Finally, snow!

We finally had a significant snowfall!  Of course, Tyler was out in it as fast as he could put on his snow gear.  And of course, the twins had to follow.  The twins didn't last too long, they didn't have boots or snow pants, but Tyler stayed out until it was dark making snow angels and building a snowman.  I was way too big of a wimp to go out and take pictures of said snowman.   I'm glad the kids love the snow, because while I think it looks pretty, I am really missing Houston's weather right now.

One month old

Last week Jackson turned one month old.  Just today I finally put him into 0-3 month clothing.  The newborn stuff is finally too small.  Yes, we have a little man.  He had a weight check a few days before he hit one month, and he was almost 8 pounds.  I had to laugh that it took him four weeks to get to where Tyler was at birth.

I had every intention of taking a picture of the twins each month, but it just didn't happen.  I hope to do better this time around.  Here are a few more from my attempt at a photo shoot.

Man I love this little guy.

Jackson's Newborn Photos

I knew that when we moved there were a lot of things I was going to miss.  One thing I was worried about was losing not only one of my dearest friends, but also my photographer.  Kelsey has shot our family and kids for 3 years now and has given us amazing pictures. 

I knew I wanted newborn pictures of Jackson, so my sister recommended a studio she had gone to for family pictures, Camera Shy.  I have to say I was very pleased with my experience there.  We were lucky enough to have the owner do our shoot, and she was great.  They took good care of us during the shoot, and I am so happy with my pictures.  All in all, what you get for what you pay is awesome.  I would definitely recommend them to anyone local.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Happy New Year

I  never posted our New Year pictures.  As you would guess, we had a pretty low key holiday.  We lit our fire pit and did a few fireworks as soon as it was dark, and then welcomed in the new year with the East Coast.  I spent part of my evening at the NICU, and went to bed early.  I normally really like celebrating the new year.  I love the idea of new beginnings and fresh starts.  I made no resolutions this year, but unofficially hope that by the end of the year I have survived the chaos that is now my life and gotten my home more organized. 

Here is our ccelebration:

It's bedtime

It is currently 9:25 at night.  The twins have been in their bedroom since 8.  They are still talking and playing.  We are definitely in that phase of naps being a blessing and a curse.  I think I will just picture this in my mind instead:

(Yes, that's both of them asleep in Carter's bed during naptime.  It's the only time it has ever happened.)

Welcome Home Jackson

We finally got to bring Jackson home!

After playing the waiting game, just waiting for him to finish all his meds, Jackson came home on Saturday.

Here we are in the NICU getting him ready to come home.

It has been awesome to have him home.  His brothers all love him.  Tyler of course was so excited to finally meet him and held him the first chance he got.

He has been a big help--willing to fetch things for me, entertain the twins, and even feed a bottle or two.

The twins?  Well, they do love him, but aren't so great at expressing that love.  Before Jackson was born, I figured Carter would have the hardest time--he is such a momma's boy.  But when I came home from the hospital, it was Brady who had a hard time, and Carter seemed fine with Dad or a grandparent.  When we brought Jackson home, that same pattern continued--Brady has been obsessed with mom and the baby.  Carter has just been obsessed with the ipad.  (No, seriously.  He got an electronic addiction over the Christmas break.)  Brady wants to constantly touch, kiss, tap, or pull the baby.  I have become a referee.  He asked to hold "Baby Ja-on" after a few days.

Carter just kind of ignored him for a few days, but gradually started calling him by name and then did want to hold him.  He is actually really tender and sweet with the baby.

As far as having a newborn at home?  Jackson seems to be sweet and mild-mannered.  He eats every 3-4 hours, and his longest stretches are at night!  He usually just sleeps between feedings.  He seems to have one fussy time each day, but as long as someone picks him up and loves on him, he will be fine.  In fact, if he were my only child, I would be getting some major stuff accomplished.  But he's not.  And I spend a lot of time making sure the twins are happy and Jackson is safe from their curiosity. 

We are just so excited to have him home and in our family.  We love you buddy!

NICU update

If you asked me last January what our family would have been doing January 1, 2012, I would have been completely wrong.  The past year has been so unexpected.  We started off 2011 as a family of 5, living in Houston, Texas, with no thought that would change.  One year later and we have moved (twice), found out we were getting a miracle, and welcomed Jackson to the world.

 Jackson is still in the NICU (day 11 now) but doing much better.  The above picture is several days old.  He no longer has oxygen or the art line (which is what that arm board is for).  They did have to put a picc line in his head, simply because he is still getting iv meds.  The have completely discontinued the glucose.  He finished 2 of his antibiotics.  He is still on one last antibiotic, as well as nistatin for a yeast infection.  He is also on hydrocortisone, but they have started weaning him off that.  In the end, we still do not have proof that he had an infection, but in the words of the doctor: he acted like he had an infection, many of his labs read like infection, and he did respond to treatment for infection. 

The good?  His sugars have been consistent now for several days.  He is now eating like a pig, much more than I can keep up with.  I've been pumping round the clock and get 30-45 mils (1-1 1/2 ounces).  He eats at least 50 mils per feeding.  He acts alert when we come in.  He loves his binky.  He seems to be pretty mild-mannered, which would be a huge blessing in this house full of crazy boys.

I've been going over the hospital to feed him twice a day.  It is the highlight of my day when I get to just snuggle him for that feeding.  I can't wait to bring him home.