Memorial Day Weekend

Our little cardshark!

I think he's got a good hand

I have to tell you guys about my weekend! It was AWESOME!!!

Mom and I headed up north to our cabin for Friday night, had a little campfire, good grilled food & fun friends. We were planning on coming back on Saturday, but then it was Sunday, and then Monday! We stayed the whole time. Of course- Mom wasn't really packed correctly so we needed a diaper run, but it was VERY relaxing. We played some cards- I am very good if I don't say so myself.

Mom made me go to bed early, I think it was because she wanted to sleep. So I would wake up around 2am or so to see if anyone was still hanging out. They weren't but I checked just about every night.

I tell ya, the life up there is easy! Eat, sleep, play, eat, play, sleep, eat- yep, I could get used to it.

Get the Kleenex out

The Day I Became A Heart Mother

One day my world came crashing down,
I'll never be the same.
They told me that my baby was sick.
I thought, "Am I to blame"?
I don't think I can handle this.
I am really not that strong.
It seemed my heart was breaking.
I have loved him for so long.
I will not give up on this child.
I will listen to your advice.
I will give my son any chance.
No matter what the price.
I will learn all that I need
To help my baby thrive.
I'll even use that feeding tube.
My child must survive!
Will he need a lot of therapy?
Will he gain the needed weight?
Please God, help me do this.
As I accept our fate.
When the monitors beep at night,
it serves as my reminder.
How many parents would love that sound.
Tomorrow I will be kinder.
As another Angel earns his wings,
I run to my baby's bed.
I watch him sleep for quite a while.
I bend down and kiss his head.
I cry for the parents whose hearts have been broken.
I look toYou wondering why?
Oh Lord,I just can't know your ways....no matter how I try.
And yet,I trust you hold his life,
and guide us through each day.
My mind says savor each moment he's here,
but my heart begs,"PLEASE let him stay"!
From pacing the surgical waiting room,
to sitting by his bed.
From wishing for a good nights sleep,
to learning every med.
From wondering,"Will he be alright?",
to watching him reach out his hands.
With every smile my heart just melts,
despite life's harsh demands.
For all who see that faded line.
I look to them and smile.
You see my child is loved so much.
I would face ANY trial.
That scar I trace with my finger
(It's the door to his beautiful heart).
God must have known how much I'd love him(Just as He loved him from the start).
A heart mom is always a heart mom.
Now wise beyond her years.
For those who have angels in heaven,
Our hearts share in all of your tears.
Every day I will try and remember,
I was chosen for him (and no other).
I will always embrace that beautiful day.......When I became a"Heart Mother"
.~Stephanie HustedMommy to Braeden HLHS post FontanCarepage name: babyhusted


I found this poem online tonight & it pretty much sums it up for me.

Chase's 6 month pics- Enjoy!

I am estatic about how these turned out!! Of course we got some neked butt shots too, but I think it's illegal to put those online :-)

Some quality time at the cabin

Ma & Pa Lehman

Big stretch!

Chase & Mom sleeping in

It was a long drive, Chase is entranced by the fire

This was a big weekend for Chase (and my folks!) We spent our first night at our cabin. It was pretty low key- the cold and wind kept us indoors for most of the day. But Chase got to hang out, sit by the campfire, and the rest of the fam got to wake up at 2am for a feeding :-) Welcome to my world!

He did really good in his pack 'n play, but I decided with me might be a little warmer.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

6 month check up

It's 6 month check up time! And this time, Mom came prepared! We arrived early, armed with bottles, blankets, and his lovey. Never know what we're going to need afterall.

At 6 months Chase is weighing in at 12lbs 14oz and he is 25.5 inches long(tall?) So he's growing, just not really gaining. But his docs are not discouraged. Dr. Pagel said he's still "on his own pace" and shows movement up the scale (I hate that scale.) Plus, it doesen't seem to be hindering his development & that is the most important thing right?

She also said he's a bit on the weaker side and his PT lady Darcy agreed today, but all that means is now instead of focusing on the rolling (he's got that down) we're now working on the sitting up part. Bumbos and even Boppys will be used all the time now :-)

Otherwise, our guy is doing GREAT. He is the most observant baby I have ever seen, taking everything in with those big blue eyes. Which looks like they are staying blue (I'm happy about that!) His laugh is the best sound in the world & when he talks it's more like growling mixed in with high pitched squeals. We have lots of fun in the mornings & his grandparents LOVE LOVE LOVE to have him at night.

He is one adored child & just eats it up!

Happy belated Mother's Day!!

Yesterday was our first Mother's Day. We had a really good day too!

We brunched with the Kessenich's, although I would've liked some more visit time but Chase took a marathon nap in the AM. Then we hung out with Aunt Michelle at G&G Lehman. IN FACT, Aunt Michelle actually babysat for a little bit- the first time! And yes, Chase was in one piece when I got home :-)

Enjoy the pics!

Where does the time go?????

Today Chase is 6 months old!!!! I am in shock, seriously where did the time go?

It seems like just yesterday I was waddling around, 900 yrs pregnant, wondering when he was going to make his arrival. I was told I looked mighty uncomfortable, although I was told LATER since no one would dare tell me then. . .

The first picture was the second time I got to hold Chase, the day after he arrived. The first day I held him for a few minutes before he set up camp in the NICU. But neither of us were camera ready so we'll keep those pics to ourselves :-)

The second was taken about 45 minutes ago before I put him down for the night. You've got to love a baby who humors his mom for just one more photo.

I cannot believe how fast it has gone. I can get all sappy of course, but I won't. I will just say that Chase and I have the most amazing family and friends. Without them we very simply wouldn't be here. I'd probably be locked up with padded walls :-) Who knew that a cute baby can drive you insane with sleepless nights? Oh wait, everyone!

Happy .5 Chase! I love watching you grow & as my first Mother's Day arrives tomorrow, I will say it's my absolute pleasure to be your mom.

Krista

It's a zoo out there

Things we learned at the zoo yesterday:

• Two mommies, two babies = way too much crap. It took 20 mins for Amber and I to get the kiddos in their strollers and ready to go. PS- I HATE my Maclaren stroller. It does nothing for me or Chase & I will be returning it.
• The zoo is an excellent place to baby product shop. Every stroller, diaper bag & carrier you can imagine. One woman had the carrier AND the diaper bag I want. Should've done my research at the zoo, not online.
• While the zoo is free (yay!) it's newer stuff is all inside little "houses"- which DO NOT allow you to bring your strollers. You're supposed to leave them outside. Which is, the lamest thing I have ever heard.
• Lastly, apparently when you are on your 7th (!) kid, you don't really worry about anything anymore. We were walking past a large group of little girls and one of them (about 9-10 yrs old) had a mini-baby carrier on her front with a "doll" sitting in it. It was very cute, until I realized the "doll" was a real baby! I made Amber do another stroll by & confirm that the baby was real. So I sat down on a bench near them to feed Chase & this girl walks right up, sits down next to me & asks how old my baby is. I say "6 months, how old is yours?" UM- 6 WEEKS! Apparently the gaggle of little girls (7 of them) were all from the same family. And the mom looked like she was 25 maybe? So by the 7th kid, I guess it's ok to let them hang out. . .