Heart Update

I just got back from a visit to Jacob's Cardiologist.

All in all...not a bad visit.

Here's what we found out:

1) The hole in his heart is gone. (praise the Lord)

2) The pulmonary stenosis he's had since birth is normal. (YEAH!!!)

3) The aortic stenosis hasn't changed in a month. (Yipee)

Here's the bad news:

    If and when they have to do surgery just going in with a balloon is out. (BOOO!!!) THey will actually have to open up his chest because where his aortic valve is narrow is actually outside the heart and the doctor says a balloon just won't work. 

 Now this scares me to death.... but Dave and I are praying Philippians 4:6-7....Do not be anxious about anything.. but in everything by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving... present your request to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard you heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Family, Food and Fish

 Those three things pretty much describe our Memorial Day weekend.

We went home to celebrate the engagement of Dave's baby brother.

 There was a wedding shower/cook-out up at Dave's parents house.

Here's the happy couple in their grandma-made toboggans.

Also... Dave's Aunt Mary was in from Ohio. (she's the one holding our little man in the pic below) Jake got to meet her for the first time. It was good having everyone together. It's been a while. By the way...Thanks again for the Cleveland Indians outfit.

So that was Monday. Tuesday Jake got to go to the Chattanooga aquarium...and as promised .. I've got some cute pictures.

We went with my mom and dad and just had the best time. (that's not one of the cute pics)

Jake reacted to the fish....the peguins made him laugh...but the sweetest moment was in the butterfly garden. Take a look... just a gentle as he could... he reached out to touch one.

His sweet little personality came shining through and brought tears to both me and my mom. (this is a cute pic) 

Here's just a few more pictures before I wrap it up.

As I mentioned before the penguins were a big hit. (notice the fish..actually a whale on Jake's outfit..that was no concidence..get it...fish..aquarium visit...ahhh ...the things moms do)


And here's Jake with his Grammy. Yes there was a wardrobe change. The whale outfit didn't last long. It was a great time and a day I'll always remember.

Wacky Wednesday

  Today was suppose to be an easy today... a day where you ease back into routine...a day where you enjoy the rain and just be home. BUT..that didn't happen.

  We got back last night after four fabulous days in East Tennessee.

(I'll tell you all about later...I even have some adorable pictures to show you.)

But this takes precedence...

  Yep...the White House fell victim to vandals over the weekend.
Dave and I had Jake outside this evening and found bright orange spray paint on the back on the house.

We called police to get a report but we'll probably never know who did it. 

Get this...the vandals even left their empty spray paint can under the deck. They could of spray- painted the deck, because it actually needs some work.(hint..hint honey...it's time to open those buckets of stain)

Also today, a lady with Tennessee's early intervention program stopped by at the last minute to  assess Jake. She says he's doing well verbally but needs some help with his motor skills. No surprise there.

 He's got great leg strength but his arms are weak.  Jake is seven months old and he still needs help rolling over. The good news is that he continues to make progress.

 We'll probably be in physical and occupational therapy soon. That's fine with me..if it helps him out.

  Beep..beep..beep..(imagine a warning sound on T-V) We interrupt this report to bring you an adorable picture of the Jake-ster himself.

Ahhh!! Just thought you needed to see that before we continue. Now back to your regular program.

Jake's pediatrician also called today. He will be going back to Vanderbilt's Children hospital to have an ultrasound done on his bladder and kidneys....he'll also get his eyes checked while he's there. It's just a check-up, no problems expected. 

One last note on Jake's health...he's going back to the cardiologist Friday. Please...please..please pray that his heart hasn't gotten worse. We know surgery is more than likely in his future. I just want to put it off as long as possible.

WHEW!!! That was my so-called easy day. Thank you Lord for not making my life boring...it's good to know I'm livin' life and that He's in control.

P.S. Coming soon... Pics of Jake's visit to the aquarium. (too cute)

Cool Hand Jake

Ever seen a baby who actually loves wearing sunglasses and hats?

Jake does.

Seriously, the kid is way to cool for me. Dave and I have been known to call him little Jack Nicholson. 

So in the famous words of Jack himself..."You can't handle the cute!"

Ya Just Never Know...

...what's  slithering through your yard.

 Mike Sartain, our pest control guy found this lovely creature lurking near our back porch today.

YUCK!!! 

He gave it the ol'heave-ho with a shovel. Thank goodness he found it and not me.

By the way if  you need a great pest control guy... Guardian Pest Control is the way to go.

 Everything he uses is organic.... and since I'm going shades of green these days...it's right up my alley.

Thoughtful Gifts

Today the doorbell rung and as I looked out the window I saw a delivery truck pulling away.

 I hadn't ordered anything  but a package always makes me excited.

This is what was waiting for me.. it was actually addressed for Jacob.

So what is it...what is it....what is it?  Do you like the excitement I'm trying to create.

We'll it's one of the most thoughtful and loving gifts I've ever received.

It was sent by a former co-worker and current friend. When he heard about Jacob's diagnosis...he and his wife sent this present.

It was a leap frog musical table. You see the majority of Williams Syndrome kids love music. It's like their thing they can cling to. The card said...so you like music... then you'll love this toy.

Thank you friends.. 

But they aren't the only ones giving thoughtful gifts.

My sister gave Jacob this the first time she saw him after finding out about WS.

It's a Bee Bop Band Set.

Meg we expect you to be the drummer in the White family band.

You see these gifts are not just presents...they mean our support group is ready to go.

To love Jacob and help him in anyway possible.  Thank you everyone for loving my little boy.

Strawberries and Birthdays

We're back home...after 10 days in Rhea County. Its feel good to be back... but there's lots to do.

While we were gone Jacob's doctors call to check on us so I spent most of the morning getting updates and asking questions.

 There's not a whole lot new on the medical front... only that a representative from the

 Tennessee Early Invention Services will be dropping by soon to check on our little boy.

  Jake is recovering from a big weekend.

 Saturday was the yearly Strawberry Parade in the big town of Dayton. It's the biggest event all year...and I'm usually there. Jake did great with the loud noises and the heat.

If you've never been to Dayton ( and I'm guessing not many of you have) it has a beautiful courthouse square. To me it's the prettiest on the state.

 

The parade marches right in front of the courthouse. It includes your normal parade stuff.. shriners, ball teams, bands...and in Dayton a septic tank truck that bears this message.

Sunday was my BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE my birthday even though I'm getting old.

I'm now officially...thirty one-derful!! 

The morning started off with a special delivery from my guys.

 My sister got my this card... dosen't it make you laugh.

Those of you that know me...know I LOVE the TODAY SHOW... Meg got online and ordered me their eco-friendly bags I'd seen Matt giving out.  One day I'm gonna get up there and be one of those screaming  fans waving a silly sign probably with a big orange T on it.

It was a good day and a good visit. Now back to my thirty one-derful life!

O Brother..What a Mother's Day

I know it's a little late to talk about Mother's day... but I'm using my parents computer and it's harder to make myself sit down at a desk instead of using my laptop while sitting on the couch.

It was a great day... except a transformer blew outside the Revis Casa and I DIDN'T GET TO WASH MY HAIR BECAUSE MY HAIRDRYER WOULDN'T WORK!!! My first mother's day and in every picture my hair is pulled back.

Ahhh... big deal... but take a look at how great Jacob was stylin' in his Grammy's lap.

Church was great.... we sang "To God Be the Glory" and let me tell you ... I sang that song with all my heart.

There's a few more pics I want to share.

I can't write about Mother's day unless I tell you how special my mom is.

She's one of these Mom's who would rather attend a middle school band concert then take a trip to Vegas. (that's a true story by the way) I Love You So Much MOM!!

And to my mother-in-law...I love how you love your boys... and I'm so glad you now call me your girl.

HAPPY BELATED MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE.

Just What We Needed

The three of us are home in good ole Rhea County for a while.

It's just what we needed.

Dave and I are still working on getting some raw emotions under control. The tears don't come as often...but they still come. I'm sure it will take a while.

We got here Friday and in just 24 hours we have been loved on...hugged and encouraged constantly by our mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, uncles, cousins and grandmothers.

It has felt so good knowing that we are not alone in this. Our family is rallying behind us and they just beam love for our little boy.

We want everyone to know.. that we don't mind talking about Williams Syndrome.

Feel free to ask questions if you see us.

Ya know.. as I sit here on my first Mother's Day eve...it's nothing like I expected.

But I feel God's peace in my heart and I know this is all part of his good, pleasing and perfect will for my life....not just as a daughter and a wife... but this year as mother.

He Has What??

   I'm starting my blog by writing about something I'd never even heard of until Tuesday.

Now it's my new passion. It's called Williams Syndrome and my 6 month old son has it.

It's a condition that explains a lot of the issues we've been having with him. So in a way it's a relief that it has a name. 

  I feel like there's so much you all should know...but don't know where to start.

 So first meet the Joy of our lives...Jacob

Doesn't he just make you smile!!

   What I want you to know is that Jake has heart problems. He has aortic and pulmonary valve stenosis. That means his valves are somewhat closed making his heart work harder.

Until Tuesday we thought it's just one of those things...now we know it's  a result of Williams Syndrome.  His cardiologist expects balloon surgery at some point to open the aortic valve back up. So far ...so good with the pulmonary side of things.

  What else you should know is that people with Williams Syndrome are not like everyone else.

Although they usually do great with reading and music... the majority have some sort of mental retardation. Five percent don't...and we pray that we are part of that five percent.

Here's the link to the Williams Syndrome Association website. (www.williams-syndrome.org)

I am hoping my family and friends will learn about WSA so you can understand our precious baby boy.

   He is our perfect gift from God.

    Don't get me wrong...we would have never have chosen this but we know God chose it for us...so who's to argue with the creator.

Dave and I are doing pretty good. We've had our crying spells and it's all felt like a dream for a day or two.  But we choose joy and we choose God. We are totally committed to Jake and ready to give him the best life possible.  For our family: we can't tell you how much your love and support means to us. Just keep us in your prayers as we begin this journey... we know you will.