Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Thanksgiving 2011








Grandpa's 95th Birthday

Grant and I recently went to Chicago for my Grandpa Nate's 95th birthday.  Here are a few shots of Grant from the party.



Saturday, November 26, 2011

Today I Give Thanks.

On most days I forget. I forget about what my baby went through. Garrett amazes me. As I tell most people, most of the time I forget. I forget the surgeries, needles, IV’s, tubes, ventilators, wires, and beeping machines (Oh how I hated the alarming machines!!!). Sometimes I have nightmares about all of it.




On most days I forget I saw babies die. Multiple babies.



On most days I forget that I drove to Cardinal Glennon every day for 45 days. Sometimes more than once a day.



On most days I forget that I thought we were going to lose Garrett. I forget that a nurse called me while I was still in the hospital recovering from labor and delivery to tell me, “He was taking steps in the wrong direction” and things were not looking good.



On most days I forget that I pumped like a maniac to try to keep him healthy. Not knowing if he would even get the chance to use it.



On most days I forget that my parents and in-laws stood by my family’s side through all of it. Though I know they were just as scared as I was; they didn’t show it.



On most days I forget that I would hope for a close parking spot everyday so I could get into the hospital that much quicker to see my baby.



On most days I forget about all the wonderful NICU nurses that cared for my Garrett.



But not on this day. On this day I remember and give thanks for all of it. For all the things and people that helped with Garrett. I remember.



I see a small scar on his belly and I remember.



I see a commercial for Cardinal Glennon and I remember.



I hear Garrett breathe a little harder than he should be and I remember.



I look at memory as a way to honor your past. I will always honor and be thankful for everyone who helped Garrett. Though most of the time ‘now’ it is easy to forget……today I remember.


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Must Be Something In The Sweet Potatoes..........

Garrett had his sixth month checkup today and has caught up to his age range big time. He was in the 50th percentile for weight and the 78th percentile for height (on the LONG side). About a month ago I was really starting to worry about his core. The midsection of his body seemed much weaker than it should be. Then he started eating sweet potatoes like a madman about a month ago and WALAA, I noticed his midsection started strengthening up. Now he can sit up with assistance. Before he had such weak muscle tone in his middle he couldn’t sit straight up. On the sweet potato note……..that is all he will eat………sweet potatoes. He loves them and hates everything else, including, but not limited to, EVERYTHING ELSE!


Our day goes: Bottle—Sweet Potatoes—Bottle—Sweet Potatoes—Bottle—Sweet Potatoes—Bottle—Bed.

Grant is doing well with his speech. He still has speech issues, but is much more comfortable with trying to speak. He cracks me up on a daily basis. Never a dull moment.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Halloween & Flora Parade


Flora Halloween Parade Fun.







Trick or Treat Night.