An Update

I just wanted to give an update on our little guy.

He is two months old now, and still super teeny. He is wearing newborn clothes and barely had made it into size 1 diapers.

We went for his 2 mo appointment this week at the pediatrician, where he got five vaccines. He's been super grumpy from those now, but other than that he's looking fine.

He weighs 8 lb 10 oz and is 21 inches long, making him 1% in both weight and height. He's so little!

Since he passed the swallow study we've been trying to get him to breastfeed (mom's been pumping since he was born) and he is doing great! Its really hard to teach a child to give up the bottle, so he's pretty amazing.

He is not sleeping very much and his acid reflux is getting worse.

He has one more appointment with the occupational therapist, but other than that he is done!

So pretty much, he's just a normal little baby now, just with a battery pack generator. :)

Love

Parker, Five things I love about you

1. I love that you are so happy in the mornings. It makes 7 am a LOT more bearable.

2. You are so teeny, but with such a big personality. You know exactly what you want and aren't afraid to holler until you get it.

3. You are bored of your mommy, but when you see your older brother your face just lights up.

4. You just discovered your tongue, and when you are happy you always stick it out at me. It makes me giggle.

5. When I kiss your little feet, you curl your little toes around my lips.

The Boys

I have so many posts to catch up on, but I thought I'd just add a picture real quick. I love it when Parker's just one of the boys, even when he's sleeping. Love all these boys so much!

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!