It's hilarious that Elijah's urologist's first name is Yuri. Back in college, you know his fellow frat boys were yelling, "The YURINATOR!! WWOOoooooooHHOOo!" Actually, maybe not, because based on the way he treats us, one might think he didn't have many friends. We realized today how lucky we are that all of Elijah's other doctors have COMPASSION and BEDSIDE MANNER. It is obvious that this guy is very good at what he does. He does not falter in his knowledge at all and is obviously a confident, skilled doctor and surgeon. This is the only reason we will tolerate waiting for an hour in his waiting room only to spend 90 seconds talking to him, at which point he says to me in a very degrading manner, "We want what's BEST for your child," as if I don't want what is best for my child!
He had told us after Elijah was born to come back when he was 11 months old so that we could do his hypospadias surgery when he was 12 months old. So here we are, in his office when Eli is 11 months old, just like he asked. He asked about Elijah's upcoming heart surgery and we said we don't have a definite timeline but that we're guessing it will take place June-ish. He said, in a very you-should-have-known-this tone that in order to get his hypospadias repaired, we first had to get clearance from cardiology. Uh, ok...sure, we can do that, but why did we drive all the way to downtown Minneapolis just to hear that? This is when he said, "We want what is BEST for your child. Why would we do surgery now if cardiology doesn't clear him for it?" Angry Mommy responds with, "That's why we're here! We do want what's best for him. We're here because you told us to come back at this time." And he exited the room like a lightning bolt.
So now we'll call cardiology and figure out whether his hypospadias can be fixed now or if it will have to wait until next fall.
If only ALL DOCTORS treated their patients like our dear Dr. Gremmels does. We love Dr. Gremmels! And Dr. Snook! And Dr. Moga!
I have to share one funny thing from our appointment today. As we sat for ONE WHOLE HOUR in the cramped waiting room, we were able to entertain the other people sharing the waiting room with us. Elijah was soooo loud, jabbering and grunting non-stop. There were a few other babies just staring at him like, WHY ARE YOU TALKING SO MUCH, YOU CHUBBY, CURLY-HAIRED BABY? It was really funny. Other parents kept chuckling and saying to us, "He likes to talk!" It seemed like he really enjoyed having an audience. If someone got up to leave the room, he would look at them as if to say, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!? I'M ALMOST TO THE FUNNY PART!
I know I've probably worn out my welcome for prayer requests, but we need more prayers for Baby Isaac, who is having an unexpected heart surgery tomorrow. Poor little guy, he and his family have been through so much. There has been so much going on this week with my heart babies! :( It has been a really sad week. Thanks for praying for and following the angels Madeline and Kate. They are in Heaven now and watching over all of us!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
My heart is broken
I know I asked you all for prayers for Kate and Madeline the other day but I am asking again. I am crying as I write this. I cannot imagine what their parents must be going through. If you're comfortable, leave them notes of support. I know how much this means to us when we're in the middle of a crisis (not that we've ever been near this level of crisis).
Update: Little Kate passed away this morning in her mama's arms. :( I am so very sad for her parents. My heart won't stop aching. Please keep them in your prayers.
Another update: Madeline passed away yesterday (Wednesday) as well. What a sad week. Please pray for peace for her parents. Thank you.
Update: Little Kate passed away this morning in her mama's arms. :( I am so very sad for her parents. My heart won't stop aching. Please keep them in your prayers.
Another update: Madeline passed away yesterday (Wednesday) as well. What a sad week. Please pray for peace for her parents. Thank you.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Elijah + avocados
Messy cottage cheese-avocado feast with absent left sock
We think Elijah might be involved in a gang called the Left Foot Mafia. Every time we put socks on him (which is often here in FRIGID Minnesota) he removes only the left one and then continues about his play. Perhaps his left foot is always a bit too warm? I don't know, but it's pretty funny. The right sock always stays on.
Eli has a urology appointment this Thursday. We've had such a nice reprieve from doctor's visits, so it makes me sad that we're headed back into doctor and hospital territory. Next month hypospadias surgery will happen (see Elijah's Story tab if you want more info about this) and also a cardiology check and a 12-month well visit. Last week I was positive that his lips looked more blue so Dan brought him in to get his oxygen sats checked. Amazingly, they were exactly what they were a few months ago (80-84%) so we were very happy to hear this.
Our chubby boy is getting so smart! You can just see that he understands a whole lot more than ever. He now knows how to knock over his tower of blocks when I ask him to and when I get to that part in the Itsy Bitsy Spider when I tickle his neck, he anticipates it with giggling winces. I can't spend enough time with this person. I can't get enough! I wish I could just put him in my pocket and take him everywhere with me.
I'll try to post a lot of fun, cute, positive things before we are headed back into the land of doctors. Here are some fun pics to start off....
Cottage cheese face
THIS is a fat knee
Do you think Daddy dressed Elijah (this tummy moment is very rare, by the way)??
Splashy bath man. WOW does he like to splash.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Calendar and a collection of events and information
Diagnoses
- Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia, MAPCAs (repaired Apr 15, 2008; expect valve replacement in early 2011?)
- Solitary left kidney (no reflux)
- Hypospadias (repaired Aug 20, 2008)
- Tethered spinal cord (diagnosed May 11, 2009/repaired June 18, 2009)
Hospitalizations*/surgeries
Feb 20, 2007 – Hospitalized following birth due to feeding issues and heart monitoring (ventilated for 3 days/hospitalized for 2.5 weeks)
Feb 20, 2007 – Heart catheterization (already ventilated due to birth complications)
May 2, 2007 – Heart catheterization (not ventilated/no overnight stay)
May 25, 2007 – Open heart surgery to place shunt and repair collaterals (ventilated for 6 days/hospitalized for 10 days)
Jul 27, 2007 – Bronchoscopy (ventilated for less than 1 hour/no overnight stay)
Oct 29, 2007 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 5 hours/no overnight stay)
Mar 19, 2008 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Apr 15, 2008 – Open heart surgery to replace shunt with bovine valve, repair collaterals and place stent in pulmonary artery (ventilated for 3 days/hospitalized for 8 days)
Aug 20, 2008 – Hypospadias repair (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Nov 26, 2008 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 5 hours/hospitalized for 1 day)
May 11, 2009 – MRI scan of brain/spine (ventilated for 2 hours/no overnight stay)
June 18, 2009 - Neurosurgery to release tethered spinal cord (ventilated for 2 hours/hospitalized for 5 days)
Nov 9, 2009 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Feb 17, 2011 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 4 hours/no overnight stay)
May 2, 2011 – Bronchoscopy/laryngoscopy (ventilated for 1 hour/no overnight stay)
Jun 10, 2011 – Open heart surgery to replace bovine valve with larger human valve and patch right pulmonary artery (ventilated for 10 hours/ hospitalized for 5 days)
* Also has had a handful of hospitalizations related to croup (no ventilation) and heart failure (no ventilation).
- Tetralogy of Fallot, Pulmonary Atresia, MAPCAs (repaired Apr 15, 2008; expect valve replacement in early 2011?)
- Solitary left kidney (no reflux)
- Hypospadias (repaired Aug 20, 2008)
- Tethered spinal cord (diagnosed May 11, 2009/repaired June 18, 2009)
Hospitalizations*/surgeries
Feb 20, 2007 – Hospitalized following birth due to feeding issues and heart monitoring (ventilated for 3 days/hospitalized for 2.5 weeks)
Feb 20, 2007 – Heart catheterization (already ventilated due to birth complications)
May 2, 2007 – Heart catheterization (not ventilated/no overnight stay)
May 25, 2007 – Open heart surgery to place shunt and repair collaterals (ventilated for 6 days/hospitalized for 10 days)
Jul 27, 2007 – Bronchoscopy (ventilated for less than 1 hour/no overnight stay)
Oct 29, 2007 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 5 hours/no overnight stay)
Mar 19, 2008 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Apr 15, 2008 – Open heart surgery to replace shunt with bovine valve, repair collaterals and place stent in pulmonary artery (ventilated for 3 days/hospitalized for 8 days)
Aug 20, 2008 – Hypospadias repair (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Nov 26, 2008 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 5 hours/hospitalized for 1 day)
May 11, 2009 – MRI scan of brain/spine (ventilated for 2 hours/no overnight stay)
June 18, 2009 - Neurosurgery to release tethered spinal cord (ventilated for 2 hours/hospitalized for 5 days)
Nov 9, 2009 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 3 hours/no overnight stay)
Feb 17, 2011 – Heart catheterization (ventilated for 4 hours/no overnight stay)
May 2, 2011 – Bronchoscopy/laryngoscopy (ventilated for 1 hour/no overnight stay)
Jun 10, 2011 – Open heart surgery to replace bovine valve with larger human valve and patch right pulmonary artery (ventilated for 10 hours/ hospitalized for 5 days)
* Also has had a handful of hospitalizations related to croup (no ventilation) and heart failure (no ventilation).
Friday, January 11, 2008
My chunky boy
Dan went up north with some friends this weekend, so Elijah and I get to bond here at home. It's so much fun for me to spend quality time with him. During the week when I'm working from 7-4 and only get to see the chunky monkey for two hours every night, I do get a little upset. I often find myself thinking, WHY?!? Why is it fair that I only get two hours a night with my baby? But then I remind myself that I have AMAZING insurance and AMAZING benefits and, for Elijah's sake, it could not be any other way. Dan stays home with Eli two days every week and that is perfect for our situation. It couldn't be more ideal, actually. I really have nothing to complain about.
Our chubby little man has gotten SO MUCH CHUBBIER in the past couple weeks. This week he weighed in at 21.5 lbs. He has crossed over the line between being tolerably chubby and being difficult-to-handle chubby. I'm having a very hard time maneuvering and lugging this big boy around. My back hurts a lot of the time and I'm unable to cart him around the house the way I did a month ago. It's good that he's gaining weight. It's very good! But it's taking a toll on me (that's not a complaint, his weight gain is nothing but a blessing. I'll take the brunt any day.).
Lately Elijah has been letting out really deep growls. It is so funny. He has always been a growler, but now it's a few octaves lower, like he has become a bass growler instead of a tenor growler. Hopefully we can get it on video in the next couple days to share with you.
He has also been very clingy lately. We are working on the stranger anxiety issue and on getting him to be comfortable around other people. He loves Daddy more than anything, second place is Mommy, and everyone else is chopped liver. We're trying really hard not to "rescue" him when he's in an uncomfortable situation because we want him to get accustomed to being around others. This is our current "project," next to the tummy time that we're always trying to get him used to. I can't believe that at almost eleven months old, he STILL won't tolerate tummy time.
He has been eating SO WELL lately. Not that he has ever not eaten well, but he is eating extra good these days. I guess that explains my sore arms and shoulders, huh? We've recently introduced him to some new, chunkier foods, which he's really taken to. He now loves cottage cheese and avocados and bananas and cookies and crackers. Just a few weeks ago he was gagging uncontrollably on all of those things so it's good to see progress in the food swallowing.
I could go on and on about the cuteness that surrounds this special little person, but I'll save some for next time. I'll take some good pictures this weekend and share them. Thanks, as always, for checking in on us. It really means so much. Please don't forget to pray for the babies I mentioned in my last post. They REALLY NEED PRAYERS. Thank you, it means a lot.
Our chubby little man has gotten SO MUCH CHUBBIER in the past couple weeks. This week he weighed in at 21.5 lbs. He has crossed over the line between being tolerably chubby and being difficult-to-handle chubby. I'm having a very hard time maneuvering and lugging this big boy around. My back hurts a lot of the time and I'm unable to cart him around the house the way I did a month ago. It's good that he's gaining weight. It's very good! But it's taking a toll on me (that's not a complaint, his weight gain is nothing but a blessing. I'll take the brunt any day.).
Lately Elijah has been letting out really deep growls. It is so funny. He has always been a growler, but now it's a few octaves lower, like he has become a bass growler instead of a tenor growler. Hopefully we can get it on video in the next couple days to share with you.
He has also been very clingy lately. We are working on the stranger anxiety issue and on getting him to be comfortable around other people. He loves Daddy more than anything, second place is Mommy, and everyone else is chopped liver. We're trying really hard not to "rescue" him when he's in an uncomfortable situation because we want him to get accustomed to being around others. This is our current "project," next to the tummy time that we're always trying to get him used to. I can't believe that at almost eleven months old, he STILL won't tolerate tummy time.
He has been eating SO WELL lately. Not that he has ever not eaten well, but he is eating extra good these days. I guess that explains my sore arms and shoulders, huh? We've recently introduced him to some new, chunkier foods, which he's really taken to. He now loves cottage cheese and avocados and bananas and cookies and crackers. Just a few weeks ago he was gagging uncontrollably on all of those things so it's good to see progress in the food swallowing.
I could go on and on about the cuteness that surrounds this special little person, but I'll save some for next time. I'll take some good pictures this weekend and share them. Thanks, as always, for checking in on us. It really means so much. Please don't forget to pray for the babies I mentioned in my last post. They REALLY NEED PRAYERS. Thank you, it means a lot.
Prayer
I know for a fact that the reason Elijah has done so well through all of his medical junk and his surgeries is because he has had about a thousand people praying for him. He received huge amounts of prayer even when he was the size of a peanut in my belly. One of the things I have learned so far in this journey is that PRAYER WORKS. Sooo....
We seem to know a lot of people right now who are in serious need of serious prayer. I'd like to ask all of you to help out by sending up a few prayers for Madeline, who has been through more than everyone in the states of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin combined. She needs a new heart, but just recently got bumped off the transplant list because the rest of her problems are becoming quite serious. She's in a critical state right now. She's back on the evil ECMO machine for the third time in five months. Her dad wrote on her website this morning, "Few expected Madeline to make it through the night, but she did."
Another cute baby who I check in on regularly, Baby Isaac, has to go in for an unexpected open heart surgery next week. I cannot imagine having a week to emotionally prepare for an OHS, so please say some prayers for Isaac AND his sweet family.
And then there's Baby Kate, who has spent 120 out of the last 168 days in the hospital. The doctors don't know exactly what to think because her health has been like a rollercoaster since her last OHS.
All of these babies have parents who are AMAZING and who have gone through A WHOLE LOT, like, more than I can ever fathom. Please pray for them and tell your friends to pray for them, too. THANK YOU.
We seem to know a lot of people right now who are in serious need of serious prayer. I'd like to ask all of you to help out by sending up a few prayers for Madeline, who has been through more than everyone in the states of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin combined. She needs a new heart, but just recently got bumped off the transplant list because the rest of her problems are becoming quite serious. She's in a critical state right now. She's back on the evil ECMO machine for the third time in five months. Her dad wrote on her website this morning, "Few expected Madeline to make it through the night, but she did."
Another cute baby who I check in on regularly, Baby Isaac, has to go in for an unexpected open heart surgery next week. I cannot imagine having a week to emotionally prepare for an OHS, so please say some prayers for Isaac AND his sweet family.
And then there's Baby Kate, who has spent 120 out of the last 168 days in the hospital. The doctors don't know exactly what to think because her health has been like a rollercoaster since her last OHS.
All of these babies have parents who are AMAZING and who have gone through A WHOLE LOT, like, more than I can ever fathom. Please pray for them and tell your friends to pray for them, too. THANK YOU.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
My moment
Do you ever have those moments when the world stops around you and everything seems perfectly aligned and peaceful? Then you try to store everything you are smelling, feeling, seeing and touching away in your mind so that you can come back to that moment later? I've had a few of them in my life, and I often take myself back to those moments for peace when I need it. They are pretty rare (at least for me) and I think that's what makes them so special and memorable. I experienced one of these rare moments this week during our flight back to Minneapolis.
We were in the airplane, the plane was dark and quiet, Dan had his eyes closed in the seat next to me and Elijah was sprawled out in my lap, contentedly playing with a plastic cup, turning it over and over in his hands, examining it from every angle and chewing on it with his new teeth. I reached down and ran the backs of my fingers along his velvety soft, chubby neck, as I often do, and then I leaned over and kissed him in the same spot and smelled his perfect, sweet baby scent. I ran my fingers through his curls and hugged him tightly in my arms as he babbled to the plastic cup.
It was the perfect moment. With my husband resting in the seat next to me, my baby, this sweet and amazing little person, was sitting in my lap, content and relaxed, allowing me to touch and smell and snuggle him as much as I wanted. For as long as I live, I will know the smell and softness of his skin and the sweet sound of his voice and the peaceful feeling I had inside of me as if it were that exact moment. It will stay with me forever.
Too often I find myself getting caught up in wanting the next stage to get here. I am constantly wishing for Elijah to be able to crawl, walk and talk. By doing that, I'm wishing away this precious stage he is in right now. During my moment on the plane, I genuinely appreciated Elijah for who he was at that exact second in time. I think it's somewhat natural to look forward to the next step and to be curious about what is to come, but it felt so nice to truly live in the moment and to be sincerely enjoying exactly what that moment was worth.
Elijah, if you read this some day, I hope you are still letting me snuggle and hug you. If not, please know how much it means that I will at least always have the memory of it. I love you!
We were in the airplane, the plane was dark and quiet, Dan had his eyes closed in the seat next to me and Elijah was sprawled out in my lap, contentedly playing with a plastic cup, turning it over and over in his hands, examining it from every angle and chewing on it with his new teeth. I reached down and ran the backs of my fingers along his velvety soft, chubby neck, as I often do, and then I leaned over and kissed him in the same spot and smelled his perfect, sweet baby scent. I ran my fingers through his curls and hugged him tightly in my arms as he babbled to the plastic cup.
It was the perfect moment. With my husband resting in the seat next to me, my baby, this sweet and amazing little person, was sitting in my lap, content and relaxed, allowing me to touch and smell and snuggle him as much as I wanted. For as long as I live, I will know the smell and softness of his skin and the sweet sound of his voice and the peaceful feeling I had inside of me as if it were that exact moment. It will stay with me forever.
Too often I find myself getting caught up in wanting the next stage to get here. I am constantly wishing for Elijah to be able to crawl, walk and talk. By doing that, I'm wishing away this precious stage he is in right now. During my moment on the plane, I genuinely appreciated Elijah for who he was at that exact second in time. I think it's somewhat natural to look forward to the next step and to be curious about what is to come, but it felt so nice to truly live in the moment and to be sincerely enjoying exactly what that moment was worth.
Elijah, if you read this some day, I hope you are still letting me snuggle and hug you. If not, please know how much it means that I will at least always have the memory of it. I love you!
Friday, January 4, 2008
He might look a bit like me after all??
My dad, stepmom and brother put these photos into a picture frame for me for Christmas...
p.s. I've been meaning to say THANK YOU to all of you who donated money to the Children's Heart Foundation. Thank you thank you thank you. This means so much to us. More than $600 was raised in honor of Elijah!
p.s. I've been meaning to say THANK YOU to all of you who donated money to the Children's Heart Foundation. Thank you thank you thank you. This means so much to us. More than $600 was raised in honor of Elijah!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
To: Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Joel and Puppy Juan From: Elijah
Dear Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Joel and Juan,
After a very long day in airports and on airplanes yesterday, WE MADE IT HOME! Not to brag or anything, but I was a very good boy despite the off-the-charts level of tiredness I had reached. I hardly cried at all. The First Officer didn't show up for our first flight (too much New Years partying, I guess) and our second flight was delayed due to bad weather. We were all zombies by the time we got home last night.
Now to the important stuff.
Grandpa: I enjoyed making funny faces and smiling at you and having you read books and watch Baby Signing Times with me. Thank you for carrying my chunky body around the house when I was fussy. Sorry if I hurt your back. I'm very lucky to have you as a grandpa and I can't wait to get hugs, kisses and snuggles from you again.
Grandma: Thank you for washing my clothes and blankets when I pooped and peed through them multiple times and for the many yummy meals that made Mommy gain seven pounds. I didn't necessarily enjoy the tummy time you helped me with, but Mommy says she is thankful for that. I loved it when you blew air into my chubby neck and made me giggle. That tickles!
Grandma AND Grandpa: Thank you for enduring the sofa bed so that we could take over your dark, quiet, comfy bedroom and thanks for the wonderful Christmas gifts.
Juan: I know you were a little jealous of the attention everyone was giving me, so thank you for allowing me to be the focus of the house for a few days and for tolerating my crying and constant babbling and grunting. I understand that you went on fewer walks and didn't get pet as much because of me, so that is why I didn't get upset when you decided that my squeaky ducky toy was indeed yours. I hope you enjoyed all the Cheerios I threw onto the floor just for you.
Joel: Thank you for reading to me and giving me hugs and for keeping my daddy entertained with your Xbox 360. Thanks for giving up precious football-watching time so I could watch my beloved Veggie Tales. Mommy says she is so happy to have you as a brother and I think you're a great uncle.
Next time we come visit, Mommy wants to see the Biltmore Mansion and maybe even get up into the mountains to ski. Next time we'll stay longer because the four days we just spent with you wasn't nearly long enough. Now we're back into the routine of work, daycare and co-o-o-old weather. We miss and love you all very much!
I'm tired, I better go take a nap.
Love,
Elijah
p.s. Mom will post pictures later. She took a lot.
p.p.s. On New Years Eve, I heard you guys laughing all night long while I was in bed. It sounded like you were having a good time. What were you doing? I think I heard something about Sasquatch, baby seals and a train pipe?
After a very long day in airports and on airplanes yesterday, WE MADE IT HOME! Not to brag or anything, but I was a very good boy despite the off-the-charts level of tiredness I had reached. I hardly cried at all. The First Officer didn't show up for our first flight (too much New Years partying, I guess) and our second flight was delayed due to bad weather. We were all zombies by the time we got home last night.
Now to the important stuff.
Grandpa: I enjoyed making funny faces and smiling at you and having you read books and watch Baby Signing Times with me. Thank you for carrying my chunky body around the house when I was fussy. Sorry if I hurt your back. I'm very lucky to have you as a grandpa and I can't wait to get hugs, kisses and snuggles from you again.
Grandma: Thank you for washing my clothes and blankets when I pooped and peed through them multiple times and for the many yummy meals that made Mommy gain seven pounds. I didn't necessarily enjoy the tummy time you helped me with, but Mommy says she is thankful for that. I loved it when you blew air into my chubby neck and made me giggle. That tickles!
Grandma AND Grandpa: Thank you for enduring the sofa bed so that we could take over your dark, quiet, comfy bedroom and thanks for the wonderful Christmas gifts.
Juan: I know you were a little jealous of the attention everyone was giving me, so thank you for allowing me to be the focus of the house for a few days and for tolerating my crying and constant babbling and grunting. I understand that you went on fewer walks and didn't get pet as much because of me, so that is why I didn't get upset when you decided that my squeaky ducky toy was indeed yours. I hope you enjoyed all the Cheerios I threw onto the floor just for you.
Joel: Thank you for reading to me and giving me hugs and for keeping my daddy entertained with your Xbox 360. Thanks for giving up precious football-watching time so I could watch my beloved Veggie Tales. Mommy says she is so happy to have you as a brother and I think you're a great uncle.
Next time we come visit, Mommy wants to see the Biltmore Mansion and maybe even get up into the mountains to ski. Next time we'll stay longer because the four days we just spent with you wasn't nearly long enough. Now we're back into the routine of work, daycare and co-o-o-old weather. We miss and love you all very much!
I'm tired, I better go take a nap.
Love,
Elijah
p.s. Mom will post pictures later. She took a lot.
p.p.s. On New Years Eve, I heard you guys laughing all night long while I was in bed. It sounded like you were having a good time. What were you doing? I think I heard something about Sasquatch, baby seals and a train pipe?
Thursday, December 27, 2007
More cuteness that you're just going to have to deal with reading about
Our boy is growing so fast and he's doing so many fun things that it's hard to keep up. Every day he does a cute new thing that I try to remember or jot down so I can write about it here, for those of you who are into reading about cute baby things.
More Elijah cuteness:
The other night I was taking him home from daycare and I kept hearing a deep, exhaled grunt coming from the backseat. It sounded like he was at the gym, grunting and exhaling with each push of the bench press. I looked back and Elijah was trying to sit up in his car seat. He was doing stomach crunches, trying to sit more upright, but his straps kept pulling him back down. He did it over and over and over, and every time, he'd let out a giant EERRRRrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Lately when I feed him, I can't get the spoon out of his mouth fast enough. He bites down on the spoon and I have to wedge it out of his mouth.
He does this cute silent giggle that is adorable enough to melt my heart into a giant puddle. He's never really been a big giggler. He giggles when Dan tickles him and lately he giggles when I play peek-a-boo with him, but otherwise he's always been kind of a tough crowd when it comes to getting him to giggle. Lately, when he has found something worth being amused by, he will squint his eyes, scrunch up his face and with his mouth open and different sized teeth spilling out, his lower jaw slides over to the right a bit and he just holds it there. No noise, just a scrunched up, lopsided happy face.
It's similar to this face, except more scrunched and lopsided:
I mentioned before his love for his favorite Veggie Tales silly song, Larry's High Silk Hat, right? His love for this song grows with every viewing. He now loves it so much that when the song that comes before this song ends, he gets VERY EXCITED and does spins and spins and spins in his exersaucer and looks back and forth between Dan and me like, Do you KNOW what song is next? Do you UNDERSTAND, guys? Do you? Do you? Then when HIS song is about to end, he starts crying. It's the end of his song! How can it end? It must be the end of the world, too!
Last night Elijah was a little more tired and crabby than usual so I gave him my cell phone, which is usually a last resort. I looked up to chat with some friends and when I looked back down I saw that we were Connecting to someone. Uh oh, who are we calling...Elijah had pressed DAD's speed dial number (Grandpa, to him). He must be excited about seeing him tomorrow! We are headed to North Carolina to visit Grandpa Dick and Grammie Paula and Uncle Joel early tomorrow morning. It will be our first plane trip with a baby, so I'm praying for a smooth day. We are very excited about warmer weather (MN is really just ridiculously cold and snowy this year) and about getting some quality time with the Weiss'.
More Elijah cuteness:
The other night I was taking him home from daycare and I kept hearing a deep, exhaled grunt coming from the backseat. It sounded like he was at the gym, grunting and exhaling with each push of the bench press. I looked back and Elijah was trying to sit up in his car seat. He was doing stomach crunches, trying to sit more upright, but his straps kept pulling him back down. He did it over and over and over, and every time, he'd let out a giant EERRRRrrrrrrrrrrrr.
Lately when I feed him, I can't get the spoon out of his mouth fast enough. He bites down on the spoon and I have to wedge it out of his mouth.
He does this cute silent giggle that is adorable enough to melt my heart into a giant puddle. He's never really been a big giggler. He giggles when Dan tickles him and lately he giggles when I play peek-a-boo with him, but otherwise he's always been kind of a tough crowd when it comes to getting him to giggle. Lately, when he has found something worth being amused by, he will squint his eyes, scrunch up his face and with his mouth open and different sized teeth spilling out, his lower jaw slides over to the right a bit and he just holds it there. No noise, just a scrunched up, lopsided happy face.
It's similar to this face, except more scrunched and lopsided:
I mentioned before his love for his favorite Veggie Tales silly song, Larry's High Silk Hat, right? His love for this song grows with every viewing. He now loves it so much that when the song that comes before this song ends, he gets VERY EXCITED and does spins and spins and spins in his exersaucer and looks back and forth between Dan and me like, Do you KNOW what song is next? Do you UNDERSTAND, guys? Do you? Do you? Then when HIS song is about to end, he starts crying. It's the end of his song! How can it end? It must be the end of the world, too!
Last night Elijah was a little more tired and crabby than usual so I gave him my cell phone, which is usually a last resort. I looked up to chat with some friends and when I looked back down I saw that we were Connecting to someone. Uh oh, who are we calling...Elijah had pressed DAD's speed dial number (Grandpa, to him). He must be excited about seeing him tomorrow! We are headed to North Carolina to visit Grandpa Dick and Grammie Paula and Uncle Joel early tomorrow morning. It will be our first plane trip with a baby, so I'm praying for a smooth day. We are very excited about warmer weather (MN is really just ridiculously cold and snowy this year) and about getting some quality time with the Weiss'.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas
Merry Christmas!
Elijah was such a good boy in church last night at the Christmas Eve service. He loooooved all the music and lights and when the music stopped he kept the singing going all by himself.
Elijah (solo): BAAA. BADA. DA. BA. BAAA. MMAA. HHAAHA. BAAA. BABAA. MABAMABA. HHAAA. (repeat 20 times.)
We didn't try to shush him because who can shush a talking, happy, funny, cute baby? We let him talk and sing and hopefully everyone in church thought it was as cute as we did. Oh well if they didn't.
We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa's house with the Porta side of the family. Our little man sat at the table with us for his first big family meal. He was a very good boy. He even got to try some of Great Grandma's famous homemade ravioli. Yummmm! He was overwhelmed by all of the activity (oh my, all those cousins trying to kiss and hug him!) but he did really well despite his mama-dada-clinginess lately. He went to bed later than he ever has in his life. 9:00! (I wish this meant he slept in past 6:00 this morning, but it doesn't work that way. At least not with our man.)
Today we are relaxing at home, enjoying our first Christmas together as a family. I am so very fortunate to have these two wonderful men in my life. Dan and Elijah are the best Christmas gifts a girl could get.
Quick cute, bragging story, and then I'll upload a few of the billions of pictures I've taken over the past few days:
Yesterday while I was changing Eli's diaper, I was singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider to him. Now, I have not sang this song to him in MONTHS. As I was singing it yesterday, I wasn't doing the actions, just quietly singing the words. As I was singing through it the second time, I noticed that during the part where the spider WENT UP THE WATER SPOUT, Elijah would move all of his fingers up and down really fast with his hands together and then during the OUT CAME THE SUN part he'd throw his hands over his head. I couldn't believe it! It has literally been at least two months since he has seen me do the actions to this song, and he remembered them and DID THEM HIMSELF. I guess he retains more than we think he does. Smartypants.
Eating his first Christmas cookie
Look at my six teeth! All different sizes and shapes!
Eating. Is. So. Exhausting.
Opening his first gift!
Yummmmmy blocks
The Elijah Smirk
I could just gobble that sweet face right up
Sweet cousin Kayla moves in for a smooch, resulting in a SCREAMING Elijah. He's not quite ready for smooches, I guess. He better stay like that till he's 35.
Grandma feeding Elijah a bottle....and Auntie Christine and cousins James, Alyssa, ?? (in belly) and Kayla
Elijah was such a good boy in church last night at the Christmas Eve service. He loooooved all the music and lights and when the music stopped he kept the singing going all by himself.
Elijah (solo): BAAA. BADA. DA. BA. BAAA. MMAA. HHAAHA. BAAA. BABAA. MABAMABA. HHAAA. (repeat 20 times.)
We didn't try to shush him because who can shush a talking, happy, funny, cute baby? We let him talk and sing and hopefully everyone in church thought it was as cute as we did. Oh well if they didn't.
We spent Christmas Eve at Grandma and Grandpa's house with the Porta side of the family. Our little man sat at the table with us for his first big family meal. He was a very good boy. He even got to try some of Great Grandma's famous homemade ravioli. Yummmm! He was overwhelmed by all of the activity (oh my, all those cousins trying to kiss and hug him!) but he did really well despite his mama-dada-clinginess lately. He went to bed later than he ever has in his life. 9:00! (I wish this meant he slept in past 6:00 this morning, but it doesn't work that way. At least not with our man.)
Today we are relaxing at home, enjoying our first Christmas together as a family. I am so very fortunate to have these two wonderful men in my life. Dan and Elijah are the best Christmas gifts a girl could get.
Quick cute, bragging story, and then I'll upload a few of the billions of pictures I've taken over the past few days:
Yesterday while I was changing Eli's diaper, I was singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider to him. Now, I have not sang this song to him in MONTHS. As I was singing it yesterday, I wasn't doing the actions, just quietly singing the words. As I was singing through it the second time, I noticed that during the part where the spider WENT UP THE WATER SPOUT, Elijah would move all of his fingers up and down really fast with his hands together and then during the OUT CAME THE SUN part he'd throw his hands over his head. I couldn't believe it! It has literally been at least two months since he has seen me do the actions to this song, and he remembered them and DID THEM HIMSELF. I guess he retains more than we think he does. Smartypants.
Eating his first Christmas cookie
Look at my six teeth! All different sizes and shapes!
Eating. Is. So. Exhausting.
Opening his first gift!
Yummmmmy blocks
The Elijah Smirk
I could just gobble that sweet face right up
Sweet cousin Kayla moves in for a smooch, resulting in a SCREAMING Elijah. He's not quite ready for smooches, I guess. He better stay like that till he's 35.
Grandma feeding Elijah a bottle....and Auntie Christine and cousins James, Alyssa, ?? (in belly) and Kayla
Thursday, December 20, 2007
10 months old
A year ago, the information we had received about Elijah's heart was just starting to sink in, and contractions and bedrest were unknowingly on the horizon. We were in an in-between stage that was actually somewhat peaceful. Now, we are in an in-between stage again: the aftermath of Surgery 1 has (mostly) worn off and Surgery 2 is on the horizon. The peacefulness isn't present this time around, though. The thought of handing my chubby, happy, "healthy" baby over to the surgeons for Round 2 makes me shudder. This time around, it's much more personal. Elijah has a personality and he can show his love for us and he's an actual PERSON, not just a pooping, eating blob of cuteness. In a way, I want that surgery to come fast so we can begin to move past it. In another sense, I don't ever want it to get here and I want to gather up my boys and flee to the Bahamas. But, that's not what is best for Elijah, and that's why we are dutifully and patiently waiting, with the big black cloud hanging over our heads. It's easy to say, well, just enjoy this time you have and don't think about it! I try, trust me, I try not to think too much about it, but that is much easier said than done. We ARE enjoying this time with our son, but that black cloud is always somewhere near, ready to storm all over me when I get weak.
On a much more uplifting note, Elijah is 10 months old today! He has been so fun lately and I thoroughly enjoy every moment I get to spend with him. We laugh constantly at the cute things he does and the funny sounds he makes. It's so fun getting to know this little person.
We have kept Christmas VERY simple this year in an attempt to focus on what is truly important to us. We have donated our Christmas money to the Children's Heart Foundation, in addition to getting Elijah a little something and a little something for each other. I would really like to instill in my son the idea that GIVING is much more important than receiving. In a lot of ways, I think the Christmas season gets completely out of control, with kids expecting gifts and getting more than their share of THINGS. I'd love for Elijah to understand that THINGS aren't what makes life important and Christmas isn't about getting presents.
I hope everyone is having a stress-free (ha!) and fun Christmas season! Love to you all...
On a much more uplifting note, Elijah is 10 months old today! He has been so fun lately and I thoroughly enjoy every moment I get to spend with him. We laugh constantly at the cute things he does and the funny sounds he makes. It's so fun getting to know this little person.
We have kept Christmas VERY simple this year in an attempt to focus on what is truly important to us. We have donated our Christmas money to the Children's Heart Foundation, in addition to getting Elijah a little something and a little something for each other. I would really like to instill in my son the idea that GIVING is much more important than receiving. In a lot of ways, I think the Christmas season gets completely out of control, with kids expecting gifts and getting more than their share of THINGS. I'd love for Elijah to understand that THINGS aren't what makes life important and Christmas isn't about getting presents.
I hope everyone is having a stress-free (ha!) and fun Christmas season! Love to you all...
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Cuteness
Some of the cute things Elijah has been doing lately:
Making himself laugh.
He'll be lying on the floor, engrossed in a rattle, no one is talking (except him), the tv isn't on, the only stimulus he is getting is from his rattle and his own voice, and he'll just start cackling. It sometimes goes on for a few minutes. It's almost like he just remembered a funny joke and cracks himself up thinking about it. The lady who watches him a few times a week said she has never seen a baby do that before.
Doing the funny hand-ooo thing.
He will put one or both of his hands in the air as if to say STOP, and at the same time he'll raise his eyebrows and do his funny OOooooooo sound. He does it mostly when he's watching his favorite Veggie Tales Silly Song, Larry's High Silk Hat. Here, you can see the cuteness for yourself...
Constant arm flapping.
Pretend you're waving both hands with broken wrists. This is what he does constantly (see above video). Hours and hours of arm flapping take place in our house every day. I am pretty sure arm flapping equals happiness.
Getting excited about books.
Every night before we put him to bed, we sit in the loft with him and read books. Even if he is a tired crabbypants, he will show genuine excitement when we pull out a book. The arm flapping that occurs during story time accounts for half of the day's flapping activity.
Poop grunting.
He cannot poop without doing his poop grunt, even if he is sleeping, crying or eating. Dan and I can recognize that sound from the other side of the world. We'll hear it from two rooms away and say to someone else, "Oh...we have a dirty diaper to go change," and they'll say, "How in the world did you know that?"
Constant yapping.
The kid likes to talk. He is constantly blabbing to himself. Now that he has discovered a couple new consonants, there is so much to say!
Doing the ventriloquist act.
His new sound this week is to say "Agoo-goo" repeatedly while his mouth is closed.
Dancing.
Even if there is no music, he will randomly start his side-to-side head bobbing, like he's trying to touch his ears to his shoulders. If you say, "Elijah, are you dancing?" the head bobs will become more vigorous and he'll give you a giant, heart-melting grin.
If you look close, you can see his new teeth
Cuddling with my snuggly man
Feeding yourself cereal is exhausting
Making himself laugh.
He'll be lying on the floor, engrossed in a rattle, no one is talking (except him), the tv isn't on, the only stimulus he is getting is from his rattle and his own voice, and he'll just start cackling. It sometimes goes on for a few minutes. It's almost like he just remembered a funny joke and cracks himself up thinking about it. The lady who watches him a few times a week said she has never seen a baby do that before.
Doing the funny hand-ooo thing.
He will put one or both of his hands in the air as if to say STOP, and at the same time he'll raise his eyebrows and do his funny OOooooooo sound. He does it mostly when he's watching his favorite Veggie Tales Silly Song, Larry's High Silk Hat. Here, you can see the cuteness for yourself...
Constant arm flapping.
Pretend you're waving both hands with broken wrists. This is what he does constantly (see above video). Hours and hours of arm flapping take place in our house every day. I am pretty sure arm flapping equals happiness.
Getting excited about books.
Every night before we put him to bed, we sit in the loft with him and read books. Even if he is a tired crabbypants, he will show genuine excitement when we pull out a book. The arm flapping that occurs during story time accounts for half of the day's flapping activity.
Poop grunting.
He cannot poop without doing his poop grunt, even if he is sleeping, crying or eating. Dan and I can recognize that sound from the other side of the world. We'll hear it from two rooms away and say to someone else, "Oh...we have a dirty diaper to go change," and they'll say, "How in the world did you know that?"
Constant yapping.
The kid likes to talk. He is constantly blabbing to himself. Now that he has discovered a couple new consonants, there is so much to say!
Doing the ventriloquist act.
His new sound this week is to say "Agoo-goo" repeatedly while his mouth is closed.
Dancing.
Even if there is no music, he will randomly start his side-to-side head bobbing, like he's trying to touch his ears to his shoulders. If you say, "Elijah, are you dancing?" the head bobs will become more vigorous and he'll give you a giant, heart-melting grin.
If you look close, you can see his new teeth
Cuddling with my snuggly man
Feeding yourself cereal is exhausting
Friday, December 14, 2007
New look
The tabs at top of the page aren't active yet, but I'm working on it.
Quick Elijah update: he woke up this morning with a HORRIBLE cough. UGghghghhghghghhhh!!!! But some good news, he can sit completely by himself now! Like, I can actually walk away from him and go get something done while he is sitting and playing.
That's all for now. I have some really cute video to share from last night. I'll get to that this weekend.
Quick Elijah update: he woke up this morning with a HORRIBLE cough. UGghghghhghghghhhh!!!! But some good news, he can sit completely by himself now! Like, I can actually walk away from him and go get something done while he is sitting and playing.
That's all for now. I have some really cute video to share from last night. I'll get to that this weekend.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Totally useless information
It's always interesting to see how some people get to this blog. Here are some of the keywords/phrases people have typed into google that brought them here.
Understandable
open heart surgery crabbiness
congenital heart Christmas cards
1st percentile
baby sounds wheezy after bottle
MAPCAs on baby
baby dimples kidney
when to replace a leaky pulmonary valve in tof repair
breathing treatments baby video clips
infant with viral infection gross motor delays
Christmas wish for baby
MAPCAs success story
helmet for 6 month old
pulmonary atresia vsd MAPCAs
chylo thorax
tetralogy of fallot won't sleep
parents that skydive
Sweet
thankful prayer for what i have right now
Funny
mom and dad are weird
aboo
cute helmets
Baby Poroto [maybe someone thought he was from Mexico?]
beast
baby congenital double chin
chub
chubby thighs
chubby thigh photos
Eli's Coming
Unique
has Elijah Wood got abnormal big eyes [not sure which is more unique, the question itself or the grammar]
furry skydiving
nebulizer treatments for dogs
Disturbing
steroids are making me hallucinate
nasty nurse story [left some bad words off of this one]
red heads are more fun
There were actually much more disturbing things than these, but I will spare you those details.
Understandable
open heart surgery crabbiness
congenital heart Christmas cards
1st percentile
baby sounds wheezy after bottle
MAPCAs on baby
baby dimples kidney
when to replace a leaky pulmonary valve in tof repair
breathing treatments baby video clips
infant with viral infection gross motor delays
Christmas wish for baby
MAPCAs success story
helmet for 6 month old
pulmonary atresia vsd MAPCAs
chylo thorax
tetralogy of fallot won't sleep
parents that skydive
Sweet
thankful prayer for what i have right now
Funny
mom and dad are weird
aboo
cute helmets
Baby Poroto [maybe someone thought he was from Mexico?]
beast
baby congenital double chin
chub
chubby thighs
chubby thigh photos
Eli's Coming
Unique
has Elijah Wood got abnormal big eyes [not sure which is more unique, the question itself or the grammar]
furry skydiving
nebulizer treatments for dogs
Disturbing
steroids are making me hallucinate
nasty nurse story [left some bad words off of this one]
red heads are more fun
There were actually much more disturbing things than these, but I will spare you those details.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Chub
After some serious photo retouching, I finally got Dan's baby picture ready to upload. Twenty nine years later, Elijah is now wearing the same cute outfit that his daddy wore. I cannot believe the chub Dan has hanging off his neck (yes, that skin hanging underneath his double chin is indeed a third chin)! Soo cute. After seeing this picture of Dan, I'm not sure that Elijah still looks like him. They obviously both have the same neck, but other than that, I'm not so sure. What do you all think?
Elijah has been doing a lot of experimenting with sounds this week, particularly the B and M sounds. He said "Mama" earlier in the week (yesss!!!) and now he is saying all kinds of things. He literally has been talking non-stop. Here are a few things I've heard him say today:
mama
baba
mom
bob
mamba
bomb
mob
boob
boo-boo
bamba
blah blah
abba
baaahhh
hahahaha
His cold is slightly better and he's sleeping a lot better now. He still has a horrid cough that just will not go away. Other than that, we don't have much to report. I just heard a long string of mamas coming from downstairs, so I better go nibble on that chubby neck...
Elijah has been doing a lot of experimenting with sounds this week, particularly the B and M sounds. He said "Mama" earlier in the week (yesss!!!) and now he is saying all kinds of things. He literally has been talking non-stop. Here are a few things I've heard him say today:
mama
baba
mom
bob
mamba
bomb
mob
boob
boo-boo
bamba
blah blah
abba
baaahhh
hahahaha
His cold is slightly better and he's sleeping a lot better now. He still has a horrid cough that just will not go away. Other than that, we don't have much to report. I just heard a long string of mamas coming from downstairs, so I better go nibble on that chubby neck...
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
To: Daddy, From: Elijah
Dear Daddy,
Today is your 29th birthday!
I know I'm just a young fella and I haven't been around for very long, but from what I have gathered so far in my first nine months of life, this has been the most challenging, stressful, sad, strengthening, crazy, yet happy year of your life. You have endured more than your share of ups and downs this year, your 29th year, yet you haven't faltered for a second when it comes to loving Mama and me.
You started your 29th year off by finding out some hard news about my heart. You were Mommy's rock during that time. She always says that she couldn't have gone through that initial, uncertain part with anyone but you.
When I was wanting to come out of Mommy's tummy early, you did what you could to make sure I stayed in there for as long as possible. For seven weeks, you took care of Mommy so she could rest. In addition to going to work every day, you were Mom's nurse, chef, cleaning lady and errand runner. You prepared every single meal for her. You didn't care that she ate spoonfuls of peanut butter straight from the jar and watched Dr. Phil every day. You kept the house clean and kept up with the laundry and garbage and dishes and you did all the grocery shopping. Your efforts paid off because I was born only four weeks early and I didn't have a single prematurity-related complication.
Mommy had a painful recovery after I was born, and you helped her get through that. You wheeled her back and forth through the hospital hallways in her wheelchair numerous times so she could come visit me in the NICU. You made sure she was always as comfortable as possible. You helped get her to the bathroom when she could hardly walk. You made Lactation Tea for her three times a day. You even slept on that horrid chair-bed thing so you would always be near if she needed you. You came and sat with me when she wasn't able to.
Once Mama was feeling better you were able to spend more time with me in the NICU. You never left my side other than to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom. You sat with me and held my hand and talked to me and prayed with me and told me over and over that everything was going to be ok. You were strong for Mom, too. Your strength during that time was amazing and vital.
After getting home from the hospital, you allowed Mommy to gradually ease back into things. You got up to feed me two to three times every night. You still made dinner every night. You made sure Mommy had everything she needed, including lots of hugs and love. And, thoroughly exhausted and sleep-deprived, you went to work every day.
During my recovery from heart surgery a few months later, you sat with me in that dreaded Intesive Care Unit every possible second of every day until I was ready to come home. You combed my hair and rubbed my head and wiped my tears when I cried. You held Mommy's hand and comforted her when her heart ached so much she thought she might die.
After my surgery and recovery, your 29th year became a little bit less hectic, aside from that no-napping phase I went through from about Month 3 to Month 5 (sorry about that). The last part of the year may have slowed down a bit, but there was still plenty to do and you kept up with it all. You never missed a single doctor's appointment (and there were a lot). You worked with me every single day to help strengthen my muscles. You stayed at home with me for a large chunk of that time since Mommy couldn't leave her job and since I needed a little extra attention. You dealt with a whole lot of poop and vomit. You were extremely patient with Mommy as her body and emotions healed from the events of the year. You gave me lots of whisker rubs, which make me giggle uncontrollably. You sang to me and played with me and snuggled me and comforted me and read me books. And you still made dinner every night.
So, Daddy, I know your 29th year has been trying at times, but you've taken it all in stride. You have done so much for Mommy and me and we are both very thankful for you and we love you more than a zillion pounds of strained sweet potatoes and corn. You are a strong, loving, selfless, respectable man and I'm honored that you chose me to be your son.
Happy 29th birthday, Daddy. I love you.
Love,
Elijah
Today is your 29th birthday!
I know I'm just a young fella and I haven't been around for very long, but from what I have gathered so far in my first nine months of life, this has been the most challenging, stressful, sad, strengthening, crazy, yet happy year of your life. You have endured more than your share of ups and downs this year, your 29th year, yet you haven't faltered for a second when it comes to loving Mama and me.
You started your 29th year off by finding out some hard news about my heart. You were Mommy's rock during that time. She always says that she couldn't have gone through that initial, uncertain part with anyone but you.
When I was wanting to come out of Mommy's tummy early, you did what you could to make sure I stayed in there for as long as possible. For seven weeks, you took care of Mommy so she could rest. In addition to going to work every day, you were Mom's nurse, chef, cleaning lady and errand runner. You prepared every single meal for her. You didn't care that she ate spoonfuls of peanut butter straight from the jar and watched Dr. Phil every day. You kept the house clean and kept up with the laundry and garbage and dishes and you did all the grocery shopping. Your efforts paid off because I was born only four weeks early and I didn't have a single prematurity-related complication.
Mommy had a painful recovery after I was born, and you helped her get through that. You wheeled her back and forth through the hospital hallways in her wheelchair numerous times so she could come visit me in the NICU. You made sure she was always as comfortable as possible. You helped get her to the bathroom when she could hardly walk. You made Lactation Tea for her three times a day. You even slept on that horrid chair-bed thing so you would always be near if she needed you. You came and sat with me when she wasn't able to.
Once Mama was feeling better you were able to spend more time with me in the NICU. You never left my side other than to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom. You sat with me and held my hand and talked to me and prayed with me and told me over and over that everything was going to be ok. You were strong for Mom, too. Your strength during that time was amazing and vital.
After getting home from the hospital, you allowed Mommy to gradually ease back into things. You got up to feed me two to three times every night. You still made dinner every night. You made sure Mommy had everything she needed, including lots of hugs and love. And, thoroughly exhausted and sleep-deprived, you went to work every day.
During my recovery from heart surgery a few months later, you sat with me in that dreaded Intesive Care Unit every possible second of every day until I was ready to come home. You combed my hair and rubbed my head and wiped my tears when I cried. You held Mommy's hand and comforted her when her heart ached so much she thought she might die.
After my surgery and recovery, your 29th year became a little bit less hectic, aside from that no-napping phase I went through from about Month 3 to Month 5 (sorry about that). The last part of the year may have slowed down a bit, but there was still plenty to do and you kept up with it all. You never missed a single doctor's appointment (and there were a lot). You worked with me every single day to help strengthen my muscles. You stayed at home with me for a large chunk of that time since Mommy couldn't leave her job and since I needed a little extra attention. You dealt with a whole lot of poop and vomit. You were extremely patient with Mommy as her body and emotions healed from the events of the year. You gave me lots of whisker rubs, which make me giggle uncontrollably. You sang to me and played with me and snuggled me and comforted me and read me books. And you still made dinner every night.
So, Daddy, I know your 29th year has been trying at times, but you've taken it all in stride. You have done so much for Mommy and me and we are both very thankful for you and we love you more than a zillion pounds of strained sweet potatoes and corn. You are a strong, loving, selfless, respectable man and I'm honored that you chose me to be your son.
Happy 29th birthday, Daddy. I love you.
Love,
Elijah
Monday, December 3, 2007
Pics from our weekend at home
Bath time
This is an old outfit of Dan's. His mom has a picture of him wearing it when he was around Elijah's age. I'm hoping to get it from her so I can scan it in and post both of them side by side.
He was so happy and smiley when we were taking these pics. You'd never know he was trying to cough out a lung five minutes before this was taken.
There is little that I enjoy more than nuzzling my nose in that juicy, soft neck of his and smelling his sweet baby scent. I'm convinced that Heaven will be one giant Elijah neck roll.
Yes, our boy is sitting! On his own! He's not a totally independent sitter yet. He still needs some assistance, but he is progressing very rapidly and can sit by himself for a few minutes at a time.
Daddy trying to get Elijah to put weight on his legs.
The boys watching football
Is there a sweeter face than this?
p.s. I swear I heard "Mama" come from Elijah's mouth tonight. I'm not getting my hopes up, but I'm pretty sure...
The snot is going to eat us
We had a weekend filled with record amounts of goopy Elijah snot. Thank goodness for our recent purchase that extracts ten times more gunk than those weak blue things.
Elijah actually didn't sleep too bad this weekend, but he napped poorly, which made him pretty tired and crabby most of the time. His cough is just horrible to listen to, the poor kid. We've increased his nebulizer treatments to four times/day.
Dan and I both woke up this morning sick ourselves. Lovely! This week happens to be the busiest week of the whole year for me at work, so it makes things interesting. Dan's birthday is on Wednesday, so I'm hoping I have enough time and energy to make it a nice day for him. Such a young sprout he is. He's going to be 29! Next year is the big one.
We took some cute pics this weekend during the few moments when Elijah could breathe freely through the snot mountains. I'll post them later..
Elijah actually didn't sleep too bad this weekend, but he napped poorly, which made him pretty tired and crabby most of the time. His cough is just horrible to listen to, the poor kid. We've increased his nebulizer treatments to four times/day.
Dan and I both woke up this morning sick ourselves. Lovely! This week happens to be the busiest week of the whole year for me at work, so it makes things interesting. Dan's birthday is on Wednesday, so I'm hoping I have enough time and energy to make it a nice day for him. Such a young sprout he is. He's going to be 29! Next year is the big one.
We took some cute pics this weekend during the few moments when Elijah could breathe freely through the snot mountains. I'll post them later..
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