Halloween Fun!

Max's first Halloween was a blast! We started off the day at the Roloff Farm (Little People Big World) and picked out his first pumpkin! We walked through the patch, took pictures and even caught a glimpse of them filming the show with the Mom. Had a small SNAFU when Max's pacifier dropped into the pumpkin patch - but daddy made a run for the car to grab a spare. All was well!! We came home and carved pumpkins - got ready for the trick or treaters and watched a few scary movies. We had a lot of trick or treaters this year and we actually ran out of candy!! Max was adorable in his dinosaur Halloween costume, I wish he could wear it all the time.....well......maybe he can!!

The Airport Grandma

Last week my mom became the 'official' airport grandma - coming to see us and hang out for the week. We had so much fun! The last time her and my dad were up here they hardly got to see Max since we were in the hospital and NICU for so long! I am glad that she got to come up and see how much Max has changed (he's up to 11 lbs and 8 ounces) and see his sparkling personality. It was so helpful having her up here - we spent some of our days making wonderful frozen dinners to save me time during the day and playing with Max. We also did our typical trip to Macys - my mom is the QUEEN when it comes to the in's and out's of Macys. I have to say that Max, Steve and my dad all came out bandits in the clothing department!!
She also gave Steve and I the opportunity to reconnect without a little one in tow. We bought Steve a new car, had dinner and drinks at the Heathman Hotel and went for massages - which were desperately needed :)
We can't wait to have her up here again!! Thank goodness for Southwest deals!!

A Happy Home

Today Max and I headed to the doctor to get some pointers when it comes to feeding. It has not been the easiest task to tackle - actually - probably the hardest thing we've faced during these first 5 weeks. The doctor had lots of good advice and hopefully we'll be on the fast track to 'just' breastfeeding and no longer supplementing with formula. Also I had a chance to talk to the doctor about Max's WONDERFUL sleeping habits - sleeping anywhere from 6-8 hours during the night. She said it was totally fine and now I will have a very happy husband who isn't waking up to the sound of the alarm clock every hour so I can see if Max wants to eat. Task: Sleeping: Accomplished!! As of today he weighs in at a whopping 10lbs and 14ounces!! He's our big boy :)
Lately we have also zeroed in our our creative sides - Steve is painting ; Max is pooping, cooing and smiling; and I am busy decorating for the holidays! It's a very busy, very fun house! Max seems to have awakened sleeping giants in our home :)

Circumcision

Today Steve, Max and I made our way back to the hospital so Max could have his circumcision. My poor little man.....he did wonderful though. He had a little extra bleeding this morning but tonight he is doing great!
We are all looking forward now to having a few weeks with no doctor's appointments and getting into a routine. So far so good. He has been an excellent sleeper (knock on wood :) ) and is doing great hanging out during the day with me.
Favorite activities for Mommy and Max: Playing on the floor with super soft blankets; dancing; hugging; and reading!

Welcome Home Max!

Max is home!! I'll leave it at that!
Time to go and spend time with the most handsome boys in the world!!

Our First Full Day In The NICU

Today I spent all day in the NICU with Max. Things slowly are getting better although it doesn't look like he is coming home soon. Keep your fingers crossed that he can come home tomorrow - unlikely - but it's nice to hope.

First Doctors Visit.....Admittance Into The NICU

So today was Max's first appointment with his pediatrician. Come to find out he had lost 15% of his total body weight taking him from 9.2lbs to 7.11lbs. The doctor told us to go straight to St. Vincents and admit him into the NICU. He is there now - the doctor's say he is dehydrated and put him on IV's in order to lower his sodium levels. Hopefully he will come home tomorrow but there is a good chance that he will stay for another night. I am going in tomorrow to feed him/pump and meet with a lactation consultant. Keep you fingers crossed that he comes home tomorrow.