Dylan and his big brother Drew

Dylan, 10 days old

Dylan is our second son. He was born 18 months apart from his older brother Drew. Dylan was born on a Friday. I remember every detail of his birth because it is a complete replica of his older brother's birth. Friday, 6am water break, minimal labor, and out comes a big plump healthy baby boy.

Dylan weighed 8 lbs, 10 oz. and was 21 inches long. Our pediatrician came in to do the routine examination and heard a murmur. We all thought nothing of it as many babies have small murmurs that go away within days of birth. Nonetheless, she scheduled an echo just to be sure. We were all set to be discharged to go home when the cardiologist came in and took Dylan to do the echo. I was able to go with Dylan for the echo, I will never forget that he said to my husband, "I will have them back to you in about ten minutes and we will get you discharged and on your way".

Thirty minutes passed and I had a terrible feeling come over me. I was watching as the cardiologist mumbled to himself as he tried to get a better look. I knew then something was terribly wrong. I quietly excused myself telling the cardiologist I would be right back. I entered the room where my whole family was waiting to take Dylan home and asked Drew and Dylan's grandparents to please take Drew home—that we may be a while. They saw the look in my eyes and everyone knew it was not good. My husband joined me as we went back to hear the result of the echo.

We were told that Dylan had multiple heart defects and would need surgery right away. We were shocked, scared, and confused. Dylan stayed in the NICU overnight while we arranged for a second opinion the next day. The diagnosis was the same. Within 2 weeks of birth, Dylan had surgery to repair the coarctation of the aorta. The specialists felt they would leave the 2 VSDs and narrowing of the arch of the aorta alone to see if it would correct as Dylan grows. Dylan is now 9 months old and just had his 9 month evaluation with his cardiologist. One VSD has closed, the other is getting smaller, and his narrowing is starting to open up. The cardiologist is optimistic that in time the VSD will close completely and the arch will open wide.

We are hopeful that Dylan will not need additional surgery to repair his existing condition. We are thankful everyday for the many wonderful nurses and amazing specialists that cared for and continue to care for Dylan. They are truly remarkable people. As for Dylan, he is another light in our life. He is one of the most affectionate babies I have ever seen. He is such a happy little man. We are so thankful that he is here with us, healthy and strong. We always joke that he will become a Cardiologist some day.