Saturday, April 18, 2009

Our Big Boy

There isn't much to report on Henry, and I think we are all happy for that. The doctors and nurses think that the little valve in his heart is closing on its own and that has been his next hurdle to cross. They bumped up his oxygen to high flow, but that is still very normal for a baby his age and size. It has helped him not drop his heart and oxygen rate and they think they'll be able to take it off within a couple days. Because he is on the high flow oxygen, they had to move his feeding tube to his mouth so that is why there is a bunch of tape on his face. He now weighs a whopping 2 lbs 9 oz and I think it's going straight to his face.

Those kisses are addicting!



Our sweet boy

Daddys first time holding his baby boy. Henry was more awake then we have ever seen him and it was so fun watching them bond.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

One Week Old!

Having a baby in the NICU has taught me life long lessons. One of those lessons being to set small milestones and to celebrate each one. The milestone I am celebrating today is that my son has been with us for a week today. I notice differences in him every day and just when I thought I had known the true meaning of love, my heart finds more to give. Something that Henry does that makes me laugh is whenever we put him on his back, he instantly kicks his legs out and stretches his arms. Judging from the look on his face, I don't think he even notices all the tubes and wires hooked up to him.
On April 12th, I was able to hold Henry for the first time. What an amazing experience and it reminds me of how small and fragile he really is. He kept his eyes open the entire time, and I know he knew he was in his mom's arms and was happy to be back "home".

I love you Henry J.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Eyes Wide Open

It has been a good day today. Henry was taken off the light treatment so they took off his sunglasses. Shortly after I took them off he opened up his little eyes and kept them open for quite awhile. It is so fun to see his whole face and it makes me fall in love with him even more. Unfortunately he was put back on oxygen, but it didn't come as a big shock to us.


This was right before they turned off the lights, but the sunglasses are just too cute on him.

Every day when we visit we try to read Henry a couple stories. Alan is a good story teller and we think it puts Baby J in a good mood.
We want to thank everyone for all their thoughts and prayers. We really are so blessed to have such a large support system. I know that I could not make it thru this without my family and friends, and I think the same goes for Alan. So if we haven't told you.. THANK YOU!



Thursday, April 9, 2009

Coming Home

I was released from the hospital today, but had to leave Henry behind. The only thing that made me ok to leave was the fact that he has been moved into a new room and has been taken off the oxygen. The nurses told us that there is a good chance he'll be back on, but we are grateful for any little improvement. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Roberts for decorating our apartment. We love you.

This is Henry holding on to his Daddy's wedding ring.

What a proud Dad!

Henry is a little jaundice so they have him undergoing light therapy. His little "sun glasses" they put on him are they cutest dang things. Daddy says it's because his future is "so bright".

Henry holding on to Mommy's finger.
We love you Henry J and are counting down the days until we can bring you home. Love, Mom and Dad.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Henry J

It has been a very long and tiring 5 days, but our little boy Henry J joined our family April 7th, 2009 at 3:11 in the morning. He weighs 2 pounds 6 ounces and is 15 inches long. We never found an explanation as to why he delivered 3 months early, but he is doing better then we all thought he would. The doctors and nurses at the University of Utah hospital have been amazing and we are making life long friends here. Thank you all for your support, visits, prayers and phone calls. Alan and I are truly blessed and can't wait to bring our baby boy home.

Henry is hooked up to a C-PAP, which forces air into his lungs and keeps them inflated. He is breathing the same air that we are and all the nurses and doctors keep boasting about our little boy. They said there is a good chance he will be breathing on his own tomorrow.

The staff in the NICU (newborn intensive care unit) took some amazing pictures for us and put them all on a disc.

Henry has some long fingers and toes and is known as the "tall skinny kid" in the nursery. His Dad is convinced he'll be a basketball player.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Lagoon

We went to Lagoon over the summer, and I just barely remembered about the pictures. We go to Lagoon atleast once a year over UEA and it's always a good time to hang with the family.Chanley, Travis (our adopted brother) and Annie



Yes, that is my little brother in the middle and yes, he really is that tall.



Spring Break

My family came up to visit us during their spring break, and we also celebrated my mom's birthday. We had lots of food, lots of fun, and lots of laughs. It's always fun when family comes to visit us.
Waiting in line to ride the go carts!

The boys

It wouldn't be a weekend with my sisters if I didn't wax someones eyebrows. This was Annie's first time and I think she handled it fairly well! Welcome to the club Nina Bear.