Waiting Time | Never Wasted Time

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I recently heard a very wise spiritual giant say, “waiting time is never wasted time”. In most things that is so true! With so many doctor visits and trips back and forth to the hospital, we can’t WAIT for Kaden to arrive. Being patient is not so easy, but we know that the longer Kaden stays in, the more his little heart heals.

His room is ready. The hospital bag is packed just in case he pops out early and we ENDICOTTS are so stoked to watch what God is going to do with him.

In life, in almost every circumstance that arises we humans tend to want things NOW. We want that job, that raise, that promotion, that bonus, that next deal to close, that new car, our loved ones healed and our prayers answered. Yet Gods timing is always the right timing and the in between time that we all feel is WASTED…is actually a blessing in disguise. Our flesh wants it now but God truly does know what he is doing and we must SUBMIT and know that His plan is PERFECT.

If you are like me, EVERY TIME there is a crisis, a loss, a need, a want or even a legitimate request…it’s always evident in the end that the timing was perfect.

Just think…if we all would take advantage of the in between time so we don’t miss out on what God is trying to do in and through us.

Kaden, I love you. I’m so proud of you. You truly are a fighter and this waiting time not only continues to heal your heart but it’s causing daddy and thousands of others to GROW and take spiritual next steps. Can’t wait to watch your heart beat and most importantly, see what God does with you.

Mommy is amazing and you already owe her big time dude 🙂

Dad

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Praising Jesus

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Friends,

We are so blessed, coming to you humbly tonight, praising Jesus.

Kaden is an absolute miracle. We have spent weeks in front of doctors, under various scopes, next to several monitors, and countless hours in prayer. Today we had the last echocardiogram that we will have until Kaden is born.

The procedure in Boston was six weeks ago. The goal of that procedure was to prevent Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). We knew that procedure was a success, and we saw immediate results. We also knew  that in order to achieve our goal, we would have to monitor his heart,  be patient, and lean in and stand strong in our faith.

The last visit to the cardiologist two weeks ago put some of this in perspective. We were told we had seen all of the progress we were going to see. His condition had gone from critical to severe (an improvement), and there was a question of additional damage to other areas of the heart. The physicians thought at that point we had prevented the HLHS, but ultimately wouldn’t know the condition of his heart until he was born. In all honesty, we left that appointment disappointed. We had hoped for more….. Nate kept saying God has a firm grip on this kid……

We were reminded that God has a plan for this life, and we had to put our expectations in check.

We went into our appointment today with the cardiologists humbly and patient. We didn’t have any expectations, yet what we found was an absolute miracle. In our limited cardiac vocabulary, here is what we found: The flow across the aortic valve is strong and in one direction. There is no leakage from that valve. The size of the left ventricle is normal, and has some contractility. The pressure in the left ventricle is in the 20’s (It was 70 – and 50 is considered severe). The gradience through the aorta was also in the 70’s 8 weeks ago, today it is 25. There is no regurgitation across the atrial septum, and the regurgitation across the mitral valve is minimal. We were stunned getting this news. This is more than we could have ever asked or imagined, yet it is exactly what we (and all of you) have been asking for…. So it is really a surprise?

We know this journey is not over. We are prepped and ready for what God has in store for us. Kaden will still be in the ICU when he is born. We understand the valves are not normal, and may need replaced at some point in his life. We are so absolutely grateful that his condition has gone from critical to severe to mild in two short months. We knew Kaden was an ideal candidate for the fetal intervention in Boston; today Kaden is the poster child for success. We are praising Jesus!!

Thank you for being with us on this journey.

A Letter To Kaden

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Kaden,

One of my favorite things to listen to is the sound of your heartbeat. It has been something I anticipated between each monthly doctor visit, even before we found out about your heart condition. I would be thinking about that sweet sound the weeks before that next appointment and the week after. I would try to play it over and over again in my head, but it was never as good as the real thing. It was always the last thing I got to do before leaving the doctor, and each time it put the biggest smile on my face and absolutely warmed my heart. I wanted to hear it everyday, but I have to admit the anticipation always made it better. It is delayed gratification. 

It has now been nearly three weeks since the doctors in Boston successfully completed the surgery on your heart. I am going to the doctor now 2-3 times a week for monitoring. This is standard for a high-risk pregnancy, and in addition, your Dad and I also see your cardiologists. God has aligned some amazing physicians to watch over you. We are very blessed. 

Selfishly, I must admit I get to listen to your heartbeat now twice a week for at least twenty minutes at a time. I love it. Now, I just can’t wait to feel it with my hands and up against mine. 

I am already so proud of you and your strength. I cannot wait to see your heart in action …. And not mechanically (God is in control of that), but rather how you use it, what you are passionate about, what you love and what you pursue, and most importantly, who you are and whose you are. 

I love you, Kaden. God is already using you for big things. 

Love,
Mom

Here We Go

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Heading into get another echocardiogram right now. Nervous but we know God has a plan and this little guy is in His hands.

Stay tuned for update tonight with what’s going on and how you all can pray moving forward.

Nate & Erica

Faithfully Petitioning

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Although we have absolute Faith in what God has, is and will do for/in and through Baby Kaden…we continue to petition/ask/beg God for healing of his heart.

Yes the procedure went better than expected by all parties involved, but there are so many things ahead that could happen that no one can predict.

Living in fear could cripple us in this time but we are choosing to walk this journey and many more that will come IN FAITH as we continually ask God for healing of the left side, ask God to be with all specialists involved, beg God to give us patience/wisdom to stay focused on his good/pleasing will.

Tomorrow afternoon we have our first ultrasound since returning.

Pray that Gods healing hands touch this little boy and that we would have the attentive ears to listen to what HE TELL US.

Thank you for being on this journey with us!

Love you all,

Nate and Erica

Heading Home

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Final check ups and scans were done yesterday evening. Things went better than expected but we all know why that happened.

We are packing up and heading home. Can’t wait to see the kids and get back to warmer weather.

Now it’s a waiting game to see how his heart heals and what it does next. Lots can happen but we know that our awesome God has a plan and we will continue to be obedient and walk step by step trusting him.

Don’t stop praying for baby Kaden.

More later this eve…

Nate

Rough Night | Hoping For Better Day

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Sleeping on a chair that makes into a bed ain’t all that bad when you are laying next to your best friend in the hospital…even w/out much sleep.

Erica was up most of night in pain but everything seems to be doing great with Kaden. He is moving a ton and after what they did to him inside there, I believe I’d want the heck out as well lol.

Today at 12:45 EST they are doing an Ultrasound to see how things are going internally and then we have another big echocardiogram with Dr Tworetzky and team to see how his heart is doing and take a look at what’s potentially to come / expect from this point forward.

We should be back in hotel tonight and then heading home I the AM.

Dad left this AM to head back to the OC.

Stay tuned

Eph 3:20

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Indescribable

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The procedure took 6 minutes once they were in. The hole in her belly is what you see, no stitches and maybe the size of a the camera lens on the back of the iPhones 😉

Praise JESUS! I’m in tears. They said it’s the best they have seen. Blood is flowing in the right directions and the docs said this little boy is gonna be ok.

Keep praying things continue to heal but I GOT NEWS FOR YA’LL – This is a freaking MIRACLE is what they say. The goal is to monitor and hope that his heart continues to heal and start working correctly lots of scans and tests next few hours. End goal is to save left side of heart and get him to avoid anymore surgeries. But we will continue to pray and beg God for only what he can do.

Momma is safe. Baby Kaden is a stud. Little dude has had a needle through his side, in his heart and out again. What up 😉

Keep praying.