A New Game

Last week after changing Caden's diaper, he started to play a new "push" game. He liked the way the smooth mat allowed him to slide back quickly after pushing. He pushed over and over again for about 30 minutes. He was so cute just talking, laughing, and smiling.

More Things I Love About Caden

1. The way he runs his fingers through his hair when he gets sleepy.
2. The way his cry sometimes sounds like a laugh.
3. How happy he gets when you change his dirty diaper.
4. The way he flirts and smiles when you're trying to get him to sleep.
5. How he throws a fit if you stop to burp him while he's eating. Don't mess with a hungry baby.
6. When he wakes up from a nap, he smiles.
7. He's not scared of Hailey (the dog). He lets her lick his toes.
8. He talks and talks and talks.
9. The way he concentrates when he's trying to grab a toy.
10.The way his head bobbles a little bit when he holds it up. It looks like he is nodding "yes."

Packin' On The Pounds

Today we went to the pediatrician for a check-up. We were so excited because Caden gained a pound in one week! He is now 9lb. 6oz. Because of his surgeries, he is underweight. The doctor's goal is for him to gain between 1/2 a pound to a pound each week. We pray that he will continue to gain weight at this rate!

How Sweet It Is

I can't even begin to express how wonderful it is to be home. Last Thursday, we were scheduled to pick up Caden at 4. The nurse called around noon to let us know that he was ready to go and we could come get him early! My principal so kindly helped me work out a way to leave school a little early so that we could go pick him up. When I got there, Nathan, Mamama, and Papa Joe had already packed up everything. They were just waiting on me! The nurses were gathered around him telling him good-bye. They even took him around the unit so he could see everyone one last time. When we got home the front of the yard was decorated with welcome home signs. It was such a wonderful experience.

Things are going great here at home. He has startd settling into a little routine. He even started sleeping longer at night (thank goodness). One night he even made it 8 hours! He is definitely a happy little boy (and we are happy parents, too)!

Coming Home...Really...I Hope!

We have officially been given a discharge date! It's scheduled for this Thursday afternoon! I've been daydreaming about this day for so long! I just want to take him home and snuggle on the couch!

For the last few days he has been allowed to eat 4oz. He has been so happy and content since his tummy is now full. He has also been gaining weight. Right now he is 8lb. 7oz. Tomorrow the surgeon is coming to take out his central line. They didn't do it last week like originally planned.

I have 4 weeks of FMLA left so I will be able to stay home with him. Nathan is going to take some time too so he'll be home for a couple of weeks. It's going to be so much fun to home together as a family.

Since we have been in the NICU, I have gotten to know many other families. I have seen what they are going through. Everyone has different needs and situations. It has been placed on my heart to pray for the other babies and families. Not everyone is fortunate to have such an amazing support group like us. Thank you for being there for us. We will let you know how things go!

Almost Home!

Today has been such an encouraging day!

1. Caden is getting a record 85ml (almost 3 oz.) at each feeding! Today he actually didn't cry when he was done with his bottle. His little tummy is starting to feel full!

2. Tomorrow the surgeon is scheduled to take out his central line. This is a big step because we were told they wouldn't take it out until he was about to go home.

3. Here's the best news of all. The doctor told me that he will probably get to go home this weekend! I nearly cried I was so excited. Of course, this is not set in stone. Things can change. At least we know it will be very soon!

I will let you know as soon as we get a discharge date!!! Thank you for all of your continued prayers.