Echocardiogram.

Yesterday, we took Carter to Children's Hospital to have a full echocardiogram done.  In Ukraine, they told us he had a hole in his heart as an infant - but it closed up on its own.  We believed that to be true - this scenario is common in kids with Down syndrome.  When we came home, we of course took him to the pediatrician.  She heard a slight murmur - nothing to be concerned about, but told us we should have it checked out just to be sure.

So yesterday was the day.  I can't say that we were nervous or anxious.  I can say that I wondered what it would be like to be one of those 'heart moms' - you know, the moms who endure heart surgeries, transplants, and other unimaginable things.  I don't want to know what this is like.

Carter did great through the whole visit.  Almost 2 hours of measuring, weighing, machines, stickers, wires, medical gel (which he promptly wiped off his chest and applied to his lips...because everything is chapstick...), and cheerios.  Lots of cheerios.

Everything was finished, and we got him dressed.  And waited.

The doctor walked in, and said "Let me just cut to the chase.  Your son has the healthiest heart I've ever seen in a child with Down syndrome.  The only bad thing I can say, is that I'll never have the pleasure of seeing Carter again."

And that was it.  We rejoiced.  We said 'Yayyyy!' as Carter clapped his chubby little hands.  And we walked out - knowing that when we prayed for the Lord to protect our son's heart before we could get to him, He was really, truly, indeed protecting his heart.

One Thing I Know For Sure: Praising God for a healthy, whole heart.