Hey there,
We're back! Oh, yes, just got up from our afternoon nap and we are feeling good. Mommy has us excited because she keeps talking about the beautiful sunshine that we haven't seen much this week! We are doing so good! I (Ian) am enjoying not having to take medicine anymore!
We went to see our doctor on Friday. I got my 2nd flu shot and my last RSV vaccine and Bonner just got her 2nd flu shot. We both did good; only cried for a minute. We did, however, pass out right when we got in the car! We were weighed and can you believe this, I weigh 18 lbs 10 oz and Bonner weighs 2 pounds less? Daddy keeps using this term "hoss" but I haven't had a chance to look it up yet to find out what it means. Mommy just says that her elbows hurt alot!
We have been getting out and about alot lately; I guess we are making up for so much time spent indoors this winter. We love to get in our stroller; mommy just started putting us in a different one where we can sit side-by-side and steal each other's toys. Mommy prefers the term "borrow" but it's pretty much thievery! We learn about this word "sharing" alot but we aren't quite sure what it means just yet.
We continue to get these white things in our mouth. My 2nd one finally came through; Bonner got her 2 at the same time. Mommy told us the other day that we were going to have to "brush" them; we thought you only brushed your hair so that should be fun! We are starting to eat finger foods - we tried wheat bread today and love these things called Puffs. Sometimes they don't quite make it to our mouths and we just laugh! We love those little teething cookies; mommy talks about the mess they make but we just think they taste good.
We are looking forward to our first Easter. Mommy tells us that it's not about the Easter Bunny but about Jesus and how much he loves us! We hope you know the real story of Easter; mommy and daddy tell us that it's very important (man, that is such a big word)!
Well, no doctors appointments planned for several weeks when we both go see the pediatrician (mommy had to help us with that word - sounds so funny) for our 9-month checkups. Maybe we will be crawling by then ... or walking around like mommy, daddy, and Baxter!
Well, we love you all and hope that you have a great week! Mommy says it will be pretty outside so we can go for lots of walks! We'll try to get mommy to post some pictures of us soon! She takes alot of them but then forgets to load them! We think she stays pretty busy!
Love you,
Ian & Bonner
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
March 23, 2009 - from CaringBridge
Hey everyone (get ready, it's a long post, but please read all the way through the end - even if you skim - we need your help with something),
We hope that you have been enjoying as beautiful weather wherever you are as we have here in Greenville! Ian actually wore shorts to his cardiology appointment this afternoon and he looked PRECIOUS! And, yes, that's why I am writing ... BBBBIIIIGGG NEWS tonight! We went to the cardiologist today for our 6-week post-op check-up. They weighed him (18 lbs. 6 oz so we are definitely getting bigger), took his O2 sats (95-96), and did an echo on him (which he was very well behaved) ... AND THEY RELEASED HIM FROM A CARDIOLOGY APPOINTMENT FOR 6 MONTHS! I really can't believe it! In fact, Dr. Raunikar, said that his biggest concern is whether Ian and Bonner will steal each other's toys -- to which Stewart and I both replied ... "Already happening!" He also mentioned, "Do you realize, Jennifer and Stewart, that when I see him in 6 months, that Ian will be WALKING into the appointment!" My heart sunk! I cannot believe the journey and it brings tears to my eyes when I think about where we have been and how far we have come!
I am truly blessed to be Ian's mom - I have stood by him since the beginning and been his biggest advocate! There have been so many scary days and so many emotional rollercoasters that I am so ready to get off of the ride! We know the road ahead is unknown, but we can always look back and see the Lord walking beside us through it all!
There is one thing that we haven't really shared with many people and it's not to alarm anyone, but it's the long-term prognosis ... during Ian's last surgery, the surgeon Dr. Bradley informed us that his pulmonary valve was not fully developed, however, he opted to leave Ian without a pulmonary valve instead of putting in a mechanical valve. The reason for his decision was based on several factors:
1) on the pulmonary side of the heart, blood is pumped to the lungs and there is very little push-back from the lungs -- they basically take whatever blood they receive;
2) the only option for Ian would be a mechanical valve which is not advanced enough to grow with him as he gets bigger so it would destine Ian for another surgery in the years to come; and,
3) people leave for decades without pulmonary valves, depending on how their hearts rebound over the years, their activity level, etc.
I must admit that we were a little shocked with the decision, but when you are in that situation and you trust the surgeon implicitly, you simply nod and say, "Thanks for saving his life!" With that being said, long-term there is a chance that Ian will need an additional surgery to have a valve inserted -- just keep in mind that we are talking 10s of 10s of years ... probably when he is in his 20s or 30s. SO we are NOT concerned with this. We know that we will be monitored on a yearly basis and they are very much aware of his condition and know what to look for. I just mention this because I thought everyone should know and it answers the question, "When's the next surgery?" We are not planning for any surgery at this point and we will focus on our HEALTHY little boy and raising him to be a loving young man that knows Jesus Christ as his Savior! That's our task now and we welcome it!
So, with all that being said, we are ECSTATIC and, again, we feel blessed beyond our senses with such a wonderful report today --in fact, THE DOCTOR ENDED IAN'S LASIX TODAY SO NO MORE MEDICINE EITHER FOR THE POOR CHILD! He's had more doses of medicine in his short life than most of us will take in our entire lives! We are so thankful, because that means the doctors truly believe he is HEALED!
I mentioned at the very beginning of the post that we needed your help. You have been such strong supporters of our family over the past year and we ask for one more show of your love. We would like for you to help us bring awareness to a bill that is currently in the House and Senate called the Congenital Heart Futures Act. The bill aims to increase research and funding for congenital heart defects/failure. If you would like to support this bill, please take the time to contact your representative/senator and ask them to support or co-sponsor the bill. Here's how you can help:
1. Go to http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov to look up your representatives and their email address.
2. Draft your email - Here is a template we will use for Ian to get you started.
Dear [Lawmaker name here]
I am writing as a concerned constituent to ask for your help in making a brighter future for all those born with heart defects. Yesterday the Congenital Heart Futures Act, legislation calling for research, surveillance, and education in congenital heart disease, was introduced in the Senate by Senators Durbin and Cochran and in the House by Representatives Bilirakis and Space. I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor these bills (S. 621 and H.R. 1570) and help all those born with heart defects live longer, healthier lives.
Congenital heart disease is this country’s number one birth defect and kills twice as many children as childhood cancer. Although many children now undergo successful heart repair, most will require special life-long care and face high risks of developing additional heart problems. But up until now there has been virtually no federal investment to address the research and education needs of the 1.8 million Americans now living with congenital heart disease.
My friends, Stewart & Jennifer Bloodworth of South Carolina, gave birth to a son with a complex heart defect who underwent two open heart surgeries before he was 8 months old. I want to be hopeful for his future, but right now I know there is a severe lack of research, awareness, and resources available to help us help him do well as he gets older. Please help me help their son survive to become a healthy, productive parent and grandparent.
___
To sign on as a co-sponsor of the bill, House Members should contact Dan Farmer with Rep. Space at (202) 225-6265 to discuss support of H.R. 1570. Senators should contact Sara Singleton with Senator Durbin at (202) 224-2152 re: S. 621.
Thank you in advance for your help in securing a future for all those living with congenital heart disease.
Sincerely,
[name]
[full mailing address]
[email]
Your support of this effort is so much appreciated. It will take a few minutes of your time but I would hope that our journey has enlightened you as to what so many families face, that you would be willing to help! I am more than happy to print the letter out and mail it to you so that you can forward it on to your Senator/Representative.
I do apologize for the length of this update but we are so blessed tonight and we pray that you will rejoice with us as we give all the glory to God - He has been our anchor since the beginning and we are thankful that he chose us to walk this path!
We love you all and will update again very soon!
Jennifer, Stewart, Ian & Bonner
P.S. Ian is getting ready to push through his 2nd tooth, but that first one is really shining. Bonner has had 2 pop through but they aren't quite as apparent as his is ... it is so cute! The new welcome picture was taken tonight! They turned 8 months yesterday!
We hope that you have been enjoying as beautiful weather wherever you are as we have here in Greenville! Ian actually wore shorts to his cardiology appointment this afternoon and he looked PRECIOUS! And, yes, that's why I am writing ... BBBBIIIIGGG NEWS tonight! We went to the cardiologist today for our 6-week post-op check-up. They weighed him (18 lbs. 6 oz so we are definitely getting bigger), took his O2 sats (95-96), and did an echo on him (which he was very well behaved) ... AND THEY RELEASED HIM FROM A CARDIOLOGY APPOINTMENT FOR 6 MONTHS! I really can't believe it! In fact, Dr. Raunikar, said that his biggest concern is whether Ian and Bonner will steal each other's toys -- to which Stewart and I both replied ... "Already happening!" He also mentioned, "Do you realize, Jennifer and Stewart, that when I see him in 6 months, that Ian will be WALKING into the appointment!" My heart sunk! I cannot believe the journey and it brings tears to my eyes when I think about where we have been and how far we have come!
I am truly blessed to be Ian's mom - I have stood by him since the beginning and been his biggest advocate! There have been so many scary days and so many emotional rollercoasters that I am so ready to get off of the ride! We know the road ahead is unknown, but we can always look back and see the Lord walking beside us through it all!
There is one thing that we haven't really shared with many people and it's not to alarm anyone, but it's the long-term prognosis ... during Ian's last surgery, the surgeon Dr. Bradley informed us that his pulmonary valve was not fully developed, however, he opted to leave Ian without a pulmonary valve instead of putting in a mechanical valve. The reason for his decision was based on several factors:
1) on the pulmonary side of the heart, blood is pumped to the lungs and there is very little push-back from the lungs -- they basically take whatever blood they receive;
2) the only option for Ian would be a mechanical valve which is not advanced enough to grow with him as he gets bigger so it would destine Ian for another surgery in the years to come; and,
3) people leave for decades without pulmonary valves, depending on how their hearts rebound over the years, their activity level, etc.
I must admit that we were a little shocked with the decision, but when you are in that situation and you trust the surgeon implicitly, you simply nod and say, "Thanks for saving his life!" With that being said, long-term there is a chance that Ian will need an additional surgery to have a valve inserted -- just keep in mind that we are talking 10s of 10s of years ... probably when he is in his 20s or 30s. SO we are NOT concerned with this. We know that we will be monitored on a yearly basis and they are very much aware of his condition and know what to look for. I just mention this because I thought everyone should know and it answers the question, "When's the next surgery?" We are not planning for any surgery at this point and we will focus on our HEALTHY little boy and raising him to be a loving young man that knows Jesus Christ as his Savior! That's our task now and we welcome it!
So, with all that being said, we are ECSTATIC and, again, we feel blessed beyond our senses with such a wonderful report today --in fact, THE DOCTOR ENDED IAN'S LASIX TODAY SO NO MORE MEDICINE EITHER FOR THE POOR CHILD! He's had more doses of medicine in his short life than most of us will take in our entire lives! We are so thankful, because that means the doctors truly believe he is HEALED!
I mentioned at the very beginning of the post that we needed your help. You have been such strong supporters of our family over the past year and we ask for one more show of your love. We would like for you to help us bring awareness to a bill that is currently in the House and Senate called the Congenital Heart Futures Act. The bill aims to increase research and funding for congenital heart defects/failure. If you would like to support this bill, please take the time to contact your representative/senator and ask them to support or co-sponsor the bill. Here's how you can help:
1. Go to http://www.senate.gov and http://www.house.gov to look up your representatives and their email address.
2. Draft your email - Here is a template we will use for Ian to get you started.
Dear [Lawmaker name here]
I am writing as a concerned constituent to ask for your help in making a brighter future for all those born with heart defects. Yesterday the Congenital Heart Futures Act, legislation calling for research, surveillance, and education in congenital heart disease, was introduced in the Senate by Senators Durbin and Cochran and in the House by Representatives Bilirakis and Space. I am writing to ask you to co-sponsor these bills (S. 621 and H.R. 1570) and help all those born with heart defects live longer, healthier lives.
Congenital heart disease is this country’s number one birth defect and kills twice as many children as childhood cancer. Although many children now undergo successful heart repair, most will require special life-long care and face high risks of developing additional heart problems. But up until now there has been virtually no federal investment to address the research and education needs of the 1.8 million Americans now living with congenital heart disease.
My friends, Stewart & Jennifer Bloodworth of South Carolina, gave birth to a son with a complex heart defect who underwent two open heart surgeries before he was 8 months old. I want to be hopeful for his future, but right now I know there is a severe lack of research, awareness, and resources available to help us help him do well as he gets older. Please help me help their son survive to become a healthy, productive parent and grandparent.
___
To sign on as a co-sponsor of the bill, House Members should contact Dan Farmer with Rep. Space at (202) 225-6265 to discuss support of H.R. 1570. Senators should contact Sara Singleton with Senator Durbin at (202) 224-2152 re: S. 621.
Thank you in advance for your help in securing a future for all those living with congenital heart disease.
Sincerely,
[name]
[full mailing address]
[email]
Your support of this effort is so much appreciated. It will take a few minutes of your time but I would hope that our journey has enlightened you as to what so many families face, that you would be willing to help! I am more than happy to print the letter out and mail it to you so that you can forward it on to your Senator/Representative.
I do apologize for the length of this update but we are so blessed tonight and we pray that you will rejoice with us as we give all the glory to God - He has been our anchor since the beginning and we are thankful that he chose us to walk this path!
We love you all and will update again very soon!
Jennifer, Stewart, Ian & Bonner
P.S. Ian is getting ready to push through his 2nd tooth, but that first one is really shining. Bonner has had 2 pop through but they aren't quite as apparent as his is ... it is so cute! The new welcome picture was taken tonight! They turned 8 months yesterday!
Friday, March 13, 2009
March 13, 2009 - from CaringBridge
Hey everyone, to think that exactly 4 weeks ago today Ian had his surgery. He has come so far in a month -- or maybe he's just back to his old ways. I just shot this video for you to enjoy :-) As you can see, he is alive and "kicking" and continues to love his Rainforest jumper! All the energy in the world with 100% oxygen :-) We love you all and hope you have a great weekend!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32979955@N04/3351694581/
Love,
Jennifer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32979955@N04/3351694581/
Love,
Jennifer
Thursday, March 12, 2009
March 12, 2009 - from CaringBridge
Hey ya'll! Just realized that it has been awhile since I updated ... so sorry! Things have been going great; I must admit that the kids are getting much more active and, therefore, I am staying busier than ever with them!
Ian is picking up right where he left off - rolling all over the place and sitting up all by himself. His tooth is really shining through, which is so cute. Bonner has finally cut her first TWO teeth - you can't quite seem them yet but you can feel them. I guess that both kiddos are feeling better because, PRAISE GOD, they both slept through the night. I woke up this morning at 8:35 a.m. and was like, "Oh my goodness, are the kids alive?"
Anyway, the luncheon we went to last week with the cardiologist was wonderful. The kids behaved well and no one could tell which baby was the "heart baby"! We are truly blessed!
We went to the pediatrician this afternoon so Ian could catch up on his vaccinations. He weighed 17 lbs 6 oz. They want him to gain a half ounce a day; he's not quite there, but I'm sure it won't be long. The pediatrician thought he looked great as Ian was trying to roll off the table and to pull off the sheet that lays over the table. So cute and, again, so blessed!
I took the kids to the mall this morning and it was so much fun to be out and about with 2 healthy babies. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoy looking at the kid's clothes -- the girls' stuff is just precious; and all the madras for the boys these days is right up Ian's alley :-) Can't wait to get them all dressed up and have them out in the beautiful spring weather that is hopefully, just around the corner!
We are really settling back into a good routine and are so thankful for all that we have overcome! Each day when I look at Ian while he is jumping in his jumper, standing up tall in the Exersaucer, sucking on his toes at the dinner table, positioning his pacifier just perfectly in his mouth, rolling and rolling, or just smiling at me with his precious grin, I am reminded that he is truly a miracle! And it is with each of those actions, that I thank God for bringing us this far! We are grateful for all of the trials and tribulations as it has taught us to appreciate even the night-time wake-ups and occasional crying fits! :-)
We go to see the cardiologist next week for our 4-week post-op appointment so I will update again soon! There are several friends in the PCICU and on 7C at MUSC that could use your prayers!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/addisonmoore
www.caringbridge.org/visit/hudsonskiff
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jonathanmaio
Several of you have asked me about baby Carys; we are very thankful to report that she and big sister Claire are HOME! She had a good report from her cardiologist visit and I know that mom and dad are so thankful for all of your prayers!
Love to everyone,
Jennifer
Ian is picking up right where he left off - rolling all over the place and sitting up all by himself. His tooth is really shining through, which is so cute. Bonner has finally cut her first TWO teeth - you can't quite seem them yet but you can feel them. I guess that both kiddos are feeling better because, PRAISE GOD, they both slept through the night. I woke up this morning at 8:35 a.m. and was like, "Oh my goodness, are the kids alive?"
Anyway, the luncheon we went to last week with the cardiologist was wonderful. The kids behaved well and no one could tell which baby was the "heart baby"! We are truly blessed!
We went to the pediatrician this afternoon so Ian could catch up on his vaccinations. He weighed 17 lbs 6 oz. They want him to gain a half ounce a day; he's not quite there, but I'm sure it won't be long. The pediatrician thought he looked great as Ian was trying to roll off the table and to pull off the sheet that lays over the table. So cute and, again, so blessed!
I took the kids to the mall this morning and it was so much fun to be out and about with 2 healthy babies. I must admit that I thoroughly enjoy looking at the kid's clothes -- the girls' stuff is just precious; and all the madras for the boys these days is right up Ian's alley :-) Can't wait to get them all dressed up and have them out in the beautiful spring weather that is hopefully, just around the corner!
We are really settling back into a good routine and are so thankful for all that we have overcome! Each day when I look at Ian while he is jumping in his jumper, standing up tall in the Exersaucer, sucking on his toes at the dinner table, positioning his pacifier just perfectly in his mouth, rolling and rolling, or just smiling at me with his precious grin, I am reminded that he is truly a miracle! And it is with each of those actions, that I thank God for bringing us this far! We are grateful for all of the trials and tribulations as it has taught us to appreciate even the night-time wake-ups and occasional crying fits! :-)
We go to see the cardiologist next week for our 4-week post-op appointment so I will update again soon! There are several friends in the PCICU and on 7C at MUSC that could use your prayers!
www.caringbridge.org/visit/addisonmoore
www.caringbridge.org/visit/hudsonskiff
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jonathanmaio
Several of you have asked me about baby Carys; we are very thankful to report that she and big sister Claire are HOME! She had a good report from her cardiologist visit and I know that mom and dad are so thankful for all of your prayers!
Love to everyone,
Jennifer
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March 3, 2009 - from CaringBridge
Good Late Night to everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in a few days but I wanted to turn our CaringBridge site into a book and I thought the last posting was a good cut-off point. Unfortunately, putting the book together took me a little longer than expected! But, it's finally done and we will see exactly how it turns out when it arrives in about a week! (And, yes, all of your sweet Guestbook postings are included so Ian and Bonner can read your kind words of love and support for years to come)!
We have enjoyed several days of snow -- the kids first snow! It was so hard to get them in everyday from playing out there -- they love making snow angels and the idea of a snowman really thrilled them :-)
We went and saw the pediatrician last Friday for Ian's RSV shot -- it ended up that both children were able to get a flu shot, too, so Bonner didn't escape quite unscathed! Ian weighed in at 17 lbs 1 oz and Bonner, 15 lbs 15 oz. So they are still a little over a pound different!
Ian continues to do so well! He's getting back to 100% and you can just tell that he has so much more energy these days! He started rolling over today which was good and his tooth is really shining through! Bonner is doing great; they are both just such happy babies and we are so blessed to have them in our lives!
Our cardiologist has invited our family to a luncheon with community leaders tomorrow (Wednesday) in hopes of spreading the word about the services offered for cardiology patients here in Upstate SC. Since we utilized all the services of the hospital throughout the past year, he thought we would be a great example and a good family "to put a face with the problem!" We are truly honored and look forward to helping spread the word.
Also, for those of you in Greenville that might be going to the BMW Golf Tournament in May, I would be honored if you would purchase your tickets through Palmetto Hearts, a non-profit in SC that supports families with congenital heart defects. You can read all about the organization and order BMW tickets through their website www.palmettohearts.org.
We do not go back to the cardiologist for 3 weeks so there's really not a lot of updating to do these days! In other words, no news is good news :-) However, for our friends and family so far away, I will set up another website so that you can stay in touch and see what all is going on in our lives! CaringBridge has been a great way to keep you informed so far and we are so blessed that you have stayed in touch and walked beside us through this process!
We love you all and will be in touch very soon!
Jennifer
We have enjoyed several days of snow -- the kids first snow! It was so hard to get them in everyday from playing out there -- they love making snow angels and the idea of a snowman really thrilled them :-)
We went and saw the pediatrician last Friday for Ian's RSV shot -- it ended up that both children were able to get a flu shot, too, so Bonner didn't escape quite unscathed! Ian weighed in at 17 lbs 1 oz and Bonner, 15 lbs 15 oz. So they are still a little over a pound different!
Ian continues to do so well! He's getting back to 100% and you can just tell that he has so much more energy these days! He started rolling over today which was good and his tooth is really shining through! Bonner is doing great; they are both just such happy babies and we are so blessed to have them in our lives!
Our cardiologist has invited our family to a luncheon with community leaders tomorrow (Wednesday) in hopes of spreading the word about the services offered for cardiology patients here in Upstate SC. Since we utilized all the services of the hospital throughout the past year, he thought we would be a great example and a good family "to put a face with the problem!" We are truly honored and look forward to helping spread the word.
Also, for those of you in Greenville that might be going to the BMW Golf Tournament in May, I would be honored if you would purchase your tickets through Palmetto Hearts, a non-profit in SC that supports families with congenital heart defects. You can read all about the organization and order BMW tickets through their website www.palmettohearts.org.
We do not go back to the cardiologist for 3 weeks so there's really not a lot of updating to do these days! In other words, no news is good news :-) However, for our friends and family so far away, I will set up another website so that you can stay in touch and see what all is going on in our lives! CaringBridge has been a great way to keep you informed so far and we are so blessed that you have stayed in touch and walked beside us through this process!
We love you all and will be in touch very soon!
Jennifer
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