10 Months

The closer we get to Samuel turning 1, the more excited I get to celebrate!  I'm so ready to celebrate a birthday that, at one point, we did not think we'd ever see.  It still does not see possible that Samuel is almost 1 year old.  I can remember how slow time went when he was in the NICU and this seemed like a lifetime away.  Well, we're almost there - God is Good!

~ You are 13 lbs 8 oz.  We are slowly waiting for you to gain more weight after getting your button.  As for height, I'm not sure, but I know you are at least 24 inches or more.

~  You are still in size 1 diapers.  This is also due to the fact that we save more money by keeping you in this size as long as possible.  You are able to wear 6 month size shirts & onesies easily, but pants are still a little big.  You are like your big brother and daddy - no booty!

~ You had 2 more surgeries and an eye exam in late January.  You were given a G-Tube button to help with feedings.  Since you were not getting enough volume, we are now giving you a time limit with your bottle.  Whatever you don't finish, we put through the G-Tube.  It's definitely taken away some of our stress with your feeding issues.

~ You are doing SO good with therapies!!  Both your OT and PT have been very proud of you and want to increase your time to twice a week!  You are getting better and better at playing with toys (holding them, putting them in your mouth, banging them).  Rolling over and sitting up should, hopefully, come pretty soon!  You are so close to rolling from your back to your belly!  

~ Your little personality shows more and more each day.  Since your surgery, you have been much happier - laughing more and playing!  You love it when your big bro tickles you!

~ You like playing with your gold & red Mardi Gras beads, the zebra on your play mat, and the bumble bee toy.  Books are only entertaining if you can make noise with them when you bang on them.

~ You are still on 1/2 a liter of oxygen, but we are hoping you will be weaned at the end of the month.

~ You are so close to saying your first word!  I've been working very hard with you on saying "mama".  So far, I've gotten a "ma" out of you.  You put your lips together and make the "mmm" sound often, so I'm hopeful "mama" is just around the corner!

Little Samuel, you are my hero and I love you more each day!  Keep growing strong and making us proud!