Baby Maverick

This blog was created to keep family and friends updated on what's going on with the pregnancy, birth, and surgical plan for Maverick. We'll also be able to keep everyone updated during his surgery and recovery and hopefully be able to show you some cute pictures of him, Maddie, Carter and Chloe along the way.

This was the original intent; however, when we started this blog we had no idea the twists and turns our lives would take. Our sweet baby Maverick was born September 12, 2008 with Transposition of the Great Arteries, ASD, and VSD. We expected to have a baby boy to bring home three to four weeks after his surgery. He had numerous complications after his arterial switch and fought through many that would have taken the life from an adult. He passed away February 24, 2009 - without ever coming home.

This blog is now a place I share my feelings, work through the grief, remember Maverick, and try to make sense out of our life without him. I hope in doing so I am giving a name and a face to babies everywhere born with congenital heart defects.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Mav's friends

Just a pic of Mav's favorite friends. They're sitting on a table in our living room. I had the hardest time deciding whether or not to leave the monkey with Maverick. It was his favorite and he would always "pet" it when you placed it by his hand. I told Greg I really wanted to keep it, but felt awful for not wanting to leave it with him. Being the sensitive husband that he is, he said "Keep it, it will be better off with us." I'm so glad I did. I've already needed it several times.

Chloe climbed into Mav's crib today. It's full of his things. She got out his little blue "baby uggs" as the nurses called them, and brought them to me to put on her doll. I didn't cry - surprise. I just held them, felt them, inspected them, and smelled them - just to see if I could catch a whiff of his scent (maybe just a hint of it was there). Then I put them on her doll and told her not to lose them. Later she brought me the music box part of his mobile. She wound it up and then started crying and said, "I miss Mav." I said, "I do too, baby. It's okay." and I just held her for awhile.

9 comments:

{rambling} said...

I'm glad you kept them...they will give you something tangiable to cling to when you need it.

love you
Dejah

Anonymous said...

Juli,
Ever since I've known you I've been amazed by you. You're so talented, so driven, such a strong person. I think it's great you're thinking about painting again- you have such a gift for seeing the creative side of things. I am so thankful to have you for a friend. And I love that you are still writing on your blog.
Love, Amy

Anonymous said...

It is odd that I can't figure out what is the right thing to say. My family was in this exact same position about four years ago. What was helpful to me was often not helpful to my husband. That is still the case. Everyone grieves in different ways. I don't know you, Julie. I met you once at a birthday party for a mutual friend's child. It was shortly before Maverick was born. I have thought of you often since then and prayed for your family as others have passed news on. I'll keep praying. Four years after my own loss, I am sure of one thing...God is faithful.

Anonymous said...

The toys were special to Mav and that makes them special to you. I'm glad to see you expressing your emotions. I know how long it takes to feel better. You are dealing with it the best way possible. Keep talking and sharing. Pat

Anonymous said...

I came upon your blog after seeing your story in the News Star and I read the entire thing from beginning to now. I cannot even begin to understand the pain you and your family are dealing with. I am a mother as well and although I can't completely understand, I know the pain of simply being a mother. Your little Mav is an angel. Your other children are really strong, lovely children. I have been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so. May God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you are blogging. I wasn't sure if you still were when I checked it today. Now maybe I can tell how you are without having to always ask and annoy you. I'm sure Chloe will love having your attention while the kids are in school.
Love ya, Lu Anne

Anonymous said...

I hope you enjoy your day with Chloe. You are each in my prayers. We love you guys. -gordona

the aldrich family said...

hi, juli:

you are a hero to moms everywhere.

God bless you.

love, rebekah aldrich
(your neighbor across the street :)

Anonymous said...

Juli and family,
I too have been wanting to post a comment but none of the words sound right. Nothing could make this journey any easier. I still check your blog daily and think of you, your family and Mav everday. I can't imagine the pain and loss you are experiencing. I will continue to pray for you and your family and hope that God will one day help to ease the pain. Hug and kiss those kiddos! God bless, Terin M.