Maddison Isabella, and her two big brothers, Devin & Jacob!!

2010-07-11T08:43:00.001-05:00

Happy 3rd Birthday My Sweetness!!!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=b4e108a07fec46fac0f722&skin_id=1602&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Christmas, New Years, & More.

2009-01-07T21:26:00.009-06:00

Okay, so where has the time gone since my last posting?? I cannot believe how long it has been. Thanksgiving was here, and gone. So has Chirstmas & New Years!

So, where do I start and how do I sum up the past couple months in a few short paragraphs? Let me try...

Thanksgiving was awesome and as it always is, such a meaningful holiday. So much to be thankful for and although we certainly don't need a "special" day to reflect on things, it is always nice to have the family together and share our thoughts.

Then we visited with Santa at the mall. Although Maddie was quite unsure when she sat on Santa's lap by herself, she found comfort having her big brothers by her side!

We were fortunate to spend a good part of December in the magical place of Disney World! Dreams do come true! We had a wonderful vacation and made so many memories that will last a lifetime! We are so thankful to have had the opportunity to go and especially with the kids Nana & Papa joining us. It was an emotional vacation, as it was the place Devin & Jacob found out they were going to be big brothers, & Nana & Papa found out they were going to be Papa & Nana to another special child. We talked about what the next family vacation to Disney would be like, but little did we know then exactly how special it would be!

Enjoy some of these photos...they are just a glimpse of our time...I took 1154 pictures! That was what I had left AFTER I went through them all. Am I a crazy photo nut??

Maddie being CRAZY excited getting off a ride!! She just wouldn't keep a hair piece in!

The kids on a carriage.

Mommy & Her Boys...The Luckiest Mommy Ever!

Mommy & Her Little Girl! Truly Blessed.

Seriously...That Smile Melts My Heart!

Always Smiling!

The Boys After A Water Ride.

Can't Beat A Night Out With the Boys!

Daddy & The Boys!

Nana & Papa with the Grandkiddies.

Maddie's New Way to Play Peek A Boo that she started in Florida! Too cute!

Maddie had NO idea Goofy was behind her.

Soaking up the sun!

Thing 1 & Thing 2 with Thing 1 & Thing 2.

Okay, so Goofy was her favorite, and the Boys favorite too!

Why yes...we had such a wonderful time on our vacation. It is hard to believe it has past, but I always have 1154 pictures to look back on anytime I want to re-live those days! :)

We got back just in time for Christmas. Maddie's 2nd Christmas and she was much more into it this year of course. The boys always wanted to help with her presents, and they were so excited for her. They are just amazing brothers to her.

The Annual Santa Helper Picture!

Maddie enjoying the paper.

The boys Christmas morning.

One of Maddie's favorite gifts of the night...a dancing Mickey!

Christmas Day With Grandma!

Maddie Bundled Up & Ready for some Snow!

New Years Eve Celebration with Great Friends!

Ringing in the New Year! Maddie was fast asleep...I need to PhotoShop her in.

Maddison will be 18 Months in a couple days. Her check up went well, and our pediatrician thinks she looks great! We do too of course! She is a little peanut, weighing 21 pounds, 8 ounces, but is 33 inches tall!!!! Maybe I have a future model on my hands?

Well, we ended 2008 with a bang. Sure...we had our hardships, as everyone does, but through it all we become a stronger, closer, happier family. God has a way of making everything work out. All in His Great Perfect Plan! For 2009...we wish you all health & blessings beyond measure. But most of all...happiness! Enjoy life, Live more, Laugh Louder, & Love Deeper!

We Love You All!

The Watson's

Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddison

"LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE."

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

2008-10-31T10:29:00.010-05:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE! HOPE YOU ENJOY THE NEW PHOTOS! THERE ARE LOTS OF THEM!!

Devin so Proud to Take his Sister Around the Halloween Party at His School!

Maddie At Zoo @ the Boo!

Mommy & Maddie

Jacob & His Sister @ the School Halloween Party.

Jacob is So Proud!

Maddie Trick or Treating!

The Kids in their Costumes.

Maddie Trick or Treating...Always Wanting to Walk!

Isn't this the Cutest Minnie Mouse You've Ever Seen??

Pumpkin Carving Time!

Maddie & Grandma...All smiles!

Maddie & Nana..."NaNaNaNaNaNa"

What is this about???

Devin...I'm not so sure about this!

Carving...

The End Result!

Pumpkin Farm & Devin's Pumpkin Choose...Finally!!! :)

Daddy & Maddie on the HayRide...Fun!

Papa & Devin

Jacob!

Oh...This HayRide is FUN!

Halloween 2008...Our Annual Picture Op.

Loving the Farm!

All the Kids at Boo at the Zoo...with their friends, The Tilley's!

LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.

The Watson's

New Photos...

2008-10-06T14:16:00.005-05:00

Check out some new photos. It has been awhile. Maddie has quite the bank of expressions, so I thought I'd share some with you!

Enjoy.

Ohh...Ahhh....

I'm So Excited...And I Just Can't Hide It!

Oh, Finally I Realized that Lasagna Isn't So Bad!

Boy Was She A Mess & We Loved It!

Maddie & Her Two Big Brothers...The BEST brothers!

This was the morning of her "One Year Surgery Anniversary"

We all went out for breakfast together as a family to celebrate.

Maddie being Maddie. She wanted this medal on and look how proud she was.

Oh, and the boots you ask? Mommy was dabbing in some fall fashion items.

(Thanks Suz for the boots!).

Maddie Crusing Around with Her Proud Look!

Maddie's BooBoo on her forehead. Can you see it? It isn't a shadow.

Jennifer & Jacob Schulz & Us at Ryan & Angela's Wedding

We're just missing Maddie! Just a reason to have to get together again! :)

LIVE. LAUGH. LOVE.

Busy End to a Busy Summer!

2008-09-02T21:39:00.005-05:00

Wow...It is hard to believe that nearly two weeks has passed since my last update...Guess I've been busy! I seem to have a lot to report, so bear with me...I'll try to sum up the past two weeks as short as I can. We don't really have any more specifics to report on Maddison's blood test results. I had called our ped to try to gain a better understanding of everything, but am still waiting to hear back. My impatient self called the hematologist three times since getting the results, and probably asked the same questions over & over as there wasn't a clear cut diagnosis of what she has. Turns out that there really isn't...from what they continually tell me. I have gotten this from all my questions, research, etc...Maddison has a mild form of a platelet function disorder. Basically, her platelets do not function as perfect as they say they should, and because of this, she could be at risk of bleeding more than the average person as it may take her longer to clot. Interestingly, and thankfully, Maddie doesn't exhibit any of the symptoms. We basically would need to take precautions in situations where there is risk of bleeding, but no day to day management is needed...Thank God again. She cannot have aspirin and some other meds, but that isn't a big deal. So...all and all, I can take this news and more forward. My husband is the greatest, as he always turns a negative and sees it as a positive. He said to me.."this may have been the reason the left side of her heart grew so well...because that blood was flowing better." He is so right! God knows what He is doing! Check out the new photos on our blog site. The link is by the guestbook section...www.maddisonisabella.blogspot.com

We've ended our summer on quite the busy note. Maddie not only rode her first pony ride this year, but also got to ride a camel ride with Mommy & her big brother Jacob!

I really thought that she'd be timid, but I was so wrong. She was laughing and padding the camel the entire ride.

We've also enjoyed some time in some pools.

Maddie is back & forth with water...sometimes she loves the pool, other times not so much. She had her first "boo boo" a weeks ago. At a baby pool, she reached down to grab a toy and hit her mouth on the edge. No big deal right? Wrong! She chipped not one but TWO of her little teeth! You can see it in one of the pics when she smiles big. I was so upset, but have managed to get beyond it now.... Let's see...other firsts for Maddie: She went on her very first waverunner ride. Both my boys loved it at this age...she is definitely NOT following in suit. It was short-lived, but we still got it in. Didn't want to overdue it, as I knew she wasn't loving it. Maddie has also conquered climbing the stairs (of course with us following right behind her). She absolutely LOVES it. Everytime that gate opens up, she darts right for them. Always gotta watch her! She is also starting to take a few steps (wobbled). She really wants to go for sure. I don't know how long it will be until she is ready to walk on her own, but I do know that once she figures it out, I'm really going to have my hands full! Watch out! One of Maddie's other favorites is my bathroom drawer with all my hair pieces. She thoroughly enjoys emptying the entire drawer and "re-arranging" everything. She's still not saying any words, but she sure knows how to get her point across. She also is really interacting with her brothers, and mimicing them, especially at the dinner table! Now she just needs to mimic some eating some more types of foods! I swear that girl would survive on watermelon if I'd let her!

Whew...I think that pretty much sums up Maddie in the past two weeks. See...I said we've been busy!

Now...today was our Jacob's first day of kindergarten!

Hard to believe that he is 5 already...let alone starting school! He loved it of course, but if you know my Jacob, that wouldn't surprise you. Devin started 4th grade today! He is becoming quite the young man. I just want a few years back...please.

Each and every day I look at my beautiful children & family I am reminded yet again how amazing our God is. We are so blessed, so lucky, so honored, just so unbelievably fortunate. Thank you all for keeping us in your prayers & thoughts. We appreciate it more than anyone will ever know...only because words cannot do any justice.

Love, The Watsons

Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddie

"Live. Laugh. Love."

*** Please say an extra special prayer for a beautiful little girl named Lilie that I follow through caringbridge. There little girl, as her Mommy put it, is getting ready to "fly away but is sad to say good-bye". My heart is so heavy to know what this dear family has to endure. Sweet Lilie is not quite two years old. This has been a very sad day for me, so I cannot even imagine the pain that this family is enduring. Please, please, please pray for some comfort for them...

Prayers Requested...With Updates on Fun in the Sun Sun Summer!

2008-08-12T14:40:00.007-05:00

PRAYER REQUEST:
Maddison continues to do exceptionally well...which we PRAISE GOD daily for His remarkable work!
We want to take a moment to ask you once again to pray for Maddie. Thursday morning we are taking Maddie to have a follow-up blood test. We are asking God, once again, to provide us with great news and all normal results. This is the last blood test Maddie will need as a "precaution" from the bleed that she had post-op from her open heart surgery. They had to wait until Maddie was bigger as they have to take more blood to run this test. They want to close the door on any bleeding issues...and we certainly do to! Please God...we ask you to let everything be normal with this.

This test will be a challenge for us, but more importantly, Maddie. We are not able to feed her from 2:00 am until her test, which is "scheduled" for 8:00 am. Maddie is still up several times a night (to eat), so this will be stressful for her, which we are not looking forward to. We are looking forward to closing this chapter of the book though, and putting it on the shelf...FOREVER!

So...Please Pray!

Okay...onto the update on the fun and exciting stuff we've been up to. Miss Maddie & our family have been quite busy. It is hard to believe that it is August already and summer is nearing a close.

This past weekend we attended the Herma Heart Center Picnic at the Zoo. We had a great time, the best part being able to finally meet some of the amazing families that have been there for us that we met & found through this site. And I must say...all the kids looked even cuter in person than on the sites...
We even got to see the big guy himself, Maddie's surgeon. You are truly at a loss of words when you see him, as it is hard to come up with anything that seems to justify your gratitude for what he has done...given your child their LIFE!
We also got to see some of our favorite PA's...Mike & Mike and Maddie's special guardian angel, Maura. Okay, so she was disguised once again, this time as a sausage of some sort, but nonetheless, we were grateful to see her.

There were over 3,000 people at the Herma Heart Center Picnic!!!

Let's see...Maddie had her first pony ride at the Zoo (not that same day). To my surprise she really enjoyed it. She was very intrigued by the pony.

We had a famiy picnic with Jeff's side of the family. Maddie & her brothers got to spend some time with their cousins that we don't see nearly enough...wow...there are so many so close in age!
We went to State Fair...the Greendale Village Days Parade & Festival, have visited a few parks, and taken a few bikerides. We've been busy!

Maddie has several teeth coming in; I think 3 to be exact. I am hoping this is what is contributing to her overly fussy eating habits. She has pretty much said NO to all spoon fed foods, which rules out quite a bit. But, she's also developed quite the high maintenance diet. She needs some foods with iron, and she isn't having it. Not that all of these have high iron counts, but I've tried spinach, carrots, green beans, other beans, yogurt, egg yolk, avacado, cheese, and some others, all to which she clearly is NOT interested

in. Any suggestions anyone???

Remember the Als Run & Walk is coming up September 20th. It isn't too late to participate, either by walking with us, or donating. This event helps a truly remarkable place...Children's Hospital of Wisconsin..the place that saves childrens' lives...one of which was Maddison's!
If you want to participate on September 20th and join Team Maddie, go to:
http://www.alsrun.com/

Click on 'Register Now'
Click on 'Register Online'
Select 'Register on a Team'
Enter Team Name - TEAM MADDIE
Select TEAM MADDIE when it comes up
Enter Password - maddiewatson
Enter Your Personal Information & Join!!!
________________________________________
If you are interested in sponsoring TEAM MADDIE, please visit Maddie's very own fundraising page that has been set up for this event at:
www.firstgiving.com/maddiewatson
After you join our Team, you can set up your own http://www.firstgiving.com/ page if you are intereted to raise more money.
Please pass this information on to anyone you know who might want to help us. If anyone has questions, please email me!
==============================================
Once again...thank you for all of your thoughts & prayers and for continually checking in on our little girl and our family. It means so much to us, and never goes unnoticed!
I am trying to update the blog as well to include some additional pictures so check that out too...it might take me a little bit though;
http://www.maddisonisabella.blogspot.com/

Remember to keep all the other children who are in need of God's healing hand in your thoughts as well.

Love,
The Watson's
Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddie

"Live. Laugh. Love."

Check out these photos. Okay, one is a duplicate, as I couldn't get it to delete. But then we have Jacob at the VERY TOP of the rock wall; he is such a daredevil, and Devin, doing a flip on the trampoline!

Mommy & Her First Born, Devin!

31st Annual Briggs Als Run & Walk

2008-08-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

The 31st Annual Brigg's Als Run & Walk to benefit Children's Hosptial of Wisconsin is coming up on September 20th! We are excited to announce that we will be participating in this event!
This is a very special event to us, because it benefits a place that is very special to us! Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is the place that mended Maddie's little heart; the place that gave our daughter, our little girl, her life!
No words, no activity, no dollar amount can ever do enough justice for all the facility, the doctors, nurses, surgeon, and other staff have done for our family. Participating in the Als Run & Walk in one way we can give back to the place that has given us so much!
Every penny earned goes to the children, which is why this event is so wonderful. So, we are here to ask you to consider joining us in participating in this special event!
There are a few options out there for you...
1. You can participate the day of the event. Als Run & Walk offers an 8K Run, 3 or 5 Mile Walk, and Wheelchair as options. Our family will be walking so that Maddie's brothers can share in this with their little sister. We haven't finalized if we'll do the 3 or 5 mile...It will depend on who all joins us and what we all want to do. The more the merrier!!!
2. You can sponsor Maddie by making a donation. Remember, the great thing of this event is 100% of the money raised goes directly to helping the children.
Okay...here are the details...
If you want to participate on September 20th and join Team Maddie, go to:
www.alsrun.com
Click on 'Register Now'
Click on 'Register Online'
Select 'Register on a Team'
Enter Team Name - TEAM MADDIE
Select TEAM MADDIE when it comes up
Enter Password - maddiewatson
Enter Your Personal Information & Join!!!
________________________________________
If you are interested in sponsoring TEAM MADDIE, please visit Maddie's very own fundraising page that has been set up for this event at:
www.firstgiving.com/maddiewatson
After you join our Team, you can set up your own www.firstgiving.com page if you are intereted to raise more money.
Please pass this information on to anyone you know who might want to help us. If anyone has questions, please email me!
We are really looking forward to this event. It will be our first year, and it is very emotional just thinking of doing it. Maddie has come so very far, and we know how very lucky we are! She is such a blessing to us...such a MIRACLE!
We are eternally grateful to you all! For the prayers, support, kind words, and love you have all given our family! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!
Love,
The Watson Family
Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, and our little Miracle, Maddie!
"Live. Laugh. Love."

Busy, Busy, Busy...

2008-07-28T14:32:00.006-05:00

It is crazy to think that Maddie is "officially" over a year old! I don't think it has sank in yet how fast time has flown by. The other day while I was at the mall, I was in the elevator and I heard someone behind me say how precious the little baby was. Of course, I thought they were referring to Maddie, so I turned around to thank them only to recognize another precious little baby sleeping in an adjacent stroller. That 'baby' was only 3 weeks old. It was then I realized that to most people, Maddie isn't a "baby" anymore...It made me very sad!

The past few weeks have been CRAZY BUSY! It seems like summer just began and it is over half over! We have been doing so much and enjoying the time, weather, and activities. Devin & Jacob are rounding up the baseball season. Tomorrow night is Devin's last game, and last Friday was Jacob's last one. They did so well and Jeff & I are so very proud of them.

We enjoyed going to Festa Italiana this year as a family. It is pretty much a tradition for our family (we are Italian) and we skipped last year as Maddie was quite small. Maddie is so observant and loved watching everything going on around her. She loves listening to music and, to my surprise, liked the fireworks!

Enjoying the Music w/ Mommy & Nana

Dancing with Daddy at Festa!

We also enjoyed a Milwaukee Zoo trip with our friends and their sister's family. We had lots of kids and they had a lot of fun! It is great to see all the kids enjoying each other so much!

Best Brothers!

The whole Gang of Kids! Count them...

Let's see what else...we've enjoyed celebrating a birthday for the kids cousin, a graduation for my cousin, spending time with family in from out of town, a family reunion, some dinners with friends, bonfires, and just hanging out. We've been going and going for sure!

Thankfully, and thanking God each and every day, Maddie is doing very well. She is developing quite the little personality and I love EACH moment of it! She's really starting to wave bye-bye now, says "DADA" all the time (I think maybe she thinks I am DADA???), BABA, NANA, VAVA, and is experimenting with lots of other new sounds. She isn't walking yet, but will in her time! She enjoys walking around on the furniture and getting into everything. Above all that smile of hers just continues to melt the hearts of all those she comes in contact with, especially Mommy's, Daddy's, and her big brothers. I KNOW how very lucky we are!

Maddie rolling around in the grass...

There are a few events coming up. We are looking forward to the Herma Heart Center Picnic in August. We hope to meet many of the heart families that we follow but have never had the opportunity to meet in person. The Brigg's Al Run & Walk which benefits Children's Hospital is also coming up...September 20th! We will be forming a team for Maddie and participating as a family in the walk. Details for the event will come soon, but please think about supporting Maddie's team for this. Children's Hospital is the reason Maddie is with us today. There is nothing that can be said to thank the doctors, nurses, staff, and facility enough for that. Please email me if you are interested in running / walking with your family or yourself and I can provide you details. I hope to have her team set up this week and I will post more details then.

Please continue to keep all those who are in need of prayers in your thoughts. There are always too many, but I try to keep reminding myself that God makes no mistakes and He has a Great Plan.

Love,

The Watson's

"Live. Laugh. Love."

Enjoy some photos!!!

Kisses for Mommy

Fishing w/ Our Papa

Devin and His Cousin, "Mr. Jeff" from South Dakota...Wish you lived closer!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PRINCESS!!!

2008-07-15T21:43:00.006-05:00

Little Miss Maddie!

MADDIE IS ONE!!!!

Her party on Saturday was a blast. Over 100 people came to celebrate this ever so special day with us (115 to be exact...but who's counting). The overwhelming turnout was amazing and just another sign to us of how fortunate we are. Thank you to you all!!! It meant the world to us to have you share in our special day, and it is certainly one that will be forever remembered. Thank you to all of you who helped make this day possible...You know who you are!! A extra special thank you to our parents. You amaze us every day! We Love you!

We couldn't have asked for anything more. Maddie and our family were surrounded by family & friends that I truly feel in my heart were just as happy for Maddie as we are.

The day started out storming and I clearly remember asking God to shed some sunshine upon us for the day. The very next time I looked outside the sun was shining. He is present...always.

Maddie enjoyed her day...smiling at familiar faces & not so familiar ones. And yes...for those of you who are wondering, I did allow her to have her own little birthday cake! She devowered it, I think had a few tastes, but mainly played in it.

We had an awesome cake decorator who did the cakes exactly the way we wanted...

It is hard to believe Maddie is one year old already. Time flies, and I know it will continue to do so. So...we are living up every moment, taking in every second of every day, and enjoying life as best we know how.

We put a video together for Maddie for her birthday. Please feel free to watch it if you have a chance. The link is at the top of the blog.

We'd also like to share our birthday wish that we read for her...

A Birthday Wish to our Daughter, Our Sister,

Dear Maddie,

We Wish You Many Year of Laughter, Joy, & Fun

We Wish You Happiness, Love, & Harmony that can Never Be Undone.

We Wish You Many Years of Cheerful Hugs & Kisses

We Wish You Many Years of Great News from All Your Doctor Visits.

We Wish that God's Hand Continues to Guide You as Your Life Begins to Start

We Wish You Wellness, Strength, & Healing With Matters of Your Heart.

We Wish You No Scrapes As You Learn to Walk Your Long First Mile

But Most of All that You Always Remember to show Your Incredibly Beautiful Smile.

We Hope You Feel Deep In Your Heart As Birthdays Come & Go

How Very Much You Mean to Us...Much More than You'll Ever Know!

And Finally Maddie...If there is something Mommy & Daddy can teach you to live by, the way you have taught us to Live. Laugh. Love....It is to HOPE, DREAM, WISH = Infinite Possibility!!!!

We Love You Maddie!

Happy Birthday Priness...Yes...she is our "Princess"

Mommy & Daddy,

Devin & Jacob

"Live. Laugh. Love."

Watson/Warren Brookfield Zoo Get Away

2008-06-23T14:33:00.006-05:00

This past weekend was the first of hopefully many Watson / Warren Family Get-Aways. This past weekend my cousin's family and ours took a little trip to the Chicago area and spent a night in a hotel and then visited the Brookfield Zoo. It was a wonderful weekend.

There are a lot of "firsts" for our family to report. First, it was our first little get-away with Maddison where I can honestly say NOBODY would have ever guessed or known what that little girl of ours has been through. And, I think it was the first time that both Jeff & I did not feel compelled to have to share a little bit of her history. We can't figure out why, but for some reason everytime we go somewhere or start talking to people, her heart somehow comes up. Part of it I think is the motherly / fatherly instinct of protecting her kicking in, as it always makes people take a little step back, hence, the germ thing is much more controlled, and another part of me thinks we are just so appreciative of all God has provided us and all the miracles He has worked, and we want to share that with others. Anyways, this weekend we were a "normal" family, on a family outing to the Zoo, and to the eyes of all those around us, it was nothing more, nothing less.

To us however it was amazement. It was yet another one of those moments that most people don't think twice about (not for any other reason than they just don't have to) and here we were taking in every little moment.

Saturday evening Maddie WENT SWIMMING!!!! At first, she wasn't so sure, but when she got into Mommy's arms (just as she finally warmed up) she began to really like it. She was all smiles! Devin especially was so proud of her. He is such a wonderful big brother to her. I know as she gets older she will certainly be protected by him.

Maddie w/ David Swimming Chillin on the Side of the Pool

The Whole Gang in the Pool, Less Daddy, the Photographer

Devin w/ Cousin David, Getting His Hair Pulled. He never minds!

Our Jacob...Being Jacob!

Sunday we visited the Brookfield Zoo. It was nice to visit a different zoo. They had some great exhibit buildings and we saw a Dolphin Show that Maddie was very inthralled with.

The Kids!

Can You Envision this Weekend Yet??

Daddy w/ His Boys!

Nicole & Cousin Michael w/ the Kiddies!

Maddie also got to go on her first CAROUSAL RIDE! She wasn't hesitant at all, and was smiles again from ear to ear. If you haven't picked up on this yet, Maddie ALWAYS seems to be smiles!!

Mommy & Maddie

Loving the Carousal

Jacob & Nina (the kids' cousin) had a blast together and got into more trouble than you can ever think possible! Just full of mischief for sure, probably a payback from my childhood I guess. But wow...they sure keep Mommies & Daddies on our toes!!

We are truly fortunate to have such wonderful family to share times and make memories with!

Enjoy the photos!

Best Brothers!!!

Live. Laugh. Love....ALWAYS!!!

Love,

The Watson's

Jeff, Nicole, Devin, Jacob, & Maddie

Go Brewers Go!

2008-06-18T13:05:00.006-05:00

July 16th, 2008...Maddie's first baseball game at Miller Park. She was so observant of everything going on, and enjoyed, as she always does, the company of her two big brothers, Devin & Jacob!

Maddie just couldn't get enough of everything going on.

Devin is really exploring sports now, and is really into them. He loved being at the game, and talking to all the fans around him about stats, players, etc. He puts me to shame for sure!

Jacob got lucky once again and got to take home a baseball from the game! I think he's off to a pretty good collection!!

Not directly related to the game last night, but still baseball related, are my boys who are off to a great season of Little League. Look at this catcher! Any recruits looking???

And then we have Jacob...batting average over 500 I think! The offers I'm sure will be storming in!

Both of those photos are courtesy of my father-in-law and his clever camera skills. Thanks.

Here's to some wonderful summer days ahead!!

Love,

The Watson Family

"Living. Loving. Laughing."

Mischief Maddie!

2008-06-11T14:06:00.006-05:00

Well, today is a good day to share a little bit of my little girl and the mischief she manages to get herself in to!!! Now, don't get me wrong. This was just another "incident" that made me laugh and yet another happening that brought the biggest smile to my face in appreciation of being her and how far she has come in life already! Another thing to sit back and just enjoy our children!

Okay...ready...

Yup...this sure looked fun for her. POWDERED SUGAR!!!

NOW, I REALLY WAS THE ONE WHO LEFT THE CABINET OPEN, SO I GUESS I AM THE ONE TO BLAME FOR THE FUN SHE GOT HERSELF IN TO!

IT REALLY WAS ALL TOO CUTE THOUGH, AND SO WORTH THE MESS!!!

Soon after she enjoyed indulging into the powdered sugar, she helped me by rearranging my tupperware drawer. Thanks Maddie!!! The smile, or rather, expression, says it all!

Everything else has been great. Devin had his first baseball game last week. Check out my little stud!

Devin had a great first game and did really well. We are so very proud of him. To support him, brother Jacob & little sister Maddie were there to cheer him on!!

That's it at the Watson's Household. Maddie continues to do well and we continue to be thankful each and every day for the countless blessings God has granted us with our three amazing children!!

Don't forget to Live. Laugh. Love....each & every day!!

The Watson Family

The Scoop Since Easter...

2008-05-25T19:27:00.006-05:00

Well Okay...So it's been a VERY long time since I've posted on this blog. So very much has been going on, so I'll try to bring everyone up to speed on "life in the Watson household".

Maddie is doing so well! We praise and thank God each and every day for the Good He has done in her life. Her cardiology appointment (a month ago) already went well. Her heart is functioning well, and although there are a couple areas a little "less than perfect" in the docs eyes, they are keeping a close eye on everything. We pray that she continues to be so strong, and show that her heart CAN & WILL heal!

She has gotten quite mobile these days as well. She is crawling much faster and manages to pull herself up to anything and everything these days (unfortunately, the toilet is her favorite...YUCK!) So...I am always after her. She totally knows when she can take off and head right for it.

She cut her two bottom teach about a month ago, and two weeks ago cut her first top tooth, and a week ago her second top one came in. So...she currently has almost four teeth. I say almost as they aren't quite all the way in yet...but there is a lot of WHITE!

She's quite the stinker when it comes to eating. She LOVES those fruits, but has decided recently that veggies are not her favorite. We'll keep working on them.

And my biggest news...this past Friday she started saying "DA" & "GA"! I even get a "MA" once in awhile. This was just an overwhelmingly amazing feeling for us. It is crazy how much you seem to take for granted on your "healthy" children, and how much you analyze your "heart" baby. I'm not saying one way is better or worse, just different!

Maddie is just such a spunkie little thing! We love her more & more each day, and each day brings a new surprise. She melts our hearts, and surely the hearts of her big brothers too!

This past Friday Jacob graduated from K-4!!! He was smiles from ear to ear and we are just so proud of him. He has really grown so much this past year. The staff at his wonderful school of Jubilee get so much credit for his achievements. They are just so wonderful to him & everyone. Check out this cheese smile on Jake as he received his "diploma" with his ever so patient teacher!

Devin has a few weeks left, and I know he is looking forward to summer. We all are. Devin & Jacob will go to camp together this summer. They are excited...mommy & daddy can't believe how much they have grown!

This past week we visited the Milwaukee Public Museum to see the Human Bodies exhibit. For those of you who don't know, it is an exhibit of real human bodies, from those who dedicated themselves to science, on display showing muscles, organs, etc. It was amazing to see and hard to believe it was real. The most intriguing, yet hardest part, for me was to see the human heart. I can't explain why it was hard to see...I think just looking at it, how small it is and what they did to Maddie's heart, and the specific areas that were wrong, just really hit home. They even had a heart on display showing valves, left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium, aorta...you name the part, they showed / labeled it. Like I said, it was incredibly intriguing but hit so very close to home. In a movie we saw...the Human Body, they made a statement while they showed a heart beating that on average this amazing muscle does not stop beating for an average of 70 some years. Most people would just brush over that statement but for me, all I could think of was babies who have had to have surgery, their hearts, stopped, for God to work through surgeons hands to mend their hearts. Wow...just got to me. Still miraculous in so many ways, and just another thing that makes you even more grateful for what you have and what has been done in your life!

The kids also enjoyed the butterfly exhibit, and all three kids got to touch a butterfly! How lucky!

Well...that pretty much brings everyone up to date.

We want to thank everyone again for reading up on us, and ask for your continued prayers for Maddie, our boys, our family, and for all those out there in need of God's healing hands!

Much Love,

The Watson's

"Live. Laugh. Love."

Wonderful Easter 2008!!

2008-03-25T15:11:00.004-05:00

Easter was wonderful in the Watson household. Despite the foot and a half of snow we received just a day prior, the Easter bunny still managed to make his way to our home, bringing the kids wonderfully filled baskets of goodies!

God has most certainly blessed us with amazing children, family & friends! We are so grateful. Enjoy the new photos from Easter. My boys looked so handsome and Maddie looked like the princess she is to us! :)

Love,

Nicole

Live. Laugh. Love.

Update from Jacob's Birthday Events...

2008-02-26T20:16:00.005-06:00

Sorry for the delay in an update. This past week was just crazy!!! First off, I cannot believe my little Jacob is 5 Years Old! Wow...how times flies. It seems like just yesterday I was giving birth to him and holding him in my arms. That moment is surely engraved in my heart. His birthday party at Chuck E Cheese was a blast! The look on his face while he was surrounded by all his friends was truly priceless. He was the "king" for the night, and he Loved every minute of it! It made me so happy to see him as happy as he was. We had a family birthday party for him this past Saturday. My children are so fortunate, as our we, to always have the continued support of such wonderful family. Papa & Nana, Grandma & Grandpa, Great-Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, & Cousins never miss a party! Sunday we went to Wilderness Resort. It has been a LONG winter here in Wisconsin, and it was a much needed little get-away for all of us. Our great friends, Steve & Lori, and their 3 boys, joined us on this venture. The kids had a blast...okay, so did the parents, but it is about the kids here! The pictures say it all. On the Maddie update...she has been doing very well. She is discovering so many new things and she continues to amaze us everyday. She has recently started some sweet potatoes, which, she enjoys, but is still getting used to. We will be moving on to another veggie soon. She is also trying so hard to get up on all fours! Tonight, of course, while I missed it, she was up for a brief period of time. Jeff was so nice to tape it for me. It isn't going to be long before she's up on them all the time, and then, we all know what follows! Yeah! She is also developing quite the personality. Her new, "personal" thing is her tongue. She never wants to put it IN her mouth!!! And when she gets excited...watch out for it! :0) It is quite cute. Sleeping is still an issue, but in the whole scheme of things, I will take it. Maddie likes to be up every couple hours, 1 1/2 - 2 hours to be exact, every night, so Mommy & Daddy aren't getting much of any sleep. Once and awhile she's give us 3 hours, but that hasn't been the norm lately. None of my children have been sleepers...I really don't know where they get it from. Well, that's the update here at the Watson household. We continue to pray that we all stay healthy through the remainder of this LONG winter! And, as always, we continue to pray that Maddison's heart continues to heal. Please remember all those in need of God's healing hands, especially those going in for surgeries in the coming weeks. There will be more pictures (and a duplicate posting) on our blog spot if you are interested. You can copy & paste it... Wishing everyone health & happiness!! Much Love, Nicole "Live. Laugh. Love."

Jacob's Friend Birthday Party!!

2008-02-22T15:59:00.002-06:00

Chuck E Cheese was a hit! Great job picking such a fun spot, Jacob!! The kids had a great time and surely did their job in wearing me out! The excitement on all of their faces, especially my Jacob's, made every minute of it so worth it!

Jacob was the little star last night, and that smile of his lights up the room! Check out the photos and see for yourself. He couldn't say enough of the fun he had with all of his "best friends". He is so cute, and everyone is truly his "best friend".

Thanks for sharing in his fun, and enjoy the photos!

Love,

Nicole

Happy Heart Day!!!

2008-02-14T09:49:00.000-06:00

February 14th….For all the heart families out there, you know how very special today is for us…for others, let me share. February 14th…Yes, it is Valentines Day, but it is also A Day for Hearts…It is Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Day. It was exactly one short year ago that Jeff & I went out to dinner for Valentines’s Day. It was a couple days after we received the news that we should have a level II ultrasound as some of my bloodwork screening came back high, and it was only 5 days before the scheduled Level II appointment. I remember as it was yesterday, sitting in a quaint location of the restaurant, where I looked over at Jeff and asked him “is everything going to be okay at our appointment?” Of course his ever so confident voice responded “of course it is”; not that I expected him to say anything but. That appointment on February 19th, changed our lives forever. “Change” was suddenly not about how much different life was going to be having three children instead of two. Change took on a whole new meaning. This was the day we found out our baby girl had a severe heart defect; we would soon be embarking on a path a little less traveled. February 14th, 2007…it was Valentine’s Day. And today, February 14th, 2008, it is CHD Awareness Day. Heart Day! One year ago I didn’t know that 1 in every 100 babies are born with some sort of heart defect. If asked about CHD, I don’t know I could have told you what it was. When I heard someone talk about heart disease, little did I know it affected babies, and so many of them. I certainly didn’t want to believe that our baby girl was going to be that statistic. So, our lives “changed”…that is an understatement indeed. Although the change was certainly far from what we expected, it was certainly the “change” that ended up the way it was meant to be. So again I remember when I asked Jeff “is everything going to be okay?” We may not have received the “okay” news that we wanted at that ultrasound appointment, but in the end, we are more than okay. We have the most amazing children, who, as we teach them all about life, they teach us what life is all about! Sure, this last year was difficult. I shed more tears than I thought possible; I felt more heartache than I knew I was capable of feeling, and not a day goes by that I don’t fear and worry for my children. But there is no place else I’d rather be! Attached are two poems that touch a little into the world of CHD. It gives a glimpse of what we, and so so many others go through. Each of us have our own unique stories…our own circumstances, and our own “crosses to bear”, yet we are all one; one large family. When we look at our baby girl, and reflect back on just how very far she has come, how much she has conquered in only 7 months, including a major open heart surgery at under 3 months old, and how many lives she has touched, we are nothing but thankful to God. He has blessed us emensely. Please remember that there are so many babies & children & families affected by a CHD. It becomes a part of your life. So today, on Valentine’s Day, Heart Day, take a moment to think and pray for all the children and families that have been affected by a CHD. Live a little more…Laugh a little louder…Love a TON more!! _______________________________________________ What is it like to have a child with a CHD?   It's Lasix,aspirin, Captopril. ...  It's wondering... Lord what's your will?... It's monitors and oxygen tanks...  It's a constant reminder...to always give thanks...   It's feeding tubes, calories, needed weight gain...  It's the drama of eating...and yes it's insane!   It's the first time I held him...(I'd waited so long)  It's knowing that I need...to help him grow strong...   It's making a hospital...home for awhile...  It's seeing my reward...in every smile.   It's checking his sats...as the feeding pump's beeping...  It's knowing that there... is just no time for sleeping...   It's caths,x-rays and boo boos to kiss...  It's normalcy...I sometimes miss...   It's asking...do his nails look blue?  It's cringing inside... at what he's been through.  It's dozens of call to his pediatrician. ..  (She knows me by name...I'm a mom on a mission)   It's winter's homebound... and hand sanitizer...  It's knowing this journey...has made me much wiser.  It's watching him sleeping...his breathing is steady...  It's surgery day...and I'll never be ready.   It's handing him over...( I'm still not prepared...)  It's knowing that his heart... must be repaired...  It's waiting for news...on that long stressful day...  It's ...praying.. .it's hoping...that he'll be okay.  It's the wonderful friends... with whom I've connected...  It's the bond that we share...it was so unexpected.. .   It's that long faded scar... down my child's small chest...  It's touching it gently...and knowing we're blessed...   It's watching him chasing...a small butterfly...  It's the moment I realized...I' ve stopped asking...why?   It's the snowflakes that fall...on a cold winter's day...  (They remind me of those...who aren't with us today)   It's a brave little boy...who loved Thomas the train...  Or a special heart bear...or a frog in the rain....  It's the need to remember...we are all in this plight....  It's their lives that remind us... we still need to fight!   It's in pushing ahead amidst every sorrow...  It is finding the strength to have hope for tomorrow.    And no...we'll never be the same...  It's changed our family...  This is what we face each day...  This is...a CHD.    Author: Anissa Speight ________________________________________________ Somewhere...someplace... today... A family is waiting to hear... Is something wrong with their baby? The answers aren't quite clear... This family has entered an unwanted world... And they just don't know what to expect... Somewhere...someplace... today They first heard the words: heart defect. And how they hoped this was not true... And thought... this cannot be... I too... know just how this feels... For one day...this was me. Somewhere...someplace...today... A man and a woman embrace... Their baby is in surgery... They long to see her face... They haven't got to hold her yet... Without...a cord or line... They pace the room awaiting news... And hope she'll be just fine. Prayers fill this busy waiting room... And mom and dad are scared... Somewhere...someplace..today... The tiniest hearts are repaired. Somewhere...someplace...today... A child's growing fast... Smiling,laughing,thriving... His mom thinks...can this last? It's almost easy...to forget... That anything is wrong... Somewhere...someplace..today... Her child seems so strong. Somewhere...someplace... today... A little boy fights...just to live A father holds his tiny hand... His love...all he can give... The doctor's are all baffled... They fear that he might die... Somewhere...someplace...today... A family says goodbye... Somewhere...someplace...each year.. More than 40,000 families will see... What it means...when something's wrong... They'll face a CHD. Today...for just a moment... Stop...remember...reflect... Make time to tell someone you know... "I've been changed by a heart defect". Author: Stephanie Husted HAPPY VALENTINES DAY & HAPPY HEART DAY EVERYONE! WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Mommy's Birthday Wish

2008-02-10T10:51:00.001-06:00

Yet another cold day here in Wisconsin. We have wind chills of -26 below and counting. WHAT IS GOING ON??

So today is Maddison's mommy's birthday. Jeff said to me a few days ago, 'you have to tell me what you want for your birthday?'. So I thought about it. But, I didn't have to think hard.

What I want for my birthday? How can I possibly come up with anything more I want for my birthday, when I have, literally, EVERYTHING a girl could dream up.

As I drove my son to school the other day, a thought came over me. I realized, yet again, I am living a DREAM! As a little girl, I always dreamt of having a husband, having children, and driving them around all over town. Gosh...I still remember like it was yesterday driving my cousin's cabbage patch dolls big wheel around their house and 'dropping my kids off' at their various destinations.

I am a wife, and I am a mommy, a daughter, grandchild, cousin, & friend, and I am so proud of that! What do I want for my birthday? Simple...For everyone to know how loved & appreciated they really are.

My husband & my children, my family, and my friends, you have taught me to love deeper than I ever thought possible; to treasure the smallest of moments just as much as the large ones, and to live and love life! Thank you.

Stay warm everyone! We are planning on going out for dinner tonight with my family for my birthday. Life truly doesn't 'GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS!'.

Much Love,
Nicole

'Live. Laugh' Love.'

Winter Wonderland...

2008-02-07T15:45:00.000-06:00

I have this blog up and running now. Hopefully I'll be able to share more photos & more stories with all of you!

It is a Winter Wonderland in Wisconsin! We have some 15 + inches of snow and Devin & Jacob are loving every inch of it! We haven't gotten out yet to construct another snowman, but I think it would be tough as the snow is taller than Jacob in our yard!!

I enrolled Jacob in K-5 for next year today. It is hard to believe (and a little hard to take) that both my boys will be in school together next year! How the time flies!

Wishing everyone a great day today!