Friday, May 30, 2008

A Brother's Anticipation ~ How cute!


"I can't wait to take Lindsay swimming."

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Our 2nd U of M Visit

Hi everyone! Well, our second visit went very well and with 5 appointments, needless to say, it was a long day! The first 2 appointments were with cardiology. I had a fetal echo done and everything looked very good considering. Her right side (the good side) looked very good and everything seems to be normal as was said last time. So that is good news. The 3rd appointment was with the surgeon. We met with Dr. Devaney and really liked him. We thought we had done a good job on the research in preparing for the surgery but Dr. Devaney went into more detail with us and we learned so much more about what is to come. So that visit was very informative and glad we were able to have that in our schedule. The 4th and 5th appointments were with OB and I had an ultrasound done do see how her grwoth and developement is coming along. All looks perfect! According to the measurements, she weighs appoximately 5 pounds and other than her heart, she is a healthy little girl. Extremely thankful for that!
Although we left absolutely exhausted, we had a great day full of information and then next thing on the list is delivery! We go back to U of M on the evening of June 10th for induction. She we should have her in our arms sometime on the 11th. Or if she decides to take her sweet little time, like Cole did, then she will come on the 12th! ha ha Either way, we will post any developments on the blog, so keep posted as the day gets closer.
Thanks again for all of the thoughts and prayers as everyday brings something new and prayer makes a difference!
Love, Suzie

Friday, May 2, 2008

Contact information for Suzie's mom (Linda)

For those of you that want to contact Linda, you can reach me at ultratravel@jasnetworks.net or by cel at 269-547-9279.

Heart Hugs,
Linda Lindsay Smith

Keeping up the Dean's homefront

The calendar has been turned to May as we approach Lindsay's birth next month. We have been overwhelmed with the generous and caring response since our letters have been received. I have received many notes and calls concerning other needs that will need to be met and I would like to address them as the time is approaching.

A fantastic friend of Suzie and JR's has graciously volunteed to be the homefront coordinator because the immediate families will be with them in Ann Arbor for an undetermined amount of time. Shannon Poortenga will set up scheduling of needs for the Dean household while they're in Ann Arbor and for when they arrive home, hopefully mid July.

We are, of course, thinking very positively that Lindsay's first surgery will go well and that they will bring her home in July. Please keep in mind that they will also return to Ann Arbor for two additional open heart surgeries for Lindsay, which will require them to be away from home again for a length of time.

Lawn care has been spoken for by Brian Poortenga (thanks Brian!)

Some of the other needs required are:

*Making sure the dog (Shelby) is cared for with fresh food and water every day. She doesn't need to be let in and out as she will have easy access to the fenced in back yard at all times.

*Mail will need to be brought into the house on a regular basis.

*Although Suzie and JR have several family members that will care for Cole and Cruz, it wouldn't hurt to have some backups for childcare.

*Upon their arrival home, it would be nice if we had meals brought in for a couple of weeks as they get used to the care required for Lindsay and the quality time they will want to spend with Cole and Cruz as they adjust to a normal life again.

* Anything else your creative minds might come up with.

Please contact Shannon at 269-806-2266 or e-mail her at spoortenga@chartermi.net if you would like to help in any way. Out of town friends and relatives can also help with meals by contacting Shannon for some great ideas.

Thanks to all of you, Suzie and JR will not have to worry about any of their lodging expense at the Ronald McDonald house.

Please keep checking the blog for new updates as the time is closing in on us and soon this will become a reality.

A special thanks to Brian and Shannon Poortenga for their support as we pray for them, also.

Heart Hugs,
Linda Lindsay Smith
(Suzie's mom)