Anthony

Anthony was born in the mid-summer of 2003. We had planned for a little girl, but were blessed with our strong little man instead. What we hadn't planned for was the biggest change in our lives.

Anthony was kept an extra night at the hospital for running a slight temperature. After two chest x-rays and exams by a few different doctors, Anthony was then sent home as a healthy baby boy.

I had noticed Anthony was breathing a little heavier than my other son had and I had brought it to the doctor's attention.

For the next six days I insisted that something was wrong. Another chest x-ray was done, his chest was listened to, I was told that he had some water in his lungs still and that it would go away, that whenever he cried it would evaporate.

On the sixth day I was not satisfied. I contacted his local pediatrician and insisted that he be seen again.

That doctor's visit seemed as if it were never going to end. Anthony was rushed to the local ER by ambulance , then prepped to be transported to Milwaukee Children's Hospital (Milwaukee, Wisconsin).

Anthony was in heart failure and had been since the day that he was born.

I was commended for following my instincts, but nothing could help soothe the stirring within my soul. Here, one of the happiest times in my life was turned into a struggle for sanity.

With the help and guidance of the Children's Hospital staff and his new pediatrician, I have somehow gotten through a lot of the worry-full, sleepless nights.

Anthony now eighteen months old, is doing very well after his Glenn procedure in December 2003. He is ready to welcome his new baby sister home in a few short weeks. His smile helps to prepare me for the oncoming years of treatments and procedures, along with all of the happiness of being his mother.

Our love is with you all,