Ezekiel Warren Smiley ("Zeke")
Updated: 7/12/2009
Background:
The good Lord blessed Lisa and I with an amazing baby boy on Sunday February 17th, 2008. Little Zeke was born 19" long and weighing 6.56lbs.
Zeke was diagnosed 6 months before birth with Hypoplastic Left Heart; a defect where the heart's left pumping chamber is too small for the body to use. The defect requires three open heart surgeries over the baby's first few years of life. This syndrome occurs in less than .1% of the US population, its cause is unknown, and statistically it is one of the most risky heart defects in the world.
Through the faithful prayers from many family and friends and God's amazing grace, Zeke is doing extremely well after two major heart surgery and two other minor surgeries.
The name Ezekiel means "God will strengthen". We are believing God for a complete & healthy recovery.
Zeke takes a nap before surgery.
Zeke bravely looks onward to surgery tomorrow.
Zeke and Daddy before surgery.
Zeke smiling and playing around after surgery. 3/8/08
Zeke started some oxygen assistance in November '08. It has helped his overall oxygen saturation levels and has enabled us to continue to postpone his next scheduled surgery (which is now targeted for March 2009).
Praise God! Here is Zeke and Daddy playing only two days after being home from open heart surgery in March 2009.
Please continue to pray for
- Zeke's heart seems to have an irregular heart beat after his 2nd open heart surgery in March '09. The doctors are watching it closely and we're praying that it will go away and not become an issue.
- Zeke has a small leak in his heart's only remaining pumping chamber. We are watching it closely and praying it will stop leaking soon. The leak can make it hard for Zeke's heart to pump with sufficent pressure so please pray that the leak will not be an issue.
Zeke's current weight:
22lb
Zeke's current length:
31 inches
Zeke's moral status:
He's smiles all day and loves to dance!
Interesting fact:
Zeke just started eating ceral and soft foods.
"Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy" (Psalm 126:5)