Final Cast Change

Cohen had another appointment for a cast change this week. This should be the last one for a while. He also got fitted for his brace.  It will be ready in about 2 weeks. He will have to wear it all the time, except for during a bath. They said I need to get him a sturdy pair of shoes to wear with it-------I have no idea where to get sturdy shoes this little?? If you have any suggestions, please let me know.

The casting nurse said the only color they had this week was red. I just could not do that again---so, we got white and Justin wrapped it in his favorite color when we got home! =)

Cohen's new toy!

Cohen is quickly becoming a big boy-----and quickly becoming "bored" with many of his toys. The swing and bouncer seat just don't provide the action he is looking for!

So, luckily Ames' friend Drake, loaned Cohen his excersaucer! He is truly in love with it-- I don't know how we made it without one!

Back to where it all started!

We were in the Baptist Hospital area this afternoon for Calee's appointment, so we decided to stop by and visit the place where this incredible journey started almost 7 months ago!

On December 8th, I was admitted to the antepartum floor at Baptist. I remained there until Cohen was born on December 23rd. He was in the NICU at Baptist until March 1st...we were transferred to Vanderbilt that day for the swallow study, that turned into the MRI, G tube....etc, etc......

We had not been back since he went to Vandy. We were thrilled for the doctors and nurses to see how great he is doing and how much he has grown.

It was really strange to be there....to see other babies in Cohen and Emma Claire's spots!!!! We saw several teeny babies, many that were just over a pound . I don't care how many little babies I have seen, I am still  amazed at the sight of those little miracles. I was also shocked at how quiet it was-----I don't think it was ever quiet when we were there! (much due to us and the Warren's =)

Going back is a great reminder of how far Cohen has come. I pray every night that I never, never, ever take for granted the gift we have been given. No matter how tired we get, how many appointments we keep, how many worries we may have....it is all SO worth it. Cohen is such a blessing and today was a beautiful reminder.

I did manage to snap a few pics of our visit.-Cohen with Suzanne (aka Barbie), one of our awesome nurses...and Cohen with Dr. Haynes, one of the NICU doctors that we love dearly. (he loved looking over her shoulder as you will see in the pic) One thing I don't need to be reminded of is how blessed we were by the Baptist NICU, they are true testaments of love and compassion. WE LOVE YOU!

Calee's Eye Appointment Follow-up

Today was Calee's follow-up appointment with Tennessee Retina (for her eye issue). We originally saw this doctor at the Murfreesboro office in early June. They requested we come to the Nashville office for this visit, so off we went.

Calee has been super apprehensive about this appointment. She was truly upset last time that the doctor did not give us more information about the spots on her eye. She was distraught that they could not tell us what it was---and to be honest, I was too.

So our doctor consulted with some other colleagues and they diagnosed her with a Cavernous Hemangioma. This is a mass of abnormal blood vessels. For now, there is no course of treatment. It is not affecting her vision, and they do not believe it will (thank goodness).It is possible that the blood vessel could burst, and she would have to have a laser surgery to remove it---but that is rare and the worst case scenario.

So all in all, it was a good visit. Calee was relieved and I am so thankful for that. She will have to keep an "eye" (no pun intended=) on this her entire life, but hopefully it will just be a dormant problem that will never cause any issue for her.

Here is a picture they took of her eye. You can clearly see the trail of "blood pockets" or "spots" on her retina.

July 1st/ Vandy Appointments

Cohen had a couple of appointments at Vanderbilt today. First we had a follow-up appointment with the ophthalmology specialist, to check his eyes. They dilated him and looked to make sure his eyes had developed correctly since the last check (he was just a few weeks old then). The doctor said they looked perfect! We are extremely relieved and grateful for a good report. Preemies are at risk for lots of eye related issues, so we are glad this is one area we don't have to worry about.

Our next appointment was with pediatric surgery, for a check of his G tube. Of all the specialist we see, this group is one of my favorites. If you remember, this is the nursing staff that waited over an hour past office hours when Cohen's tube flew out our 2nd night home=) They are so sweet. Most of the visit was spent with them holding, cuddling, and playing with him---they also were crazy for his big red cast!!! He laughed and smiled and really showed off for them. They thought his G tube looked great, and didn't need changed out for another month or so. Since we got the new "mini" button a few weeks ago we have had zero trouble with this---truly a blessing!

This has been the best day of appointments we have had. All good news!

Every time we walk through the doors at Vandy I am reminded of how lucky we are to have Cohen with us. I am so thankful to be taking him for a short visit instead of going to visit him in his room. God is so good.

Here is a silly pic of Cohen after his eyes were dilated-----he actually LOVED wearing these!

Everyone needs a CALEE!

Calee is such a great big sister. They boys adore her....and she's pretty crazy about them too.

Hand-me-downs

One of my favorite things about the boys being so close in age (17 months apart), is the hand-me-downs! I LOVE dressing Cohen up and finding a picture of Ames in the same outfit. Justin seems to think this is an odd fascination........I guess I just think it's so sweet!

Ames was about 1 month old in the top pic, and Cohen is 6 months old. The outfit is a 0-3 month size.