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

River's Log -- Star Date : Day 9 (33 weeks 5 days)

Hiccups

Who knew they could be so cute?!

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. :)