Good news! ...and needs.

Henry continues to do great at home.  At his appointment this week, he weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz...just one ounce shy of 8 lbs!  They've also been tapering off one of his meds according to schedule & he is tolerating that really well.  All in all, a very good report. 

Prayers are still needed especially to be focused on his pulmonary veins.  The development of these veins will have a big bearing on the plan for healing his heart.  So, grow, grow, grow pulmonary veins...please! 

Lots of you have been asking what you can do to help or what there needs are.  Here are some things they are needing*:

• Diapers!   Especially since he is on a diuretic, they are having to change diapers frequently & therefore going through their supply really quickly.  Dana has found that Huggies and Pampers brands seem to fit him best & that the kind with the "wet strips" are especially handy.  He's still wearing a newborn size right now. 
• Diaper cream & baby wipes.  The over-the-counter cream that they're using right now is Desitin maximum strength (it's in a purple tube).  Wipes need to be aloe and alcohol free and unscented. 
• Meals.  A friend of mine introduced me to a great website:  http://www.takethemameal.com/   If you go to this site and type the last name "hermon" into the search, with a password also of "hermon", you can access their meal schedule.  On this site, you can sign up for the day you would like to bring them dinner and even put the type of meal you plan to bring so you'll know that you won't be bringing them the same thing as the person two days before. 
• For those of you that are non-cooks or if you just wouldn't have time to make a meal, but would like to provide a meal for them, gift cards would also be helpful.  Neither David or Dana are picky eaters, so just about anything would be fine especially places with a delivery option or carside to go.  A list of some of their favorite eateries:  Papa Johns, Applebees, Chilis, McDonalds, Panda Express, Chinese food from Hyvee, Goodcents. 

*  There is no good way to say this, but here it comes.  Between doctor's appointments, adjusting to Henry's schedule and life with a baby at home, concern over exposure to anything that could throw Henry's system out of wack, etc. the best drop-off option is probably similar to what UPS drivers do.  Set your items on the front porch, knock real quick a few times, and run to the car before they can have a chance to get to the door!  David & Dana are so excited to show Henry off, but after being lectured by doctors & nurses prior to leaving CMH, they have had to come to the tough realization that now isn't the time to do it yet.  All of the support in helping them get to the point that they are able to show him off is so appreciated.  Here's to hoping that Henry continues to gain weight & get stronger and that winter flies by fast!