Caleb, grandma and I participated in the Seattle Heart Walk this weekend. It is one of the largest walks in the nation in both participation and donations. Due to the traffic getting to the walk, we were running a little late. We didn't get there until after 8:30, but that turned out to be perfect. Most everyone was in the stands so we got to walk around the outside area without too many people.
We picked up a red hat (the "survivor hat") for Caleb and for grandma. Then we went and wrote a sign about who we were walking for. It said, "I am walking for..." and we crossed out "walking" and put in "rolling." Caleb was rolling for himself, and grandma had one that said she was walking for her grandson. I just was there to push the stroller! hehe
As we started the course, there were tons of people just streaming out of Quest field (where the Seahawks play). We had the choice of doing a 3.5 mile route or a 1 mile route. Well, as we were decided if we should walk up the viaduct or not, we were stopped by a reporter from the PI that wanted to talk to grandma about why she was walking. I pointed to the baby. "This is why we are walking." He was surprised to see a survivor so young (although I'm sure there were others there.) He interviewed us, and then walked along the route with us.
We ended up chosing the 1 mile route because we got so far behind with the interviewer--we were actually some of the last people to finish. We were at the end, but did pass two old ladies with canes and a little boy with a brace on his leg--if that tells you how far behind we were. hehe In any case, we finished the walk and were a little like, "Wow, that was quick" because we took the short route.
It did keep us dry, though, because those who took the 3.5 mile walked on top of the viaduct and we walked underneath. We got back before the majority of the crowd and were able to walk around the booths, etc, in Quest field. We crossed the finish line and got our photo taken. It was cool. :)
After that we decided to take off because Caleb fell asleep, and just then everyone from the 3.5 mile was coming back. We just missed the crowds! Whew. We were able to leave without a big lineup. We lucked out on our timing.
Overall, Caleb managed to raise $200 for the heart walk. Not bad for a 6 month old. Thank you to everyone that helped us out. We very much appreciate your support!
I'll be looking in the Seattle P.I. for Caleb's story tomorrow!!!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Doctors Appointment!
Caleb had his regular check-up with his cardiologist last Wednesday. He was cranky and tired because we woke him up, didn't feed him, then drug him to the doctor's office. He told the lady who was weighing and measuring him all of his troubles, and didn't let her get a blood pressure. I was worried about our start as his screams filled the building!!
But we got thru (apparently he's about 16.5lbs, although he wasn't cooperating too well...) and to Colleen, who does our echos. We had breakfast with Colleen, and she popped in a Baby Einstein video to keep him entertained. He wasn't sure which he liked more--the movie on the tv or the images of his heart on the screen. He layed there and she got all of the shots that she needed for once! They were even to see the left side of his heart!!
What they discovered:
~All TGA repairs leak at the suture sites--his are leaking at a very low rate so this is good
~His flow to the left lung is still open
~The flow is still asymmetrical
~The pressures on his right side of his heart are doing very well
~His blood pressure and EKG was very good
As his cardiologist said, "This is just a good news visit!" Yay!
Then we went to the eye doctor. Ha... the little guy had to throw me a curve ball. His eyes are normal vision for his age (which is slightly far sighted). That's good news. He is using both eyes equally. That is good news. He, however, only uses one eye at a time. The other one goes "out." Their suggestion? If it doesn't get better in a month: surgery.
Oh little bug... let's not do any further surgery! The eye doctor did say that his farsightedness will help it improve if it does improve. Is there a history of this in the family, he asks? No... my little guy is apparently a trend setter! LOL
My idea is that while he was in the hospital, he didn't have enough things to focus on, so his eyes got behind. And now it might be too late to get them back without a serious intervention. Guu.
But we got thru (apparently he's about 16.5lbs, although he wasn't cooperating too well...) and to Colleen, who does our echos. We had breakfast with Colleen, and she popped in a Baby Einstein video to keep him entertained. He wasn't sure which he liked more--the movie on the tv or the images of his heart on the screen. He layed there and she got all of the shots that she needed for once! They were even to see the left side of his heart!!
What they discovered:
~All TGA repairs leak at the suture sites--his are leaking at a very low rate so this is good
~His flow to the left lung is still open
~The flow is still asymmetrical
~The pressures on his right side of his heart are doing very well
~His blood pressure and EKG was very good
As his cardiologist said, "This is just a good news visit!" Yay!
Then we went to the eye doctor. Ha... the little guy had to throw me a curve ball. His eyes are normal vision for his age (which is slightly far sighted). That's good news. He is using both eyes equally. That is good news. He, however, only uses one eye at a time. The other one goes "out." Their suggestion? If it doesn't get better in a month: surgery.
Oh little bug... let's not do any further surgery! The eye doctor did say that his farsightedness will help it improve if it does improve. Is there a history of this in the family, he asks? No... my little guy is apparently a trend setter! LOL
My idea is that while he was in the hospital, he didn't have enough things to focus on, so his eyes got behind. And now it might be too late to get them back without a serious intervention. Guu.
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