Monday night update

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog to check in on Braden. Jenni and I appreciate every one's interest and support. Here is the latest from Seattle Children's Hospital:

The good news is Braden has been fairly stable since his surgery last Friday. We have a wonderful team of Doctors and nurses working around the clock, giving him the best of care (We love Children's!!!). His swelling has come down a bit, and last night they began adding some nutrition to his IV drip. Braden is still on a pacemaker right now, but we are praying that it will be just a temporary thing. Jenni and I noticed that his coloring has started to improve. We were blessed to have him open his eyes a little bit last night, not for his sake (because he won't remember a thing) but for our sake. After everything we've experienced, just to have him open his eyes means the world to us! He has been resting comfortably and we are spending our time holding his hand and giving lots of kisses on his head. We are grateful to God for the progress that is being made.

There are a couple of things that I didn't mention in our last post-surgery update. The first is that when Braden was transitioning from the heart-lung machine during surgery, his heart stopped. Dr. Cohen had to perform manual compressions to get Braden's heart pumping again. When Jenni and I found this out it shook us up a little, but we again realized how much every one's prayers covered our son. God bless you for praying!!! Another point that I didn't mention in our last update is that Braden's chest was left open after surgery. This is a common practice for pediatric heart surgery. Whenever someone is put on the heart-lung machine the body reacts by retaining fluid, and swelling occurs. In our post-op consultation with Dr. Cohen, he informed us that Braden's chest was left open and then, after the swelling subsided, a second surgery would take place to close it. It's almost unbelievable, but amazingly true, Jenni and I could actually see Braden's heart through a thin bandage layer. This wasn't an experience I was looking forward to, but it was pretty amazing to say the least. Well, we are happy to report that the second operation took place today and the surgical team were able to close Braden's chest. It took a bit longer than what we thought it would, but it was so good to see him with a new bandage and to know that he has passed another hurdle. Now we are looking forward to when the ventilator can be removed and his medications scaled back. But for right now we are just waiting and praying, willing to do what it takes to bring our baby boy home, healthy and whole!

One last note, I'm glad to report that the "Creek Clan" is back together. Our three daughters, Kara, Megan and Rachel joined us in Seattle yesterday. They stayed behind in Wenatchee for a week, so that Jenni and I could focus our attention on Braden and prepare for surgery. We missed the girls so much, but we never worried because they were in great hands. Pastor Jerry and Linda Beebe cared for them while we gone (We love the Beebe's!!!). And a shout out to their daughter Jessica, too! Then my wonderful in laws drove to Wenatchee, snow storm and all, and brought the girls back to Seattle for us. Words can't express how much we appreciate everyone who has rallied around our family during this time.

We pray God's blessing to you all,

Darth & Jenni