Blessings, gratitude and joy

I've been a bit "incommunicado" lately, it's been a scary couple weeks here.  My nephew, Landon, was born on Monday, Dec. 17th and we I was very excited to finally meet him.  He is the first child born to Nick and Emily Bartels, he does join his 16 yr old sister, Lexi. 

StartingWednesday, just as Nick and Emily were getting ready to take their new baby home, they get the news that they want to take Landon to the American Family Children's Hospital in Madison right away.  Landon was born with a defect in his aorta that restricted the blood flow to his lower extremities.   He also has a couple holes in his heart that the doctors feel will heal as he matures. Once he arrived in Madison he was evaluated by the cardiologists and it was decided that the surgery would be required, and that was done on Friday afternoon.   Landon aced his surgery and has recovered at an amazing pace, he's exceeded all their expectations for recovery.  
There is one small issue, he isn't eating as well as he should and from what I understand, that's not out of the ordinary for an infant after surgery.  He can go home as soon as his eating improves to a certain level, we are hopeful that can happen in the next couple days.
Here are a couple pictures I took of Landon on two different days.

Landon on Saturday, Dec. 22nd the day after surgery.  (he's had a little morphine for pain here)

Aunt Kelly and Landon on Saturday 

Landon with the blanket I knitted for him~Christmas day (that's a feeding tube in his nose)

I would like to thank everyone that sent me prayers and thoughts for our family during this time.  I am continually humbled by the out pouring of concern and thoughtfulness of others.  I KNOW that all the people praying for Nick, Emily and Landon is what made the difference in his outcome.  I would like to ask you to continue to include them in your prayers as his recovery progresses.
May God bless each of you for your kindness.