Sisters

Emma loves to watch Cloey. We are thankful that Emma has such a wonderful big sister to look up to.

The girls cuddling in their pjs before bed.

Our beautiful girls after church.

Cloey is such a proud big sister!!!

The time has come now that Emma has left the NICU and been home for over a month. We have started a blog to celebrate how wonderful both our girls are and the accomplishments that they will make. Please continue to follow the new blog and watch Emma grow and progress and watch Cloey continue to be an amazing big sister. Again God Bless All of You and all your prayer and support. Again PLEASE continue to follow us at www.4mazingos.blogspot.com

P.S. Emma is getting baptised in August (we believe it will be August 8th) and we are planning a cookout celebration for all who have followed her blog and supported and prayed for her after her baptism. More details will come once it gets closer.

Funny

I found this on a shirt today and thought it was both cute and funny. I am thinking Emma might just need this one.
Top 10 Reasons to start out in the NICU
10.) One on One nursing makes me feel special
9.) A little extra attention never hurt anyone
8.) The regular nursery is for WIMPS
7.) Being wireless is overrated
6.) TPN is like fine wine for babies
5.) Not just ANYONE gets to go to the NICU
4.) My medical file is BIGGER than yours
3.) I know how to spend money - have you seen MY insurance bills?
2.) I'll only get better with age
1.) A drama fueled entrance into the world starts in the NICU!!!

Intervention Services

The Virginia Department of Health sent us a letter in the mail the other day. The letter talked about Emma's diagnosis of CDH and they sent a fact sheet with the letter. They also sent us a brochure that was for "Families of Infants and Toddlers with Special Health Care Needs". In that brochure it talked about Early Intervention Services. We have known that CDH and the simple fact that Emma was on a ventilator for so long could cause her to have some developmental delays. Once we got the brochure we decided to go ahead and do a self-referral for Emma. This way if she does needs services, we can get them started right away. The nurse is coming to the house for her evaluation on Monday afternoon and we will see if she qualifies for services. If she does qualify then we will write up a plan for Emma with goals that are family focused and someone will also come into our home to offer services. This has been a bit of a surreal experience since I am usually on the other side of the process. Our goal is to always get our baby girl the services and help that she needs to live a healthy and productive life. We did find it interesting from the CDH fact sheet that approximately 25 babies are born with CDH in the state of Virginia - it is hard to believe Emma falls in this tiny group. Please pray that her evaluation goes well on Monday and that the nurse is able to determine the help and services that Emma needs if they are needed.

A Bedtime Story

The other night Cloey read Emma a bedtime story and it was just precious. She is such a wonderful big sister and loves Emma so much!

Busy Transitioning

We haven't blogged lately because we are in the process of transitioning. I finished up work on Friday and summer vacation officially began. Yeah, I only worked one week before summer vacation started. Jason has started up his summer classes. He has two classes this summer and they both require a lot of reading and writing. Cloey is now here for the summer. We got her last night and her summer with us has begun. So needless to say there have been a lot of changes going on. We got a couple cute pictures of the girls this morning after church. I will try and upload a video and some pictures tomorrow. The number one priority tomorrow is to get the house cleaned up and organized. Well the number one priority is actually always to enjoy time with Cloey and Emma. Good Night and God Bless All of You!!!

Overdue Video

Sorry

Sorry there haven't been many posts, pictures, or videos the last few days. I had to go back to work on Monday so I am busy all day and when I get home I like to spend time with Emma since I have been gone all day. Then I am super tired. I cried all the way to work Monday and only part of the way on Tuesday. I think it was only part of the way Tuesday because I knew Jason was bringing her down for the afternoon. Today was the last day with students and the next 2 and 1/2 days are teacher workdays. I will try and get a video up tomorrow since I shouldn't be as tired.

Sisterly Love

I was able to catch Cloey giving Emma a kiss. It was just precious. While they are 7 and 1/2 years apart they both love each other so much. I can't wait to see the relationship they have as they grow up. Emma will definitely have a wonderful big sister to look up to.

The girls just hanging out.

Cloey made this bed for Emma and was very proud that she was laying in it.

If you look at Emma's hand she is holding the flower that Cloey picked for her. I am pretty sure it isn't a flower, rather it is a weed. It is the thought that counts.

NICU Reunion

These pictures are out of order, but they have captions and a recap of the event is at the bottom of the post. Cloey enjoying the bubble table.

Below: Emma and Mommy. Emma taking a break to eat.

Emma fighting sleep - there was just too much going on and she didn't want to miss any of it.

Daddy, Cloey, and Emma

Cloey playing with the bubble blower. She really enjoyed this toy.

This picture was taken right before we left the picnic. Mommy and Emma have one big thing in common - we DON'T like to be hot. At this point Emma had had enough of the heat.

Emma relaxing in the shade at the picnic.

Emma taking the reunion all in. They have the reunion every other year - at the next one she will be 2 and all over the place compared to this year at 9 weeks old.

Cloey and Emma enjoying themselves.

Emma's name tag - too cute!!!!

Cloey's butterfly

Cloey getting her face painted.

Emma trying to figure out where in the earth we have her

Below: Emma getting a little bit more sleep before leaving for the reunion
Below: The picture of Emma that was put into the 2010 Reunion Scrapbook

The NICU Reunion was lots of fun today. Although it was VERY hot - at one point someone commented that it was 94 degrees. We all had a good time - Cloey enjoyed playing the games and Jason and I got to see some of Emma's nurses from her stay in the NICU and even one of her doctors. It was a wonderful reminder of how far Emma has came from March 31st when she was born and our world changed. It was a reminder of the blessings that we recieved that Emma was able to leave the NICU in a month, while some think that is a LONG time to parents of NICU babies that is a short stay. A family at the RMH while we were there had a baby with CDH and when they were leaving their little boy had been there 11 weeks makes our 4 weeks seem like nothing. It was an amazing feeling to see the LARGE UVA NICU family that we now belong to. While it isn't the route I would want for anyone, they are an amazing and loving group of people who love to see the progress that all the babies make.

Pictures!

Don't mind the snowman pjs in June - I picked them up at a yard sale last Saturday and the fit her perfect. This is a picture of Emma's crazy hair after her bath tonight. She was getting sick of me taking pictures of her by this point as you can tell by the look on her face.

Emma's hair was in sort of a curly mowhawk after her bath. When she gets done with her baths her hair is always so curly.

Happy baby after Mommy put the lotion on her body. She is starting to love her baths in her bath tub. She enjoys to have the water poured over her body, but not over her head. Her favorite part of her bath time routine is getting her lotion on. She just smiles and smiles.Emma even spit her mimi (pacifier) out she was so happy about her lotion.

Just thinking about life!

Daddy and I just melt when she smiles away at us.

Another picture of happy Miss Emma.

Sadly it is time to retire the flip flop outfit which is my favorite outfit. The happy part of retiring the outfit is that it means our baby girl is growing away.

Emma's LEAST favorite thing - Tummy Time

Grammy and Pop Pop

Grammy and Pop Pop,
Mommy and Daddy have told me that you are on a boat cruising your way to Alaska. I sure hope you are having fun on your trip, but I do miss you. I am getting bigger each day!!! Mommy will keep putting videos and pictures up frequently until you get back to Virginia. I had my two really big eating days - over 600 mls - and you know that is a TON for me to eat. Then I had an okay day, and yesterday I had 599mls. Also Mommy and Daddy told me yesterday was your birthday - so happy birthday from Cloey and me Grammy!. A few other things that have happened since you left. On Tuesday night I woke up at 2:00 am to eat. Daddy fed me and like always I spit up all over him, and the bed, and the floor. When Daddy got ready to change my pjs and my diaper I had quite the surprise for him. I had had a massive blow out all the way up my back almost to my hair. So Mommy and Daddy tackled it together and I just laughed and smiled about it. They don't think that parties like that are funny at 2:00 am. Last night I went to bed at 11:oo pm after my last feeding and slept all the way until 7:00am. Mommy and Daddy were still up all night checking on me because I kept sleeping and sleeping. They think I might be growing because I am taking long naps during the day now instead of trying to stay awake all day. I have also gone back to enjoying time in my swing the past few days. This makes it easier for Mommy and Daddy to get stuff done around the house. They also say it is helping me adjust because Mommy goes back to work on Monday and Daddy will have to do some homework while Mommy is gone for the day. Guess we will see what I think about the swing on Monday. Cloey comes this weekend and we are headed to my 2010 NICU graduate reunion. I can't wait and hope that I get to see some of my nurses from my stay in the NICU. Like I said I hope you are having a good time on your trip and I can't wait for you to get back on June 14th - Cloey and I will be waiting to see you!!!!
Lots of Love,
Emma
P.S. Enjoy the videos and the pictures!!!!

Sleepy Baby

Emma Today

Pictures!

Our precious baby smiling in her sleep.

Emma kept wiggling away and slouching in the chair while we were trying to get her 2 month picture.

Emma loves to SMILE!

Emma smiling at Maddie while she was visiting her. Maddie had just moved away from her when I took the picture. Emma sure loves her puppies Maddie and Tucker.

The typical way Emma sleeps with her hands above her head. She also NEVER keeps socks on because she is always kicking her legs.

Another picture of Emma smiling away.

2 Months

Dear Emma,
Where has the time gone? Today we celebrate the fact that you are two months old. You would think that Daddy and I would get use to little girls growing up so fast to our surprise your sister will be 7 and 1/2 this week. You have made many growths in this last month. We left the NICU just a month ago with our little peanut who weighed in at 6 pounds 14 ounces and we were lucky if we could get you to take 50 mls every 3 hours. As of this week you weigh in at 8 pounds and will take as much as 90 mls every 2-3 hours. You have also taken a big notice to your surroundings. You love to stare at the many pictures on the walls. Nothing beats your love for ceiling fans though. You will sit and smile and laugh at them whenever you get a chance. Thankfully they are in every room of the house and the grandparents both have them as well. On the talk of smiling you are starting to smile more and more each day. You melt our hearts when you smile at us and we can see that little dimple that you and your sister both have. You also have started making baby sounds more often and we love to have conversations with you. While you have all your cute moments, the last few days you have shown us that you have to have a complete meltdown at some point between 6 and 7:30. It is pretty much like clockwork that we can expect it to start. You are still sleeping 4-5 hour stretches at night and REFUSE to sleep throughout the day. You are definitely a Daddy's Girl and will quit crying the moment he picks you up or takes you from someone.
We think back about 2 months ago and how our lives changed so drastically and can't believe how far you have come. You have proven to us that you are a fighter and you are going to be everything people say you can be and more. You continue to bring Daddy and I closer each day and we love the way you round out our family. We not only celebrate you being 2 months old this week, but we celebrate Wednesday the fact that you were discharged from the NICU 1 month ago.
May God continue to bless you and our family Emma. Mommy and Daddy thank you for all you have done to make our lives better and all that you will continue to do that will make our lives better. God blessed us with you as our baby for a reason and each day we see that reason a little more.
WE LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK - FOREVER AND EVER,
LOVE,
Daddy and Mommy

2 Months Old

Emma at 1 month old.

And Emma today at 2 months old. She is growing up so fast.

Video from today

Our Weekend!

Here is a little recap of our weekend:
Friday-We headed down to Natural Bridge Elementary where I work to let the 4th and 5th grade classes meet Emma. Since we run on an inclusion model at my school I don't just work with my special education students, I spend time in the regular education classroom. The rest of the kids had wanted to see Emma after the day my students got to see her. Seeing as I had to print of my IEPs we went ahead and made the visit. We made a brief appearance at the 4th grade picnic, but were getting mauled and it became overwhelming for Daddy, Emma, and I. When we went to see the 5th graders, I had them stay at their desks and walked Emma around and it was much better. After a visit at the school we headed home and then made a run to Wal-Mart.
Saturday - In the morning, I got up to go to some yard sales with a friend and Emma and Daddy slept in. We then hung out around the house and headed to have a cookout and hang out with the McIntire's that night. Emma had fun visiting with her future best friend Kylie(who is 1) and her big brother Braden(almost 3) who kept her entertained. We then headed home and turned in for the night.
Sunday- This morning we tried to go to church, but Emma had her plans and we didn't quite make it. We have a hard time getting the 3 of us ready some mornings. We hung out around the house and did some cleaning. We are trying to get some of the clutter from coming home from the hospital taken care of finally. We went down to the Martin's house so Daddy could get a haircut and Emma had a bit of a meltdown. She seemed to be hot and not enjoying the heat, takes after her Mama. So we came home and have been trying to calm her down. She has had an AMAZING day with her feedings. She has taken 3 ounces a couple of times and will have taken over 600 mls today which is phenomenal for her. Right now she is laying in her crib(the first time - she sleeps in our room normally) and it seems to be calming her down. So since we finally have her settled Daddy and I are going to head to bed ourselves.
Tomorrow our baby girl will be 2 months old and I start my last week of maternity leave. It isn't that bad though because I only have to work one week and then summer vacation starts.

Video from this Morning

Here is some video of Emma from this morning. She is hanging out in her Nap Nanny which is a device that was designed to help children with reflux. She seems to enjoy laying in it. We were attempting to get ready for church, but Emma had other plans and we didn't quite make it. Guess we will try again next time. She was a very happy baby smiling away at Tucker(our Jack Russell).

Updates

We have had two fun filled days, but it is late so I will post about them tomorrow. Will also try and get a video up tomorrow.

New Pictures

The pictures with the blue blanket are some random shots that we got of Emma tonight. She is growing so fast! It is hard to believe on Monday she will be 2 months old and it will be time for another picture with her teddy bear.

We tried to get some pictures of Emma with the beautiful quilt that Great Grandma Swersky made for Emma, but it didn't go over very well with her.

Our attempt at getting a family picture. Not the best pictures, but we are glad to finally have some pictures of the 4 of us.

8 Weeks Old

Today Emma celebrates being 8 weeks old.  Today in the car Jason and I were talking about how it is hard to believe that 8 weeks ago we welcomed her to the world and how all our lives changed as well 8 weeks ago.  She has grown and changed in so many ways in the last 8 weeks.  It is amazing to see the changes she has made since her first weeks in the NICU.  

Emma's doctors appointment with Dr. Bob went very well today.  Her weight today was 8 pounds!!! We were so proud of our baby girl.  This means that she is doing better with her feedings and she is going up on the growth chart.  She will continue to have breast milk that is fortified.  The fortifier helps her get in some extra calories.  It is hard to believe that at 8 weeks old she still isn't even to the weight that they predicted her to be at birth.  Her oxygen sats were at 99 which is great and her lungs also sounded wonderful.  Dr. Bob said he thought she sounded good and wondered if the x-ray just was hazy from when it was developed.  He put a call in to Dr. Kane about getting a repeat x-ray and as of this evening we haven't heard that she needs to have one.  Emma finally lost the little stump of umbilical cord that she had left.  She only had a very small amount of umbilical cord because they had put a line in at birth.  The stump only came off with the help of Dr. Bob.  After 8 weeks, we can finally see Emma's belly button stump free  Dr. Bob wants to see Emma again in 3 weeks to get another weight check and check her over.  

We spent the day with Grammy and Pop Pop.  Emma was a wonderful baby while we enjoyed my early birthday lunch today.  She slept away the entire time and let me enjoy the sushi that I didn't get to eat last time because I was pregnant.  Tomorrow we are hopefully sleeping in - Daddy and Mommy are run down and tired from the last few days.  Then while Daddy mows the lawn Emma and I are headed to run a few errands before Grammy and Pop Pop come to visit.  They leave for their trip on Friday and won't be back until June 14th.

Again thank you to all of you for the constant prayers and support through Emma's journey and taking part in her story.  God has blessed us and we hope that He blesses all of you as well.  In the next week or so we will be changing our blog to a family blog to allow people to keep up with Emma and Cloey as well as the going ons in our life as a family.  We hope that you will all continue to follow and keep up with our family as we watch Cloey and Emma grow into amazing girls.

Gassy Baby

Emma has had a pretty rough day.  She spent a majority of the day being gassy and miserable.  This required Daddy or I to hold her for most of the day.  She is currently sleeping away and seems to be feeling a bit better.  We head to Dr. Bob(pediatrician) in the morning for a check up.  He had wanted to see her after her appointment with Dr. Kane(peds surgeon) to make sure they both stay on the same page.  Hopefully we will get good news that her breath sounds are great and that the x-ray was just a bad one from Friday.  We are also going to have Dr. Bob look at clipping Emma's tongue.  We have noticed that it is pretty tight and causing her to click and get air while eating.  

Tomorrow after Emma's appointment we are spending the day with Grammy and Pop Pop.  It is so nice to have them living close.  Having both our parents nearby allows for the girls to spend a lot of quality time with both sets of grandparents right here in Virginia.  Emma will be going on her first birthday dinner celebration.  It is a family tradition to pick somewhere to go to dinner.  Mom always has to go with where I pick, her birthday is the day before mine.  I haven't gone on a birthday dinner in a few years because we lived so far apart.  Tomorrow we are hitting up the Chinese buffet for lunch.  We have to celebrate early because mom and dad are headed for the Alaskan cruise and time in Seattle on Friday.  Hopefully Emma enjoys her first celebration.  I can't wait to eat the sushi tomorrow last time we went I was pregnant and couldn't eat any of it.

X-Ray Results

From the surgical aspect of Emma's x-ray, Dr. Kane was very pleased with them. He did notice that Emma's x-rays from the last time to this current x-ray are a bit hazy. With that in mind he wants her pediatrician to listen to her breath sounds on Wednesday when she goes for her check-up. Her breath sounds were good last Friday, her color is good, and she isn't displaying any signs of respiratory distress. We are praying that it just wasn't a good film and that everything is just fine. We should hopefully know more on Wednesday. Please pray that everything is okay with Emma.

New Video

Watching Emma's legs kick away in this video shows me why I felt constant kicks before she was born. She always has her legs and arms moving.

Fun Weekend

I am not going to post much tonight. We have had a relaxing weekend. Spent lots of time with Grammy and Pop Pop at their new house in Staunton - so excited that it is only 35 minutes away. Other than that we have just been hanging out at home trying to get some stuff done. Since we live on Emma's time we haven't gotten a whole lot done. She has wanted to be held most of the weekend. Will try and post a video and some pictures tomorrow.

Some Pictures

A picture of Mommy and Emma. We were getting ready to head to a get together I was going to with some friends. Her and I look so nicely coordinated in our outfits. A picture of Emma taking after Mommy and pondering about life in general. This was after she finally calmed down at her appointment with Dr. Kane. We almost got a picture of her smiling, but the camera just wasn't fast enough.

My favorite outfit!!! We all know how much I love wearing flip flops or anything with flip flops. When I was in Target and saw this outfit I knew she just had to have it. The first time I was there I passed it up, but gave in and bought it the second time around. It worked out nicely to have another newborn outfit for her since all she really had was sleepers and a few other outfits. Well at least that is the reasoning I am giving myself for buying the outfit.