I don't have a real reason for not updating the blog. We've been busy, but not so busy I couldn't update. We've been having fun and enjoying life, and I've taken plenty of pictures in the last 6 months. I guess I just haven't made it a priority.
We had a really great Christmas. Mom B. was here for the first part of the week and it was fun to spend time with her. Then the Spencer clan arrived later in the week (minus Trina and family, we missed them) and we had a lovely time. Christmas Eve day we lazed around putting together a puzzle, playing games, watching movies and football, and just enjoying each other's company. We all got new jammies for Christmas Eve from our elf, Petal. Bailee got a Tangled nightgown and Maddox got Animal (muppet) pj's. Grampy took Maddox out for rides in his truck, which totally made Maddox's day. Maddox loves being out and about, and usually cry's when we return home.
Christmas morning was really fun too. Maddox was getting into the excitement this year, so that made it really fun. Bailee is at the perfect age for a magical Christmas. They were both thrilled with their gifts. From Santa Bailee got an Ariel toddler doll and a stocking stuffed full of all things girly; a barbie, lip gloss, necklaces, dangle earings, and bubble bath. Maddox got a big truck that holds his little wheelies car and a stocking stuffed with essential boy toys; Wheezy (from toy story...Maddox is a little obsessed with penguins), Mater, 2 Thomas engines, bath crayons and a tie tack. I think Maddox's favorite gifts (besides candy) were the Wagon from Grandma B. and the cute little golf set from Grammy and Grampy S. He is obsessed with golf right now....that's a sport I will definitely encourage. Bailee's favorites appear to be her Ariel toddler doll and the Flynn Rider barbie she got from McKinley. Luke spoiled me with an awesome iPod doc/alarm clock and a laptop. He got new basketball shoes and a gift card for a round of golf. All in all, it was a pretty successful day in the gift department.
My favorite part of the day was attending church with my family. I love when Christmas or Christmas Eve falls on Sunday. It just really brings the Savior front and center and reminds us why we are celebrating. The program was by the choir, a few beautiful solos, and narrators from the congregation. It was a really beautiful service, and I'm so glad we were a part of it. During the month our family studied about the Saviors life for our scripture study. It was really a neat idea I found on pinterest, a book called The Christ book that contained scripture, pictures, and songs. I look forward to continuing that study, and plan on using it throughout the year.
The kids are both doing wonderfully. Bailee is doing so well in Kindergarten. She's making new friends, learning new things, and enjoying new experiences. She got her first report card before the Christmas break and I was pleasantly surprised at how well she is doing. I am hoping that with such a positive start, she will continue to excel and enjoy school. I also hope she inherits her dad's hard work ethic and study skills. Bailee is dancing still, and loving it. They took December off, and she is really looking forward to starting up again next month. She loves to preform and tolerates practice. :) Bailee is as sweet as she is sassy and though she pushes my buttons, I love that girl to pieces. I often find myself shaking my head at her antics and wonder how my mom ever put up with me.....Bailee is my daughter and there's no denying it.
Maddox is doing better than I could have ever hoped for. Thinking back over the past 29 months, I can't believe the progress he has made and the odds he's overcome. Those first 5 months seem like a whole other lifetime; one that increases my stress and anxiety if I think too much about it. I am so grateful for the good health that he has had. It's kind of hard to believe that it's been 2 years since his last surgery though. Crazy. He goes back to cardiology in February and we will probably start talking about the next surgery. We are planning on this summer, and preferably early in June. It seems so weird to actually want to send my baby back into the operating room, but I know that he needs this next surgery and I know that the lord will watch over us all. I honestly try not to think too much about it right now and just focus on today. He is such a miracle to me. There are so many times I stop and just am in awe at the normalcy of his life. If you don't see his scars, you would never even imagine he only has half a heart. He walks and runs, throws everything he can get his hands on, tears apart my house, antagonizes his sister, is crazy about sports, think's he's a muppet....Walter to be specific, talks more and more each day, and adores his daddy. He has the cutest personality and is such a little ham. He is Luke's son for sure.
Well, I'm going to leave it at that for now and I am going to try and update more often.
Showing posts with label Maddox. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maddox. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A month of Firsts.....
Maddox is having a month of firsts, and I need to take some pictures.
First Steps by himself, and walking all over!
First fat lip.... he fell and hit his lip on the front porch. Ouch.... but I didn't get a picture.
First skinned nose.... he JUMPED off the front porch. Landed on his forehead. And skid on his nose across the sidewalk. Lovely.
First black eye.... He tripped at the neighbors house last night and hit his eye on the corner of a chair. It is a lovely blue this morning.
Hey, we still have 11 days left in this month. We could see some more Firsts. :)
First Steps by himself, and walking all over!
First fat lip.... he fell and hit his lip on the front porch. Ouch.... but I didn't get a picture.
First skinned nose.... he JUMPED off the front porch. Landed on his forehead. And skid on his nose across the sidewalk. Lovely.
First black eye.... He tripped at the neighbors house last night and hit his eye on the corner of a chair. It is a lovely blue this morning.
Hey, we still have 11 days left in this month. We could see some more Firsts. :)
Monday, April 11, 2011
And a month later.....
We're just hanging in there. The weather has been insane, and it's making me crazy! I just want sunshine and heat! Oh, and to send the kids outside to play. I love warm days, like today, when most of the kids in the neighborhood are playing out in the circle. So fun. Can't wait for Summer!!
Maddox is doing ok. We had to increase a med because his oxygen levels were low, it seems to be helping. Though we do have him on O2 again when he sleeps. He seems to have more energy during the day if he sleeps with it at night. I was kind of worried last month, and thinking we'd be headed to surgery sooner than later. But I think the medicine adjustment and the O2 at night will be good for now. We go back next week. I'm so thankful he has been pretty healthy this winter. Crossing my fingers it stays that way! He is walking like CRAZY! It's so cute! He started walking by himself on March 25th. He can also open the front door, and he likes to escape. Of course he heads straight for the street. I'm so grateful for our quiet little neighborhood! The boy needs a leash! He absolutely loves the swing, and fell asleep in it this afternoon. As soon as he woke up from his nap, that's where he wanted to go again.
Bailee is good. She is looking forward to school starting in a few months. It actually took quite a bit of talking to convince her that she wants to go to school. She kept telling everyone that she's not going to Kindergarten, she's being home schooled. Uh, not. I am really looking forward to the kids being in school! Bai's been planning her birthday party FOREVER! It's still 2 1/2 months away! But it'll be fun! Her new thing is to make rules about EVERYTHING! If it needs to be done, she thinks it needs to be a rule. I should write them down as she makes them up to remind her of the rules when she's a teenager. Then I can use the excuse that I didn't make them, I just enforce them. :)
So there's an update. :)
Maddox is doing ok. We had to increase a med because his oxygen levels were low, it seems to be helping. Though we do have him on O2 again when he sleeps. He seems to have more energy during the day if he sleeps with it at night. I was kind of worried last month, and thinking we'd be headed to surgery sooner than later. But I think the medicine adjustment and the O2 at night will be good for now. We go back next week. I'm so thankful he has been pretty healthy this winter. Crossing my fingers it stays that way! He is walking like CRAZY! It's so cute! He started walking by himself on March 25th. He can also open the front door, and he likes to escape. Of course he heads straight for the street. I'm so grateful for our quiet little neighborhood! The boy needs a leash! He absolutely loves the swing, and fell asleep in it this afternoon. As soon as he woke up from his nap, that's where he wanted to go again.
Bailee is good. She is looking forward to school starting in a few months. It actually took quite a bit of talking to convince her that she wants to go to school. She kept telling everyone that she's not going to Kindergarten, she's being home schooled. Uh, not. I am really looking forward to the kids being in school! Bai's been planning her birthday party FOREVER! It's still 2 1/2 months away! But it'll be fun! Her new thing is to make rules about EVERYTHING! If it needs to be done, she thinks it needs to be a rule. I should write them down as she makes them up to remind her of the rules when she's a teenager. Then I can use the excuse that I didn't make them, I just enforce them. :)
So there's an update. :)
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What is a CHD??
The week of February 7-14th has new meaning for our family. It's the week set aside to raise awareness about CHD's. Did you know that...
Nearly one in every 125 babies is born with a CHD. It is the #1 birth defect in America. This year alone, close to 40,000 babies will be born with a CHD.
Nearly twice as many children die from Congenital Heart Defects in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined.
Though research is ongoing, at least 35 defects have now been identified.
4-8% born with CHD have Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome --> Maddox's Defect
4-10% born with CHD have Atrioventricular Septal Defects
8-11% born with CHD have Coarctation of the Aorta
9-14% born with CHD have Tetralogy of Fallot
10-11% born with CHD have Transposition of the Great Arteries
14-16% born with CHD have Ventricular Septal Defects
I was re-reading some comments on one of the early blog posts about Maddox. Someone commented that before we knew it, all of this would be behind us. I remember thinking how that would never happen. This will never be 'behind' us. Maddox's heart will never, in this life, function properly or get better. That's just the reality of his CHD. However, at this point in our journey some of it is behind us. We won't re-live those 6 weeks again. We will have other trials, more time spent in the hospital, more unknowns. But it won't be the same.
I was getting Maddox dressed after a bath the other night and I touched his scar and realized that it had been awhile since I'd even noticed the scar. Like I thought that would ever happen. But we are at point where things are as 'normal' as they could be. Maddox is doing better than I'd ever hoped. He is the most mischievous little rascal, and he drives me nuts sometimes. You can't get a better description of normal than that, can you?? It's nice to be in this place right now. And I am enjoying it, I hope to the fullest. The blogs of other CHD warriors keep me connected to the reality of the situation, and I know that this won't last. But I also know that we'll be ok. Things will work out, and the Lord will be with us.
I feel like this has been a lot of rambling. So many feelings, thoughts, and emotions....so little organization. I read this poem this morning though and the words were so close to our reality that I wanted to share it.
What is a CHD???
You passed me in the shopping mall
(You read my faded tee).
You tapped me on the shoulder,
Then asked, "What's a CHD?"
I could quote terminology,
There's stats that I could give.
But I would rather share with you
A mother's perspective.
What is it like to have a child with a CHD?
It's Lasix, Aspirin, Captopril
It's wondering...Lord what's your will?
It's monitors and oxygen tanks
It's a constant reminder to always give thanks.
It's feeding tubes, calories, needed weight gain
It's the drama of eating...and yes it's insane!
It's the first time I held him, I'd waited so long,
It's knowing that I need to help him grow strong.
It's making a hospital home for awhile
It's seeing my reward in every smile.
It's checking his sats as the feeding pump's beeping
It's knowing that there is just no time for sleeping.
It's caths, x-rays and boo boos to kiss
It's normalacy I sometimes miss.
It's asking do his nails look blue?
It's cringing inside at what he's been through.
It's dozens of call to his pediatrician
She knows me by name, I'm a mom on a mission.
It's winter's homebound and hand sanitizer
It's knowing this journey has made me much wiser.
It's watching him sleeping his breathing is steady.
It's surgery day and I'll never be ready.
It's handing him over, I'm still not prepared,
It's knowing that his heart must be repaired.
It's waiting for news on that long stressful day,
It's praying...it's hoping...that he'll be okay.
It's the wonderful friends with whom I've connected,
It's the bond that we share, it was so unexpected.
It's that long faded scar down my child's small chest,
It's touching it gently and knowing we're blessed.
It's watching him chasing a small butterfly,
It's the moment I realized I've stopped asking why.
It's the snowflakes that fall on a cold winter's day,
They remind me of those who aren't with us today.
It's a brave little boy who loves Thomas the train,
Or a special heart bear or a frog in the rain.
It's the need to remember we're all in this plight,
It's their lives that remind us we still need to fight!
It's in pushing ahead amidst every sorrow,
It is finding the strength to have hope for tomorrow.
And no, we'll never be the same. It's changed our family,
This is what we face each day. This is...a CHD.
**Written by Stephanie Husted (fellow heart mom)
Nearly one in every 125 babies is born with a CHD. It is the #1 birth defect in America. This year alone, close to 40,000 babies will be born with a CHD.
Nearly twice as many children die from Congenital Heart Defects in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined.
Though research is ongoing, at least 35 defects have now been identified.
4-8% born with CHD have Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome --> Maddox's Defect
4-10% born with CHD have Atrioventricular Septal Defects
8-11% born with CHD have Coarctation of the Aorta
9-14% born with CHD have Tetralogy of Fallot
10-11% born with CHD have Transposition of the Great Arteries
14-16% born with CHD have Ventricular Septal Defects
(July 16, 2009. The first time I saw Maddox after he was taken to the NICU)
With these statistics and the fact that my own husband was born with a CHD (Coarctation of the Aorta) how did I not know? The thought that my baby could be born with half a heart never once crossed my mind. I'd never heard of it. And besides that, those things happen to other people's children. When Luke and I got married I was much more concerned about having children born with Cystic Fibrosis. I worried even when Luke tested negative as a carrier. CF is something I'm familiar with, it's something I've lived with and something that in a weird way I'm comfortable with. So even though I worried, I knew if it happened, I could handle it. I seriously have no logical explanation to why I never gave a thought to CHD's and the chances of having a child born with one. The only reason I can think of is that it was a tender mercy from the Lord. If I'd have known I would have worried my self sick. I would have wondered, and researched, and worried some more. It would have made me fearful of having children, and though I don't think it would have stopped me, I do think it wouldn't have been as sweet as an experience. Having Bailee born first and healthy is truly such a blessing. She gave me another reason not to worry. Maddox not being diagnosed at the 20 week ultrasound is another blessing I'm grateful for. As sick and miserable as I was during that time, I was grateful to be carrying another beautiful healthy baby. Reading back over our experiences with Maddox, especially those first days, remind me of a million other reasons to be grateful. Looking back I know without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord was with us. There is no way I could have gone through that time alone.I was re-reading some comments on one of the early blog posts about Maddox. Someone commented that before we knew it, all of this would be behind us. I remember thinking how that would never happen. This will never be 'behind' us. Maddox's heart will never, in this life, function properly or get better. That's just the reality of his CHD. However, at this point in our journey some of it is behind us. We won't re-live those 6 weeks again. We will have other trials, more time spent in the hospital, more unknowns. But it won't be the same.
I was getting Maddox dressed after a bath the other night and I touched his scar and realized that it had been awhile since I'd even noticed the scar. Like I thought that would ever happen. But we are at point where things are as 'normal' as they could be. Maddox is doing better than I'd ever hoped. He is the most mischievous little rascal, and he drives me nuts sometimes. You can't get a better description of normal than that, can you?? It's nice to be in this place right now. And I am enjoying it, I hope to the fullest. The blogs of other CHD warriors keep me connected to the reality of the situation, and I know that this won't last. But I also know that we'll be ok. Things will work out, and the Lord will be with us.
I feel like this has been a lot of rambling. So many feelings, thoughts, and emotions....so little organization. I read this poem this morning though and the words were so close to our reality that I wanted to share it.
What is a CHD???
You passed me in the shopping mall
(You read my faded tee).
You tapped me on the shoulder,
Then asked, "What's a CHD?"
I could quote terminology,
There's stats that I could give.
But I would rather share with you
A mother's perspective.
What is it like to have a child with a CHD?
It's Lasix, Aspirin, Captopril
It's wondering...Lord what's your will?
It's monitors and oxygen tanks
It's a constant reminder to always give thanks.
It's feeding tubes, calories, needed weight gain
It's the drama of eating...and yes it's insane!
It's the first time I held him, I'd waited so long,
It's knowing that I need to help him grow strong.
It's making a hospital home for awhile
It's seeing my reward in every smile.
It's checking his sats as the feeding pump's beeping
It's knowing that there is just no time for sleeping.
It's caths, x-rays and boo boos to kiss
It's normalacy I sometimes miss.
It's asking do his nails look blue?
It's cringing inside at what he's been through.
It's dozens of call to his pediatrician
She knows me by name, I'm a mom on a mission.
It's winter's homebound and hand sanitizer
It's knowing this journey has made me much wiser.
It's watching him sleeping his breathing is steady.
It's surgery day and I'll never be ready.
It's handing him over, I'm still not prepared,
It's knowing that his heart must be repaired.
It's waiting for news on that long stressful day,
It's praying...it's hoping...that he'll be okay.
It's the wonderful friends with whom I've connected,
It's the bond that we share, it was so unexpected.
It's that long faded scar down my child's small chest,
It's touching it gently and knowing we're blessed.
It's watching him chasing a small butterfly,
It's the moment I realized I've stopped asking why.
It's the snowflakes that fall on a cold winter's day,
They remind me of those who aren't with us today.
It's a brave little boy who loves Thomas the train,
Or a special heart bear or a frog in the rain.
It's the need to remember we're all in this plight,
It's their lives that remind us we still need to fight!
It's in pushing ahead amidst every sorrow,
It is finding the strength to have hope for tomorrow.
And no, we'll never be the same. It's changed our family,
This is what we face each day. This is...a CHD.
**Written by Stephanie Husted (fellow heart mom)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Maddox and the Lion
A few months ago Maddox received a beautiful gift from Ryan of Ryan's Lion. This cute blue lion has been hanging out in Maddox's crib and he loves it. Today I was snapping some pictures of Maddox with the lion and he was loving it! He pet the lion, gave it hugs and kisses, and rocked it like a baby. Then he would hand it over to me to do the same. When he wakes up from his naps I often find him holding the lion or he has helped the lion escape from the crib. I think this will be a treasured buddy for years to come.
Maddox will be featured on the Ryan's Lion website sometime this month, fun! Visit the Ryan's Lion site to learn more about this amazing project, and when you can, pass a lion onto someone else who could use it.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Post 366
Wow, that's a big number. :)
So today I bottled peaches. They are BEAUTIFUL! I have enjoyed looking at them all evening. I have one more box to bottle tomorrow. It's a time consuming, tiring project. But I feel it is well worth the effort. Maddox had discovered that he LOVES peaches. He scarfs them down.
Since we had plenty of peaches around, I also decided to make a peach pie for FHE. Super easy and super delicious! At least to Maddox and I. Luke and Bailee don't have the same love of peaches that Maddox and I do. Sad.
Tomorrow we're off to story time at the library. Bailee is sad that it's English story time instead of Spanish story time. She's been practicing the "Buenos Dias" song all week and can't wait to sing it. Friday can't come soon enough for her. Except I reminded her that she has Dance tomorrow, and that cheered her right up.
AHHHH! Maddox is CRAWLING! He crawled for the first time at our therapy play group last Thursday, and now he is EVERYWHERE! From a physical therapy stand point, that is GREAT news. From a mommy stand point....the jury is still out. I love his new skill, I don't so much love the new mobility. If I look away for a second he is into something he shouldn't be. His current favorite is tearing pages out of our church magazines. He is also cruising all around the furniture. And now that he can crawl to get up to the couch, he is rarely on the floor.
Shhh! Don't tell Bailee, but we are planning a trip down to see Grammy and Grampy S. next week. Luke doesn't get to come :( But I am excited to be there for Homecoming. It's been 10 years! Crazy!
I'll also get to see my Papa, who has been in the hospital for the past week. The dr.'s can't figure out what's going on and have decided it's all in Papa's head. They want to send him home tomorrow, but we all know that's not going to end well. Hopefully with some forceful insistence from my family, he will see some different dr.'s. I have wished more than once that he was at Primary Children's, because I know they would take better care of him. So for those that pray, please keep him in your prayers.
So today I bottled peaches. They are BEAUTIFUL! I have enjoyed looking at them all evening. I have one more box to bottle tomorrow. It's a time consuming, tiring project. But I feel it is well worth the effort. Maddox had discovered that he LOVES peaches. He scarfs them down.
Since we had plenty of peaches around, I also decided to make a peach pie for FHE. Super easy and super delicious! At least to Maddox and I. Luke and Bailee don't have the same love of peaches that Maddox and I do. Sad.
Tomorrow we're off to story time at the library. Bailee is sad that it's English story time instead of Spanish story time. She's been practicing the "Buenos Dias" song all week and can't wait to sing it. Friday can't come soon enough for her. Except I reminded her that she has Dance tomorrow, and that cheered her right up.
AHHHH! Maddox is CRAWLING! He crawled for the first time at our therapy play group last Thursday, and now he is EVERYWHERE! From a physical therapy stand point, that is GREAT news. From a mommy stand point....the jury is still out. I love his new skill, I don't so much love the new mobility. If I look away for a second he is into something he shouldn't be. His current favorite is tearing pages out of our church magazines. He is also cruising all around the furniture. And now that he can crawl to get up to the couch, he is rarely on the floor.
Shhh! Don't tell Bailee, but we are planning a trip down to see Grammy and Grampy S. next week. Luke doesn't get to come :( But I am excited to be there for Homecoming. It's been 10 years! Crazy!
I'll also get to see my Papa, who has been in the hospital for the past week. The dr.'s can't figure out what's going on and have decided it's all in Papa's head. They want to send him home tomorrow, but we all know that's not going to end well. Hopefully with some forceful insistence from my family, he will see some different dr.'s. I have wished more than once that he was at Primary Children's, because I know they would take better care of him. So for those that pray, please keep him in your prayers.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Busy Busy Busy
The last month has been so busy! I have sat down to post so many times, only to remember a million other things I wanted/needed to do. I always feel like I should be posting pictures too, but it takes so long! A new computer is high on my list of wants, but probably won't move to the list of needs until this one crashes....for real. (We've had several fake-outs, luckily it keeps me backing things up). So what we've been up too.....(It turned out to be a really long post! If anyone actually reads my rambling....there is a cute Bailee story at the end)
We started Pre-School, at home. A little crazy (or a lot), but it just didn't fit in the budget. So Bailee has another 4 year old friend who wasn't going to go either and we decided to just do our own. So far they've had fun and even learned a thing or two, but it is seriously a lot of work on my part. Hopefully this is a one time deal. ;)
I've completed a couple of projects around the house. I painted a huge chalkboard wall in our downstairs family room....loving it! (and so are the kids!) We also used to have this nice built in shelf on the wall between the tv room and laundry room. It was open to the tv room and made nice dvd/video storage as well as a catch-all. We have plenty of storage in the entertainment center, and I decided I'd rather have the shelves accessible in the laundry room. So I switched it around. Just call me "Handy Manny". (we watch too much Disney Channel around here). Oh and of course Bailee had to ask me what I was doing a MILLION times during the project. After telling her a dozen times, I finally told her that I just like to break things. Her reply?? "That's ok, Grandpa can fix anything." Not surprising.
I've been working in the yard, doing the 'fall clean up' stuff even though I'm not ready to let go of summer. We've had a nice crop of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and squash this year. The tomatoes are finally turning red, yummy. I just wished they would have been ripe at the same time as the peppers, I had planned on making a bunch of salsa to freeze. The apples are close to being ready to pick now too, so I guess I should make time for canning.
Last Saturday we walked in the annual "Walk for Healing Hearts". It was cool to see so many people there; Heart Hero's and tons of their supporters. I am still feeling so new in the 'heart' world, but am constantly amazed and reminded of how blessed we are....Maddox is. It could be so much worse. At Heart Camp as I was talking to some other mom's one mentioned that she felt like they had it easy. I kind of laughed and pointed out that her baby had a transplant, kind of a big deal. But she feels like I do, that it could be a lot worse. "Half a heart, no big deal." It is a big deal, and we don't take it lightly but really we do recognize how blessed we are. So many life lessons learned in the past year.
Maddox continues to see a physical therapist once a month at home, and now once a week in a play group setting. He is working hard to learn to sit up by himself, crawl, and walk. He's got cruising around the furniture down, so I'm sure he'll be running in no time. He has all of the 'skills' to crawl, he just hasn't found the motivation, I guess. We'll keep working on it. He's still gaining weight, enjoying food, and not wearing oxygen. All good signs that his heart function is not decreasing. I'm trying to enjoy each day and not think about next year.
Bailee is as sassy as ever and I love 'almost' every minute of it. She is finishing up her first (and probably last) Soccer season. She's been counting down until the last game since the first practice. It's been a long 9 weeks for her. Wednesday she told me that when she grows up she wants to be a BYU cheerleader. When I told her she needed to be a high school cheerleader first, her response was "I already know how to be a cheerleader, I don't need to go to high school." She also doesn't need guitar lessons, piano lessons, or drum lessons because she 'already knows how to play'. The lucky little girl got another "wish with all the dreams of her heart" and gets to take dance again. She had her first class on Tuesday and was in HEAVEN. I haven't seen her smile that much since her last recital. The girl can TALK. (I can't imagine where she get's it from.....) She chatted it up with BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall on Wednesday night. Here's a story.
We went to the weekly Coaches radio show broadcast Wednesday night. In between segments Coach M was talking to the kids who came up to him and letting them wear his headset ("ear muffs" as Bailee calls them) She of course wanted a turn. I have the CUTEST picture of her from behind wearing the headphones and looking up at Coach M., who is resting his head on folded arms, smiling down at her. (I will definitely post that one soon.) After the show we were waiting for the elevator at the same time as Coach M.. Bailee started telling him about her trip to Disneyland. He asked her questions about her trip, and she answered them, as we waited, rode down the elevator, and walked out the gates. The closer we got to the parking lot, the faster she talked. It was seriously the sweetest thing. I can't imagine that any other head football coach would take the time to talk to her as he did. They talked about so many things, as if no one else was around, he even shared a couple of secrets with her.(and they had nothing to do with the quarterback situation) Even as he was walking to his car and we were walking the other way, she was talking and he was answering. When we finally got in our car she of course wanted to call Grampy and tell him. As soon as he answered she said "Grampy, I just talked too.....Mom, what was his name again? Oh yeah, Bronco Mendenhall. Yeah, he's one of the BYU coaches." To her he was just someone who was interested in what she had to say. Someone who she instantly trusted (which doesn't happen very often) and felt safe with. For me, I appreciated that he took the time to visit with her; that he could step out of the 'football' world for 15 minutes and talk to my 4 year old, and enjoy it. I think it's so natural for us to teach our kids not to bother 'important' people. We don't want them to be in the way etc. This was a good reminder that people are people, and there are some good ones out there. I gained a lot of respect for this coach, and am taking away a good lesson.
Well, I could go on but this is starting to feel like one of those 6 page long Christmas letters.....
We started Pre-School, at home. A little crazy (or a lot), but it just didn't fit in the budget. So Bailee has another 4 year old friend who wasn't going to go either and we decided to just do our own. So far they've had fun and even learned a thing or two, but it is seriously a lot of work on my part. Hopefully this is a one time deal. ;)
I've completed a couple of projects around the house. I painted a huge chalkboard wall in our downstairs family room....loving it! (and so are the kids!) We also used to have this nice built in shelf on the wall between the tv room and laundry room. It was open to the tv room and made nice dvd/video storage as well as a catch-all. We have plenty of storage in the entertainment center, and I decided I'd rather have the shelves accessible in the laundry room. So I switched it around. Just call me "Handy Manny". (we watch too much Disney Channel around here). Oh and of course Bailee had to ask me what I was doing a MILLION times during the project. After telling her a dozen times, I finally told her that I just like to break things. Her reply?? "That's ok, Grandpa can fix anything." Not surprising.
I've been working in the yard, doing the 'fall clean up' stuff even though I'm not ready to let go of summer. We've had a nice crop of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and squash this year. The tomatoes are finally turning red, yummy. I just wished they would have been ripe at the same time as the peppers, I had planned on making a bunch of salsa to freeze. The apples are close to being ready to pick now too, so I guess I should make time for canning.
Last Saturday we walked in the annual "Walk for Healing Hearts". It was cool to see so many people there; Heart Hero's and tons of their supporters. I am still feeling so new in the 'heart' world, but am constantly amazed and reminded of how blessed we are....Maddox is. It could be so much worse. At Heart Camp as I was talking to some other mom's one mentioned that she felt like they had it easy. I kind of laughed and pointed out that her baby had a transplant, kind of a big deal. But she feels like I do, that it could be a lot worse. "Half a heart, no big deal." It is a big deal, and we don't take it lightly but really we do recognize how blessed we are. So many life lessons learned in the past year.
Maddox continues to see a physical therapist once a month at home, and now once a week in a play group setting. He is working hard to learn to sit up by himself, crawl, and walk. He's got cruising around the furniture down, so I'm sure he'll be running in no time. He has all of the 'skills' to crawl, he just hasn't found the motivation, I guess. We'll keep working on it. He's still gaining weight, enjoying food, and not wearing oxygen. All good signs that his heart function is not decreasing. I'm trying to enjoy each day and not think about next year.
Bailee is as sassy as ever and I love 'almost' every minute of it. She is finishing up her first (and probably last) Soccer season. She's been counting down until the last game since the first practice. It's been a long 9 weeks for her. Wednesday she told me that when she grows up she wants to be a BYU cheerleader. When I told her she needed to be a high school cheerleader first, her response was "I already know how to be a cheerleader, I don't need to go to high school." She also doesn't need guitar lessons, piano lessons, or drum lessons because she 'already knows how to play'. The lucky little girl got another "wish with all the dreams of her heart" and gets to take dance again. She had her first class on Tuesday and was in HEAVEN. I haven't seen her smile that much since her last recital. The girl can TALK. (I can't imagine where she get's it from.....) She chatted it up with BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall on Wednesday night. Here's a story.
We went to the weekly Coaches radio show broadcast Wednesday night. In between segments Coach M was talking to the kids who came up to him and letting them wear his headset ("ear muffs" as Bailee calls them) She of course wanted a turn. I have the CUTEST picture of her from behind wearing the headphones and looking up at Coach M., who is resting his head on folded arms, smiling down at her. (I will definitely post that one soon.) After the show we were waiting for the elevator at the same time as Coach M.. Bailee started telling him about her trip to Disneyland. He asked her questions about her trip, and she answered them, as we waited, rode down the elevator, and walked out the gates. The closer we got to the parking lot, the faster she talked. It was seriously the sweetest thing. I can't imagine that any other head football coach would take the time to talk to her as he did. They talked about so many things, as if no one else was around, he even shared a couple of secrets with her.(and they had nothing to do with the quarterback situation) Even as he was walking to his car and we were walking the other way, she was talking and he was answering. When we finally got in our car she of course wanted to call Grampy and tell him. As soon as he answered she said "Grampy, I just talked too.....Mom, what was his name again? Oh yeah, Bronco Mendenhall. Yeah, he's one of the BYU coaches." To her he was just someone who was interested in what she had to say. Someone who she instantly trusted (which doesn't happen very often) and felt safe with. For me, I appreciated that he took the time to visit with her; that he could step out of the 'football' world for 15 minutes and talk to my 4 year old, and enjoy it. I think it's so natural for us to teach our kids not to bother 'important' people. We don't want them to be in the way etc. This was a good reminder that people are people, and there are some good ones out there. I gained a lot of respect for this coach, and am taking away a good lesson.
Well, I could go on but this is starting to feel like one of those 6 page long Christmas letters.....
Friday, July 16, 2010
Happy Birthday Baby!
Today is Maddox's first Birthday! I can't believe it's been a year even though it seems we've lived a lifetime in the past 12 months. It all feels surreal, I haven't let myself think this far ahead. There was too much unknown, and I was trying to just enjoy the moments we had. I am so grateful for the past year and the Miracle this little man is!
We celebrated a day early, but I'm sure we'll continue the celebration today. What's a birthday without balloons?? Maddox LOVES balloons!
Yummy!! This boy loved the cake and the ice cream!
So at a year our little guy weighs in at 21.5 pounds! And they told me he wouldn't grow!
Maddox adores his sister and she smothers him right back.
He is sitting up so well now, and even scooting backwards on his bottom.
After some hard work (I mean play time) with a physical therapist, Maddox is rolling over like a champ, pushing up on his arms, and figuring out how to get around. With the exercises teaching him how to get on his knees, and crawl up the stairs, Maddox will be fully mobile in no time. That is both wonderful and frightening at the same time! Good for him, bad for mommy. Let the child proofing begin!
He's got 4 teeth, and 2 more breaking through the skin as I type.
He eats almost anything I put in front of him, the stronger the flavor/spice the more he loves it. We gave him some spicy rice the other night and even though tears were rolling down his cheeks he was asking for more.
His favorite word is "screeeeech" though I don't think that actually counts as a 'word'.
He is learning signs such as more, milk, eat, all gone....
Maddox loves all things Disney, and can't get enough of his Toy Story buddies, Pluto, and Mickey Mouse.
This kid is mischievous and gets into anything he can reach. Now that he's figuring out he can move, he's getting into a lot more!
I love his baby giggles, his slobbery kisses, and snuggle time.
Even at the end of the day when the screeching is about to send me off the deep end and the fussiness is making me crazy I can't get enough of him! It seems like every time I pass Maddox off to his daddy so I can have 5 minutes of quiet, I miss him immediately and he's back in my arms.
So Happy Birthday Baby! We're so glad to have you in our home! We all Love you so much!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
This week....
As I start this week of Maddox's birthday, so many things are going through my mind! Gratitude, Anger, Hurt, Relief, Love, Sadness, Amazement (and much more!). The past year has been crazy, and sometimes I wonder how we've made it through. I posted an update on Maddox's "Heart Journey" link off to the side, so check it out for more details. The short of it is that he's doing good.
From some conversations I've had recently, I just wanted to clarify something. Maddox's heart will not get better. It will not grow. It will not function any more than it is right now. It is what it is, and that is Hypoplastic---It's too small. We will continue to do our best to keep him healthy, growing, and out of heart failure. We will hope he will be a candidate for the final surgery to be performed sometime after he's two (that's only a year away.) We will pray that his heart will stay strong for a long time, and we will continue to prepare ourselves for transplant. This is not in our hands, this is in God's hands. We will do our best to enjoy each moment we have, and live life to the fullest. Other than having faith and trust, there's not much we can do. I have come to be at peace with this, even though it sucks and it hurts and it's hard. We do appreciate the love and support that's been given the past year. Without so much help, love and prayers it would have been a lot harder. So truly, THANK YOU.
From some conversations I've had recently, I just wanted to clarify something. Maddox's heart will not get better. It will not grow. It will not function any more than it is right now. It is what it is, and that is Hypoplastic---It's too small. We will continue to do our best to keep him healthy, growing, and out of heart failure. We will hope he will be a candidate for the final surgery to be performed sometime after he's two (that's only a year away.) We will pray that his heart will stay strong for a long time, and we will continue to prepare ourselves for transplant. This is not in our hands, this is in God's hands. We will do our best to enjoy each moment we have, and live life to the fullest. Other than having faith and trust, there's not much we can do. I have come to be at peace with this, even though it sucks and it hurts and it's hard. We do appreciate the love and support that's been given the past year. Without so much help, love and prayers it would have been a lot harder. So truly, THANK YOU.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
I {heart} Malibu
So one of my 'requirements' for this trip was that we go to a GOOD beach. I've been to a couple of different ones in Cali and really hadn't been impressed. I wanted a nice, big, clean, beautiful beach; like you see on tv. I talked with Chelsea and she suggested Zuma beach in Malibu. Much to Luke's surprise (I'm not normally an 'early' riser) I got everyone up and going at 5 am. (4 pacific time) It was so worth it. As we left the crazy busy downtown LA area and pulled on to the Pacific Coast Highway we could see endless beaches and ocean. It was amazing. I loved all of the beach houses in Malibu, such character! We grabbed some sandwiches and had a picnic on the beach, so much fun! (And Bailee learned where 'sandwiches' got their name!)
Bailee also liked finding shells and rocks. She brought some special ones (and by special I mean every one that she saw) home to put in her rock garden. (I had to designate a place for her own rock garden; all of the rocks she collects have been put in my flower garden or on the lawn. This is a much better solution for us all.)
Malibu Continued....
Maddox cried when I took him close to the water. I think the big waves and the noise scared him. He did really enjoy the sand though, and I'm sure he ate more than his fair share.
This was his first trip to the beach, and the first one Bailee will remember. (She was about 9 months when we went to San Diego)
Love this one too! She had so much fun, once she got over the whole 'sand get's in everything' thing. I was surprised that she let Grampy bury her! The first of many surprises on this trip.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Good bye freedom, Hello isolation!
Maddox has a double ear infection, again. This is the SEVENTH since March. SEVEN double ear infections! I took him to the dr. on Tuesday, as I posted, and was not surprised at all for this diagnosis. We got an antibiotic, with a refill to take with us on our trip, and figured a day or so and he'd be back to normal. (whatever that is!) Well, Thursday he wasn't feeling well and neither was I. So we laid around all day. He didn't sleep well that night, and ran a fever all day Friday. It was managed ok with motrin and tylenol, but wasn't getting any better. So, at 3 this morning I took him into the ER. They gave him another dose each of tylenol and motrin, and once the fever broke we were sent home with a prescription for a stronger antibiotic. He has slept most of the day today, so that's a good sign. He must be feeling enough better that he can catch up. Too bad Luke and I can't.
On Wednesday we had an appointment with an ENT and are going to get tubes put in his ears. BUT, Maddox can not have a cough or be sick when they put him under anesthesia. So somehow we've got to keep him well long enough to get the tubes in. I'm sure they will help a ton!
We hardly take him anywhere to begin with, but we decided that he's not leaving the house and no one is coming over for the next 2 weeks. We're really praying that this will help. It better, I'm at the end of my rope and I don't know what else to do! Enjoy the pics below!
On Wednesday we had an appointment with an ENT and are going to get tubes put in his ears. BUT, Maddox can not have a cough or be sick when they put him under anesthesia. So somehow we've got to keep him well long enough to get the tubes in. I'm sure they will help a ton!
We hardly take him anywhere to begin with, but we decided that he's not leaving the house and no one is coming over for the next 2 weeks. We're really praying that this will help. It better, I'm at the end of my rope and I don't know what else to do! Enjoy the pics below!
Sonny with a Chance of Cloudy Meatballs
Maddox loves Spaghetti. He plays in it, and even eats some of it. I've been making it more often the last month or so because I know he will eat it.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
A few pics
Here's a round of pics from the first half of January.
Bailee loves to take pictures, so here's one of Maddox and Mommy.
Maddox is learning to like solids, slowly but surely. He does love the teething biscuits, when he can keep a hold of it.
We had a friend date with Kin and Lyss. We had lunch at the mall and then went to watch The Princess and the Frog. Super cute movie, the girls liked it....the mommies loved it. Classic Disney style, good music, creepy villain(s).
Best friends. Awwww.
Cute Maddox after a bath. Love the lack of hose and stickers! Such a cute smile, and growing so fast! I think by heart baby standards he's pretty big.
I finally finished his shelf. So cute, I love it.
Maddox's first play date with Kambria. They were playing on the floor next to each other and we noticed they were holding hands. Awww. Kambria kept sucking on Maddox's fingers, funny.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Before and After
I know I've mentioned the change in Maddox's color. I still can't believe the difference! It's such a blessing, and a miracle, that Maddox has pink skin and warm toes. Seriously something I'd taken for granted. This first picture is the night before his surgery, he was so blue/gray!
Right after surgery. I was prepared for him to look more like this. I thought he actually looked pretty darn good, and I noticed the color change immediately.
We of course had a wonderful nurse, Michelle, right after surgery. She kept making comments about being a model parent, and handling everything so well. It was embarrassing. Honestly, Maddox looked so much better after surgery than he ever had (even with the breathing tube) that I was just thrilled. I had such peace knowing that he was doing so well and feeling that relief of having surgery over. I couldn't help but smile.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Best Buddies
I was going to start the morning with grumpiness about mornings at the hospital. It's the hardest time to be here. Between feedings, Vital checks, blood draws, chest xrays and Dr.'s rounds (amoung other things) it seems that everytime Maddox falls asleep they're bugging him again. Even as I'm typing he's sleeping so peacefully and here comes Nurse to give him the morning meds. Not that I'm complaining (ok, well maybe a little) they do take really good care of him (and us) here. Mornings are just hard. So I was going to start with grumpiness and then I uploaded some pictures and got to looking through the adventures of the past couple of months. We've had some really great months.
Bailee and Maddox are best buddies and she is going to be SO EXCITED when we get home later today. She's been asking for Maddox to come home, and basically told us not to come home without him. She really loves him, and he loves her! We've done some video messages back and forth for the kids and they've both really liked that. It makes Bailee feel more involved and shows her how important she is to Maddox, and watching Bailee on the video makes Maddox smile and talk. Last week as I was showing him a video, he kept touching the screen. When I told Bailee about that she said "Was he trying to mess up my hair? He's so silly!"
A couple of weeks ago we took both kiddos to see Santa. It was nice to be out together, we really haven't done very much of that since Maddox was born. We've been so careful about where we take Maddox and who is near him. But I really wanted them to go see Santa together, and worried this would be the only chance. This is the first year that Bailee has been excited about Santa. Even though she was shy, she told him just what she wanted for Christmas. A pink scooter. I'm excited for the magic part of Christmas this year. Maddox didn't ask for anything, I wonder what he would say? A new heart? More time? Or maybe he has just what he needs, great care and a great family?
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A little gloomy
and the weather isn't helping.
I was really really really hoping to go home today. It feels like we've been here forever! And so far it's our shortest stay. It's hard to want to be here when Maddox looks so amazing! This morning was rough for us all though. Maddox was scheduled for a 7:30 am sedated echo. So he couldn't have any food after 2:30 and no clear liquids after 4:30. He woke up and ate at 12:30 and didn't wake up again until 5. Of course he was hungry and there wasn't anything I could do about it. There were a lot of tears and a lot of screaming. Poor baby! He's never loved the binki, and since surgery on Tuesday he hasn't wanted anything to do with it. I finally got him to suck on it a little, enough to settle down. Of course every time I got him settled and either sleeping or playing someone would come in and bug him. For REAL! So at 8 we still hadn't heard anything. I went to find out what was going on and the Dr.'s were making rounds. They had the nurses call to find out when we could come down (they had to do it in the CICU). When we finally got down there no one was prepared, they realized he needed a new IV, and everything was taking forever. They finally got started at 10! Needless to say, we had a very grumpy, very hungry little boy on our hands. After the echo we had to wait for sedation to wear off before we could start clear liquids. The little tough guy sucked down the Pedialite and went back to sleep. Poor thing! On the plus side, Maddox got to hang out with a favorite nurse, and a few other favorites stopped by to flirt.
Since we've been back to his room, he's been eating but not happy. Hoping that once all of the drugs get out of his system he'll feel better again.
It's crazy for me to think that he just had OPEN HEART SURGERY on Tuesday. For the 3rd time in 4 months. It was just 5 days ago, but I think it feels like forever because it's almost 'old hat' to be here. I can't believe how easy it was to slip back into the CICU routine and the hospital routine. At times it felt like we hadn't left. And then I remembered how wonderful it was to be home with him. All of us together. Soon. I know we have much to be grateful for, and we are. Still, long days like today are....well....long.
I was really really really hoping to go home today. It feels like we've been here forever! And so far it's our shortest stay. It's hard to want to be here when Maddox looks so amazing! This morning was rough for us all though. Maddox was scheduled for a 7:30 am sedated echo. So he couldn't have any food after 2:30 and no clear liquids after 4:30. He woke up and ate at 12:30 and didn't wake up again until 5. Of course he was hungry and there wasn't anything I could do about it. There were a lot of tears and a lot of screaming. Poor baby! He's never loved the binki, and since surgery on Tuesday he hasn't wanted anything to do with it. I finally got him to suck on it a little, enough to settle down. Of course every time I got him settled and either sleeping or playing someone would come in and bug him. For REAL! So at 8 we still hadn't heard anything. I went to find out what was going on and the Dr.'s were making rounds. They had the nurses call to find out when we could come down (they had to do it in the CICU). When we finally got down there no one was prepared, they realized he needed a new IV, and everything was taking forever. They finally got started at 10! Needless to say, we had a very grumpy, very hungry little boy on our hands. After the echo we had to wait for sedation to wear off before we could start clear liquids. The little tough guy sucked down the Pedialite and went back to sleep. Poor thing! On the plus side, Maddox got to hang out with a favorite nurse, and a few other favorites stopped by to flirt.
Since we've been back to his room, he's been eating but not happy. Hoping that once all of the drugs get out of his system he'll feel better again.
It's crazy for me to think that he just had OPEN HEART SURGERY on Tuesday. For the 3rd time in 4 months. It was just 5 days ago, but I think it feels like forever because it's almost 'old hat' to be here. I can't believe how easy it was to slip back into the CICU routine and the hospital routine. At times it felt like we hadn't left. And then I remembered how wonderful it was to be home with him. All of us together. Soon. I know we have much to be grateful for, and we are. Still, long days like today are....well....long.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Suite Life of Maddox and Mommy
We got moved upstairs about 4 this afternoon. The suite (as we so lovingly call the rooms upstairs) is nice and quiet. I was going to upload some pictures, but Maddox fell asleep in my arms and I can't reach the camera or the cord. Oh well, later.
I know I keep saying he's doing AMAZING. But he really is! You'll be surprised when you see how pink he his now! Anyone who's seen him lately will remember how gray/blue he's been. I don't think he's ever been this pink. And his toes are warm! That's a first too. It's amazing what a little blood flow will do for you.
This trip to PCMC has been nice, as far as trips to the hospital go. It was planned, I was prepared, and everything has gone about how I've expected. Maddox is such a tough little guy! I can't believe how happy and good he is, considering he had OPEN HEART surgery just 3 days ago. He is healing wonderfully and in very little pain. It seems to be uncomfortable when he coughs (duh!) but other than that he seems pain free.
Maddox had a swallow study just after noon today. He passed with flying colors, of course. As soon as we got back to the CICU (cardiology intensive care unit) he drank a whole bottle and didn't even get tired! Its so nice to be able to hold and feed him again.
He's on oxygen, has an IV (for drawing blood) and still has pacer wires (that he's never had to use). He only has 1 more med than what we had at home, but it's one that he's had before. So things are good. We're ready for home!
We're talking about going Monday afternoon. They want to monitor his eating and see him gain weight (like that'll be an issue....) over the weekend and then do an ECHO Monday morning.
Bailee is so ready for Maddox to come home. She basically told me this morning not to come home without him. I'm glad she loves him so much! She was so disapointed when we told her she couldn't come to the hospital.
So we'll keep updating, and hopefully I'll get some pics added later tonight or tomorrow.
I know I keep saying he's doing AMAZING. But he really is! You'll be surprised when you see how pink he his now! Anyone who's seen him lately will remember how gray/blue he's been. I don't think he's ever been this pink. And his toes are warm! That's a first too. It's amazing what a little blood flow will do for you.
This trip to PCMC has been nice, as far as trips to the hospital go. It was planned, I was prepared, and everything has gone about how I've expected. Maddox is such a tough little guy! I can't believe how happy and good he is, considering he had OPEN HEART surgery just 3 days ago. He is healing wonderfully and in very little pain. It seems to be uncomfortable when he coughs (duh!) but other than that he seems pain free.
Maddox had a swallow study just after noon today. He passed with flying colors, of course. As soon as we got back to the CICU (cardiology intensive care unit) he drank a whole bottle and didn't even get tired! Its so nice to be able to hold and feed him again.
He's on oxygen, has an IV (for drawing blood) and still has pacer wires (that he's never had to use). He only has 1 more med than what we had at home, but it's one that he's had before. So things are good. We're ready for home!
We're talking about going Monday afternoon. They want to monitor his eating and see him gain weight (like that'll be an issue....) over the weekend and then do an ECHO Monday morning.
Bailee is so ready for Maddox to come home. She basically told me this morning not to come home without him. I'm glad she loves him so much! She was so disapointed when we told her she couldn't come to the hospital.
So we'll keep updating, and hopefully I'll get some pics added later tonight or tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Sigh of Relief
Well, the surgery went well today. It has been a long day, but Maddox is doing great. When we left for shift change he was still sleeping. They have been keeping him sedated trying to get his blood preasure down. He also has been bleeding quite a bit and we were worried for awhile that Dr. AK would have to take him back to the OR and stop the bleeding. However, it seems to have slowed considerably and is clotting nicely. Once that is under control they will let him start waking up and extubate him. He can have clear liquids 6 hours after extubation, and if he tollerates that we can feed him. Sometime tomorrow. Poor baby! Maddox is such a little fighter though, and we are grateful or that!
Will update again soon!
Will update again soon!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tomorrow is the day
A day I never would have imagined would come.
A day I never thought to hope for.
A day I never will forget.
A day when we will witness miracles.
A day when Angels will watch over us.
A day full of happiness and sorrow.
A day in which I cannot fully anticipate the results.
A day for which I will be forever grateful.
A day of strength.
A day of peace.
A day of Hope.
A day of Faith.
A day of Prayer.
A day when I hand my burden's to the Savior and turn my will over to HIM.
A day of familiar faces and new faces.
The 29th anniversary of Luke's own heart surgery. I keep thinking that I hope Maddox get's to celebrate that milestone.
Tonight I held Maddox as 3 of the most important men in my life gave him a blessing. I saw hands laid upon his head. Priesthood hands.I wish I had a picture of that moment, I hope it stays forever in my heart. Other hands were there, unseen but felt. I know that Van is with us and watching over Maddox.
We'll try and update as often as possible. We so appreciate all the prayers and thoughts for Maddox and our family.
A day I never thought to hope for.
A day I never will forget.
A day when we will witness miracles.
A day when Angels will watch over us.
A day full of happiness and sorrow.
A day in which I cannot fully anticipate the results.
A day for which I will be forever grateful.
A day of strength.
A day of peace.
A day of Hope.
A day of Faith.
A day of Prayer.
A day when I hand my burden's to the Savior and turn my will over to HIM.
A day of familiar faces and new faces.
The 29th anniversary of Luke's own heart surgery. I keep thinking that I hope Maddox get's to celebrate that milestone.
Tonight I held Maddox as 3 of the most important men in my life gave him a blessing. I saw hands laid upon his head. Priesthood hands.I wish I had a picture of that moment, I hope it stays forever in my heart. Other hands were there, unseen but felt. I know that Van is with us and watching over Maddox.
We'll try and update as often as possible. We so appreciate all the prayers and thoughts for Maddox and our family.
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