GOOD News!!!

I am so happy to write that two hours ago Anna and I got the following news:

The best case scenario has worked out for our dear boy Coley. His heart is very strong and the balance of blood going from his one single ventricle to the lungs and body is just right. He can skip the first (and most risky) "shunt" surgery that was to happen next week. We can bring him home tomorrow or Sunday! A huge weight and stress has been lifted.

His malformed heart is doing just fine on its own right now. He is pink, active, and happy. We were to have waited 4 days to see if the PDA valve would close for a final test, but it happened early. And he's still fine.

He will need heart surgeries at about 6 months and at 18 months, but they are less risky. His chances for a 'normal' life are much higher now. I can't even begin to explain my emotions right now. The longest two days of Anna and my lives are starting to speed up and we are feeling so much better.

Coley and his Mommy

Meet Coley Wells!

Exactly 24 hours ago, Coley Wells was born, and we are so overjoyed to share him with you in the photos below. He was born at 3:33 9/3/08. Weight: 7lbs 6 oz. Length 20.5 inches.


Anna was absolutely amazing doing her 10 hour labor completely naturally. I cannot begin to describe how inspiring she was or how magical it feels to become a father. Perhaps the photos do a better job of that.

Coley heart is off to a good start. The first 48 hours will say a lot and the first 3 or 4 days will determine if he'll need the first of three surgeries (he will need the 2nd and 3rd we know already). He's very cute (everyone says that here at the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Boston Children's Hospital). He's been steady with very little fussing even when being poked and prodded.

We'll post many photos here in the upcoming days and will let you know about his progress. This space will let us communicate with all about our dear boy without having to contact everyone individually. You can find as much detail as you'd like here, or just check out the pics.

No news isn't always good news...

Urgh. Here we are, August 31, my due date, and no action. Not that I realistically expected to go into labor the moment the calendar turned, but still... this date has a flashing neon sign in my brain for 9 months, so it's kind of hard to see the hours fading away.

On the upside, I'm feeling fine. Uncomfortable, yes. Want to get this baby out, yes. Am going slightly mad with anticipation, yes. But nothing major to complain about.

Just thought I'd let you all know. We'll keep you apprised of any developments!