[devildogwife]

Today is Cameron's birthday. I really can't believe it's been a year. It really does seem like just yesterday that he was born.

For those who weren't here a year ago, I wanted to let you know about that day. This is long, as we had a lot go on that day.

We had flown from the west coast (stationed there 2+years) back home to the midwest to be there for Cameron's birth. We had met with his birth mom several times prior to his birth. She asked us to be in the delivery room. It was a cold rainy day and he was born without any complications at 1332. We didn't know the sex before he was born, so we were all elated that he was a little boy. However, he looked a little extra purple. The nurse who helped deliver him was concerned, so she took him back quickly to get him checked out. We left the hospital to get lunch and flowers for his birth mom. About 45 minutes later when we returned, we found out that he was on full oxygen being checked out by specialists and they wouldn't let us see him. We waited with his birth mom for a while and then went to try to see him again. Then, the cardiologist met with us and our attorney. He said words to me I'll never forget:

"your baby is very, very sick and must have surgery tonight."

He went on to explain what HLHS was. I made him repeat is a couple times, so I could learn the name. We also learned why he needed surgery that night. His atrial septum was completely closed. His body wasn't getting enough blood. His words became a blur to me. I fought to not hyperventilate. Tears poured down my face. He told us that specialists from all over the city were on their way in to talk a look at him. He told us that he would be flown as soon as possible (out of state) to the children's hospital in our hometown. He told us very quietly, that there was a likely chance that he wouldn't survive surgery that night, let alone the flight. Within an hour, every single thing in our life changed.

As Cameron waited in the hospital for the helicopter, Seth and I raced to our motel, threw stuff in the car and began the 2-hour drive to the children's hospital in our hometown. They told us not to speed, so my DH drove. I got on my phone and called every single person in my phone book who prayed. And they called people, and they called people. Before I knew it, people all over the country and all over the world were praying for this little boy that we had just met. The anger I had felt at God over my miscarriages was replaced with a desperate plea for God to spare his life.

We beat the helicopter to the hospital. My sister and BIL met us there and waited. And waited. Due to the windy weather, they didn't get there until around 11pm. After the helicopter landed, I remember the transport nurse coming out and telling me that they had given him morphine and he had slept the entire way. Miracles were already happening.

We met with the cardiologist who very quickly went over his part of the surgery. We walked back into the NICU to see Cameron before his surgery. We met his CT surgeon there. He said to us that he would normall take hours to explain the surgery to us, but that there was no time. Still crying, I asked if we could have a family picture taken. Knowing this might be our only family picture, I had to have one. We took it, said goodbye, and Cameron was wheeled to the OR. He was 10 hours old.

We went and waited and waited. Each update told us that he was alive. It gave us hope. Hours later, his CT surgeon came in and told us the surgery was finished. He also told us that Cameron's heart had stopped on the table, but he got it restarted again. I felt like someone had punched me in the gut. He told us he'd explain more the next day. I have never seen his surgeon every look that exhausted again.

We go up the PICU and there was Cameron, in a room full of doctors and nurses. Finally, it was just us and his nurse. She explained the monitors and drips and alarms to us. We were beyond stunned. We had JUST met this baby boy who was so sick. That morning, we thought we'd be celebrating. Instead, we were with a baby who was barely hanging onto life.

We listened to him alarm all night, but he made it through. Then, he made it through 24 hours, and 48 hours, and we celebrated each day of life. Cameron fought hard to live. I told him every day that we loved him and that he was born to a strong people. His birth family prayed, our family prayed. I believe God heard. And thanks to his miracles and the miracle of modern medicine and some VERY talented people, I have a son who is a year old today.

My son won everyone's hearts. He gave people hope. On the day he was born, we were told that he had a very morbid prognosis. A couple weeks later, the doctors couldn't believe the changes they were seeing, this amazing baby pulling through. We went on to stay there a month with him. That started our journey leading to (so far) 4 open heart surgeries, 3 heart caths, other sicknesses and months spent in the hospital.

Through all of this we have learned a lot. I learned to trust God again. I learned that I was capable of more than I ever thought. I've learned to hold onto hope with every part of my being. I've learned that whatever my son needs to live, we'll get. I've also seen amazing support here, that carried me through some really rough, rough times. So thanks again everyone.

First family photo
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First day post op
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A few weeks later extubated
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4 open heart surgeries later...
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[BlessedbySnuggs]

WOW! Everytime I read/hear your story it brings chills to me. What an amazing story; Cameron is truly a miracle...what a little fighter he is!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!!!

[HappyHopefulMommy]

Om My Goodness - I just read that and bawled. I knew you had been through A LOT an I have been following your story. But I just thought about finally becoming a MOM and going through so much in those first hours. You truly are amazing and Cameron is such a fighter. Happy Birthday Cameron.

[SamIAm2]

Happy Birthday dear Cameron!!! And many, many more

[kelceesmom]

Thanks for sharing your story with others who might not know it! It has been a long road for you all but so worth it. Enjoy the rest of your lives with him

Happy Birthday Cameron

And Happy Birthday Seth! Go USMC!

[angelkisses0102]

Wow a touching tribute to a beautiful little boy and his wonderful mommy!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY CUTIE!!!

[ourdreamcametru]

What a day to celebrate! Our God is an AWESOME God everyday! HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!

[crystalp]

You have such a wonderful little family. Happy Birthday Cameron, and many, many more!

[dawnrenee58]

I just love your family. What an inspirational story!! I still think of Cameron often and pray for him!!

[aclee]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMERON!!!

They grow too freaking fast don't they??

[Saya]

DDW, what an incredible year - and what an amazing mom you are. Wow, he looks so big in those latest pictures! Happy Birthday Cameron!!!

[committedsoul]

Absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! Happy Birthday Cameron!!!

[sbaglio]

I'm so touched by your story, and am amazed at how far Cam has come. I'm certain that your constant love for him pulled him through. Happy birthday to him, and I'll keep him in my thoughts. He's so blessed to have you as parents.

[mumofone]

Happy 1st Birthday, Cameron. May you be blessed with many, many more!

[EZ2Luv]

Happy First Birthday Miracle Boy!!!
Sweet Cameron is true testament to the Power of an Awesome God. A beautiful baby boy and a wonderful family, such a blessing.

EZ