Wow, I really haven't posted since July?! I swear, I am in the fastest time warp of my life. Excuse me while I get my bearings.
One week ago, something super awesome happened. Sullivan turned 2. Yep, I have a two year old. I really can't explain how awesome he his. He continues to amaze us with how incredibly smart he is. It shocks me sometimes. Here are some things he is currently doing:
* Speaking in full sentences almost all the time.
* Using consistent manners (please, thank you, excuse me)
* Counting backwards and forwards from 10
* Do his ABCs
And pretty much a billion other things but those are the ones that shock the heck outta me because he is only 2. He is loving and caring and handsome and funny. I always ask him, "Who's my best friend?" and he yells, "MEEEEEEE!" Gawd, I love that kid!
The most important thing happened in September. Sully had a follow up with his cardiologist in Minneapolis. Sully's next valve surgery was always slated for age 3-4. Well, Sully had an echo done and they found out that Sully is continuing to defy odds and his valve is functioning so well, that they are pushing back the surgery to THIRD GRADE! That means Sully will be 8 or 9! WOW! I was so excited, that I threw up! Haha!
In other good news, Sully's pal Colten, who if you remember from my last posts, has surprised us all and has been home for 2 months! He has a trach and a feeding tube, but it is our hopes they they are temporary! He is smiley and sweet and catching up on everything! He spent the first 7 months of his life in the hospital! Can you believe that?!
I have been horrible about the blog and that really bums me out. You can follow me on Instagram and get your fill of Sully cuteness. My user name is MamaOfSullyJames.
I have been reading the blogs every day and I'm really glad I got around to posting! I miss you guys! I will leave you with a catch up photo dump!
Happy Birthday, Baby Bear!
Playing "guys" with Daddy
Two Year Pics
Mickey Mouse Pumpkin! Good carving, Mama!
Playing in your jammies and a fedora... the usual.. :-)
My little Ninja Turtle
Daddy and "Raphael"
My best friend
Fall fun at the Apple Orchard!
I love you!
Sully and his cardiologist celebrating the awesome news!
Sully and Grandma on the wheeler!
My pal!
Well, I guess that sums us up! I hope to connect more and hope you find me on instagram!
Let's chat soon!
Much love and we miss you all!
Courtney, Robert, and Sully!
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
Colten update
I have guarded good news. I just spoke to Colten's mom, and the bleeding has slowed way down and his labs are looking good. He isn't out of the woods yet, but this is definitely the direction we wanna go in.
Thanks for everything ladies. This kid and his family are so awesome. I just want them to be able to bring their son home.
Love always,
CourtneyAnna
Colten
I haven't blogged in two months and some time soon, when the world stops being so insane, I will apologize and update. For now, I need prayers for a very good friend of mine.
Her son is a heart warrior like Sully. Baby Colten had had 6 open heart surgeries since he was born in February. He is only 5 months old and had never even been home. As of today, he and his parents have been at Children'a Minneapolis, the same hospital we were at, for 154 days. Can you imagine?!
Colten had open heart surgery #6 yesterday. Things were going miraculously well and then in the evening, things took a turn. Colten started bleeding profusely from his chest tubes and he had to be put on ECMO (life support heart and lung machine.)
Things are critical. He just got his 3rd chest tube placed. This boy is so strong and his parents are amazing. They need all the prayers and good vibes they can get. I'm asking everyone to pray and send good thoughts to Colten and his family.
You can read his story here:
Www.caringbridge.org/visit/coltenrobertson
Thank you guys. And I've still been reading the blogs and I'm so excited for Heather and Katharine to have their babies!!
Miss you all! I will write soon. Sully is perfect! :)
CourtneyAnna
Monday, May 13, 2013
Almost 2 months Courtney?? Really?!
I can't really believe it's been since the end of March since I wrote last. I swear, time just escapes me and I look for ways to slow it down.
There has been nothing earth shattering going on here; just lots of fun, day to day things.
Sully is the smartest boy ever. I'm pretty sure of that. He will be 18 months old tomorrow.. yep, I have a year and a half year old boy. See, this is what I mean about time. I swear, I was just hurling my brains out, sweating like a beached whale from pregnancy, and now I have an 18 month old. WOW.
Sully is running all over the place and talking so much. The doctors say he has the vocabulary of a 2 1/2 year old.. maybe it's because I yak non-stop too. His favorite thing is to swing open the bathroom door and say, 'Whattaya doin'?" Well, thank goodness I have no dignity anymore.
He is also counting to five, starting to do his ABCs, and he is a dancing machine. Any time there is music, he is shakin' his fanny. I love it.
He loves to help me make dinner, play trucks, yell at our cat, and color. He is getting pretty good with a spoon and fork too. He still makes a mess, but it isn't as disastrous and before. :-)
Robert and I are doing great too. Work is busy as ever. The snow has FINALLY melted and our yard looks vile. We hire out the first yard clean up so it looks like I'm gonna have to call that guy. I can't stand and unkempt yard. We got new living room furniture, which I'm in love with. I hated our old couch and never sat on it, so I'm beyond thrilled to have a new couch and chair, in the color I want, and it is so comfy. Sully likes it too. We're gearing up for a fun filled summer. My parents are back for the summer so there will be many weekend spent with them, riding the golf cart, swimming, shopping, grilling, playing... I'm really looking forward to it.
We're still doing a lot with Project Heart to Heart. It has actually gotten pretty big and we are looking to file a 5013c on it and make it legit. We are helping with a benefit for a little boy from our area who is on the same floor Sully was. He is 3 months old and has had FIVE open heart surgeries and they just put a pacemaker in last week. He has been in the hospital since birth. It just breaks my heart. Cardiac mamas, man, we are tough as nails. The good news is that they took him off the ventilator this weekend after he had been on for 3 weeks, and he smiled at his mama. It was a nice moment. I've been helping get silent auction items and I have been pretty successful! Cross your fingers that the benefit goes smoothly!
Like I said, nothing earth shattering, but like is amazing. I hope you ladies had an amazing Mother's Day. I know I did. I'm so lucky every day that God chose me to be Sully's mom. How cool is that? I must've done something right to get that distinction. :-)
I will end this post with a photobomb of how cute my Mr. is.
Have a great week!
Monster and I on Mother's Day!
"Painting"
Apparently, Sully is bringing the beer...
Takin' a cruise!
Cupcakes are good...
Fun on the farm!
Good morning!
(Funny note: The pics above were taken after I got the new iPhone 5. The quality is amazing. The pics below were still taken with my Droid 3.. I didn't notice how bad the Droid pics were until I saw them next to each other! So glad we upgraded!)
Sully "Planking" Hahahaha!
Sully's Easter basket
Dropping our donations off at Ronald McDonald House!
Family pic after dropping donations off at Children's Hospital.
Courtney
There has been nothing earth shattering going on here; just lots of fun, day to day things.
Sully is the smartest boy ever. I'm pretty sure of that. He will be 18 months old tomorrow.. yep, I have a year and a half year old boy. See, this is what I mean about time. I swear, I was just hurling my brains out, sweating like a beached whale from pregnancy, and now I have an 18 month old. WOW.
Sully is running all over the place and talking so much. The doctors say he has the vocabulary of a 2 1/2 year old.. maybe it's because I yak non-stop too. His favorite thing is to swing open the bathroom door and say, 'Whattaya doin'?" Well, thank goodness I have no dignity anymore.
He is also counting to five, starting to do his ABCs, and he is a dancing machine. Any time there is music, he is shakin' his fanny. I love it.
He loves to help me make dinner, play trucks, yell at our cat, and color. He is getting pretty good with a spoon and fork too. He still makes a mess, but it isn't as disastrous and before. :-)
Robert and I are doing great too. Work is busy as ever. The snow has FINALLY melted and our yard looks vile. We hire out the first yard clean up so it looks like I'm gonna have to call that guy. I can't stand and unkempt yard. We got new living room furniture, which I'm in love with. I hated our old couch and never sat on it, so I'm beyond thrilled to have a new couch and chair, in the color I want, and it is so comfy. Sully likes it too. We're gearing up for a fun filled summer. My parents are back for the summer so there will be many weekend spent with them, riding the golf cart, swimming, shopping, grilling, playing... I'm really looking forward to it.
We're still doing a lot with Project Heart to Heart. It has actually gotten pretty big and we are looking to file a 5013c on it and make it legit. We are helping with a benefit for a little boy from our area who is on the same floor Sully was. He is 3 months old and has had FIVE open heart surgeries and they just put a pacemaker in last week. He has been in the hospital since birth. It just breaks my heart. Cardiac mamas, man, we are tough as nails. The good news is that they took him off the ventilator this weekend after he had been on for 3 weeks, and he smiled at his mama. It was a nice moment. I've been helping get silent auction items and I have been pretty successful! Cross your fingers that the benefit goes smoothly!
Like I said, nothing earth shattering, but like is amazing. I hope you ladies had an amazing Mother's Day. I know I did. I'm so lucky every day that God chose me to be Sully's mom. How cool is that? I must've done something right to get that distinction. :-)
I will end this post with a photobomb of how cute my Mr. is.
Have a great week!
Monster and I on Mother's Day!
"Painting"
Apparently, Sully is bringing the beer...
Takin' a cruise!
Cupcakes are good...
Fun on the farm!
Good morning!
(Funny note: The pics above were taken after I got the new iPhone 5. The quality is amazing. The pics below were still taken with my Droid 3.. I didn't notice how bad the Droid pics were until I saw them next to each other! So glad we upgraded!)
Sully "Planking" Hahahaha!
Sully's Easter basket
Dropping our donations off at Ronald McDonald House!
Family pic after dropping donations off at Children's Hospital.
Courtney
Monday, March 25, 2013
Medical Updates and More!
Morning! I really thought that I had posted prior to this, but I guess I haven't! I have wonderful news to share.
On Tuesday March 12, we had Sully's big cardiac check up. I didn't sleep for the nights leading up to it and I was pingy all morning. I had to have Robert drive. We were checked in and we waited for our names to be called. Sully's cardiologist was just getting in as we were in the waiting room and he stopped by to sneak in a quick hug. He was so excited to see Sully!
We had the echocardiogram first, and then we would talk to Dr. V. There was a patient that was running late so everyone was behind. When the echo tech came in, I recognized her as one of my regulars when I waitressed during summers in my younger days. We were both glad to see each other. Luckily I had downloaded "The Lorax" to my Nook for Sully so we fired that up so he would lay down for the echo. As she started to move the wand around on this chest, I could see her start to make weird faces. Now, this of course made me incredibly paranoid. Her face kept looking strange, and then she got up and said that she had to check with Dr. V. I was in near panic mode, and bracing for the worst. She came back in and said Dr. V wanted a few more pictures.
Afterwards, my anxiety level rising, Sully was toddling around the halls in his diaper and flirting with all the nurses. He ran into an office, and when I went to get him, I realized he had found Dr. V's office! Dr. V picked him up and sat him on his lap and said, "All right Sully, let's review this echo, huh?" We chit chatted for a few minutes while he reviewed the echo images and then said to Sully, 'Well, let's go tell your parents the good news."
We walked down to the room where Robert was waiting, and that's when we heard the news I have been praying that we would hear.
The reason why the tech was looking to funny is because in the report she got prior to doing the echo, it told her to check on Sully's TR Gradient. Essentially, Sully has some leaks and the TR Gradient measures the severity of the leaks. Well, Sully's leaks have miraculously closed up, as has the hole in the top of his heart. There is really no explanation, it has just happened. :-) The tech couldn't find them and was confused.
Also, we were able to STOP THE MEDICATION! For the first time in his entire life, Sully is on ZERO meds. Nada, nothing. In fact, Sully is doing such amazing things, and the surgeries haven't seemed to phase him, they want to use his findings to show other parents that a normal life can happen! CHDs are not the end all of a life. Sully is basically in the 1% of outcomes. He is the exception to the norm, but I already knew that. :-) With the exception on more surgeries to replace the valve when he outgrows them, we are completely "normal." I can't even believe it.
Dr. V hugged us and told us what an amazing job we are doing. I was able to keep myself composed until we got out to the car, and then I totally lost it. I have been praying about this and dreaming about this, and now it is finally a reality. I called our parents and they all cried too. Sully is our little miracle.
Here is a pic of Sully and Dr. V:
Buh Bye medication!
How amazing is that!!???!?!?!?
And for me and my odd belly mass; after a CT scan, and about a billion doctors appointments, we discovered that the mass is a mass of scar tissue from my previous abdominal surgeries. I guess it is rare that the tissue forms a mass, so lo and behold, it happens to me. Long story short, there isn't anything I can do about except for maybe more surgery, but then it would lead to more scar tissue, thus making it moot. Oh well. At least it isn't something worse!
Also, we are bringing the donations to Ronald McDonald House this weekend! I'm so excited! The inaugural event for Project Heart to Heart was great! I'm so proud of our family, friends, and community. When I get a final total, I will let you guys know! Here is a news story that ran in the paper this weekend:
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/262163/group/Budgeteer/
I will leave you with some adorable pics of my favorite, healthy boy!
Picking out desserts with his buddy! (Sully is in the gray)
Getting caught attempting to scale the baby gate..
Playing with his new manly kitchen:
Walking with his Daddy in the snow like a big boy:
Being silly with Bailey cat:
My favorite Easter bunny:
Happy Monday!
Courtney
On Tuesday March 12, we had Sully's big cardiac check up. I didn't sleep for the nights leading up to it and I was pingy all morning. I had to have Robert drive. We were checked in and we waited for our names to be called. Sully's cardiologist was just getting in as we were in the waiting room and he stopped by to sneak in a quick hug. He was so excited to see Sully!
We had the echocardiogram first, and then we would talk to Dr. V. There was a patient that was running late so everyone was behind. When the echo tech came in, I recognized her as one of my regulars when I waitressed during summers in my younger days. We were both glad to see each other. Luckily I had downloaded "The Lorax" to my Nook for Sully so we fired that up so he would lay down for the echo. As she started to move the wand around on this chest, I could see her start to make weird faces. Now, this of course made me incredibly paranoid. Her face kept looking strange, and then she got up and said that she had to check with Dr. V. I was in near panic mode, and bracing for the worst. She came back in and said Dr. V wanted a few more pictures.
Afterwards, my anxiety level rising, Sully was toddling around the halls in his diaper and flirting with all the nurses. He ran into an office, and when I went to get him, I realized he had found Dr. V's office! Dr. V picked him up and sat him on his lap and said, "All right Sully, let's review this echo, huh?" We chit chatted for a few minutes while he reviewed the echo images and then said to Sully, 'Well, let's go tell your parents the good news."
We walked down to the room where Robert was waiting, and that's when we heard the news I have been praying that we would hear.
The reason why the tech was looking to funny is because in the report she got prior to doing the echo, it told her to check on Sully's TR Gradient. Essentially, Sully has some leaks and the TR Gradient measures the severity of the leaks. Well, Sully's leaks have miraculously closed up, as has the hole in the top of his heart. There is really no explanation, it has just happened. :-) The tech couldn't find them and was confused.
Also, we were able to STOP THE MEDICATION! For the first time in his entire life, Sully is on ZERO meds. Nada, nothing. In fact, Sully is doing such amazing things, and the surgeries haven't seemed to phase him, they want to use his findings to show other parents that a normal life can happen! CHDs are not the end all of a life. Sully is basically in the 1% of outcomes. He is the exception to the norm, but I already knew that. :-) With the exception on more surgeries to replace the valve when he outgrows them, we are completely "normal." I can't even believe it.
Dr. V hugged us and told us what an amazing job we are doing. I was able to keep myself composed until we got out to the car, and then I totally lost it. I have been praying about this and dreaming about this, and now it is finally a reality. I called our parents and they all cried too. Sully is our little miracle.
Here is a pic of Sully and Dr. V:
Buh Bye medication!
How amazing is that!!???!?!?!?
And for me and my odd belly mass; after a CT scan, and about a billion doctors appointments, we discovered that the mass is a mass of scar tissue from my previous abdominal surgeries. I guess it is rare that the tissue forms a mass, so lo and behold, it happens to me. Long story short, there isn't anything I can do about except for maybe more surgery, but then it would lead to more scar tissue, thus making it moot. Oh well. At least it isn't something worse!
Also, we are bringing the donations to Ronald McDonald House this weekend! I'm so excited! The inaugural event for Project Heart to Heart was great! I'm so proud of our family, friends, and community. When I get a final total, I will let you guys know! Here is a news story that ran in the paper this weekend:
http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/262163/group/Budgeteer/
I will leave you with some adorable pics of my favorite, healthy boy!
Picking out desserts with his buddy! (Sully is in the gray)
Getting caught attempting to scale the baby gate..
Playing with his new manly kitchen:
Walking with his Daddy in the snow like a big boy:
Being silly with Bailey cat:
My favorite Easter bunny:
Happy Monday!
Courtney
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Random thoughts from a brain that is fried
There has been so much going on that my brain has been feeling completely fried. I find myself thinking about the most random things. I figured I would share those with you guys so you can ponder the same weird crap that I do.
Enjoy!
1. The TV show 'My Strange Addiction' really freaks me out. I just want to know how someone thinks that drinking nail posh, or noshing on a loved one's cremains is an OK idea. Never once has something like that ever crossed my mind. I don't do laundry and think, "Man, I'm starving. I should eat some of this detergent." I mean, SERIOUSLY.
2. The Shaun White debacle. Recently, snowboarder Shaun White has come under fire from the CHD (congenital heart defect) community. Shaun White has Tetroloy of Fallot, which Sully also has. Shaun has had open heart surgeries and really hasn't let his CHD slow him down. I think that's so amazing. Shaun White has been featured in a commercial for St. Jude's; some CHD parents and supporters are FURIOUS. They think that because Shaun has a CHD, that should be, apparently, his one and only cause. How dare he help kids with cancer? ::insert eye roll here:: Don't get me wrong, I am a cardiac mom through and through, but, would you want to be just known as the "heart kid?" Or known because you have a CHD, not because you are a stellar athlete? I wouldn't want that. As I have said before, I don't want Sully to be know as "that kid with the heart problems." And bravo to Shaun White for not letting that be his reason for being known.
3. I'm obsessed with watching 'One Tree Hill' reruns on Netflix. It is one of my all time favorite shows, and I really think that James Lafferty a.k.a Nathan Scott, is my dream guy and I was supposed to live in Tree Hill.
4. I wish I could give people on Facebook a grammar lesson. The amount of times that your/you're are used incorrectly just amazes me.
5. Speaking of Facebook, I really hate when people share a billion cutesy pics and jokes and random other things. It really clutters up my news feed and slows down my ability to Facebook creep.
6. I am so excited for Easter! Any excuse to give Sully presents is OK in my book. I ordered some new Bubble Guppies books and bath toys from Amazon and we are going to get him a big bag of veggie straws and some cookies. He will love it. I'm already working on his clues. :-)
7. How do people eat french fries without ketchup? I have seen it twice this week and I just don't know how it's done. Ketchup is in my top 5 favorite food items, so it blows my mind when others don't appreciate its deliciousness.
8. There are way too many 'social networking' sites. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram, Formspring, LinkedIn, and a bunch of other ones that I can't even think of now. I think someone would need to make it their full time job to actually be up to date on all these sites. I do currently Facebook (I am an FB addict), Instagram, and have a Twitter. I have pretty much let Twitter fall to the wayside and use it to catch people that I know doing shady things, but I do enjoy this Instagram business. I like to look at the cool pics and I love tweaking all the adorable pics of my Sully Monster.
9. This has got to be the most random post ever... hahah.
10. Due to my love of completely worthless morning TV, I will leave you with a joke, courtesy of Michelle Tanner:
Q: What is a frog's favorite drink?
A: Croak-a-Cola!
... that was lame, but you know you laughed.... :-)
Happy Thursday!
Courtney
Enjoy!
1. The TV show 'My Strange Addiction' really freaks me out. I just want to know how someone thinks that drinking nail posh, or noshing on a loved one's cremains is an OK idea. Never once has something like that ever crossed my mind. I don't do laundry and think, "Man, I'm starving. I should eat some of this detergent." I mean, SERIOUSLY.
2. The Shaun White debacle. Recently, snowboarder Shaun White has come under fire from the CHD (congenital heart defect) community. Shaun White has Tetroloy of Fallot, which Sully also has. Shaun has had open heart surgeries and really hasn't let his CHD slow him down. I think that's so amazing. Shaun White has been featured in a commercial for St. Jude's; some CHD parents and supporters are FURIOUS. They think that because Shaun has a CHD, that should be, apparently, his one and only cause. How dare he help kids with cancer? ::insert eye roll here:: Don't get me wrong, I am a cardiac mom through and through, but, would you want to be just known as the "heart kid?" Or known because you have a CHD, not because you are a stellar athlete? I wouldn't want that. As I have said before, I don't want Sully to be know as "that kid with the heart problems." And bravo to Shaun White for not letting that be his reason for being known.
3. I'm obsessed with watching 'One Tree Hill' reruns on Netflix. It is one of my all time favorite shows, and I really think that James Lafferty a.k.a Nathan Scott, is my dream guy and I was supposed to live in Tree Hill.
4. I wish I could give people on Facebook a grammar lesson. The amount of times that your/you're are used incorrectly just amazes me.
5. Speaking of Facebook, I really hate when people share a billion cutesy pics and jokes and random other things. It really clutters up my news feed and slows down my ability to Facebook creep.
6. I am so excited for Easter! Any excuse to give Sully presents is OK in my book. I ordered some new Bubble Guppies books and bath toys from Amazon and we are going to get him a big bag of veggie straws and some cookies. He will love it. I'm already working on his clues. :-)
7. How do people eat french fries without ketchup? I have seen it twice this week and I just don't know how it's done. Ketchup is in my top 5 favorite food items, so it blows my mind when others don't appreciate its deliciousness.
8. There are way too many 'social networking' sites. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram, Formspring, LinkedIn, and a bunch of other ones that I can't even think of now. I think someone would need to make it their full time job to actually be up to date on all these sites. I do currently Facebook (I am an FB addict), Instagram, and have a Twitter. I have pretty much let Twitter fall to the wayside and use it to catch people that I know doing shady things, but I do enjoy this Instagram business. I like to look at the cool pics and I love tweaking all the adorable pics of my Sully Monster.
9. This has got to be the most random post ever... hahah.
10. Due to my love of completely worthless morning TV, I will leave you with a joke, courtesy of Michelle Tanner:
Q: What is a frog's favorite drink?
A: Croak-a-Cola!
... that was lame, but you know you laughed.... :-)
Happy Thursday!
Courtney
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Things I want Sully to Know
I got this idea from another blogger, and it I thought it was such a good idea. She wrote a post about things she wanted her daughter to know; kind of like life lessons. My dad has been drilling life lessons into my head for 18 years, so it seems only fitting. There are a million things you want to teach your child, but there are those core morals and ideals you want your child to know.
Recently, I have been completely choked up and in disbelief about how fast Sully is growing up. He is so smart and I never tire of people stopping me to tell me how handsome he is. I can't believe how amazingly well behaved and advanced he is, considering how we all started out. He blows me away with his sheer awesomeness. I want to make sure that I am the best parent he could hope for. I want him to be able to look back on his childhood and feel like it was fantastic.
So, my stellar son, these are some things I want you to know.
Work Hard - Nothing in life is free, and not a whole lot comes easy. You will never get where you need to be without going for it. No one got anywhere while resting on their laurels.
Steer your own life - Don't let anyone else paddle your canoe. Put your oar in the water and take control.
Never be ashamed of your scars - They just mean that you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Don't let your heart condition determine your existence- You aren't just "the kid with the heart condition." You are Sullivan James. Comedian. Heartbreaker. Best friend. Expert walker. Bubble Guppies lover. You are more than the kid with the faulty valve.
You will do great things some day - I know in my heart that you will do great things in this world, and I promise to be there for you every step of the way.
I will love you unconditionally, even when I'm mad at you - I know I can't stop the teen years from coming, or the terrible twos, but I want you to know that no matter how mad you and I may get at each other in the coming years and decades, I love you always. In fact, you will never know exactly how much I love you, because I love you so much that it cannot even be put into words.
Be kind, respectful, and polite - A wise man once told me, "I will love you always, but I want everyone else to love you." Being nice will always get you further than being a jerk.
Dear Sullivan,
I am sitting here writing this post on a break from work, and it makes me miss you. I know you are playing at daycare and having fun with your friends, but man! I just wanna play with you all the time. I just love you so much. You are my absolute dream come true. You are your daddy are more than anything I could have hoped for. I love watching you play, and laugh, and make silly faces, and explore this great, big world we live in. You are the joy of our lives and we adore you.
We are so proud at what an awesome kid you are and Daddy and I love going places and everyone can't help but compliment us on how handsome and good you are. I love that you love being around people, and reading books, but I especially love that you are already so into music. I love that you sit in your car seat and "sing" along. That warms my heart.
I can't believe how fast time is flying by, and I'm so glad that I cherish every minute so I can look back and not regret anything. In two weeks, you will already be 16 months. Wow. :-)
I love you so much, Monster Bear. I can't for 4:30 to come so I can pick you up and give you a million kisses!
I love you 24,
Mama
Recently, I have been completely choked up and in disbelief about how fast Sully is growing up. He is so smart and I never tire of people stopping me to tell me how handsome he is. I can't believe how amazingly well behaved and advanced he is, considering how we all started out. He blows me away with his sheer awesomeness. I want to make sure that I am the best parent he could hope for. I want him to be able to look back on his childhood and feel like it was fantastic.
So, my stellar son, these are some things I want you to know.
Work Hard - Nothing in life is free, and not a whole lot comes easy. You will never get where you need to be without going for it. No one got anywhere while resting on their laurels.
Steer your own life - Don't let anyone else paddle your canoe. Put your oar in the water and take control.
Never be ashamed of your scars - They just mean that you were stronger than whatever tried to hurt you.
Don't let your heart condition determine your existence- You aren't just "the kid with the heart condition." You are Sullivan James. Comedian. Heartbreaker. Best friend. Expert walker. Bubble Guppies lover. You are more than the kid with the faulty valve.
You will do great things some day - I know in my heart that you will do great things in this world, and I promise to be there for you every step of the way.
I will love you unconditionally, even when I'm mad at you - I know I can't stop the teen years from coming, or the terrible twos, but I want you to know that no matter how mad you and I may get at each other in the coming years and decades, I love you always. In fact, you will never know exactly how much I love you, because I love you so much that it cannot even be put into words.
Be kind, respectful, and polite - A wise man once told me, "I will love you always, but I want everyone else to love you." Being nice will always get you further than being a jerk.
Dear Sullivan,
I am sitting here writing this post on a break from work, and it makes me miss you. I know you are playing at daycare and having fun with your friends, but man! I just wanna play with you all the time. I just love you so much. You are my absolute dream come true. You are your daddy are more than anything I could have hoped for. I love watching you play, and laugh, and make silly faces, and explore this great, big world we live in. You are the joy of our lives and we adore you.
We are so proud at what an awesome kid you are and Daddy and I love going places and everyone can't help but compliment us on how handsome and good you are. I love that you love being around people, and reading books, but I especially love that you are already so into music. I love that you sit in your car seat and "sing" along. That warms my heart.
I can't believe how fast time is flying by, and I'm so glad that I cherish every minute so I can look back and not regret anything. In two weeks, you will already be 16 months. Wow. :-)
I love you so much, Monster Bear. I can't for 4:30 to come so I can pick you up and give you a million kisses!
I love you 24,
Mama
Monday, February 25, 2013
Things we have been up to.
Has it really been an entire month since I have posted? Wow. I swear, time is in hyperdrive and I am getting whiplash from it screaming by me.
I have debated about blogging about this for a few weeks now, but I guess I should throw it out there. As you all know, when Sully had both surgeries, we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House inside Children's hospital. It was so nice to be able to have a bed to sleep in, and our own shower, all without having to leave the hospital. I will be forever grateful for them.
In between Sully's 1st and 2nd surgeries, we collected pop tabs for RMH and we were able to bring them down when we went there for his 2nd surgery. We ended up collecting a whopping 3 garbage bags full! We were so excited about that so it got us thinking: What more could we do?
After the holidays were over, Robert and I decided to do another fundraising drive for RMH. We called it Project Heart to Heart. What I thought was going to be a small thing with our friends and family, it quickly erupted into a GIANT fundraiser, and Robert and I were chosen as people making a difference in our community and our local TV station even did a story on us! It was so awesome! Even the local postal workers union donated the use of a PO Box for us. It has been great. We are collecting Target gift cards, items from RMH's wish list, checks, and brand new stuffed animals.
The response has been outstanding! I am overwhelmed by it all, and I feel so proud. We have gotten letters from Ohio, Kansas, and all over with donations and thank yous. It really brings tears to my eyes.
We hope to bring all the donations in mid-March.
If you are interested in donating (please don't feel obligated,) but here are some links:
Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest
www.rmhc-um.org
The Facebook event page for Project Heart to Heart
http://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=project%20heart%20to%20heart&init=quick&tas=0.487071148349588&search_first_focus=1361810166278#!/events/559093120785128/?fref=ts
or this one
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/559093120785128/
The link to our news story
http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/lifestyle/making-a-difference/Making-a-Difference-The-Kile-Family-190323171.html
The PO Box for Project Heart to Heart
Project Heart to Heart
P.O. Box 161171
Duluth, MN 55816
Well, there it is. The cat is outta the bag.
In other news, I have had a large stomach ever since Sully was born. Now, let me also say that I am not delusional and think I am a thin person, but you can actually see the top of my stomach protruding in the video and it ain't pretty. Robert finally convinced me to go get it looked at. I went in on Tuesday and I have some sort of stomach mass. Now, my doc doesn't think it is anything serious or cancerous because she is able to move it so freely, but I am going back in on March 12 for a couple scans and an ultrasound. She thinks it is a fibroid because I never really healed from my C-Section. (Surprise open heart surgeries tend to throw a wrench in one's plans to lay around all day.)
I'm not super nervous, but there is always that thought in the back of your head that what if it is something bad? That makes me slightly anxious. The plan for now is to see what it is, and see the size and probably remove it laproscopically. Sully also his his big cardiac follow up appointment that morning so it looks like March 12 will be a big day for everyone. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, ok? We really want to be able to stop the one medicine that Sully is on. He hates the taste and I just want it to be done.
Other than that, we have just been living life and hanging out. Sully is so smart! Here is a little recap for ya:
Sully is:
1. Walking and running all over the place. I think he may be a track star or something.
2. He is eating like a horse. I swear, this kid has a hollow leg. He finally has reached 20lbs! Woohoo! I'm shocked it hasn't happened sooner because he eats like he's going to the chair. His favorite foods are, Cuties, bananas, peas, squash, whole grain waffles, jelly sandwiches, turkey, Teddy Grams, baby Goldfish crackers, veggie straws, Annie's White Cheddar Shells, and pretty much anything else.
3. He is talking like a 3 year old. Sully has been talking since he was 8 months old and every day he learns for words. His favorite word by far is cookie. The other morning in the bath, we were going over what animals said and when I got to dog, he said that dogs say cookie... oh jeeze.
4. He loves to color.
5. Sully loves to read. We downloaded some Pete the Cat books on my Nook and preordered the new one coming out tomorrow, so I am excited for bedtime! :-) He also loves to read his bible at night, which I love.
6. He is super social. He had his 1st friend birthday party yesterday. Sully has a big, happy personality so he was hamming it up for all the guests yesterday.
7. He is an AWESOME sleeper! Generally 11-12 hours a night. It is fantastic.
8. He is a great kid. I know all parents say that, but it is the God's truth for my Sully bear. He is well behaved, polite, funny, and has maybe throw 4 tantrums in his whole life. I just love this kid!
9. He says please and thank you without prompts. Proud Mama over here.
10. He still loves the Bubble Guppies, but we have recently discovered Chuggington, and he is a fan. I turn it on while I am finishing my make up in the morning and he says, "CHOO CHOO!"
I guess I will leave some pics:
First hair cut!
Thanks Steve!
Face paint mustache at fun day at the museum!
He looks so handsome with his new hair!!
New Elmo!
Fork Lessons
I have awesome Valentines. :-)
Target is exhausting....
Good morning!
"Helping" with laundry
Love of my life. :-)
Hope you all have a great week!!!
Courtney
I have debated about blogging about this for a few weeks now, but I guess I should throw it out there. As you all know, when Sully had both surgeries, we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House inside Children's hospital. It was so nice to be able to have a bed to sleep in, and our own shower, all without having to leave the hospital. I will be forever grateful for them.
In between Sully's 1st and 2nd surgeries, we collected pop tabs for RMH and we were able to bring them down when we went there for his 2nd surgery. We ended up collecting a whopping 3 garbage bags full! We were so excited about that so it got us thinking: What more could we do?
After the holidays were over, Robert and I decided to do another fundraising drive for RMH. We called it Project Heart to Heart. What I thought was going to be a small thing with our friends and family, it quickly erupted into a GIANT fundraiser, and Robert and I were chosen as people making a difference in our community and our local TV station even did a story on us! It was so awesome! Even the local postal workers union donated the use of a PO Box for us. It has been great. We are collecting Target gift cards, items from RMH's wish list, checks, and brand new stuffed animals.
The response has been outstanding! I am overwhelmed by it all, and I feel so proud. We have gotten letters from Ohio, Kansas, and all over with donations and thank yous. It really brings tears to my eyes.
We hope to bring all the donations in mid-March.
If you are interested in donating (please don't feel obligated,) but here are some links:
Ronald McDonald House Upper Midwest
www.rmhc-um.org
The Facebook event page for Project Heart to Heart
http://www.facebook.com/search/results.php?q=project%20heart%20to%20heart&init=quick&tas=0.487071148349588&search_first_focus=1361810166278#!/events/559093120785128/?fref=ts
or this one
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/events/559093120785128/
The link to our news story
http://www.northlandsnewscenter.com/lifestyle/making-a-difference/Making-a-Difference-The-Kile-Family-190323171.html
The PO Box for Project Heart to Heart
Project Heart to Heart
P.O. Box 161171
Duluth, MN 55816
Well, there it is. The cat is outta the bag.
In other news, I have had a large stomach ever since Sully was born. Now, let me also say that I am not delusional and think I am a thin person, but you can actually see the top of my stomach protruding in the video and it ain't pretty. Robert finally convinced me to go get it looked at. I went in on Tuesday and I have some sort of stomach mass. Now, my doc doesn't think it is anything serious or cancerous because she is able to move it so freely, but I am going back in on March 12 for a couple scans and an ultrasound. She thinks it is a fibroid because I never really healed from my C-Section. (Surprise open heart surgeries tend to throw a wrench in one's plans to lay around all day.)
I'm not super nervous, but there is always that thought in the back of your head that what if it is something bad? That makes me slightly anxious. The plan for now is to see what it is, and see the size and probably remove it laproscopically. Sully also his his big cardiac follow up appointment that morning so it looks like March 12 will be a big day for everyone. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers, ok? We really want to be able to stop the one medicine that Sully is on. He hates the taste and I just want it to be done.
Other than that, we have just been living life and hanging out. Sully is so smart! Here is a little recap for ya:
Sully is:
1. Walking and running all over the place. I think he may be a track star or something.
2. He is eating like a horse. I swear, this kid has a hollow leg. He finally has reached 20lbs! Woohoo! I'm shocked it hasn't happened sooner because he eats like he's going to the chair. His favorite foods are, Cuties, bananas, peas, squash, whole grain waffles, jelly sandwiches, turkey, Teddy Grams, baby Goldfish crackers, veggie straws, Annie's White Cheddar Shells, and pretty much anything else.
3. He is talking like a 3 year old. Sully has been talking since he was 8 months old and every day he learns for words. His favorite word by far is cookie. The other morning in the bath, we were going over what animals said and when I got to dog, he said that dogs say cookie... oh jeeze.
4. He loves to color.
5. Sully loves to read. We downloaded some Pete the Cat books on my Nook and preordered the new one coming out tomorrow, so I am excited for bedtime! :-) He also loves to read his bible at night, which I love.
6. He is super social. He had his 1st friend birthday party yesterday. Sully has a big, happy personality so he was hamming it up for all the guests yesterday.
7. He is an AWESOME sleeper! Generally 11-12 hours a night. It is fantastic.
8. He is a great kid. I know all parents say that, but it is the God's truth for my Sully bear. He is well behaved, polite, funny, and has maybe throw 4 tantrums in his whole life. I just love this kid!
9. He says please and thank you without prompts. Proud Mama over here.
10. He still loves the Bubble Guppies, but we have recently discovered Chuggington, and he is a fan. I turn it on while I am finishing my make up in the morning and he says, "CHOO CHOO!"
I guess I will leave some pics:
First hair cut!
Thanks Steve!
Face paint mustache at fun day at the museum!
He looks so handsome with his new hair!!
New Elmo!
Fork Lessons
I have awesome Valentines. :-)
Target is exhausting....
Good morning!
"Helping" with laundry
Love of my life. :-)
Hope you all have a great week!!!
Courtney
Thursday, January 31, 2013
A club
I haven't been the diligent blogger I wish I was, but I am trying. Life always gets going and we get caught in the swirl. Though I have tons of things I was to write about, talk about, share, I often have trouble getting them to come out in cohesive sentences.
One thing that has been on my mind lately is my other blog ladies. Ya know, we all came here, looking for comfort and a place to vent about why in the H - E- Double Hockey Sticks our bodies and uteruses wouldn't cooperate with us. We were scared/hopeful/beaten down/sad/mad/tired/frustrated/hurt. Luck for us, we found a whole group and support system in each other.
We have cheered the good times, and stuck together in the bad times. We've prayed, cried, laughed, yelled, cheered, encouraged, and rooted on our fellow IF sisters. I know that I have compulsively checked blogs when I knew one of my girls was having a big appointment, or waiting for news. Then when the webpage opens and you see that awesome news you were hoping to see, you feel that rush of happiness and excitement, just like with a "real" friend.
It seems so funny to think that we are all so vested in each other and, I feel, that we genuinely care about what is happening to the other one, yet, we will probably never even meet. Our kids won't play together, we won't grab a coffee, but still, there is that deep rooted sense of camaraderie that I don't know that anyone else could provide. It is intensely comforting to know that someone has your back. Everyone in our lives tells us, "I know how you feel." It is almost a robotic response that must be programmed into people, but to have a group of women that can say, "I actually know EXACTLY how you feel," is something that I never take for granted.
We have kind of formed this little "club" of sorts. I mean, let's face it, no one really wants to join this club, but if Mother Nature forces someone to join our ranks, at least we have each other, right?
I don't really know what prompted this lovefest of a post, but I think I am feeling so grateful. One of the blogs I follow is Heather. I have followed her for a while and she is just awesome. She was really encouraging during Sully's surgeries, and she herself has a pretty handsome little guy. Last week, she blogged about another If-er named Bridget. Bridget had just given birth to a wonderful little boy and shortly after his birth, they discovered he had an internal hernia of sorts (I am blanking on the medical terminology) but there was a hole in his diaphragm and part of his bowels were in his abdominal area. It is treatable with surgery, but he had to be taken to a Children's hospital and have surgery at only a couple days old. Deja Vu right?! Reading this, all the feelings from Sully's life flight and his surgeries came flooding back. After finding so much solace in others, it was MY turn to be able to say, "I know EXACTLY how you feel." To simply say that something like that is terrifying, would be the understatement of the year. Handing your child off to a group of doctors, knowing they are going to cut his tiny little body, it the worst feeling in the world.
I am happy to report that little baby Gavin went through surgery like a champ and is recuperating nicely. Kids are so resilient. Really. They can bounce back a million times better than adults.
I also follow a blogger named Katharine. I swear, I watch her posts like a hawk! Haha! Katharine has been TTC and then TTCAL for years now. She did the IUI and clomid and everything else. In November, she prepped for her first IVF. The docs implanted 3 embabies, and after getting a BFP, they were excited!
A few days later at her beta recheck, she was told her betas were not doubling, and to prepare for yet another miscarriage. When she posted about it, my heart broke right along with her. I'll admit it, I cried. I felt so terrible and I knew how she felt. I know that pang and yearning for a baby. Those thoughts that consume your every minute. I remember feeling so badly. Then, a miracle came.
A few days later, she went to the doctor to have more blood work, they pulled a Beta, and BAM. They had more than doubled! Apparently, 2 of the embabies had attached, and one had not stayed attached, but there was one embaby still hanging on! It is nothing short of miraculous. Katharine is now 14 weeks 1 day and I am so excited for that I can barely stand it. She had an appt with and MFM and they had an ultrasound. They got to see the little bambino swimming around, and sucking her thumb. Oh, Her? Did I say, "her?" Yep, the doc was able to see that Katharine's little offspring didn't appear to be growing any family jewels, so they are fairly certain that they will be having a lot of pink in their future. :-) I can't wait to see this little one!
While I am showing love to my ladies, I wanna say a big congratulations to Valerie on the birth of her newest hatchling! Baby CeCe was born January 25, 2013 weighing a very healthy 11 lbs 1 oz! Woohoo! Welcome to the world CeCe!
We got another gal, our SAHA (Stay at Home Attorney), who has been battling massive sleep issues with her daughter, E. Anyone have advice or ideas? They are trying to sleep train and E is quite the little stinker.
I guess all I am trying to say is that I appreciate and am grateful for all of you. When you cry, we cry. When you have joy, we feel that joy for you. You will always have someone here, and I just want you to know that.
I await your posts. :-)
Thoughts, prayers, and good vibes,
CourtneyAnna
One thing that has been on my mind lately is my other blog ladies. Ya know, we all came here, looking for comfort and a place to vent about why in the H - E- Double Hockey Sticks our bodies and uteruses wouldn't cooperate with us. We were scared/hopeful/beaten down/sad/mad/tired/frustrated/hurt. Luck for us, we found a whole group and support system in each other.
We have cheered the good times, and stuck together in the bad times. We've prayed, cried, laughed, yelled, cheered, encouraged, and rooted on our fellow IF sisters. I know that I have compulsively checked blogs when I knew one of my girls was having a big appointment, or waiting for news. Then when the webpage opens and you see that awesome news you were hoping to see, you feel that rush of happiness and excitement, just like with a "real" friend.
It seems so funny to think that we are all so vested in each other and, I feel, that we genuinely care about what is happening to the other one, yet, we will probably never even meet. Our kids won't play together, we won't grab a coffee, but still, there is that deep rooted sense of camaraderie that I don't know that anyone else could provide. It is intensely comforting to know that someone has your back. Everyone in our lives tells us, "I know how you feel." It is almost a robotic response that must be programmed into people, but to have a group of women that can say, "I actually know EXACTLY how you feel," is something that I never take for granted.
We have kind of formed this little "club" of sorts. I mean, let's face it, no one really wants to join this club, but if Mother Nature forces someone to join our ranks, at least we have each other, right?
I don't really know what prompted this lovefest of a post, but I think I am feeling so grateful. One of the blogs I follow is Heather. I have followed her for a while and she is just awesome. She was really encouraging during Sully's surgeries, and she herself has a pretty handsome little guy. Last week, she blogged about another If-er named Bridget. Bridget had just given birth to a wonderful little boy and shortly after his birth, they discovered he had an internal hernia of sorts (I am blanking on the medical terminology) but there was a hole in his diaphragm and part of his bowels were in his abdominal area. It is treatable with surgery, but he had to be taken to a Children's hospital and have surgery at only a couple days old. Deja Vu right?! Reading this, all the feelings from Sully's life flight and his surgeries came flooding back. After finding so much solace in others, it was MY turn to be able to say, "I know EXACTLY how you feel." To simply say that something like that is terrifying, would be the understatement of the year. Handing your child off to a group of doctors, knowing they are going to cut his tiny little body, it the worst feeling in the world.
I am happy to report that little baby Gavin went through surgery like a champ and is recuperating nicely. Kids are so resilient. Really. They can bounce back a million times better than adults.
I also follow a blogger named Katharine. I swear, I watch her posts like a hawk! Haha! Katharine has been TTC and then TTCAL for years now. She did the IUI and clomid and everything else. In November, she prepped for her first IVF. The docs implanted 3 embabies, and after getting a BFP, they were excited!
A few days later at her beta recheck, she was told her betas were not doubling, and to prepare for yet another miscarriage. When she posted about it, my heart broke right along with her. I'll admit it, I cried. I felt so terrible and I knew how she felt. I know that pang and yearning for a baby. Those thoughts that consume your every minute. I remember feeling so badly. Then, a miracle came.
A few days later, she went to the doctor to have more blood work, they pulled a Beta, and BAM. They had more than doubled! Apparently, 2 of the embabies had attached, and one had not stayed attached, but there was one embaby still hanging on! It is nothing short of miraculous. Katharine is now 14 weeks 1 day and I am so excited for that I can barely stand it. She had an appt with and MFM and they had an ultrasound. They got to see the little bambino swimming around, and sucking her thumb. Oh, Her? Did I say, "her?" Yep, the doc was able to see that Katharine's little offspring didn't appear to be growing any family jewels, so they are fairly certain that they will be having a lot of pink in their future. :-) I can't wait to see this little one!
While I am showing love to my ladies, I wanna say a big congratulations to Valerie on the birth of her newest hatchling! Baby CeCe was born January 25, 2013 weighing a very healthy 11 lbs 1 oz! Woohoo! Welcome to the world CeCe!
We got another gal, our SAHA (Stay at Home Attorney), who has been battling massive sleep issues with her daughter, E. Anyone have advice or ideas? They are trying to sleep train and E is quite the little stinker.
I guess all I am trying to say is that I appreciate and am grateful for all of you. When you cry, we cry. When you have joy, we feel that joy for you. You will always have someone here, and I just want you to know that.
I await your posts. :-)
Thoughts, prayers, and good vibes,
CourtneyAnna
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Thermometer says whaaaa??
Currently in my city, there is a standing temperature of -26 and with the added windchill, it feels like it is -43.
Yes.. that is truly the temp. This is insanity. I sat at my desk with slippers and a blanket. Our area even made CNN and the Today show because everyone is shocked at how nipple tighteningly cold it is here.
I wasn't excited about bundling up and heading off to work today:
BRRR!~
Happy Tuesday Peeps!
Oh, and I am sending lots of positive vibes to our bloggy buddyy H, who is having sleep issues with her little bundle of joy, and giant high fives to K who is growing baby ART like a champ! Woot!
Yes.. that is truly the temp. This is insanity. I sat at my desk with slippers and a blanket. Our area even made CNN and the Today show because everyone is shocked at how nipple tighteningly cold it is here.
I wasn't excited about bundling up and heading off to work today:
BRRR!~
Happy Tuesday Peeps!
Oh, and I am sending lots of positive vibes to our bloggy buddyy H, who is having sleep issues with her little bundle of joy, and giant high fives to K who is growing baby ART like a champ! Woot!
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Sully's One Year Pictures - Photo Bomb
Morning!
I finally got Sully's one year pics uploaded and they are too cute not to share! Enjoy!
Courtney
.
I finally got Sully's one year pics uploaded and they are too cute not to share! Enjoy!
Courtney
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