisco not be able to take us. So, though Thursday was a joyous day for the Spitlers, we were a bit sad, knowing that Vivan would've loved to see Noah come home from California with a "new heart". We were especially honored that Vivan's wife (of 16 years), Jane, was able to celebrate with us.<br /><br />Please join us in praying for Jane and their three sons, as well as the families of all lost that tragic morning.<br /><br />Thank you,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vPL9t-UG00/ToiEYvIAjaI/AAAAAAAAAmg/beHoMmyYL7M/s1600/VR%2BFamily%2BHornet%2BFini.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vPL9t-UG00/ToiEYvIAjaI/AAAAAAAAAmg/beHoMmyYL7M/s320/VR%2BFamily%2BHornet%2BFini.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658918492292812194" border="0" /></a><br />Adam<br /><br />Ps 46:10 "Be still and KNOW that I am God."Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-88790413177158028232011-09-29T20:40:00.004-04:002011-09-29T20:59:55.141-04:00Home Sweet Home<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3nxecDSMQs/ToUS2Z7VEMI/AAAAAAAAAl4/DpbF-SXdQxc/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x3nxecDSMQs/ToUS2Z7VEMI/AAAAAAAAAl4/DpbF-SXdQxc/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657949232742863042" border="0" /></a>The Spitlers are all under one roof again - this time at home!<br /><br />Robin and Noah had a successful trip home. There were no troubles getting through security or between gates, thanks to our great travel agent/friends who set up a Delta "Meet and Assist" (including electric cart between gates). Robin said Noah slept during the first flight (San Francisco to Atlanta), but she got no sleep whatsoever. The second leg (Atlanta to Savannah) was on time, but very rough; Noah got airsick several times and Robin felt queasy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gC7O7wtC0Fw/ToUS2sDprGI/AAAAAAAAAmA/ib2Ffjk-u0I/s1600/DSC_0014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gC7O7wtC0Fw/ToUS2sDprGI/AAAAAAAAAmA/ib2Ffjk-u0I/s320/DSC_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657949237609606242" border="0" /></a><br />But, after all, they arrived into Savannah on time and to a good-sized crowd of friends, family, balloons, signs, and gifts. We knew many of you wanted to come out (but could not), so thanks so much for those of you who were able!<br /><br />We got home around noon - surprised to find that several neighbors had added "Welcome Home" signs to their yards (and ours!). Wow - again, we are humbled by the thoughtfulness of many friends and family members.<br /><br />First thing on the agenda was a much-needed nap; and it took no coaxing to get the entire house down for a nap. Dinner was provided by more neighbors and we are ready for a full night's rest. There is nothing like being at home, even if it does still include a 4 and 6 hour regimen of IV doses.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeKs8AqN6Fo/ToUS3HHGwCI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Ag8ZOuFZ75E/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OeKs8AqN6Fo/ToUS3HHGwCI/AAAAAAAAAmQ/Ag8ZOuFZ75E/s320/DSC_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657949244871852066" border="0" /></a><br /><br />God is Good. Thank Him on our behalf and thank Him for giving great skill and training to<br />Dr. Hanley and his entire staff at LPCH. You can clearly see the difference in our Noah's appearance that the heart repair is making!<br /><br />Adam<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRtES4xkUcY/ToUS23r6lII/AAAAAAAAAmI/WTq55L5kFEE/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 212px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qRtES4xkUcY/ToUS23r6lII/AAAAAAAAAmI/WTq55L5kFEE/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657949240731276418" border="0" /></a>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-14156515492359937762011-09-28T17:40:00.003-04:002011-09-28T18:05:52.410-04:00Pack N Go!Hi Everyone,<br /><br />Adam here; blogging for Robin. She's busy packing - they're coming home!<br /><br />Yes, Robin and Noah will board a Delta flight late tonight and ride the "red-eye" home, arriving into the Savannah airport around 9:20am Thursday, September 29th. Please feel no obligation, but if you're in the local area and want to drop by the airport - you are welcome to.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who has prayed for Robin's health - that is returning quickly; and Robin told me today, "Noah is beginning to run 'full strength'", so those are two big answers to prayer.<br /><br />Noah will still require IV medications every 6 hours, but more good news (as of today) is that one of his antibiotics was switched from IV to oral method. Again, thank God for things looking better and getting easier!<br /><br />God Bless each of you. The purpose of this blog has only been to keep you informed, but more importantly to give Glory to God for what He has accomplished. He has carried us the whole way.<br /><br />I'd like to post a few lines from a new Steven Curtis Chapman song; this "says it all" from where I am right now:<br /><br />--Adam<br /><br />("Long Way Home" by Steven Curtis Chapman; from the album Re:Creation)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I set out on a great adventure</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The day my Father started leading me home</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">He said there gonna be some mountains to climb </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And some valleys we’re gonna go through</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But I had no way of knowing</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Just how hard this journey could be</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Cause the valleys are deeper and the mountains are steeper</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Than I ever would of dream</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But I know we’re gonna make it<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;">And I know we’re gonna get there soon</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And I know some times it feels like we……</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Going the wrong way</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> But it’s just a long way home</span>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-31524839045168849922011-09-24T01:01:00.005-04:002011-09-24T01:26:10.152-04:00Bright Hope for the Future<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzJzjHpD-Vw/Tn1pjKsZ1TI/AAAAAAAAAlw/aicJbXe_hrs/s1600/P9210519.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzJzjHpD-Vw/Tn1pjKsZ1TI/AAAAAAAAAlw/aicJbXe_hrs/s320/P9210519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655792759934145842" border="0" /></a><br />Sorry for the huge gap in blogging but there hasn't been too much going on that isn't our routine now. Noah was able to go to hospital school every day this week except Monday. He was able to play with my friend Elizabeth's niece this week too. They had a lot of fun together and hopefully we will see her again before we leave. Speaking of leaving.......<br />Today we pretty much got the go ahead to leave after Wednesday's ID appointment. We are planning toward that but we will see about it when it gets here. I am trying not to be too overly excited in case it all falls through. I will let you know.<br />Also, please pray for me. I have had some health (minor) issues this past week and it is no fun to be sick while you are trying to be a nurse to someone else who is sick. I am feeling a little better today but I would appreciate the prayers.<br />Noah had his Echo. on Wed. and it appears the vegitation in his heart has remained the same. I was really praying it would completely go away but that didn't happen. All of his numbers are continuing to trend down which is a good sign. He will go in on Monday for his normal blood draw and PICC line dressing change. We then have an appointment with the ID folks Wednesday at 11:00. Again, I have no idea what this meeting will do. I keep saying, "What are they going to do? Just look at him and say he looks good." They should be able to look at his numbers and test results to know how well he is doing. I personally think it is a waste of time but I'll do whatever in order to go home. Noah should continue to be on antibiotics for several weeks. We will just continue them at home instead of at RMH on the other side of the country.<br />Well, that's all for now. I will include a picture of Noah on the blog. Thanks everyone for continuing to pray. We still need it so much. Blessings to you all.....Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-2762698171082149652011-09-20T22:28:00.009-04:002011-09-20T22:53:41.183-04:00Fun & Frazzled<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXjjXauT8tg/TnlRiDpbMPI/AAAAAAAAAlo/L-FtUkO_mzU/s1600/P9200508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UXjjXauT8tg/TnlRiDpbMPI/AAAAAAAAAlo/L-FtUkO_mzU/s320/P9200508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654640452676825330" border="0" /></a>Sorry for the blog delay. Things have been busy around here. Noah is continuing to have his blood drawn and dressing changed on his PICC line every Monday. We did that yesterday which was not much fun. The blood draw part is no big deal but having the dressing changed on his PICC line is difficult because there is so much tape.<br />Sunday night was fun because my friend Melanie was baking pies and a cake for her daughters birthday on Monday. She is a wonderful baker and makes pies that are to die for. I am including some pictures of Noah helping her make the cake.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZsrtT0FXbs/TnlP55Yea-I/AAAAAAAAAkg/h5eQ7GSIvDs/s1600/P9190495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZsrtT0FXbs/TnlP55Yea-I/AAAAAAAAAkg/h5eQ7GSIvDs/s320/P9190495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654638663214984162" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtOhWIRZqzo/TnlP6PigxfI/AAAAAAAAAko/ohw8dtcIYBA/s1600/P9190496.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KtOhWIRZqzo/TnlP6PigxfI/AAAAAAAAAko/ohw8dtcIYBA/s320/P9190496.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654638669162661362" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDr-8GzR5kE/TnlP6bppEGI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Cn0arnil0-M/s1600/P9190497.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nDr-8GzR5kE/TnlP6bppEGI/AAAAAAAAAkw/Cn0arnil0-M/s320/P9190497.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654638672413790306" border="0" /></a><br />Yesterday they also opened up the new playground area here at RMH and Noah was honored to be one of the first kids to play on the new equipment. I will also include a few pictures from that event.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piY-xsolTOI/TnlQdsd0X3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/eLybrYk4IpY/s1600/P9200500.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-piY-xsolTOI/TnlQdsd0X3I/AAAAAAAAAk4/eLybrYk4IpY/s320/P9200500.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654639278223023986" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--D4YXQuhBLQ/TnlQeAofZDI/AAAAAAAAAlA/k-AAHTic9yM/s1600/P9200502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--D4YXQuhBLQ/TnlQeAofZDI/AAAAAAAAAlA/k-AAHTic9yM/s320/P9200502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654639283636495410" border="0" /></a><br />Last night Noah got his first hair cut since his surgery in July. He did a great job of being still and patient. He looked so hansom when the lady was finished. It was such a blessing to have someone come to the RMH and give the kids free haircuts. She did a great job.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81REtjU3WrI/TnlQ8qriJ4I/AAAAAAAAAlI/X5oVHK-vDmY/s1600/P9200511.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81REtjU3WrI/TnlQ8qriJ4I/AAAAAAAAAlI/X5oVHK-vDmY/s320/P9200511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654639810319624066" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxbZ9d6Uh_s/TnlQ9dNhyhI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/wfWm1PsjsAU/s1600/P9200516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxbZ9d6Uh_s/TnlQ9dNhyhI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/wfWm1PsjsAU/s320/P9200516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654639823883979282" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXwX9Z18BZQ/TnlQ-EOE1RI/AAAAAAAAAlY/yjMIw5G2w5g/s1600/P9200517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CXwX9Z18BZQ/TnlQ-EOE1RI/AAAAAAAAAlY/yjMIw5G2w5g/s320/P9200517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654639834355258642" border="0" /></a><br />Today Noah went to hospital school again. He was reluctant but ended up having a great time. Tonight we had a surprise visit from Uncle Scott. It was so good to see him and we enjoyed our visit. We also played Bingo here at the RMH and won a gift card to Jamba Juice. Noah is so excited about using the card so we may have to do that in the next few days.<br />Please be in prayer for tomorrow morning. Noah has an Echo at nine o'clock to see what is happening with the vegitation in his heart. I am praying that it has gotten smaller or that it is completely gone. This would be great news.<br />I don't want to give anyone any false hopes but I (and Adam) are talking to the ID folks, cardiologist here and in Savannah about trying to come home to finish out his antibiotics. I can't say for sure if that is going to happen any time soon but if you all could pray for that it would be great. We so need to be back home and be together as a family again. It has been a long road and we are ready to see each other again. Thank yo all for the prayers and I hope I get to blog from my own home very soon. Blessings to you all!Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-69215507423492570662011-09-17T16:32:00.019-04:002011-09-17T18:58:20.917-04:00Fewer Meds, Fun Friends and Delicious DessertsHi Friends. Things are going well here at the Ronald McDonald House. We have some good news about some of our friends here and in the hospital. One of our friends, little Audrey, received her new heart on 9/11. I ran into her Mom at the hospital library the day before yesterday and she told me the good news. I have been praying for Audrey for a long time so I happy for them. She is a darling 6 month old and she is doing very well. We also found out that our friend Kalmia is going home. I was so excited for them too. I have mentioned Kalmia in a previous blog. She is a fabulous girl and we love her very much. Matter of fact right now she is putting a Lego set together with Noah right now. I will include a picture of them hard at work.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvoY7ydOsr0/TnUlVZk9boI/AAAAAAAAAkY/vdygnzMRmk4/s1600/P9180486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XvoY7ydOsr0/TnUlVZk9boI/AAAAAAAAAkY/vdygnzMRmk4/s320/P9180486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653465956806913666" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RWf5KnChpQ/TnUhX1VhgdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/m6AcRvmZYBc/s1600/P9180489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7RWf5KnChpQ/TnUhX1VhgdI/AAAAAAAAAkA/m6AcRvmZYBc/s320/P9180489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461600571589074" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZDyVZtLZHA/TnUhXqOdvwI/AAAAAAAAAj4/oBOrACVz57M/s1600/P9180487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZDyVZtLZHA/TnUhXqOdvwI/AAAAAAAAAj4/oBOrACVz57M/s320/P9180487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461597589192450" border="0" /></a> I am also including a picture of her special Mom eating her birthday dessert at a local restaurant.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TV7KmKkVoQ/TnUiZvkbuDI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/3Fuig_CmyRY/s1600/P9140480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TV7KmKkVoQ/TnUiZvkbuDI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/3Fuig_CmyRY/s320/P9140480.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653462732894877746" border="0" /></a> We have really enjoyed meeting Lisa and Kalmia. Last night they hosted a dessert pizza party for all the kids here at RMH. It was very yummy and they were so sweet to do that for everyone. I am including some photos of Noah at the party<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiI74i5HexI/TnUhLajKTPI/AAAAAAAAAjo/V0Bb5YgJm3E/s1600/P9170481.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MiI74i5HexI/TnUhLajKTPI/AAAAAAAAAjo/V0Bb5YgJm3E/s320/P9170481.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461387222600946" border="0" /></a>I will also include the pictures of the RMH that I promised in my previous post.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed6O8aqHvyk/TnUf6PSwhFI/AAAAAAAAAjA/BjOzCV3cIn8/s1600/P9010440.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ed6O8aqHvyk/TnUf6PSwhFI/AAAAAAAAAjA/BjOzCV3cIn8/s320/P9010440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653459992631608402" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qss9KuiW1hQ/TnUf5_vPpfI/AAAAAAAAAi4/GxPzH_e9hIY/s1600/P8310436.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qss9KuiW1hQ/TnUf5_vPpfI/AAAAAAAAAi4/GxPzH_e9hIY/s320/P8310436.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653459988456121842" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYnla8DM0p0/TnUg41YV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/mcFd7X_pMD8/s1600/P9010442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AYnla8DM0p0/TnUg41YV0ZI/AAAAAAAAAjY/mcFd7X_pMD8/s320/P9010442.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461068007461266" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALW5hBcfz1Q/TnUg5F3GtUI/AAAAAAAAAjg/-h_RZ4cBgSQ/s1600/P9010438.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALW5hBcfz1Q/TnUg5F3GtUI/AAAAAAAAAjg/-h_RZ4cBgSQ/s320/P9010438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461072431461698" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S54hpIdDJQo/TnUglmggccI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/3yRu3Gmta-s/s1600/P9010443.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S54hpIdDJQo/TnUglmggccI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/3yRu3Gmta-s/s320/P9010443.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653460737597665730" border="0" /></a><br />This morning after a wonderful breakfast that was provided by a group in the local area we went across the street to a bakery. We had fun hanging out and playing a game of UNO. We also purchased some special desserts that were delicious. Noah got a raspberry chocolate mousse and I got an almond tart.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrYN5plRuUo/TnUhLlimgqI/AAAAAAAAAjw/JZdm5Igm0Rs/s1600/P9170485.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrYN5plRuUo/TnUhLlimgqI/AAAAAAAAAjw/JZdm5Igm0Rs/s320/P9170485.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653461390173045410" border="0" /></a> It was nice to get out and away from the RMH and the hospital for a while. I will include a picture of Noah and his dessert.<br />Yesterday I got a phone call from the hospital and they wanted us to come by for a special meeting. This meeting scheduled so I could get some better information about Noah's future care and possibly a plan for going home. While in the waiting room I received a message from the ID (infectious disease) lady, Julia. She said she had talked with the cardiologists and they didn't have a problem with us moving to Savannah. She said she was going to work on our case next week and try to come up with a plan. I was unable to get back to her before five so I don't really know all of the details about what they are thinking. I ask for you all to keep praying for us and the plan they come up for us. It seems they think we might be able to travel by the six week mark but I am not putting stock into that plan until I get more information. I will let you all know something as soon as I found out something new. The good news is Noah has gained weight. He is now 42 pounds. That is the most he has weighed since we met him in China. I am also going to be able to taper most of his medications down so all he will be on is his IV antibiotics. The antibiotic schedule is still difficult but the fewer medications he is on, the better. Monday we go to have another blood draw and dressing change. He is also supposed to have another Echo on Wednesday. Pray that the vegitation in his heart is decreased or at least unchanged. This is something they remain a little concerned about but even Dr. Hanley said it is something that could take up to six months to go away.<br />I am thankful we are finally to this point. Noah looks good and seems to feel good. He is sleeping well at night and maintains an even energy level during the day. He has not complained about any pain in his chest for many days. I am happy about that and feel his progress is good. Thanks for the prayers everyone and blessings to you all!!!Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-22535606767267516862011-09-15T02:48:00.004-04:002011-09-15T03:20:24.316-04:00Medicine, a Trip to the Library and Card GamesThe day started with a trip to the library that is located at the hospital. Vivian, who works in the library, speaks Mandarin. She is the one who is going through the book, "The Cat in the Hat", with Noah. The book is written in English and Chinese. She has done some great things with Noah and it has been wonderful to see. She is so energetic and really keeps his attention. I am going to try and take Noah at least twice a week to see her. We then went back to RMH and had a nice barbecue lunch that was brought in complements of Wells Fargo. It was very good and Noah did a good job of eating.<br />We are still getting all eight of our medications: two by IV, five by mouth and one is a patch that I have to change once a week. The schedule is grueling at night. It is easier for me now that I am a little more used to the routine but the problem is the timing. It is fine to hook them up but trying to go back to sleep for 15 minutes here and 30 minutes there is crazy. After those times I have to unhook his line and then flush them. That is what is so bad about it all. Just trying to be awake enough to do it all throws off most of my night sleeping. Luckily today I got a good nap so thus the reason I am able to stay awake enough to post. Please continue to pray for me to sleep. I am still having problems falling asleep. My mind seems to be going a million miles an hour. I just can't turn it off enough to get good sleep. Sorry for the complaining but that is one of my biggest needs right now.<br />Tonight was fun. We had several people bring in different kinds of soup, salad and bread for dinner. It was very good and was a big blessing. They do this once a week but I have not been around for it because I was always at the hospital. Now Noah and I get to enjoy some of the wonderful food that many businesses and organizations bring in for all the families at RMH. After dinner Noah and I played cards with our friend Kalmia. She is a delightful girl that we have fallen in love with. She too is an outpatient and I ask you all to pray for her too. She, just like us, desperately wants to get well enough to go home. Please pray that her health will improve and that she will be able to do so. We have met so many wonderful people while here at RMH. The staff is so great and we have had a great experience here. I encourage you all to check out ways you may contribute to a RMH in your area. The families who stay there are so grateful for what the community does for them. It is a super organization and has made a difference in our life. I will add a few pictures of the RMH here in California so you can see what it is like.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iC3zEqi8eTk/TnGmmu2X-hI/AAAAAAAAAio/qMkD27dFbHM/s1600/P9010447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iC3zEqi8eTk/TnGmmu2X-hI/AAAAAAAAAio/qMkD27dFbHM/s320/P9010447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652482191668017682" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM-pzBHJFm0/TnGmnBMkx-I/AAAAAAAAAiw/rG4h02pi7ZI/s1600/P9010445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QM-pzBHJFm0/TnGmnBMkx-I/AAAAAAAAAiw/rG4h02pi7ZI/s320/P9010445.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652482196592969698" border="0" /></a>I will add some more pictures later to the above. I just realized I haven't downloaded from my camera yet and it is way too later to do that tonight......check back later.Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-3418503106986277872011-09-12T23:10:00.007-04:002011-09-12T23:52:50.918-04:00Appointments, School Work, and Birthday CakeToday has been very busy for Noah and I. We started off the day by going to the hospital to have a blood draw and dressing change. The blood draw was easy because they used Noah's PICC line. So that meant no additional ouchies in the arm. I also asked if they could change the needleless injection caps on both lines so I wouldn't have to do it myself. They said they would do it for me on Mondays. I said, "touchdown". That is one less thing I will have do deal with. I do however have to do them on Thursdays but I will take what I can get. We then went to have Noah's dressing changed on his PICC line. This is a very detailed and tedious procedure. It hurts him mainly because of all the tape. I am not allowed to do this because it can cause an infection if done inappropriately. I am also happy I don't have to do that either.<br />We then went back to the Ronald McDonald House to eat, do school work in the room and play in the play room. While Noah was in the play room I took a little nap. We then ate a nice dinner that a group brought in for the whole house. It was very good and we enjoyed it so much. It gave our friend Elizabeth and her Mom a break from cooking for us. We also had a fun treat and celebrated a birthday with one of our friends here at RMH. Her name is Lisa and her daughter made her a cake. We sang to her and it was fun.<br />I am including some pictures of Noah leaving the hospital, Noah at the RMH, Noah and I eating Lisa's birthday cake, Lisa's birthday celebration (Lisa is in the middle with her daughter on the left & our other friend Rachel), and our pharmacy/medication table in our room. Thanks again everyone for the prayers. It has been tough getting used to this new schedule. I am still needing a lot of sleep. Hopefully soon I will get used to all that I have to do every day. Noah is doing great and improving every day. Love to you all!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WViFZS2kAXA/Tm7R0VMg1GI/AAAAAAAAAiA/HSiIoGV71_Y/s1600/P9100467.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WViFZS2kAXA/Tm7R0VMg1GI/AAAAAAAAAiA/HSiIoGV71_Y/s320/P9100467.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651685279369581666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HC-S5by0YXQ/Tm7R0i-_aUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/oO0NwCyuOFM/s1600/P9110471.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HC-S5by0YXQ/Tm7R0i-_aUI/AAAAAAAAAiI/oO0NwCyuOFM/s320/P9110471.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651685283070961986" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Suu9h41OGc/Tm7SHnms9uI/AAAAAAAAAiY/jB-dJegPxw0/s1600/P9130473.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 184px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Suu9h41OGc/Tm7SHnms9uI/AAAAAAAAAiY/jB-dJegPxw0/s320/P9130473.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651685610728781538" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPMPsEvlj4M/Tm7SHfuXV9I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/78eiBK-WPlA/s1600/P9130472.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPMPsEvlj4M/Tm7SHfuXV9I/AAAAAAAAAiQ/78eiBK-WPlA/s320/P9130472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651685608613435346" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ksrnvxpbs/Tm7SH6n_8yI/AAAAAAAAAig/zkgSb7bvcTM/s1600/P9130476.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9ksrnvxpbs/Tm7SH6n_8yI/AAAAAAAAAig/zkgSb7bvcTM/s320/P9130476.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651685615834493730" border="0" /></a>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-23265693858439286432011-09-12T03:21:00.002-04:002011-09-12T03:40:09.201-04:00The Sleepless NurseThis is a very quick update. I am sitting here waiting for the 15 minute IV med to be complete so I can finally go to bed. Being a nurse is not fun for me I must admit. There is a reason I didn't decide to be a nurse and this has confirmed that choice. <br />Noah is doing well and enjoying his time at the RMH. We have an appointment in the morning for a blood draw and dressing change. I am glad there are some things I don't have to do. Noah's incision looks so good now that the stitches have been removed. He is walking around and acting like his "normal" self. There are still some things he cannot do yet like go up and down stairs and run around really fast. Today he went to the play room at RMH. He played some games with the volunteers and went to the kitchen to make cookies. I think he had a great time. One of my friends at the house has a 16 year old daughter and she was able to play with Noah for a while so I could take a short nap. I am getting almost no sleep at night because of his medication schedule. It is crazy. I finish up about 12:45 and I have to be up by 6AM to start again. I am discovering that I will have to take a lot of power naps during the day in order to maintain being a "sane" Mom. Please pray for me about all of this because I am having a hard time winding down enough to actually fall asleep. I am very stressed about messing up his medications so that is all I can think about. Again, I am not a nurse so this is stressful for me.<br />Please also continue to pray for Adam and the girls. Adam has had to be a single parent and it is a lot of work. He is being a trooper and I know he appreciates all of your prayers. Well, that's all for now. I hope to have time tomorrow to add more information and some pictures. Love you all, RobinRobin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-64364151456568078312011-09-10T14:13:00.002-04:002011-09-10T14:16:25.572-04:00More Good, More DisappointmentHi Friends, <br /><p>Please forgive a long gap in the blog. We are often encouraged and humbled to hear friend say, "We check the blog first thing each morning!". And when we cannot post for awhile, I know that is disappointing to you. Thanks for understanding. <br /><p>The good news is that Noah's health continues a positive trend. To my (Adam) understanding, he hasn't had a fever for a week now. That is an answer to prayer. <br /><p>The other good news is that last night (Fri), Noah was discharged from the hospital and moved to Robin's room in the Ronald McDonald House! The doctors considered moving him to Emory Univ/Egleston Hospital in Atlanta, but that would require us to charter a medical bizjet flight, (he cannot fly on an airline and insurance won't cover a private flight) so for now, he'll stay 5 blocks from the hospital in the RMH. <br /><p>You all know how hard Robin has worked through the past 9 weeks. (I'm so proud of her!) I'm asking you to pray even more for her, as her workload will now double with Noah's move to the RMH. Not only will she provide his nursing 100% of the time, but she'll also have to cook his meals (in the RMH kitchen) and administer his 5 medications several times a day (via his I-V PICC line). The latter has required Robin to receive hours of training- how to correctly mix his medications and hook them up to the I-V line. Please pray that she'll get the hang of it quickly and all the meds will be given on schedule. <br /><p>We've been holding back some disappointing news, in hopes it might improve (but it hasn't). About 10 days ago, we were informed that Noah would not be allowed to move from Palo Alto until his antibiotic course was complete (on Sep 27th). That was a big blow, as we'd been led earlier to believe we would be allowed to take Noah home and get the last few weeks of meds at a local hospital (or in the home). Then, this week, Robin was told by ID (infectious disease) doctors that they plan to extend his antibiotics course 2 MORE weeks- until October 11th! That, I'll admit, was a heavy blow to our family. Just when we thought we were seeing the 'end of the tunnel', it got extended once more. As it stands now, Noah has an appointment with these ID doctors on September 28th, and at that point they will determine how much longer he'll stay in California. <br /><p>Thank you again for reading and praying for us. We've gone through many ups and downs in the past 2 years, and I must admit it's hard not to throw up my hands and cry out "Why, Lord?". And then I consider dear friends, neighbors, and church members who have experienced the sudden loss of family members, the loss of jobs, the loss of houses to fire, etc. It is tempting to say "Where are You, Lord?", and I have done that. But we must choose to deny the feelings of loneliness (because He promised to never forsake us) and choose to believe He is there when we don't see Him. I'm reminded that Psalms 46 says "Be still and KNOW that I am God." Interesting that this doesn't seem to address how I feel. And Proverbs says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding." <br /><p>Thanks for letting me share some transparency; please pray for us as we struggle with the disappointing time line. <br /><p>Thank you, friends; <br /><p>Adam</p>Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-15820487679026194942011-09-07T02:22:00.010-04:002011-09-08T01:48:20.719-04:00Sadness & Stitches(I started the following post yesterday but didn't get around to finishing so here we go...)-Today was good but also a little sad. I have to say I was sad this morning without the rest of my family. We had a good time but it is hard to say goodbye. Hopefully it won't be for much longer. Below are some pictures of the kids over the weekend.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMmmJjXWkS8/TmhWhBjEokI/AAAAAAAAAhw/rX88Ch067UI/s1600/P9050457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qMmmJjXWkS8/TmhWhBjEokI/AAAAAAAAAhw/rX88Ch067UI/s320/P9050457.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860857887498818" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO_2OrPJToQ/TmhWhcWs2kI/AAAAAAAAAh4/s4Zmv7b9U1M/s1600/P9050462.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tO_2OrPJToQ/TmhWhcWs2kI/AAAAAAAAAh4/s4Zmv7b9U1M/s320/P9050462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860865083365954" border="0" /></a><br />When I arrived at the hospital I found Noah laid out on the couch asleep. I was shocked until the nurse told me he woke up very early this morning and began playing. She said, "He was lying there playing his harmonica and then fell asleep. I thought it was so funny. The harmonica was lying next to him on the couch. Below is a picture of the way I found him when I entered the room.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMF29989JwQ/TmhV_I4S68I/AAAAAAAAAho/luZwADDPIZ8/s1600/P9060463.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMF29989JwQ/TmhV_I4S68I/AAAAAAAAAho/luZwADDPIZ8/s320/P9060463.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649860275740011458" border="0" /></a> He did well all day long except for the removal of his stitches. I felt so bad for him because he just kept saying, "Are you done yet"? They are all out now and everything looks really good. Noah is walking around very well. We pretty much go anywhere we want and are able to do most things. He loves going to the playroom every day. It is so good to get out of our room and do something fun.<br />(Today 9-7-11) Noah did well again today. They decided to change the position of his feeding tube and it did not go as planned. They were going to just move it from the intestines up to the stomach and he got sick and the whole thing came out. They were planning on giving him another one and Noah freaked out. We decided we could at least give him a break because it didn't need to be in until the night time anyway. After much discussion we decided to try and give him his meds and feeds orally instead of through a feeding tube. We figure we might as well try and then if it didn't work we could try for the tube again at a later time. I will let you know what the outcome is but in the mean time you all can pray he eats enough as well as keeps it all down so we don't have to get the tube put back in. Noah also had a CT scan today, better known as a "lung profussion" scan. This is routine and will tell them how the blood is flowing through his lungs. Basically they are trying to see if the blood flow is even in both lungs or if one has a higher flow than the other. Earlier this morning they did an Echo-cardiogram to see if there has been any change in the vegitation in his heart. They said that it is the same, no bigger or smaller. When I left tonight he was tired but in good spirits. Blessings to you all! Thanks for your continued prayers.Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5869136132815430625.post-20306911359589665852011-09-05T12:26:00.002-04:002011-09-05T13:10:16.391-04:00Happy Labor DayHappy Labor Day, friends.<br /><br />We've had a nice weekend here in Palo Alto. Noah has been in relatively good health and excellent spirits. Olivia and Madison's presence here has clearly made a positive change to his demeanor.<br /><br />Yesterday was a day of success. Noah ate and drank throughout the day and wasn't sick one time! We had limited success with intestinal issues (which is good), but please keep praying for improvement there.<br /><br />Many of you know how hard Robin has worked this summer. It has been a virtually non-stop nine weeks for her; caring for Noah 16 hours each day, then slipping back to the Ronald McDonald House at night for short hours of sleep (plus laundry and the blog). Our visit this weekend allowed me to "cut her loose" and get some time away. She and each daughter spent time alone shopping, eating, and going to Starbucks; and I think she even got 9 hours of much-needed sleep each night! Yea, Robin!<br /><br />Olivia and Noah spent much of the day together yesterday, going on walks, playing games on my work iPad, and doing crafts in the hospital's "kids' room". Around 4pm, I sensed Noah was tired, so we turned off all the "electronic media," put Olivia in bed with Noah, and guess what? - 2 minutes later we had 2 kids fast asleep! After 90 minutes of sound sleep, they woke, Noah got his 2nd daily dose of antibiotics, and we headed to the cafeteria for dinner. Dinner was a smorgasbord of Mexican food from a local restaurant (Noah ate fish tacos), authentic Japanese food sent over by "Miss Junko" (Elizabeth's Mom), and Grammy's chocolate chip cookies. Once again, we are humbled and grateful for the wonderful support friends and family everywhere are providing us...including yummy meals in both Palo Alto and Statesboro!<br /><br />Today, Noah is having a pretty good morning; no sickness so far. He and the girls grabbed coloring books and headed down to the cafeteria for a walk and a sit in the sun. I'm due to join them (shortly) before packing and heading to the airport for our return to Georgia (this afternoon). So, I will sign off. <br /><br />Clearly, we are getting through this only by the supernatural intervention of a limitless God. Great thanks to many of you for praying!<br /><br />As soon as we learn anything about a possible transfer to a Georgia hospital, we'll share that with you.<br /><br />God Bless each of you-- Adam<br /><br />PS. We'll try to add some photos later today.Robin Spitlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16093985116162880490noreply@blogger.com5