River's Log -- Star Date : 7 Days (33 weeks 3 days)

ONE WEEK

River's Log -- Star Date : 6 Days (33 weeks 2 days)

Daddy's Night -- First Diaper Change 

 Evenings are designated as Skyler's time with River, and I get to tag a long and watch. :)

I am so proud of my boys. Skyler's so eager and willing to jump in and do what ever he can to help take care of River, and does so with such love and tenderness. It was so sweet to see his big hands taking care of our tiny son. I love my boys.

River's cares included taking his temperature, changing his diapers, and then holding him during his feeding.

The above pictures are from the first time Skyler changed River's tiny little premie diapers.

Skyler's going to kill me but I wanted to share one picture from a private and precious family moment, Skyler doing kangaroo care.

I love how River holds on to sky's chest hair. He's just relaxing on his soft bear rug. :)

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 4 (33 Weeks)

No more "party hat" for River, they've taken out his IV!!

Woot! Woot!

(the heart stickers hold on his killer shades while he receives photo-therapy for jaundice, which is normal for premie babies.)

Skyler's one proud Papa.

I love Kangaroo Care. It helps me to feel close to River and come to the realization that he's really here. My belly my be empty now, but my arms and heart are full. 

We really can't get over how small he is. It's hard to believe how you can love something so small SO MUCH.

"I WILL"

- the Beatles -

Who knows how long I've loved you
You know I love you still
Will I wait a lonely lifetime
If you want me to, I will.

For if I ever saw you
I didn't catch your name
But it never really mattered
I will always feel the same.

Love you forever and forever
Love you with all my heart
Love you whenever we're together
Love you when we're apart.

And when at last I find you
Your song will fill the air
Sing it loud so I can hear you
Make it easy to be near you
For the things you do endear you to me
Oh, you know, I will
I will.

To listen to this pretty song click HERE

River's Log -- Star date : Day 1 (32 weeks 4 days)

Day 1, we got to go as a family and see and hold our new little dude in the NICU. He's such a cutie and I loved finally feeling him in my arms. 

River never had to be on oxygen, which kicks butt. Thank goodness we were able to get him two steroid shots which helped his lungs developed. Everyone is so impressed with how well River's doing and we feel so so blessed. 

I was just coming off of Magnesium sulfate, so i was pretty out of it and super swollen (I think I look like Ma Gorg from Fraggle Rock. )

River needed to have an IV, and he was a little difficult to get one going, so the best place was on the top of his head. So we loving referred to it as his "party hat". 

River holding on to Sky's finger.

River was born with tons of fuzzy blonde-white hair. He's our little toe-head. His head looks like a fuzzy peach and I absolutely love it.  

 I was pretty beat up after all was said and done. They were drawing blood every hour and my arms started looking like I was a major user and I had multiple IVs going. 

River's Log -- Star Date: Birth (32 weeks 3 days)

Our Biggest Adventure arrived via c-section at  3:09 am October 24.

We're excited for you to meet our miracle baby 

River  Christian  Briggs

3 lbs 4 oz   16 inches

River was born at 32 weeks and 3 days. His is a story of miracles from the beginning, and at his birth we felt the power of generations come together to get him here safely. 

Yes, it's a dramatic story . . . and I hope to share it one day, but for now just know that Heavenly Father sent his angels to attend us. Heavenly angels, a team of angel nurses and doctors, whom we love and appreciate, and my Angel Mom, Margo, to whom we are forever indebted.

Here's some cute video Sky made of River shortly after he was born. :)

          To our son,

Always Believe in  a God of Miracles River, because You are One of His.