Was born Friday night at 8:59PM. His name is Arlington Zerbe. He died and was revived 3 times soon after he was born. It was also discovered that he had a condition called Tracheal Esophageal Fistula (TEF). The link below describes what it is and how it is corrected.

http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/35572/Nav/1/router.asp

He had successful surgery this morning. Both ends of his esophagus were very close in diameter which is great because that isn't always the case and that could lead to other problems and more surgeries. He will now be in the neonatal unit at the Helen Devos Children's Hospital in Grand Rapids for a week until they can inject some dye into his throat to see where it goes and see if there are any leaks. If there is a leak, they have to wait another week and inject more dye and hopefully there won't be any leaks.

Your Grandson is in our thoughts. Congratulations on the new addition!

I hope and pray that your young grandson comes through all this with flying colors and is able to continue a normal life in every respect. Best wishes to the parent and grandparents as well. Support each other and think happy thoughts.

My thoughts are with you and your family Billy...

Prayers are out Billy!

So far he is doing fine. They are weaning him off of the morphine. ( They wanted to keep him sedated for a couple of days ). He is getting stronger. I think he is out of the woods. Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes. He will remain in the hospital for a couple of weeks at least until the docs are satisfied there will be no more problems.

My Grandson got to come home from the hospital on Wednesday. More than a month after he was born. Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes.

That is great news Billy, another Lions fan in da house!

congrats Billy, gllad the youngin made it home already. May the worst be over with!

Update.

Arlington is back in the hospital. He caught pnumonia 1.5 weeks after coming home. As a result, a hole opened back up in his Esophagus.

So, the doctors have to go back in and fix that. He was also born with a deformed heart valve that the doctors were going to wait a while to fix. But, they will fix that also when they go back in. They have not yet set a surgery time. But, he will be in the hospital for at least the next month.

Wow, rough! Praying for you.

Target acquired goin in hot!

Heavenly Father, I just want to come before you as a servant lifting up the grandchild Arlington of my friend Billy. You Lord are the author of life, and we thank you that all life has been formed through you. Having said that I lift this precious little life before you, asking that you would heal this little body. In the same breath I receive your answer through faith and appreciation for all that you've done and continue to do. Thank you Lord for you many miracles, and may be praised and worshipped by those who know you, and may those who don't who may be interested come to know you. In the mighty name of Jesus!

Amen

Bombs Away!

Best Wishes Billy. It is so hard watching little one's suffer, I know I've many times wished I could switch spot with my boys when ill. The human body is an incredible thing, and babies in particular have a remarkable ability to snap back from things.

I hope you have a great set of doctors up there, that can make all the difference. Thoughts are with you Billy!

Thanks all for your prayers and well wishes. Arlington needs all he can get. Still no word on when they are going in.

Billy, my hopes and prayers go out to your grandson and family. Hopefully the doctors will be able to work their miracles on him and give him the health and life he deserves to be able to have.

May God watch over him.