You Won't Believe It!

Today was a truly wonderful day for the Gates Family, Kate is home! I don't think anybody expected this news to come so rapidly after such a major surgery but it is with much joy we can share this information. Kate passed all of her tests at the hospital and has put on enough weight that the doctor felt she was ready to go. Early this afternoon Cheryl and Mike called to say they had her in the car and were on their way, that's about all the news we have right now. I'm sure that they are all trying to settle into their new life with two kids and adjust to many changes. More information, and hopefully pictures, will be posted as soon as we have it.

Wait ------- Late Breaking News! We just got an update from Cheryl and Mike. Kate had a sleepy day but is doing very well. Everybody is excited to have her home, including Callie the dog, who has followed her everywhere all day. Mem, Papa, Auntie Kimmy, and Jack all got to hold her for the first time! After everybody has adjusted to a normal routine and the family is settled in I'm sure Kate will have a waiting list of visitors who want to meet her in person. For now enjoy these special pictures and celebrate with the Gates Family as they welcome home Kate!

These have got to be the happiest parents in the world!

Kate, all ready for her first car ride.

Here's the proud big brother doing such a good job holding his new sister.

Do you think Papa will ever be able to say NO to this girl?

Mem and Kate - They both look happy!

Even Aunt Kimmy came to say hi.

What a beautiful angel!

Latest Update

As Kate continues to get stronger and heal quickly there is not a whole lot of news to report. The biggest news is that Kate was moved from the cardiac side of the NICU to the general side. Where she used to have 2 little neighbors she now has 11. It is a lot noisier and more crowded with new nurses to meet. This is tough since the nurses she had were so wonderful but at the same time such a blessing as it means she is one more step closer to home. Kate had an MRI and no problems were detected so she is no longer on an IV and only on the heart monitors, which measure her vital signs. Kate is gaining weight, she lost a little in the last few weeks but is now back up to about 7 1/2 pounds. Basically they are just letting her rest and fattening her up to go home! As of now it is looking like Kate will be home much sooner than expected. Keep checking back for more news.

Our Amazing Kate

Kate is amazing! Looking at these pictures, it is hard to imagine that she had open heart surgery exactly one week ago, except for all the hospital equipment of course. Every day the news on Kate just keeps getting better. She is eating very well and has no drain tubes of any kind connected. All her incisions are closed up and the only thing she has now are monitors and an IV line (just in case). She has even been graduated, on her two week birthday, to a big girl crib. Word has it that if she keeps up this remarkable healing she may be home sooner than we all expected. We will keep you posted!

Aunt Kimmy got to visit Kate for the first time on Monday.

"Bow Therapy" obviously works! Look how peaceful Kate looks.

She's a good eater!

Kate sleeping in her big girl crib.

While it isn't as nice as the one waiting at home every little step up is important!

Look how relaxed Mike and Kate are.....as if there was never anything to worry about!

Speaking of relaxed it's great to see Cheryl looking so relaxed after a very tough two weeks.

What a wonderful weekend!

The Gates family had a glorious weekend with Kate. The most exciting news is that Jack finally got to meet his sister on Saturday! He was slightly unimpressed at their first meeting since she was asleep the whole time but Sunday they bonded and he was thrilled. He was a little nervous when she cried but he quickly got over it. After meeting Jack, Kate got to meet her Grandma and Grandpa Boudreau. I believe that she has stolen their hearts forever as she had many of us!

Healthwise Kate is doing very well. She has been taken off the breathing machine and has had all her drain tubes removed. They have also removed Kate's IV and Friday night she started to eat from a bottle. She is eating every three hours and is getting her appetite back very quickly. Saturday Cheryl and Mike got to give Kate a bath and hold her. They even changed her bedding and she's now surrounded by very girly pink blankets. Each day she gets a little stronger and more alert which means that's one day closer to coming home. No news at this time on when that might happen but keep those positive thoughts and the big day will arrive before we know it!

Here's Jack scrubbing up before meeting his sister.

Meeting Kate for the first time

It's okay to hold her now.

She's awake and checking out Mom.

Memere got to see Kate for the first time in person.

Papa is very proud!

This has to be the cutest picture ever. Jack and Kate holding hands.

"Bow Therapy"

It's been a long week and it's nice to start the weekend with good news and a story to bring a smile to everybody. Baby Kate is being looked after by a wonderful staff of nurses at Children's. After having her chest closed up yesterday one of her nurses gave her a quick clean up and even washed her hair. After washing Kate's hair she even took the time to put in a pretty little bow which she calls "bow therapy". In the nurses words, "All girls feel better after getting their hair done!"

Baby Kate after her "bow therapy".

Today Cheryl and Mike were back down at the hospital while Jack was in school. Kate continues to do well and today the doctor was able to remove many of the tubes from her face and stomach. The more things they can take off just shows how great Kate is doing. Jack will spend Saturday with Grandma and Grandpa and if all is going well he should get to see his sister for the first time on Sunday! Check back on Sunday and hopefully we will have some pictures of the big event.

Kate resting up on Friday.

The Latest News

The crucial 48 hour period has passed and at about 5:30 PM Cheryl sent a message saying that Kate's chest had been closed up and her vitals were stable. She indicated it had been a long, hard day so keep sending good wishes to the Gates family. We will all pray that Kate can now start the long road of healing without any difficulties. More information will be posted as we find things out.

No News Is Good News

It has been over 24 hours since Kate's surgery and the only news we have to report is that she had a good night and good day. That is exactly what we were hoping for! Cheryl and Mike were able to see Kate a couple of times today and were happy that she was looking better than they expected. The doctor is really watching the coronary arteries where there was a lot of patching but right now things look good. Keep your fingers crossed and the good thoughts flowing because things can change quickly. Keep checking back because we will continue to send updates even if there isn't much to say!

Here are a few more pre-surgery pictures! We didn't want to leave Dad out!

Daddy's Little Girl

This is what Kate was hooked up with pre-surgery. It must be more complicated now!

Kate's Little Corner at Children's Hospital

She's Out!

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting an update and here it is. Kate went into surgery a little after 7:00 this morning and was done around 3:00 this afternoon. Everything went well and was just a little bit longer than they expected. In a very simplistic explanation both the greater arteries and the coronary arteries had to be switched and some work had to be done on the coronary arteries as they hadn't developed properly. Kate did very well throughout the surgery and Cheryl and Mike were able to see her a little before 6:00 PM. They said that she is pale and quiet and the nurses were working to get all of her vital signs stable. This is standard for a baby right out of surgery and the nurses reported that things were looking good. The next 48 hours are the most critical time and Cheryl and Mike will only be able to see Kate for a few brief minutes every hour or so during the day. After 48 hours if everything looks good they will close up Kate's chest and then continue to monitor her progress. They expect she will be in the hospital at least another 4 weeks if all goes as planned. Keep up all the positive thoughts and prayers until she comes home!

For those of you new to reading blogs you are able to leave comments for Cheryl and Mike. At the bottom of each update you will see a small caption that says comments. Click on the word comments and a new window will open up. In that window there will be a box where you can type your message. It will ask you to sign in to your account but you can choose anonymous and then you don't have to create an account at all. If you choose anonymous then don't forget to leave your name after your message or Cheryl and Mike won't know who the message is from!

We leave you now with a few more pre-surgery pictures!

Here is Baby Kate's bed with just a small view of all the important equipment.

That is just a very large pacifier in her mouth!

Look at those chubby cheeks!

Holding Kate is no easy task with all of the monitors and wires that need to be moved around.

Surgery Information

Kate's surgery has been scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday April 15th. It will begin at around 7:00 in the morning and is estimated to last about 7 hours with post operation observation time of about an hour. Once Kate is stable then Cheryl and Mike will be able to see her for about 5 - 10 minutes each hour. This is a very difficult time and if you have called or emailed and haven't received a response it is due to their very hectic schedule. They are driving back and forth from home to the hospital with just enough time to eat and sleep in between. On top of worrying about Kate and the surgery they are also trying to keep things as normal as possible for Jack. Keep Kate and the family in your prayers and look for an update sometime tomorrow evening.

Quick Update

Just a quick update to let everybody know that Cheryl and Mike will be home from the hospital later today. Kate is now feeding very well and the current dilemma will be how best to get from El Cajon to the hospital for feedings all day long. It looks like Cheryl might find herself with a lot of time to read and do her Suduko puzzles. No new pictures at this time but keep checking back! Kate's surgeon will be in on Monday to evaluate her for surgery and we should have more information then. All your thoughts and prayers are very appreciated!

They're doing well!

Despite Kate's heart condition and the procedures that need to be done everybody is doing very well. Cheryl had a good day and was able to go with Mike (via underground tunnel) to Children's Hospital to see Kate. Kate no longer needs the breathing tubes but will remain on an IV until she begins to feed. Her procedure yesterday went well but she does have a slight infection that is being treated. Her surgery date is not currently scheduled but most likely won't happen for at least 7 days when she is finished with the antibiotics.

Jack got to visit Mom in the hospital last night and today. He is very excited and proud to be a big brother. He shared a picture of Kate at school but he won't get to see her for awhile. The NICU is closed to all visitors except parents as we are still in cold and flu season.

We will post more information as we find things out but for now enjoy the pictures of Kate's first visit with her parents!

Welcome Baby Kate! Her first picture.

Getting her measurements taken.

Kate is ready to be transported to Children's Hospital.

Cheryl got to see Kate Wednesday morning.

Cheryl and Kate

Here's Mike, the proud dad!

Look at those rosy cheeks and beautiful lips!

SHE'S HERE!

Katherine Marie Gates arrived on April 8th as scheduled! She was delivered by c-section at 2:05 PM. Baby Kate weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce and is doing well! According to the family Cheryl is doing fine and got to see Kate for just a few seconds before they moved her to Children's Hospital. Cheryl will remain at Mary Birch hospital for the next few days.

After the delivery Kate was given an EKG at around 3:00. They started her procedure at about 5:30 where they placed a balloon into the heart to keep her blood oxygenated. This will remain for the next several days until the doctors can assess when to do the heart surgery to correct the transposition of the greater arteries.

Baby Kate - Look at those chunky cheeks!

She looks like a strong, little baby who will be a tough fighter in the days to come.

A Quick Update and Couples Night Out

The big arrival date is almost here! Cheryl has a scheduled c-section on April 8th and it looks like Kate might follow directions and hold on until the day arrives. We will keep everybody posted on how things go but keep checking back because Baby Kate still might make an early entrance.

In the meantime here are a few pictures of the fun going on while we wait. At the start of Spring Break Cheryl and Mike were able to have an enjoyable Couples Night Out at the Kick's house. It was a fun evening of dinner and conversation with five other couples. The evening was rounded out by a couple of lively games of LCR. Scroll down to check out the outcome of those games!

Enjoying an adult evening out. This won't happen again for quite awhile!

Kate's getting big and Cheryl still looks great!

Check out that baby bump!

Here's the last roll of the first LCR game.

Mike wins the first round......

...and Cheryl wins the second round!

Despite the Gates couple cleaning everybody out, a great time was had by all. We're pretty sure that money is going towards all the diapers they'll have to buy so we aren't feeling too jealous. Here's to another Couples Night Out after Kate's born!