Wahoo!!! Julia's Been Sprung.

Time to celebrate! Julia was released from the hospital this afternoon! She is one happy little girl as Daddy and Granny T. take her to the hotel for a bath, snacks and the Texas Tech/OU football game. Go Tech!

Special thanks to Dr. Alan Nugent for helping Julia get to the final touchdown line. We followed you to Dallas and we've never regretted it! And to Dr. Matthew Lemler and the nursing staff for caring for Julia over the last few days. Thanks to Joy Macaluso, Nurse Practitioner Extraordinaire who was so knowledgeable and attentive to Julia and her family. And to Natalie Singer -- Children's Director of Happy Smiles -- who helped explain to both Julia and Taylor what to expect and kept up all of our spirits.

Thank you to Dr. Gary Turner, Julia's skilled anesthesiologist, who is one of the most caring physicians I've ever met. Thanks to Dr. Kristine Guleserian for checking in on Julia as she was recovering from surgery, and for the new lobster recipe! We're having some brought in from Massachusetts for Thanksgiving, and Jim is going to try it. :)

Our thanks again to Dr. Joseph Forbess, an amazing surgeon -- we still can't believe our great fortune in crossing paths with you. And thanks to Dianna Gamez in Dr. Forbess' practice for graciously and patiently taking all of my many questions -- "Dr. Forbess has done this procedure several times before, right?"

Thanks also to the Amarante Family: Chris, Maureen and John (a.k.a. Bam Bam) who came to visit and cheer up Miss Julia today. And to Mike Lamons and Ann Nace at Landmark Structures and to everyone at PCCA, IACP and IJPC who have been so very supportive of Julia and her family through her big adventure!

The Don't Worry, Be Happy Singing Balloons, the Biggest Fruit Basket We've Ever Seen, Amazing Arts & Crafts Bag of Goodies and Bee-Well Cookies have been such a boost through this time. Thank you.

Thanks to all of our family and friends who have been posting on the blog, calling and emailing us, placing Julia on your prayer lists, and who have all been so wonderful. Thank you to Julia's Harmony School teachers, classmates and volunteers who have all been so caring and supportive of Julia. We are so lucky that Julia and Taylor are both students at this awesome school.

To Omi and Big Brother Taylor who helped Julia keep up her spirits after surgery. To Grandpa and Grandma for continually sending their love and well wishes. Thanks to Uncle Bryan who has lovingly supported Julia and who sent the amazing cookie bouquet. Thank you to Cousins Anita and Adele who had a special greeting waiting for us at the hotel when we first got to Dallas. Mr. Piggie went with Julia to every X-ray appointment! And to the LOEN Dinner Club for the big basket of goodies and ongoing calls/emails to make sure Julia was okay. And another special thanks to Dag's 15-year-old Spring Branch Bunco group who have been so supportive, bringing food to the house and sending their prayers and good wishes.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. This holiday will be especially gratifying as we celebrate Julia's successful surgery and recovery and our family being back together.

Every day is special and worth celebrating.

Much love,

The Climos

Send in the Clowns

They say laughter is the best medicine! Believe Julia would have to agree as she had a visit today from a couple of clowns -- two "funny MDs" who helped take her mind off her ailing tummy.

Julia continues to get stronger; but, this is a persistent bug, and it definitely is taking its sweet time to go away.

Her MDs have looked at every medical reason for this detour, and they have reassured us that her heart is strong, and that she will overcome this bump.

Please pray for Julia to go home soon with her family. We have so much to be thankful for. We're all hopeful that the Climos will be back together in time for Turkey Day. Thanks very much to Granny T. and Daddy for keeping up Julia's spirits.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Bump in the Road

The good news is that Julia's heart is doing great. No fluid issues, and pumping exactly like it should! The not great news is that we had to readmit Julia to the hospital yesterday in Dallas. She just was not able to keep anything down and subsequently was increasingly listless, losing weight and in danger of becoming dehydrated. Apparently Miss Julia caught a stomach bug while in the hospital the first time. Everyone did everything possible to keep conditions aseptic, but the bug got to her anyway.

The good news today is that after a day/night back in the hospital, Julia is getting back to her old self. They administered an IV immediately yesterday, gave her anti-nausea medicine, and she's bouncing back. She ate breakfast this morning and is doing so much better. She chirpily told me this morning, "Mommy, my voice is back to normal and my heart is fixed!" Said her tummy was doing better, too.

Based on her progress, she will most likely be released late this afternoon or tomorrow morning, and then returning home to Houston. She'll be back home before we know it!

Will keep you posted.

Julia Update

Julia was released from the hospital late Friday afternoon and rested all weekend in Dallas. She returns tomorrow morning to the hospital for a follow-up appointment and then heads back home to Houston. Her physician recommends that she return to school after Thanksgiving so that she can fully recuperate.

Thank you to all of her Harmony teachers and classmates for their Get Well Soon wishes! Jim and I were so thankful to get a call from Harmony's Dallas Principal Friday night to ensure we were all okay. What a wonderful school.

The Climos appreciate all of your prayers and well wishes!

Julia on the Mend

Miss Julia continues to recover from her surgery. Yesterday, we took her on a walkabout per her MD's instructions. Children's Med Center has the most amazing train collection/layout in their lobby. It's two stories high, fills a huge room and has a maze of tracks and bridges with little towns, mountain scenes and a Dallas cityscape. Yeah, I know, Dallas with mountains, but it's all make-believe! Julia and the other kids were busy looking for all the various characters and little toys scattered throughout the display. She was a happy camper.

She also had a room visit from a couple of clowns who made her laugh with their funny little act. And, the Ladies Auxiliary came by with a huge cart full of toys from which she could choose. Jim and I may have a tough time keeping this little one entertained once she gets back home!

Julia has had chest x-rays and echos every day. She did have a bit of fluid in her lungs show up on the test yesterday. Very happy to report that the x-ray this morning was much better with no more fluid. Yea.

This kid continues to amaze us with her spirit. I think this must be one of the big keys to her quick recovery along with the rush of prayers from all of you. She continues to laugh and joke - even though it does hurt a bit right now.

Her brother, Taylor, has been such a huge help. He has a nice hotel room waiting for him a few miles down the road. Instead, he has insisted upon spending the last two nights with me in Julia's hospital room on a bed/cot that is not all that comfortable! When Julia wakes up, he is ready to help and keep her entertained. He is a sweetheart.

Will continue to keep you posted on Julia's progress. I can't tell you enough how much we appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers. Thank you.

Julia's out of ICU!

Julia is out of cardiac ICU and in a regular room! She continues to make progress!

Julia Update

Julia had a very good night in ICU last night. The nursing staff has been phenomenal, and have been such a help to her. Julia continues along the road to recovery. Because she has been doing so well, the staff made the decision to remove her chest tube this morning -- not a fun process, but Julia was a trooper as usual. The nurses also removed some of the additional wiring and tubing and Julia is much freer to move than she has been!


I can't say enough good things about this hospital -- Children's Medical Center/Dallas. Natalie, a hospital child advocate/counselor came into Julia's room this morning to read a book to her and keep her engaged as the nurse practitioner removed her chest tube. Natalie also met with Taylor yesterday before he went in to see Julia to help explain what all the various wires, IVs and tubes were on her so that he wouldn't be upset.


This morning, we got to see Brandi Polder! Brandi completed a rotation at PCCA last year and now works in the ER/Pharmacy here at Children's. As it turns out, she was on rotation rounds with Julia's MDs, Dr. Forbess and Dr. Nugent, in Cardiac ICU this morning at 7:30 am! In fact, Brandi said it was the first time she had been on rounds in cardiac ICU. So how wild is that, Ms. Brandi is out in the hall in front of Julia's room with the rest of the medical team receiving a briefing about Julia. What a small world we really do live in!


We've been told that Julia will be released from Cardiac ICU sometime this afternoon and go to a regular cardiac ward/private room. Will let you know where when I know.

Again, I want to thank all of you for the amazing support. It means a lot to us.


The Climos

She's BAACCKK!

Miss Julia is in cardiac ICU and awake. They estimate she'll be out of ICU tomorrow and in a regular room -- probably by late afternoon. Dr. Forbess says we'll be here for three to five more days.

Julia has done remarkably well and is now being given ice chips. She continues to make progress and the nurses are amazed at her strength.

I will be staying with her this evening in ICU. Brandi Polder -- PCCA's former intern and now employee at this hospital -- emailed me and believes she'll be on rounds in ICU tomorrow morning.

Will continue to keep you posted. Thank you for all of the calls and emails. It's been great to hear from all of you!

Dag

Good News!

Dr. Forbess just came into the waiting room. Julia came through like a champ!! They should be rolling her by this waiting room any time now so we can give her a kiss.

Dr. Forbess said the hole was quite large. I can't even imagine how this kid has been such an energetic little thing. She will be really HIGH ENERGY NOW -- watch out Ms. Heine/Ms. Drymalla. Miss Julia will be back in a big way.

Julia was on the bypass machine for 45 minutes while they sewed up the hole. Dr. Forbess said once they sewed it up, the right side of her heart immediately assumed the correct shape. Her heart started right up once they took her off of the bypass machine. She will be in ICU today as she recovers from surgery.

Thank you for all of your prayers and support!! Julia has certainly felt all of the love!

The Climos

Julia Update

Every hour on the hour, we receive a call here in the ICU Family Waiting Room. We just received one a few moments ago. Julia is now on the bypass machine, and Dr. Forbess is sewing up the hole in her heart. This procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. All is going very well so far. Please continue to pray for our Julia. We love you all.

A note to Ms. Heine's/Ms. Drymalla's classes! Julia wanted you to know how much she loves the pillow case signed by all of you! We've brought it to the hospital. As soon as Julia has her own room, it will be there waiting for her. Thanks for all the love and support you've provided Julia. It means so much to us.

Surgery Day

We went to the hospital at 6:30 am to check Julia into the surgery center. Granny, Omi, Taylor, Jim and I accompanied a very upbeat, laughing kid to the waiting room. She's been awesome the whole time, asking good questions, giggling, having fun with the MDs/nurses. Then they took us to pre-op where the nurses took her blood pressure, weighed her, etc, and outfitted her with teddy bear scrubs.

The anesthesiologist, Dr. Turner, came in to visit and explain the "silly juice" procedure. After about five minutes with Julia, he said we may not notice a huge change in her with this medication as apparently she already was pretty "silly!"

The staff has been great. They gear everything here to the child and their mental well being. A chaplain came in to make sure that everyone was feeling okay. I think that's when it finally hit me that our girl was going in for heart surgery. He spent a few moments with Julia and gave us his numbers in case we needed to talk.

Then it was time to roll Julia down the hall to the operating room. We all hugged and kissed her, and Dr. Turner told us they'd see us in four hours. Now we wait.

Julia is a Trooper!

Today, Julia and I began our seven-hour day at Children's Medical Center at 8 am sharp. We met with our Houston physician who just joined the staff here, Alan Nugent, MD. It was great to see a familiar face and hear how much he loves this hospital, staff and just the way they do things here.

Julia was a real trooper as she completed lab tests, an x-ray, echocardiogram, EKG and so on. Not supposed to tell you about the so on, but Julia had the pleasure of her first "cup" test. I'll leave it at that. I think she used the word, "humiliating!"

Then we met Dr. Joseph Forbess, Julia's surgeon, and his team as they set us at ease on the coming day's events. After you read about Dr. Forbess, you just about expect him to glide into the room on a wave of water. He was amazingly approachable and bonded immediately with Julia.

Then we met with a woman who heads the hospital's genetic testing/research efforts. Julia and I agreed to participate in a study to look at genetic influences upon congenital heart defects in children. Julia's all about ensuring that her experience helps others.

One of Julia's favorite parts of the day came next when we spoke to a child advocate who explained the coming day's events in visual detail. She put Julia at ease by letting her know what to expect as she came into the surgery room, and after she woke up in recovery. Julia was very pleased to see the children's playroom filled with games, books and movies -- ready for action once Julia feels better.

A special shout-out to Lizzie's mother, Jane, who made these amazing concoctions called cakeballs and brought them to the hotel. After eating a few of these, you realize there is no more need for truffles when you can have cakeballs!

Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. We appreciate everyone.

Dag

Special Day

Zoo Visit

On Thursday, I had the chance to spend the day at the Houston Zoo with Julia, her classmate Amy and the rest of her elementary school pals (grades 1-3), as well as her wonderful teachers, Ms. Heine and Ms. Drymalla. Normally, with my work schedule, I wouldn't have had the chance to volunteer as a chaperone. It's unfortunate that many of us, myself included, don't take a day out to experience this.

It was awesome. Every child is so aware, so full of life. After being a Houston Zoo Docent for nine years, I thought the kids would benefit from my great store of zoo facts and trivia. Well, that's what I thought anyway! I was the one schooled by the kids. They sure don't see the world as I do. They live in the 50% full and at least a 110% effort world. They may have slept all the way home on the bus, but in reality I was the most tired and the most educated. A truly enlightening experience. These are the days that make you aware of who, what and where.

I've been overwhelmed by the support for Julia from Dag's and my co-workers, friends, family and school. Her classmates/teachers from the Harmony School of Excellence have been incredible. Not only are they her educators, they are our family, too. From the volunteers that make sure the kids get out of the car safely in the morning, to the school's principal and teachers -- they all know of Julia's upcoming surgery and have been there for us with prayers and good wishes. A special thanks to Mrs. Dunn, Julia's beloved 2nd grade teacher, who has been so good to Julia. It's such a great feeling to know that so many people really care.

Just when I thought the world had stopped caring .......we have been blessed with a flock of angels. Julia will be fine and a great part of that is due to the support that she has received. The smiles and caring words have made me feel so much better and so reassured -- it is incredible. Yes, the logical mind knows that this is a routine procedure for these skilled physicians; but, as a parent it's one of the most difficult things you'll face.

When we first knew of Julia's ASD and spoke to her about it, naturally she was concerned. I told her like any Dad would that she would be fine and if it came down to it she could have my own heart. Julia said, "Thanks Daddy, but that would be a Grandpa heart, and I'd want a new one." Looking back, Dagmar and I waited for what seemed like a short period of time to start our family; but, it obviously may have not been soon enough for some as my now gray hair implies that I'm old!!

Thanks again for all of your support for Julia and her family. We greatly appreciate it.

Jim

Have had several people ask what exactly is involved in an ASD. While I've known about Julia's condition for a few years now, I have to admit that even though I've tried to absorb all the specifics from our many MD appts., I realize my mind must have been speeding a million miles trying to process everything. Most things are a blur by the time we leave. That's why it's been nice to have my cool, calm and collected husband, Jim, at these sessions. He does a lot better job taking in all of the info and asking the right questions!! It's hard for most people who know Julia to believe that she actually has an ASD because she is so energetic -- Tasmanian Devil energetic. She's one of those patients who hasn't presented any symptoms and seems very healthy. They tell us that once this ASD is repaired, she will have even more pep! Yup. And, the rest of us will be upping our vitamins!

At any rate, here is all you could ever want to know about an ASD from Children's Medical Center's Web site for those who want the specific details.

https://www.childrens.com/HealthLibrary/HealthLibContent.cfm?pageid=P01766

When you pull up this page and scroll through the information, you will see a photo of a physician with an infant to the right. This is Dr. Forbess. I feel so fortunate that we were able to secure a spot for Julia on his surgery schedule. His services are very, very much in demand. I know that our Houston physician, Dr. Nugent, must have been instrumental in helping us to do this. I am very thankful to both!

We're a week away from Julia's hospital appointment. Her spirits are great; she's eagerly looking forward to putting this all behind her.

Thanks for all of your prayers and good wishes. We are very blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful friends and family members.

Dag