{Please forgive this post, I am writing this for posterity's sake!! Read if you wish!}
Harrison had gastroschisis - his intestines protruded through a small hole in his abdomen wall. The surgeons had to put them back in - if they weren't too damaged by the amniotic fluid. I can't remember what would have happened if they had been too damaged. I think that they would have had to cut the damaged part off and try to reattach the intestines. Luckily, they were not in too bad of shape. Luckily, Harrison was big enough that his intestines fit into his body the first try. Luckily, he recovered very well. Luckily, we took him home 12 days later- this almost never happens. I really don't know if luck had anything to do with it at all, I give all credit to the Lord.
One of the things I will never forget was that Todd and my brother, Gavin, were able to give Harrison a blessing right before surgery. Gavin had just returned from his Spanish speaking mission three days prior. He couldn't remember the words to the blessing in English, so he did it in Spanish! I also remember how respectful the hospital staff was to our religion. I had him at St. Joseph's and they offered to have a Priest come by and give Harrison a blessing. They were quite surprised when I told them that my husband has the Priesthood and was going to give our baby a blessing himself. I then had to explain a little bit about our religion because that made them pretty curious. Harrison had me doing missionary work the minute he was born!
This past year Harrison has experienced a lot! He went to kindergarten, learned to read, learned to tie his shoes, improved his swimming abilities, and basically grew up the way a 5 year old should! I am excited for another year! Harrison, you are pretty terrific.
