CDH Awareness Day

Today is Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day. As you may know, our little friend Lalito was born with CDH. He had multiple surgeries and was in the hospital/rehab for the first 4 months of his life. The condition is as common as Spina Bifida, but only has a 50% survival rate. As part of CDH Awareness Day, Lalito has asked that we spread the word. 

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) occurs in approximately 1 in every 2,500 births (1,600 cases in the U.S. each year).  The cause of CDH is not yet known.  The diaphragm is formed in the first trimester of pregnancy and controls the lungs' ability to inhale and exhale.  CDH occurs when the diaphragm fails to form or to close totally and an opening allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity.  This inhibits lung growth.  

Every patient diagnosed with CDH is different.  Survival rates depend on the types and number of organs involved in the herniation and the amount of lung tissue available.  There are many surgical procedures and complications that may or may not occur with each individual, including in utero surgery. Roughly 50% of babies born with CDH do not survive.   Of the 50% that do survive, most will endure long hospital stays, feeding issues, asthma and other problems.  A few of the survivors suffer from severe long-term medical issues. CDH occurs as frequently as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis, yet there is very little research being done and virtually no media coverage.

 To learn more, visit: http://www.cdhsupport.org/cdh.php

 

Something to make you smile

Our big boy!

Family Vacation in Florida

We took a family vacation to Florida last week- and by family, I mean FAMILY! We flew down with Chase and stayed with Grammy and Grampy Lamont, but Nonnie and Pop, Grandma Joan and Grandpa Kurt, Uncle Douglas, AND Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Rita were all staying at the same community so we got to see them all. Chase doesn't get to see his family much, and he very, very rarely gets to see both sides of the family in the same place so this was such a great opportunity. And, if that wasn't enough to impress our little 10 month old, there was a pool! And the ocean! Oh, and a new place where there was plenty of room to crawl. Plus, with all the Florida sun, there was plenty of light for some great photos. So here's a summary of our trip in pictures:

Pool time:

(checkin' out the ladies in the pool)

Three generations of Lamonts, all in white polo shirts:

We watched the sun set:

And the moon rise:

Hit the beach:

Checked out the ocean for the first time:

Went back to the pool:

Went to dinner with the families:

(made a big mess!)

Ate lunch at the tiki bar:

Played with Grammy and Grampy:

Tried peach gelato:

And played, and played, and played...

We're looking forward to going back next year!