River's Log -- Star Date : 5 Weeks (37 weeks 3 days)

I can hardly believe that River has out grown his Premie outfits.

What a happy way to celebrate his progress at 5 weeks! 

My little boy is growing and growing. I love his chubby little cheeks that have filled out since we first met.  This morning I noticed how big he looked in my Mom's arms as she cuddled him before she and my dad left to go home after a quick weekend trip to get a "river-fix". He didn't look like the small bird he did when he was first born. He looked like a real baby. :)

I have loved dressing him in those cute little snugly clothes, but now they're just too snug. Newborn clothes still drown him, but we can live with rolled sleeves and baggy legs. 

River's Log -- Star date : 1 Month

Grateful is an understatement. 

I can't even begin to put into words the emotions and thoughts that are filling my heart beyond capacity. And when i try i cry, so i'm going to keep it lite. ;)

This Thanksgiving being grateful is truely an understatement. After a month in the NICU our son is home and we got to spend the holiday together, as a family, and oh how I love my little family!

River is 1 month old today and to us that is a miracle. He'll always be our miracle.

At the doctor's yesterday he weighed in at 4 lbs 12 oz. Our little "feeder and grower" sure is growing and feeding.

My sweet husband, is just that, so so sweet. He helps me with the night time feedings, has painted river's room, works everyday to make sure things are going good, loves me unconditionally, and cuddles his son so sweetly it makes my heart melt. I love him through and through.

There's so much more my heart could whisper to you about the beauty that is this life. A beauty that comes from understanding its purpose. I am Grateful to be alive, to have my baby in my arms and my husband by my side. Eternally.

I am grateful to my God, who walks with me, and who walks with all His Children.

We are never alone and we are never forgotten.

And that is Beautiful.

Happy 1 Month birthday Honey Butter Baby.

We love you more each day!

Skyler was determined to have a wonderful Thanksgiving, afterall it's our first Thanksgiving in our house and as a family. So Away he went to the store and bought some ingredients and whipped up the most wonderful delicous Turkey Dinner. He even improvised some delicious sweet potatoes that I am craving the left overs.

Thank you Skyler!! Dinner was delicious and so was the company!!

River's Log -- Star Date : 28 Days

Let's be friends, Wanna?

Some of our friends have asked us what Charlie thinks of the new baby.

He's very curious about River, sniffing his bassinet often and perking up every time he a makes noise. i was a little worried at first be cause i think charlie thought the baby was a toy, but he's stopped licking his cops when he sees River and is much more interested in stuffed animals and tennis balls. ;)

  Feeding times are fun because Charlie likes to watch River especially when we sit him up to be burped. Of course we're not letting him get very close, Charlie's more like an admirer from a far. We're following Caesar's advice and establishing that River is OUR baby.

Don't worry though, Charlie does get in on cuddle time. Usually i am cuddling River in one arm and scratching Charlie's head with the other hand.

A proud Daddy Moment

Skyler's facebook page celebrating River's Firs Movie :)

River's Log -- Star Date: 27 days (36 weeks 2 days)

RIVER'S HOME!!

We got to bring our little cricket home today! He's graduated from the NICU. 

Now the adventure really begins.

Here's our first Family pictures, and yes they are taken with a webcam, but look how cute we are!

This is us leaving the hospital. After almost a month in the NICU, it was really weird to leave our wonderful nurses that have basically become family. We wanted them all to come home with us. :) We love them and look forward to seeing them at the reunion!

Let the Fun Times begin!

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 23 (35 weeks 5 days)

Guess who doesn't have a feeding tube anymore!!

RIVER!!

No more nose worm or tape mustache for my baby.

Look how cute this face is!!

stealing kisses 

hmmm, I think the new born out fit is a little big for our River. His feet end before the footies even begin, but it makes him look like he has long legs.  

UNCLE KENZ is here to play (and paint the nursery and sneak in a Football game.)

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 22 (35 weeks 4 days)

Leaving on a Jet Plane . . .

Our Sweet Nana-Pie flew home today after staying to help us for 3.5 weeks.

I know, I have an amazing angel mother.

My Mom jumped on the next flight after we called her and told her that we'd probably have to have a C-section. I can't even tell you what a comfort it was for me and Skyler to have her here, especially while I was so sick in the hospital. She has always been a great source of strength, comfort, and love for me and we definitely drew upon those wells to get through. 

Needless to say I cried all the way home.

Mom, we can't even begin to put into words how much you mean to us and how much we appreciate you. You are so sweet and so selfless. Thank you for seeing our needs and taking care of them without being asked and with out complaint. Thank you for loving us and loving River so much. 

"Thank You, Thank You, Thank You" Our Heart Sings.

We  L.O.V.E  You!! 

Don't stay away too long, River already misses you!

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 20 (35 weeks 2 days)

River in a Premie Outfit (a wonderful gift from a baby shower held post River's birth.)!! 

I unwrapped my little burrito this morning to see him dressed in this adorable true premie outfit. It fits him perfectly. I laughed out loud at how cute he looked.  

He might not fit in them for very long at the rate he's growing, today he weighed in at 

4 lbs 2.4 oz. 

My little cricket has stolen my heart and shares it with his daddy-o!

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 17 (34 weeks 6 days)

Bright Eyes

Here's some video of River with his eyes wide open. So Cute!

Premie's eyes are super sensitive to light so most of the time the lights are really dim, so him can open his eyes and look around. It does make it hard to take pictures though but here are some any ways. 

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 14 (34 weeks 3 days)

River is 14 days Old today!

River's Stats:

Age: 14 Days  Weight: 1735g, +40g. = 3lbs 13 oz

All the Doctors and Nurses refer to River as the "Rock Star" of the NICU because he is doing so awesome. He's gaining weight like a champ, almost an ounce a day (thanks to my creamy milkshakes) and he is making great progress towards big developmental milestones. PLUS he's super adorable and laid back, much like his daddy.

We love spending time and snuggling our little River. His hair is as cute and fuzzy blonde as ever, he gets the hiccups before every meal and squeaks like a mouse. He smells wonderful and melts our hearts with his half smiles and yawns. He brings tears to my eyes when he cries, which isn't often. 

We are so grateful for the wonderful nurses and doctors that are helping us take care of our little boy. We are also grateful for the love and support we feel from our family and friends. We have definitely felt the power of your prayers, especially in how well River is doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! My wonderful parents are here visiting and helping, and we love and appreciate them so much. We feel like we've been welcomed into a new club of premie parents and are grateful for the support and advice they have offered us. It's so nice to know that we are not alone. 

River is such a blessing. We are so grateful our Heavenly Father sent us such a wonderful little dude and we are so excited about our family. 

 

Our dear sweet River,

We can hardly believe that you've been out of my belly and into our arms for 2 whole weeks.

We love everything about you; you perfect tininess, your button nose, your smiles, your eyes, your smell, the way you squeak like a little mouse when you get the hiccups, your  nuzzling, your fuzzy peach head, how you go cross-eyed every now and then, your lips and soft breath.

We love you completely and entirely.
And just like you are ours, we are yours, whole heartedly. 

You are our River and we will love you forever. 

xo

Dad & Mom