Walking for a better future.

Happy Autumn!

This is my favorite time of year. I love the Fall! Pumpkins, pumpkin coffee, pumpkin candles (Notice a theme here lol), the perfect cool weather. I just love it! We took the boys to Gritts Farm today. They have a giant pumpkin patch and other fun things for the kids to do. I got some great pictures of the boys but you will have to wait until the end to see them. I have much to catch up on so here it goes... 

TEAM JACOB

Last Saturday was the American Heart Association Greater Charleston Heart Walk! We were blessed with beautiful weather and they had the biggest turn out they have ever had. I am so excited to report that Team Jacob raised $4,293.00! We more than doubled what we raised last year!

Equally as important we were able to set up a table at the walk and have information for people to take about congenital heart defects. We had pictures showing what our boys have gone through. We were also able to speak at the walk. We talked about how important funding is so that medical advancements can be made, advancements that could one day save thousands of children.

Jake waving to the crowd
(Such a superstar)

This smile is everything to me!

It warmed my heart to see everyone come out and show their support for Jacob. Jacob even walked some during the 5k. Seeing Jake walk just filled me with more pride than I could ever express in words. It was very emotional for me. I made custom shirts for both Jacobs that said "I'm a Survivor". They had a custom made heart sewn from different fabrics. It was beyond awesome to see the boys walking with us sporting their shirts with pride. They are a picture of strength and an inspiration to all of us.

I have said this before but I don't think I can say it enough. We walk not only for our boys but also for the thousands of babies who are no longer with us. 4,000 babies do not make it to see their first birthday. This is not acceptable and we have to keep fighting for research and for medical advancements that can save them.

I want to say a special thank you to an amazing woman I met recently. Her son Corbin passed away due to a CHD after a few short months of life. He was such a brave boy and he fought a valient fight. In the end it was just to much for his little heart. His mother Ruth has been at the forefront of Pulse Ox Advocacy. Despite her own pain she fights for all of our children. Ruth came out to walk with us on Saturday. I can't imagine how hard it was for her to come but she wanted to support Team Jacob. Ruth drove over 2 hours to walk with us.

Jacob, Myself and Corbin's mommy Ruth

I believe Corbin's spirit was there with us as well. He knew that we were walking for him. I know he is so proud of his mommy. We were walking for every life that has been lost due to a CHD and for every life that may be saved from the funds that were raised and the awareness that was spread. I am so blessed to have Jacob here with us. We almost lost him multiple times, his future is uncertain (more so than most) but I will always cherish each day, each minute, each second I get to spend with him. I plan on raising them to know how precious life is and to never take anything for granted.

Lori just had a hip replacement 12 weeks ago.
She walked the whole 5K. Lori you ROCK!

Thank you to each and every person who helped us raise funds and who came out to walk for our boys. I can't tell you how much it means to our entire family. I am already looking forward to next year! Go Team Jacob!

Meet Bella

Ok so everyone is going to think I have lost my mind and I quite possibly have. We got a kitten. We didn't plan on getting a kitten but we have one and I have to say she is ADORABLE. I had been talking with my mom about how we get these jumping spiders downstairs and how when we had cats I never found them (alive). Now that we don't have a cat we can't ever seem to get rid of them. The other day one made its way upstairs and some how made its way into MY SHIRT! I felt something strange and scratched, imagine my surprise when a spider fell out of my shirt. Lets just say my husband woke up to me screaming for him to kill it lol.

So we were talking about this and then realized that we were right by the animal shelter. So I decided to take Aidan to see the kittens. I should have known I wouldn't walk out empty handed. I have to say it was a touching moment I will never forget. Aidan picked her out and instantly fell in love. There were about 30 kittens but he went right to this gray and white one and wouldn't look at any others. I think he picked the PERFECT one. First of all its a girl so I am finally not the only female in the house lol. She is quiet and very lovable and social.

She and Aidan play all day long. Jake doesn't give her a second glance lol. He is not a big animal fan.  He pushes the dog away anytime he comes near him and he acts like the cat doesn't exist lol. The dog even likes her and she doesn't mind him. She has even cuddled up to him a few times. So our family has grown with a tiny 2lb kitten named Bella.

 

Last but definitly not least...

Jacob is 18 months old!

Happy year and a half birthday to my beautiful baby boy. Many people probably don't think a 1/2 birthday is a big deal but for our little miracles they are something to be celebrated. Each day is such a gift and each day represents another day our heart warriors are beating the odds. Time is precious and I hope if Jacob's story has taught you one thing, it is to slow down and celebrate the little things in life!

Now, here are those pictures I promised...