A Boy and his Dog...

December 5, 2010

As you may know, I love dogs!  And I had two miniature dachshunds, Raleigh and Rivers, who had been staying with my Daddy since I went into labor.  Along Jack's path through the many hospitals and doctors, we were told that he shouldn't be around people, crowds, or animals.  This is due in part to his prematurity and the resultant lung immaturity.  The airways in his lungs (and most preemies) will be about half the size of a child his age who was carried to term until his 2nd or 3rd year of life.  That means that if he gets a respiratory infection, or has an allergic reaction, his breathing may not just be difficult, it could very quickly be impossible.  So at Daddy's house they stayed.  And I had begun looking for new homes for the boys, with a heavy heart, to be sure. 

But then!  But then!!!! At a visit with his cardiologist, I asked if we could try to introduce a dog into the home.  After some discussion where I pointed out Jack's amazing proclivity to thrive, against the predictions of numerous doctors, and his overall "pink-ness" and health, she agreed that it would probably be okay!

I was nervous about the added responsibility, so we have only brought Raleigh home.  He's the older of the two.  He's much quieter and needs very little exercise.  Rivers, on the other hand, is a Jack Russell Terrier in a dachshund body.  He barks at everything, and since I prefer to sleep the 17 minutes a day that Jack lets me, we thought it best to leave Rivers with Daddy for  a while longer.  Good idea, too.  When we introduced the dogs to Daddy's house, Raleigh sniffed him, then walked off bored, but Rivers hopped in Jack's bassinet and began kissing him all over the face and head!  Sweet, sure, but maybe a little too loving for this special baby!

So now, Raleigh is a part of our home again.  When he first moved back in, he was skeptical of the hairless dog who screamed a lot, and got to sleep at the top of the bed with Mommy.  He stayed away, and when I placed him near Jack, he scooted just out of reach of Jack's grasping hands.  Once Jack cried or screamed, Raleigh was gone to parts unseen to try to recover his previously quiet life.  But slowly, gradually, they have become buddies.   Once, a friend from tae kwon do came over to help me catch up on some things I had missed.  When he came in the house, Raleigh got between him and Jack, and growled at him.  Normally, Raleigh would have growled, then retreated to safer environs, but he resisted his instinct to stay near Jack.  I was so touched!

During Jack's crying jags that seem to be caused by nothing in particular, the only thing that will calm him is when I carry him to Raleigh, and say "look at your puppy!"  Jack immediately quiets, and stares at his puppy.  When he gets close enough to grab, Jack will paw at Raleigh, and sometimes clench his soft ears in his tiny fists.  I'm sure it bothers Raleigh, but he patiently waits until I free his ear from Jack's hand, and then just lays back down next to his boy. 

One of the sweetest things I've seen is at bedtime.  I place Jack on the pallet in the middle of my bed, then reach down to pick up Raleigh, gently placing him at the foot of the bed.  He sits, only for a moment, and then slowly walks towards Jack.  The first time this happened, I thought, "Oh no!  He's going for him while he's asleep!  He's going to bite him!"  But you know what he did?  He sniffed Jack's head, then curled up at his feet.  I nearly cried.  This tired, ornery old resuce dog, who has been abused, and growls at nearly every person who comes near him (out of fear, I'm sure) loves his boy. 

And so it is every single night.  I place the "new puppy," who has usurped Raleigh's position as bedtime cuddle puppy, in the place of honor on the bed.  Then I put Raleigh in the bed, and while understanding perhaps that he now occupies a lower status in the pack, we are a pack, none-the-less.  And this new hairless puppy, that Mommy loves, is his brother.  And so he loves him, too.

Love,
Maggie and Jack

First Few Weeks:  Raleigh was nearby, but safely out of "grabbing range" of Jack's little fists.

Soon enough Raleigh was close enough for a nice photo.

And now...  The boys are fighting for Mommy's lap space.  Notice that Jack has his arm around Raleigh.  Could you just melt!?!?  Of course, right after the picture, Jack was strangling Raleigh, but I just "released the hound" and all was well!

How's my boy, Mama?  Raleigh always accompanies us to the diaper changing table.  Just to make sure Jack is okay.

Hey!  Are you done yet?  See Raleigh's eyes shining in the lower right of the photo?

Jack was crying, and so I put Raleigh next to him on the bed.  See next photo...

Jack has calmed down and is peacefully checking his puppy out. 

First Halloween

December 5, 2010

For a many years, I hadn't enjoyed holidays.  I guess that happens when you grown up, start working, have other responsibilities.  For the most part, I spent a lot of holidays alone.  Whether literally, or figuratively, the heart only knows that it's lonely, so it begins to dread the holiday.  But now, I am seeing the holidays in a whole new light!  I get to see the wonder and excitement at all the new sights, smells and even energies that surround us now that Jack is in my life.  For me, Halloween was going to be a big coming out party!  The brief slip of time between the oppressive heat and RSV/cold and flu season, the only time I could take Jack out around a group of people. 

So as for Jack's costume, drum roll, please............

DRAGON!!!!  Notice the white claws on the feet, and the white teeth.  And there was also a squeeker in the nose!!  AND, I found it at a thrift store for $4!!!  I'm thrifty! Gotta save for this kids college!!

We had a great day!  We started with a drive to Columbus for the annual Bickerstaff Halloween party.  They are Aunt Katie's in-laws and they throw the best parties.  Jack's cousins are there, as well as lots of family and friends and their kids.  We had a great time, and then headed back to Fayetteville. 

On the way, we stopped at the Brooks United Methodist Church for their Fall Festival.  One of our friends, Marilyn, was bringing her horses for pony rides, and I was hoping Jack could meet his first horse, which he did:

Then, Marilyn asked me if I wanted to ride the horse, WITH JACK!  Now, in my previous life, I would have absolutely not gotten on a horse, especially with a 6-month old baby.  But, you know what, when you watch a 13-day-old baby go through open heart surgery, stop breathing several times, have to have his heart restarted three times, and then come home and absolutely THRIVE, you begin to "live a little!"  I completely trusted Marilyn when she said that her horse was calm, and I also trusted myself to protect Jack and keep him safe.  So below, you will see us riding a horse!!!  I'm so glad that I'm capturing so many of Jack's "firsts" on camera!!

Don't we look like naturals?  :-)

After that, we visited Nurse Nancy (from the Egleston NICU) and her family.  She has two daughters and we were planning to go trick-or-treating with them, but after such a long day, Jack had had enough, so he had a meltdown.  So we headed home, and waited to greet our own trick-or-treaters.  And as a bonus for Jack, I dressed up his puppy, Raleigh!!  Below you can see Jack trying to get Raleigh to quit scowling at me!

Come on, Dude!!  You look awesome!

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, the Grandmothers sent some super-cute outfits, so take a look below!

JACK-O-Lantern!!  Get it?  JACK!!  HA!!

Spell it out!  It's his first! 

I know this one is blurry, but just imagine Jack laughing so hard that he can't keep his body from dancing with joy.  I love this one, it really shows the joy that fills this child up!!

Love,
Maggie and Jack

Health Kick!!

December 5, 2010

The Health Kick fundraiser at Master Shim's Tae Kwon Do was a big success!!  The event raised over $7000 for the Sibley Heart Center at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  We were so honored to be able to help direct funds towards the people that saved Jack's life.  As you saw in a previous post, our good friend, Kay Lynn, made Jack a tiny dobok (uniform) for Jack.  Below are a few shots of the amazing finished product:

The Dobok:  Can you believe how awesome this is?!?  Kay Lynn tried several different fabrics before finally cutting up one of her husbands doboks!  So it had the adidas logo on it and everything.  We made Jack a black belt, but added the baby blue accent.  She even put an American flag on the sleeve and embroidered his name on it!  Isn't it amazing?  She's great!!!

At the table:  We brought the album I made of Jack's journey, from NICU where he was born, to NICU at Egleston to CICU and recovery from open heart surgery, all the way to today.  I think it helped a lot of people see what a dangerous road Jack has travelled.  Many of our friends had only seen him once we got home, or even more recently, and so the understanding of just how tiny he was, or all the medical interventions were lost.  It was a great tool to have with us.

Master Shim:  Our fearless leader.  He was mighty impressed with Jack's dobok!!

Ninja Mama and Baby:    Could I be any more proud of this baby?

Tuckered out:  It's hard work being the cutest spokesbaby in the world!  A well earned rest for the trooper after a long day of charming the masses.

 

Love,
Maggie and Jack

We're Baaaaaack!!

December 5, 2010

Well, well, well....  What have you been up to?  I believe that it's been about two months since my last post, but this parenting thing is wearing me out.  But rest assured, I have been recording Jack's life in pictures, and written diaries, and so I will fill you in on the happenings in La Vida de Jack!

Since the last post, Jack and I had the Health Kick fundraiser, his first Halloween, first call to 911 for a fire, first Thanksgiving, first solid food (!!!), and now we're getting ready for his first Christmas!  And through it all, Jack takes it in stride, while I watch on in amazement.  He's such a strong baby, and a blessing in my life, and the lives of those with whom he visits, plays and loves.  So as a gentle welcome back, I give you.....

Baby Fashionisto!!!

Beautiful boy.  This is one of the outfits Jack wore for his 6-month photos.  He was such a good sport!

Cool Dude:  I believe that he knows that he's cool!!  He is such a happy baby!

Petit Garcon:  A friend of ours gave Jack this handsome jumper.  It says Petit Garcon (little boy) and had a hat, which Jack refused to wear long enough for me to get a picture.  He had just thrown it off the table, which is why he is smiling so big.  Durn his improving motor skills!

Mama's little bear:  This is the soft blue outfit I wrote about in one of the posts from Jack's carepages site.  It is so, so soft!!  I just hugged on him all day in this one.  And I love anything that has a hood and animal ears.  Just so precious!

Little Monkey:  Jack came home in a smiliar outfit, but much, MUCH tinier!! 

Dang, Mama!  Why?:  This is the outfit Jack wore to meet Santa Claus.  He seemed stunned to be wearing jeans and a sweater.  I found it kind of weird, too, but hey, it's Christmas, so Christmas-sweater it is!

Love,
Maggie and Jack

So very sleepy.....

October 10, 2010

Jack had another big week last week.  I can't believe how exhausted I am, but things keep going well for Jack and his development, and health, so I keep powering on.  I can't remember anymore what Jack and I did in days past, so going forward, I am going to keep more in my calendar.  But rest assured, the basics are being covered!  Meds, physical therapy and vitals checks always occur, as do meals and sleep (for Jack, anyway) and dry diapers.  But I can't remember, for the life of me, which friend kept Jack last Monday while I went to tae kwon do.  I know it was a capable person, whom I trust (no one else is allowed to be with him, unsupervised) but seriously, if you kept Jack last Monday, let me know!  ;-)

On Tuesday of last week, we went to the hepatologist (liver doctor) for a follow up.  Dr Vos has been treating Jack for an enlarged liver and jaundice since before he was discharged from the NICU .  It is believe that his liver was enlarged, in part, due to the backward pressures in Jack's heart, and that since a repair had been done, the liver would be much improved.  And so it was!  It felt much smaller and soft, which it is supposed to, and so Dr Vos allowed me to cease two medications, and begin to wean off a third!  The office will call me this week with the blood results, and they may show that one of the meds will have to be returned to the rotation, but I am praying not.  I am hoping that this small step forward will not be paired with a step back.   Unless something happens to change the plan, Dr Vos believes that she won't have to see Jack again.  One doctor off the rotation!!  Yay!!  Half a dozen more to go...

While we were at Egleston, we visited the NICU, and got to visit with doctors and nurses who were there when Jack was admitted and discharged.  Dr Hamrick, the neonatologist who was with Jack the day he was admitted to Egleston, was amazed at his appearance, and said she would never have picked him out of a lineup.  And Nurse Kathy, who made sure I watched the videos on "Back is Best for Sleeping" and the "Period of Purple Crying" was there too.  Jack charmed everyone and I was so proud he was able to show them how hard he was working since he'd left them.

It is now almost midnight, and I seriously can't remember what I did yesterday, much less last week, so I will close, and leave you with the pictures below.  Jack had another fashionable and cute week.  Enjoy!

Baby Fashionisto:  Plaid jumper with bull dozer.  How sweet!!  And his socks match the dozer!

"Boy" onesie.  I love this onesie, it's so cute, with the male sign on the chest!  And the blue pants, I just bought, and he's already outgrowing.  He clearly loves having his picture taken every morning!

This outfit is just a white onesie with striped pants, but he looked so familiar to me.  Then I realized, he looks like my Great Uncle, "Papa" who raised my Mother and her siblings, and several cousins, too.  I always remember him in a white t-shirt, or tank top, stretched tight over an ample stomach, with either slacks or pajama pants.  Also notice Jack's band-aid.  That's from where they took blood at the hepatologist.  I wanted to take it off, but he said "leave it Mama, chicks dig it."  Hee!

One pouty puppy.  Here I had clearly overstepped my bounds.  I thought that a hat that looks like a puppy face was precious, and very appropriate for our errand running.  Jack disagreed and scowled quite a bit.  However, as soon as the first woman coo'd at him, and said how cute the hat was, he perked up and turned on the smiles!

Jack and Aunt Katie enjoying a lunch, al fresco.  The weather here has been just beautiful, and so we had lunch on the patio.  Aren't they cute together?  Jack loves Aunt Katie!

Jack Laton has custom made clothing.  Yep!  That's Kay Lynn, a good friend of ours, and his seamstress.  She is making Jack a teeny-tiny dobok (tae kwon do uniform) for the Health Kick fundraiser this weekend.  This is actually the second one she's made.  He outgrew the one she made just a week ago!!  She is going to trim it in black, with baby blue.  I can't wait!

i carry your heart with me...

October 10, 2010

The title of this week's blog post is the title of a poem by e.e. cummings, an american poet who frequently ommited punctuation, capitalized letters, or other expected features of traditional poetry.  Being so very conservative and traditional ;-), I didn't care for e.e. cummings for a long time, but so much has changed since I've become a mother.  I love this poem.  It is certainly about a person, honoring the relationship with his lover, but as with everything I read these days, I can only see Jack in the words.  The poem is printed below, if you'd like to read it, but essentially describes that the object of the voice's love is responsible for everything he does, and even is.  Wherever the love goes, he goes; whatever he does, is only because his love has made it so. 

I absolutely feel that way about Jack.  I visited some friends last week who hadn't met Jack yet, and in all the swooning over Jack, one of the group looked at me and asked, "He completely changed your life, didn't he?"  And he certainly has.  I never believed anyone who told me that I would love my own child more than I could even imagine.  I mean, for those of you who knew Jessie, the Jack Russell terrier I got in college, she was it for me.  I loved that dog like a child.  Or at least I thought I did. 

I have to admit, I am often stunned, and even scared by the powerful feelings of love that I have for this child.  Many times, after Jack has screamed and cried for an hour or more, and I can't see how I can do this one more day, he will settle, and fall asleep.  And very shortly, the stress and anxiety from moments ago fade away, and I am awash in feelings of love.  I look at his sweet, sleeping face and catch my breath, as the tears well up.  He's just so perfect.  Even his heart defect was perfectly matched with my temperment and organization.  Perfect.

And so it is, that as I move through life, I am always acting as if Jack's heart is within my own.  For if it is truly possible to have a soulmate, Jack is mine.  I feel as if he can feel my happiness, my stress, my anguish.  I fear no future for myself; as long as he is in it, I am eager to meet it.  And it is the truth of truths, the greatness of the sun and moon, and the future I see: Jack is mine, and I carry his heart with me.  I carry it in my heart....


i carry your heart with me
e.e. cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Photo:  Jack following an hour or more of screaming.  Sweet, quiet snoring and the face of an angel.  Does it get any better?

Jack's Fundraising Efforts - UPDATE

October 3, 2010

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent a donation for the fundraiser that Jack is participating in to benefit the Sibley Heart Center!!  I have been so honored by the response we've received so far, and am very grateful for all the donations.  The money will do so much good for the Sibley Heart Center, and all of the children that are served by them.

Just a reminder, the "Health Kick" is on Saturday, October 16th, here in Fayetteville, GA.  If you haven't already, please consider sending a donation to Jack!!  If you're in the area, the event will be at Master Shim's World Class Tae Kwon Do, in the Publix Shopping Center, just south of the town square.  Hope to see you there!

As an extra incentive, everyone who sends a donation will receive a special photo of Jack in the tiny tae kwon do uniform that our friend Kay Lynn is making for him!  She came by today for a fitting, and he has practically grown out of the one she made already!!  But it sure was cute!

If you are able to donate, please send the check to our house, or email me for the address ( jacklaton25@yahoo.com).  Remember to make the check payable to the Children't Miracle Network.

Thank you very much!
Love
Maggie and Jack

The Year That Was...

October 3, 2010

A year ago today, I was coping with receiving what I thought was the worst news I could ever hear.  My husband wanted out, and there was to be no discussion.  At that time, I didn't see any way that I would ever not hurt again.  But God had a plan.  Because two days later, I found out I was pregnant, and thus began the most amazing, terrifying, rewarding, heart breaking and heart healing year of my life.  By this time, a year ago, I was already a mother, although I didn't know it, and now I thank God for everyday that I wake up with Jack.  Even when he's crying and poopy.  I swear.

Jack had another wonderful week!  We continued to work on the development of his right hand usage, and by this morning, he was using it almost as confidently as the left.  Below is a picture of him using his hand to stroke my face.  He usually does the same thing with his left hand while I'm feeding him.  It's such a sweet thing, and I'm sure he doesn't understand the emotional significance of the "face stroke" move, but it's almost as if he does.  He stares so intently at me, eating and cooing, and stroking my face and I just know he's grooming me for years of manipulating me into buying him things and letting him go to parties.  It's working already!

On Tuesday morning, we will be driving to Egleston for a follow-up with Jack's hepatologist (liver doctor).  I am hoping that his liver will have returned to an acceptable size and that the doctor will allow Jack to come off the medicine he is on for the enlarged liver.  *Fingers Crossed!*  Other than that, we just have lots of cuddling and smooching planned!  So below are a few pictures of Jack and the life of Riley that he is so blessed to be living!

Meeting his brother Rivers.  Jack was kind of interested in Rivers, but Rivers was totally enamored with Jack.  I had to keep them apart, because most of the time that Rivers got this close to Jack, he was licking him somewhere, most commonly on the head or face.  At times, I'd pretend to look away, and Rivers would "sneak" a lick on Jack's foot.  So sweet!

Jack hanging out with Debbie at work.  Jack loves the office, because it's full of women who coo at and dote on him. 

Sleeping Cutie.  This was right after a bottle.  He needed a diaper change, but didn't want to wake up for it.  This actually made it much easier to change him!

Helllooooo Ladies!  This was mid-diaper change and I thought he kind of looked like a 1970's "cool guy" in a leisure suit, unzipped to the waist, sexy chest hanging out.  Jack is far cuter than those weirdo's, of course.

Baby Fashionisto:  Mommy's Little Monster.  So appropriate!!  And did I mention?  I LOVE pants on a baby!

Jack at the City Cafe for our regular brunch dates.  Isn't he a handsome fellow?





 Hope you have a great week!!

Love
Maggie

Cardiologist!!

September 27, 2010

This morning, we went to the cardiologist for another follow up.  Last time we were there, the doctor told me that she was sending Jack's file to the "Cath Conference" so that they could evaluate his condition, and discuss when his next procedure should be done.  One of the concerns was that his shunt would close on its own, and the valve wouldn't provide enough blood flow to the lungs.  The cath conference docs decided that the catheter didn't need to be done right now!  Their theory is that his valve is doing okay right now, although it will definitely need to be further opened soon. 

Their plan is to shoot for another cath procedure in about six months, which is right around Jack's first birthday, unless something happens to make them change their plan.  The things that can happen include a significant decrease in his oxygen saturation levels over a short period of time, weight loss, cyanotic episodes (blue skin) or some other sign of distress.  In the meantime, this means that I will have to monitor his saturation levels more frequently than I have in the past, which is a small change in our day.  Jack doesn't like it, but it is completely non-invasive, just annoying, because I have to wrap a probe around his toe or hand.  I am looking for a slow, gradual decrease in oxygen saturation levels, which may suggest that his lasix (diuretics) need to be decreased, in order to increase the fluid in his heart and lungs. 

So, I hope this is clear.  I was so excited about the fact that Jack will get to grow so much more before his next procedure, that I am a little "buzzy" right now!  He should be big and strong by then, for sure!

Below is a new "baby fashionisto" photo.  I love polo shirts and overalls on a baby!  Why not combine them?

Below is a photo of us in the cardiologists office.  Jack is wrapped in a blanket, because he has to be "nekkid" for his exams!

And below is a photo from a few weeks ago, that I forgot to post.  This is Jack with his new teddy  bear, "Dr Beary von Heartwell!"  I figure I'll use it in a few years to help him deal with his frequent visits to doctors and surgeons.

So there you go!  Please continue to check in on Jack!

Love
Maggie

Road Trip!!!

September 26, 2010

Jack had a big week last week.  And a LOUD week!  He's either teething, or extremely unhappy about the meals and lodging he's been receiving.  Unfortunately, his crying and fussing has been on the uptick, but I keep reminding myself that at least he's giving his lungs a workout.

On Monday, we drove to Columbus to visit with Grandpa, Aunt Katie and cousins Lizzie and Frankie.  Lizzie has begun soccer, and practice was a hoot!  Imagine trying to get thirteen 3-year-olds to follow directions.  It was hilarious!  Below is a picture of Jack with his cousins.  They all had a big time!  There is also a picture of Jack with Grandpa at the soccer field.

Of course, I feel safe travelling to Columbus because I found out that The Sibley Heart Center has an office there!!  I am reluctant to go more than an hour or so from Atlanta in case Jack has any issues, but Jack's cardiologist gave me the OK, and a list of the doctors in the Columbus office in case I need them.  This is great news for the family!


On Wednesday afternoon, at 4:30pm, I got a call from the physical development offices.  I vaguely remember being told, while Jack was in the NICU, that he would be called for an evaluation of his development, due to his prematurity and cardiac issues.  So this nurse told me that she had trouble finding my number, but Jack had an appointment on Thursday afternoon.  Fortunately, I was able to go up to Emory, because they didn't have another appointment available for months. 

During his evaluation, the physical therapist told me that premature babies often had physical and mental developmental disabilities, and that if we could monitor his progress from an early stage, that there were certain interventions we could employ to help them have the least effect on Jack in the long run.  Her first check was of Jack's head.  Many babies who are intubated aren't rotated in their beds frequently enough, and so they have flat spots, which actually can develop into serious defects.  Fortunately, Jack's head was "beautiful" and I confirmed that the NICU nurses at Egleston, as well as the CICU and Cardiac step down nurses were extremely diligent in turning Jack.  The only thing was that one ear is slightly more forward than the other, and people, I look at this kid non-stop, and I had never noticed it.  She said it was very mild and only cosmetic, so I was relieved!

Then she did some physical therapy play with Jack to see how his body and mind were developing.  Jack got a 14 out of 15 on the evaluation!  And the only thing that she noted was that Jack is failing to use his right hand enough, and that it is still clenched in a fist more than the left hand.  She gave me several exercises to add to the PT that we do everyday, and predicted that he would improve with some effort on our parts to make sure that the things he wants to grab are on his right side, requiring him to use that right hand.

Below is a picture of Jack in the PT office.  The therapist used that red apple toy to test his ability to focus on, and track a moving object, and he did great.  I guess it's lucky that when I do that exercise with him, I use a red heart, so he had already done this test at home!

Tomorrow morning, Jack has an appointment with the cardiologist.  I am a little nervous about this one, since at the last appointment, Jack's doctor told me that she was sending his case to the "Cath Conference" for the doctors to look at his data and decide when he needed another surgery.  I know it's coming, but I don't have to like it.

Hope you're all well!

Love
Maggie

PS - I've gotten a few donations for the fundraiser mentioned in the last post, and a few emails from people wanting Jack's mailing address.  THANKS TO ALL WHO ARE SUPPORTING JACK AND SIBLEY!

Jack Laton: Spokes-Baby

September 21, 2010

When I found out that my unborn baby had a heart defect, I admit, I had a few pity parties, and the theme was always, "Why Me, God?"  That theme eventually matured into "Why Jack, God?", and finally, "What are you trying to teach me here, God?"  I still can't understand why Jack had to have such a rough start, but I am beginning to see why he and I were put together.  He's a strong baby, and a heart defect was no match for this little fighter!  And I'm finding that he is teaching me to be a very strong Mommy, and if there's a condition affecting children, and I can help eliminate it, there's no match for us.

Jack and I will be participating in a very special fundraiser next month, and we need your help!  The Tae Kwon Do school (dojang) where I have been a student for over four years, holds a "Health Kick" every year to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network.  This year, they are going to direct all the money raised to the Sibley Heart Center at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Egleston campus!  Jack spent his most delicate days in the NICU at CHOA, and of course, the cardiologists, cardiac surgeons and pediactric cardiology nursing team at Sibley saved his life and continue to care for him.  Everyone was so wonderful to Jack, and we are so honored to be able to help raise money for Sibley!

I am writing this post to humbly ask for each of you to please support Jack, by supporting the Sibley Heart Center.  They are doing research right now, that will help Jack when he needs his future surgeries, including a valve replacement, and there are so many other children who benefit from the research and services they provide.  If you are able to pledge a donation, please do so, and email us at the address below, and we'll send you our mailing address.  Of course, if you already have our home address, please feel free to go ahead and send a check!

jacklaton25@yahoo.com

Please make all checks payable to:  Children's Miracle Network, and remember, all donations are tax deductible!!  The great thing about working with CMN, is that 100% of all donations will go to Sibley!

Below are some photos of Jack's other fundraising work so far.  We are looking forward to helping CHOA, Sibley and CMN do lots more events in the future!  Some good WILL come from Jack's congenitial heart defect, and it is going to start with sharing his story with those who can help make his, and many other children's futures, better.

Thank you for your consideration!!
Love
Maggie and Jack


Our First Gig!!  We spoke at a Golf Tournament hosted by McLane trucking on September 10th.  This company has worked with children's hospitals all over the country for years, and has raised millions!  On this day, they raised $26, 500 for CHOA - Atlanta!!  Terilyn Walton is holding Jack, she is the Children's Miracle Network representative who has helped us get involved.  Jack was a perfect gentleman the whole time!

Star 94 in Atlanta holds a big radiothon every year, during which they broadcast from the CHOA grounds, and include the testimonies of many of the families who have been treated there.  In the past, I have listened to the radiothon, and many of the stories, but I never realized how important the fundraising was.  Indeed, many of the stories were so heartwrenching, that I turned the channel.  This year, Jack and I get to tell our story, and I hope that it will move a few people to help CHOA.  Here we are with Cindy and Ray, the morning DJ's who interviewed us.  Jack did bring the interview to a halt with a hilariously timed poot, and Cindy though he was quite a cutie!

Jack Laton: Baby Fashionisto

September 19, 2010

It has been almost two weeks since I last posted, so I wanted to get one out tonight.  I am going to try to post at least every Sunday, so that you can expect a regular update.  Then, if I can muster the strength to post, rather than crash and sleep, I'll get more up!  I have been taking pictures of Jack in each of the precious outfits he has received.  I know he is going to outgrow them so fast, and I want to remember him, and how he looked in each one.  Below are a few outfits from the past few weeks.  Enjoy!

'Lil Buckaroo!  I love the pocket and the rolled sleeves, although, they seem a bit superfluous for an infant onesie.  The horse on the knee is so cute!

Go Jackets!!  He wore this one for the GT game.  We watched on TV, but clearly, we would have fit right in on campus!  Gotta love his expression!

Second GT outfit.  This one he wore for the second game, also on TV.  He wasn't smiling so big at the end of the game, when the Jackets had lost.  Actually, he was asleep.  Mommy was sad about the loss, though.

Mommy's Little Monkey.  He wore this one to a golf tournament which raised money for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta.  I thought it was appropriate, given the collar and buttons!  Watch for a post to come soon regarding Jack's new job as "spokesbaby!" 

Baby Bug Club.  This one is marked "newborn" in the collar.  I'd like to meet the woman who gives birth to a newborn who is over two feet tall, and weighs 16 pounds!  Jack also thinks the woman would be amazing! 

Hippity Hop!  I love this one!  And clearly, Jack does, too!  Such a happy baby...

Red onesie with dog house.  I know this one isn't a good shot of the outfit, but look at my kid sleep!  Pacifier popped out, Myrtle the Turtle at his side, drool flowing.  I cherish watching him sleep!  Such a peaceful face...

So, there you go.  Jack is growing so fast, and his personality is truly blossoming.  I will get more posts up soon, and I appreciate your continued prayers and good thoughts sent up for Jack.  He is doing well, and we continue to grow him in preparation for his next heart procedure.

Love
Maggie