A good day!

Today was a good day. Mom got greeted with a smile this morning as she told Sam good morning. Due to his numbers being good, he was not as medicated so he was more responsive and alert then other days. We discovered that he has ticklish feet just like Mommy. He also had a good grip on Mommy's finger during story time tonight.

Sam showed more facial expression today. He frowned when Aunt Nelle talked about how she was leaving today and during Dad's singing during story time of Winnie the Pooh. Along with smiling for Mom, Aunt Nelle got a smile when she asked him if he wanted a cape that said "Super Sam."

He enjoyed story time with Popo, Mommy, and Daddy. He is glad that Aunt Nelle was going home so she and Reese could pick out more books for him to have read to him. He also experienced his first NASCAR race with Pop-pop.

Mary Kay from the transport flight came to visit him. It was nice to see her and have Tony from the flight as the respiratory therapist.

Sam did receive light therapy today due to jaundice. His level has increased so he will receive a blanket as well as the lights.

Sam's light therapy

Sam's ticklish feet

I look cute with socks on

Light therapy

I look cute with my socks on!

Danielle signing the new guest pillow that Hearts of Hope of MI gave us.

Aunt Nelle playing wth Sam's feet

His new picture of him and his cousin Reese

His cool glasses

Poppop playing wht Sam's feet

Mary Kay from the transport team

Frowning  at dad's singing

My two Sams

I have two special Sams in my life. The first one was one who loved me before I was born. He was my wonderful and loving grandpa. He was a great man of love who was a huge support to me. My other is my son, a boy I loved before I even knew about him.

We knew our son's name would be Samuel David before we knew what we were having. After we discovered his HLHS, I knew his name was fitting. My grandpa had always been told his heart was bad but while at hospice, we were told he had a strong heart which kept him fighting to stay with us longer then his doctors thought he would. I knew that my sons heart might not be perfect but I knew he would get the same strong heart from his great-grandfather.

Since being in labor, I have seen the influence of my grandpa on my son. My cousin who helped deliver Sam said that when the delivery took longer then the doctor expected that my grandpa was up in heaven telling Sam to stay in because it would be funny. I think it was just Sam being stubborn like his great grandpa.

I also received something yesterday that I believe was a gift from both my Sams. The same pastor who prayed with my family and my grandpa at hospice came to pray with my son and our family yesterday. As this pastor prayed with my grandpa, it was the last time I really remember my grandpa seeming receptive. Yesterday, my son was the most alert that I had seemed him when the pastor visited.

Today, as I read dairy of a wimpy kid to Sam, it talked about the funny paper which made me think of my grandpa's favorite expression of "I'll see you in the funny papers."

Tonight, as I am far away from home and not able to sleep. I think that Sam is not going to be a homebody like his mom but I also think my grandpa is up in heaven laughing since his great grandson is getting me back for when I was ready to go home and sleep in my own bed even though I was at my grandparents house.

I know through this journey, I am going to see my grandpa's stubbornish, determination, and fight as well as his love in Sam but I am sure I will find many other ways many ways my two Sams are alike. I do know my grandpa is up in heaven cheering Sam on and smiling at how proud he is of his great grandson.

Grandpa, Sam and I will see you in the funny papers!

In Michigan

Sam and mom made it to Motts hospital last night at 9 pm. The trip include two med transports and a plane ride. Sam did  great on the transportation. He got this teddy bear and pair of flight wings in honor of his first plane ride. The medic from Willow Run airport to Motts Hospital let mom know that one day she can share with him that he came to Ann Arbor on a exciting weekend.  Univeristy of Michigan is in the Final Four and it is Hash Bash, a forty year traditional of college students trying t legalized marjunia.  Dad and Uncle Josh made it in a little after midnight.  This morning, Popo and Aunt Nel came up.  Roy, Sue, and Jenn Midcap stopped by to meet Sam on their trip home.

Today, Sam has spent the day adjusting to his new environment.  The doctors here are looking at two different options for sam's treatment surgery.  The first would be the normal norwood surgery for HLHS.  Another would be a hybrid surgery that would allow them to do some of the required work, but let him get stronger so that the more taxing parts would be delayed, and would be less stressful on him.  At this time, doctor have decided that there will be no surgery on Monday but they will continue to monitor and learn about Sam before deciding what option will be best for him.

We are thankful for all the support, encouraging words, and prayers on this emotional journey.  This site will be updated by Sam's parents (or family member, if asked by parents) with the most accurate and update informatin.  We wil update it with his journey along the way. 

His wings

His bear from the transport team

Uncle Josh and Sam

Popo reading Sam 3 Little Pigs

  His new bed

  

His blanket and special friends

 Enjoying some, Dairy of a Wimpy Kid, Dog Days of Summer

Sam's First Plane Ride

No, you didn't read the title wrong. Tonight, Samuel will be taking his first airplane ride with his mom to C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan where he will have his first heart surgery. One of the best heart surgeons in the country is at this hospital, so Sam will be receiving the best care possible! Right now, they are looking at this Monday for his first surgery.

Saying goodbye to his mom and dad

Leaving the hospital

On the plane

Pictures of Samuel David Dean's First Day

He's here!!!

He's here! Samuel David Dean came into the world on Thursday, April 4 at 12:46 am. He weighs 5lbs 12oz. This is great news and an answer to prayer because he needs to weigh at least 5 pounds for his first surgery. Please continue to keep Samuel and his parents in your prayers because this is just the beginning of his very long journey.

Sam is on his way!

Melissa was admitted to the hospital earlier today with some back labor pains. They tried this afternoon to stop her labor but it was unsuccessful. She is currently 3 cm dilated and resting comfortably after getting her epidural. We are hoping Samuel arrives soon!