Carver's Chest of Earthly Treasures

About a month ago Jared, Corbin, and I went on a search for the perfect chest to keep Carver's treasures in. I had placed all his beautiful belongings in his room when we first got home in July. It just seemed like the right thing to do. Each one so precious with memories I retold myself and anyone who would listen. Eventually, I realized that an empty nursery was no place to keep these sweet mementos. Jared and I had always known we wanted to store Carver's keepsakes in a place where we could get to them, but also were each one had a place. We found this rust red antique chest with dove tail joints ( Jared knew the style), and we knew it was the one. It matched the house and fit Carver's rough but precious life. Since then I have added all kinds of sentimentals to the chest. Gifts from friends, blankets and quilts, pictures, a scrapbook, his baby book, hats, stuffed animals that were always at his side, his blue paci, and my favorite, the only shirt he wore. It actually wasn't a shirt but rather a hospital gown top that was ordered specifically for him and HLHS babies. A gift from my mother. I don't think she knew when she ordered these how representative it would be of Carver's strength. The gown is my favorite because it was the first and last shirt he ever wore. It is stained with blood, medicine, and other bodily fluids. I never washed it. I never washed anything when I brought is home. Each piece will remain as it was. You know how great it is to smell a baby just after a bath or smell their clothing that has had the fragrance of baby lotion on it? That is what Carver's smiley face gown is like to me. I can smell Carver all over it, and it just adds peace to my mind. God loved Carver so much he couldn't see him suffer any longer, so he took him away from all the hurt and pain to go help Him in Heaven! Carver may not be with us physically, but he is a daily reminder of God's love and hope for our future.

Award Winning Drawing

Carver's great grandfather, Papa Al Simpson, drew this pencil drawing of Carver and entered it in the Washington County Fair. Not only did he win first place in his division, but he also one Grand Champion! It was a very proud moment for him and our family. Al has created pencil drawings of all of his great grandchildren. This picture was actually a pretty difficult one to copy, but I believe he just keeps getting better and better. I know that just a few of us actually got to meet Carver, but this drawing truly does capture his spirit and strength. Just amazing Al! Thank you for sharing your talent with us.

Not Broken Just Torn Between Two Loves

    
        Yesterday my heart swelled with sorrow, pride, and happiness! The most beautiful celebration of life unfolded...Carver's memorial. I was smiling and crying the whole time. So blessed to be the Mommy of such a sweet angel. An overwhelming amount of family and friends came to show their love, support, and encouragement. The entire day was perfect thanks to everyone who came and helped.  I believe it was a day that started to heal our hearts. So many people wanted to just make our pain go away, and I love you for that. We all, not just Jared and I, had to give Carver up. A day filled with bountiful bundles of coloring books, hearts pouring out in encouragement and love, children singing, and a final gift to Carver with a release of blue and green balloons. This day will be a day I will reminisce about when I can't fight back the tears. That day will remind me to continue to spread hope and faith.
       Today our family planted a beautiful double blossom weeping cherry tree in honor of Carver. It was a surreal moment. My heart rejoices because Carver has touched so many people's lives in such a short time and has taught us all more about life, love, friendship, family, and most importantly GOD'S LOVE. We will miss him everyday. Carver has taught me to draw nearer to God, to give, to love, to enjoy every moment, and to try my absolute best to be a good Christian, so I can live with Carver in heaven. Thank you God for our "sweetheart" Carver.

Half of an Angel’s Heart

It's a beautiful day up in Heaven. Jesus is rounding up his tiniest angels, to go live on earth, and be born. One of the sweetest angels says to Jesus "I don’t want to leave, I like it here, and I will miss you." He reassures the scared little angel that everything will be okay, and that he is just going for a visit. He is still not swayed on this idea. So Jesus, kneels down, and  says, "How about if you leave half of your heart here with me and  take the other half with you, will that be okay?" The angel smiles  and says "I guess that will work.” But the little angel is still a little scared. He asks, "Will I be okay with only half of my heart?" Jesus replies, "Of course you will, I have other angels there that will help out, and you will be fine." Then Jesus gives the angel more details about his plan, he says, "When you are born, your Mommy and Daddy will be scared, so you have to be strong, and when you feel weak just remember that I have the  other half of your heart." "Enjoy your time with your family, play and laugh everyday." "And when its time to come back to Heaven, I will make your heart whole again." "Always remember, that you are not broken, just torn between two loves."

A Healed Heart in Heaven

Carver Lee Cobb

June 7^th, 2011- July 12^th, 2011

Our sweet, brave Carver Lee Cobb was born June 7^th, 2011 at 1:03 pm. He weighed 6 lbs. 2 oz. and was 18 inches long. With soft, pink skin, chubby cheeks, and peach fuzz, he was so beautiful. We all, family and friends, anticipated his arrival and prayed for courage and strength. It is amazing how even though Carver was only with us for a short period of time, he made a lasting impression on so many lives. Because of the precious gift God gave us our lives have changed forever. Through Carver, God has made us better family members, better friends, better parents, better Christians, and better people. Jared and I feel so blessed that God trusted us with His son Carver, and we loved him as much as possible. Now we will cherish those moments we had with him like the way his baby blues eyes sparkled, the way he would suck in his lip and pout out his chin, the incredibly tight grip he had saying please don’t leave yet, the way he amazed his nurses and doctors by sucking a paci even though he was so sick, or how proud Corbin was to be Carver’s big brother. Even though Carver had a condition called Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and was labeled as having half a heart, he had more heart and courage than anyone I know.  And he strengthened our hearts greatly. We wanted Carver to come home with us so badly, but we knew that his home was not with us. So we told Carver how much we loved him, how proud he made us, and then we told him to go home to Jesus. We will miss our son, but he will forever remain in our hearts and our memories. Thank you God for our gentle warrior, our fighter, our brave heart, our miracle, our angel…OUR baby Carver Lee.

                                                                                                 Heart Hugs and Hope

Corbin Cobb M.D.

Carver's day was a little hectic but all is good. His doctors were ready to try out the mini PD (peritoneal dialysis) and needed to clean out his chest today also. When they clean out a chest there is always the possibility of seeing what is called a bleeder. They did see one but were able to get a handle on it pretty quickly. Also, the mini PD seems to be working well, but we'll know more in the morning. Today Carver looked more like his sweet newborn size, and I could actually count his little fat rolls again. Precious! Corbin played doctor most of the day in the outfit his mimi bought him. Of course, he had to add the glasses and mustache to look more authentic. Gotta love this kid! He said he was ready to scrub in anytime his little bro needs him. Such wonderful love. Babies and children such precious gifts from God, and praises to God for all our gifts!

Little Peanut

July 10, 2011

Carver is doing fine today; pretty much the same as yesterday. I feel like I've been saying that for a long time now. I know that I must be patient and that the nurses have explained that you don't want anything to happen too quickly anyway. But sometimes I would like to have incredible news and progress to share with everyone. Carver is fighting so hard to recover from three surgeries that happened in three weeks and it is just going to take time. Corbin is here with Jared and I and that has been a huge blessing. I have missed him so much during the last few weeks. He has had a wonderful time with his family and especially his cousins. I am so very thankful to all of them for keeping him occupied and feeling so included and loved. I love all my boys so much! Whenever I hug Corbin I am reminded of how grateful I am to have that moment. Children are incredible little people that love and understand how to love so well. I long everyday to hold Carver and look forward to holding him in my arms one day. I will probably be a mess that day because I will be so elated to finally hold him again. Each day is a step in the right direction, and I ask God daily for strength and courage. God is so good and he continues to bless me and keep us strong. Carver's nurses let me help put on a special smiley face gown with snaps on him today. He looks so cute in it. It can't be completely closed because they have to be able to keep an eye on his chest but it is adorable. He is just the cutest little peanut in it. Again, thank you for all your prayers and daily encouragement! You are amazing friends!

"Beary" Nice of Trev and "ARRR" Right of Granny

Today as a surprise Trev (who I nicknamed our "favorite male nurse") made Carver's bed with the most precious blue and white quilt and this teddy bear. The quilt has several beautiful quotes from the Bible selected for babies. God continues to bless our little boy with a special heart and continues to surround us with people who have EXTRA special hearts. Thank you Trev!

Another special surprise arrived yesterday via Carver's mail at the hospital. It was doubly special since it was my birthday. Carver's granny sent him and package from her and Corbin to Carver. Inside the package was a pirate book that spells Carver's name. The pictures are beautiful and the story is so cute. Thanks Mom! You always know how to brighten my day!



Kisses for Carver Cause He's One Month Old

July 7, 2011

Carver's night nurses, Stephanie, Haley, and Chuck had posters hanging in his room saying: Kisses for Carver, Love On Me It's My Birthday, and Carver's a Month Old Today! They love Carver so much that they threw a huge party for him with red, white, and blue Captain America and baseball cupcakes, sugar cookies, and diet drinks. They cheered him on anytime they lowered his meds and said, "Happy Birthday, Carver!" They are such sweet, caring people. We are so grateful to have them. Amazing Grace and Love!

Carver's Coloring Crew

This is the t-shirt that I designed for friends and family to wear to help support Carver's Coloring Crew. Everyone looked so good sportin' their tee, and it made us feel so loved!

Later during those crucial first three weeks with a surgery per week our friends and family wore their t-shirts when they came to visit. The nurses and doctors at Children's thought it was an excellent way to

SPREAD HOPE for HLHS!

Thank you and Heart Hugs to:

Hellstern, Johnson and Robinson Ave. Church of Christ, Source Gas, Friends, and Family

In May I asked several people to help support a coloring book drive for the Children's Hospital. We had an amazing amount of support. We were able to collect 800 coloring books!

My 30th Birthday Wish

July 8, 2011
Thank you so much for all the beautiful birthday wishes! I am so blessed! Carver had a good day. Pretty much the same as yesterday, but without one of his blood pressure meds and down to half of another one. Sweet progress! Thank you for the daily encouragement and prayers! What a life; two incredible sons, a loving husband, a thoughtful family, and encouraging friends. More than I had ever imagined.

For my 30th birthday Corbin with the help of Jared's cousin's wife, Dawn, put on a great party. He had a banner, a talking CARS 2 balloon, birthday napkins, pizza, cake (with candles... three for being thirty, five because he's five, and one for Carver), and even party favors (thanks to Ken's son Christian)! It was very sweet and a birthday I'll never forget. You can all guess what my birthday wish was... for Carver to continue to do well and recover so we can hold him, love on him, and bring him home!

From An Open Heart

 

 

by Lexi Cobb on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 5:28pm

You all have known me for a long time now, and probably know that Jared and I can be pretty private people, but God is working on our hearts slowly to become more open. Our family has had a few struggles over the last year with jobs and babies, but have also experienced some amazing moments, too. This week we found out that our new little baby boy will have a heart condition when he is born, and will need extra care. At this point we don't know a whole lot, but I will continue with updates as time progresses. We will know more March 4th when we travel to Little Rock. I'm telling you all this because you have been such dear friends for as long as I have known you. I love you all and appreciate all your cares, prayers, and love. It is easier to say this because it is about us this time, but I am a firm believer that God doesn't give us anything we can't handle and that there is always a purpose. Knowing early and knowing what to expect (somewhat) along with a postive outlook will help along the way. Thank you all for all your love and support!

 

36 weeks and so ready to meet you Carver!

Our adorable 5 year old Corbin (my baby before the baby)

March 5

Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support. I can't express how much it has really helped us all. Good news... baby Carver is perfectly healthy other than his heart. Between UAMS and Children's Hospital in Little Rock, they're going to mend his little heart, so he can get to know all of you pretty soon. We'll go to Little Rock to deliver him, and then he'll be put on some medicine until he can start the first surgery of the three heart procedures. Here's an adorable 3D picture of Carver. I just can't wait to see my new "hEaRtThRoB" face to face!

 June 7, 2011

Yes, little Carver Lee Cobb arrived today at 1:03 pm and weighed six pounds two ounces at eighteen inches long. Jared and I got to hold him and love on him before he was transported the Children's. Jared will stay with him tonight, and I can go in the morning. He'll have his first surgery Friday. We'll keep you updated. Thanks for all the prayers and love! Heart Hugs to you all!

Carver Lee Cobb  June 8, 2011

Just a little update on Carver.... First, thank you all for the wonderful e-mails, texts, prayers etc... Carver is doing great! Second, Jared and I will meet with the surgeon some more tomorrow to hear more about the procedure and Corbin will learn some, as well. Finally, he will be having his first surgery on Friday around one. It is a six to eight hour procedure, so he'll be very tired afterward but on the road to recovery soon! Corbin loves to visit his brother but hasn't been able to hold him yet. As Carver starts to heal, Corbin will have a chance. I'll send those pictures and more later. Heart Hugs to you all!

June 10, 2011

Carver is out of surgery and going to his new room. Thank you for all your prayers. God is so good to us!

June 12, 2011

Thank you all for the prayers since Carver's surgery. You are all amazing people and have had such sweet and encouraging words. Jared and I are so thankful for you. Please keep praying for Carver and his recovery. Each day has been a roller coaster of emotions but our prayers are being answered! Thank you Lord for our special little Carver! Heart Hugs to you all!

June 13, 2011

Carver's Heart Hugs

These hearts are a beautiful reminder of how much Carver is loved back home. The... children at our church, Johnson Church of Christ, made these especially for Carver to have heart hugs wrapped around him during his stay away from them. Each one has a special note or picture to Carver. It was so fun to hang in his room this morning. Thank you kiddos!

June 15, 2011

Sweet blue eyes peeked at Jared and I today...Carver is doing well, and he has a huge fan club here in Little Rock, too. Jared and I filled a plastic tub with candy for Carver's crew of nurses and doctors for being so "sweet" to our little boy! Thank you God for another day making baby steps in recovery!

June 16, 2011

Sweet, sweet Carver Lee is nine days old and doing well. I think he can feel how much he is loved by you all and how many prayers have been said for him. Thank you ever so much!

June 17, 2011

Arkansas Children's Hospital is an amazing place with wonderful people. Everyday Jared and I hear a story of hope and inspiration! Thank you God for letting Carver be one of those stories.

June 18, 2011

Carver saw himself today for the first time. I bought him a new book with the faces of animals replaced with a mirror. He won't remember it, but he just stared at himself. I don't blame him; I love to stare at him, too! He's doing great and getting stronger everyday thanks to you and all your prayers. Thank you God for each day with Carver!

June 19, 2011

Carver's doctors will be seeing how much he can handle on his own tomorrow. He has done really well so far and tomorrow will be a BIG day for him. As we all know, no day is too BIG for God! Lots of prayers, please. Heart Hugs to you all!

June 20, 2011

Thanks everyone for the prayers. Carver did have a good day, but his doctors changed their mind about letting him do a little work on his own today. They let him rest again today, and said they may try tomorrow. We were a little disappointed but doctors know best. We all want Carver to be on his "A Game" when its time. Keep up the prayers; we appreciate each and every one of them! Love you all!

June 21, 2011

Brian Cobb

Major set-back. Please, pray for little Carver

Miracle

by Lexi Cobb on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 10:40pm

We witnessed a miracle today...Carver's repair surgery went well! The OR team went in thinking Dr. Immamura would need to repair a valve, but then saw it could be fixed by trimming the aortic patch he had created during the first surgery. And finshed up with a clip on his shunt to help blood flow correctly to all of Carver's body. It was a success! Carver has gone through so much in his 15 days of life, and as his mommy I wish I could have made it all go away. I've prayed that it would have been me instead of Carver, but I know that is not part of God's plan. God has a reason, a purpose, and He and Carver have spread more hope than can be imagined. We cherish every day with Carver. He is a sweet, brave soul that we have all fallen in love with. Jared and I appreciate you all and every single comment, gesture, and most importantly prayers you have offered us. It makes our hearts swell with pride to share our son with such wonderful people as ALL of you! God is always listening when anything concerns our heart, and we just thank you for helping mend ours. Carver is sleeping tonight and will be ready to tackle tomorrow! Thank you, God!

June 23, 2011

A good, long rest for Carver today. Which hopefully means you rested better as well, too. I know we did. Our little guy is doing great and looking forward to another good day tomorrow. Sorry these posts are always so late, but we like to see him before we go to bed at night. Around this time is the best opportunity to get on Facebook. Thank you so much for making yesterday one of the most amazing days of our life!

June 25, 2011

Enjoying every minute of having two precious sons. Took Corbin to the Wonder Place in Little Rock and played our hearts out, and then because ACH is such a "wonderful place," they let me brush Carver's little gums. Too fun! I am one blessed Momma.

June 26, 2011

One of our favorite nurses at ACH just received the National Daisy Award for nursing. She is one of those ladies that will go out of her way to make you feel loved and well taken care of. We are so grateful to have her as Carver's nurse. This week his nurses and doctors are trying to pull off some fluid from his body so eventually Dr. Immamura can close up his chest. Another precious day with Carver.


June 27, 2011

Sweet, brave Carver is doing well coming off of some of his blood pressure medicine, but he still has lots of fluid that needs to come off his body and he will need to pee soon to show progress. Thank you all for the lovely posts, comments, and prayers. Each one is appreciated so very much. We tell Carver daily about all the people who love him so dearly and about your prayers. Hearts hugs and kisses to you all!

June 28, 2011

Carver was placed on CVVHD dialysis today. Which is a typical type of dialysis to help the kidneys and to take off fluids safely and a little quicker than the PD dialysis he was on. It seems to be working for the little man. Blood pressure is good and he should have a nice night. Every prayer is heard and God is truly blessing us every day through this journey!

June 29, 2011

Carver has had quite the day. He did well on the dialysis machine last night but today his body didn't like that. The CVVHD machine hasn't been used on a newborn before at Children's, so this evening Carver was placed on what is called an ECMO machine. It will pull fluid off his body efficiently, and he should be looking more like himself by Monday. I'll let you know how our little sweetHEART does tomorrow!

June 30, 2011

Thanks to our ECMO friends at Children's Hospital Carver is looking a little more like himself today. His face is less swollen and his baby blues are bright eyed! His blood pressure is good and his nurses are able to take off some fluid today. Thank you Lord for this day!

July 1, 2011

"My God is so big, so strong, and so mighty there is nothing my God cannot do!" Good day for Carver. He was able to come off of one of his blood pressure meds and some fluid today. Little baby steps but steps either way. Pass around the Heart Hugs today!

July 2, 2011

Love and Joy

by Lexi Cobb on Saturday, July 2, 2011 at 8:53pm

Such a good, encouraging day! Carver came completely off one of his heart medications and down on another. This is important because the more medications they can wean him off of now the fewer he'll have to be placed back on when he comes off ECMO. Baby Carver is less swollen today as well. All very good things and moving in the right direction. Also, Carver listened to some music from his Dozy Dolphin, had a story read to him, and sucked on his paci. It was a joyful day! Thank you all for praying for good days for Carver. Heart Hugs!