Leighton's Gift: March 2012

Our Story

Leighton Sophie Taylor and Jaxon Cohen were born on May 26, 2011. At only 28 weeks they were tiny little fighters who amazed us on so many levels from the very beginning. After one week they were both off of CPap, and after 2 weeks both were doing well enough to no longer need additional oxygen as well! We just knew we were on our way to taking home our healthy miracles! Our world was rocked at 12:30 am on June 16th. That is when we received the call that Leighton had an unusually high fever for a preemie. It was determined that she had Late Onset Group B Strep (GBS). The infection was so quick to take over her little body that she was in the arms of Jesus within 48 hours.

The rules in the NICU are very strict. FOR GOOD REASON! These little ones are fragile and need to have limited visitors and stimulation. However, one of the hardest things as a family, was knowing that no one ever got to meet our sweet angel. Even though she was only 3 weeks old, she had her own spunky personality. She always looked our way when we were there. She would kick her little foot over to us and shake it back and forth. She would "hum" (just like her twin brother still does) when we held her. These are just a few of the things that we wish everyone could have seen. "Leighton's Gift" IS going to make sure that happens for other families from the very beginning! There are so many milestones met in the NICU that will be able to be viewed through Leighton's Gift. Families will have the opportunity to view IN REAL TIME, these milestone's (first bath, diaper changes, feedings, cuddle time, etc.). Eventually, parents will also be able to talk/sing to their precious ones through a "one-way" audio element that is also in the works. We pray that this project will help make families who are faced with a child in the NICU feel more connected and comfortable when they are not able to be there in person.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

8 Month Pics :)

Been a while...

Hi there!

First of all, I have to apologize for not keeping the blog updated as much as I should. I know it has been a while since I have shared any news on the progress of Leightons Gift or on sweet Mr. Jaxon.

Leighton's Gift is unfortunately going slower than planned. But that's OK! We know it will happen, and when it does, it will benefit those that are there. Currently we are waiting on the hospital executives to give the final "go ahead" to get the system up and running. The only thing is, the system used could possible change. We originally wanted to use the NicView system, and are hoping that is still the option they allow us to install. It would be low maintenance and easy for parents and families to use. It would also be easy for the staff to use. However, we may have to "piggy back" on a system that another hospital is currenty trying to get up and running. As soon as we have the official date, I will be letting everyone know, any way I can!!! I cannot wait to provide this service to families that I know need it. So thank you all so much for your continued support and for all the donations!!!

Now, an update on Jaxon! He is growing like a weed!!! He is currently 14 pounds and is sitting up on his own! He is incredibly curious; reaching and grabbing anything he can! He loves eating just about anything we give him! We are looking forward to being able to take him out in public a little more once RSV season is over. Until then, we appreciate all of the visitors who haven't minded our "scrub in" station! Thank you for helping to keep our sweet little man healthy!!! So far he has only had a couple of mild colds that only lasted a few days. Here are some updated pictures of Jaxon!

Getting SO big!

Yee Haw!!

Smooches from my Aunt Marla and Aunt Brandi :)

Merry Christmas!

Learning to like my exer-saucer :)