It was another beautiful 108 degree summer day in Phoenix. As I jumped in the Yukon to head down to the hospital I thought I could hear the faint sounds of someone singing Zip-a-dee-doo-dah as they skipped down the street.
As for Austin, his day was fantastic. He started the day by hanging out with Dr. Pearl (his real name is Jeff Pearl, but I don’t think he likes his first name very much due to the peculiar looks he gives me when I greet him as such). At approximately 9:00am Dr. Pearl brought his peeps (some may prefer to call them a medical team) into Austin’s room, closed the curtains and promptly performed a (scheduled) sternal closure. Austin was very happy to have all his body parts intact again. He didn’t however appreciate the nurse trying to give him an aspirin (not orally) and quickly crossed his legs in protest.
Right now Austin is resting and occassionally opens his eyes so that we all have the opportunity to stare at him with our goofy smiles. Austin wanted me to let everyone know that he is feeling a little better and can’t wait to get home.
Austin is really excited that Aunt Kris came to visit today.
We are so grateful for Grandma and Grandpas help. They leave tomorrow but will be back soon. Hopefully with more presents!
If you guessed this was a picture taken from the Star Trek convention that Karla was a keynote speaker at last month, you would have guessed wrong.
This is a picture of Austin’s steroids. Don’t worry buddy, we won’t leak this info to the press if you decide to become a baseball player someday.
So now that the sternal closure has taken place, we can legitimately say Austin’s “skeleton’s in the closet”….. Seriously, we are both absolutely delighted with Austin’s progress thus far and are confident that he will continue to grow and flourish in your loving home. Many wonderful years await….!!!
Austin,
We are so happy to hear that you are “all closed up” and that you are beginning to look at all those people who are loving and praying for you! Don’t forget that there are lots more of us who are far away doing the same thing. Sending love and prayers from our family to you and your mom and dad – and of course your wonderful grandparents.
Love,
Elaine and Yogi
Big blessings to you all! It is so nice to see you Auntie Kris right where you belong: with your sister, brother-in-law and Austin! Austin sure is a handsome boy and obviously has already proven his “super hero” status.
We here in MN are sure praying for quickened healing and least amount of surgury in the future with a total healing. It is amazing how God sometimes brings us to our knees only to show us His amazing mercy, grace and love. May you each be feeling those as you witness baby Austin grow exceedingly and abundantly healthy and strong in the days, weeks, months and years to come; your own miracle!
Blessing from the Stites Clan:
Brian, Kristi, Bryanne, Madelyn and Talbot