Yellow Bird absolutely loved the snow. We all did but she wouldn't stay out of it. She was constantly wet from all the snow. It was a blast but so cold.
Three sisters bridge at Niagra Falls.
Crazy kid. Rolling in the snow.
What a beautiful snow angel.
My girls!
So cold. Did I tell you it was cold? It was sooooo cold.As most of you know we spent Christmas this year in the North East. On Christmas Eve Leopold went out in search of one of those little, predecorated Christmas trees but couldn't find one. So, he got some garland and the girls decorated the floor lamp in the hotel room. No need for lights on the "tree" when your "tree" is a lamp.
Our little tree.
The girls thought it was fun decorating it.
They even used our scarves to decorate the other lamps in the room.
No lamp was left untouched.
Leopold got a new CD player.
And a wallet.
The stockings were hung by the ... dresser with care. My Granny made these for the girls. All the grandkids and great grandkids have one.
I got a Grisham book as one of my gifts. I haven't had a chance to read it yet.
Yellow Bird with her High School Musical shirt.
Sasha with hers.
Opening presents. It was a different kind of Christmas but fun none the less.Motor Boat loves this dancing bear. It is pretty cute but the songs get old after a while. It is fun watching him dance away though. He even gives his little tongue a workout.
You can see his abdominal wall defect in the video. He was born with his intestines herniating through his umbilical cord. It was a huge defect. He doesn't have a root beer belly. There is no abdominal musculature covering the defect so it protrudes. He has grown into it some. It was this size when he was a wee little thing. Hopefully as he grows it will become less and less protrusive.
OK, I've posted lots of pictures. Enjoy them. One thing I keep hearing is that we are doing this wonderful thing for Motor Boat. I do understand that but what we as a family want all to know is what an absolute joy Motor Boat has been to us. Yes, I'm exhausted but that is OK. His smile makes my day and seeing my girls take such wonderful care of their baby brother makes me so proud of the beautiful, young ladies they are becoming. I've been asked why we would want to start all over. Our kids are at the "easy" stage (although preteen isn't always easy). Sometimes there is just something that you know you are called to do. You can't always explain it. I think God sits back and chuckles at us sometimes when we think we have life all figured out. Please know that I in know way think I have it all figured out, far from it. But, I thought that by now I would have started in my new role at work and be pursuing that. For now I've had to put that on the back burner for a bit. But, something so wonderful has been placed in my life and that is this 23 pounds of pure joy. Yes, it is a lot of work but I can honestly say I'm loving it. He called me MaMa yesterday. I couldn't believe it. What could be better? Of course I've been saying that to him over and over for days. He reached up to me from his crib and said MaMa. So sweet. So, yes I guess we are doing something wonderful for Motor Boat, but what you can't see is what he is doing for us. Living beyond yourself and your own desires can bring such indescribable joy. Not everyone should go out and adopt a baby but there are ways that we can live beyond our comfort zone, beyond ourselves, living in a way that only God can be the explanation for the outcome. Live beyond yourself. You'll be amazed.
Motor Boat has to be still when he eats. Here is Yellow Bird hanging out with him watching a movie while his food infuses. Aren't they so cute together?
Motor Boat forever has is tongue hanging out of his mouth. Well, Grampy decided to join him. What a bonding experience it was for the two of them. I think they will be great buddies.
Motor Boat has some serious photophobia. I guess being inside most of your life would lend itself to this condition. His little eyes water and he hides his face. He will have to wear some sunglasses. He did enjoy his first adventure to Krogers and I love this seat cover. He played and sat very comfortably. I've never been one for protecting kids too much from germs -- I figure they need some exposure to build an immune system but I worry about him getting sick so I'm glad to have this seat cover. I know the hospital is full of germs but he hasn't been exposed to a lot of what the community has to offer. Need to build that immune system.
Everyone at Leopold's work was so excited to meet little Motor Boat. It has been fun introducing him to all the people in our lives. Hold on sweetheart -- there are still many more to meet.
One final assessment before leaving. All is good to go.
I received so many wonderful things at the shower. It is funny to be in this position again. I just thought we were past this phase. But, it is fun doing it all again.
This is the pillow that goes with his bedding. It is a bear, outdoorsy theme.
Grammy meeting Motor Boat for the first time.
So many visitors before going home.
Motor Boat loves playing Patty Cake and laughs when you "put it in the pan". Yellow Bird loves making him laugh. He starts to smile when you "roll it up, roll it up" because he knows the tickle part is coming.
I was able to get a few pictures uploaded. Enjoy!
Motor has not been lacking for attention. He has his sisters and their friends ready and willing to love on him and take care of him. He loves this toy. Thanks Ruth, Amanda and Laura.
Family picture. Feels so right!
Rocking Motor Boat to sleep. Absolute heaven.
First nap time at home in his new bed. Love the shirt.
Daddy and Motor Boat watching Happy Feet.
They sent us home on bolus gavage feeds instead of the pump he had been on. This didn't go very well and we now have a pump. I was having to divide his feeds up into thirds and give each one about 20-30 minutes apart. I felt like all I was doing was feeding him. He was vomiting a lot. Doing better with the pump. Yeah!
It is hard to take Motor Boat's picture without him squinting. The flash makes him close his eyes and without the flash the red eye flash makes him squint. He is still a cutie.
These are our friends that live down the street. The little girl is Yellow Bird's buddy. They came to visit and love on Motor Boat. What a sweet visit.
This is the only picture I can get to upload right now. I'll try more tomorrow. This is Motor Boat's first night in his new bed. No more metal bars. He is so easy to get to sleep. Just put him in his bed and he will play until he falls asleep. I do love rocking him though. He is doing great. The girls are doting on him like crazy. He has had several visitors and is charming them all. He seems to warm up to everyone. What a great little guy he is. Hopefully there will be more pictures tomorrow. I have a ton to post.
Motor Boat is home. I can hardly believe it. He adjusted so well. It was as if he had been here all his life. He just started playing right away. I will try to get some pictures posted tomorrow. I'm sure we will be busy. Just keep praying that all goes well and he continues to adjust as beautifully as he already has. I'm also having to learn the "system". I will go to the WIC office to get his special formula, get Medicaid stuff, and set up his doctor appointments. So much to do, but it is wonderful.
Thanks,
Sophie
Motor Boat must have thought I was here to play all night I had the hardest time getting him to sleep. But he finally relented and fell asleep. Good thing because I worked last night and didn't sleep much today. Now, if only the other babies in the room would quit crying. Isn't he so cute and what a chunk.
Before we could take Motor Boat home the unit policy is that I had to spend the night taking care of him. I know how to run the pump and such but it was good to learn his routine and to also spend some time with him without having to rush back to work. So, we had a little slumber party. Sorry the picture above is so dark. Every time I tried to use the flash he would close his eyes.
He is in a room with three other babies -- two of which cry A LOT. He started fake crying like them while he played. It was like he was making fun of them. It cracked us all up.
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