Tuesday, October 11, 2022
Saturday, July 9, 2022
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Sunday, February 10, 2019
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Friday, December 7, 2018
Monday, December 12, 2011
Quick update
Hi all.....
Life has kept us super busy and there never seems to be any down time, but I wanted to post a quick update for those that still keep up with the blog.
The kids are doing great, but it's been a rough summer. The first two years, they got sick a total of 4 times. The past 9 months have been brutal in that they've been sick 2-3 weeks out of the month. We've visited the Dr. at least once a month. Ear infections, hand foot mouth, upper respiratory infections, fith disease, croup, etc etc. But, I guess thats kids....
Kim may have mentioned that the kids started daycare in August. It was getting to the point that the kids were not entertained at home, even if they had free run of the entire house. So Kim went back to work and the kids started going to school. We were a little apprehensive at first and weren't sure how they would adjust to such a major change. To our surprise, the kids LOVED it and have been thriving. In the short time they've been going to school (part time 3 days a week), they have made tremendous developmental changes. Blake went from having a few word vocabulary to talking non stop. His vocabulary comprehention is even more extensive. Jenna isn't talking much, but her comprehention is increasing dramatically. Both of them wake up with smiles and can't wait to get ready to go to school.
Their teachers are great and very much loved by the kids. One of the teachers is getting her masters in developmental therapy and just loves playing with Jenna. She really understands her, the hurdles she faces and how to get through to her. We are very fortunate we chose that daycare and classroom.
A little about the kids.
Jenna: Unfortunately her Sensory Processing issues are creating barriers, but she's working hard to overcome them & move forward. Further complicating things is that she's VERY headstrong and stubborn, and doesn't perform on cue. So sometimes it's hard to tell what she's capable of, and what she just doesn't want to do. Daycare has been great for her in that she thrives in a structured environment. She's really done great with the social aspect and enjoys being around her friends & teachers. She's not talking much at all, but there have been a few occasions where she's blurted out a word that sounds perfectly annunciated, like she's been saying it for months. So I suspect there is a lot more rattling around in that brain that she doesn't show us. Her coordination has really come a long way and she's walking quite fluidly and running quite a bit. She still get a little off balance if she tries to walk while looking to the side, or makes a quick turn. All in all, she's doing great and making a lot of progress.
In late Oct, we had a follow up appointment with the Neurologist to discuss the MRI she had in Aug. It showed that there was no new damage from her ventricular hemmorage (brain bleed), but there was some damaged tissue in 3 different areas of the brain. The visual cortex, a section that controls gross motor skills, and one other section that eludes me right now. We've got an apt with a pediatric Neuro Opthomologist in a couple weeks, and hopefully we'll be able to get a little more information on the visual cortex damage. Sensory Processing disorder is a relatively new issue in the medical community and something that is just now beginning to be understood. It's Very subtle in that children appear to be very normal, perhaps developmentally delayed but otherwise normal. Unfortunately those sensory issues have profound effects on the child and their development. Imagine lights being very bright while flashing & shimmering. Your feet feeling slightly asleep or numb, so not every really knowing where your walking. The seam on your shirt feeling like sand paper. These are the things sensory processing kids can be dealing with, which make it very difficult to know their place in the world and focus on the normal things you and I may take for granted. We soooooo can not wait for Jenna to be talking so she can tell us how she perceives the world.
Blake: Man...... Sooooo much energy. His nickname is Boogie, cause he's ALWAYS on the go. Usually looking for something new to get into and explore. He is "the helper" at home and at school and the best thing for him is to keep him busy with helping tasks. He's a long string bean with these go go gadget arms that can reach things you never thought possible, so baby proofing is an ongoing task. haha Since starting school, his speech has really taken off. He's not caught up to his peers, but he's talking quite a bit and constantly adding words to his vocabulary. He LOVES school and has really taken to all the fun activities and structure they provide. He's just a happy go lucky lil guy that loves to bounce around and explore. A big handful, but totally adorable.
Thats just a quick update and I hope to continue some regular updates going forward.
Take care all.
-Jason
Life has kept us super busy and there never seems to be any down time, but I wanted to post a quick update for those that still keep up with the blog.
The kids are doing great, but it's been a rough summer. The first two years, they got sick a total of 4 times. The past 9 months have been brutal in that they've been sick 2-3 weeks out of the month. We've visited the Dr. at least once a month. Ear infections, hand foot mouth, upper respiratory infections, fith disease, croup, etc etc. But, I guess thats kids....
Kim may have mentioned that the kids started daycare in August. It was getting to the point that the kids were not entertained at home, even if they had free run of the entire house. So Kim went back to work and the kids started going to school. We were a little apprehensive at first and weren't sure how they would adjust to such a major change. To our surprise, the kids LOVED it and have been thriving. In the short time they've been going to school (part time 3 days a week), they have made tremendous developmental changes. Blake went from having a few word vocabulary to talking non stop. His vocabulary comprehention is even more extensive. Jenna isn't talking much, but her comprehention is increasing dramatically. Both of them wake up with smiles and can't wait to get ready to go to school.
Their teachers are great and very much loved by the kids. One of the teachers is getting her masters in developmental therapy and just loves playing with Jenna. She really understands her, the hurdles she faces and how to get through to her. We are very fortunate we chose that daycare and classroom.
A little about the kids.
Jenna: Unfortunately her Sensory Processing issues are creating barriers, but she's working hard to overcome them & move forward. Further complicating things is that she's VERY headstrong and stubborn, and doesn't perform on cue. So sometimes it's hard to tell what she's capable of, and what she just doesn't want to do. Daycare has been great for her in that she thrives in a structured environment. She's really done great with the social aspect and enjoys being around her friends & teachers. She's not talking much at all, but there have been a few occasions where she's blurted out a word that sounds perfectly annunciated, like she's been saying it for months. So I suspect there is a lot more rattling around in that brain that she doesn't show us. Her coordination has really come a long way and she's walking quite fluidly and running quite a bit. She still get a little off balance if she tries to walk while looking to the side, or makes a quick turn. All in all, she's doing great and making a lot of progress.
In late Oct, we had a follow up appointment with the Neurologist to discuss the MRI she had in Aug. It showed that there was no new damage from her ventricular hemmorage (brain bleed), but there was some damaged tissue in 3 different areas of the brain. The visual cortex, a section that controls gross motor skills, and one other section that eludes me right now. We've got an apt with a pediatric Neuro Opthomologist in a couple weeks, and hopefully we'll be able to get a little more information on the visual cortex damage. Sensory Processing disorder is a relatively new issue in the medical community and something that is just now beginning to be understood. It's Very subtle in that children appear to be very normal, perhaps developmentally delayed but otherwise normal. Unfortunately those sensory issues have profound effects on the child and their development. Imagine lights being very bright while flashing & shimmering. Your feet feeling slightly asleep or numb, so not every really knowing where your walking. The seam on your shirt feeling like sand paper. These are the things sensory processing kids can be dealing with, which make it very difficult to know their place in the world and focus on the normal things you and I may take for granted. We soooooo can not wait for Jenna to be talking so she can tell us how she perceives the world.
Blake: Man...... Sooooo much energy. His nickname is Boogie, cause he's ALWAYS on the go. Usually looking for something new to get into and explore. He is "the helper" at home and at school and the best thing for him is to keep him busy with helping tasks. He's a long string bean with these go go gadget arms that can reach things you never thought possible, so baby proofing is an ongoing task. haha Since starting school, his speech has really taken off. He's not caught up to his peers, but he's talking quite a bit and constantly adding words to his vocabulary. He LOVES school and has really taken to all the fun activities and structure they provide. He's just a happy go lucky lil guy that loves to bounce around and explore. A big handful, but totally adorable.
Thats just a quick update and I hope to continue some regular updates going forward.
Take care all.
-Jason
Friday, July 22, 2011
~~Our Return~~Part I
I just want to send out a "hello" to everyone to let you know we are returning to our blog. As much as I wanted to keep up with the blogging over the last year and a half, what they say about having toddlers is most definitely TRUE.... especially with TWO~We ARE busy busy busy! However, I have decided that there are way too many reasons not to MAKE time to keep up with our blog.
As I look back on the "early days" of this journey and revisit our early posts, I can't help but to, on one hand, feel as though I am reading about someone else's lives because our lives are so entirely different than before. It feels as though our NICU days were truly something of a prior life....several lifetimes ago. While we certainly have new trials and tribulations of a very different kind, I wouldn't EVER trade the current days for our past.
While we are in a very different place than we were two and a half years ago, the journey certainly remains eventful.
Our journey today is still filled with a few uncertainties, a new diagnosis, speech therapy and occupational therapy mixed in with all the exciting, tiring and joyful days of raising two pretty amazing two year olds. Every day is different, everyday brings about change and growth, and everyday brings about some laughter and giggles.
Jenna and Blake are now 30 months old now! Two and a half! They are happy and healthy, energetic and curious, and just so darn sweet. Jenna still has the warmest and happiest smile a mom could dream for, she has a great sense of humor and is still "her own boss". Blake is very curious, has the sweetest heart, is a mover and a shaker and wants to learn everything he can about the world 24/7 nonstop.
Well, as I strive to regain balance (mommy, wive, ME), I am going to follow my plan right now and "close" in order to get some quiet moments in before the twinadoes wake up from nap. Afterall, a happy mommy is a good mommy.
Next post I will update with more details regarding our latest developmental accomplishments, our new diagnosis and more on what Jenna and Blake have been up to lately. Boy, do we have some stories!
Friday, April 15, 2011
How the March of Dimes Have Helped Families Just Like Ours
As I whole heartedly plan for the "Reids Return on our blog", I am starting tonight with sharing info on this year's March for Babies event. This will be our second year of participating in honor of our very own once tiny, miracle babies and heroes. This year's event will take place on May 7th at Auditorium Shores here in Austin. Please visit our team page at:
ttp://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1490928
Here is an article I wrote for the Austin Moms of Multiples Group in which I am a member.
From Head to Toe
(Ways Your Donations Have Already Helped)
& How it has affected our family
BRAIN~when a baby is born too soon, the brain and other organs haven’t had time to fully develop. Furthermore, premature babies are at high risk for brain hemorrhages. When brain hemorrhages occur, the baby is at high risk for Cerepal Palsy and/or other conditions.
Jenna experienced bilateral high-grade ventricular hemorrhages. Most babies with high grade hemorrhages are later diagnosed with mild to severe CP. We are extremely fortunate that Jenna did not develop that prognosis, she defied some great odds (Another reason we call Jenna one of our “miracle babies”).
SMILE~every year, more than 6,800 babies are born with an oral cleft. MOD researchers identified a gene that is responsible and are working on preventions.
SPINE~Thanks to MOD folic acid education & fortification campaigns, fewer babies are born with neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
LUNGS~After Surfactant and nitric oxide therapies now save the lives of tens of thousands of babies who are born too soon and who suffer from respiratory distress syndrome.
Jenna and Blake received a steroid a few days before their birth to help speed up the development of their lungs in case they were born prematurely, which undoubtedly was the initial MAJOR intervention that saved their lives. Blake and Jenna were born with respiratory distress syndrome. They were on respiratory support/ventilators for the first couple months due to their lungs being underdeveloped. Blake was placed on a highly specialized vent due to complications prior to PDA surgery. The changes and advancements in respiratory medical technology for preemies in the last five to ten years has allowed many babies, including Jenna and Blake a safer and stronger fight against respiratory distress.
EYES~Premature birth and certain birth defects can lead to blindness. Scientiss are studying the genetic causes and are developing treatments to cure vision defects.
Many premature babies develop Retinopathy of Prematurity. ROP often results in significant vision impairments or loss. Blake suffered a severe form of ROP, called RUSH in which his retina was beginning to pull from the lens, which would result in the loss of his vision. What began as a routing eye exam while in the NICU, ended with an emergency laser eye surgery. He underwent surgery within an hour of detection in an attempt to save his vision. We are extremely blessed that his surgery was successful. Unfortunately many premature babies are not as fortunate. .
HEART~Heart defects affect 1 in every 100 babies and are responsible for taking the lives of more babies than any other birth defect. MOD advances in diagnosis and surgical treatment mean better survival rates for the tiniest of heart parients.
Being born four months premature, before their hearts were fully developed, both Blake and Jenna were born with PDA. Jenna received a mediation twice that eventually closed the PDA. Blake’s PDA required heart surgery.
On their second day of life, Blake experienced a pulmonary hemorrhage. This condition usually always results in loss of life. He had to be recessatated and all we could do was wait to “see what the next 24 hours will bring”. Amazingly, our little boy beat those amazing odds, pulled through and gave the world yet another reason to clearly see why we deem him a “miracle baby”. Soon after he underwent PDA (heart) surgery. As suggested above with the tiniest heart patients, Blake’s surgery increased his survival rate significantly.
HEEL~Thanks to the MOD volunteer advocacy efforts, most states now screen babies for 21 or more serious but treatable conditions. A tiny drop for a newborn’s heel could save his/her life.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Christmas2010
Christmas for the REID4 was nice. Our celebration started at Aunt Christine and Uncle Tim's house a week before Christmas with the Austin part of the family. We had a lot of fun playing with cousins Kaylee and Jude. Neither Jenna or Blake really got into opening gifts this year but did enjoy playing with the toys. Blake very happily sat and enjoyed cake with cool whip on top that Pappa shared with him. Jenna caught eye of Aunt Christine's mini vaccuum and could not keep her hands off of it. Hmmm...think Santa should have brought her one of her own. I am all about getting help with keeping the house clean. ;)
On Christmas Eve we drove to Bryan and stayed the night at my mom and dad's. Christmas Eve night we went to my cousin's house to visit with my relatives who I used to spend Christmas Eve night with at my grandmother's house when I was a kid. We got to see lots of cousins we don't get to see very often. The last time we were there, I was still pregnant....two years ago! It was a little strange thinking about being there two years ago with a big preggo belly and then now in hindsight knowing that a short two weeks later, we would be delivering our "twinkies" four months prematurely. It was great though, being able to "show off" my miracle babies. And with them being healthy and so happy now, it was a blessing to be able to share that with family.
Christmas day was a bit challenging. The kids woke up at 7AM but by the time we were getting ready to open gifts they were ready for a nap. We tried to push through but they wer NOT having it-haha. So....we decided to let them nap and have the adults open their gifts. Once they woke up we were ready for them to open theirs but they really had no interest. So funny thing? We opened them for them. They did enjoy the toys though! I guess next year they will really get into the excitement. Little did we know, they were coming down with something. Later that evening we realized that they were running fever. We did have a great time at Grammy and Papa's though. They love PeeWee, Grammy and Papa's dog. Both enjoyed following and petting her and PeeWee is really patient.
Well, once we got home we definitely had two sick kiddos. For the following week they have been sick. We took them to the doc, which was no small feat since they were very miserable. They were both diagnosed with a left ear infection. Now that is a "twin-ness" that isn't so fun. Poor babies. With it, they had congestion and upper resp stuff going on. Long story short and after six days of not eating and a change of meds, they are finally getting better. Whew!
I will be posting pics soon. ;)
On Christmas Eve we drove to Bryan and stayed the night at my mom and dad's. Christmas Eve night we went to my cousin's house to visit with my relatives who I used to spend Christmas Eve night with at my grandmother's house when I was a kid. We got to see lots of cousins we don't get to see very often. The last time we were there, I was still pregnant....two years ago! It was a little strange thinking about being there two years ago with a big preggo belly and then now in hindsight knowing that a short two weeks later, we would be delivering our "twinkies" four months prematurely. It was great though, being able to "show off" my miracle babies. And with them being healthy and so happy now, it was a blessing to be able to share that with family.
Christmas day was a bit challenging. The kids woke up at 7AM but by the time we were getting ready to open gifts they were ready for a nap. We tried to push through but they wer NOT having it-haha. So....we decided to let them nap and have the adults open their gifts. Once they woke up we were ready for them to open theirs but they really had no interest. So funny thing? We opened them for them. They did enjoy the toys though! I guess next year they will really get into the excitement. Little did we know, they were coming down with something. Later that evening we realized that they were running fever. We did have a great time at Grammy and Papa's though. They love PeeWee, Grammy and Papa's dog. Both enjoyed following and petting her and PeeWee is really patient.
Well, once we got home we definitely had two sick kiddos. For the following week they have been sick. We took them to the doc, which was no small feat since they were very miserable. They were both diagnosed with a left ear infection. Now that is a "twin-ness" that isn't so fun. Poor babies. With it, they had congestion and upper resp stuff going on. Long story short and after six days of not eating and a change of meds, they are finally getting better. Whew!
I will be posting pics soon. ;)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Here Comes Santa Claus Here Comes Santa Claus....
Well, we did it. We took the kids for their second ever encounter with Santa this week. Although we has to drive all the way across Austin just to visit the "real deal", we had a great time. You see, "Santa" i.e. the real deal in our book, hangs out at Lakeline Mall these days....same place as last year.
Jenna gave him the look over but seemed pretty comfortable sitting on old St. Nic's lap. Being the busy little gal she is, she didn't want to just sit around for too long. She did great though...no smiles but no cries or screams either.
Blake did great too. He was a bit cautious as we placed him on the lap of this large, plump, old guy dressed in red and with a beard of white sitting there talking to them. Blake sorta looked at him, looked toward us and tried to make up his mind about how he felt about mommy sitting him there and asking him to smile. What the heck is going on here, is what I imagined him thinking. Then is began to cry a bit after the pic was taken so I went to him and let him stand at Santa's feet. He didn't want to come to me. He turned around and gave Santa a big hug around his super sized waist and cried. It was as if he didn't want to leave his lap. It was realy cute. Santa was kind and calm, which helped a lot. He told me, "Hmm, I've never gotten that before...a cry and a hug, it's most defintely either one or the other".
We stood and talk to Santa a minute or two more then walked around the mall a bit. There was a veteran's group there that included one of our neighbors. He gave Jenna and Blake a dumdum sucker. Boy did Jenna go to town!! This was her first experience with a piece of candy, let alone a sucker. And to beat all, it was a blue sucker. She loved it. Her tongue, lips, hands and cheeks were blue. I called her my little smurf for the rest of the day. :) Blake was not interested in his, he was too busy "mall walking".
Oh yea, and Jenna's hair? Well, it was all spiffy until they played in the mall play area.....they had a great time.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
So very very grateful.......
I am sad tonight, very sad. I am also so very grateful. Grateful that my babies are healthy and well. So many of us take our health for granted. Some take their children's' good health for granted. Tonight I feel a tightness and torn feeling in my heart. I have just learned of a precious little girl who is losing her battle with cancer. She recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and her health continues to decline. She is in a very fragile state right now. She maxed our her ventilator and is now on the oscillator. I cry as I envision this horrific truth. Reading those words" "on the oscillator" brings back a very real feeling anxiety, fear and sadness. Blake was on the oscillator. This was one of the most terrifying things to witness while we were in the NICU. The oscillator, unlike the ventilator, does not inflate and deflate the lungs rather it keeps the child's lungs open with a certain pressure (PEEP), and vibrates the air at a very fast rate (up to 600 times for SECOND, yes, second!).The vibration helps gases to quickly diffuse in and out of the baby's airways without the need for the "bellows" action which may damage delicate lung structures. Seeing Blake on the oscillator was truly terrifying. Watching his chest vibrate, rather than seeing the up and down movement of natural breathing seemed very artificial....granted it was but witnessing your child lying there alive but seemingly otherwise as his chest vibrates is beyond heart breaking. It is a reality-filled slap in the face, seeing your child lying there in a lifeless-like state, the movement caused by the oscilator reminds your eyes that your baby is on complete life support.
I can not imagine what trauma this family is experiencing. I can not imagine the pain and exhaustion this little hero of a gal is feeling. It is clear that she is an extreme gal when it comes to being a fighter. I pray that this most deserving "baby" receives the miracle she so desperately needs. Please join me in praying for Aubrey Deno of Indianapolis. She is two years old but has the "fight" of a pro.
If there was one thing that Jason and I learned from our NICU experience, there were hundreds. One of the most amazing and incredible things that we learned was that even in the darkest of situations, miracles really can occur. Our amazing support system that included friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances, friends of friends, nurses, spcialists, strangers, our blog followers and those who simply only heard of Jenna and Blake's fight for life all came together to send tremendous hope. That very hope was exhibited in various ways....from a kind word, a daily, sometimes hourly prayer, a hug, a loving gesture, a visit, a letter, an email, passing along our story and/or blog, positive thoughts and energy. Those very acts along with lots of amazing efforts by our medical team helped to see us through, day by day. That very hope for life and the strength of Jenna and Blake was so powerful. I can not sayoften enough, how we know in our hearts that hope and positive thoughts can help create miracles. There were a many times that Jenna and/or Blake's frail bodies, pushed beyond their limits appeared to be on the brink of giving in. Terrified, confused and forever changed, me, Jason and our supporters continued to be hopeful and continued to stay positive. I prayed and prayed. Many continued to pray. From that hope and from their sheer will, Jenna and Blake beat all odds....more than once or twice.
I write of power of hope and prayer, knowing that Aubrey also has an amazing amount of support from her family, friends, and strangers. I do not know this little girl personally but she has touched my heart nevertheless. I know that God is great, as I am witness to the amazing things that come from his and our positive energy. I pray that he feels Aubrey's time here on Earth is not over. I am confident that with him and with us who care for her and with hope, she will pull through....that her mommy, daddy and big sis will be able to see her smiling face for many years to come. Please keep her in your thoughts.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aubreydeno
Positive thinking and hope creates a beautiful foundation for miracles. I truly believe this.
Tonight, I thank God/positive thinking and energy for the miracles Jason, Jenna, Blake and I have been granted. I pray that a miracle will be granted to Aubrey.
I can not imagine what trauma this family is experiencing. I can not imagine the pain and exhaustion this little hero of a gal is feeling. It is clear that she is an extreme gal when it comes to being a fighter. I pray that this most deserving "baby" receives the miracle she so desperately needs. Please join me in praying for Aubrey Deno of Indianapolis. She is two years old but has the "fight" of a pro.
If there was one thing that Jason and I learned from our NICU experience, there were hundreds. One of the most amazing and incredible things that we learned was that even in the darkest of situations, miracles really can occur. Our amazing support system that included friends, family members, co-workers, acquaintances, friends of friends, nurses, spcialists, strangers, our blog followers and those who simply only heard of Jenna and Blake's fight for life all came together to send tremendous hope. That very hope was exhibited in various ways....from a kind word, a daily, sometimes hourly prayer, a hug, a loving gesture, a visit, a letter, an email, passing along our story and/or blog, positive thoughts and energy. Those very acts along with lots of amazing efforts by our medical team helped to see us through, day by day. That very hope for life and the strength of Jenna and Blake was so powerful. I can not sayoften enough, how we know in our hearts that hope and positive thoughts can help create miracles. There were a many times that Jenna and/or Blake's frail bodies, pushed beyond their limits appeared to be on the brink of giving in. Terrified, confused and forever changed, me, Jason and our supporters continued to be hopeful and continued to stay positive. I prayed and prayed. Many continued to pray. From that hope and from their sheer will, Jenna and Blake beat all odds....more than once or twice.
I write of power of hope and prayer, knowing that Aubrey also has an amazing amount of support from her family, friends, and strangers. I do not know this little girl personally but she has touched my heart nevertheless. I know that God is great, as I am witness to the amazing things that come from his and our positive energy. I pray that he feels Aubrey's time here on Earth is not over. I am confident that with him and with us who care for her and with hope, she will pull through....that her mommy, daddy and big sis will be able to see her smiling face for many years to come. Please keep her in your thoughts.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aubreydeno
Positive thinking and hope creates a beautiful foundation for miracles. I truly believe this.
Tonight, I thank God/positive thinking and energy for the miracles Jason, Jenna, Blake and I have been granted. I pray that a miracle will be granted to Aubrey.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Fun at the Park
Here are a couple pics from our visit to Mafield Park. We met Mimi and Papa there for family pics. Jenna was a real trooper. She was not feeling well throughout the day but did well regardless. She found a light that she LOVED and just could not get enough of. Blake loved going through the leaves and following the peacocks. More pics to come but here are a couple.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Finally some new pics....
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jvFOYnX6yUZI9IrU_aB45w?feat=directlink
March of Dimes Ambassador 2011 Family Nomination Update
Here is the email we received from the MOD Executive Director.
Kim and Jason,
Hello, my name is Susie Carr and I am the Executive Director for the Austin Division of the March of Dimes. I wanted to take a moment to Thank You for applying to be the 2011 Ambassador Family for Austin. Your story is very compelling and I thank you for sharing it with us.
Our volunteer committee has reviewed all of the applications and have selected another family to serve in 2011. I would like you both to know that it was a very difficult decision and a very close vote. With that said, I would very much like you to consider applying again for the 2012 Ambassador. I truly feel that you would be great representatives for the March of Dimes.
Thank you both again, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Susie Carr
Executive Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jason and I are so happy to have been nominated and truly feel honored. Furthermore, the fact that we are being considered for this "honor" again for 2012 is pretty exciting. We look forward to this year's MOD events, spreading awareness and continuing to share our story in hopes to give others hope.
Kim and Jason,
Hello, my name is Susie Carr and I am the Executive Director for the Austin Division of the March of Dimes. I wanted to take a moment to Thank You for applying to be the 2011 Ambassador Family for Austin. Your story is very compelling and I thank you for sharing it with us.
Our volunteer committee has reviewed all of the applications and have selected another family to serve in 2011. I would like you both to know that it was a very difficult decision and a very close vote. With that said, I would very much like you to consider applying again for the 2012 Ambassador. I truly feel that you would be great representatives for the March of Dimes.
Thank you both again, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Susie Carr
Executive Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jason and I are so happy to have been nominated and truly feel honored. Furthermore, the fact that we are being considered for this "honor" again for 2012 is pretty exciting. We look forward to this year's MOD events, spreading awareness and continuing to share our story in hopes to give others hope.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
November is National Prematurity Awareness Month~My Article Re:Prematurity Awareness
November certainly is a very special month as it marks the start of the holiday season. Furthermore, it marks another very special time of the year. Novemner is National Prematurity Awareness Month. In an attempt to help spread awareness, I have included an article that I recently wrote. I hope you may take away a bit of otherwise unknown information, a bit of inspiration and a desire to join us in speading awareness.
I recently wrote this article to share with my fellow AMOM (Austin Moms of Multiples) friends and now would like to share it with all of you, Jenna and Blake's great supporters.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month-Please Wear Purple on November 17th.
Well ladies, here we are in November already. With November marking the start of a soon-to-be holiday season, November also marks a time of awareness, reflection, celebration, and rememberance.
Being a member of this wonderful group, we have all been touched and effected by prematurity in one way or another. Some of us have had a family member, co-worker, friend, or relative who has given birth prematurely. Some of us has had nieces, nephews, or cousins born prematurely. Moreover, many of us have helped support fellow members as they've struggled through challenging NICU journeys. And still, there are others of us who know that journey all too well as we watched our own children be born so small, so fragile.
Prematurity effects almost everyone at sometime in their lives. According to the March of Dimes, each week in Austin, 65 babies are born premature. One in seven babies are born premature in Texas. Furthermore, on average, 26 babies are born each week with a birth defect in Austin.
Thankfully with the help of the March of Dimes, more and more babies are born healthy. Those who are born premature are provided the medical attention to better help them conquer prematurity and fight against threatening long term effects.
By raising awareness, we too can make a difference. In an attempt to share my support in this endeavor I thought I would pass along some ideas that I have found from various resources....ways that each of us can help raise awareness. ~Share your story on the online NICU support forums.
~Share your story in pictures of your baby's journey and growth through the NICU. Make an album that you can share with others to help them become aware of the challenges that take place in the NICU. ~Blog about Prematurity Month or about your own experience with Prematurity. ~Email friends/family about Prematurity Month
~Honor a child by creating a virtual band in honor or memory of a child, an organization or baby on-the-way. ~Visit http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index_advocacy.asp to find more ways to help fight for preemies ~Wear purple (or a purple ribbon) on November 17th, National Prematurity Awareness Day.
Perhaps the easiest thing we can do to help raise awareness is simply to share....share your experience, your thoughts, your passion for helping all babies be born healthy.
Please join me on November 17th and add a little (or a lot) color purple to your attire. Let's join in raising awareness and in honor of so many of our smallest of heroes.
Thanks for listening.....
I received an email from the MOD family team coordinator. It stated that The March of Dimes is currently holding a "NICU Necessities Campaign". They are collecting donations (preemie hats, socks, and clothes, rocking chairs or gliders, disposable cameras, blankets, restuarant gift cards, swaddle blankets, Zakys, bouncers, journals and pens) for families in the NICU and will be making a delivery on November 17th. For more info, feel free to email Stasia Vance, the family team coordinator at SVance@marchofdimes.com or feel free to email me as well.
I recently wrote this article to share with my fellow AMOM (Austin Moms of Multiples) friends and now would like to share it with all of you, Jenna and Blake's great supporters.
November is Prematurity Awareness Month-Please Wear Purple on November 17th.
Well ladies, here we are in November already. With November marking the start of a soon-to-be holiday season, November also marks a time of awareness, reflection, celebration, and rememberance.
Being a member of this wonderful group, we have all been touched and effected by prematurity in one way or another. Some of us have had a family member, co-worker, friend, or relative who has given birth prematurely. Some of us has had nieces, nephews, or cousins born prematurely. Moreover, many of us have helped support fellow members as they've struggled through challenging NICU journeys. And still, there are others of us who know that journey all too well as we watched our own children be born so small, so fragile.
Prematurity effects almost everyone at sometime in their lives. According to the March of Dimes, each week in Austin, 65 babies are born premature. One in seven babies are born premature in Texas. Furthermore, on average, 26 babies are born each week with a birth defect in Austin.
Thankfully with the help of the March of Dimes, more and more babies are born healthy. Those who are born premature are provided the medical attention to better help them conquer prematurity and fight against threatening long term effects.
By raising awareness, we too can make a difference. In an attempt to share my support in this endeavor I thought I would pass along some ideas that I have found from various resources....ways that each of us can help raise awareness. ~Share your story on the online NICU support forums.
~Share your story in pictures of your baby's journey and growth through the NICU. Make an album that you can share with others to help them become aware of the challenges that take place in the NICU. ~Blog about Prematurity Month or about your own experience with Prematurity. ~Email friends/family about Prematurity Month
~Honor a child by creating a virtual band in honor or memory of a child, an organization or baby on-the-way. ~Visit http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index_advocacy.asp to find more ways to help fight for preemies ~Wear purple (or a purple ribbon) on November 17th, National Prematurity Awareness Day.
Perhaps the easiest thing we can do to help raise awareness is simply to share....share your experience, your thoughts, your passion for helping all babies be born healthy.
Please join me on November 17th and add a little (or a lot) color purple to your attire. Let's join in raising awareness and in honor of so many of our smallest of heroes.
Thanks for listening.....
I received an email from the MOD family team coordinator. It stated that The March of Dimes is currently holding a "NICU Necessities Campaign". They are collecting donations (preemie hats, socks, and clothes, rocking chairs or gliders, disposable cameras, blankets, restuarant gift cards, swaddle blankets, Zakys, bouncers, journals and pens) for families in the NICU and will be making a delivery on November 17th. For more info, feel free to email Stasia Vance, the family team coordinator at SVance@marchofdimes.com or feel free to email me as well.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sort, Sort, Sort...Stack, Stack, Stack
Blake is REALLY into sorting things these days. He can almost always be found with two of the same object (or at least similar), one in each hand....or if there are several of the same toy, he is trying his best carry them all at the same time. He is so funny, he tries to carry as many things at once as he can, using his little fingers to try and pick up just one more. The other day I heard him and Jenna giggling in the playroom. After a few minutes I peeked around the corner to find them in the middle of probably 100 wet wipes. They had found the wet wipe bag, opened it and were taking turns taking them hand over hand. When I went in to collect them, Blake had beat me to it. He had fistfulls of wipes in each hand and was bending over using his clinched fists and belly to try and pick each and every last wipe up. He then marched around the playroom and was talking up a storm. I only wish I knew his language-haha.
Jenna never ceases to amaze me, the way she finds THE smallest switch, button, or knob on just about everything and digs her little finger in to turn them. She notices the smallest and finest details on toys, in books, on clothing, furniture, anything and studies them intently. She has a real knack for details. She also knows how to turn the small switches on her toys that changes the play modes and volume (the ones that are intended for parents to turn down if desired). She has favorite modes on each of her toys that she wastes no time in coming behind you and letting you know by turning them to what she likes. She has pretty strong fine motor skills for her age, definitely one of her strengths. One thing has always been certain, she knows what she likes and does a great job of letting us know as well. She is very strong willed and independent and at the same time loves to sit in our laps for plenty of snuggle time. She still has a very silly side. She loves to be tickled and loves to just be silly. I've said it before and I say it again, she has THE best laugh. Jason and I are so excited that Jenna is very much her own litle gal and is pretty darn comfortable with letting others know exactly what that means. We think her personality will serve her very well later in life...perhaps quite challenging for us for the first 18 years. LOL
Today Blake did something that really amazed me. I brought out a wooden box that had red, yellow, blue and green blocks in it. I emptied it along side a pile of various other similar blocks. Blake hasn't ever seen these colored blocks before. He came over and started placing the red, yellow, blue and green ones in the box. He then grabbed a natural wood colored one and put it in, looked back at it as it lay there and reaches back in and takes it out. He proceeded to put the last green block in. Out of the entire pile of various blocks, he distinguished the four colors that "belonged" in the box. He then sorted the others into their own piles. When I look around the house and playroom I am constantly finding tidy little piles of objects, all nicely sorted. Two sippy cups sitting perfectly aligned on the window seal, four weeble wobbles standing proudly in line on the train table, two pretend phones sitting on a large foam block. When I give them snack in the playroom, I usually put cereal or crackers in small bowls and hand one to each. Blake walks over to Jenna's bowl and stacks his inside Jenna's and they sit there together sharing snack. Sometimes he dumps the cereal and cracker mix on the floor and puts the crackers together and then the cereal together. Jenna is usually really very patient with his insistance of "order". He has also been enjoying stacking blocks. He is able to stack about seven high of the large nesting blocks we have. The largest is pretty big and then each one gets gradually smaller. We have watched him work through some frustration and learning that some blocks are too small to have large ones stacked on top and that the block's open side cannot face upwards if he wants to stack others rahter than "nest" them. He seems to be getting a better understanding of these concepts as he is planning his stacks more accurately. We have a few VERY small wooden blocks. I found him today stacking them three high! These blocks are small enough to fit in his hand and when he closes his hand you can barely tell he is holding them. His hand-eye coordination is really picking up!
Proud mama signing off for now.
~The space on the site we use for posting pics on the blog is full. I am working on finding an alternative so that I can post somem LONG overdue current pics. Stay tuned.....
Jenna never ceases to amaze me, the way she finds THE smallest switch, button, or knob on just about everything and digs her little finger in to turn them. She notices the smallest and finest details on toys, in books, on clothing, furniture, anything and studies them intently. She has a real knack for details. She also knows how to turn the small switches on her toys that changes the play modes and volume (the ones that are intended for parents to turn down if desired). She has favorite modes on each of her toys that she wastes no time in coming behind you and letting you know by turning them to what she likes. She has pretty strong fine motor skills for her age, definitely one of her strengths. One thing has always been certain, she knows what she likes and does a great job of letting us know as well. She is very strong willed and independent and at the same time loves to sit in our laps for plenty of snuggle time. She still has a very silly side. She loves to be tickled and loves to just be silly. I've said it before and I say it again, she has THE best laugh. Jason and I are so excited that Jenna is very much her own litle gal and is pretty darn comfortable with letting others know exactly what that means. We think her personality will serve her very well later in life...perhaps quite challenging for us for the first 18 years. LOL
Today Blake did something that really amazed me. I brought out a wooden box that had red, yellow, blue and green blocks in it. I emptied it along side a pile of various other similar blocks. Blake hasn't ever seen these colored blocks before. He came over and started placing the red, yellow, blue and green ones in the box. He then grabbed a natural wood colored one and put it in, looked back at it as it lay there and reaches back in and takes it out. He proceeded to put the last green block in. Out of the entire pile of various blocks, he distinguished the four colors that "belonged" in the box. He then sorted the others into their own piles. When I look around the house and playroom I am constantly finding tidy little piles of objects, all nicely sorted. Two sippy cups sitting perfectly aligned on the window seal, four weeble wobbles standing proudly in line on the train table, two pretend phones sitting on a large foam block. When I give them snack in the playroom, I usually put cereal or crackers in small bowls and hand one to each. Blake walks over to Jenna's bowl and stacks his inside Jenna's and they sit there together sharing snack. Sometimes he dumps the cereal and cracker mix on the floor and puts the crackers together and then the cereal together. Jenna is usually really very patient with his insistance of "order". He has also been enjoying stacking blocks. He is able to stack about seven high of the large nesting blocks we have. The largest is pretty big and then each one gets gradually smaller. We have watched him work through some frustration and learning that some blocks are too small to have large ones stacked on top and that the block's open side cannot face upwards if he wants to stack others rahter than "nest" them. He seems to be getting a better understanding of these concepts as he is planning his stacks more accurately. We have a few VERY small wooden blocks. I found him today stacking them three high! These blocks are small enough to fit in his hand and when he closes his hand you can barely tell he is holding them. His hand-eye coordination is really picking up!
Proud mama signing off for now.
~The space on the site we use for posting pics on the blog is full. I am working on finding an alternative so that I can post somem LONG overdue current pics. Stay tuned.....
Ren Fest & Halloween
Well, this year was our 2nd Renaissance Festival Camp-Out with the kids. I have to admit, this year it was pretty challenging. Poor Jenna was not feeling well the entire trip. In fact, due to tummy issues, she was VERY uncomfortable and VERY irritable (understandably so). The whole week before she suffered from some tummy discomfort so hadn't slept well. The only thing that made her comfortable was to sleep in daddy' arms while we were walking around at the festival. Jason held her for over two hours as she slept in his arms. When he tried to put he in the stroller the pressure on her stomach was just too much so being THE best daddy ever, he held her as she slept. I pushed Blake around in the stroller. He LOVED to people watch. The festival was pretty packed with people so there was MUCH to see. We found an area that was off the beaten path a bit and let Blake walk around. We are teaching him that he needs to hold mommy or daddy's hand when out somewhere. This was only the 2nd time we've been out and have tried to teach this to him. He did really really well. Grandma bought them a monkey backpack that has a long tail that mom or dad can hold onto. While I am not a fan of the "kid leashes" , this thing is cute and for me is different. I plan to use it merely as a back up system. I insisted that Blake hold my hand while we walked around and I just put the end of the tail in my pocket as a backup way to stay connected. Sometimes he would hold one end of the tail and I would hold the other, he thought that was funny. While Jenna peacefully slept, Blake and I walked and walked and walked. Back at the campsite, they did well. Jenna enjoyed spending a lot of time in Uncle Duane and Choichi Kim's trailor, hangin out with the big kids. Blake enjoyed it too but found gathering and sorting things outside much more fun. All four of us slept in the queen bed in the trailor, which was a first. The kids have never slept with us in the same bed. Jenna was not feeling well still so tossed and turned. Blake woke a few times, sat up and looked around confused, then plopped back down. All and all the trip was a good one but was a lot of work. Jenna is at a stage where she still likes to crawl around and Blake likes to runa round so lots of time was spent making sure Jenna wasn't crawling into the fire or out os site while also making sure Blake wasn't running into the fire-haha.
We left Sunday (Halloween) and headed back home. We were all really tired from the fest. Jenna was still not feeling well. We did manage to go trick or treating to about four neighbors' houses. Blake was dressed up as Dracula, slicked back hair and all. Jenna was dressed up as Snow White, and what a little beauty! We let them play in the yard a bit while trick or treaters came by. Jenna decided it was time for bed but Blake was still working on sorting the candy from our treat bowl for the trick or treaters. He was also amazed by the fog machine we had in the front yard and blinking monster feet lights.
Jenna finally got some relief on Monday. She is back to herself and I am so glad to see her smile and hear her giggle again. While sitting on my lap the other day we were looking at a book with a cow on the front. She was touching and pointing at the cow's google eyes. I said, "Eyes" and she turned around with a huge smile and gently touched my eyes. I LOVE seeing her make these connections. I am so proud of her. And of Blake.
We left Sunday (Halloween) and headed back home. We were all really tired from the fest. Jenna was still not feeling well. We did manage to go trick or treating to about four neighbors' houses. Blake was dressed up as Dracula, slicked back hair and all. Jenna was dressed up as Snow White, and what a little beauty! We let them play in the yard a bit while trick or treaters came by. Jenna decided it was time for bed but Blake was still working on sorting the candy from our treat bowl for the trick or treaters. He was also amazed by the fog machine we had in the front yard and blinking monster feet lights.
Jenna finally got some relief on Monday. She is back to herself and I am so glad to see her smile and hear her giggle again. While sitting on my lap the other day we were looking at a book with a cow on the front. She was touching and pointing at the cow's google eyes. I said, "Eyes" and she turned around with a huge smile and gently touched my eyes. I LOVE seeing her make these connections. I am so proud of her. And of Blake.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Nominated as the 2010 March of Dimes Ambassador Family
A couple weeks ago we received an email from the March of Dimes stating that we had been nominated as the 2010 March of Dimes Austin Area Ambassador Family. We are so excited and feel very honored. We were informed that there were a handful of families nominated and we were strongly encouraged to fill out an application. Stasia Vance, the Austin area family team coordinator, was the person who nominated us. She told me that they were looking for a high energy family with an amazing story of prematurity who feels passionate about their experience. That would certainly be us, I thought! She said that she was able to nominate a handful of nominees and immediately thought about us, our involvement over the last year and of Jenna and Blake's journey through prematurity.
The ambassador family will speak at fund raisers, various meetings and events and will be involved with raising awareness through the media. They will share their story and information about the impact the March of Dimes has had on thier lives. It is quite the commitment in that there are several speaking events. The family will also speak at the 2011 March for Babies to kick off the event.
Jason and I gladly accepted the nomination and sent in our application. We feel very honored to have even been nominated. If we become the 2010 Ambassador Family, our lives will get busier than they already are, no doubt about it. However, since our journey began we have felt it was important to share with other families, our experience in hopes that we can help support others. And more importantly we want to help provide hope. Afterall, the thing that kept us going was the hope we had of one day bringing our babies home, safe and sound. Gratefully, that hope lead to triumph and was our saving grace.
The ambassador family will speak at fund raisers, various meetings and events and will be involved with raising awareness through the media. They will share their story and information about the impact the March of Dimes has had on thier lives. It is quite the commitment in that there are several speaking events. The family will also speak at the 2011 March for Babies to kick off the event.
Jason and I gladly accepted the nomination and sent in our application. We feel very honored to have even been nominated. If we become the 2010 Ambassador Family, our lives will get busier than they already are, no doubt about it. However, since our journey began we have felt it was important to share with other families, our experience in hopes that we can help support others. And more importantly we want to help provide hope. Afterall, the thing that kept us going was the hope we had of one day bringing our babies home, safe and sound. Gratefully, that hope lead to triumph and was our saving grace.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
