CHD Blog : www.One in 1 Hundred.: Wedding Update

WHAT'S IN A NAME

The One in 1 Hundred comes from the statistic – the number of babies born with a congenital heart defect every year. When you are pregnant you hear a lot of statistics and they don’t really hold any true meaning to you personally until you become that 1 out of 100 and your life is forever changed. Once you are that 1, I don’t think you ever look at statistics quite the same again. Kalvin has not only touched my heart, he has kissed my soul. He has changed me for the better in ways I didn't know existed and for that I am truly blessed. I tried to explain this to a pregnant heart mom and I don't think she quite understood until her heart baby touched her very own soul. Here in this blog, I will try and share with you all our experiences and it is my hope that they will help and or provide you with some comfort. Thank you for listening.

Wedding Update

This story is an update from this previous post: A Different Kind of Broken Heart

Kalvin fell playing soccer today at recess. His nose, chin and forehead are all scraped and scratched! He was playing soccer with some friends when he fell. Wait, not chasing after Catherine?!? He has been sharing with me recess stories of late and most go something like this. Catherine drops her gloves and runs away. Kalvin picks them up and chases after her. They laugh and giggle.

As he was telling this all to me, he explained how much he loves Catherine's laugh. "It is just so cute. When she laughs, it just makes me laugh too. It is the best laugh. Mom, she just has the best laugh. And her eyes. Her eyes. Her eyes are so blue. They are beautiful. [Deep sigh] Gabe likes her eyes too," he explained. Smile stretched from ear to ear. Seeing Kalvin so happy and giddy makes me all warm and fuzzy inside.

Wow, I realize my seven year old just explained the most wonderful thing to me about having a good friend...they make you laugh and giggle. And they have beautiful eyes. Again, I feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

So I did it. I asked the question inquiry minds want to know the answer to, even though, even though I know I should not be encouraging this situation. I just couldn't stop myself, "Have you two discussed "the proposal" any further?"

"Well, we are kind of stuck right now. We can't agree on where we are going to live," he answered. "She wants to live at her house and I want to live at our house."

"Ohhh," I said. "You mean you both will live at her house
t o g e t h e r or you both will live here t o g e t h e r?"

"Yes, that's the problem right now, we can't agree," he said.

"You wouldn't want to get a place of your own?" I asked.

"Well, I don't really want to spend the money," he stated. "I am really going to try to save all my money. In fact, the first week we are married, I am going to try and not spend any money at all."

"Mom," he said.

"Yes, Kalvin," I replied.

"Is it okay to marry your best friend?" he asked ever so innocently.

Read more about Kalvin and Catherine Here.

Kalvin's "other" best friend. His grandparent's dog, Ella. She has been staying with us for a few days. No one wantes her to leave.

OUR MIRACLES

Kalvin was born with d-transposition of the great arteries (TGA), VSD, Coarctation of the Aorta (COA), pulmonary stenosis. Kalvin underwent 8 hours of by-pass surgery to correct his defects when he was 5 days old at Children's Hospital Boston. Kalvin has had two catheterizations to correcton his COA; one at 3 months old and another at 9 months old. The first one was unsuccessful and resulted in a damaged femoral artery in his left leg. His second catheterization was a success! As a result of his damaged femoral artery, his left leg is now about 1 cm shorter than his right and also has less muscle mass. Kalvin has received PT since he was 4 years old to help his coordination and OT to help his delayed fine motor skills. Kalvin also suffers from anxiety and has from a very young age. Kalvin is a well adjusted happy boy who doesn't slow down. He loves boating, beaches, baseball (Red Sox & Indians), football (OSU & Patriots), hockey (Rangers & Bruins), soccer and dancing to music. Kalvin is extremely active participating in baseball, soccer, karate, swimming, skiing, skating and piano lessons. The role Kalvin takes most seriously is that of a big brother. When Kalvin was five years old we were finally blessed with another baby boy, Finn (heart healthy). Finn is a miracle all his own. Finn is full of spunk and makes us all laugh on a daily basis. Kalvin is always looking out for Finn and trying to engage him in play. They are truly the best "medicine" for each other.

Thanks for Stopping by

Most that know me, know I love to talk about my children and most know that Kalvin, my 7 year old, had heart surgery when he was a baby, but that is probably all they know about Kalvin's heart. Once Kalvin entered school, I found myself explaining to the teachers and administrators that Kalvin's struggles were most likely a result of 8 hours of bypass surgery at 5 days old. Recently, I was introduced to some other "heart moms" and we began sharing stories and I found myself reliving Kalvin's surgery and all the experiences that came with it. It was amazing to me how far back in my mind I had actually tucked away many of the experiences, but how easily someone else's words could transport me instantly back to a certain place and time. I found it somewhat comforting to share the stories and relive the experiences and it seemed to help the other "heart moms" as well. I was sharing information, links, and pictures I had gathered and thought, "Why not put this all in one location and maybe help some families that I dont know or haven't met yet." And thus began One in 1 Hundred.

WHAT'S IN A NAME

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