Anderson Family

CHD Awareness February 7-14 EACH AND EVERY YEAR!

2012-01-31T19:39:00.000-08:00

Why do I talk about Congenital Heart Defect Awareness so much? BECAUSE I HAVE SEEN HOW MUCH MY LITTLE MEN HAVE FOUGHT TO SURVIVE!

At just 21 years old, I was a young mother, and I had to watch my 8 month old, Thomas, go through drug withdrawls after having open heart surgery, because of all the medications he was on. I have left behind my baby Samuel for 2 months, before he was even a year old, to sit by Jonathan's bedside in the hospital for 2 months fighting to survive an...d being told he's a 9.5 out of 10 on rarity, complexity to to PREPARE!!! I sat by Jonathan's bedside, with his chest open and a piece of plastic over top of his chest, while I watched his heart beat, because it was far too swollen to close his chest. I have had my children in PICU's over the common cold. I have put my healthy heart child, Samuel, through echocardiograms, EKG's, pulse ox's, etc, as I was so scared I missed something or the doctor's missed something, as he was my ONLY healthy heart child.

THIS MAMA HAS SEEN FAR TOO MUCH IN HER SHORT 30 YEARS, yet 99% of it has been seen in the last 9 years. THIS IS WHY I FIGHT FOR ALL CHILDREN, NOT ONLY MY CHILDREN, TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR CHD (CONGENITAL HEART DEFECTS) AS I HAVE SEEN THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY OF THIS AND I WOULD GIVE ANYTHING FOR NO ONE ELSE TO HAVE TO SUFFER. Sadly, I have the good stories, the hopeful stories, too many of my friends are grieving because of this disease. IT'S NOT FAIR FOR A PARENT TO HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO THEIR CHILD. I have to be aware my children look healthy now, but will NEVER be cured; I have to know the risks, however, I will NEVER be prepared!

Awareness=Research=SAVED LIVES

PRAISE REPORT

2011-12-30T17:27:00.000-08:00

I CANNOT BELIEVE IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I BLOGGED...IT MEANS THINGS HAVE BEEN REALLY GOOD!!!

HAD TO SHARE MY HUGE PRAISE REPORT FROM MY BOYS' CARDIOLOGY APPT TODAY...I'VE BEEN ON A HIGH OF ADRENALINE ALL DAY BECAUSE OF IT <3

Well, cardiology appointment went...AMAZING!!!! The new cardiologist is so great and kind and so full of wisdom. One thing he said was when he read their records, he was not expecting them to look and act so great and that their hearts are ...AMAZING. He said we are very blessed, as we had amazing surgeons.

He stated 9 years ago when Thomas (TOF) had his surgery, they did a surgery on him that MANY SURGEONS were not doing (CANNOT REMEMBER THE NAME OF IT, AS I HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE)...the surgery they performed on him is something that just started happening recently and that is why he is doing so amazing today. All the narrowing and leakage is MILD...love that word MILD.

Jonathan (TGA/DORV/PA) he is blown away with. He said he was expecting his right ventricle to be enlarged, for there to be leaking around his caortic, and that the conduit from 2 years ago would not be functioning this well...ALL POSITIVE SIGNS THINGS ARE GOING SPLENDID.

He stated for how sick the boys were...we are beyond blessed and it's a miracle how well they are doing today and he says that is because we had amazing surgeons for our men. I told him we were told that Jonathan was a 9.5 out of 10 on complexity and rarity of his heart and we were to be prepared...he said they were wrong...he was a 9.9. WOW!!! The Lord has had his arms wrapped around my little family so much.

Last thing he said...LET THEM LOOSE...he wants to boys running, jumping, playing sports and having fun. This is one thing we try so hard to make sure we allow and we will continue to do so.

I AM ON AN ADRENALINE HIGH OF EMOTIONS AND I'M BEYOND HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!

LASTLY...THANK YOU EVERYONE...BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP AND EVERYTHING IS WHY WE AS A FAMILY WERE ABLE TO GET THROUGH EVERYTHING WITH OUR BOYS...AND I TRUELY BELIEVE PRAYER HAS HELPED HEAL THEM AND KEEP THEM SAFE :)

May 21, 2011

2011-06-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

IT WAS BABY J'S 3RD BIRTHDAY. Yes, it's taking me a bit to write about it, but we are a busy busy family. Jonathan, as always, wanted his first present and then through a fit the rest of time, not wanting to open the rest, until he realized there were toys and goodies to open :) We got him a lovely Buzz Lightyear cake too. He, and his brothers, will have a big birthday bash on July 9. Mommy's planning something special...at least I hope it all turns out. Can you say, cupcakes that look like cheeseburgers? LOL...yes, trying to be crafty.

Well, the day of Jonathan's birthday, we went to Mankato, Minnesota and joined Lasting Imprints in doing a heart walk. IT WAS AMAZING! We met so many wonderful heart families. We shed some tears with some angel families, and smiled and all the warriors running around crazy and giving their parents a run for their money :) Thomas was one of the older CHD Warriors there, another lady born in 1989 (I think I got that correct), was the only one older than him. Poor Baby J got a tad ill during the middle of it, but he still perked up once he got cake at the pool :) Before the Community Has Heart Heart Walk, Drew donated blood at the Red Cross blood drive and was in and out like a champ. I, Naomi, did the same, after the walk, and I thought I was a champ, until the bitter end when I almost passed out. Yeah, I'm a wimp, I guess. Regardless, they perked me up within a few minutes and I was on my way to getting mocked by my husband, who thinks he's SOOOOO funny...LOL. Regardless, we both did it. We gave back just a small portion for all the many people who have donated through the years and have saved our boys. We counted how many blood transfussions that Thomas and Jonathan have had, and it's close to 12-15 blood transfusions. IT'S ABOUT TIME WE GAVE BACK. Drew's done it before, but this was my first time.

(Photo by I.D. Photography)

Well, I must say it was a blessed day. All morning long, before the Heart Walk began, it rained and poured. Grandma Pauly, Daddy, Mommy and the boys stayed in the car a bit to keep the boys dry and warm. As we got ready for the walk, and had the umbrellas just right, and were ready to start, the clouds parted and sunlight came out and the rain was gone. I swear there were some wonderful angels watching over us. IT WAS AMAZING. The kids did ran a Dash, called Dashing for David in memory of a CHD Angel who was born on May 21, 2010. Jonathan and David will have a special connection with their birthdays. We were blessed to meet his family, and what an amazing family they are. There were so many together for support for one another.
Well, for now, I'll finish by saying, WE HAVE A 4TH GRADER...Thomas passed 3rd grade with all A's and B's. We also have a preschooler. I cannot believe Samuel will be going to school with Thomas Tuesday through Wednesday next year...eek. Dr. Brenner, the boys' pediatrician, thinks Jonathan would be ready for preschool too, but MOMMY IS NOT! LOL Thank you all for always being there for us. Thank you mom, Grandma Pauly, for joining us at our heart walk, and my sister, Aunty Amy, for meeting us in Mankato. Thank you EVERYONE for always being there with a hello, a gentle smile and a consoling hug through the years. We will continue to say Thank you for all the years to come. We are here and blessed because so many helped us to care for our children and make sure they continued to fight all the years...AND THEY STILL DO! God Bless you all!

Boys with their Beads of Courage...Counts every surgery, blood draw, echocardiogram, blood transfusion, clinic visit...EVERYTHING. Samuel got some beads for being the best brother ever also and always being such a good boy and very supportive as well.

Boys and daddy by their poster that they made for the Heart walk.

Proof that I gave blood

AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THE BEST PART OF THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS. I'M AN AUNTY AGAIN...TWICE.

DESTYN SEAN

ABIGAIL MARIE

I THINK MY BROTHER AND KAYLA **AND** MY SISTER AND LUKE DID A PRETTY GOOD JOB. CONGRATULATIONS!

WARRIOR BROTHERS

Thomas' Orthopedic Appointment

2011-04-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Well, Thomas and Mommy went to Sanford Orthopedic and Spine Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota today, because we had Thomas' orthopedic appointment today & got the results that we were waiting for. NO CHANGE! This is good news. His scoliosis is basically gone! Woot Woot!. His Kyphosis is still a 45 degree curve, but Dr. Haft said that's okay, because it's been that way for 5+ years, since his back surgery, where they fused 3 vertebrate together for his congenital scoliosis/hemi-vertebrate. No paralysis in the future is indicated & a normal life is expected. The doctor wants him to keep kicking butt in basketball & baseball ♥ Love our little man! ♥

March 18, 2011 Updates

2011-03-18T15:01:00.000-07:00

Well, we are finally home. The Anderson Boys, and daddy and mommy, took a trip to Sanford Children's in Sioux Falls, South Dakota today for Thomas and Jonathan's cardiology appointments, and Jonathan's general pediatric surgery appointment.

First, Thomas, HE'S DOING AMAZING! He is now 52 lb and healthy as can be. His echo/ekg all look the same, which NO change is GOOD change in the cardiology world of a repaired heart. He still has some leakage, but it's not gotten any worse, ...and it's still very minor. I still remember the day, 5 years ago, we went to our Alpha Church group in Vegas asking for prayers for Thomas. There was worry that within a year he'd need another surgery because of the leakage. Our dear friend, who now lives with Jesus, Maurice, came to us, prayed with us, and after that, Drew and I put our hands on Thomas while he was sleeping and prayed for a miracle, yet again, after all the miracles the Lord had shown us...and well, guess what...it's been 5 years later since that scare and now the doctors say there is HOPE of no more surgeries for Thomas.
Today, and for the next 24 hours, he'll be wearing a halter monitor, which we'll send back to Sanford, but he's doing great. This is just to check for any hidden arythmia's and such.

Now, Jonathan...as we have always known, his heart complexity and rarity have always made things a little more sketchy and worrisome. Today, all we got was Praise Report after Praise Report. He is doing the same as Thomas, AMAZING! Everything that has been repaired is still holding up. The arch is still open, his conduit (artificial valve) is still wide, and some great HOPEFUL news, if that conduit does need to be replaced, due to calcium buildup, rejection, or other things that could happen, Jonathan is a candidate for a cath procedure of putting in a stent...if we can hold this off long enough, possibly adulthood (HOW GREAT IS THAT), then, he has a chance of no more open heart surgeries...and who knows what technology will do in the next coming years...WE HAVE HOPE!!! THAT'S ALL WE CARE FOR.

Second, with Jonathan, he met with his pediatric surgeon who fixed his undescended testy about 1 1/2 year ago. IT LOOKS GREAT. He listened to his esophagus and stomach and read over previous tests and reports from last year and the previous years and he's doing great. He's actually shocked Jonathan isn't showing symptoms of reflux. Next year, just to be on the safe side, he wants Jonathan to see one of the GI doctors. With his esophagus condition (reminder, he had esophagus surgery to attach it to his stomach at one day old), he is at higher risk for esophagus cancer, so they must monitor it. Same thing goes for his testy, because it didn't drop, he's at higher risk for prostate cancer. IT'S NOTHING TO GET WORRIED OVER NOW. The risk of it happening is still rare, just more common than if he was born healthy. Regardless, NOW, he's doing great...THEY BOTH ARE DOING GREAT.

Samuel felt a little left out today :( So a nurse let him get weighed at least :) And we all went to Fudruckers for lunch and met Elicia there :) YAY!!! The boys were so good today, that we treated them to some yummy Strawberry Shakes. Needless to say, they did NOT share, and they drank them ALL down. LOL.

God Bless you all who have been there for us, from day one, or just even yesterday or today with a call, message or text. I, mommy, have been quite the basketcase this last week, and you've all kept me smiling. I knew in my heart that they looked great and wonderful, but was just worried I was missing a sign or symptom. Today was reassurance that I hadn't, and that my boys continue to be strong and show mommy and everyone what true miracles they are and the HOPE they can give others...especially their mommy :)

God Bless you all ALWAYS!

Happy New Years

2010-12-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

Out with the old (2010) and in with the new (2011). For the Anderson men, we had a wonderful and blessed year, however, we felt the pain of our family and friends. So this year, we send many well wishes, blessings, and happy thoughts to you all. God Bless our family and friends who continue to be there for us. March and April come the month of all the specialist appointments. The boys are doing so great though, BRING THEM ON!

We also want to send extra special blessings and prayers to everyone expecting. I swear, 2011 is going to be a baby boom kind of month. As always, think about having echocardiograms done, around 20 weeks the doctors can see the heart clearly to see if there are 4 chambers and to see if there are any concerns for follow up...PLUS...it's a great time to find out the gender of the baby...so I can go shopping for something cute :) Yellow, green and purple don't work for me :) LOL. Lastly, once you deliver, and I am hearing most hospitals are now implimenting this, please ask for a pulse ox (oximetry test) on your new little bundle of joy, before taking him or her home from the hospital. One more way to help prevent damage to a heart that could (hopefully not) be possibly a little more fragile than some.

With that being said, we are proud to announce that February 7, the city of Sioux City, Iowa and it's Mayor and City Council will be presenting a proclamation to our men for February 7-14 and declaring it Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Month. This is the second year our great city has done that.

God Bless you all. We love and care about each of you so much

10/16/2010

2010-10-16T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well, all is well in the Anderson household :) Boys are getting huge...everyday! I made the boys' specialist appointments for March. I'm sure as the date nears I'll be more and more nervous, but right now, I have no worries. All 3 boys are doing great.

Thomas has gone from the lowest reading level in 2nd grade to the highest reading level in 3rd grade. His teacher told me he has some of the best manners as well (YUP, I'M PRETTY PROUD OF MY BIG BOY). He will also start basketball in January...he does his basketball evaluation in November :)

Samuel has started potty training and is doing pretty good. He is definately not 100% ready, but he's super close. Our mornings seem to go great, and by nap time and through the afternoon he seems to be bored with it, but is still open to trying :)

Jonathan is being a stinker butt. He wants to wear pullups and try to go potty, but we have a no go. At least he wants to sit on the potty and try :) It's a start :) He is also a sports freak. Anytime there is a baseball game or football game on tv, he goes and grabs his appropriate attire, whether it be a football and helmet or a baseball and glove.

Drew said the other day, when he was home with the babies, Samuel had the bat and Jonathan had the baseball and glove. J would pitch, kind of, and S would stand there waiting to hit...in the mean time they would get angry with each other, cuz J wouldn't through the ball straight and S wouldn't hit the ball...Wished I was there to see it :)

Well, as I'm sure you know, I love to talk about the boys and take their pictures. We kinda like them :)

As for Drew and I, we are doing great. We have finally taken that huge step and hired someone to babysit once a month for us. It is our daycare ladies daughter. The boys adore her! Drew and I had our first outting last week on his birthday and went out to supper to this nice mexican bistro (very Americanized food), beautiful ambiance, and was so nice to have a hot meal and an actual conversation, without getting interrupted, cutting food, telling the boys to sit down, etc. Granted, we did talk about the boys the whole night it seemed. In other words, we will be doing this again. I think it's good to "date" your hubby, even when married :)

Well, that's the life of us :) Living in Sioux City Iowa, ready to buy a house, hopefully in the spring (not in a huge hurry, but yet again, kind of are...lol). We are good though. Nice to feel like we are "normal". This last year has been better for us, with no huge surgeries, no huge trips to the hospital, less sickness, and just being us.

Pity-Party Kind of Day

2010-05-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

As this Friday approached, May 21, 2010, I should be rejoicing and celebrating my little man’s 2nd birthday. He’s been through so much and defied so many odds, and all I’ve been doing is sulking. But you know…I’M DONE!!! No more pity-parties for me…until the next one…lol. It’s funny, my kids are doing so well, and doing so great, but yet, it’s so hard to not think about the past or the “what-ifs” or the “thens”, when we need to focus on the NOW. But how do you focus on the NOW? Even with my boys doing really well, my CHD family is still crying and grieving. We are grieving for our friends’ losses; we are grieving for our friends’ fighting to stay alive; we are grieving for our friends’ trying to get home, but laws don’t allow them to; we are grieving for our friends’ moments they don’t get to have or have to wait to have (taking our babies home, having those first hour snuggles, giving those first bottles or breastfeeding,); we are grieving for CAREFREE MOMENTS!

On Sunday, I had one of my worse Pity-Party Kind of Days. I was so consumed with grief; I was so consumed with the guilt of feeling sad, when the NOW is so good, and I couldn’t get over the THEN. I voiced/typed my sadness and frustration, and you know what I got? I GOT THE MOST AMAZING SUPPORT EVER. My pity-party could have lasted all day long, but with all the amazing support from facebook friends, I got over my sulking in less than an hour. And the fact that I didn’t feel “alone” was so wonderful. Some replies I got were (I hope my heart friends don’t mind me posting, I did take names out):

■“oh girl…you are entitled to these “jealous” days….. believe me I have my fair share!!! Thanks for posting this bc sometimes I feel like I am the only one who feels this way, and nice to know its “ok” to have our weak moments. And yes,you are definitely blessed Smile and big heart hugs your way!”

■“I know exactly what you mean! but when i feel this way i am reminded that there are people who look at me and my kids, healthy or not, and feel a pang of longing bc they still waiting for their own. that quickly cures my emotions.” … “Naomi, and you other moms are allowed to feel all those things. never stuff your feelings! my Naomi has a year to in till her next surgery. what i said is just what helps me keep things in perspective when i get into a funk. bless you all!”

■“I feel the same way. I get jealous when I see babies drinking a bottle, Mav only did for three weeks and has a gtube, I get jealous when I see kids crawl, Mav can’t even roll. I get jealous when I hear people talk about going on vacation or just having fun, Mav is hooked to machines and its hard to even leave the house yet we are fighting to keep that house because of all this

But then I think about it and know that our kids are even more special because they fight a battle every day. It takes a specail kind of person to do what they do. And it takes a special mother to deal with it day in and day out. So just remember our children are beautiful and the best picture comes from them even if its in a hospital or with feeding tubes and IVs.”

■“Oh boy do I get this Naomi – my worst feelings happen when i see someone breastfeeding a little baby. Hannah was 6 weeks old when I was told I would kill her if I persisted with feeding orally. I will never forget that moment. I dont think it matters how many years pass or where we are at right now with our kids, those memories of their first year … of life are so powerful and will never leave us. Write them down here as you feel them, I know it helps to know I am not the only one who feels like this xxx”

■“Been there, done that, doing it again, I’m sure. No need to feel guilty, it just comes with the territory. I’m glad other people don’t understand what we do. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.

We have frequent reminders (aka flashbacks), be it a cardiologist appt (tomorrow) or another one of his “fainting” spells a couple of weeks ago. (he’ll get mad, hold his breath, the eyes roll back and he goes “out”.) We’ll NEVER get used to those! All you can do is take it one day at a time. God bless.”

■“I REALLY get this and understand completely. What we are all talking about here isn’t Jealousy – it’s a form of PTSD. Not saying go get medication or anything like that… but what we have each been through is trauma… and yes, we will all have our “flashbacks”. For those of us with 2 CHD or 2 ill children, it’s like some strange combination of both “flashbacks” and “deja vu”. Usually combined with a weird “why me?”and sadness for the pain and trauma our children have to go through “why them?” Follow this quickly with a form of “survivor guilt”, because our children – surgeries and all – are still with us, and we have wonderful children, while some people do not and can not have them…

I struggle each day knowing that I may never have an answer. Hoping that the work I can do here will someday lead to answers for my children, or for their children. If I have 2 CHD children, what will my children and their children have? For my daughter with CHD and a prosthetic valve – what will this mean when she wants to have children?

not having answers for all those questions, but not being able to set those questions aside and make them go away!!

For each of us, the questions are there. And each of us will struggle with guilt and anger for having those feelings and daring to ask those questions, yet they don’t go away.

In my case, Faith in God helps, but it hasn’t taken away the questions. And each time there’s a new crisis, there’s new fear and new questions. And new prayers.

But don’t let those questions get you down, try to focus those questions into something that will affect the future of CHD warriors and families and research and answers. Let all the precious CHD Angels NOT get us down, but lead us forward! Those things keep me going… well that, and my kids screaming for food and toys and rides to games and movies, and oh, yeah… LIFE : P It keeps going, doesn’t it?

Yes, thank God for Facebook, because your daily people in your life may try to understand, but most of them cannot. Therefore, they don’t know what to offer you. We, as FB friends, offer great support and understanding, and sometimes the fact that we don’t have to face each other each day also gives us the chance to say yes, we understand, dump 3 paragraphs of our own feelings, and then tell each other to “buck up” and go cook Sunday Lunch, cause this is our life, such that it is… and remember, every body has their own trials and tribulations, and if all threw ours in one big pile, and inspected them thoroughly, we’d probably pick our own, same problems back up to take home with us… cause “the devil we know”…

I may not KNOW each one of you, but for being here and asking the questions, and answering when we can – and dumping here Because we can – I ♥ each one of you, and your precious CHD BABES…everyone of them and everyone of us, has a purpose, whether we ever understand it or not.”

■“I am so sorry you are having a “down” day. The key is to “not look back” but appreciate the blessings of the present. Although, I know that is very hard. This is so much harder on the families, especially parents, than it is on your children. There was a survey taken of adults with CHD that revealed they would not change a thing about their life, because it has made them appreciate their life on earth, rather than taking it for granted. It has made them to be the person they are. So…heart hugs from all of us that have been in your children’s shoes. And thank you for all you are doing to help you children live as normal a life as possible!! We all appreciate it very much! Heart hugs!”

HOW AMAZING ARE THESE PEOPLE AND OTHERS WHO ARE ALWAYS THERE FOR US, WHEN WE NEED THEM? I know we all have our days and have different feelings, because all of our experiences with CHD are different or have different outcomes, but it’s so nice to see so many people in the CHD community there for one another. I love all of my CHD friends. You all make me a strong and better mother. I pray everyday for our CHD family. I pray for less surgeries for CHDers; I pray for peace in our hearts; I pray for more awareness; I pray for more research; and most of all, I pray for more saved lives.

Again, thank you EVERYONE. Thank you Levi, for giving us as a CHD family somewhere to post our feelings and send out big ol’ Thank You’s. Thank you for everyone’s support. And lastly, Happy Birthday to my little CHD Warrior, Jonathan Anthony. You are turning 2 years old on Friday, and this is a BIG DEAL! You had a long hard road that first year, but you are such a strong little man. Someday you will realize how BIG OF A DEAL you are. Someday, you will realize that Thomas, your big brother, saved your life. Unfortunately, he had to go through open heart surgery to do it, but if it wasn’t for Thomas, we wouldn’t have pressed forward in having you tested. My family means the world to me, my husband, my 3 little munchkin men, and my CHD family. God Bless you all!!!

Doctor's Visits

2010-03-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well, last week was a busy week for us and it started with multiple DOCTORS!!! Monday morning we drove to Sioux Falls, to go to the Sanford Children's Hospital, and started out with Jonathan having and esophagram done. HE SCREAMED THE WHOLE TIME! Even with him being very uncooperative, they got some great images, and he's doing great :) She even gave him the clear, once he turns 2 years old, to be able to have a hotdog on occastion, as long as they are cut the long ways. We don't eat them too often, but the boys love them at baseball games and such, so will be nice for Jonathan to join in on the fun.

After we were done getting Jonathan's esophagram done, we did have a few moments to be able to go get some lunch and play in the waiting area. It's so nice that they have it set up as a Castle Theme. The boys love it. Gives them something to do, while waiting for things to get going. They also had some fun video game equipment set up, where the kids could play (or fight over) coloring a picture on a screen with their fingers, and once they were finished, they would press play, and the picture would start dancing around and such. How cute is that?

Once we were finished playing, we went in to see the cardiologist. Again, Jonathan was very uncooperative, but Thomas was such a trooper and so well-behaved (as always). I'm sure it's quite refreshing for them, as I'm assuming, many little ones aren't very cooperative. At one point, Drew, myself, and a nurse had to hold Jonathan down, to get the EKG and Echocardiogram done. Once we finally got all the results in, it was AMAZING!!! The boys are doing great. They do not have to be seen again for a year. PRAISE JESUS! I know, before the appointment, I was nervous for them to say a year for Jonathan, as that artificial piece inside of him scares me quite a bit, but if the doctors think he's well enough...then...YAY!!! And Thomas asked if he could play hockey, which makes me a tad nervous, but Dr. Stamato stated, that as long as Thomas wears a protective chest guard, he's clear fo hockey. The boys are just doing absolutely wonderful. She told us to just watch for signs and anything that seems odd or if the boys get really tired, to contact her immediately. She also stated in a year or two, that Thomas will wear a halter for a 24 hour period to monitor him for any arrythmias. She stated that she didn't believe he's having any of this now, and his heart truly looks great, but kids need to be watched, as things can develop. But NOW, right now, today, MY BOYS ARE DOING GREAT!!! I'm just so happy! What mother wouldn't be.

We've now gone over 6 months without any big surgeries or hospital stays. Last year at this time, we were planning Jonathan's 2nd open heart surgery in one year, had already gone through two heart caths, an esophagus surgery, and had already spent over two months in the hospital; one year ago, tomorrow, he was going to the hospital to have his second open heart surgery, that was cancelled, because of a minor cough; ago, tomorrow, Dr. Cicollo made the best choice not to operate on Jonathan, as we don't know if he could have made it through, because a few days later, Jonathan landed himself in the hospital for over a week with a bad cold/infection. Last year at this time, we were all scared, miserable, and nervous wrecks, but TODAY, all I can say is PRAISE JESUS! We've had many people come into our lives the last few years and just offer wonderful words, hugs, and blessings. All I can think of is all the people who have helped us in our journeys. Everyone has been amazing, all our family and friends, and complete strangers even. THANK YOU!!!

And with that said, we had an amazing family weekend this last weekend. We took the kids to the Ramada in Sioux Falls and met some friends there and the kids did tons of swimming in the Pirate Ship swimming area, and Thomas just absolutely loved the huge slide. Jonathan wasn't the biggest fan of the water, and Samuel started out unsure of the whole thing, until the end of the trip, he realized he loved jumping in the water to daddy from the edge of the pool. Just a nice, very much needed, couple days away.

Well, we hope this finds all of our family, friends, and fellow bloggers healthy and well. God Bless you All!

Strep Throat

2010-02-24T12:09:00.000-08:00

Am I the only heart mom, or just person, who never heard how serious strep throat was? I also thought it was something yucky you didn't want and you just took meds for it, just another form of a cold, but maybe a little worse. Man, I was soooo wrong.

Last night I, Naomi, went into Urgent Care, because I had been battling quite the cold and I happen to get sinus infection quite easily. The way my face felt, I was 90% sure it was sinus infection. When the doctor wanted to test me for strep, I didn't care. Seems I have strep throat (my throat was severely red and almost closed, it was so swollen, but I felt nothing) and a severe case of sinus infection. She then proceded to tell me to get the kids checked as it can cause damage to vital organs like the HEART or KIDNEYS...YIKES!!! I told her I had 2 boys with CHD's and whe insisted on me getting them in immediately in the morning. I got a little nervous with her telling me this. She said people without any conditions like the boys can develop conditions because of this. YIKES!!! All I could think was, I was scared for Thomas and Jonathan, but please Lord, don't let my healthy heart boy, Samuel, develop anything.

Well, today, I talked to the nurse on the phone and she said Thomas could go to school, as he had no symptoms and his throat looked great. We went in and the babies saw the doctor. Dr. Brenner said the babies throats were really red and swollen. She said she wasn't going to put them through the test, as she was certain they had strep throat, and since they were exposed to me, that means they gets meds no matter what. She said she was confident from all I told her of Thomas, that he was fine, but she wanted him on meds to be on the safe side. She told me not to take him outta school or anything. She just wants me to watch the boys closely the next couple of days and soon we all will be feeling better. She proceeded to say that Drew needed to go in and if he doesn't have it, which he may have been the one to give it to us, that he still needs to go in and get meds due to exposure and so it doesn't return, so that's where Drew will be this evening, at Urgent Care, right after work.

We are all, now, on a bunch of meds. The alarms are set for first thing in the morning for us all to take our first dose, and right after Thomas gets home from school, our alarms will go off again for us ALL to take our afternoon dose of meds. GEESH!!! We live together, eat together, and I guess are sick together...it's the way things go!

Other than that, everyone seems to be in fairly good spirits. Of course it's no fun being sick, but we are together and that's all that matters. Babies are still full of smiles :) and the boys are still loud as can be, so they are doing pretty good :) Just praying we are all healed very soon.

Hope this finds everyone healthy and safe. If you get sick or have a strep throat, don't take it lightly. A heart mom told me she never had a heart condition until she got strep throat and now has endocartitus...YIKES!!! I know us moms put our kids first (I know I do) but we have to remember to take care of ourselves too....maybe someday I'll do better with that...lol. God Bless You All!!!

Things I've learned being a mommy...

2010-02-19T11:45:00.000-08:00

Oh boy, can little kids/BOYS be challenging somedays. Gotta love 'em though! I've learned so much in the past almost 8 years of being a mommy, some of which I would have never guessed would have, could have, or should have happened. Some things I've learned have made me smile, cry, laugh, want to run away, want to jump of with joy...MAN I LOVE BEING A MOMMY!!!!

I've learned that when I was younger, I wanted toilet paper to swing over the top, so I could make that pretty little triangle with it. Now, as a mommy, I like it flipping backwards; it stops my silly little boys from making it go round and round and dropping all of the toilet paper on the floor. SEE, I'M SAVING MONEY!!! Or maybe, I'm just not wasting money!!!

I have always loved music. When I was younger I was obsessed with everything from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony to Tim McGraw (yeah, quite the difference, but I was quite the different child...lol). Now, as a mommy, the only music I can recite from memory is EVERY SINGLE spongebob or Phineus and Pherb song, or opening credits. I'm amazed that even at a young age, my children know the words.

When I was in school I thought I knew it all. Studies came easily to me; I aced most tests without studying; I made the honor role. Now that Thomas is in school, MAN THEY START KIDS OUT EARLY WITH THINGS. He knew his alphabet and colors and shapes before school started (I learned this in kindergarten); he was reading by kindergarten (I was reading what he was reading in second grade); he's doing algebra in second grade (can you say junior high, not elementary school, let alone second grade).

I used to think my parents were so strict growing up. Why wouldn't they ever let me cross a major highway when I was in sixth grade to go buy a taco by MYSELF or go to the park by MYSELF or ride my bike on the street by MYSELF?!? Man, I can't even let my kids play in their own yard by THEMSELVES. I have my eyes and ears constantly on. Yeah, I've surpassed my parents meaning of the word "strict" I believe.

I remember my parents moving me to Brookings, South Dakota for my first year of college at South Dakota State University (Go Jacks). I remember being so excited to move on and get away from my parents and all my mom did was cry like a blubbering cry baby. I was thinking she was nuts, but I hugged her good-bye and started my rebelling (big time). Now, I drop my little man off at second grade, and I'm a crying big baby because he's walking through the school doors without needing his mommy by his side. WOW!!! My baby boy is growing up!

I always thought love was those school girl crushes on this person or that person. Then I met my husband and I realized he was what true love was. But you know, once you have that little baby, that is a completely different love. A mother's love is so much greater than anyone can ever imagine. My boys are my world and I would do everything and anything for them, no matter what. They say our Lord loves us more than we can ever fathum. If God loves me more than what I love my boys, man, He must feel like He's going to explode with love.

I thought being teased in school, spraining an ankle, or getting into a car crash was some of the worse things that could ever happen to me and make me cry. I never realized my babies could surpass the "worse things" ever. Watching my boys go through open heart surgeries, back surgery, esophagus surgery, cut eyes, scraped knees and elbows, or even a cold would tug at me and make me cry even more. I only wished I could possibly take away all their aches and pains. As a mother, I can't stand seeing my babies hurt in any way shape or form. They are my world.

As a mother, I've learned I have strength I've never known about, love that just explodes out of me towards my children, anger towards anyone who hurts them or any child for that matter, compassion toward other parents and children in every way shape and form. I live for my children; I will die for my children; and I cannot wait to see what kind of young men they turn into. I cannot wait to see what they do with their lives, what their career will be, who they will marry, how many children they will have, etc., etc., etc.

I LOVE YOU THOMAS, SAMUEL, AND JONATHAN WITH ALL OF MOMMY'S HEART (and guess what, Daddy does too, but I know you already know that)

Sioux City, Iowa's Mayor signs a Proclamation

2010-02-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

TODAY, ON FEBRUARY 8, THOMAS JAY ANDERSON, MY SON, ACCEPTED A PROCLAMATION FROM MAYOR HOBART, OF SIOUX CITY, IOWA, DECLARING FEBRUARY 7-14 AS CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK. THOMAS IS A CHD WARRIOR/SURVIVOR, AND HAD OPEN HEART SURGERY FOR TETRALOGY OF FALLOT WHEN HE WAS 8 MONTHS OLD. HE IS NOW A 7 1/2 YEAR OLD IN 2ND GRADE, WHO LOVES TO PLAY BASEBALL AND BASKETBALL AND HIS FAVORITE SUBJECT IS MATH. HAD TO SHARE THIS, AS THIS WAS A SPECIAL MOMENT FOR OUR SIOUX CITY FAMILY, AS OUR 20 MONTH OLD, JONATHAN ANTHONY ANDERSON, IS ALSO A CHD WARRIOR/SURVIVOR, BORN WITH TRANSPOSITION OF THE GREAT ARTERIES, DOUBLE OUTLET RIGHT VENTRICLE, AND PULMONARY ATRESIA, AND HAS GONE THROUGH 2 HEART CATHS AND 2 OPEN HEART SURGERIES ALREADY; HE'S FULL OF SPUNK AND ATTITUDE AND HAS CAUGHT UP SO MUCH, EVEN AFTER SPENDING 3 MONTHS IN THE HOSPITAL FROM BIRTH UNTIL NOW! I ALSO SPOKE A FEW WORDS THANKING THEM FOR THIS PROCLAMATION, BUT IT WAS SUCH A HEART WARMING EXPERIENCE, I HAD TO MUMBLE THROUGH IT A BIT AND GOT CHOKED UP A FEW MOMENTS:

Thank you Mayor Hobart...I will proudly accept this proclamation from Sioux City, on behalf of all CHD Warriors, in declaring February 7-14 as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week! ♥ ♥ ♥ God Bless all of our CHD Warriors and Angels and Families ♥ ♥ ♥ I am blessed with 2 CHD Warriors and SURVIVORS, Thomas and Jonathan, and my son Samuel, my husband, and myself will ALWAYS stand by and help our boys push for more AWARENESS and RESEARCH ♥ ♥ ♥ I hope with this continued support from our city and state for awareness, that more expecting mothers won't ONLY have ultrasounds done to see what the sex of their baby is, but also, at the same time take an extra 15 minutes in having an echocardiogram done, to makes sure their babies’ hearts look good and HEALTHY, and with this, will also have mandatory oximetry tests done on ALL newborns, which is cost effective and takes less than 5 minutes, to possibly save a babies' life. Without the oximetry test and our amazing doctor's intuition, Thomas may not be here today, and because of Thomas' pre-existing condition, we were given echocardiograms on both Samuel and Jonathan, while I was pregnant, where most wouldn't have been given this test, and we found out about Jonathan's severe heart condition. Because of the results of the echocardiogram, the doctor’s were ready to perform emergency surgery hours after Jonathan was born and his life was saved. Thank you again, Mayor Mike Hobart, the Council members, and all of Sioux City for your continued support. I truly believe this is a step forward in saving many of our children’s lives. Thank you and God Bless.

MOMENTS LIKE THESE MAKE ME SEE HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE, AND OUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN'S FUTURES. THIS ONE WAS FOR ALL THE CHDers (ANGELS AND SURVIVORS)!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

2010-01-31T07:59:00.000-08:00

Someone sent me this and said if I sent it to many people that good things would happen; I hate when it gives you a given number to send it to and says if you don't send it something bad will happen, so I deleted the words, as I just wanted to share it cuz I think it's a beautiful picture and spreading the Word of the Lord is more powerful than some chain letter mail that someone makes up to scare people into spreading the Word of the Lord. The best way for me to spread the Lord's Word is through pics of my boys, my living, breathing miracles the Lord has blessed me with and has protected in so many ways. Because of Miracles, I have a beautiful family of 5.

"My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me; the task of testifying to the good news of Gods grace."
Acts 20:24

CHD Awareness to me Means...

2010-01-25T07:02:00.000-08:00

CHD Awareness to me means telling people I am BLESSED with 3 beautiful children, two of which were born with a congenital heart defect, and have SURVIVED 8 surgeries between the two of them (5 surgeries being on their delicate and beautiful hearts).

CHD Awareness to me means telling people the doctor's said my boys may not see their first birthday, let alone their first hour of life and NOW my "CHD boys" are 7 years old and 20 months old.

CHD Awareness to me means telling people to get their echocardiograms done while they are pregnant for peace of mind, and having game plan set ahead of time with the doctors, if they do catch something, because my 20 month old may not be here today if his condition was not caught when I was 20 weeks pregnant.

CHD Awareness to me means telling people my children are "Warriors," if people ask about their scars at the pool, and seeing the pride in my son's eyes as he shows off his scar with pride and says he has a matching scar like his brothers.

CHD Awareness to me means finding wonderful and supportive "CHDers" and "heart parents" who you can sit down and have a conversation with and feel you could "hold your own in a heart conference" and learn from each other and are their for each other when we have a break down and need to vent, because not everyone understands.

CHD Awareness to me means telling people facts like "About 1 out of every 100 babies are born each year with some type of Congenital Heart Defect. (approx. 40,000/year) Source: Children’s Heart Foundation" or "This year approximately 4,000 babies will not live to see their first birthday because of Congenital Heart Defects. Source: Children’s Heart Foundation" and seeing people react from not being aware.

CHD Awareness to me means telling people my kids are great, wonderful, stupendous, but NOT CURED.

CHD Awareness to me means watching my 7 year old go to school with pictures and a smile on his face and do a show and tell presentation on all he has been through while only 8 months old and tell people, "Now I play baseball, basketball and I am the Math King in 2nd grade."

CHD Awareness to me means doctor's appointments, echocardiograms, EKGs, heart catheters, being a little more overprotective, watching my baby have to have monthly synagis shots during the RSV season, watching for blue spells, taking all bumps, bruises, coughs as a possible sign, and LISTENING to my son if he feels something that just doesn't seem right.

CHD Awareness to me means getting the word out each and everyday, whether it is telling my sister about echocardiograms, or telling my friends about oximetry tests, or writing a letter to Oprah, or doing a "Walk with the Heart of a Child" through the mall of Las Vegas, or watching my son do a show and tell. CHD Awareness is a part of our everyday life. We didn't choose this life, it chose us. We are a family of five who try everyday to live a normal life and allow our children to participate in sports or play video games or do math competitions or just go to the park and run around and just enjoy life. We hug each other tighter, we love each other stronger, and we don't take each day for granted, because the Lord gave my beautiful boys a second chance, in turn giving me as a mother as second chance, and we are taking advantage of these moments and embracing each and every one of them.

Proud Mommy to Warriors

Thomas' 1st Basketball Game

2010-01-09T12:08:00.000-08:00

Thomas had his first basketball game today :) His team name is the Banana Bops (How Cute is that...lol) All 6-7 year olds. Thomas had so much fun...just loves running off some steam :) So proud of my once frail baby who has survived so much is now in 2nd grade, played baseball last year, and now basketball. I know I'm being all cheesey, but this little boy fought to live through one surgery (open heart surgery to correct his congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot) and fought to walk to through another surgery (He had congenital scoliosis with a hemi-vertibrate, and without the surgery would most likely be paralyzed right now as we speak)...guess I just have so much to be thankful for when looking how far he has come in his 7 1/2 years (how far we as a family have come). Just feeling very blessed to be able to watch him play basketball and see the joy in his eyes...PRICELESS!!!

Babies are Sick :(

2010-01-04T14:33:00.000-08:00

Well, I have some pretty sick babies...Samuel has a left ear infection and viral broncalitus (in the same family class as rsv) and jonathan has double ear infection, viral eye infection, and broncalitus and crackly lungs...both on meds and jonathan is back on nebulizor treatments 3 times a day :( BUT HOME...no hospitals...praise Jesus we caught it early...just gotta watch them now...doc said we were doing everything right except not to use the johnson&johnson vaper baby bath soap, as not good on their lungs with this diagnosis...but man, it developed super fast...just got it saturday and hit hard and fast...but at least we jumped on it immediately and got them in and they have meds in them...said it will take a few days, but they will get better.

All I know, is everytime one of the kids get sick, especially Jonathan, I dread taking him in thinking he may get shipped off to the hospital, like last March. I'm always just so worried. But I know his heart has been fixd since then, so he has it a lot easier than he used to, but that fear never leaves. Well, they are all home, so that's all that matter, no use on dwelling on what hasn't even happened this time. Just gotta watch the babies and watch Thomas now. Thomas has a little runny nose, but nothing much. Always been so lucky with him; he rarely gets sick. Hope it stays that way :)

THE CHOSEN ONE - COURTESY OF ANOTHER HEART MOM

2009-12-20T18:36:00.001-08:00

I had a dream the other night,
It came to me so clear.
I stood before the throne of God,
afraid to come too near.
God said to me “I hear your prayers,
there’s answers you can’t find.
I asked you here to talk to me
and help to ease your mind”
I said “Well yes God, I am disturbed
about my special one.
That punishment is awfully harsh.
Whatever have I done?”
God looked at me and shook his head
and said “You’ve got it wrong.
I sent this special child to you
because you are so strong”
“I searched and searched to try and find
someone with love so rare.
A parent so unselfish they could
give that special care.
I try and save my special gifts
like those your speaking of
for special kinds of parents
I call the chosen ones”
Of all the ones to choose from,
I think this I have done.
A parent who deserves my best,
an honor you have won.

AUTHOR UNKNOWN

My Children Are Amazing

2009-12-19T13:10:00.001-08:00

I've been sitting here trying to think about HOW I feel or WHAT I feel...and trying to come up with the right words for it...I feel I have been dealt an unfair deck...I feel selfish that I think I have been dealt that unfair deck, when in fact, my children got the raw end of the deal...I feel like I'm slowly drifting back to the days of that horrible anger I had 6 years ago...I FEEL ALONE...there are very few people in this world who can understand the feelings I'm having (that's a good thing)...but yet, way too many people do indeed know what these feelings are...more than I wished ever knew...and unfortunately, there are people out there who have been through worse than I. Six years ago on the 27th of February, Thomas, my 7 year old, went through open heart surgery, for a condition called Tetrology of Fallot (TOF)...I went 8 months before that cursing the Lord and blaming God for doing this to my child. Yelling and cussing at the Lord for punishing my child for my mistakes. And then, that day of surgery came, and I asked for forgiveness and asked Him to protect and watch over Thomas for me...and He did. Thomas came through the surgery with flying colors...there were some bumpy roads along the way...like him going through drug with drawls from all the medications he was on and incompetent people scaring me so much that I almost passed out...but Thomas made it through it all and so did I. Two years later, we had to watch Thomas get cut from the other side as he had back surgery to repair his congenital scoliosis, which without it, my spunky 7 year old would most likely be paralyzed and in a wheel chair today...instead...he plays baseball and runs around like a crazy little boy...AMAZING...Thomas has a slit on his chest and on his back and is the most caring, PERFECT, little boy a mother could ever ask for...and an amazing big brother. To this day, I know that Thomas is the reason I was brought to the Lord. Thomas is the reason that I changed my ways and walked away from certain people and certain situations and lots of stupidity...Thomas saved me, in turn brought me to the Lord. And everyday I hold onto it...and lately, it's the only thing that's been getting me through this last year or 2 years. Almost two years ago, we found out that our third son was also going to be a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD) baby. After going through everything with Thomas, and then having Samuel, who was perfect and healthy and a brat at times, but the love of our lives, we never imagined we would have another baby who would have to go through open heart surgery. And to top it off, it was more life threatening than Thomas'. Who would have ever thought there was something more serious than what Thomas had to endure? When I was 6 1/2 months pregnant I had to go on bed rest due to Jonathan being way under the size he should have been and a cardiac baby. Not only was I taken from the place that let me forget about everything to come, my work, but I had to sit around and feel completely helpless and have so much time to think and ponder about what was to come and what could happen. It was agonizing! Then the day came when Jonathan was born, and I literally got to see him for 30 seconds before he was taken away to the NICU. A team of doctors and nurses flooded my room an hour later and gave me the details...he was going into surgery in one hour for a minor procedure on his heart that would help him live for a couple weeks 'till surgery, the next day would have esophagus surgery, as his esophagus and stomach were not attached (what more?) and a couple weeks later we found out that he had to be flown to Los Angeles from Las Vegas, where we were living, because his condition was so severe, the surgeon didn't feel he should stay in Las Vegas...THANKS SO VERY MUCH FOR THE NEWS...Needless to say, Jonathan did amazing (that's an understatement...there are no words to describe how strong this little boy was)...my family and friends came together and prayed and took care of Thomas and Samuel for us, so we could be there for Jonathan...EVERYONE, WE OWE SO MUCH TO FOR GETTING US THROUGH THOSE 2 MONTHS...and since then, it's been wonderful and amazing and I wouldn't change it for the world...I always knew Jonathan would have to have surgery again someday...we were hoping for 3-5 years. In February he had a procedure (I keep calling it a procedure, because it doesn't sound as bad as surgery, but yeah, it was pretty much surgery)...the procedure came back with half good news and half bad news. I knew in my heart that Jonathan was going to have another open heart surgery for the last 2 weeks, but I was holding onto a miracle...but I guess that miracle didn't come soon enough...because on April 27th, Jonathan went through his second open heart surgery. I thought the news wouldn't hurt as much, as I've been expecting it, but I guess I was in denial at the same time. IT SUCKS! There was nothing I could say as a pep talk to myself...I knew in my heart that Jonathan would do fine and be home soon afterwards...but...IT SUCKS...It's not fair that my baby had to go through this yet again, so soon...he was 11 months old and was yet again going to be taken away for a week...yeah, I know, a week isn't that long, compared to the lifetime to come; that's what I'm holding onto...but..IT SUCKS! But the only thing that matters, is he did spectacular...He's doing awesome now and started walking at 14 months old...This "unfair deck" can be taken away at any time though...I seriously am begging for it to...I want to be able to go on with my children and their lives and be left alone...but I know that will never happen. I know the rest of my life I will worry...because it's something, as a parent of a CHD baby, we have to be ready for. We will never have that normal life that so many of our friends and family have had or will have...we, as a CHD parent, will forever and for always have that little green envy monster popping it's head out when someone has the perfect pregnancy or perfect baby...we, as a CHD parent, will always hold our breath for our friends and family during their pregnancy, as if it's our own child, and cry and rejoice when that beautiful baby is born healthy and whole and perfect...we, as a CHD parent, have had our lives changed forever. We go on with our lives everyday, trying to fit in and not let it change us, but it's too late, it has. I am a CHD mommy...I will have my outburst...I will have my moments where I break down in tears, for no apparent reason...I will love my children and hold onto them tighter than anyone can imagine...I will devote my life to my children and for my children, like tomorrow may be my last...I am a CHD mommy. Someday, down the road, I can only hope for a decade of no surgeries or less worries and great reports...but for now, I hold onto that day that I get a smile or a hug from all of my boys...my CHD boys and my little brat of a boy (which they all can be, but I LOVE IT)...My children are my life, and no one can say anything else to me to make me feel bad because I don't want to go somewhere and I want to stay home with my babies, even if I have been with them all day. I will not let a certain someone (who supposedly cares for my family) bring me down and ask me, what if they die...fyi, that's the stupidest thing to say to a CHD parent or any parent for that matter, use some common sense...because everyday, I have to understand the risks of all the surgeries, procedures, and life in general...I know the risks far too well and have said good-bye to far too many angels...but I know more than anything that I do have the Lord, MY GOD, holding onto me, holding onto my children, and holding onto those doctors delicate hands as they operate on my baby and my friends' babies. I just pray for strength, strength of my baby, strength of myself, and strength of the doctors and nurses to get us all through the days to come...I pray for healing, healing of my children and other children and healing of my and other parents delicate emotions, that I wish weren't so delicate...I pray for faith, faith in my God and faith in myself and faith in the surgeons, doctors and many nurses who have my baby and other babies in their care...I pray for God's grace and mercy. And thank you to everyone who's always been there for me, for us, with a simple, yet perfect prayer, for that kind gesture, a hug or a smile, or just that friendly word that you are thinking of us. Thank you to everyone who's been there for us through everything...especially my family and friends who have taken my children and not let them experience the hurt their parents suffer and give them a day of fun in the sun while their sibling has a life saving operation...just...THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS

1st Blog

2009-12-19T12:43:00.000-08:00

Yikes, I set up a blog...what to say, what to do. Well, it's less than a week until Christmas and I'm sad. I love the anticipation of watching my kids run out and see that Santa Claus made it. I'm going to miss Thomas' questions as who created Christmas...um...JESUS!!! It just seems once Christmas has come and went, people forget about the meaning and forget to be kind and forget to talk about Jesus as much. And plus, I just flat out love Christmas decorations and it means I have to wait 'till Halloween to see them again. YES, I put out my Christmas decorations around Halloween time, usually a day or 2 or 3 or 4 before hand :) Well, one thing about Christmas (or the consumer-driven Christmas) being over with, we may actually get to see daddy (Drew) more. Being in retail, you work, you work harder and longer and get yelled at even more and still have to keep a big smile on your face. Can't wait for him to be home more, work less, still make the same money (as he's salary), and maybe be less stressed and not think about work or the customers he wished he could help more or the customers who treated him or one of his own employees worse than a piece of crap or a slave they insist that they own and can tell what to do, how to feel, or what to say. Some people get so mean. It's funny how during the Christmas season, you find really wonderful human beings and you find really miserable ones. I just don't understand this world. All I do understand is I love spending time with my children and seeing them smile...I DON'T walk through Walmart calling them ever mean name under the sun, as I've seen some parents do. YOU CALL YOURSELF A PARENT?

Or, don't get me started, on that 8 month pregnant woman smoking a cigarette on her way to a well check for her baby. I'm sorry...STRONGLY DISAGREE WITH. I have worked so hard, dedicated my life to my children, and gave up so much while being pregnant to ensure they are healthy, and still have 2 of my beautiful boys born with heart conditions. HOW IN THE WORLD IS THAT FAIR? How do people addicted to drugs, and putting their children in homes where they do drugs, get to keep their children, THEIR HEALTHY CHILDREN? There are so many families and people out there wanting children and can't, and would give these children who are abused the best home ever, yet mental cases and drug addicts, NOT WANTING HELP, get to torture and neglect their children. It saddens me.

Well, I sure know how to rant and rave now, don't I? Merry Christmas to all and hug and LOVE your children and cherish every moment you have with them. Feel fortunate when they are healthy. And please remember why we have Christmas, because of Jesus Christ!!!

God Bless
Naomi - THE MOMMY