Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful first Christmas as a family of 5! Things have been a little crazier and more hectic than normal around here, but thankfully we were able to slow down for a couple of days and just enjoy family as we celebrated the birth of our Savior!

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Our new 2011 ornament! I don't think we'll be adding any more peas to our pod! :)

 

 We did some fun Christmas projects...

We went and saw some fun Christmas lights...one place even had a little train to ride...

 We opened some presents....

 I bought this paci for Micah but it's way too big for his little mouth right now so Reid gave it a try...

 

Some Christmas cuddles...

 This picture makes his hair look really red...it definitely has a red tint to it but it's not quite this bright...

 One more Christmas present at NiNI and G-Pa's....

 Jeff and Arianne (to be married in March) with Micah...

 Sweet little baby feet...

Settling In

Our sweet little Micah progressed very quickly in the NICU and was able to come home much earlier than expected. We were told to expect him to be in the hospital for 3-4 weeks but after only 9 days (on December 3rd) he was released to come home! It was a very exciting day and we are so glad he is finally here with us! The boys absolutely love their little brother and can't seem to get enough of him! Landon always wants to hold him and change his diaper. Because Micah was premature and it is cold/flu/RSV season we have to be very careful about his exposure to germs. We've been advised to keep him at home for several weeks and only to get him out for dr. appts. This is a little difficult having 2 active little boys who can't get much energy out being cooped up in the house. But thankfully, Aaron and grandparents have been able to get them out regularly.

A few days ago I came down with a nasty case of mastitis...truly one of the worst illnesses I've ever experienced. It's excruciating and makes doing most every day tasks impossible. After a trip to Urgent Care and 48 hours of antiobiotics I wasn't feeling better and, in fact, almost felt as though I was just getting worse. I headed back to the doctor toay for an antibiotic shot and am hoping this will be what helps!

Here are a few more pics of Micah from the NICU...

 

 Coming home...

 Micah and Grandy

 NiNi and the boys

 

 Adjusting to life at home...

 My FOUR boys...

Micah Update...

Since I didn't get to bring a baby home and my 2 big boys are with grandparents this weekend, I'm finding myself with some extra time on my hands to update the blog! Not sure how long that will last so I'll take advantage of it while I can! :)

I was released from the hospital Friday evening...just 36 hours after the c-section. I think the doctors would have preferred I stay a little longer but they also understood that being separated from my baby was difficult. So, I'm trying to take it super easy at home and thankfully a wonderful husband and grandparents are making that possible. On our way home from the hospital last night we, of course, made a stop to see Mr. Micah. I turned the corner and saw the top of his head and could not hold back the tears. Definitely an emotional experience for this mommy. It's only been a couple of days but this will for sure be one of the hardest things I'll go through as a mommy.

Micah continues to do well and is making improvements every day. They've told us to expect him in the NICU for 3-4 weeks. We were originally told around 2 so this is a little disappointing. But, they also said that they prefer to estimate a longer stay just in case. His release will be based on his development and progress which can change at any time. My hope and prayer is that it will be closer to 2 weeks!

This morning I got to change his first poopy diaper...the really icky, tarry one. But I didn't mind...it was my pleasure to wipe that tiny hiney! He is now down to 5 lbs. 4 oz. but is starting to get some breast milk through his feeding tube. Hopefully he will get to try a bottle soon. He is still on a little bit of oxygen but his breathing has already improved a lot just since he was born 2 1/2 days ago.

This was right before he was loaded up to be transported to the NICU. I got a brief moment to stroke his little hand and he was off...

 Big Brothers...Micah has a matching "Little Brother" shirt but I ordered it in a 3 months size...it may be a little bit before he can wear it. These boys could use a haircut...

An x-ray of his little body...

We were pleasantly surprised this evening when we went to visit Micah and were told we would be able to hold him!! They were changing him to a different bed and we got a good 30-45 minutes to just love on him! What a treat!!