Baby New Year

I don't think the baby new year should (technically) be wearing socks, but hey, it's my baby new year.
Poor guy ended up at the hospital at the clinic at 9:30 this morning. I just didn't feel good about his vomiting for the 3rd time in less than 10 hours plus the bad cough and wanted to make sure it wasn't dropping into his lungs. He's still suffering with an upper respiratory infection, drippy nose, cough, sore throat, ears, etc. The cough is of most concern (wanted to make sure he isn't getting RSV). Tests came back negative (relief) - but he's still not feeling well and he's not eating or drinking. His weight is down to 19 lbs. 7 oz. which is lower than on the 16th of the month. Dr. thinks he'll catch up and not to worry...but he's not even taking in 12 oz. a day!!! Anyway, I guess we're wrapping up the year the way it began - with a visit to the doctor and stressed out parents.

On the flip side, Gerard is now on all the growth charts (not adjusted for prematurity) and is doing very well. His language is still lagging, but I'll fret about that in March if I don't see improvement - after all, he's really 1 year old adjusted for prematurity on March 8.

Happy New Year, everybody! Thanks to all of you who have watched, read, prayed for us and shared in our crazy life in 2008. Thanks especially to all of you who helped to get us to the healing point in our journey. Family, doctors, nurses, social workers, respiratory therapists, rad techs, lab workers, co-workers, clergy, psychotherapists, neurologists, audiologists, neighbors and friends...you all helped us to make it through. It was quite the year, but we made it with your help! It sounds corny, but it really does take a villiage, (and a lot of forgiveness of those people who were and still remain grossly insensitive).
We have lots of fun and interesting things planned for 2009 already. I plan to start running again (I'd like to do the 1/2 marathon here in Ogden in May). If I don't run (that is, if my body rejects it) - I'll take a dance class. I keep dreaming that I'm a Latin competitor again! I plan to take my first business trip away from home since Gerard was born in February (in Nashville, of all places). Hey, it's not Antarctica like my friend did, but it's something. Michael plans to do some AF training near a FL beach in July, so Gerard will get to see his mom's favorite beach at a young age. Lookout Redneck Riviera! Also, I haven't decided if I'll keep this blog here for Gerard or if I might do something different in 2009. I've been feeling the need to start writing again (or doing something creative), and I'm not sure I'll have time to maintain the blog in addition to that work. I guess I'll wait to hear from my audience. Bonne Annee!

Farewell 2008

Good boy!

Happy Christmas 2008

Christmas

fun photo of the boys with their dollie

Cold night

Nearing the end of 2007

This photo was taken in September. Time's moving so fast. This morning I woke up to sounds of baby coughing down the hall.
Only 2 days left to the year and Gerard is sick (again). Cough, fever, ear infection...but still smiling! I think we're all looking forward to the clean slate of 2009. Gerard is now on all the growth charts, without correcting for prematurity. Things are going well, considering all that he's been through. We are so grateful. He had his 1 year immunizations yesterday (four of them) and another flu shot. He's a trooper!

As soon as I get some free time I'll post the Christmas photos. It's all a blur -

Santa at the Mall

Well, I broke down and had a picture taken at the mall. Santa doesn't look terribly happy about being in Ogden. Gerard is laughing at a crazy elf!

Thanks Gramps!

We received a very special package in the mail from Gramps yesterday. Thank you Gramps, and Merry Christmas to you and Gran, too!!

Even when I'm sick I'm happy...

This is one of the happiest boys on the planet!

Sunday - Snow and Sick

Today Gerard's not feeling well. It started with vomiting last night. Moved on to diarrhea this morning, and fever this afternoon. Runny nose and sneezing all day... I'm hoping he kicks it before his synegis shot on Tuesday.
Today was a rough day. Had to stay indoors with all the snow and the roads weren't cleared in time to go out shopping. We both have cabin fever.
Michael's out of town until next Sunday doing AF duty. Lots to do before Christmas and I'm not sure it will all get done in time this year.

Santa

Confused!

Poor guy can't figure this one out?

Birthday Bash

We decided that since Gerard arrived in this world early, we'd have an early birthday celebration so as not to confuse his birthday and Christmas. And since we didn't name him Jesus (pronounced in Spanish - heyseuss), December 6 seemed like as good a day as any. Yes, it was big...yes, there was a lot of gumbo, and yes...it was a little hairy with everyone showing up for the open house at virtually the same time and wanting to be in the kitchen. But we all had a blast! Especially Gerard. Gerard didn't eat gumbo, nor cake, but he will soon enough. Have I mentioned that we have the best friends ever? Even if they are all party animals, as one quoted.

Traveling South for Thanksgiving

Going to visit relatives in Alabama and Louisiana for Thanksgiving. Gerard flew like a pro!

Mom is surprised!

We visited Mom in the nursing home during our trip to LA for Thanksgiving. She seemed genuinely surprised and happy to see us and meet the little guy.

Mom's favorite is my favorite!

Gramps and Gerard

Gerard loves to play with Gramps' beard!