Sleeping... But Heart Defects video must be posted

I'm supposed to be sleeping.

But I had to post this wonderful video about Hopeful-Hearts.org

I have followed Moriah's family since she was sent home at 6months with her unrepairable heart defect - only then to find a wonderful Stanford Doctor to repair Moriah's heart.  And allow her smile to join us every day.  If you want to read more about a fantastic family:  http://momentswithmoriah.blogspot.com

Another reason that this organization is important is February is Congenital Heart Defect Month - both of our daughters have heart defects.  Alexis' ASD was repaired via catheterization, but Jessica's heart defect requires open heart surgery.

We have scheduled Jessica's surgery for Wednesday April 18.  I've already started my panic dreams about this... like we don't get to the hospital in time, etc.  It's quite funny, to think that I can already start worrying about something two months from now.  And after 6 surgeries for Alexis and 1 very minor surgery for Jessica, you'd think I'd be all set.  But no prior surgery has intentionally stopped either of our daughter's hearts.  We know she's in great hands, but that doesn't stop me from sometimes freaking out :-)

All is well though.  As the Chez Family says, these kids have special hearts.  And for me, they have special gifts and each day that they can be with us is a great blessing!

67% to $5000 Goal! bit.ly/alexisperkins

bit.ly/alexisperkins

Fundraiser Status! Half Way there!

Thank you everyone! I am so blessed to have the friends and families who have donated so generously! If you haven't donated already, we still have time.....  63 days to be precise.... http://bit.ly/alexisperkins

Photos from Alexis' Birthday at School

Here are photos from Alexis' Birthday at School....

You'll see how HAPPY a birthday is supposed to be celebrated.

(some people may be concerned about her eye patch - Alexis wears her eye patch 3 hours each day to strengthen her right eye)

Reading a great book - with Alexis as the focus!

Alexis HATES hats! Even if it's the birthday one!

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Alexis at Circle Time!

And playing with her toy!

Alexis' Birthday Present to Matt

http://youtu.be/7UJS59Eb2I8

Transition from Floor to Standing with minimal support!

Best - Birthday - Present - Ever!

And this one was 6 years in the making!

CHANCE TO WIN iPAD 2!

I know there are some families out there who might enjoy this -- so please donate and enter to win an iPAD 2!

Donate at least $26 for any Boston Marathon fundraiser right now and you'll be entered to win an iPad2! Sweepstakes ends 2/19. 

http://www.crowdrise.com/2012BostonMarathon/event/1/1-100#teams

Scroll down to Team Perkins Boston Marathon 2012 

Click DONATE, Select Team Member = Stephanie Spindler, put in at least $26 - and you're entered to Win an iPad 2!    NOTE: must be done by Feb 19.  

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY ALEXIS!!!

Our dear medical miracle mystery baby is growing up!

Alexis was born 6 years ago, 4lbs at 8:53am on February 8.  

She was surrounded by her mom, dad, her twin Kaitlyn and 18 of NEMC's best Doctors and Nurses.

She has put us through the wringer, challenged the hell out of the brain power of doctors and continues to baffle the geneticists.  :-)  We wouldn't swap any minute of it.  I rebroadcast this video that I took 2 years ago - with the Alexis giggle-squeal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTZJihXtrPQ&list=UU8IJtmCIWqqf-JWpyMcZ3Ww&index=36&feature=plcp

We hope you all have a wonderful Feb 8!  Alexis had a beautiful day at school and lots of fun at home to celebrate her birthday!

And if you want to see more photos of us and the family - and the "life and times" of us, check out

https://picasaweb.google.com/102605709833207535079/FamilyPhotos2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLKFk7K9rM7ZCQ#

Catherine

Busy Month.  I would say that about January, but we're already into February.  Yikes!

It's continued to be mild in New England, but better yet, it was wonderful weather in Florida where I traveled for business this week.  I attended the Philips Healthcare Sales meeting to share a new "Alexis" video.  During January (see other posts), they videotaped Alexis at school and then at home using the new product we (Philips and Perkins) are developing.  

Here is the final result:  

http://tomorrowmedia.tv/tm_review/MEGALightGuide.html

The video will be launched inside of Philips to show what passion, energy and drive can yield -- for new products, for new businesses and new innovations for the world.  It excites me that I can be a part of this - lead it, actually!  Thank you to all of the families that inspire me to build products and implement innovations that I can within my company.  

Hope you enjoy, please feel free to comment or email me if you have comments about anything.