A New Chapter

Let me start with an apology as it has been over a month since my last update. However, I have a good excuse - I've been parenting. I have come to realize that when you are parenting many things get added to the "to-do list," but very little on that list actually gets done. Aside from blogging I would say that opening mail (something Vicki and I weren't too good at to begin with) and doing adult laundry (this is mine and Vicki's laundry, not some x-rated wash) have been the biggest causalities. Though there have been some challenges to productivity, a great deal has happened over the last few weeks and I will attempt to give you the very brief recap.

I titled this entry "A New Chapter," because that is exactly what Shep and Jack have begun. Shepherd was released from the hospital on Sunday, February 7, 2010, after spending 28 days at Children's. Shep's release marked the beginning of what I like to call the Health and Happiness Era of the Britton Household. As I have said before, Shepherd received amazing care at Children's. Though his stay lasted much longer than we anticipated, the staff was extremely attentive and wonderfully patient as Shep made his way slowly down Recovery Road. Today, Shep is at home and thriving because of the attention and support he received from the staff at the hospital. Moreover, Vicki and I owe a special thanks to the Spurney family (Dr. Mr. is a pediatric cardiologist at Children's and Dr. Mrs. is an internist with Vicki at GW), who lent us their ears and expertise for an entire month. When you go through an experience like this, it is important to have a sounding-board and the Spurneys were always there to listen and offer their support. Whether it was talking about Shep's medical problems or just chatting about the joys of a long-term hospital stay, the Spurneys helped make a stressful month not just bearable, but at times hilarious and very enjoyable. We are incredibly grateful.

The reason Vicki and I have been able to get through the last few months is because of the wonderful support system we have had surrounding us. From friends bringing us dinner, to grandparents traveling 1,100 miles to babysit, we couldn't have done it without the love and support of our friends and family. People say "it takes a village," and Vicki and I feel very fortunate that our village is populated with such generous and loving people. And just to put the last few months into context, here is a quick retrospective: 19 weeks of combined hospitalization (Shep 11 weeks, Jack 6 weeks, Vicki 2 weeks); 1 C-Section (Vicki); 2 NICU stays (Shep and Jack); 1 minor heart issue (Jack's PDA), 1 major heart issue (Shep's Double Outlet Right Ventricle and Stenosis), 1 Open Heart Surgery (Shep); 1 CICU stay (Shep), 1 lung collapsing multiple times (Shep); countless pediatrician and specialists visits; lots of echocardiograms, tests and blood work; and somewhere between $350,000 and $500,000 in medical bills (we are waiting for the final tally, but luckily I have really good insurance).

It has definitely been a crazy time, but through all the craziness two wonderfully happy and now healthy boys have emerged. Shep and Jack are having a wonderful time at home together and are growing by leaps-and-bounds.

Vicki and I have been busy too. In the month since Shep was released from the hospital Washington DC was blanketed with over two feet of snow (allowing Vicki and I to spend some excellent quality time with the boys), I started back to work and traveled to Wisconsin, Vicki celebrated her 30th Birthday, we have had all kinds of friends and visitors in from out of town, and Vicki went back to work.

These days, Vicki and I have big smiles on our faces. Though we are a bit tired, it is impossible not to smile when looking at the Britton Boys. Shep and Jack are starting a new chapter in their young lives and I can't wait to share the stories of their good health and happiness. The updates will keep coming and check out the pictures below. As always thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.

Kodak Picture Slideshow

Much love,

-The Brittons