First Bath

Because Parker's incision hasn't been closing quite right, we couldn't do an actual bath for him until he was six weeks old. We've discovered he HATES sponge baths. I was interested to see how he'd do in an actual bathtub, so when I got the ok we tried it.

Man my son can pout!

(why are you doing this to me, Mom???)

And then, I started sprinkling him with water. He immediately calmed down and started to enjoy himself. It became a spa experience for him!

And then he provided the fountain.

A Poem

The Day I Became A Heart Mother
by Stephanie Husted, a heart mommy to Braeden

One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my baby was sick.
I thought, "Am I to blame?"

I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking

I have loved him for so long.

I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advise.
I will give my son any chance
No matter what the price.

I will learn all I need
To help my baby thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube,
My child must survive!

Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
As I accept our fate.

When the monitors beep at night,
it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound,
Tomorrow I will be kinder.

As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my baby's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while,
I bend down and kiss his head.

I cry for the parents whose hearts have broken.
I look to You wondering why?
Oh Lord, I just can't know your ways...
no matter how I try.

And yet, I trust you hold his life,
and guide us through each day.
My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs, "PLEASE let him stay!"

From pacing the surgical waiting room,
to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep,
to learning every med.

From wondering, "Will he be alright?"
to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts,
despite life's harsh demands.

For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much,
I would face ANY trial.

That scar I trace with my finger
(It's the door to his beautiful heart).
God must have known how much I'd love him
(Just as He loved him from the start).

A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.

Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other).
I will always embrace that beautiful day....
When I became a "Heart Mother."

He didn't get it from me...

Why is this boy such a morning person??? I need to teach him that mommy likes to SLEEP IN!

Gold Stars

Just felt the need to brag a little about my sweet buddy. The last one happened today, and we're THRILLED!

So in my mind, my son is looking like this!

I'm so proud of him, he's been through so much. He really is a rockstar!

Sweet little guy

So alert. I love this little guy!

Sanity Saver

This kid is difficult. And picky. He despises his bouncer. He hates his bassinet and crib. He wakes up immediately if we rest him in his swing. Its been a struggle to get him to sleep. We finally worked out a routine for the night (swaddler, special bed, rock him to sleep) but i dont want to keep him like that all day too. How healthy can it be to have your arms plastered to your side 24/7??? Luckily i discovered his love of vacuums. As long as its going, he'll sleep for an hour in his swing. Sorry I couldn't answer your calls... I'm not avoiding you! Its just so loud! But oh, so worth it. :)

Wiggly little guy

Right before his diaper change, I decided to take a video of Parker. Call it second child syndrome, but it really hadn't occured to me to do it before now! This kid loves to move, he never slows down. He has ALWAYS been this wiggly, pregnancy was difficult because of the moving and squirming. Even now, my stomach hurts to watch this video!

There's a little surprise there at the end too that I wasn't counting on...