Matthew's surgery lasted 6 hours and went very well. Dr. Hanley was not able to put in a bovine artery due to the crowded spaces in Matthew's chest. However, he was able to replace Matthew's conduit with a homograph of human tissue that is twice the size of Matthew's first one. This made the pressures very low which can prolong the serviceability of the valve. In other words, with any luck, Matthew may get by for a few years without another major surgery. Although he came out of surgery on a ventilator, Dr. Gail Wright thinks he may be extubated tomorrow morning. The quicker they can get him breathing fully on his own, the less trauma to his lungs.

Though there are so many variables with Matthew's recovery, We just couldn't help feeling relieved at the positive early signs.

Matthew's heart pressures were low enough that Dr. Hanley was able to close his chest while in surgery. He came out with two chest tubes for drainage, several IV's, pacer wires (which can be hooked up to a pace-maker in an emergency), a catheter (ouch), and a breathing tube (called an endotrachial tube)

Here is the access line into Matthew's Jugular vein. This is a nice big vein and the IV tends to last longer than usual in his neck. The doctors put a stitch in his skin to tether the IV to his neck, thus lessening the chance of a painful mishap. Having multiple access points is very important for routine drug delivery, blood draws, and in case of emergency.

Here is an overview shot of the many pieces of equipment used to monitor vital signs, administer medications, and breath for Matthew "Post-Op". Nurse Annie and here partner Marsha did an excellant job setting up all of Matthew's equipment and making him feel as comfortable as possible.

These are Baxter boxes that deliver medicines and blood at a set rate. Matthew only had five today instead of the two dozen or more after his first surgery. He is receiving morphine again and we were warned that his addiction (or tolerance) may return. We may have to take him home on Methodone and wean him down over time.

This manifold allows several pumps to run into one access line in Matthew's neck.

Barbara the ICU receptionist and Ashley the world's greatest social worker made a bee-line for Matthew's bed to wish him well.

Terri and I returned after shift change to say hi to Matthew's night nurses, Rachel and Veronica. Rachel put these "No-No's" on his arms to keep him from pulling any of his access lines out as he drifts in and out of conscienceness. She was also sweet enough to put plugs in his ears because he is sensitive to hospital noises.

This Medi-Therm machine was brought in because Rachel noticed Matthew was running a slight fever. A temperature controled ice pad was placed below his body and the lines were run through this stand alone unit. Fever is a common side effect of this kind of surgery.

What a day this was and we were only here for "Pre-op". We arrived at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital (LPCH) at 7am this morning to check in. Then we interviewed with Dr. Hanley's Physicians Assistant, Melanie. She broke the news to us that Matthew may not get a bovine artery (from a steer)to replace his existing "Homograph". He may have to get more human cadaver tissue which means only two years between this and his next surgery. We were so disappointed. We had been told that Matthew may get a bovine artery which could last him nearly 7 years. After that sobering news Matthew got a chest X-ray, an EKG, and an Echocardiogram before lunch. Then this afternoon he was put under sedation while the doctors gave his lungs and heart a thorough CT scan and drew blood. We left around 5pm and have to be back early tomorrow morning for his surgery.

Those of you who remember the pictures from his Heart Cath before Thanksgiving will be glad to see that his hospital gown is green this time instead of pink.

Even after all he had been through today, Matthew was still in good spirits as I gave him his evening breathing treatment. Here, he reaches for my face with his foot.

In this picture you can see the wrap around the two IV lines put into Matthew's hand and foot today. The IV lines were wrapped to prevent him from pulling them out over night.

Tomorrow is a big day. Matthew needs to be in the waiting room by 6am. He may be in surgery/recovery until as late as 6pm. The surgeons hope to close his chest tomorrow rather than several days later like before. This will depend on the amount of swelling and the pressures in his heart & lungs.

Terri captured this adorable photo of Matthew and Ali as they played together this morning. Grandma Wright thinks Matthew got fresh and was put in his place by Ali.

Aunt Kim bought a portable DVD player for Matthew to watch his Baby Einstein videos. It is times like these that he lives up to his last name.

Johnny and I had too much fun playing with our kids together.

My buddy Johnny gave Matthew a "good luck" hug before we left for Stanford.

This is the Ronald McDonald House we are staying at. It is a beautiful facility. Though walking distance from the hospital, there is a shuttle to and from as well. Local charities and churches provide meals, arts and crafts several nights a week. I feel spoiled because there is internet access in our room. Now I can easily update the Blog each night in my pajamas.

Here are some pictures of our Ronald McDonald room while Matthew is in the hospital.

Matthew didn't waste any time hopping back into his "Jumpy".

Today, Matthew helped me update the Blog. I love to see him show that childhood fascination with things.

Our friend Johnny worked from home today so the King Trio stayed upstairs during his conference calls. Matthew had fun playing with his toys while i updated the Blog.

Grandma Sue couldn't wait to come over and hold Matthew Today. She ran in, washed her hands, and snatched him up for the whole day.

Matthew is quite lucky that Ali shares her toys. He has had the best of both household toy collections during our visit.

This is beautiful Ali Hazelwood. Look out girls, she may just lure Matthew away with her smile.

Johnny is a great father. He loves to play with his daughter Ali.

After a long drive to Johnny & Cheryl's house, Matthew was ready for bedtime.

Terri and I went to see our Pastor, Kevin Odor, for a spiritual recharge today. Kevin is the Pastor that married Uncle Keith and Aunt Gabrielle and we respect him very much. He talked to us about faith, anger, sorrow, and why things happen. At the end of our meeting he anointed Matthew with oil and we all prayed for him to make it through next week safely.

Matthew has a small patch of cradle cap. Here Terri brushes his hair while scraping away at some of the flakes.

Matthew is at that age where the whole world fascinates him. I love this shot of him studying a drinking glass.

Terri snapped this shot of Matthew looking up at me.

Matthew loves to play "Patty-Cake" with Mommy.

Is this wry, devious little smile a sign of things to come?

Matthew recently discovered his feet. He likes to hold on to them one at a time like he is doing Yoga.

Matthew gets a breathing treatment three times a day to help heal his lungs. He gets three different medicines delivered by aerosol.

They say "play is the work of a child" and for Matthew it's no different. After his morning meds we got down to the business of play. Terri and I love to watch him study objects to intently.