Dylan's Heart

Hi sweet family and friends,

Most of you know, I have had a very complicated pregnancy with Dylan. We learned at 20 weeks that I had a cyst on the umbilical cord. After learning of all the horrible things that could indicate, it turns out that cyst really hasn't effected Dylan. We have since learned that cyst was a blessing in disguise. I have been being monitored by a wonderful Perinatologist, Dr. DeRoshe (a high risk OB doctor who monitors fetal growth and development), and there has been some concern over Dyan's heart.

As it turns out, we met with the Pediatric Cardiology team on Tuesday at Vanderbilt and found that Dylan does have a congenital heart defect. His defect is "coarctation of the aorta". So, what does that mean?!?!? It means quiet simply part of Dylan's aorta narrows. The aorta is the major artery in the heart that pumps blood to the body (especially the lower body). Because of this narrowing, his little heart is having to pump extra hard. In the womb, this defect isn't as huge of a deal because there is a PDA valve that aids the heart. Once a child is born, this valve seals off. In Dylan's case, that would be detrimental.

So, again your probably asking, what does all that mean?!?!? Well, it means Dylan is now considered a high risk delivery and will be delivered at Vanderbilt. Immediately after his birth, an IV will be started and medicine injected to prevent the PDA valve from sealing off (we need this extra valve to help his little heart be able to pump without overworking itself) . They will take him to do an echo cardiogram and the team of Pediatric Cardiologists will assess how narrow the aorta is and how immediate a course of action needs to be taken.

Worst case-The aorta is blocked or interrupted, no chance without surgery...he would immediately go to surgery.

Middle Case-*This is the option they think Dylan will fall into*-The aorta is narrowed but not to a level of being completely blocked. He will be monitored through multiple pressure, flow, echo, and other tests to see how that narrowing affects the overall function of the heart. Additionally, if the narrowing is "middle of the road" they will turn down the medicine to the PDA valve to let it being closing off and see how the heart and body reacts.  At that point, surgery will be decided.

Best case-The aorta is narrowed but not enough to require surgical intervention. He will be monitored but released for additional follow up tests.

They have prepared us that Dylan will more likely need surgery than not need surgery. So, we are planning for that. We are anticipating Dylan will need a 10 day stay at Vanderbilt. They are in the process of figuring out when my labor will be induced, as we ideally need Dylan to come in the middle of the day when the entire team can assess him. We should know within 4 hours of his arrival what action is needed.

So, we are sharing this information in hopes that as many people as possible will please be in prayer for our little Dylan, his team of doctors and nurses, and us. As you can imagine this has been extremely difficult news to receive. Please know in advance that your continued prayers, kind words, and generous acts are greatly appreciated more than you know. We are busily taking care of things, so if you don't get a response, please know it isn't because we aren't immensely grateful. We are thankful for each of you, your love, and support. We understand everything happens for a reason, and we know God has very big plans for little Dylan.

We will use this blog as a source to provide updated information as we have it.  We will try to update it as quickly as possible but know trying to absorb all the information we are getting may take a bit. 

Lots of love,

Jeff, Beth, Ty and Dylan Bowman

No, I haven't forgotten....

I haven't forgotten about my dear little blog, I'm just working on a new site....stay tuned!

XOXO!!!

Joy and Sadness Start Month 10

Joy and fun and so much happiness when Ty Jacob is in the pool! He made his first visit to a "big" pool on Memorial Day Weekend. He had the best time with Nona, Dar, Lauren, and Megan. We can't wait to do it again!

So many hands had Ty...just in case!!! It really was a perfect first time out!

Right now Ty has two favorite things, his own little remote and Flopsy. When he has those two things, he's the happiest kid in the world. There was no way aunt Lauren could have imaged how much Ty would love Flopsy....we don't really go anywhere without him!

Before we know it, Ty will be on the lake with the boys.....and I will be worrying like crazy!

Oh, how I love this little boy! I feel thankful every single day that I am lucky enough to be Ty's mom. It's amazing that your heart can love so much and so deeply. As I tell him every night when I tuck him in, "I love you to the moon and back." Jeff always says he thinks I love him even more than that....and I think he's right (and I know because he loves this little guy just as much!).

And the sadness...this month began with the loss of a man that has touched our hearts in a way that can never be explained. Mr. Alfred Wilson passed on June 9th, and we are so thankful that he was able to meet Ty Jacob before he took his place in heaven with Mrs. Wilson to watch over us.

When Jeff and I married, Mr. Wilson served as the best man. We will never forget the honor it was to have him right beside of Jeff. We are grateful to have known the Wilsons. Family's are made by the people who support you, teach you, guide you, and love you unconditionally....the Wilson's will always be our family, and we only hope that we can share their legacy with Ty Jacob in a way that would make them proud.

We send love and gratitude to each of you reading this, as you are the people who mean the most to us.

The 9th Month

Oh, Ty Jacob, how did you get to be almost 10 months old?!?! Here's what the last month looked like....

Here is our first "kids" birthday party to celebrate Everhett's 1st birthday. There were about a dozen kiddos Ty's age, and it was so cute to watch them all play together.

Ty loved the little girls and I think they loved him back! Lucy in the white kept playing with Ty's hair, and Elsie Kate (in the pink) played with our little man all afternoon! I think we may have had some love connections!

We've been doing a lot of hanging out trying to stay cool.

And how cute is this?!?! Betsy and her girls did this little outfit for Ty when he was born, so Ty could be just like his daddy (as if he wasn't an exact carbon copy already).

And the same day, Ty learned how to go from sitting to standing on his own. He's attempting walking, but he hasn't mastered it yet. He's is "cruising" (holding on to furniture, etc at record speed!), and getting a few bumps and bruises along the way....

Ty has graduated to the big tub and loves it! Bath time is one of our favorite times of the day. And his neon earplugs make quiet the fashion statement!

Ty enjoyed a visit from Larry and Gina (Pa and Ra), and he also got a visit from Debbie (Nana) but I didn't get a picture that day. He had been to the doctor for his 9 month check-up and wasn't feeling great.

My first mother's day was more special than I could have imaged. Jeff and Ty did a great job. Jeff gave Ty my present, and he came running in his walker with it....it's a priceless moment I will never forget. I am so lucky to be honored on a day with so many other great mothers...it makes me even more appreciative that I had such an amazing mom to learn from.

Nona dressed Ty in this outfit on one of the Saturdays she kept Ty and Jeff kept saying he had on a pimp hat! Only Jeff.....

And that rounds out the 9th month with our little man. We love him so much, and we are enjoying all the new joys of having such an active little guy. He has enriched our lives more than he will ever understand. We love you to the moon and back Ty Jacob....it's a privilege to be your parents.

Coming soon....pics of our first visit to the "big" pool!

Love and kisses to you all!

More firsts

Up first, Ty is working on eating finger foods! This is the coolest little contraption. We can put fresh fruits and veggies in here and Ty can chew on them. It strains them so he never gets too much at one time.

As you could tell from the last post, Ty's Zack Efron hair need a little trim. So, of course, aunt Rene' gave him his first fabulous 'do! He must have know how handsome she was making him, because he never cried a peep. Of course, I'm sure it helped that Nona was there to hold him so I could be like the paparazzi taking pictures to document the occasion!

I know I'm bias, but seriously have you ever seen a cuter little boy?!?

It was another first...Easter! It started at home with a wonderful morning before we were off to see family.

Poppy taught Ty how to hunt for the best Easter eggs...so sweet!

And, they spent a lot of time together throughout the day. Ty loves his Poppy so much!!!

And his buddy Nona, took extra good care of him all day. He loves his Nona so much too!!!!

Megan helped Ty open his Easter basket from Nona and Poppy. As you can see, he got way too many things!

Aunt Dar, or as she has been affectionately renamed, Nona #2! Love!!!!

And as you can see, Nona #2 did way too much too!

Uncle Brent and aunt Lauren, always do too much and Ty's first Easter was no exception.

Ty loves them so very much!!!

There are no words for how amazing Ty's first Easter was. Everyone went above and beyond to ensure the day was perfect, memorable, and special. More than the gifts, which were so incredible and way too much, it was wonderful that the day was full of family and love. Ty is so lucky to have family that loves him, and wants him the have the best experiences in life.

Life is complicated and busy, and it's easy to forget how much each day is a gift. We can never thank you all enough for taking the time to make Ty feel loved more than he can understand. Through all our recent health hardships, you guys have been a rock for Jeff and I. The calls, text, and emails keep us positive and make us strive everyday to be the good parents and people you all have taught us in your examples.

We love you guys, and we are beyond lucky to have you as role models for Ty Jacob.

Until next time, XOXO!

TJB at 8 Months

TJB is 8 months! Where does the time go? It goes so quickly when each day is filled with new adventures. There is always something new and somehow an even stronger love for this little guy. Jeff and I are the luckiest people in the world!

We laugh now about all the times we wanted Ty to crawl, because now there is no stopping him! He is curious, super fast, and into everything! The delight when he is able to get something he wants is so fun to watch.

Now that he has mastered the crawling thing, he is working really hard to figure out how to pull up and walk. Soon enough I'm sure I'll be posting that he's cruising. The kid has never been a timid one trying new things.

Before our eyes, our little 5 pound baby is turning into a boy. It's the most wondrous, fulfilling sight. And this month a little more heartwarming for me, as Ty's first word was mama! We're still working on dada...I feel certain when he says it, Jeff will be even more wrapped around Ty's finger.

As all of you know, Ty Jacob loves his food. And this month he has started feeding himself a little bit! It's hysterical to watch....and super messy to clean up, but a joy none the less! This was his first go at it!

Now, he crams as many puffs in as he can! I have a feeling this kid will eat us out of house and home when he gets older!

And after a rocky start to the sippy cup, Ty is finally figuring it out....so cute!

We've been enjoying some fun days outside with this gorgeous weather. Oh, how we love Spring!

I'm sure TJB will kill me for this picture when he gets older, but his Zack Efron hair looks really wild most mornings. I couldn't resist a picture of it!

Ty's green dinosaur (aka the green gobbler) is a favorite.

Shoes! It's time for shoes! I'm one of those mom's that does most things "by the book", and waited until Ty was close to walking to have him fitted for shoes. Like everything else, he has his dad's wide foot.

Happy in his new shoes from Momma and Daddy.

And loving his new shoes from Nona and Poppy (Nona wouldn't have missed this moment for anything-she was so excited to help fit Ty for his first shoes!). He thinks he's such a big boy when he puts them on.

Lastly, Ty got tubes put in his little ears this month. He had a chronic ear infection that couldn't be cured by antibiotics. Everyone was amazing in their outpouring of love, prayers, and support. Even though it was a simple procedure, the worry never stops as a parent. We just want our little guy to feel better, be able to sleep and hear, and generally enjoy himself. Fingers crossed this is the miracle cure everyone keeps telling us it is!

We hope you enjoyed our month in review as much a we enjoyed living it. Every month Jeff and I think it can't get any better, yet every month it does. Being a parent is definitely the greatest gift in life. Every night when I'm rocking Ty I thank God for these moments and experiences, and ask him to help us never take a single second of it forgranted.

Until next month, XOXO!