December 30, 2008

Samuel News

Samuel is doing really well. He is taking a bottle or nursing at every feeding. He weighs 5lbs 10 oz and should be home by the end of next week if all goes well. I am back at work this week and Mike continues to look for work. Thanks to everyone who keeps up with us via our blog.
Samuel with his Uncle Forest (my brother).
Future Cowboys fan (unfortunately). ;)
Dreaming about a Cowboy victory. Sorry son, you'll have to get used to them losing.



December 27, 2008

Samuel's First Christmas

Samuel got a bath and bottle on Christmas Eve, as well as a visit from Santa. His Lulu, Mike's Mom, helped me with his bath and got to hold him for the first time afterwards. It was a wonderful moment for all. Now that Samuel is doing better it is safe for others to hold him occasionally. Four of his 8 feedings are now bottles and there is finally light at the end of this long tunnel. We should be going home within two weeks. YEAH!!!!
Uncle Sam, #2, with Samuel #3.
Mike's dad, Grandad, with Samuel.
Great Grandpa Samuel #1, Poppy, visiting with Samuel #3.

Merry Christmas Everyone

A certain jolly fellow was caught visiting my parents house Christmas night. Can you guess who?!
Looks like we caught a glimpse of his trusty sidekick Rudolph too!
Yes, that's Rudolph's hoof!
Mariah and her goofy Uncle Hugh.
Bobby and Poppy with Cousin Andrew

December 22, 2008

Sweet baby

We could just stare at him for hours. Samuel is now taking a bottle once a day and nursing once a day. We are making good progress.

Samuel's First Bottle with Daddy



We just love this little guy!!!
Burp for daddy.
What a beautiful face.

December 18, 2008

First Bottle with Mama

Samuel's First Bottle

Tonight was the first time I got to feed Samuel. He took 17 of the 45 mils he was allowed by bottle which is great.
Samuel slept through most of his feeding with me.
Wednesday night, 12/17, was Samuel's first bottle. It was fed to him by his nurse Gina. He took 10 of the 40 mils he was allowed.

December 16, 2008

The Latest on Samuel

The NICU Weekend Nite Nurses made this ornamanet for us. Thank You!
Our little man is turning into quite a big boy. He is now 5.45 pounds and 18 inches long. We should start bottle feeding this week and hopefully he will be weaned off his nasal canula as well. His Cystic Fibrosis test came back negative. YEAH! Samuel's tummy is doing better and they are increasing his food each day. He is developing quite a little voice as well. The nurses say this means he is feeling better. Samuel is 34 weeks gestation and 5 1/2 weeks old now.
Staying warm and cozy with daddy!
Samuel gets to wear clothes again.
He loves his pacifier!
Kangaroo Kare is my favorite part of the day.

Samuel's Baby Shower

We had a couple's shower this past. Thanks to everyone that came and for the wonderful gifts for Samuel. They are much appreciated and needed.
YUMMY CAKE!
Guests got to make playdoh babies and we judged on best baby, ugliest and most distrubing. This was the best baby. Monica, Mariah and Jessicca made this one.
We couldn't show the ugliest or most disturbing because they were just that.
This one is a little graphic but funny. Check out the size 16 shoes.

December 12, 2008

Samuel's First Christmas

My first Christmas outfit and picture! Thanks Aunt Desiree!!
I'm almost 5 pounds! Yeah
I love to smile!
Okay guys, I'm getting tired.
Our first Christmas family photo!
Samuel indulged us by letting us dress him up and pose him for lots of pictures. Afterwards, he got a special treat.. a bath and we washed his hair which he loves! Thanks Mom!





Sleepy Head

What a little cutie!
Samuel sleeps like his mommy with one arm above his head.

December 9, 2008

Father & Son Time

Last night Mike got to bathe Samuel for the first time. In this picture he is getting his hair washed. Good job Daddy~
Samuel is 4lbs 4 oz now. You can really tell in his face that he is getting older and gaining weight. The tube in his mouth is to suction out any air/gas or mucous that builds up. Hopefully, he'll get to eat again soon.

Mike brushed his hair and gave him a little part on the side.
Isn't he just precious.
All cleaned up and wrapped up in his new receiving blankets. Thanks Monte, Monica and Madeline. We love you guys!
We've never instantly loved someone so much in our lives. It's great to be a parent!

December 7, 2008

Happy 1 Month Birthday Sammy!

Our little man is one month old today. He is 4lbs and 1oz. Yeah Samuel. The nurses all tell us how wonderful his personality is and easy he is to take care of. He hardly ever cries and is very alert when he is awake. They say that he is always looking around and watches them when they are taking care of him. That's our Sammy.. already making friends.
Sleeping like a baby.
Can you believe all that hair?!

December 5, 2008

4 weeks old today


Samuel is doing better today. He is off his oxygen (once again) and breathing normally. His stomach has settled down but they won't be feeding him til Monday after his biopsy. We got to hold him tonight as you can see and it was wonderful. He did great and didn't have any issues with his breathing at all, which is what we usually worry about. So far, so good. Stay tuned for the rest of Sammy's Story.

Our little Wiggle Worm

More Christmas Joy

Samuel's future best buddy, Raven, snoozing in Jackson's favorite spot on the couch.





Doors that lead into the Neonatal ICU. Our home away from home.
Doors that open into the Labor & Delivery area of Baylor Hospital. Spent a lot of time behind those doors. ;)