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Last Monday we had a jammed packed day!

Step 1: We were going to the orthopedic doctor on Tuesday to see if Luke would need surgery on his feet. (At this point he doesn't- hallelujah!! He will start wearing special shoes that hopefully will complete the corrections that are needed.) To get ready for the doctor, I took his casts off and gave him a bath.

Step 2: I took a shower.....not something that always happens! :)

Step 3: It was possible that surgery was going to happen later that week so I really wanted to get his 3 month pictures done on this Monday so that we could get the cute little feet pictures. Thankfully we were able to! I had to iron about 7 outfits for him- you know, in case he spit up, etc. :) Oh and those sweet little toenails, that stayed pretty much hidden by his casts, were in desperate need of filing!

Step 4: We went to the Factory in Franklin for pictures...more to come about them.

Step 5: We have to change his feeding tube every 2 weeks. It was time, so we fed him right before pictures, took out the tube, and replaced it afterwards.

Step 6: As if the day hadn't been exciting enough, Luke completed his first art project when we got home. He was so patient as I held him and daddy dipped each hand and foot in paint. He really does have 5 toes on his left foot- don't know what happened there...



Since he hasn't had casts on, we've had fun putting cute socks on his feet!

First Nursery Day

Last Sunday was Luke's first day in the nursery at church. He kind of had a look on his face that said where are you going, but he didn't cry (and neither did we- yay!). The ladies were all so nice and said that he did great!

When I went to check on him after Sunday School, they said he had just been moved from his car seat to the swing. What a precious boy!

This is Mrs. Jackie, our wonderful lactation consultant. How great it is that she also keeps our little boy at church!

Happy 6th Birthday...

...to Jasie! We celebrated Jasie's big day with...

Roast beef, carrots, potatoes, apples, & rolls...
Cake and ice cream...

Toys and a bone...

And lots of love!!

She is such a good girl! Did you notice how she was waiting for the magic words? I think she is starting to adjust to Momma and Luke being home, but looks forward to the times we are gone so she can catch up on her sleep!

Happy 2 Month Birthday

Luke's 2 month birthday actually wasn't a very happy time. He was admitted to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital on April 24, 2009 due to "failure to thrive". He had consistently been gaining 4 ozs. a week up until this time. Then during the span of a week and a half he had a net gain of only 1 oz. We found out late on Friday afternoon at the pediatrician's office that we would have to go to the Vanderbilt ER since the pediatrics unit was already gone for the day. Luke finally got his own room late Saturday evening. Over the weekend they ran several tests: Chest X-ray, Ultrasound of his brain, EKG, Echo Cardiogram, Blood Work, etc. Everything came back okay. It wasn't until Monday that we were able to start working with the specialists. They determined that Luke has an uncoordinated & weak suck- swallow pattern. This causes him to become frustrated while eating and he burns more calories than he takes in. Much to our dismay a feeding tube had to be put in through his nose. He is allowed to eat on his own for 20-30 minutes and what he doesn't finish we give to him through the feeding tube. This will continue until he's able to eat the required amt. in the specified amount of time. (He's getting better at this!!) We were able to come home on April 30th. It was a long, hard week, but things are looking much better for our sweet boy. He is gaining about an ounce a day! It is wonderful to see his smile and watch him discover new things! As a friend recently said, Luke will have such a story to tell of how God has worked in his life, and so do we!


Luke had his Mr. Bear from home, Mr. Otter that daddy brought back from the Atlanta Aquarium, and Champ (the Vanderbilt Children's mascot) to watch over him.

This was the first time Luke was given a pacifier. It can help develop a stronger suck. Luckily he hasn't become dependent on it, but just likes it every now and then.

Daddy is feeding Luke from a Haberman bottle. We had tried giving him regular bottles before just so we would be able to go out on a date sometimes, but he didn't like them at all. This bottle has a controlled flow which keeps him from becoming overwhelmed.

How appropriate that our bathroom had a sunshine light!

We were all so glad to be going home! Luke wore socks on his hands to keep him from pulling at his tube. We no longer use the socks since they come off so easily. He has managed to pull his tube out half way a couple of times, and all the way once. These times have required momma and daddy to be up in the middle of the night figuring out what to do. He's done great when we have put it back in.

This picture was taken just the other day. Look at those chubby cheeks :)

Easter

Easter Sunday was the second time Luke had been to church. Momma and Luke made it into the sanctuary right as Bro. Dean was starting to preach. Luke wasn't quite asleep yet so they ended up listening to the sermon in the vestibule. They rejoined the congregation for the closing song. It was a great morning!! Our savior is ALIVE!!

While we were at church, the Easter Bunny brought by Jasie and Luke's Easter baskets. Luke received a blanket with his name and birth date on it, a book about the sun, a book with a bunny puppet, a stuffed bunny, a swimsuit and towel (to be used post casts), money for his piggy bank, and a summer outfit.

Jasie received 2 toys, cupcakes, bunny treats, towel wipes (which mean more walks!), and a bone. She was very excited about her and Luke's surprises!