Saturday, January 24, 2009

Update - Jan. 24






Sorry that it has taken me 10 days to add a post.  I suppose you could say that I am busy.  It is a good busy though.  

Seth is doing GREAT!!  He was four weeks old as of yesterday which already seems crazy to me that he has been here that long.  He is my little peanut.  As of last Thurs., 1/15, he was up to 7 lb 5 oz.  I am estimating that he around 8 lbs now which is still smaller than either Hannah or Nathan at birth.  It is fun having a little one - neither Hannah or Nathan stayed "small" long.  

We had our surgeon follow-up last week as well.  The Dr. said everything looks great and that other than potential plastic surgery to fix where they closed up the omphalocele, nothing more is needed.  Seth is just a baby at this point - really.  He is on a good four hour schedule, is awake more which is fun, etc.  Although we have already met with Regional Center and he will start receiving services soon, not much more is needed for him right now.  I have been contacted by the Down Syndrome Assoc. of Orange Co., but don't know if I am going to start going to the meetings quite yet.  Eventually for sure, but for now he is just a typical baby.

Nate and Hannah are doing great as well.  Nathan is playing basketball and loving it.  I know that I am a proud mamma, but he really is very good.  He just has natural athletic ability.  Hannah has really come out of her shell since Seth got here.  She isn't as shy, is more vocal, etc.  It is really fun seeing her blossom.  She is currently doing gymnastics and says that she is actually going to play soccer in the fall.  We shall see.  

Yesterday, I got the gift of a nice long nap.  When I woke up and came out to the living room, I have to admit that I was a little groggy.  Nate and Mike were playing Mario Cart Wii which didn't surprise me.  All of a sudden I noticed something that made me LAUGH!!  There on Mike's shoulder was Seth!!  Mike is intently playing the game and Seth is relaxing on his shoulder - I had to take a couple of pics!!  It was too funny!  I also had to snap a shot of Hannah's hair in the trampoline!  Too cute.  

We have a genetics follow-up next week which I will keep you posted with .  Other than that, life is good and pretty normal!!  

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Dr. appointments, etc.






It has been a busy couple of weeks of dr. appointments and follow-ups.  It looks like things will slow down for a few weeks and then pick back up again.  

Friday we had our first meeting with Regional Center.  (For those of you that don't know what this is, it provides services for special needs children 0-3.)  We simply filled out all the paper work and had a consultation to get an understanding of what they will be providing for Seth.  He will be starting in about a month with sensory therapy.  Then, depending on how he meets his milestones, he will receive physical therapy, speech, etc.  The thing I didn't realize is that he will receive services through the regional center for his entire life.  WOW!  But, he is just 19 days old so let's not go there yet.

Yesterday we had our surgical follow-up.  It was a quick visit.  The dr. said that everything looks great!  I asked about the gas and poos (yes, he has still had a poo in EVERY diaper since he's been home!).  He simply said that some kids poo more and are more gassy.  Lucky me!  :)  The only thing for us to think about in the future concerning his surgery is possible plastic surgery on the faux belly button to make it smaller.  Other than that, no more visits to the surgeon.  Woo Hoo!!

We have our second pediatrician appt. tomorrow, a genetics appt. the first of Feb. and an opthamologist appt. in the next couple of months.  Other than that, he is just our sweet little boy.  He is on a great little schedule and only really fusses when his tummy hurts from the gas.  I couldn't ask for more.  

GOD IS SO GOOD!!  He truly answered every prayer!!  Every single one!!  For those of you who are skeptical, please know that prayer works.  I now really understand the verse "you get not because you ask not."


Thursday, January 8, 2009

Thurs. 1/8 - My Due Date




Today was the day that I had been anticipating for MONTHS!!  Thankfully, Seth decided to come two weeks early.  (I feel so bad for those of you moms that went past your due date!)  Seht has been blessing our lives for two weeks now!  It is amazing the difference between the first week and the second.  The first consisted of tubes, IVs, surgery, NICU, florescent lights, lots of noise, etc.  The second has been filled with many visitors, LOTS of sleep, many poopy diapers (every single one since he got home!!), adjusting to quiet, and lots of kisses from his big brother and sister.  Tomorrow starts our journey with the Regional Center and lots of "services" that he will be eligible for.  I will keep you posted on that.


Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Adjusting to Home


Seth has been home for four days now.  He is doing so incredibly well.  Honestly, we are really just adjusting to having a newborn.  He is slowly figuring out his day and night and giving mommy a little bit more sleep.  He by far prefers the bottle, which is ok.  

He had his first pediatrician appt. today which went really well.  He is up to 6lb 15 oz and apparently grew 1 3/4 inches in 12 days...  hmmm...  do you think that maybe someone's measuring was off somewhere?  For the next few weeks he will be toted around to several appointments.  I will keep you posted if there is anything interesting to report.

One slight prayer request for those of you that bless us with your prayers.  Hannah threw up twice this evening.  Although I think that it might be due to food, I am not sure.  The last thing that we need is for Seth to get sick - or anyone else really.  Please pray that she feels better soon and that no one else gets sick.  Thanks!


Saturday, January 3, 2009

Home Sweet Home





Seth has been home one full day and it has been wonderful.  He had a very sleepy day - which means that he and I had a party last night.  I didn't mind, really, because we haven't really seen him awake.  It was always hit or miss whether or not we would catch him awake in the NICU.  So, I would gladly trade a little sleep to hang out with my new man.

In the pictures you see (1) Seth's NICU bed, (2) Dad feeding the little guy, (3) Seth sleeping for the first time in his crib, and (4), (5) - The proud brother and sister holding their new brother.  

We had a little "party" last night welcoming Seth home.  Thanks for all the visits, offers of meals, etc.  Grandma Rita has been a rock star!  She has been cooking, organizing, cleaning, shopping, etc.  She is the one that needs a break!  

Friday, January 2, 2009

SETH IS HOME

I will post pictures tomorrow.  Seth finally got to come home around 3:30 today after waiting to get circumcised.  We had several visitors to welcome him home.  The poor little guy is so sleepy and only was awake for about 1/2 hour of the 7 hours he's been home.  It is an absolute amazing sight to see him all bundled in his bed.  I am off to try to catch a few Z's before I have to feed him later!!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Last Day in the NICU





That's right...  today was Seth's last day in the NICU.  He is coming home tomorrow!!  Amazing!  We were told a minimum of 1.5 - 2 weeks.  He beat it by 1/2 a week!  What a great 1 week birthday present!  He is still a very sleepy little guy and it makes feeding him a little bit of a challenge, but hey if that is all we have to contend with right now, bring it on!