- Congenital Heart Defects are the #1 birth defect and are the #1 cause of birth defect related deaths. Source: March of Dimes
- About 1 out of every 100 babies are born each year with some type of Congenital Heart Defect. (approx. 40,000/year) Source: Children’s Heart Foundation
- Nearly twice as many children die from Congenital Heart Defects in the United States each year as from all forms of childhood cancers combined, yet funding for pediatric cancer research is five times higher than funding for CHD. Source: Children’s Heart Foundation
- This year approximately 4,000 babies will not live to see their first birthday because of Congenital Heart Defects. Source: Children’s Heart Foundation
- Of every dollar the government spends on medical funding only a fraction of a penny is directed toward Congenital Heart Defect research. Source: Children’s Heart Foundation
- Although some babies will be diagnosed during gestation or at birth, sometimes the diagnosis is not made until days, weeks, months, or even years after. In some cases, CHD is not detected until adolescence or adulthood. Source: March of Dimes
- It is a proven fact that the earlier CHD is detected and treated, it is more likely the affected child will survive and have less long term health complications. Source: March of Dimes
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Last Five Years
I thought I would post my reflection of the last five years. I am hoping I can get John to do the same - but he thinks the whole blogging thing is "weird".
First things first, I NEVER thought my life would be anything like it is! I mean that in a good way. If you would have asked me back in 2004 where I would be in five years, I would have told you "driving a Lexus, married to John, living in a huge house in Grand Rapids, and have traveled all around the world". A lot of things I wanted for my life were built on having "things". I have realized (learned) in the last five years that having "things" does not make your life richer. Love, family, friends - these all make your life richer. I have come to learn that without my family and friends I am nothing, I have nothing. Without John, I would not have someone who knows me better than I know myself. Without my friends and family, I would have no one to call when I am down.
Five years ago if you ask me if I would have children I would have told you an emphatic "NO!" However, last year I realized that I did want children and that I wanted to have the experience of being a mom. It was honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me. I wasn't a big fan of being pregnant and it was not a tough pregnancy, but we did find out that our baby girl had a congenital heart defect and that was really hard. But when Amelia was born in November 2008, it was like I found out who I really was and who I really wanted to be - her mom. She has taught me so much in a few short months - what ultimate love is, what I would do for my child (anything), how I can be brave and strong for her even when I don't think I have it in me. She is a tough cookie and such a joy to be around. Her laugh makes me laugh, her smile makes me smile. Seeing John with her is amazing. It is such a weird feeling to look at her and know that she came from John and I; that I "survived" childbirth (!!); and that she will carry on our family.
I absolutely love being a mom. I have said that a million times and could say it a million more. I had a rough bout with post-partum depression, but thanks to my parents, John, his parents, my friends and a good therapist who prescribed helpful medications, I made it through. It was hard for me to lose "me", but I realized that a job will always be there and that a career isn't even half as important as the job of being a mom. I became a new "me", a better me! I know I am blessed that I get to be home with Amelia and Owen every day.
I don't think I could be any happier with my life than right now. We have a wonderful family with Amelia and Owen, a wonderful extended family, great friends, a great house in a cozy neighborhood - life is good. We really are blessed and I am so thankful every day of where I am in life.
First things first, I NEVER thought my life would be anything like it is! I mean that in a good way. If you would have asked me back in 2004 where I would be in five years, I would have told you "driving a Lexus, married to John, living in a huge house in Grand Rapids, and have traveled all around the world". A lot of things I wanted for my life were built on having "things". I have realized (learned) in the last five years that having "things" does not make your life richer. Love, family, friends - these all make your life richer. I have come to learn that without my family and friends I am nothing, I have nothing. Without John, I would not have someone who knows me better than I know myself. Without my friends and family, I would have no one to call when I am down.
Five years ago if you ask me if I would have children I would have told you an emphatic "NO!" However, last year I realized that I did want children and that I wanted to have the experience of being a mom. It was honestly the best thing that has ever happened to me. I wasn't a big fan of being pregnant and it was not a tough pregnancy, but we did find out that our baby girl had a congenital heart defect and that was really hard. But when Amelia was born in November 2008, it was like I found out who I really was and who I really wanted to be - her mom. She has taught me so much in a few short months - what ultimate love is, what I would do for my child (anything), how I can be brave and strong for her even when I don't think I have it in me. She is a tough cookie and such a joy to be around. Her laugh makes me laugh, her smile makes me smile. Seeing John with her is amazing. It is such a weird feeling to look at her and know that she came from John and I; that I "survived" childbirth (!!); and that she will carry on our family.
I absolutely love being a mom. I have said that a million times and could say it a million more. I had a rough bout with post-partum depression, but thanks to my parents, John, his parents, my friends and a good therapist who prescribed helpful medications, I made it through. It was hard for me to lose "me", but I realized that a job will always be there and that a career isn't even half as important as the job of being a mom. I became a new "me", a better me! I know I am blessed that I get to be home with Amelia and Owen every day.
I don't think I could be any happier with my life than right now. We have a wonderful family with Amelia and Owen, a wonderful extended family, great friends, a great house in a cozy neighborhood - life is good. We really are blessed and I am so thankful every day of where I am in life.
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