Friday, April 24, 2009

The Cutest Little Boy

He was all smiles today. I think he was enjoying our extremely warm temperatures. I took these pictures after we spent the afternoon outside.
From April 2009

From April 2009

From April 2009

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

New Nursery Decor

New nursery wall art from Nana!
From Random Pics-Jaxon


From Random Pics-Jaxon

An Amazing Discovery!!

Yesterday, I decided to try out the two new bottles April gave me. I've had them for awhile, but for whatever reason, I've never made the effort to use them. One is called Dr. Browns Natural Flow and the other is a Playtex nurser.

On my journey, I discovered that I do not like the Playtex bottle; while trying to get all the air out I managed to dislodge the plastic sleeve and spill ALL 3oz of milk on Jaxon. When you already have a screaming impatient baby, this does not make the situation any better. Especially when, that was the last of the thawed milk!

On the other hand, I fell head over heels in love with whoever this Dr. Brown is. This bottle is a miracle. As you know, Jax has been suffering from severe acid reflux and unless we follow a strict feeding process he spits up almost half his milk. And even with our strict guidelines he still spits a fair amount. Well, not anymore. This bottle has a special positive pressure tube that redirects air and reduces (if not eliminates) the amount of air the baby takes in. It is ideal for any preemie baby. I would love to be able to supply our NICU with these bottles. I think other parents of preemies would benefit greatly from this product. So far I've only used the bottle 4 times, mainly because it is my only one until I can get to the store, but I am sold. I wish I had known about and started using this bottle sooner.

If you're interested in learning more about this product check out www.handi-craft.com.

So, there you have it- my amazing discovery- a spit free bottle! What will life bring me next?

Saturday, April 18, 2009

There is SOMETHING in the Water

As the title suggests, there is either something in the water or Spring has definitely arrived in Wisconsin. This weekend, the temperature was in the upper 60's and our neighborhood was alive once again. It only took one day for us to learn that there are 3 couples in the hood expecting babies and one couple across the street who had a little boy about a month before Jaxon. Out of the 3 couples expecting, I know for sure that 2 of the babies will be boys. This is very exciting, because Jaxon will have buddies right across the street. It is amazing to see the timing in this and marvel in God's plan. I truly feel like we are in the right place at the right time. Since we moved up here, I have always felt God's presence in our decision to make a life here; and He continues to solidify that decision each year.

Last year we were meeting our neighbors because of our dogs, this year it is because of our children. If there are any of you out there contemplating the idea of a dog before kids, BEWARE!!

6lbs and Smiles

Just a quick note... Yesterday, Jaxon weighed in at 6lbs 1oz. It seems as though we have finally made it over the weight gain hump. Ever since he reached 5lbs he has really taken off. Today we met, Ryland, a 5 month old acrossed the street, and he looks almost 3 times Jaxon's size. Seeing another baby really puts Jaxon's size into perspective.

Also, Jaxon has started smiling because he is in a good mood and happy. We use to see him smile on occasion, but we chalked it up to gas. Now he is smiling when you talk to him in the sweetest high pitched voice. It is the cutest thing!!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Happy 1st Easter

Today, we celebrated Jaxon's first Easter. Although we were stuck at home and wished we could be with our family in Missouri, it was fun enjoying this first major holiday with him. We spent the entire day with April and Kieran, lounging around and enjoying a great breakfast and a yummy late lunch. The "Easter Bunny" also visited our house before anyone woke up and left Jaxon a big basket of Easter goodies. Of course he can't eat the candy, so mom and dad will have to help out there, but he will definitely enjoy his new toys.
From Random Pics-Jaxon

As I do each Easter, I am reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made for us and this year I am especially drawn to John 3:16, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son...; for the first time in my life, I feel and understand the power of these words. I can't even imagine how our Creator was suffering as he watched his one and only Son die on the cross for our sins. I feel so undeserving of such love and sacrifice. What an amazing Father we have! My prayer, is that as a parent, I will be able to share my love of Christ with my child so that he will be able to feel and understand God's unconditional love for him and the entire world.

Happy Easter and we hope you had a blessed day with your friends and family.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Nursery Photo

Here is a photo of Jaxon's nursery, or atleast what I've done so far. I know my friend, Michelle, has been wanting to see it. And to be honest, I hadn't really done anything to it. The weekend before Jaxon was born, we finally finished painting. Then while my dad was up the week Jaxon was born, he put the bed together, but that was all that had been done. Now, thanks to Eric's office baby shower, I've been able to get his bed pulled together.

Next on the list, is to get him a dresser, refinish my rocker, put up curtains and hang the pictures from Nana and Gammy. So, not to state the obvious, but there will be more to come.
From Random Pics-Jaxon

Head Up!

Hey Everybody I've got big news! Over the weekend I started holding up my head, on my very own. I've always had a strong neck and now I'm really getting to use my muscles.
From Random Pics-Jaxon

I'm also getting bigger and bigger. I weigh 5lbs 9oz. That's over 5 1/2lbs. I should be hitting the 6lb mark in about 2 weeks. Hopefully, I stay on track.

Today, I visited my doctor and she was pleased with my weight gain; that was a first! Dr. Fox also said she is going to take me off my daily dose of caffeine in about a month and then when I'm about 6 months old I'll get to lose the apnea monitor. I'll feel like a free man without this silly belt that wraps around my chest. I won't know what to do, I've never been without some sort of wire hanging off me.

I'm a little piggy too. I like to eat all the time. Right now I'm up to almost 2 1/2 oz every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Except at night, when I let Mommy and Daddy get some ZZZ's, that's when I sleep for about 4 hours. Mom really appreciates it, especially when I sleep in my own bed and she doesn't have to hold me. I've really got to get better at that before they take away my monitor. I'm pretty sure Mommy isn't going to let me sleep with her without my safey gear.

Well, gotta go. It's time to eat.

Smooch and Smack!

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Not Much Going On...

It's been a week since our last post and to tell you the truth, not a lot has really changed. We continue to stay at home, waiting for the end of cold and flu season when it will be a bit safer to venture out in public. Jaxon's home nurse comes once a week and we visit his pediatrician every other week.
One highlight of the week has been Jaxon's willingness to sleep on his own, in his own bed. He has allowed me to get a few chores done through the day and to get a couple nights of decent sleep. The other highlight is Jaxon's new found ability to focus. He follows objects with his eyes and is starting to respond to our voices when we talk to him. We have definitely seen signs of him maturing over the past few days.