8 Months

My how time has flown since you got home, Samuel!  While you were in the NICU, time seemed to move slower than ever.  I have already been thinking about your 1st birthday party since it's only 4 months away (tear!) and I am super pumped about it!  For now, let's see what you've been up to this past month.

~ Your weight has been a bit of an issue this month.  You got up to about 13 lbs 3.5 oz, but then went down to 12 lbs 10 oz because of a cold and not eating well.  You are closer to 24 inches now and I can tell you've grown!  You legs look much longer to me!

~  You are in size 1 diapers, but are just about to outgrow them.  As for clothes, you can still wear most of your 3 month outfits, but many are becoming too snug!  I know most parents get sad having to pack up baby clothes, but I can't wait for you to get into bigger clothes!  You are a good 3-6 month size right now.

~  After your High Risk Newborn appointment, we were suppose to keep you on a strict schedule of 6 am, 8:30 am, 11 am, 1:30 pm, 4 pm, 6:30 pm, and 9 pm with 95 mls per bottle.  However, you had a different plan, like always.  You continued to throw up or not be interested at certain times.  So, we made the executive decision to just feed you when you're hungry.  You have been eating at about 8:15 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm, & 8:30 pm with about 100 mls per bottle.  While you still aren't taking the full volume each time, you are at least happier and aren't throwing up as much.

~  You are now able to sleep through the night without being woken up to eat.  It's a win-win for both you and your parents!  You typically go to sleep after your last bottle at 8:30ish and won't wake up again until about 7-8 am.  The past few nights you've been wanting to wake up around 4 am to talk for about 30 minutes before going back to sleep :-)

~  You had your first cold recently and it definitely kept us on our toes.  We took you to the ER when your fever got to 101 degrees and you wouldn't eat.  Thankfully, there was no sign of Pneumonia after they did the chest x-ray using the worst contraption ever!  Your doctor has been very pleased with how well you've handled your first cold, so I'm a happy camper!

~  You are still on a 1/2 a liter of oxygen.  Since you were sick at the High Risk appointment and cold/flu season is horrible this year, they are keeping you on 1/2 a liter for now.  We go back in early January, so I'm hoping they'll at least wean you to 1/4 of a liter.  I still worry about your eyes with you being on oxygen.

~  Speaking of your eyes - your right retina is now about 80% attached!  Oh, praise the Lord for this wonderful news!  Unfortunately, your left retina isn't wanting to behave and now has a large hole.  Don't worry though, because we are doing everything we can to make sure you have the potential for for great vision with just one good eye.

~  You are now getting OT/PT once a week for an hour each.  Both therapists got attached to you very quickly.  They've been talking at Easter Seals about how good lookin' you are and I agree!  It's been so much fun watching how they work with you and seeing the little milestones that you achieve.  It's crazy the things they want you to learn, most parents don't even think about because it's a natural thing for a healthy, full term baby.  My favorite so far is when they put you on the exercise ball!  You seem to love it and it's something I can easily do here at home.

~  You are also now being seen by the School for the Blind once a month with their birth to age 3 program.  I'm very curious how they will help you and us as we navigate life with a visually impaired child.

~  You (not technically) rolled from your belly to your back a few times.  I say "not technically" because we have to put your arm under you in order for you to fully roll, but you are super close without us doing that.

~  You are talking up a storm now and have started putting your lips together to make the "mmm" sound.  This is exciting for me because it's one step closer to you saying "momma"!

~  You are a happy baby and are content most of the time.  You especially love it when you hear your big brother talking and that just melts my heart!  You little laugh is adorable, also!

Sweet Samuel, you amaze me every single day.  Just thinking about everything you've been through and seeing how you've championed passed all of it is such a testament to God's grace and mercy.  We love you more and more each day!  Keep growing stronger and developing more each day - stay #samuelstrong!