Monday, November 30, 2015

Samuel's 1st "Un-Birthday"

As of October 29, 2015 I can say that Samuel has been home for one year!  In preemie world, this day is called many things - "Un-Birthday", "Welcome Home Day", "HomeAversary", and so on.  No matter what it's called, this day means the same to all preemie parents.  It's the day that we'd dreamed of for days, weeks, months, and sometimes years.  The day we were able to bring our precious baby home.  The baby that lived day in and day out under the watchful eyes of amazing doctors and nurses.  

For those who have never experienced this, it's very hard to explain to emotion of finally being told it's okay to take your baby home.  With Matthew, we had the typical hospital stay, the wheelchair ride down to the front of the hospital while waiting for Mike to bring around the car, and the anxious car ride home with our new family member.  With Samuel, I had the wheelchair ride down the front of the hospital (per nurses order), but left empty-handed and with a huge hole in my heart.  It is so unnatural for a momma to have to leave her baby and make frequent visits throughout the day.  While we were in a good routine of our Samuel visits, his "Un-Birthday" represents the day that we no longer had to drive 20 minutes to see him.  We no longer had to call for an update in the middle of the night.  We no longer had to split our time between our two boys.  We were together as a family of 4, under the same roof, for the first time.

In order to celebrate this HUGE accomplishment, we gathered with family and friends at the Schaefers and Collins Pumpkin Patch.  It was a time to just let the kids run around and play and enjoy each others company.  It was perfect!  The weather was amazing, it wasn't too muddy, and the food was yummy!  Samuel will not remember it, but it holds a special place in my memory.  Thankfully, because I came away with only 3 pictures - oops!  I'm looking forward to celebrating Samuel's "Un-Birthday" every year because it is the day that our family felt complete and the hole in my heart was mended.

 Can you tell that Matthew is in a fun stage with picture taking?

LOVE my little Super Sam!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Pumpkin Patch 2015

A year ago, we took Matthew to the pumpkin patch as one last family of 3 trip before we brought Samuel home from the NICU.  I wasn't sure if we'd be able to venture out with Samuel this year or not, but we had the perfect opportunity in early October.  We went with my parents and sister to Motley's Pumpkin Patch in Little Rock and had SO much fun!  Mike and I had been to Motley's once before we had kids, but it had changed so much.

They had a great area with animals that you could pet and feed.  We spent a lot of time there because Matthew was in heaven.  There was a small maze made out of hay bales, a stack of hay leading to slides and a tunnel underneath, swings, a train ride, hay ride, and pig races.  So much to keep little ones entertained!  We ended our time there with the pig races which were hilarious!  To top it all off, we ran into our fave Neo from the NICU.  She had not seen Samuel since the day he left ACH.

We will definitely make Motley's Pumpkin Patch an annual trip!  




Proud after he finished the maze!


Hay Ride

18 Months

Samuel turned 18 months old on October 7th.  This was just after he went through 4 weeks of battling a severe cold with daily trips to the doctor and the possibility of having to be admitted to ACH.  Thankfully, he powered through and got back to himself.  I must say that his little personality is getting stronger each day.  He makes us laugh constantly - plus himself because he knows he's hilarious.  I'm amazed at how far you have come in 18 months, Samuel.  For all that you've been through, you are the happiest little boy I know.


~ You should've been a little over 18 lbs, but with your illness you were 17 lbs 4 oz at your 18 month appointment.  You are just over 29 inches long.  This weight loss cause your BMI to fall off the charts again, but you're working on getting back to the curve.

~ You are in size 3 diapers and mainly 12 month clothes.  You can still wear 9 month pants, but your legs are getting too long for them.  You are just on the skinny side, so we have to roll up a lot of your pants at the waist.

~ You talk all the time and it's the sweetest sound in the world.  Right now you can say "dada" and "uh oh".  When I try to get you to say "mama", you shake your head "No" and laugh.  I know you'll get there because you are starting to make more and more sounds.  Your speech therapist is thrilled with your progress.

~ You are able to move around all over the floor in your own little way, and you are quick to get from one place to another.  You especially like to get in a position where you can kick something with your feet.

~ Feeding wise, you are now on a milk-based formula called Peptamen and a calorie booster called Microlipid.  You get 5 ounces of Peptamen and 5 mls of Microlipid per feeding, plus 20 mls of water six times a day.  We are still planning to start the Blended Diet with you soon, but wanted to wait to make sure you were over your cold and well-adjusted to the new formula.

~ Your favorite toys right now are your bucket (aka puke bucket), puppy piano, Mickey Mouse tambourine, and any toys that you can swing at in the air.  You're learning how to play in new ways and it's so fun watching you get excited when you learn something new.

~ We had your first Annual Review at Easter Seals for your therapy.  You have make so much progress and your new goals are really going to challenge you, but I know you can do it!  They are wanting him to start walking for further distances and using your walker more.  Plus, learning how to place objects in a bowl or bucket, as well as, take them out.  These are just a few, but you are already off to a great start.

~  Mike and I have been asked to join in on a Braille Bootcamp for parents at Arkansas School for the Blind.  It still makes my stomach churn when I think about that, but it'll be so good for you if we know how to read Braille also.  You are suppose to start learning Braille when you are 3, so Mike and I better get started.

~ You still do an amazing job sitting with little support for short periods of time, but you are best when you stand up.  You're even getting better about standing with your walker and not pitching a fit about it - haha!

~ For 4 weeks, you were sick with a terrible cold virus.  We were visiting Dr. B every day to check your weight and breathing.  He had you tested for RSV and Pneumonia twice - thankfully both were negative.  You were even tested for Strep, but the doctor concluded you just had a bad cold virus.  The first week, we were most concerned about your respiratory status.  You were breathing faster and working harder to take each breath.  Your pulse ox was lower, so we increased your O2 to 1 liter for several days.  We also included an Albuterol inhaler on top of your daily Flovent inhaler.  The last week, we were worried about the amount of snot you were producing and your high fever - 103.8.  We were, thankfully, able to stay away from having to admit you to ACH, but we came close several times.

~ Anything that lights up or plays music gets your attention.  You laugh at any funny sound or at a random thought that pops in your head.  You also like to shake your head "no" and laugh.  It's become a game and I love it!  It's just one more thing that you've learned.

~ You went on your first 2 vacations and did so well!  We first went to the beach in May, then to Branson in July.  It felt so good to get out as a family - even on top of the huge amount of equipment that comes a long with us.  We even spent much of the summer swimming at your Aunt LaLa's pool.  You grew to love the water as the summer went on.

First time in the pool



Trip to ER for a new MIC-Key button

He's a little water baby

Watching Matthew play soccer

Watching Matthew play Tee Ball


Keep growing strong Samuel!

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Matthew's Pirate Party

I am WAY late on posting this, but I wanted to document Matthew's 3rd birthday party.  This year he had a pirate pool party and it was perfect!  I kept a close watch on the weather the whole week, and was worried that we'd have to postpone due to rain.  Thankfully, we only had to push it back an hour.  It poured right up till it was time to party and then the skies cleared!  Matthew and all of his little cousins/friends had a blast swimming, eating, and opening presents. 

This year, Matthew has really gotten into opening presents and it was hilarious to see him tear through each gift like a tornado.  I couldn't keep up with him.  Among the new clothes & shoes, Matthew also got several puzzles, board games, a stomp rocket, scooter, roller skates, dinosaurs, transformers, fire trucks & other cars, and books.  He was kept very busy playing with all of new toys in the weeks after his party!  I cannot thank all of our family and friends enough for making his birthday so special!






 Two Peas in a Pod!

 Can NOT believe these Crestwood babies are 3!







 Best group pic we could get :-)

Thursday, August 27, 2015

3 Years Old

It's hard to believe, but Matthew is now 3 years old.  Life truly does go by so fast once you have kids - and it's so hard.  I love watching him grow and learn, but it all seems like it's going too fast.  Yes, these toddler years are hard and there are days that I'm beyond exhausted, but it is SO worth it!  Warning - this will be a long post :-)



~ You are 31.4 lbs (50th percentile) and just over 3 feet tall (60th percentile).  You're wearing 3T clothes and size 7.5-8 in shoes. 

~ You are about 99.5% potty trained.  You still have accidents during the night, but you're getting better!  I love seeing you run around in your "big boy" undies.

~ You are the very best big brother!  You have always loved your brother, Samuel, whether we were visiting him in the NICU or you're playing with him on the floor.  You love to make Samuel laugh and have started asking to hold him more often.  I can't wait to see the two of you playing more as you get older.

~ You played soccer for the first time this summer through the Arkansas Soccer Club and LOVED it!!!  I'm so excited that you're getting into sports.  Next up is Tee Ball at Burns Park!

~ Telling stories has become your favorite thing to do.  You crack your daddy and me up when you tell them.  It's fun to see your imagination/creativity develop through your stories.

~ You rarely take naps now, but still have a "rest time" in your room each afternoon.  I promise, you'll miss naps one day.

~ I'm planning to work with you more over the next few years on identifying your numbers and letters.  I'm in no big rush since you won't start Kindergarten for another 3 years, but you're ready to start.  You love it when you see an "M" - you say "that means Matthew"!

~ You like going to Sunday School at church.  You've just moved up to a new room and you now get to do worship in a big room with other kiddos.  You're not a fan of that part, but you like playing in the classroom.

~ You've had many firsts over the last year - rollercoaster, water ride, circus, magic show, baseball game, boat ride...love seeing you experience new things.

~ Some of your faves - swimming, playing outside (mowing, riding bike, scooter), reading books, cars, puzzles


I jumped on board with all of the other mommas and started a Birthday Interview with Matthew this year.  I found a "20 Questions" book online that will keep all of his interviews in one place.  It's set up so I ask him the same questions until he is 18.  Here we go...

What is your favorite color?  red & blue
What is your favorite toy?  puppy dog & tiger 
What is your favorite fruit?  peaches & pears
What is your favorite TV show?  Mickey Mouse Clubhouse & Chick and Friends
What if your favorite thing to eat for lunch?  chips
What is your favorite outfit?  night-night clothes
What is your favorite game?  baseball
What is your favorite snack?  cookies
What is your favorite animal?  giraffes & elephants
What is your favorite song?  Jesus Loves Me
What is your favorite book?  "God" - bible stories
Who is your best friend?  daddy & mommy
What is your favorite cereal?  "daddy's cereal" - Chocolate Mini Wheats
What is your favorite thing to do outside?  play soccer & throw Bella's frisbee
What is your favorite drink?  milk & water
What is your favorite holiday?  Halloween & birthday parties
What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  puppy dog
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  muffins
What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  chocolate pudding cake
What do you want to be when you grow up?  fireman








Happy 3rd Birthday Matthew!  We love you and can't wait to see what plans God has in store for you!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Branson 2015

We spent a week in good ole' Branson, MO in mid July with my family and had a blast!  It was so nice only having to drive 3 hours with the boys!  We stayed in an adorable house in the Stormy Point Village.  The only disadvantage were the amount of stairs since it was a 4 bedroom house and was 3 stories.  My legs were sore after a week, but it was worth it!  

We made so many great memories, especially for Matthew!  Our first stop was to Silver Dollar City.  We took the double stroller and brought all of our new gear that would keep Samuel cool.  He was more fussy that what I'd expected, but I think it's because the buckle of the stroller hit right over his g-tube and must've been uncomfortable.  Other than that, he did great!  Matthew had a blast trying out new rides and taking in all of the new sites.  He, of course, was hesitant about any big or loud rides.  He mainly stuck with the kiddie hot air balloon ride, the play area at Fireman's Landing, the Tom & Huck ride that gets you soaking wet, and the River Rapids ride.  It was so much fun seeing him try so many new things. 

We had a 2 day ticket to SDC, but decided Samuel would sit the 2nd day out.  He stayed at the condo with Mike and my dad while the girls took Matthew back.  Matthew was much more adventurous this time around.  He went on the train, the log ride (his fave), Fire in the Hole, the elephant ride, tea cups, and the pirate ship swing (least fave).  Really, he was satisfied as long as he was able to get wet during a ride.  This will be a must whenever we go to Branson in the future.  I have a feeling it will just get more and more fun for the boys.

Mike and I planned a special outing with Matthew to the Dixie Stampede.  It was amazing!!!  We highly recommend this for everyone, even little kids.  Mathew was mesmerized for the entire hour and a half show - even with him having to sit in our laps.  Plus, there was enough food between Mike and I that he could just eat off of our plates.  It helped, too, that our waiter was awesome and would sneak Matthew some extras :-)  It's definitely worth the money!

On our last night we took the boys to a little amusement park that had go carts, bumper boats, and other activities.  Matthew road in a go cart with Mike and the bumper boats with me.  I pulled the short straw on that one because we got soaked!  The best part was that this little park was right next to Andy's Ice Cream - score!  Before leaving, we had to go to the dinosaur mini golf course.  Matthew didn't last very long, but it was fun!  Samuel did well in the stroller, too.  

I know we will have many trips to Branson in the future - I've grown up going there myself.  Love making these memories with my boys!

I'm starting with pics of our condo because it's awesome!  It's an adorable village with individual houses, a water park, restaurant, and more!  Get ready for some picture overload - Enjoy!


 Our bedroom + Samuel

 Entrance to Matthew's room downstairs

 Matthew LOVED his pirate room!  Mike and I switched off sleeping with him since he was 2 floors away from us.

The downstairs living area

 Our first day at SDC!

Samuel enjoying the gel pad & fan his Aunt Carol got for him to keep cool!


Matthew's 1st ride - Hot Air Balloons

Day 2 at SDC

He loved sitting at his own desk in the old school house

Riding the SDC train



At the Dixie Stampede checking out the horses before the show


 
They don't skimp on the food - they even gave us extra with Matthew

This was probably Matthew's fave - Ride Makerz at the Landing!  He made his very own Tow Mater Firetruck Monster Truck!



 Testing it out...

 He was so proud!

 Sweet Samuel was exhausted by the end of the week

 Matthew chose to go to the Dinosaur Mini Golf place - he didn't last long




Such great memories!