Good news all around

This past month was full of doctor appointments, way too many in my opinion for a healthy 9 month old. It seemed as if every week we were running to the next check-up or follow-up or well visit. Even though it was a lot of running, we received all good news from every appointment. Here is the rundown:
1. Neurologist in Florence - We had a follow up visit with Dr. Murthy three months after the MRI scan was performed. At the last meeting with him, he compared the scans and was very optimistic, and this meeting was basically a confirmation of that. He did a few "tests" on her and he thought she was doing great. He advised we do not need to come back unless we feel it necessary. It was so thrilling to know we don't have to go back there. The neurologist is not a fun place to be, trust me.

2. Physical Therapist in Florence - This was an appointment i was actually looking forward to and also a bit nervous. I was curious to see what type of "tests" they were going to have Whitney perform. I know she is doing so great, but I also wanted to hear from a therapist if there was anything we should be working on or if they had any concerns. They worked with her on picking up small items, standing, crawling and pulling up. She is still army crawling, but they didn't seem concerned about that. Every action that she did, they were very pleased with and the final outcome was "she passed with flying colors".
I am still cautious and very aware of her milestones and development. I know there are other children who had similar starts as her and were put on the cooling blanket who have had development delays. Of course I will always worry about her, but hearing that she is right where she should be makes me breath a little bit easier.

3. Well visit with pediatrician in Myrtle Beach - Dr. Malloney was very happy to see Whitney and said she is doing perfect. She is now in the 50% for height and weight, weighing in at 18.5oz and 27.75 inches long. He doesn't need to see her until her 1 year checkup. Amazing that it will be one year in just a few months. I remember when I was taking her to see him once a week. Whew, how things change.

That should be all the recaps. As you can see, she has gotten good health reports from all three doctors. She is such a miracle and I am sure to thank God for her every day. A friend keeps telling me God must have such big plans for her to keep her around, and I couldn't agree more. There is a reason she is here with us, and maybe it is for those who don't believe in miracles to see one every day, maybe it is for us to love and live deeper. Whatever it may be, we are hear, witnessing her every day. A living, breathing miracle.

Sweet Sweet Summer

As I held Whitney in my arms, slowly rocking her to sleep for her afternoon nap, the sweet smell of suntan lotion drifted to me. Her skin was still warm and her hair still windblown and messy from the afternoon of play. This moment, right here, right now, is what being a Mom is all about. Forget the crying, and worrying, this is worth every second of every day. I love you Whitney.

8 months old comes with GREAT news

Well it's been awhile since I last posted, just enjoying this precious time with Whitney. She's now 8 months old and doing so great.
The best news we received came this last Friday when she had a follow up appointment with the neurologist in Florence. He looked her over and said he doesn't need to see her anymore, he thinks she is doing just fine!
This is news that I was expecting to hear, but to hear it from him was so wonderful. If you remember, this is the doctor who the NICU nurses told us he does not "sugar coat" anything and will only tell you like it is. So considering the source, this makes it even more wonderful news.

My parents have been in town and giving Whitney extra special love. Andy and I appreciate it so much since it gives us a break to run to the store, run errands, check emails/facebook which is more difficult when watching her. It's special to have them here and see her from the time she wakes up till the time her eyes close for bed at night. They get to experience our joys of her teeth coming in (two have come in while they were here), seeing her first crawl, and seeing her personality blossom every day. The last two weeks have really been a wonderful special time for all of us.

As for Whitney, she is getting such a big personality. Just a few highlights include, rolling around everywhere to get where she needs to be. she would rather roll than crawl, however, she is started to scoot forward on her forearms and not quite tucking her knees under her yet, but getting the hang of it. She is still eating her frozen cubes of food, and feeding herself puffs, and we're getting adventuresome with her trying new things. (She loved the sherbet dessert after our hibachi meal last week. hahah) She's sleeping great at night, as usual, and has a really great routine throughout the day.

I'll leave you all with some pictures....what a joy she is!

Have lots of fun

Things are just moving along at quite a fast pace over here at our household. Between both of us working crazy hours and being gone overnight to running to the babysitter, to making baby food to keeping the house clean and trying to maintain somewhat of a social life is exhausting. Needless to say we are having tons of fun and time truly does not stand still for anyone.

Whitney is really starting to make some sounds from "dadada" to "ttttt" (we think she's trying to say Tilly) and I could swear she even said "mamama" but it may be wishful thinking too. She's getting really really close to crawling too. Tonight was the closest I've seen her, where she has scooted her knees under her and moved forward to reach a toy. Her arm strength is still a little weak, so she's not lifting herself off the ground, but I'm guessing that will come with time too and only become easier when she gets the hang of things.

We're excited to have some special visitors coming in the next few months so that's what we're looking forward to. I did take some pictures this past weekend and thought I would share. Enjoy!

7 months old today

Hard to believe, but Whitney is 7 months old today. As I was putting her to bed tonight I actually put my feet up, rocked her for awhile and just reflected on the last 7 months. (wishing I would have had a tissue box nearby!)
I thought of how wonderful it is to hold her, and how much it hurt not being able to hold her until DAYS after her birth. I thought of the feeling the first time I did get to hold her....the tubes and monitors and tears and JOY. I thought of the first time she moved her head from one side to another and how strong I thought she was and how she is rolling all over the house now. I thought of all the uncertainty, doubt and questions, oh all the questions. I thought of all the prayers and warm wishes as the days ticked by, still not having a baby come home. But most of all I thought of all the LOVE I have this little girl. She has come so far and is doing so awesome. Looking back I just didn't know what to expect, and I guess I'm so much happier than I thought I could be.  Sure, there is still so much uncertainty, but I just feel so strong and that we can get through anything. This family has been through so much and with the grace of God we have come out alive and well with SO MUCH to be thankful for.
So finally, happy 7 months Whitney, we love you and there are so many others out there routing for you. You are beating the odds every day and I'm your biggest cheerleader.

Here are Whitney's 7 Month Old Milestones:
Eating homemade peas, green beans, carrots, and sweet potatoes twice a day and love them all / I say "dada" / I have two teeth in the bottom middle / I get a bath at 8:30 and bottle at 9:00 I sleep until 7:30 / I can hold a toy in each hand at once / I got stick for the first time / First cold and first flu / I can stand for a few seconds while holding on to something / I went flying again, this makes three trips to WI / I fall over reaching for things and get in the crawling position / I put my pacifier in all by myself

Tis the Season

We are just settling in, after being home almost a week from our 11 day vacation to Wisconsin. It was such wonderful time seeing family, friends, THE PACKERS. We really made the most of our time there and even managed to get a few days of work in too.

We spent a few days in the beloved "water park capitol of the world" Wisconsin Dells and had a great time, up until the last night there when Andy and his uncle contracted a flu like virus, which then spread like wild fire to 7 of the 9 people who we were sharing a condo with and then numerous other relatives as well. Unfortunately, Whitney was not spared. She has been battling the flu like symptoms all week. What started last week Sunday is still hanging around and I"m getting really sick of her being sick. She is remaining in good spirits most of the time, which is nice. She continues to eat really good too. I'm trying my hand at making my own baby food and so far so good. She is liking the peas, green beans, carrots and sweet potatoes. Next month I'll start making some fruit, and she should REALLY like those.

So anyway, while we were in WI, she sprouted her second tooth, having only minimal teething issues. She really hasn't given us much hell from teething at all! Just today she started babbling "DaDaDa" quite a bit. It was almost as if a switch went off in her and she started to release all these sounds and "words" we've never heard her say before. It was really fun to listen to her "talk" all day today, and of course Andy was thrilled when he kept hearing her say Dada.

I feel like I"m forgetting some things, but I'm just going to post some pictures and let them speak for the trip, and for the last few weeks.

6 months old and just in time for Christmas

Well, we did it. We survived the first 6 months of parenthood and Whitney survived under our care. What an accomplishment considering Andy and I knew nothing about child care. I think she'll keep us, she may want to trade us in for Grandma, but she is stuck with us.
Whitney is 6 months old, WOW.

We had a great Christmas, it was fun and relaxing. Whitney was more concerned and interested with eating the paper than any of her toys, but that is to be expected. She did get lots of great stuff though from friends, neighbors and family. Thank you all so much!!! Lots of new toys that flash and make noise and utterly annoy the crap out of her parents, but she seems to enjoy them so I suppose we'll keep them. We even had to put away the swing, bumbo and playmat since she is now more interested in the big kid toys and not to mention just make room.
We were able to skype with my parents, Andy's Mom and sister and his Grandma. It was great to see them and have them watch her open her gifts. She is sitting so good now we just plopped the computer on the floor in front of her and we were set.

We also had her 6 month check up today and the pediatrician had all good things to say about her. She is healthy and looking perfect, he loves her! She is now 16 lbs 4 oz and 25.5 inches long. She is growing proportionately and he says he has no concerns. It is always so great for him and his nurses to see her. They all know about her rough start and saw her when she was so fragile, and even when she was still connected to the monitor, so they know of her great strides. We are just so blessed to have her in our life.
Rather than rambling, I'm just going to let the pictures do the talking (since I know that's what everyone is interested in anyway!)