Party atTIrE

Our intention for tomorrow's event is to make it a true representation of Jack's bright, loving spirit. When looking in your closet, deciding what would be appropriate for Jack's celebration, please ask yourself these questions: What would Jack pick out for me? What would sweet Jack like for me to wear?

If there was ever an occassion to wear your brightest, funniest tie or that too loud, over-the-top dress THIS IS IT! Go for it. You will be making Jack proud!

Lourdes (on behalf of the Turpin family)

The Eyes are Shining On You!

We are so happy to report that Jack's sweet beautiful eyes will be donated to someone in need. We are thrilled to be able to do this.

Some answers

Today has been indescribable and we thank everyone for their support and love. We met with the Medical Examiner's office and leared that Jack had a viral infection that caused hemorraging in his lungs. We don't know why Jack could not fight off the viral infection as others possible could and it is unclear why it happened so quickly. We do know that there is nothing we would have been able to do which eases the pain a bit.
We are surrounded by family and tons of food. We are hoping for some sleep tonight and know we have one amazing angel watching us from above.

A huge thanks to our wonderful pediatrician, Dr. Jack Louis. He went above and beyond for us today, ensuring that Kate is healthy and safe and helping us to understand what happened to the best that he can guess. There are still so many questions that will probably never get answered. Dr. Louis, thank you for your compassion, caring, and love you always gave to Jack and that you gave us today.

If you live in Austin and are having a baby...we would recommend Dr. Louis! 458-6717.

Jack's Sweet Life Celebration

Please join us to share in a celebration of J-Boogie's wonderful life.

Monday, September 28th, 2009
East Metropolitan Park, Manor, Texas
3:00

We are looking forward to sharing fellowship and memories with you after a brief service.

In Jack fashion, we will be having cupcakes, cookies and of course...whole milk. He wouldn't have it any other way.

If you need directions:
Going east on US 290 from I-35 take the FM 973 exit proceeding through Manor. After crossing the railroad tracks turn left on to Blake-Manor Road. Stay on Blake-Manor Road and the Park Entrance will be located on the right. The park entrance is about 3.5miles on the right.
When you enter the park, turn left just past the pool on your left and look for the glass building on your right.

If you get lost: Please call Richard at 512-317-2391

If you have any questions about anything else, please feel free to contact Lourdes at 512-350-7368.

Please keep us in your thoughts...

It is with shock, horror and complete devastation that I am writing this blog entry. Last night, our dear son, Jack, passed away in his sleep. Jack had a great day, had even "pooped in the potty" for the first time. Jack started to get a bit groggy and laid on the couch...unusual for our wonderful and wild little man. Dan gave him a bath, took his temperature which was low grade and put him to bed. At 9:15, I checked on Jack and found that he was barely breathing and very limp. I ran downstairs with him, called 9-1-1, and our wonderful neighbor who is a firefighter/EMS came over immediately. As we waited for EMS to arrive, he started CPR and continued until the on-duty EMS took over. They tried and tried to revive Jack for almost 45 minutes without success. We are in deep gratitude for the love and effort Travis County EMS put forth to save our son. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We know it was difficult for them too.

It was the most horrific time of our lives and it is in shock that I write this today. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

As plans for a "Celebration of Jack's Sweet Life" are made, I will be updating the blog.

In lieu of sending flowers, please consider donating to the following link:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8465745

We are hoping to purchase a bench to place in a park in Austin to always remember our sweet boogie.

If you have special memories of Jack, please feel free to comment. We would love to hear stories.

Pump It Up!

Our friend Katie, had her 5th B-day party at "Pump It Up" today. We ALL had a great time and left feeling like we had just had a great workout. Happy Birthday Katie! Thanks for inviting us to your party. Jack had a blast!

Colored Shaving Cream!

What a good use of a dollar at the Dollar Tree, a can of shaving cream with a few drops of food coloring and a cookie sheet...Jack kept busy while we cleaned the kitchen. Kate was looking at him like "What in the world are you doing?" We skipped a bath tonight and washed up in the sink post-activity. Sure saved some time...why don't we do that more often???

Ghost Town

Believe it or not, there is a "Ghost Town" about 8 minutes away from our house. A man created his own "Disneyland" in the form of a "Ghost Town" and has built 97% of the town by himself and claims to have the "Best Burgers in Town." He says if you take the burger to go, the claim may not apply. He shows outdoor movies on the weekends, has live music and people even get married there. Who knew??? We made a visit today, in the middle of the afternoon. We played on the swings, in the "jail house," the maze and the saloon. It was very quiet except for the Turpins and the ghosts, we look forward to going back in the evening to see all the action.
www.ghosttownaustin.com

FORT TIME!

Forts, a wonderful idea if you're trying to watch Oprah. Kept Jack busy for an extended period of time!

GO Mustangs!

Today the new sports complex for Manor Independent School District opened! Dan participated in the ribbon cutting as a Board of Trustee and even got to shoot t-shirts out at the fans. He threw it a little too far and one of the shirts went over the back of the stadium. It got a good laugh from the spectators! Jack and Kate waved their red and white pom poms and we had a fun time sitting in the VIP booth (especially with the never-ending popcorn and chocolate chip cookies!) Unfortunately the Mustangs didn't win the game, better luck next time!

Kater-Tot

Kater-Tot is a great nickname, made even better by a special treat that arrived in the mail this week from Aunt Jen. Aunt Jen used her talent to make a "one of a kind" embroidered bib for Kate. We love it and can only speculate why the "Kater-Tot" has such a devilish grin. It's so awesome, we almost don't want to use it!

I am 8 months old!

Time is going so fast that we're a week late in putting this post up. I am doing great! Sleeping well, eating very well and enjoying having an active older brother that I think is hilarious. I am a water baby and love taking baths and playing with water. I wonder if I'll be a swimmer like my Mom, I got her long legs so maybe????

Great Job Mom! We are so proud of you!!!

Wow! The Turpin household always knew Mom was smart, we just did not know how smart....Kristen(Mom) just passed her Licensure Exam for Master of Social Work in the State of Texas. She has been working very hard and studying in her off time and of course busy with us, the two tater-tots! She found out today she passed!! All her hard work is paying off....!!! Mom, We love you. Keep up the great work, we are so proud of you!

Hot Fun in the Summertime!

Even Murph needed to cool off!

Intoducing DOTTIE!

I made it! The Turpin Family saw me at Pottery Barn Kids today and took me home with them. Out of Barton Creek Mall I went and into the arms and mouth of Miss Kate. How did I get so lucky? She is a cutie-pie and barely makes a peep! I spent the last several months waiting on the shelf for someone to adopt me and boy was I thrilled today when they marked me down...I knew it wouldn't take long. In fact, I had seen Kate's mom before in the store, she would pick me up and comment on how cute I was but had to put me back...something about being too expensive and a recession. What's that? Anyways, I am just so happy to be here. I think my main job is to watch over Miss Kate while she sleeps and to be her playmate. I hope that the big canines that are here as well don't see where I am. Jack told me what Murphy can do to stuffed animals! I certainly don't need my insides all over the backyard. I have an important job to do here...I hope Kate and I become lifelong friends.

LIttle Love Bug

The many faces of Kate

Thanks Hannah for giving us this awesome "office" as we like to call them at the Turpin house. Kate had a great time outside in it today while Jack played with sidewalk chalk. For those of you reading who don't live in Austin...it was wonderful here today...the sun was behind clouds and it was not 100 degrees! We actually played outside NOT under shade.

Just like a lizard

McD's cones are yummy! Especially when they're 50 cents!

I've got everything on the list Mom!

I would make a pretty safe bet that when I got this toy as a child, the Corn Flakes that came with it were not "organic" as they are today.

Shopping Cart Fun!

Jack's girlfriend, Hannah, gave him a shopping cart with groceries in it for his first birthday. We had been saving it on the top shelf of his closet for a special day. Today was it! Jack was fixated on the box and would not stop asking for it until I pulled it down. We put it together and played "grocery store" in his room. Kate was a fan of the boxes of cereal and I liked the plastic carrot, eggplant, green pepper and corn. Who knew grocery shopping could be so fun?

"IT'S A NEW DAYcare."

It is with much gratitude and luck that we write a follow up posting about our daycare situation! Of course, this is still very new but we have been so pleased with our new situation. We had a pretty good idea that Jack and Kate would have it pretty good when another 2 year-old that is there told us "We read stories here!" with an enthusiasm I would usually save for winning the lottery. I told our new provider that is the best advertisement she could get! She converted her garage into a wonderful play area that is decorated with art work, pictures, educational toys, et cetera. I brought a pack-n-play for Kate which I noticed was replaced by a nice wooden sleigh crib. She had also taken a picture of our family and has it in a toy that holds pictures, on the side of the crib for Kate to see. She is learning how Jack has a lot of energy and is patiently working with him to have "gentle touches" and takes him to the potty every 90 minutes. A sensory table outside has something different in it everyday for the kiddos to play and the outside playhouse with a huge chalkboard has kept Jack BUSY! There is much structure, play and education hosted by an amazing woman who has a heart for children and a deep pride in her work. We feel so lucky and hope the luck continues! When we left on Tuesday, Jack reached out for her and wanted to be held by her as she helped me to the car with Kate. Awesome!

Gymboree Birthday Party

Kate and Jack were invited to a b-day party at Gymboree. It was fantastic and I think we'll have to do it ourselves! It is a huge play room that kids from 0-7 years can play. Parents don't have to worry because everything is kid friendly. An instructor lead songs and games for a bit and the kids had free time to run around as they wished. What a great idea! Kate enjoyed the music and Jack enjoyed the freedom of running around like a wild man!

ALMOST a mover and a shaker.

Batter Up!