Good Riddance Monitor

Excellent news! I no longer have to wear my apnea monitor. We downloaded results from the past month's activity, my doctor analyzed the results and reported nothing significant of concern. I make huge strides everyday

Metta

Upon my arrival from the NICU to my new home I was introduced to Metta. I have found that she might love my pacifiers more than I do. Whenever one falls to the floor she quickly picks it up and takes it to her stockpile in the backyard. She can drive my mommy nuts with her version of the pacifier chase game. What happens here is a pacifier innocently falls to the floor. Usually I spit it out without my mom noticing. Metta sees an opportunity for fun. Quickly grasps the soothing device in her mouth and begins playfully wagging her tail. Mom can see my pacifier in Metta's mouth and demands for Metta to come. This is where the game begins. A battle of wills. Metta determined to claim a new toy on one side. Mommy ready to get back her one trick that will keep me from crying on the other. The more mommy demands that Metta drop the pacifier the more Metta is ready for the chase. What entails next is flury of excitement of mom carrying me chasing the defiant dog around the house until Metta is caught or she finds refuge in her favorite hiding place under the bed.

10 Pound Party!

I made it to 10lbs 2oz! I celebrated with family at Sunday dinner; Grandpa Gene-O offered me a delicious bottle of milk to put me over the threshold. In honor of what a big boy I am now, mommy returned the scale.

Picnic Fun

I enjoyed my first picnic this week. We loaded up the stroller, walked to Grandma Mary's tree, and celebrated with pizza and a Heineken.

Honoring Grandma Mary

Karen Stewart hosted a beautiful lunch for mommy to celebrate me. Many of my grandma Mary's closest friends were there:

Nancy Bird, Lu Milius, Lynn Morrow, Kathie Ellerbeck, and Jacque Shotkoski

Lots of memories shared and joys of being a grandparent. We all continue to pray that Grandma Mary will kiss us from heaven each day.

My Heart

Today I visited my cardiologist, a follow up for the murmur my doctor's heard when I left the NICU. NO MORE murmur...praises!

Daddy Vacation

Daddy is on vacation this week with me.

We are doing lots of bonding!

My First Outing

I made a grand entrance at my great grandparents house. I was fed and snuggled by my Gigi, Grandpa and Aunt Marty.

I had a sleepover with Aunt B that night as well. She helped mommy and daddy feed me and change my explosive diapers.

Celebrate

I celebrated with a giant cookie cake compliments of my sweet friend Maggie!

Mommy Update

My mommy and I continue to bond as she cares for me each day. This has been an especially good week together as mommy seems to have submitted to the routine WE have established (rather than the routine we had when I was so sick in the NICU).

Mommy wakes up with me throughout the night to allow daddy to be rested for work. He takes over at 5AM and after he gets home from the office so mommy has time to workout, run a few errands and have some alone time. Mommy loves hanging out with me but she also has enjoyed and felt refreshed being with her friends; whether it's watching silly reality TV, getting a pedicure, playing Bible trivia (daddy's idea?!?!) or just venting/sleep deprived rambling to listening ears.

Mommy continues to teach pilates once a week and intends to return to her hospice work at Tabitha in another 12 weeks. Mommy says her friends at Tabitha are angels...they have been so supportive, patient and helpful through this time.

Mommy prays for me everyday and thanks God for the miracle of our family. She calls me her sweet Prince.

Due Date

Today is the day I was supposed to be born into the world. Although it hasn't been an easy journey thus far, I am so grateful for the extra love I have received because I came early.

A special thanks to my sweet doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth's NICU because without them I would not be thriving as well as I am. My world entrance was dramatic; I needed lots of intervention and we count my presence as a miracle because of the knowledge and tenderness extended to me while I was there for 10 1/2 weeks.

Now I am home...with my sweet family...where I belong! I weigh 7lbs 13oz. I eat every 2 hours (between 2-3 oz), with a combination of bottling and nursing. I don't need as much beauty rest these days either so I am enjoying play time and exploring new sounds and sites at home. I often spend my hours between my vibrating bouncy seat, my swing, tummy time and well...nothing ranks higher in my book than being held! My bed is still in mommy and daddy's room but I anticipate a relocation party soon. As I have less alarms on my monitor and I continue to grow, we are all contemplating the benefits of our own space (besides...my nursery ROCKS!).

Due to my increased risk for infection, I still have limitations on my visitors and I am confined to the house with the exception of my doctor visits and an occasional walk with Metta when it isn't 100 degrees outside. Other challenges include my reflux (which I continue to take medication for), my giant outty (due to a hernia) and a hydrcele (which involves my privates so we won't go there). I've also had intermittent struggles with my bowels but nothing an occasional suppository can't fix. As for the other bodily functions, I have mastered the spit up, flatulence, hiccups and on a good day all three at one time!

I love sucking on my pacifier, listening to music and someone singing to me, making funny noises, using my eyes and my hands to express myself and (as already mentioned) being held. My bath time is one of my favorite activities...it's SOOOO relaxing. Of course, my loving to eat goes without saying!

My personality is both sweet and stubborn. Unfortunately, my father's patience will have to be a learned trait. I cry...often...but especially when getting my diaper changed, when I am hungry and when I don't get what I want. In the same minute, I can wrap my arms around you and snuggle my sweet baby breath into your neck for a perfect cuddle.

Today and everyday is a celebration of LIFE! Life with good health, good friends and good family. We make everyday a "great day!"

Another Then & Now

Hello

Me & My Monitor

I've been home now for 3 weeks and I'm doing great! I came home with a smart monitor which alerts the household (in an obnoxious squeal) when I have an apnea episode or heart rate acceleration or drop. Up to this point, I've only had 6 alarms and I've resolved all of them on my own. My last one was 10 days ago...I think I'm growing out of these events.

The infant apnea center manages my equipment and will download my data monthly. They anticipate that I will use this 2-3 months, at least past my first set of immunizations and until I can be alarm free for 1 month.

The bonus is I get to wear this superhero belt around my chest...I think it's pretty cool and mommy gives me breaks from it during the day so my skin stays nice and soft.

Birthday Wishes

Happy Birthday to my Sweet Pappy! Mommy and I shopped long and hard for the perfect gift for you....SURPRISE! A web camera will be ready for you to pick up at one of your favorite stores in a few days (wait for the call). Now we will be able to SKYPE each other...you can watch me grow and I can watch you get more handsome.

...and birthday wishes to my uncles LeeBob and Mikey!...a great day to be alive!

G-Force & Nana Martha

Gammie & Poppy

What's In a Name

I've discovered I have lots of nicknames:

Z-Man, EZ, EP, Er-za-zim, Chairman, Little Commissioner, Tiny Gallon, Tiny E, Little E, Zim, Sweet Prince, Bubba, Good Buddy, Big Foot

More Texas Folks

I loved my time with Gammie and Poppy! Lots of hugs, head rubs, spaghetti, and laughter. It was a "gas" (Grandbonnie would say)...in this case, the pun is intended!

Hope the next visit is soon!

Then & Now

That was me 11 weeks ago...this is me now!

Seventh Heaven!

Guess who weighs 7lbs!