In our last post we told you that Bowen was having a hard time keeping down solid foods and wasn’t growing as much as we had hoped for. It would be hard for me to believe that your prayers didn’t come through because the next day he started eating carrots and other foods he wouldn’t take down before. We’re still working on his weight and intake, but we’re making progress. As far as his skin tone, we’re still not not sure what to make of it. You can imagine that July 4th felt very patriotic with our red, white and blue child. Alright, maybe I shouldn’t joke about it, but we think he’s going to be ok. It doesn’t seem like his doctors are too concerned about it at this point, but we’d value your continued prayers.

Last summer Sarah and I stood on faith and when we gave our son a name that meant “small victorious one.” We’ve been believing ever since that no matter how long it lasts, Bowen’s life will serve a purpose far greater than we could imagine. Sometimes I look back in disbelief on the past ten months of our lives, because it doesn’t seem like there’s been enough time to account for all the great things that have happened since Bowen’s little heart started beating in our world. Somewhere between the four months we spent in the hospital and our responsibilities at home and on the road, a community has been built here at the blog, an ABC World News story has aired, the album Every Falling Tear has been completed, a children’s picture book has been put into motion (more on this coming soon), and the Whole Hearts Foundation has become a reality.

Because of all that has come into motion in a short amount of time, we have to make a real priority of slowing down and spending quality time as family.  We are learning to take advantage of all the help we can get. There’s yet another opportunity before us, and it’s something that would be impossible to accomplish without your help.

Here’s the deal. Whole Hearts Foundation is in the running for a $50,000 grant from Pepsi, but we need your votes daily to win. We are currently ranked #56 and will not win the grant without you, your friends, your family, and maybe even your pets if they have a Facebook page. Just kidding about the pets, I don’t want to get disqualified;). I’ve seen the impact of you rallying around us before, and I’m excited to rally together for the sake of the families that Whole Hearts Foundation will help for decades to come. You in?

YOU CAN VOTE EVERY DAY this month, and here’s how!

1. Go to www.refresheverything.com/wholehearts and click “Vote for this idea” once a day. You can also get there by clicking on the banner in the sidebar of Bowensheart.com.

2. Text 107706 to 73774 once a day. (standards rates apply, but there is no extra charge)

3. Look for “Power Votes” on Pepsi products and go back to our voting page to cash them in.

4. Utilize the social networking tools/buttons at the voting page which can help you tweet about it, post the info on your Facebook page and even embed our voting widget on your site or page.

5. Spread the word!

Together, we can do this!