As Good As It Gets

Here is the best family picture we have.



It was taken Christmas night at Jeff's parents house. If I remember correctly, there were several takes for this picture. And this one was the best by far. I seem to be the only one that actually knew the picture was being taken. Aiden looks like he has no clue what is going on. To be fair, he really wasn't feeling well. Jeff is preoccupied by doting on Aiden. And Carter is either happy to be in his momma's arms or he's working up to a scream. I can't remember. Yes folks, this as good as it gets.

Almost

To quote Carter's pediatrician, Carter is "almost out of the woods." That is with his failure to gain weight. Carter saw the doctor today as a follow-up from his hospital stay and was weighed as is custom for our little guy. Its starting to look like our little guy isn't going to be so little any more. He weighed in at 8 lbs 10 oz, which is almost another pound in one week. It is so fun to finally see him put on weight, even if it has been accomplished primarily by the feeding tube. We are both in agreement that the feeding tube will probably be in for quite sometime, because he is still only taking on average one ounce from the bottle when he should be taking between four to five ounces. The doctor also mentioned that Carter's reflux is the worst case he has ever seen, which is never comforting. But, I am taking comfort in the fact that we are already seeing some improvement. We are all seeing a new Carter, which is such a huge praise. Carter for the past few days or so has seemed much happier and content. He is much more relaxed with his movements, especially with his legs, which is a sign that the pain as eased somewhat. And he just looks healthier, but that could be because he's finally putting some meat on those bones. He's not skin and bones anymore.

Carter is scheduled to see his GI next Monday, and hopefully, she will be just as pleased with the results as we are. I'm praying that she will increase the formula intake and let us drop one or two of the night feedings. This would let Carter have more solid sleep at night as well as everyone else!

Home Sweet Home

Our prayer for today was answered. Carter was discharged at 4. And now we are home!

His cultures were all negative still and he still had no fever. I had to promise that we'd go in to the pediatrician for a follow-up first thing tomorrow morning, so that's where we'll be at 10 am. But, it is better than another night in the hospital. Now, we're praying his fever stays away and his cold will go away.

Praying for 36

36 hours that is. We just spoke with the attending here and he seems to think that Carter is low risk since his fever has not returned and all his cultures continue to be negative. And as long as those cultures continue to be negative today and we are able to secure a follow-up with his pediatrician tomorrow, Carter should be discharged somewhere around 36 hours instead of the routine 48. I know 12 hours doesn't sound like a lot in the scheme of things, but when you have taken up residence in a children's hospital and you're room with a view overlooks a parking garage, 12 hours is huge. Well, that and just being in your own home makes a world of difference. Sleep is better, the food is better, and the company is better. While I love the nurses here, I love my own family more.

We, of course, are praying that Carter gets better and we are able to kick this cold to the curb. Since all of his cultures are negative, the thought is Carter is just fighting the cold that Aiden, Jeff, and myself all have been battling. The mommy in me agrees, especially since his fever hasn't returned. He is still pretty conjested, which has been making it somewhat diffiuclt to sleep. He's having to breathe out of his mouth since his nose is all stopped up and that makes sucking on the pacifier tough. And then add a feeding tube down one nostril, and you have a baby who just can't seem to figure out how to make it all work. So, cold, please go away. Far away. And soon.

Third time's a charm???

My intentions were good. I wanted to update the blog once we left the hospital, but life got in the way. Doctors appointments resumed, Aiden needed attention, sleep needed to happen, and then there was the whole getting used to the feeding pump thing. Oh, and let's not forget Christmas was coming whether I wanted to admit it or not.

So, its been a week since we left the hospital. We were able to get in somewhat of a routine, we celebrated Christmas as a family of four, and even managed to go to Christmastown at Busch Gardens last night. It seemed as if life was normal, or as normal as our life can be right now. And then, I wake up this morning and take Carter's temperature because my father-in-law thought he felt warm. And much to my surprise, seriously, he had a fever of 100.4. I immediately hopped into the shower and got ready for what I thought would be a doctor's visit. I was wrong. We were sent straight to the ER here at our second home, CHKD.

Once we got to the ER things moved pretty quickly. We only waited a few minutes before Carter had a room and tests started to take place. Apparently, because he is 7 weeks and hasn't had his 2 month shots, he got the full work-up. I'm talking an iv for blood work, spinal tap for meningitis, nose swap for RSV and flu, and chest x-ray for pneumonia. Along with that comes a 2 day admission to the hosptial. Yes, that makes three admissions for Carter for the month of December. We are praying that he will only have to stay one night and he will be discharged tomorrow. He has not had a fever since we got here, go figure, and so far all of his tests have come back negative. He has been started on some antibiotics incase of infection and I guess, now we are just here for Carter to be monitored to make sure he doesn't spike another fever and wait for the results of the remaining tests.

We are finding ourselves tired and worn out in more ways than one, but we know God is with us. Thank you again for all your prayers. We cannot tell you how comforting to know how many people are praying for our family.

Going Home?

Just spoke with one of the GIs from Carter's practice and he seems to think that we will be able to head home today. Carter has put on some weight since we've been here (don't ask how much, its in kg and I'm bad at the conversion) and has also been able to tolerate his feedings, so that according to him is reason enough to go home. He doesn't want Carter catching anything else while we are here. I'm on board with that.

While typing this, the home health coordinator came in and is currently working on getting all the pieces in order for us to go home. According to her, someone will come and either drop of the pump and teach us how to use it here at our house. They will also be delivering us the formula. From my understanding, the formula will be covered by insurance because it is medically necessary at this point. That is a Christmas gift in itself to us. It probably will not be covered forever, but for now, it should be. Although the bill could totally say something different when it arrives.

At Carter's next feeding they are going to drop a shorter tube down so it will be less likely for crazy Aiden to get a hold of it. They are also supposed to teach us how to insert it, but from what I've seen it is a bit difficult and challenging to do and there is also a lot of room for error, so let's just pray the one that is put in next stays in will not come out.

Now we are just waiting to see cardiology and have the ultrasound. As long as everything comes back normal we should be good to go.

Hospital. Again.

Well, here we are again. At the hospital with Carter. Am I surprised? Not, exactly. My mommy's instinct knew that he wasn't doing well, but I was praying hard that we could hold off the inevitable until after Christmas. So, yes, I was very disappointed and sad when the pediatrician came back into the office on Friday after speaking with Carter's GI on the phone and said that Carter would need to be readmitted to the hosptial that day. I was heartbroken and I cried. Carter was being sent to the hosptial, again, for losing weight, again. On Friday, he was 7 lbs 2 oz, which is only 2 oz above his birth weight, and at 5 1/2 weeks old, that isn't good.
So, this is where we have been since Friday evening.

After getting set-up in our shared room, Carter was given the opportunity to prove himself, so to speak, to eat 3 ounces from the bottle for two feedings. He only took about 1 to 1 1/2 ounce both times, so a feeding tube was inserted. Now, each feeding, we offer the bottle and then whatever he does not eat is admisistered through the feeding tube. As of right now, he is not eating from the bottle. He will make drink a half ounce before we have to move to the tube.

What exactly is going on, you ask? Good question. We still are not 100% sure. It is more of a process of elimination game. The thought process is still that Carter has severe reflux and a milk protien allergy. It could take up to 2 weeks before we see significant improvement, after switching his medication and formula. So, it is not surprising that he is still experiencing pain when eating and refusing to eat from the bottle.

The plan, as we know it now, is to continue to monitor his feedings from the bottle and the tube to make sure he is tolerating the feedings and able to keep them down. He is being fed 3 ounces every 3 hours. He will be weighed tonight, so any increase in his weight will be a good sign.

The doctors are looking at Monday or Tuesday for a discharge date, but more likely Tuesday as there will be alot to coordinate tomorrow for us to go home. Carter will go home with the feeding tube, but at this point we are not sure how long he will need the feeding tube. Jeff and I both will need to be trained in how to work the the feeding tube and pump, but I'm not sure if that will happen before we leave the hospital or if that happens when home health comes to the house. Carter is also going to be looked at by the cardiologist and get an ultrasound of his heart on Monday. The GI found a heart murmur at his visit the other day, so while we are here they want to go ahead and get it looked at to determine what kind of murmur it is and whether or not it is affecting his eating.

So, that is where we stand now. Just camped out in the hospital room and praying our precious Carter begins to put on weight and show improvement soon. We are definitely anxious to get home, especially with Christmas just a few days ahead, but are trying to be patient and not rush the doctors or this process. Momma just wants her babies back under one roof, especially for Christmas.

Thank you all for your prayers. They are such a comfort and a blessing to us during this time.

Back to Birth Weight

Hooray! Carter, finally at 4 weeks, has reached his birth weight at 7 lbs 0 ounces. This is such a huge praise for us and shows us that our little guy can actually gain weight. Even though he has reached this milestone, his weight is still going to be closely monitored by the pediatrician because he still has a long way to go before he is caught up to where he should be. But we will take it one step at a time.

Ready to Help

Home, Again...

We are so glad to be home and out of the hospital. I'm not going to lie, it was one long and hard 24 hours in the hospital. But, Carter did well while be observed at CHKD overnight. He consistently ate 2 ounces every 2 hours and even gained a little weight while we were there. The thought as of right now is that he is having bad reflux, so we are in the midst of trying to find the right dose of zantac that keeps him comfortable and the right formula that doesn't aggravate it. We are going back to the pediatrician tomorrow for another weight check and for further instructions.

We are praying that Carter continues to gain weight and that we'll be able to finally have some definite answers as to what exactly is going on with him. We really want him to be comfortable and not be in pain from his reflux.

A huge thanks to all who have prayed for him over the past week. It has been such a comfort and a blessing to us knowing how many people out there have been praying for our little peanut to get better.

Loving the Sling

Carter is NOT a fan of his car seat. I know it takes time for a baby to get used to the car seat, but I think because he is so small it is probably really uncomfortable for him. Anyways, he's fine for a few minutes and then just screams. So, to help with getting out of the house some, I decided I'd try a sling and see if he likes it. Well he seems to love it. He looks very content and cozy in there and falls asleep almost as fast as I can get him in. I never thought I would enjoy wearing a sling, but because Carter loves it, so do I. And it is very comfortable to wear, which is a plus.

Brothers

This picture melts my heart. Enough said.

A Family of Four

Carter Tait is here!

I know. I'm behind on this post. But please forgive me. Trying to find time to jump on the computer to update has been tough...I wonder why?

Well, he is here. Carter was born Monday, November 9th at 12:55 pm. He weighed in at 7 lbs and measured 21 inches long. He is very long and lean. He has been doing pretty good eating, once we got found the right formula. He's tongue-tied just like Aiden, so nursing is out. But that is ok, now I can have help with the feedings. He loves to sleep, so we are working on keeping him on a schedule during the day to wake him up some and get some food in him. He is becoming more alert every day, which is fun because I love to see his blue eyes.

He is one sweet boy and I love him. We all do, actually. Even Aiden. Aiden looks for him every morning when he wakes up, loves to give him kisses, and tries so hard to help mommy and daddy take care of the baby. It is really too sweet.

For the most part, everything in the hospital went very smoothly. The only real adventure we had was the crazy nor easter that came through. We were without power in our room for one morning and we were sent home during the middle of the storm. But we were glad to be able to leave and bring Carter home so he could meet Aiden. It really was a sweet time for our family, introducing Carter to Aiden. Aiden wanted to hold him and hug him from the first moment. It did help that Baby Carter gave Aiden the Spencer Thomas the Train Engine that he had been asking for for quite some time. He also got several other big brother gifts from us and the grandparents, which also aided in him loving being a big brother.

Now that we have been home for a week, we are loving being a family of four. There really isn't any down time and always something that can be done. But I know that it will only be a short while until we have established some sort of routine. Looking at Aiden, I know that time does fly. It seems like yesterday we were just starting out as a family of three. Now we are a family of four.

Tomorrow...

Tomorrow is baby day.

Tomorrow we will meet Baby Carter.

Tomorrow one more will be added to our family.

Tomorrow Aiden will become a big brother.

Tomorrow...is a big day. A day I have prayed for so long and here I find myself full of mixed emotions.

I'm excited. God has chosen to bless our family with another boy and I cannot wait to meet him. I'm excited to meet this precious child and see how my love for him will overflow.

I'm also worried. I'm worried about the surgery and everything that goes along with it. I'm worried for Carter's health. I'm worried for Aiden. Becoming a big brother will be huge change for him and I pray he will adapt well and love his little brother.

And this is where I find myself between excited and worried and trying ever so desperately to not let the worry overtake the excitement. So, today I'm praying hard on Matthew 6:34, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." And Phillipians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." God is in control over tomorrow, therefore I do not need to worry. All I need to do is pray. Pray for the surgery, for Carter, for Aiden, for Jeff, and for whatever else happens to pop up into this crazy mind of mine. And today, I will focus on our sweet family of three and enjoy my last day of being pregnant.

Tomorrow will be a great day!

Happy Halloween

Testing out the double-stroller

Aiden fell in love with his "big" stroller while it was still in the box waiting to be assembled. So, it was no surprise, that after it was all put together and working, that he had to try it out. He loves sitting up front and no joke watched an entire movie the next day while sitting in the front of the stroller. We are really looking forward to when we can give both Aiden and Carter a ride in their new ride.

Photographer-In-Training

Little Pumpkins...Big Pumpkin

Last night we had our families over for Aiden's first pumpkin painting and carving experience. We let Aiden paint his two little pumpkins. He really got into painting the pumpkins, especially the tops. I'm thinking its was his first time painting, too. He also made sure everyone there took a turn adding something to the pumpkins.

After Aiden had his fill of painting his pumpkins, we moved on to the gigantic pumpkin. Well, I should say, Jeff moved onto the big pumpkin. He really did the majority of the work. Aiden didn't really like digging out the insides, but really enjoyed inspecting the inside once it was all cleaned out. I forgot to take a picture of the the final product, but hopefully I'll get one tonight while we have it lit up.

For the Love of Forts

Recently, Jeff has introduced Aiden to the concept of forts. So, as a normal two-year old would, he has fallen love with building forts in our family room. He'll come up to Jeff (because Daddy is the one who makes forts) and ask "Port, Daddy, Port?!" And then our family room is transformed into a fort and Aiden is through the roof with excitement over his new fort. As much as I have trouble with the chaos of the room, it is really one of the cutest things to watch Aiden play in his fort. His imagination truly comes alive in that fort and will occupy him for was seems like forever. So for those reasons, I have learned to say, "bring on the chaos," the room can always be put back in order later.

It's Pumpkin Time

Every year we go with my parents to pick out Aiden's "perfect" pumpkin and one or two for the rest of us. And today was the day we got to go pick out the pumpkins. The weather, unfortunately, wasn't the best, a little rainy, but we were able to pick out the pumpkins and even snap a few photos (pumpkin pictures are a must) without getting too wet. Aiden was more interested in pulling the wagon and the blow-up Hokie bird, than the pumpkins, but when his choices were narrowed down for him, he definitely knew which pumpkin he wanted. He is definitely a boy who knows what he wants. I don't think there is an indecisive bone in his body. We ended up with a big family carving pumpkin, and two smaller pumpkins for Aiden to paint. All-in-all it was a good family outing and I can't wait until we get to paint and carve the pumpkins. Until, then they will be proudly displayed on our front steps.

Long Overdue...

I know, I know, its been too long. Trust me when I say, my husband, my family, and my friends have been all over me about keeping the blog going. I think I lost interest for a while or rather facebook got a hold of me. Yes, lets blame facebook. I got lost in the star-studded appeal facebook with the status updates, the quizzes, the games, and well everything FB has to offer. And all of a sudden blogging just didn't have the appeal it used to have on me. But I digress, after a long hiatus, I'm back.

I think it would just be easier if I just gave a quick update for each of us. I mean, where do you start when your last blog was, well, I don't know when it was. So here are our updates:

Jeff... is crazy busy as ususal. The student ministry is thriving and we are seeing such growth in the students. God is truly doing a mighty work in the hearts and lives of our students. For example, in August, the students gave over $1500 to missions and over 90 students either pledged to go into full time ministry if and when God calls them or to generously suppoting missions with their income. Jeff is also working on finishing up his M.Div and will graduate in December! Seriously, I can hardly contain my excitement! And, in all his spare time, yes he does have a little, he does a wonderful job of being a husband to me and a daddy to Aiden. He is always willing to give me some Aiden-free time while I fix dinner or run a quick errand. Seriously, there is nothing like watching my two boys play together. Its the sweetest thing in the world! He can have fun and be silly with Aiden in a way I just cannot. He has also done a great job of finding time for just the two of us. I know we are both fully aware that in a few weeks our time will be fully consumed with taking care of a newborn and toddler, so its been nice to have a few dates before that time comes.


Lauren...I am staying busy taking care of our wild one and trying to prepare for the arrival of our second one as best as I can. I am 33 weeks along and for those of you who don't know, we are having a boy. I never thought I would be a mom to boys, but this is where I find myself and wouldn't have it any other way. I have gotten into a sort of organizational craze lately. I've been cleaning out closets, cabinent, clothes, you name it, I've probably cleaned it. It's amazing how much trash we can accumulate in just a couple of years. The good thing about all this organizing is that it has really helped me with wanting to keep the house clean and in order. Now, if we can just find a way to inspire me to fix dinner. Maybe after the baby arrives, I'll be more interested in cooking again, until then...its one day at a time.

Aiden... turned 2 in June and is really good at being 2. He is on the go constantly, but is still taking great naps and sleeping great at night, for the most part. Aiden loves to play outside, ride his tricycle, and has really got into imaginative play as of lately, which is really cool to listen and watch. He also likes anything to do with cars, trucks, or Thomas. He is excited about being a big brother, well as much as a 2 year old can grasp. He has been practicing how to touch and kiss the baby and has even been asking to share his toys with Baby Carter. He moved into his big boy room a few months ago and is doing great at sleeping in his big boy bed. We also got rid of the pacifier recently, which went way smoother than I could have anticipated. We have yet to really dive into the whole potty training deal, he just isn't interested yet, but occasionally will ask to go sit on the potty and we will have success.

Carter... is just six weeks from entering the world. Its hard to believe that in just a few short weeks, we will be a family of four. Carter is more active in the womb that Aiden ever was. It makes me a little anxious as to how active he will be out of the womb, but I know God will not give me more than I can handle. He has been doing great at all of our doctors appointments. We have not had the exciting doctors visits that we had with Aiden, but honestly, that is a good thing. I'll take uneventful any day. We still have a little work to do in his room, Aiden's baby room, like changing out the name and a few other little things, but all that will be done in time.

Coming in November...

First Haircut

Yesterday, Aiden had his first haircut. I was expecting lots of tears and screaming, but for the most part he did pretty well. He definitely wasn't thrilled to get his haircut and was very apprehensive the entire time. A couple minutes into it you could see his face really start to change and his bottom lip go out and I knew we were going to lose him. Well, we did, but we were able to calm him down fairly quickly and the rest of his hair was cut while he was resting his head on my shoulder. The man who cut his hair is the same one who cut my hair for the very first time, so that was pretty special. In the end, Aiden was happy with his sucker. It is the small things.

A Simple Wagon

One of Aiden's toys at my mom's house is a small wagon. Aiden has really taken to this wagon and totes it around with him all through the house and outside collecting things as he goes or as in the pictures below giving his dog a ride.

Snow Day

Well, I figured what better day to re-enter the blogging world, than on a snow day. So, here's to getting back in the grove of blogging again. At least, I hope. Here a few pictures from our time out in the snow this morning!