Cheeky smile

Discovered the bells!

Going up to nap

Doing better

Today is a much better day! Feeling better and looking better. Good thing...we have lots of important appointments next week.

You won't believe this...

Today we had to go back to the clinic at the hospital. Yesterday I noticed some bumps on Gerard's head, and today there were several more. Yup, he's got chicken pox! Seems he is one of the 1 in 25 kids who gets it from the immunization. Lovely. Poor guy is not a happy camper, and I'm at my wits end. This was the fifth visit to the doctor in the past 4 weeks. So far his face is clear, thank goodness.
He had his first dose of benedryl and let's just say it makes him very grumpy. Here's proof.
I keep thinking that one day soon we will be healthy...

January Synegis Shot

Gerard had his synegis shot today, got a good checkup and is looking good again. His weight is 19.9999 lbs. Ah well, next time...
It's been a rough 3 weeks for us with his illnesses, but looking good. The new antibiotic seems to be doing the trick, but he needs allergy testing and the doctor is recommending pediatric rehab. I'm not sure I want to go there right now, but next month I'll evaluate him again.
He was his old charming self at the doctor's office, flirting with all the nurses (except for the one who gave the injection).
Two more teeth are coming in on the bottom (that makes eight).

Not a fun week

Gerard and I have been home sick much of the week. I'm coming around, but still wheezing. He's got several things going on: bronchialitis, tonsilitis, meta-pneumovirus, swollen glands, and diarreah with the occasional vomiting. Yes, lovely. So...with one viral infection on top of another, we've managed to end up sick, sick, sick. My goal was to not have to admit him to the hospital, and so far so good... Yesterday we were worried he might have full blown pneumonia. What a relief to know that, no, just lots of congestion.
The new antibiotic seems to be working, thank goodness. Good grief, this is the third one for him and second for me in a month (not good for the tummies). I'm concerned about our immunity at this phase of the RSV season, but hopeful that we're going to be much better after a restful weekend. Michael's been a trooper running back and forth to the store and pharmacy. I'm ready to feel good again. This is feeling a little too much like the beginning of 2008. It's OK, I only had one little meltdown at the doctor's yesterday and no one was in the room at the time...:) Our pediatrician has been wonderful, although very concerned that he's been throwing me one thing after another since before Christmas.

You can see from the photo he's not feeling all that well, but he's been such a trooper. Only one little tear from that horrible blood draw yesterday. I'm lucky I've been able to keep him hydrated.

He's up from a nap, so until next time...

Getting the hang of crawling

There's no stopping him now!

Happy Friends

Our friends, the Cunninghams... The guy on the right? Not to be confused with "Richie" -

Chloe cracks Gerard up!

This is so cute...Gerard and Chloe (Gerard sitting in what was Chloe's high chair)! Adorable babies (sorry Chloe, but you're Steph's baby).

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 -