Time Flies . . .

Sorry, it's been so long since I blogged, but my family has been keeping me pretty busy. Lots of birthday's . . . started out with my dad's, cousin Jen's and cousin Braydn's B-days in November, then my Nana Rose's b-day, onto my Papa Roses' and Aunt Deano, to my Papa Fox's and then baby Jesus and then finally my mom's to round out December! What a month of celebrations!

I especially LOVED Christmas . . . what a special first this was for me. I heard the Christmas story from the Bible for the first time as Papa Rose read it aloud . . . how amazing that Mary (9 months pregnant) rode on a donkey and gave birth in a manger . . . and I thought my birth was a difficult one!

It was so special to spend this time with family and friends. And even though I couldn't buy my mom and dad a gift, they smiled at me and told me I was their best gift of all.

And now today, we are celebrating another year passing and new year beginning. And what a year it has been. I thought it would be cool to go back to the NICU to visit some old friends and they couldn't believe how BIG I had gotten . . . you see, I see myself everyday, so I hardly notice the change, but they reminded me of what a long way I had come. They said there was no trace of the NICU still on me and reminded me how blessed I am to be so healthy today, after all I had been through this year. Here's a picture of me and one of my primary nurses, Dulce . . . remember her . . . she was always setting me up with other cute baby girls from the NICU. :)

Other recent pic's:

Paul, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters (where mom works) and me at the agency Holiday Lunch!

Me and some of the BBBS Girls . . . I can't get enough of all this attention from all the pretty ladies . . . can't wait to see you all again soon!!

Me and Nonnie out for a walk:

Cuddles with mama!I still fight eating on certian days, and this day the food won!


Finally, I have to say that I can't get enough of our San Diego Chargers! What a season!
Maybe someday I'll be like LT!

GO CHARGERS!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

TOO Much Turkey!

Me and the fam on Thanksgiving . . . we have a lot to be thankful for . . . Life, Health, Family, Friends, Faith, and of course, mash potatoes. :)
We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you all for being a part of our journey.

We are also thankful for laughter . . .

Papa, your laughter is contagious!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

I love you daddy - for sooo many reasons . . . the way you make me laugh (even if it means personal injury to you), how you work so hard to take care of mommy and me, the way you lay next to me and rub my head to help me go to sleep, the way you lay your hand on me each night and pray for me before you go to bed, when we watch football together, cuddling on the couch, and the way you spring out of bed the moment you hear my little cry, no matter what time of night it is. You are the best daddy a kid could hope for and I hope this birthday is your best yet!

Had a laugh today?

My daddy cracks me up!

Developmental update: Good news - the doc says I am on track for a 6 month old (ie: starting to sit on my own, babbling, passing toys from one hand to the other, picking up small objects). They will continue to adjust my age back three months until I am two years old. So, I guess I get to turn two and jump ahead three months in life . . . a time travel of sorts. Should be interesting . . . I'll have to keep you posted on that.
One small concern was that I still am not gaining weight very fast. I am in the lowest 5% for 6 month olds and I keep hovering at 14lbs. I have a Doctor's visit next week, so hopefully they can help us figure out how to get the pounds on me. I also have lots of shots next week (Yuck!) including a shot to prevent me from getting RSV (basically the flu x10, and bad news for preemies who have had lungs issues). But, after that I should be all set for a while. I just have to go back in to the Developmental specialist in 6 months for another assessment. We are so thankful that with everything that could be wrong, the biggest thing we have to worry about is my weight. Praise God for his continued protection and for all the prayers and love from all of you.

Mommy's Little Pumpkin

Hope you had a good Halloween!













I've got a big week ahead . . . I go to Children's Hospital on Tuesday for a 6 month Developmental Screening to see if I am on pace with my 6-month adjusted age (basically they want to see how I am doing with all the milestones as if I was born on my due date).

I think I am doing pretty good . . . see I am already learning how to sit up by myself:

This is me moments before falling over :) - Don't worry - my mom caught me!


Then on Thursday a nurse comes out here to see us for our 6 month (since I have been home) check-up. BTW - did I tell you my eyes are all good! I don't have to go back to the eye doc for a whole year!



















My dad is pretty proud - we even had a Lion King moment:



















My Uncle B is pretty proud too!




















I love my new high chair and my girl Nicole!

The good life

Here are a couple more pics from our earlier photo shot.
























Here is me Loungin' on a Saturday afternoon!























This is where I like to chill!

"Mom, get a grip . . . no more pictures!"

Peace Out!

I'm Eating!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my eating, cause I am doing much better. God heard our cry and sent me to a new doc for a second opinion who put me on some new meds and I am feeling much better. Not even a fuss when it comes time to eat, just gobble, gobble! Please pray that this continues so I can keep growing!

Mom got crazy with the camera this week . . . here are some new pic's:

And even though the Chargers lost, I am still representing!

NICU Reunion, A special shower, and other notables

So, the NICU at Mary Birch Hospital had a reunion for all the babies who have ever had to stay there. The funny thing about reunions is that it seems like everyone is fatter and bald, but hey, were babies, so that's a good thing! :) Anyway, I got to see some of my girlfriends, my nurses, the doctors and a lot of other friends. Many of my friends are doing really well - I can't believe how BIG they are! Some of my friends are still having a hard time breathing or have minor health issues and still need our prayers. My mom and dad and I got to make a video together and my picture went into the scrapbook that will be there year after year. It made me think about how far I've come and how much I have to be thankful for. Here are some pictures from the day: Nicole and Erin sandwich!

My NICU pals!
Sophie and me

My girl Emily! I had to show off my abs in an effort to impress, and I think it worked, because she kept trying to hold my hand.

Annie is my hero! She is the one who first took me from the doctor when I was born and helped me start breathing!

Great Aunties Athalie, Barbara and Lynne threw my mom and I a very special shower. Thank you!!! Here are some pictures from the day:

Jer Jer gives gooood kisses!

Dad's best friend Eric (or Walkdog to some) just got married, so we took a family trip up to the LBC (Long Beach City) for the big day. Congrats Eric and Evo!!!

I FINALLY got to meet some very special friends:

World travelers Joe and Wanida (AKA: Joey Williams and Noodle) and . . .

World famous Brad and Kristy!

Here's me and my cousin Braydn when I had a sleepover at his house!

By the way, this drinking milk stuff is getting old . . . I am much happier when I am eating rice cereal! I am still working on my drinking issues, so I'll keep ya posted.