Your first 10 weeks

You are 20 weeks old today, but we will talk about the first 10 today.  After your first surgery the doctors tested you for your disability.  We were told it was called DeGeorge Syndrome.  We read about it and found out that that is just one name for it, that is why daddy calls it by it's real name,  22q11.2 deletion syndrome.  Mommy and daddy had a room at Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas and would come visit the NICU ward every day to see you.  After about 3 weeks the Doctors did your first heart surgery.  About a week later you were moved to the Doctors Hospital at Renaissance Women's Hospital (where you were born) in Edinburgh, Texas.  That way mommy and daddy could move into your first house and come visit you every day.  You were only 10 minutes away.  You stayed there for about 6 more weeks.  Mommy and daddy came every day.  Sometimes we were there for so long they had to kick us out.  Grandma and Grandpa McKinney visited alot too, they only lived about 1 mile away.  Grandma and Grandpa McCone came and visited in early July and took lots of pictures.  They visited alot too.  After they went back to Washington you got a special visitor,  your godmother, Grauntie Kim came to visit.  She helped mommy and daddy get the house ready for you to come home.  Mommy and daddy stayed at the hospital in a private room with you so we would know how to take care of yo for 2 days.  On July 19, 2010, when you were 10 weeks and 1 day old, you finally got to leave the hospital.  Everybody was so happy.  You finally got to meet your first cat, Dixon Hill(Dixie) and your first dog, Spot.  We were glad to finally be a whole family at home.

When you were born

You were supposed to come to us in the middle of June 2010, right after mommy's birthday.  In April, mommy started getting sick.  The Doctor told her to rest and gave her some medicine for high blood pressure.  In early May the Doctor made mommy go into the hospital.  Daddy visited every day.  On May 9, 2010 (Mother's Day) the Doctors said that we couldn't wait, you had to come out.  There were 2 sets of Doctors, 1 for you and 1 for mommy.  You were born and they showed you to us but then had to take you away, because you were sick.  Mommy called me and said that they were taking you to a special Kids Hospital in Corpus Christy in a helicopter.  Mommy had to stay at the hospital in McAllen to recover so Grandpa and Grandma McKinney took daddy to you.  I met the Doctor right before you're first surgery and he explained everything.  That was when you held my hand and I said "it's alright, daddy's here."  Before I knew it you were back from surgery and a few days later, after she recovered, mommy came too. 

When I first heard about you

Mommy had left for Texas to take care of Grandma McKinney while I was in Utah taking care of Great Grandpa and Great Grandma Bushak.  After 2 weeks, mom called and said "We're going to have a baby."  I didn't know what to think except "Wow, I'm gonna be a daddy."  A while later, maybe a month, mommy sent me the first sonogram picture.  I was so excited.  Even though me and mommy were 2000 miles apart, we were closer than ever.  We talked and e-mailed alot.  We picked names.  When mommy told me you were a girl I got very excited, but a little scared because I know what boys are like and had no idea about raising a daughter.  When I moved to Texas you were already for me.  When you would kick mommy, I would just rub her belly and whisper to you "it's alright, daddy's here."  You must have remembered that because after you were born and flown to Corpus Christy, I showed up in the NICU just before you're first surgery.  You grabbed my finger with your left hand and looked up at me and I said, "it's alright, daddy's here."  I'll never forget that look that you're beautiful eyes gave me.  So no matter what happens in your whole life just remember, "It's alright, daddy's here."

My First Post

You are in the hospital (again) at 19 weeks and 2 days.  After 10 days I made mommy stay home (she worried herself sick staying here with you).  You are so precious and beautiful that I just want to stay awake all night and stare at you sleep.  We ordered your crib today and we hope to bring you back home again soon.  We want you healthy before that though so a few extra days here won't hurt.  Everyone here loves you and fights to have you on their schedule.  I love you so much that I can't say anymore.  I need to get you changed and fed anyway so I can get my sleep.  I love you Anita Rose Bushak, my one and only.