When Worlds Collide

I've mentioned my friend Tiffanie a few times on here --- and perhaps some of you have seen me link up with her "Product of the Week" party on Thursdays. What you may not have known is we have never met in "real life". We've followed each other's stories, commented on our respective blogs, and sent emails. It's always a trip to meet someone outside this virtual world, someone you feel like you absolutely know, and a family you actually passionately care about.

Long story short (and you can read more about P's story on Tiffanie's blog), her son was diagnosed in utero with a very severe heart condition. Actually, so complicated and severe that they didn't know if he would survive birth, much less the very serious surgery that would soon follow. But God had BIG plans for this little man and he not only survived, but has absolutely thrived. He is a walking, talking, heart baby miracle.

So this is where the small worlds come into play --- my good friend Katie (who yes, I've mentioned here too before) went to high school with Tiffanie's husband. So she knew about their story and shared with me. And then as luck (or God) would have it, Katie's friend from college Lisa (who I connected with the same way & eventually met as well last year), was also at TCH with HER son, Field, having surgery the same day as little P. So I had the privilege of praying for these two very special families at the same time. And Tiffanie & Lisa got to meet and keep in touch. Then when it was our turn for surgery, all of these families in turn rallied and prayed for Quinn. Kinda amazing. No, actually really amazing. I love how God works.(And does any of that make sense??? ha)

Matt couldn't understand why I was a little nervous to meet Tiffanie, Mr. Gherkin (as she calls her hubby), and P. But there's this little safety in our blogging world --- and my stupid insecurities led me to wonder if she would like me outside just reading our stories, would we get along, how would our husbands like each other, etc, etc. I know, kinda stupid and a little "high school" for someone who's 32!

But I was also super excited to finally get to hug her and her sweet little miracle. Which I finally did last night. And all of my worries were wiped away almost instantly. Tiffanie is as warm, sincere, cute, and funny as she is on her blog. Her husband is such a nice guy and had a lot in common with Matt. And P, well, I just wanted to squeeze him all night (he didn't really want me to though!). He was just too precious.

And there was a moment last night when we were all just sitting around on a beautiful Houston night, sipping our drinks and eating delicious food, and watching all of our miracle kids play together - and I was just almost brought to tears. I never expected this journey and roller coaster we've been on, but it has brought some great blessings into our lives. Forever grateful for those.

And as is forever the case in our house as we rush out the door late with babies, booster seats, and food in tow, we forgot our camera. So I'm stealing this picture of P&Q that Tiffanie took. Quinn likes the younger men too apparently : ) At least she didn't try to kiss him too many times. Oh, that crazy daughter of mine.

Thanks, Tiffanie & co, for a great night and meeting up with us. We so enjoyed it and look forward to hanging out again. And to Katie, for always being the best hostess and terrific friend. Her house feels like home to me --- probably because Matt and I spent more than a few nights there during Q's surgery process : ) Love to you all!

Peace Out, TCH - At least for 6 months...

Today was Quinn's follow up cardiology appointment and our first meeting with our new cardiologist. All week, it has been in the back of my mind --- and although I really felt like she was doing well, these heart babies can be tricky and many times, you can't tell if they are starting to have problems. This morning I was my typical bundle of nerves and spent a good part of it in prayer. You just never know...

Well, it could not have gone better.

It was the full-scale work up, EKG, chest xray, blood pressure, weight, echo, the whole kit and caboodle. And Quinn could have not have been better through it all. She handled EVERYTHING like a champ. Oh, and did I mention that our new cardiologist (still affiliated with TCH) has an office only 20 minutes from our house with FREE PARKING AND NO MED CENTER TRAFFIC? Can I get an amen???

Anyway, here's the scoop - pulse ox levels are still great in the 98-100s. Perfect.

Her echo is what they would expect to see with someone with Q's condition and particular defect. Her right ventricle, which was quite "stiff" as they call it following surgery, is now pumping much better and is "happier". Her Pulmonary Valve is still bad and will require intervention at some point. However, Dr. R predicts it could be mid-to-late teenage years before we need to do anything, although it's not a perfect science. And by then, who know what technology will be? It could be an outpatient catheter procedure vs another open heart surgery.

Another two areas they will keep an eye on is the narrowing of her pulmonary artery and her aorta (left side). Right now they are functioning well for her size but they will have to keep an eye on them to see if they grow and widen as she does. If they don't (and there's a good chance they won't), then those will require intervention through catheter where they go in and place a stent to open up those vessels. Again, it's a watch and wait thing. But to hear that can be corrected via catheter is music to my ears. And she doesn't expect that anything needs to be done anytime soon for those areas.

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our new cardiologist - she is incredibly down to earth, wants to be called by her first name, old enough to be "seasoned" but young enough to be on top of new developments. Not part of the old school for sure. And she was as excellent with Quinn as she was with me, explaining things to me in ways I could actually comprehend and visualize. Always key.

Blessed, blessed, blessed beyond measure. We are acutely aware that there are so many other children who do not have such fortunate outcomes. And yes, we have walked through the fires too, but to be able to come out on the other end, with such positive results and a great prognosis for Q's life, well, it just doesn't get any better than that. And I can't think of a better way to start our weekend.

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And I'm also going to combine my "Product of the Week" post with this one because these books literally kept Quinn entertained the entire 3 hours appointment. I am OBSESSED with these Priddy board books. They have larger ones (First 100 Words, First 100 Animals) that the kids love. But they also have these smaller ones that are great for travel. Whenever we go to these appointments, I always bring my own toys, because well, yuck on nasty doctor's office toys. Quinn and I had a ball reading these today. She shocks me with how much she picks up everytime we go through them. Highly recommend!!! This group below actually comes in a 4 pack for about $15.00. So worth it.

Y'all have a great Friday! We're off to date night!

Product of the Week: Sleep Training Book

Way back when (oh, say 26 months ago or so) when I was pregnant with the twins, one of my good friends gave me a gift. And as they say, it was the gift that kept on giving --- for the last 20 months.

It was a sleep training book specifically for twins, "Healthy Sleep Habigs, Happy Twins".

And besides my actual Bible, it has become my bible of sorts. I've pored through it numerous times, earmarked pages, re-read passages multiple times, and even prayed over it once or twice :) But this thing works. My kids are not angels, but they are darn good sleepers and have been since about 10-12 weeks old. Sleep was a precious commodity I couldn't afford to give up for very long. I get very mean and irritable and who wants to live with that? So schedule and sleep was critical for our family.

It does require some sacrifices in schedule --- you have to try to do your best to be home during all naptimes and you give up a lot to "keep the schedule". I think I may have been called a schedule Nazi a few times (I prefer A-type as opposed to the former). But our family needed that. And now they can be "off" for a little bit and fall right back in line. I was amazed how easily Q readjusted post-heart surgery. For over a month, she was not on any sort of schedule, unless you consider vitals at midnight and 4am, then an xray at 6am, a schedule. I don't. That child came home and immediately went right back to her regular sleep and nap schedule. It has been so ingrained in her that not even a month long hospital stay could deter that :)

And I really do think this book works for all types of baby personalities. Mine are about as opposite as you get and it worked for both of them. Anyway, for all you moms of singletons, the original version was for just one baby, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". If you have a young 'un or better yet, have a friend who is expecting --- give them this book. They will thank you from the moment the child sleeps through the night to well, forever. I am still thanking my friend :)

Product of the Week: It's Slighty Strange but oh so IMPORTANT

I'm veering off the path of my usual beauty/hair/make up products this week in honor of CHD awareness week (Feb. 7th - 14th).

My daughter Quinn was born in June 2010 with a Congenital Heart Defect called Double Outlet Right Ventricle with Pulmonary Stenosis and Ventricular Septal Defect, among other things. She was successfully repaired with back-to-back open heart surgeries this past fall (Sept. 27th & Oct. 22nd). She still faces at least one more surgery in her lifetime to repair a bad pulmonary valve but she is a CHD SURVIVOR and our little hero.

By the Grace of God, her CHD was diagnosed in utero at 23 weeks which gave us precious time to  research - learn more about her condition, find the best hospital and ultimately secure the best doctors and surgeons for her care. It also gave us time to adjust to what we would face early in her little life --- although nothing can really prepare you for knowing your daughter will undergo life-saving surgery.

However, through "heart networking" as I call it, I have come across so many stories of people who never knew their child had such a defect. Some of them were discovered in the hospital and some were not discovered until days or weeks later when their child started experiencing problems. Those latter children lost the precious gift of time - and some tragically lost their lives.

So my "Product of the Week" is a simple, life-saving device called a Pulse Oximetry machine. It is a simple machine that has a probe attached to the end which you place on an infant's toe to measure their oxygen saturations. If a child measures lower than 93 (so I am told), then it can be an indication for poor heart function. It is painless and literally takes just a minute to measure.

Unfortunately, not all hospitals make this a mandatory part of the newborn screening process. I am on the "Pulse Ox" train - meaning, I believe EVERY SINGLE BABY BORN should be screened in the hospital right after birth, during the APGAR tests. If you are pregnant or know someone who is, please, please, please, share thsi information and ask for this simple screen if your hospital does not mandate it. It could save a life. Please also check out this advocacy link for mandatory screening.
(And goodness, I know pregnant mommies have so much to worry about, so I don't want to raise unnecessary alarm - but the fact is, approximately 1 in 100 children born in the U.S. have some  type of CHD. Y'all, that's not a small number.)

We are actually proud owners of a pulse ox machine --- after making monthly "rental" payments for a couple of years, I tried to return it to the company this past December. Well, lo and behold, our monthly payments apparently exceeded the cost of the machine, so we now own it. If you need one, we got it : )

(And btw, your pediatrician's office should always have one on hand if you have any concerns at all about your child's oxygen levels )

Product of the Week - Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Gloss

It's time for "Product of the Week" with Aly & Tiffanie. Y'all, I am loving this --- I've gotten so many great ideas from all the posts. I've never been a "link up" blog party girl, but this is just plain fun & easy! Don't forget to go take a peek and see what everyone is showing this week. Not good for my wallet, but great fun for my soul : )





I don't know why I feel the need to share a story with every "Product of the Week" post, but I typically can't write anything less than 400 words. It's not in my DNA.

Anyway, long ago (like 16-20 months ago) when I had 2 newborn babies at home and was up at weird hours of the night, I would always catch the Bare Minerals, Bare Escentuals, Mineral anything makeup infomercials. And then the next a.m. I would look in the mirrow and see that something had to be done --- I looked like, well, someone who was up all night with two babies.

One of the first times I braved the mall with the twins, I happened to pass a Bare Escentuals store. I didn't even know there was such a thing - goes to show what happens when you are on bedrest for 15 some odd weeks and then raising babies. I made a quick right turn and headed right to it, begging the woman to help me. Ha. She totally hooked me up with the mineral makeup (which I still use by the way - especially on days when I need a "quick face" and don't want to mess with typical foundation and  liquid concealer).

She also introduced me to the "Buxom Lip Gloss". I have been hooked ever since. It has a slight tingle to it - be warned - but the colors are delish. And it does make your lips look a little fuller - although that wasn't really a selling point for me, I just wanted a good lip gloss that wasn't super sticky and would STAY PUT. And this is it -- especially if you put a little nude lip pencil underneath it. I was not a girl blessed with beautiful naturally rosy lips like some of y'all. Mine are pretty blah and need help.

Apparently in the past week or so, they've gone from selling the Buxom at the Bare Escentuals store to exclusively at Sephora. Go try it out - and don't be scared, some of the colors look really dark, but they all go on quite sheer. I own at least 5 different colors, but Dolly & Sugar are my daily  "go to" shades. Enjoy!

Product of the Week: Life Planners

Yay, it's "Product of the Week" time again! I had so much fun last week looking over everyone's choices for their products. I encourage you to go take a peek today and see what's being featured.

And seeing that I am experiencing writer's block like never before, this at least allows me to get a post out there for the things I am loving right now : )

This week (well, actually since I got it back in September), I am LOVING my Erin Condren Life Planner. And when I say love, I mean heads-over-heels, can't live without, take your breath away, kind of love. Ok, so maybe that's a little strong, but seriously this planner just makes me smile.

While I have the technology to be able to set appointments via phone or computer, I still prefer the old-fashioned method of writing it down and crossing it off. I love to see what my week looks like, scratch out appointments, write in new ones --- and for my a-type persona, plan in advance effectively.

Monthly pages so you can see what's happening any particular month - oh, and it comes with stickers to mark special occasions like wedding, birthdays, parties, and more!

These are the weekly pages - separated by morning, day, and evening. So much space for one day - I love it!

Plus, are these not adorable? I love the personalization and fun features. And I love that the pages are easy to flip through on a nice spiral that never gets stuck. I keep my planner right by the phone on our counter and everything, and I mean everything, goes in that bad boy. I even have Matt jotting down his plans now so it's truly a family planner. Oh, I love, love, love.

This is actually the design I got. It suits me perfectly and has my favorite color combo. But they have tons of others.

I loved it so much that we gave no less than 4 away for Christmas gifts this year. I think they liked it, but I don't think anyone was quite as nerdy as I am about mine. I did hear a rumor that my mom carries hers to and from work though --- and when I called her the other day to check on some plans for March, she said "Hold on, let me check my planner."

Oh, be still my heart. ha : )

Go check them out! Plus her site has all sorts of yummy other things --- personalized cases for i-phones (hello, Matt!), stationery, desk calendars, and more. Enjoy!

Product of the Week - Pineapples & Pickles blog link up

My friend Tiffanie is hosting her first-ever blog "party" if you will, where every Thursday we will post our "Products of the Week". She's done it on her own for awhile now and she always has fun, unique stuff featured (which she's not compensated for - she just happens to love the product!). Anyway, now we can get in on the action and post what we love right now. Make sure you visit her page to grab some other fun ideas!

This week mine is Moroccan Oil. I was first introduced to this awesomeness about a year ago from my hairstylist. Actually, he gave me a freebie because he was running so behind one day and he felt badly. It was a sweet little free deal, considering this stuff 'aint cheap. But it's soooo wonderful and lasts a really long time.

I have naturally wavy/kinky/random thick hair and I have been trying to grow it out forever. But it seems it would always reach a point where I would just get irritated and cut it all off just to start again. But now I have been committed for well over a year and it's finally starting to pay off. And I can thank this little beauty for it. You would think it would make your hair totally greasy but it truly doesn't. You just simply add a small, dime-sized amount to towel dried hair and dry/style as normal. It serves to help keep it straight by closing in the cuticles and moisturizes at the same time. Now my hair doesn't get all of those frizzy fly-aways, even on the most humid days. And it smells yummy! Highly recommend. They actually have a whole line of products by my SAHM budget doesn't really allow for that splurge. If you've tried any of the other stuff, let me know what's worth it and what's not!