Disney!!!!

Sorry for the lack of posting! We are in Orlando visiting my brother and sister in law and doing a Disney trip! The kids are loving it so far! Calee went to Harry Potter today, and she had a blast!

I promise I will get back to updating when we get home. I have a TON of great posts from Christmas!!!!

NICU Follow-up Clinic

We spent yesterday at Vanderbilt for an appointment with the NICU follow up clinic. They see them at 6, 12 and 24 months. We were excited to go and see what progress Cohen has made since the 6 month visit.

WE WERE THRILLED WITH THE RESULTS! His upper extremities AND cognitive testing was 12 months PLUS! His lower body was 6 months. (We expected this since the issues with his feet and legs)

He waved and shook his head like no, no, no at the doctor. She was super positive and thought he was doing wonderful. The visit really lifted our spirits and made us feel so excited. Justin and I both knew he has really come a long way, but its nice to hear it from a professional that specializes in this field.

We also took the books to Vanderbilt and blankets to Baptist. We got to see lots of special doctors and nurses. I took several pics to show you all! I also got to visit a friends special little boy in the NICU. It was so awesome to see him in person.

We also met up with Emma Claire and her crazy mommy and daddy! That is always a fun time!
This is Cohen's favorite Vandy night nurse Kaitie. She held Cohen all night long in the hospital and spoiled him, but we still love her dearly!

 A, Em and me with EC and CoCo

 Stacy with her babies

 Dr. Haynes with Em and babies

 The boys.

 Stacy and her buddies

 Girls! (and Cohen!)

 EC was not happy....for a minute!

Birthday Books, Blankets and Blessings!

In honor of Cohen's 1st birthday, we took donations for Baptist NICU for Christmas. Last year, Cohen received some really special gifts from former patients. It was so sweet to read him a book donated by a grateful NICU family from years past. He also has many special ornaments made by the nurses at Baptist. It was so fun to put them up this year.

Vanderbilt NICU nurses do a "blanket drive" annually so they can fix the babies cribs all cute and matchy matchy. It always lifted my spirits when Cohen has matching clean and cute sheets and blankets everyday when I came in. We brought many sets, but when you are there for 100+ days and use 3-4 everyday, it becomes difficult.

So, after the party, we decided we would take the donated books and blankets to both NICU units. Especially since we have so many little friends staying at Vandy right now. I can't wait to shower those babies with gifts!!!! I am taking them early next week.

Here are some pics of all the donated "loot". Thank you so much to all our family and friends for the books and blankets. I shed so many tears going through them all. I read Cohen about 20 of the books!

A friend made some precious book labels to add to them. Thanks Marcie! I love you.

One special note read "All babies are miracles---some just keep God working overtime." I loved that. So true in so many cases. Please continue to pray for Cohen, and so many little babies that God is working overtime for. Christmas in the hospital is a blessing. I am so happy we could do this!

Grateful

I like the word grateful. I like the way it sounds and the way it feels. I am feeling overwhelmed with it today for small things. Watching the snow pile up outside, spending time with my kids, just being home and being a family.

All day my heart has felt heavy and unbalanced for the McGregor family.  I know many of you have been following the story of baby Thomas over the past weeks, and are just as sad I am. It is such a hard time of year and I just cant imagine what the past days have been like for them.

Somedays I forget how blessed I am. On days when the boys are fussing and I am tired, I forget what a precious gift I have been given. I am not perfect, nor am I a super-mom. I wish I was, but that's just not me.

Most days, I gain perspective (at least at some point) and can laugh at myself and my life. Everyday, I am thankful for the people I have met this year. For the little boy that I am lucky enough to hold and love everyday. For the beautiful daughter God gave me 11 years ago. For the Christmas at HOME this year with family and friends.

Sorry to be so sappy and sad, but that is just my heart today. Please pray for the McGregors and the journey they now face.

I love you all, and I am thankful God has placed you in my life. No matter if your part is big or small, I am grateful.

1 YEAR AGO!

One short, (and very long), year ago I was admitted to the hospital to "wait" on our little baby boy. I was only about 25 weeks along in the pregnancy. I started blogging just a few days later.You can read my first blog post here

I won't go into all the up's and down's this year has brought us. Thankfully more up's.

I was so blissfully dumb a year ago. But. I would not change a thing. Well, not much anyway.

Spending last December in the hospital has made me very thankful for THIS December. Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and LOVE TO YOU ALL this season. From my HOME to yours.

11 months old!

I have been a little behind on the blogging!!! I can't believe it is already December! Cohen was 11 months old on the 23rd. We are getting so close to the big ONE year mark!


I still ask for your prayers for the McGregor family. Sweet baby Thomas is now awaiting a heart transplant. Please pray for this wonderful family and the journey they still have ahead.

Cohen is growing and learning new things everyday. We are more and more blessed my him all the time! Here is a recent pic. Love to you all!