Update after surgery

Just a quick update on Jace before I try to get some rest. Surgery got moved up last week and took place on Wednesday and lasted from 9-530. The day was long but Jace made it through the surgery. The surgeon said the first 24 hours would be the most critical. And boy were those some stressful, rocky hours. We dealt with bleeding, weird heart rhythms, fever, breathing difficulties and extreme fear and pain!! This is Jaces third heart surgery. Most kids have this 3rd surgery by age 3. Jace didn't get the 2nd surgery in China til he was 3. So unfortunately I think he remembers that and has had lots of anxiety and fear! However each day has gotten a little better with an occasional bump along the way. But today he could set in my lap which he had been asking for nonstop so he was happy. Also his best friend from China, Vincent stopped by to visit!!
The prayers have worked and we are so appreciative. The surgeon told me that of all his complex hearts and surgeries Jace ranks at the top!! Thinking we shouldn't be proud of that! But overall he is very pleased. This is the first time Jace has ever had pink lips, fingernails, and toenails. Amazing!! God is definitely in control of Jace's destiny.
We hope we are out of here soon!! The doctors and nurses have been amazing. And all our friends, especially Ryan and Courtney who spent the long surgery day with us and Jodi who brought Justin up and visited several times and grandma and grandpa for putting up with our other 3 kids we can't thank you enough!! And for all the prayers thank you. We are very blessed!!

Top pic is before surgery.
Pics below are Jace during a sterile dressing change. We all wore hat and mask. He thought it was fun. The other is 2 China brothers reunited!!! :)

Big day coming for Jace

It's been awhile since we posted. Things have been crazy busy!! Just wanted to update you on Jace and ask for lots of prayers. Jace has had lots of procedures since the first of the year. And he has been such a trooper through it all. He had dental work at the hospital in March and ended up getting his front two teeth pulled after he fell out of the bus on a field trip at daycare and messed them up. The next week he underwent a heart cath and had ballooning of stents he had had put in and blocking off of extra blood vessels all in preparation for his open heart surgery. Then mid April he had an angiogram of his head to further evaluate his previous stroke. We were told he has Moya Moya syndrome which is a vascular condition that affects the blood vessels to his head. And this week he got glasses because we found out he couldn't see very well!!
Amidst all that, we have moved to a new house, Makenna played volleyball, Madison basketball and Jaxson had pneumonia twice.
On a positive note the kids have done great in school this year and the girls have perfect attendance. We got to eat lunch with a special family and friend from New Day, Lucy Kate.
And our good friend Emily leaves next week to get her son Jabin from China who is also a New Day friend!! And next Sunday the 20th Jace will graduate from preschool with plans to start kindergarten this fall. Jace loves life and following me around!!
We are asking for lots of prayer on Friday May 25th. Jace will have his big open heart surgery procedure. The surgeon told me has has done over 200 and he would consider Jace's high risk! The procedure is going to take longer than usual because Jace has some blood vessels they don't usually encounter that they have to move. He is also higher risk for a stroke with the vascular syndrome he has and higher risk for infection because he has no spleen.
We know things are never straight forward with Jace! It's obvious God has had his hand on him with all he's been through. Our surgeon is amazing and I know he will do his best. The rest is in God's hands. This is Jace's shot to be better and not turn blue and be short of breath after walking across the room. We ask our family and friends to join us in prayer on the 25th to be with Jace and the doctors!! It will be a long day for all. We have been told to plan on being in the hospital at least 2 weeks. I will try my best to update this regularly.
Thanks to everyone who joins us in prayer!! God is good and in control.
Enjoy the pics of Jace!!