Big Red Cast

There are 2 color options for a cast Cohen's size at our orthopedic office. Blue and red. The first cast he had was blue, so I thought the logical (and cute) thing to do is have a red cast this time.

We might as well be carrying Clifford the big red dog around with us----he would draw less attention.

As you know, Cohen doesn't get out much. The last 2 places we have been (both doctors offices) 5 or 6 people at each place have stopped us and asked: "What happened to the baby?" When Justin is with us, he tells people he has " an old football injury." I attempt to tell them "he is not injured, he was born with a crooked foot that needs help to straighten."  I have also noticed other people staring and giving him sad looks. I guess they think we dropped him or something!

I think I find this so funny since the blue cast did not attract near (if any) of the attention as the red. You wouldn't think the color would make that big of a difference.

Needless to say, on our "changing of the cast" visit next week, we will be back to Ole Blue.

CARS

I just had to post this.

For those of you that have seen or heard Ames in the last 3 months, you know he is completely infatuated with the movie CARS. Cars, Cars, I want CARS! (he says this all day long!)

Needless to say, he was more than thrilled with the new pajamas TuTu (Deb) and Calee bought him last week.

Lebanon Visit

Last Sunday, my mom hitched a ride with a friend who was headed to Nashville to see her grandbabies, (thanks Mary!) so we met them in Lebanon to pick her up.

We had a little extra time so I made Justin drive by my old Lebanon house. It looked better than the last time we went by there a few years ago. I would love to go in and see if they have changed all our quirky paint and blue retro kitchen that I loved!

 After we got mom and found a place for her in the car...(Mom and Calee have to climb in through the back because of the boys carseats in the middle, its really something to see=) We met TuTu (Debbie Woodroof) for lunch at Gondola, our favorite Lebanon restaurant we used to eat at all the time.

We also got to see Young, our friend that owns the place and her precious grandaughter. We ended up staying there for hours, laughing and catching up. It was great to see all of them.

Calee ended up staying with Deb the rest of the day, and meeting us in the Boro later that night. Here is a group pic I took at Gondola. TuTu and LuLu protested this picture....but I had to capture the moment!

6 months old

It is hard to imagine that 6 months have come and gone since baby Cohen arrived over 12 weeks early! It will be his first birthday before we know it!

 

Cohen had his 6 month checkup today, along with several other specialist appointments this week. It has been busy, to say the least!

Here are some "highlights" and stats of what is going on in the precious life of Cohen.

• Cohen weights 12 lbs 3 ounces and is 24 inches long (we think the cast weighs 3 or 4 ounces)
• Cohen has a bright red cast on his left leg to help straighten his foot/leg and loosen his heel cord
• He will have a series of 2 more casts, then begin to wear a brace on his leg, we are not sure how long he will wear this, it just depends on progress-if this does not work, he will have a small operation to "clip" his heel cord.
• All feedings are still given through his "G" tube, he takes 135ml(s) of a 24 calorie formula every 4 hours
• He will have a repeat swallow study on August 2nd to see if we can safely start bottles or possibly rice cereal and/or baby food
• Cohen's NICU follow clinic visit was great-he is still at risk for developmental delays but we are hopeful they will be minor (we go back in December for the next appt)
• TEIS (Tennessee Early Intervention Service) is coming 1 to 2 times per week for physical and developmental therapy for Cohen
• Nurses for Newborns continues to come 1 time a week for weight and overall health checks
• Had 6 months vaccinations at the pediatrician last Thursday-we were nervous about his reaction since all the others were given when he was still hospitalized, but he did great and had no reaction
• Cohen is an extremely happy and animated baby, he laughs, smiles and LOVES to be tickled
• He loves his baby swing and bouncer seat (as long as someone is nearby)
• He sits up with support--i.e. bumbo seat, boppy pillow
• We are still keeping him in and away from crowds as much as possible
• I trained my Mom to tube feed him last week, so Justin and I have a back-up in case we need it (she did great!)
• Cohen still loves his pacifier and has several favorite toys he plays with

All in all, things could not be better with baby Cohen! He is an absolute joy and we are so thankful for every moment over the last 6 months.

We are also thankful for all of the family, friends, and complete strangers that have prayed for and supported us during this time. We will never be able to repay you, and we are grateful beyond words.

I am sure I will think of many things I have left out----I may have to do a 6 month old part 2! Thanks for caring about our family. Love to you all.

6 month old slideshow

Happy Father's Day!

I just wanted to take a minute and say Happy Father's Day to the amazing Justin. I cannot imagine anyone being a better husband and father than he is to Calee, Ames, and Cohen. Our strength has been tested like never before, and Justin never fails to rise to the top. He is a wonderful and loving man and I am thankful to God for placing us together.

Here is one of my favorite pictures, one of the first times Justin held Cohen.

Big Boy in the Bumbo!

Some mornings when I get Cohen out of his crib I am certain he has grown from the night before! He is really coming into his personality. Instead of getting an occasional laugh from him, now we get them all day. He smiles constantly and just LOVES anyone to talk to him. He especially loves watching Ames play...he will follow him with his eyes all over the living room. He has also become a great audience for Calee, when she is singing, dancing or putting on a play. (which is basically 24/7 =)

My friend Julie brought us a bumbo seat at church last night. I couldn't wait to get home and try Cohen out in it----I was shocked that he immediately loved it and sat right up like a big boy!

As soon as we took him out, Ames plopped down in it. He did not want to get out! I guess we will have to get him one too-