A note on abortion to beloved daughters watching me from Heaven

To my beloved children,
Although you may be in Heaven watching over me your spirits are alive and am thinking about you every day.You have never left me and never will.When you left” life” a part of me left with both of you.Mommy’s going to take a stand on abortion so we can help save more babies’ lives and hopefully their mommies will make the right decision to keep their children so they have a life to live.Miss you both so much..Hugs and Kisses from Earth to Heaven..Mommy

Nainoa Thompson and Kathy Mueneo’s blessing from Kapiolani Medical Center

Queen Kapi’olani’s Living Gift to Island Keiki

The toughest journey voyager Nainoa Thompson ever made was the one that began when his son was born with a life-threatening disorder. At 9 months, all’s well

While visiting her baby in the Kapi‘olani NICU, Olina Lee (left) talks with Kapi‘olani CEO Martha Smith and pediatrics director Mavis Nikaido

Nainoa Thompson has been on many epic voyages in his life. But not one of them compares to the journey that he and his wife, KHON’s Kathy Muneno, have been on as they welcome their children into the world. It’s a journey that has taken them from the bright joy of their twins’birth to the dark moment when they heard those fearful words, “Something’s wrong with your son.”

Babies Na’inoa and Puana arrived Nov. 22 at Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children. Kathy remembers both babies uttering their first cries as they were delivered. Nainoa caught all the happy moments on his camera. All was well.

But within 24 quick hours, there was a terrible jolt. Little Na’i was not feeding, and a nurse, suspecting a problem, called in the doctors. Nainoa and Kathy were stunned to learn that their son had a life-threatening problem. Even if surgery was successful, Na’i might need years in the hospital and would probably always struggle to gain weight.

“I’ve been through some rough stuff in my life, but I’ve never been more afraid than I was then,” Nainoa says.

Na’i underwent emergency surgery when he was just 32 hours old. Two more surgeries followed. Family and friends rallied around, and people from all over the world prayed for Na’i. And he pulled through. After three months in the neonatal intensive care unit, Kathy and Nainoa were able to put their son in a car seat for the very first time and take him home.

At 6 months, against all expectations, he started to gain weight. Now, at 9 months, he has outpaced his dainty sister in the weight-gain department. He’s got chubby cheeks, roly-poly legs and, oh my, what a smile. His surgeon, Dr.

Sidney Johnson, calls him the miracle baby.

Nainoa and Kathy are an intensely private couple. They thought long and hard about going on the cover of MidWeek with their children. Ultimately, they decided to share their story because of how they feel about the staff at Kapi’olani and what the hospital means to Hawaii and all children as it marks its 100th anniversary.

Nainoa is quite frank. His first impression of the hospital was its really bad parking lot. (It’s a notoriously tight space even if you don’t have a pregnant belly or a car seat.)

“Now I don’t complain about the parking lot anymore – although they do need a new one,” Nainoa says. “Now I see it as a place of compassion, a place of healing, where you can see, on a daily basis, the vision of hope.”

This story, they say, is not theirs, but one that belongs to all Hawaii’s children. In its 100 years, Kapi’olani has cared for more than 1 million children. As you read this story today, there are upward of 46 babies in the NICU at Kapi’olani. The battle that Na’i fought and won is being fought, day in and day out, by other young lives.

In the early 1900s, two out of every seven babies born in Hawaii died before their first birthday (which helps explain the tradition of baby luau). Today, Hawaii’s infant mortality is less than 1 percent. With nearly half of all babies on Oahu born at Kapi’olani, the hospital plays a vital role in providing the specialized care children need.

This is where families from around the Pacific find hope when their children are sick. Children with cancer have access to the same standard of care as they do at the big-name hospitals on the Mainland. And Kapi’olani provides a swath of services not available anywhere else in the state – let alone for 2,500 miles in any direction. This is where you find the only pediatric ER, the only pediatric heart program and round-the-clock pediatric specialists.

Walking the hallways, there is no doubt that this is a kid-centric place. There is the colorful playroom stacked with toys. There are the bright quilted butterflies that are hung over a patient’s bed to alert those around when a child is terminally ill. There are the beads of courage that oncology patients make into strings as they pass important milestones. And there is Tucker the dog, who brings his own special canine brand of healing to everyone.

“We’re really proud of the fact that this hospital is a world-class organization caring for Hawaii’s women and children,” says chief operating officer Martha Smith. She’s so concerned about the patient experience that she hands out her personal cell phone number to every family – all calls, satisfied or upset, are gratefully taken.

“This facility is a really special place, and we believe that keeping Hawaii’s children healthy is an important part of this community,” Smith says. “We benchmark ourselves both nationally and internationally against other children’s hospitals and … the outcomes that we have here in many of our programs are just as good, if not better than, the really big-name children’s hospitals.”

Still, Kapi’olani’s staff is doing it in a facility that long ago lost its edge and ran out of space. The hospital was state-of-the-art when it was built in 1978. But it’s car-

ing for more and more sick children, and the technology that saves them is taking up more and more room. In the process, the softer areas of the hospital, like waiting rooms, have been chipped away.

The neonatal and pediatric ICUs are models of an old system of care, with rows of bassinets or curtained cubicles that offer no privacy. In both ICUs, families are out in the open as they celebrate or grieve life-and-death moments. Nainoa saw this happen while his family was in the NICU with Na’i. When something happens, everyone feels it.

Beyond the technology and skill that saved Na’i’s life, the Thompsons were deeply touched by the love and compassion they found in the hospital.

“This was the most terrifying experience I’ve been through,” Nainoa says. “At the same time, it was the most powerful humane experience I’ve been through, too.”

He and Kathy remain grateful to the staff, from the nurse who made that first, life-saving call, to Dr. Johnson who would call from the OR to let them know how Na’i was doing, to nurses such as Laura Fujimoto, who would carry Na’i in a sling so he had that important human contact when they could not be there.

“It’s so comforting to know they’re being loved,” Kathy says. “And there were also those times when I would break down, thinking I couldn’t do it, and they would be there with a hug and talking to me.”

Queen Kapi’olani started the Kapi’olani Maternity Home in 1909 by holding bazaars and luaus to raise the $8,000 needed. Now, 100 years later, Kapi’olani is asking for the community’s help again as it raises money for the future. Just as Hawaii’s residents rely on Kapi’olani to be there when they need it, the non-profit hospital needs its community support. And this year the hospital unveiled a multimillion-dollar, 15-year expansion plan.

First up is new space that will quadruple the NICU and triple the PICU. Both ICUs will move from an open-plan model to private rooms that will allow families to stay with their children 24 hours a day.

“The new unit will have all state-of-the-art design, with noise-deadening floors, and walls and ceilings because it’s been proven that, by minimizing stimulation, the babies are less stressed and they can grow faster and gain weight,” Smith says.

Phase I, which is targeted for completion in 2017, also includes an education space that will give parents the skills they need to care for their child at home. And a new family room will allow parents to take care of everyday needs, such as laundry, during extended hospital stays.

Nainoa will not be the only one happy to hear that the expansion also includes a new parking lot. As he and Kathy recently watched their son and daughter play under the kiawe trees at the Thompson family home, he reflected on what Kapi’olani means to Hawaii.

The hospital saved his son. The Thompsons get to dream about the things they will do with their children as they embark on the next journey of growing up: about the first paddles they might use and the voyages they might take. But Nainoa has always looked to the bigger horizon, and, for him, that future includes all the children that the hospital will help in the next 100 years.

“Kapi’olani is a treasure for Hawaii,” he says. “It’s something Hawaii should be proud of. And all treasures need to be cared for.”

Kapi’olani Medical Center for Women & Children 100 Birthday Candles

* In an historic event, Hawaii’s five local television stations will simultaneously air Kapi’olani’s story on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. The one-hour special looks at the hospital’s history and features many Island families, including the Thompsons, whose loved ones have received life-saving care.

* On Aug. 27 and 28, KSSK radio will hold a Radiothon to benefit the Kapi’olani Children’s Miracle Network. Listeners can make a donation by calling 952-KIDS.

* Kapi’olani’s birthday party takes place at Honolulu Zoo Aug. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day includes keiki activities, entertainment and prize giveaways. Download and print a free pass at http://www.kapiolanigift.org; or pay regular admission at the door.

* As part of the Kapi’olani Story Project, the hospital is seeking personal experiences, cherished memories and reflections from families who have been touched by Kapi’olani and its predecessor, Kauikeolani Children’s Hospital. All are invited to share their story at http://www.KapiolaniStoryPr oject.org. On Sept. 30, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii will select one winner from the contributors to receive a grand prize of 200,000 SPG Starpoints.

Father of newborn dragged into woods by dog speaks out

A story out of Jessamine County, Ky. is making national headlines after a family pet dragged a newborn baby from his crib into a wooded area behind the family’s home.

The baby, just 5-days-old, is in critical condition at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.

The dog in question, Dakota, is a Native American Indian dog and is part wolf.  In fact, Dakota’s grandparents were about 90 percent wolf, but her owners said she’s a mild mannered dog who didn’t intend to do any harm.

The parents of Alexander James “AJ” Smith said Dakota was likely playing a game when she dragged the baby from his crib and into the woods behind their home.

The Smith’s said AJ was born three weeks early and they still had a list of things to do and buy to make their home baby-proof, including a gate for their three dogs.

Michael Smith, AJ’s father, said he was getting ready to make a run to the store pick up the baby-proofing items when they realized the dog had taken the baby.

“AJ’s eyes were open, his mouth was bleeding, you could tell he had internal injuries.  He looked better than I thought he would.  I scooped him up, the EMT took over from there,” Michael Smith said.

Dakota is at the Jessamine County animal shelter and they are hoping someone will adopt her and her sister, Nikita, or she will have to be put down.

Michael Smith said the dog will not be allowed back into the family’s home.

Parents of newborn carried from crib by family dog will not face charges

The parents of a Kentucky newborn, who was carried from his crib by the family’s hybrid wolf-dog last month, will not face any charges.  And now they want the dog back.

A.J. Smith of Jessamine County was just days old, when he suffered collapsed lungs, broken bones and multiple fractures.

On Saturday, the Lexington-Herald Leader reported the family now wants the dog, Dakota, to return home.

Attorneys said a court order will be required to make that happen.  Dakota has been staying at a shelter.

Pictures of Tori and Stella at Little Maven

Former Beverly Hills 90210 actress Tori Spelling added another string to her bow by launching her own range of children’s clothing.

The 36-year-old mother of babies Liam and Stella McDermott unveiled the Little Maven brand at Bloomingdale’s in Century City, U.S.

The clothes – for girls and boys aged up to four years  – start at $26 and can cost up to $88, a small price to pay for a design influenced by the Hollywood gossip columnists’ favourite.

Good Spelling: Tori signs autographs for fans with the help of daughter Stella

One fan who queued to get the star’s autograph, said: ‘Both Tori and Stella looked very pleased with themselves and little Stella looked so cute in her mom’s clothes.

‘Tori certainly seemed happy and healthy, which is great news for her.’

Spelling, who appeared at the launch with Stella, was quoted in U.S. press saying the line’s design would consider style, comfort and bold colours which children are attracted to.

Dress to impress: Tori shows off her toddler clothes

The launch was a welcome respite for Spelling whose painfully skinny figure was a subject of much speculation earlier this summer during a trip to Hawaii.

She has also endured a long-standing public feud with her mother Candy Spelling who in May  blamed her for TV mogul Aaron Spelling’s death in June 2006.

Write stuff: Tori seemed happy and healthy at the launch

Nicole Sullivan Celebrates Her Baby Shower

Jen Lowery/Startraks

She’s almost there! With just two weeks to go until her due date on the 25th of this month, Nicole Sullivan celebrated the upcoming arrival of her second son with a baby shower.

Held on Saturday in Los Angeles, the party was hosted by Jayneoni Moore and sponsored by Happy Heinys.

Nicole, 39, received gifts from Skip Hop, Orbit Baby and Serena and Lily.

The new addition will join big brother Dashel Pierce, 2, the Rita Rocks star’s first child with husband Jason Packham.

More pictures of Nicole Sullivan can be found on lakamine19812000.wordpress.com

Seizures, Not Epilepsy Itself, May Raise Birth Risks

- Epileptic seizures during pregnancy increase the likelihood of premature and small babies, says a new study.

Taiwanese researchers compared children born to 1,016 women with epilepsy with those born to 8,128 women without epilepsy. During pregnancy, 503 of the women with epilepsy had seizures and 513 did not.

Those who had seizures while pregnant were 36 percent more likely than women who did not have epilepsy to have had a baby that weighed less than 5.5 pounds (considered low birth weight), 63 percent more likely to deliver prematurely (before 37 weeks) and 37 percent more likely to have a baby who was small for gestational age.

In another comparison, women with epilepsy who had seizures during pregnancy were 34 percent more likely to have a baby who was small for gestational age than were women with epilepsy who did not have seizures while pregnant.

The study is in the August issue of Archives of Neurology.

Some earlier studies suggested a link between epilepsy and adverse pregnancy outcomes, but others found no connection.

The findings of the new study “suggest that it is the seizures themselves that seem to contribute greatly to the increased risk of infants being delivered preterm, of low birth weight and small for gestational age,” wrote Yi-Hua Chen, of Tai Pei Medical University in Taiwan, and colleagues. “For women who remained seizure-free throughout pregnancy, null or mild risk was identified, compared with unaffected women.”

Epileptic seizures can affect pregnancy outcomes in a number of ways. Seizures can cause trauma that ruptures fetal membranes, increasing the risk for infection and early delivery. Or seizures can cause contractions in the uterus that cause tension and acute injury.

The researchers emphasized the need for intervention strategies, such as helping women control seizures for a period of time before pregnancy, assisting them in sleeping better, providing education about the risks of seizures while pregnant and teaching them how to cope with stress.

Heidi Klum Says She and Seal Are ‘Not Into Pink and Blue

After a hectic summer shooting the seventh season of Project Runway, Heidi Klum is ready to spend the remainder of her pregnancy preparing for her fourth child, a girl due in mid-October. “We’re going to go on a holiday for a few weeks,” she tells the Los Angeles Times of her family plans. Once the brood returns home, the expectant model admits she will most likely resort to full nesting mode, organizing her newborn essentials for the big day. “When you’re close to the end — I wanna rearrange the whole house!” she laughs. Fortunately, not much decision-making is needed when it comes to the nursery; Heidi reveals that her children always sleep in her and husband Seal’s bedroom for the first year. “I just need a crib and a changing table,” she says. As for the rest of her baby girl’s gear, Heidi will be looking through the items she used for her daughter Leni, 5, and sons Henry, 3 ½, and Johan, 2 ½. “To be honest, most of the things for the kids are hand-me-downs. There’s a piece Leni had, I took it from her. This piece used to belong to Henry. I was like, ‘You’re going to get something pink, you’ll be fine!’ And we’re not into pink and blue.” As she finalizes her arrangements and looks forward to the delivery, the 36-year-old will be able to gather her thoughts next month. “In September, they’re all in school!” the proud mama boasts. According to Heidi, if the initial testing of the children is a glimpse into the future, the transition into the classroom will be a smooth one. “You sit in another room and they get evaluated, and Johan did all the puzzles. He impressed them.” Heidi has made it clear that the family will be complete with the addition of baby girl, but jokes that her tattoo — made up of Seal’s name with three little initialed stars to represent each of their children — has plenty of room for expansion! “See, I planned ahead,” she slyly notes before adding, “But the fourth will be the last one.”

Caught! Nicole Richie Bursting Big With a…Girl?

Nicole Richie, super preggers, lunching with boyfriend and baby daddy Joel Madden in Beverly Hills. The couple was with another dude, opting to hit the posh Polo Lounge.

Nic, who hasn’t officially announced her due date or her plans to find out the gender of kid No. 2, is looking large and in charge with a “high” baby bump, a fellow patron of the hotel tells us. “She must have a little over a month left.”

Could Harlow be getting a younger sis? Well…

…all the myths do say high means girl, and we’re told Nic has the same belly as before.

The former Paris party pal was dressed in a long purple bohemian dress, looking “healthy and glowing.” Why didn’t Ms. Hilton ever go this route? Oh yeah, because she’s still slumming it with her Hills leftovers. We’re so Team Richie—having a baby onboard totally suits her.

We hear Nicole’s pregnancy cravings must be kicking in big time, ’cause the gal strolled into the fancy eatery with a Jamba Juice in hand.

“She looked really tired,” our eyes tell us.

Supposedly N.R.’s BF and his male companion were chatting the whole time, while an unusually silent Nicole played on her phone. “Even Joel seemed to look a bit concerned about how worn-out she was.” By the way, the word wedding was dropped at the meal.

Whose, darling? Yours? Get some rest first, girl!

Babies Grasp Dog’s Emotions

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but babies might also really understand Fido.

A new study found that 6-month-olds can match the sounds of an angry snarl or friendly yap with photos of dogs showing the corresponding body language.

The results, published in the July issue of the journal Developmental Psychology, suggest that babies can decipher emotions even before they learn how to talk.

“Emotion is one of the first things babies pick up on in their social world,” said lead researcher Ross Flom, a psychology professor at Brigham Young University in Utah.

Barking dogs

The study involved 128 infants, with 32 from each of four age groups (6, 12, 18 and 24 months), who had little or no exposure to dogs. The babies first looked at two images of the same fluffy canine, one showing the dog in an aggressive posture and facial expression while the other showed the dog in a friendly stance. The researchers wanted to figure out whether infants had a preference for one expression over the other before including the dog barks. They didn’t.

Then, the researchers played a 2-second sound clip of either a friendly or threatening dog bark while the child viewed the two images. In the next trial, the other sound clip (aggressive or friendly) was played.

The researchers videotaped the young participants as they looked at one or both of the dog images (or glanced around the room, at a parent, or elsewhere). The 6-month-old babies spent most of their time staring at the matching photograph, so a mean bark would garner a stare at the dog with the vicious facial expression.

“The six-month-olds would look in that direction and kept looking in that direction,” Flom told LiveScience. “The older kids would glance at it and then kind of look away as if to say, ‘Oh yeah, I get it, it goes with that face. The task is ridiculous. I’m going to move on and look somewhere else around the room.’”

Baby smarts

The results suggest both 6-month-olds and babies up to 2 years old could distinguish a rowdy bark from a benign one. But the older babies just showed their correct responses differently than the 6-month-olds.

Past research in the field of baby smarts has relied on the proportion of time a baby looks in a certain direction or the proportion of time he or she exhibits some other signal of response to show a baby’s skills in distinguishing facial expressions or intonations in speech patterns. These studies have suggested that while 6-month-olds are experts in verbal and facial perception even when it comes to monkeys, as they get older they lose this ability.

The idea is that babies are born with a full toolbox of broad abilities. Over time, as they experience the world, the toddlers refine their abilities and focus on what’s really relevant, say, human faces rather than monkey or dog mugs.

But according to the new results, perhaps the little ones don’t lose the ability, Flom said. They just show it differently. So instead of calculating the time spent looking in a certain direction, researchers could take into account a baby’s first glance, he added.