Hi, my name is David Joseph Chiappetta and I was born on July 27, 2007. I was born with something called holoprosencephaly and it means that my brain was not divided and I don't really have much of a brain. I do have a brain stem which controls my heart and lungs so that's good. My hypothalamus doesn't work either though so I can get either really hot or really cold very easily and quickly. Mom and Dad have to be my thermometer for me though which keeps them pretty busy at times. I also have a feeding tube in my stomach so I can eat since I can't swallow and I have a trache so I can breathe since I only have one nostril and it's blocked. Mom and dad have to suction me out too since I get mucuous buildup and have acid reflux. Sometimes I can keep them busy with that too. I also have Diabetes Insipidus which is a water issue and so I have to be given a certain amount of water with my medicines. If my sodium level is too high then that will cause me to have more seizures as well as if my temperature gets too high. I already have a seizure condition because of my lack of brain so some things can make it more complicated like high temperature and high sodium. See, my normal temperature range is 94 degrees to 97 degrees. Anything above that can cause me to have more seizures. See, I told you I keep my parents busy. :-) The doctors said though that I may not make it to birth and if I did I would only live a month or so. They also said that I will not be able to talk or walk or crawl or any of those normal baby things. Well, I'm here to tell you that I am4 years old now and I am learning to pick my head up when on my tummy! I'm also learning to put some weight on my legs and I laugh and smile. Cool huh? I just wanted to add that although you see mom and dad in the description above...it has just been mommy and me for a while now since daddy passed away in January of 2010.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Tribute to Daddy



I know it's been a while since I've been on the blog and it's with sadness that I have to tell you that daddy went to be with Jesus on January 3, 2010! He was a great daddy and also loved mommy very much and he will be greatly missed for sure! With God though...we will make it.
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9 comments:

Foster Momma said...

Thank you for sharing, Deb & David! What a precious tribute to a husband and daddy! You can tell the love he had for the 2 of you. Praying for you in the comnig days. I cannot imagine going through what you are right now...you are a strong woman of God...that much, I know!

1/11/2010 6:59 PM
Unknown said...

Deb thank you for letting us share in your life. Mark would love his tribute. Hugs and kisses to my little guy.

1/11/2010 11:22 PM
Anonymous said...

This was a "2" boxes of tissues....girl, you surprise me more than ever..........the pictures you selected and the layout were unbelievable good. Love you, momma

1/12/2010 10:17 AM
JoAnn said...

Thank you for that wonderful tribute to my son. I loved him so much and I know you did too and will miss him more than I can think. This was beautiful and you did a wonderful job putting it together. If I watch without the sound I don't sob as much. Thank you for loving Mark.

1/12/2010 3:23 PM
Connie said...

O Debbie, what a beautiful tribute to Mark! Everyone's right -- you did a wonderful job capturing how much he loved you both! I think my favorite pic was of you two in the bright blue and orange shirts -- so in love :)

1/13/2010 8:38 PM
Marlowe said...

Red,

My prayers go out to you in this time of sorrow. I am grateful that you found love, and I am sorry that this love had to leave you early. I admire your courage as you cont. to keep God first and your spirits high. Further this tribute captured Mark in a very perfect light, and I know he will be missed by all. Keep your head up, and may God Bless you all the time.

1/13/2010 10:25 PM
kim laluna said...

debbie, this was absolutely amazing! what a wonderful job u did! every picture captures a precious moment mark spent with you guys! my favorite is the one of him kissing david at 4 minutes 37 seconds into the video! i really admire you! may u stay strong!

1/14/2010 10:25 AM
Darlene Turner said...

Debbie that was an awesome tribute to your husband, he will greatly be missed. God bless you and David you are a very strong woman. May God guide you through this difficult time. Keep a smile on your face, your head held high and love in your heart God Bless xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

1/14/2010 9:39 PM
Anonymous said...

Debbie and David,
This tribute to Mark is so beautiful, and every priceless picture exemplifies the love he had for you both.
Please know that prayers continue for you in the days to come. The Lord's comfort and strength and joy be yours...
Kathy Lebron

1/28/2010 10:41 PM

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