Day: February 15, 2019 (Page 1 of 2)

#HeartMonth day 15: we never thought Ellie would have a sibling, but clearly I’m a really bad predictor of the future. Enter Alex- the sweetest babe that I’ve ever met. He absolutely adores his big sister. He sees her and his cheeks nearly pop from the strain of his smile. And Ellie is just as smitten with her brother. Laran and I were so worried about bringing another kiddo into the mix- we worried about whether we would be able to give each of them the time and attention they deserved, but now- looking at these two and how much love they already share with one another, it’s clear to me that they are the perfect pair. #CHDAware #HeartSiblings #SisterAndBrother

#HeartMonth day 14: What does love look like? Making someone a meal- love looks like that. A genuine compliment- love looks like that. Keeping a promise. Giving a hug. Little kisses on foreheads and cheeks. Staying up and waiting for someone to make it home safely. Helping someone move. Watching and listening to beeping monitors late at night in hospital rooms. Learning medical terms and medication dosages. Sitting quietly. Being loud. Grand adventures and small gestures. Love looks like all of these things and so much more. Whatever love looks like to you, I hope that you feel it, show it, and live it today and every day. From my#HeartWarrior and our family, happy Valentine’s Day.#CHDAware#ValentinesDay

#HeartMonth day 13. Nurses and teachers are two professions that are, in my opinion, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated, and abused like no other professions. The nurses that took care of my #HeartWarrior are nothing short of super heroes. They fight the battles right along with you and your family. They care so much about their patients and their families that it truly humbles you. From bringing taking the time to explain everything to you a thousand times if you need it, to bringing in food from the staff Christmas potluck because they know you haven’t left your child’s bedside for even a moment to get some food- these people are the front line, first responders to everything and we could not do this without them. #HeartNurse

#HeartMonth day 12: this guy here is one of my favorite people. He has been with us every step of the way with Ellie. He showed me that doctors are personable, kind, and trust worthy. Until I met Dr. Knepp, I always just assumed that I would never really like any doctor because up until this point, I never had. Just kind of thought that’s the way all doctors were. Because of Dr. Knepp, I now know that you can not only like your doctor, but you can be respected by and listened to by them. #CHDAware

#HeartMonth day 11- Ellie has seen 5 birthdays and we are so grateful. Not long ago, I’m talking 15-20 years ago- kids born with Ellie’s birth defect or something like it were sent home with hospice or put on a transplant list. Now there are strategies and interventions with outcomes that give these #HeartWarriors a chance at life they would not have had before. #Knowledge#CHDAware#1in110#Number1BirthDefect

#HeartMonth day 10: remembering those gone too soon.

#HeartMonth day 9: Laran gets to take the spotlight for this day, which is a role that makes him incredibly uncomfortable. He likes to be behind the scenes, doing the little things that make the biggest difference. He took on the role of #HeartDad quietly and wholeheartedly. He is Ellie’s biggest fan and strongest supporter. Without him, this would all fall apart. He is our anchor. — with Laran Crawford.

#HeartMonth day 8: I am a #HeartMom, but I’m like every mom. I get frustrated, I cry, I say things and then look back and think “yeah- that was not one of my better moments”. But as flawed as I am, I am equally devoted to my children and doing the best I can. I have often heard people tell me “I don’t know how you guys do it. I could never do what you do.” And I always have the same response: yes you could. You would do anything for your children- this is just not one of the anythings being asked of you. If it was, you would do it too and you would do it with all the love, trust, strength, and passion you have because that is what it means to be a parent.#CHDAware

#HeartMonth day 7: so I accidentally skipped the challenge for day 6 and posted the day 7 challenge, so this is actually the day 6 challenge. Ellie was born on 12/4/13. This photo is one of the very few I have of her before any surgeries- when her heart was at its most broken and in desperate need of intervention. When I look at it- it almost looks like there is nothing wrong at all. I still feel that way, sometimes- that if you just look at Ellie, you would have no idea anything was wrong. Her scar tells the true story, but honestly, she is still perfect despite her imperfect heart. These children and adults are so much more than their #CHD. They are#HeartWarriors and so much more. #CHDAware

#HeartMonth day 6: my #HeartWarrior is Elllie. She has fought hard her whole life and truly is a warrior in all respects. She is courageous and amazing. She is #1in110. Because of her I am a mother. Because of her I am stronger. Because of her, I am #CHDAware.