The Flynn Family

It’s been a while…

2012-01-13T08:29:00.001-08:00

We’re alive and well! With the convenience of Facebook and the fact that all my family and friends are on it, blogging got left out. I do read the blogs that I follow from time to time, so I haven’t completely been out of the loop. I’m going to use this post just to catch up a bit.

Brock and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary in September. We went to Gatlinburg, TN in December to celebrate. We had to postpone it twice due to bad weather in the North East. Brock went to Baltimore in September and New Jersey in November with Alabama Power to help restore power. It was our first trip without taking the kids! It was much needed and we had a wonderful time. But what’s the one thing I forgot to pack? My camera, of course! I did take a few pictures with my phone, but it was nice to just enjoy ourselves and not worry about taking pictures of every single thing.

Sawyer is 5 1/2 and is in Kindergarten! He enjoys school and is doing a job learning his sight words, writing and math. He just doesn’t quite enjoy reading that much yet, but I’m hoping that will come soon. He’s all boy and loves to “work” with his daddy on our farm. Santa brought a real 4 wheeler and he loves it! He’s had a healthy year so far with very few asthma flare ups. We’ve been able to control it with albuterol when he does start to flare and have been oral steroid free so far! Last fall/winter was very hard asthma-wise. He was in K4 and had several bad flares and did 3 or 4 rounds of oral steroids. We’re very thankful and praying for continued health and that he’ll eventually outgrow the asthma.

Riley is 2 1/2! She goes to daycare 4-6 days a month and enjoys it! She’s all girl and loves all things pink. She’s a talker and loves to sing. “God Our Father” (or “God Our Fadder” as she says) is sung at least twice during each meal :) She knows her colors (although she sometimes confuses red and yellow—red is yellow and yellow is red), can count to 10, and sing her ABCs. She got a Leap Frog ABC phonics refrigerator magnet that I hope will help with letter recognition and phonics. She enjoys playing with it and her favorite letters are D, J, R. She’s had a healthy year with only 2 ear infections in the past year.

We’re scheduled to go back to Boston in March for a full cleft clinic visit. We’ll meet with her plastic surgeon and have a dental, speech and hearing evaluation. We’re taking Sawyer with us this time and it will be his first time flying! I’m hoping we can have a little fun while we’re there, but it’s going to be a short trip.

On a very sad note, my computer crashed last January! I lost thousands of pictures going back to when Sawyer was 2. I’m super thankful for this blog and Facebook, or I would have lost everything. Lesson learned: always back up your pictures!

So here are some pictures from this past year (April 2011 until now)…

I’ll update with Christmas next…

Beach Vacation

2010-08-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

We spent 5 days at Panama City Beach last week and had a blast! It was my family, my brother's family, my mom and my aunt. We stayed at Splash, which was great because the pools and splash areas were partially or fully shaded. Riley wasn't too sure about the whole beach/splash area to start off with--she got scared right off the bat by the large splash area. It had a HUGE bucket of water that dumped and was pretty loud. By Day 2, she was enjoying herself, although she never really loved the beach. Sawyer loved every minute of it, from sliding down the water slides to learning how to swim to finding tons of shells on the beach.

All packed up and ready to go!

Born to be wild and ready to get on the beach!

my adorable little surfer girl

I love his poses :)

playing in the sand

happy for a little while

Will somebody please let me outta here??

I would love to know what's going on here...

Our Little Lady is ONE!

2010-04-27T12:36:00.000-07:00

The best family pic we could get ;)

Riley turned one on April 16th and we had her birthday party the following day. The weather was perfect so we had it outside. I chose a ladybug theme for her and it was adorable! She really got into her cake...so much so that we pulled out a metal tub and had an old-fashioned outdoor bath :) It's hard to believe it's been a year already. We are so thankful that God blessed us with her. She is a sweet, happy, loving baby and she adds so much love and fun to our family.

Papa and Biggie with their grand-girls

sweet birthday girl

The birthday cake and Riley's ladybug smash cake

Maybe black icing wasn't such a good idea...

She thinking "What have I done?"

All clean!

nothin' cuter than a little hiney :)

special sugar

Now for 12 things about Riley:

She can say "Mama," "Dada," "byebye," "uhoh," "nana," (banana) and is trying to say Sawyer "Aw-er"
She's not walking yet, but is standing up more and more on her own and cruises everywhere
She's the fastest crawler I've ever seen
Riley is a great eater and loves fruits and veggies, especially bananas (she can eat at least 2 in one sitting)
She's got 9 teeth now
She loves playing with her brother, and he loves to help her walk by holding her hands
She signs "finished" and "more"
She gave up her bottle about a week before her birthday without any fuss
Riley gives the sweetest, sloppiest, open mouth kisses ever :)
At her 1 year check-up, she weighed 24lbs 1oz and was 31in long (3lbs more than Sawyer was at a year old)
She loves to play outside
We've been working on animal sounds, and so far she knows a monkey says "ah-ah-ah"

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2010-04-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sawyer played his first t-ball game on Saturday. It was so much fun! Seeing them hit and run and try to catch the ball is so exciting. And they only tackled each other a few times :) I am guilty of being a bit of a paparazzo...I took 167 pictures! Here are just a few...well, a little more than a few...

Easter

2010-04-12T07:50:00.000-07:00

We started off our Easter celebration with an egg hunt a church. The children were read the Easter story before they had an egg hunt. Sawyer's allergies were acting up, so he didn't get that excited about the egg hunt. But Riley enjoyed playing with the egg she found.

Then the Easter Bunny came and brought Sawyer a kite with spool, sunglasses, cowboy Silly Bandz and candy. Riley got a collection of hair bows, candy and a rubber ducky dressed like a lamb.

After church, we had lunch at Brock's parents' house and then both kids (and Mama and Daddy too) took long naps. We finished out the weekend with a egg hunt at Brock's parents' house.

Happy Easter!

2010-03-29T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a picture with the Easter Bunny...can't you tell how thrilled they are?!

Cousins

2010-03-29T08:39:00.000-07:00

We've been fortunate enough lately to get to spend a lot of time with my niece, my brother and my sister-in-law. It makes for lots of photo ops with the kiddos.

Sweet girls

The kids with their great-grandparents from Mississippi

Hello Lilah. I'll just give you a little pat on the head...

...and some slobbery sugar too!

rub a dub dub, three Walton grandbabies in a tub :)

Riley 10 Months

2010-02-16T14:33:00.000-08:00

Riley is 10 months old today! It's surreal that she's going to be one year old in just two short months. Here are a few new things she is up to:

She's pulling up and cruising.
She's officially done with baby food--after tasting "real" food she decided she didn't want anymore bland, baby stuff!
She's doing great with her sippy cup and we have cut out one bottle already and have almost cut out a second one.
She's babbling a lot but no real words yet.
She waves bye-bye.
We went back to the pediatrician today to have her ears checked. No fluid today so tubes aren't in her immediate future.

Winter Wonderland

2010-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

On Friday, February 12th, we had a rarity here in south Alabama...we had snow! And lots of it! We got 4+ inches and it was beautiful. Too bad Brock was a work (he's a lineman with Alabama Power) so it made getting many pictures a difficult task. But I did get some. You'll have to excuse our pitiful winter wear. Cause you see, we're not used to this kind of thing. I had to piece it together as best as I could! And too bad I had to work Saturday, so the kids and I drove and hour north to Montgomery to spend the night with my aunt. I work in Montgomery and didn't want to have to travel the icy roads at 6 am. Sawyer had a good time, although he wasn't interested in building a snowman (actually we did build one, but he just wanted to knock it down). Poor Riley lasted about 10 minutes and then she had had enough (but loved to look out the windows at all of the snow).

the cows didn't seem to mind

Bowling!

2010-01-28T13:26:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday night, Brock, Sawyer and I went bowling with some friends of ours and their two youngest children. We had a great time. Brock's mom was nice enough to come over and babysit Riley so we could go. I think it was the first time just the three of us have done something together since Riley was born. It was Sawyer's first bowling experience, as you can tell by the pictures, he had a blast!

Waiting to get started

Sydney and Sawyer making their ball selections

A little help from Daddy

Wait for it...

How cute are those little bowling shoes?

It takes the ball a while to get down the lane at 2 MPH :)

Pow!!

Showing off the perfect technique

And finally, the best shot of the night...

YYYEEESSS!!

Too bad I wasn't quick enough to get a picture of him kicking the ball down the lane soccer-style!

Riley 9 Months

2010-01-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

First of all let me say that I am SO far behind on my blogging (and reading other's blogs). I may try to go back and post some pics from Christmas. For now I'll stick with current events.

Riley turned 9 months old on the 16th. She's growing up so fast! I don't remember time going by quite this fast with Sawyer. It'd hate to see how fast it goes if we have a third!

Some things Riley has been up to:

She has left backwards-only and crab crawling styles behind! She is now full steam ahead! And the heads straight for the totally not baby-proofed play room.

She is back to eating the full array of stage 2 baby foods. She is also eating some things from the table. But I think there is as much food in the high chair seat that ends up in her mouth. However, she is not that crazy about stage 3 dinners so far.

She weighed 22 lbs 4 oz and was 29 inches long at her 9 month check up. She is in the 90-95% for both. Sawyer weighed 21 lbs at a year old. She did still have fluid in both ears, so if she still has fluid in a month we will visit the ENT for tubes.

Check out those legs!

Riley is babbling a lot but no "real" words so far.
She loves to clap and shake her head "no-no."

She attempts to pull up, but has not been very successful so far. She does love standing up and playing though.
She has SIX teeth (2 on top and 4 on bottom) and loves to brush her teeth.

I just love this pouty face!

She has been on soy formula since I stopped pumping, but we are successfully adding milk-based formula (and some whole milk today) to her bottles and she's tolerating it just fine!
Her hair is starting to grow in much more now.

She is a sweet, happy, easy-going baby. And Sawyer is a wonderful big brother. I am so blessed!

Walton Christmas

2009-12-18T08:42:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas at my mom's this past weekend. We had it a little early because my brother won't be here during Christmas (he works off shore on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico). We had a great time!

Sawyer, and my sister's boys, Brandon & Brayson

Lilah & Riley

Lilah says, "Okay Riley, if you're going to keep touching my face, I'm going to bite your hand."

Sawyer was excited when I told him that he got a racing bike

Riley really got into opening presents!

I didn't get a picture of all the cousins together at Christmas, but this one is from Thanksgiving

8 Months Old

2009-12-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted! I wrote a 7 month post for Riley, but never actually posted it because I never had time to add pictures. So here's her 8 month update:

She's started crawling, but only has one gear...REVERSE! It is so funny to watch her go from sitting to down on her tummy (the picture below is after she's crawled backwards under the Christmas tree)

She has three teeth now--two on bottom and one on her top right
She's still a drool monster, but her cheeks and neck have greatly improved since I started using Aveeno Soothing Relief lotion
She's babbling and "talking" all the time. She woke up last night and was talking in her crib and it sounded like she was saying "Mama" but I can't get her to say it on demand.
All of a sudden, she's not liking any green veggies. She did love them and I thought peas were once one of her favorites, but now she just gags. But she eats all other foods with enthusiasm!

She loves her brother and thinks he's quite funny--she gets tickled just watching him play

She's clapping

Riley can stand with a little support (and help getting up)

She's still my chunky monkey with rolls and dimples everywhere
She loves bathtime and sitting up in the tub playing with her toys

She is content to play by herself a lot of the time
She's got her big girl carseat now and loves it

She truly is a sweet, happy, content baby and we are so proud that God blessed us with her! It's so hard to remember what our life was like without her.

Trick or Treat

2009-11-01T13:10:00.000-08:00

Lilah, Sawyer and Riley

Halloween was a family affair at our house this year. Heather (my sis-in-law) and my niece, Lilah, joined us for Trick or Treating. It was so much fun! Neither one of the girls had napped well, but they were troopers. They were the cutest cowboy, flower and pumpkin I've ever seen!

showing off his belt buckle

adorable

Sawyer loving on Lilah

backseat full of babies (I'll definitely need a bigger vehicle if there's a baby #3 in our future)

happy and excited about her first Halloween

"Please stop Mama!"

Everyone was exhaused by the time we were finished, Mamas included. Riley and Lilah were both asleep before we got home.

6 Months Old

2009-10-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to believe that Riley is 6 months old already! She is growing and learning so much! At her six month check up last week, she weighed 19lbs 4oz and was 27.25 inches. So she's gained over 11lbs and grown over 7 inches since she was born!

Riley can sit for a couple of minutes without any support
She really loves her Jumperoo...so much so that she rubbed a blister on her big toe
She really loves baby food...so much so that she gained 3lbs in a month since she started
Peas, sweet potatoes and bananas are her favorites
Riley loves to splash in the tub
She has her first tooth...her lower right tooth has broken through
She's trying to hug...she grabs us really tight by our face, hair, clothes...whatever is in reach
She's definitely got the high-pitched, top of her lungs girl sqeal down to a science

Thanks to her recent spurt in weight gain, I'm afraid all of the cute winter clothes on bought on sale in the Spring won't last too long. The shirt she's wearing the picture up top is a 6-12 months and is definitely snug ;)

She is 8 weeks post-op and we've stopped steri-strips and started massage with Mederma. We'll also have to be deligent about applying sunscreen whenever she goes outside.

Don't let the food running out of her mouth fool you...she was distracted by the camera

That 's not a carpet stain, I promise...

Happy Fall Y'all!

My Little Cowboy

2009-09-29T05:55:00.000-07:00

Sawyer is really loving his pony. Pop bought him a cowboy hat last week and Sawyer thinks it's the best! He was wearing it galloping around the house the other night. Everday when Brock gets home from work, Sawyer asks to go saddle up his horsie and ride. Then he explains to me (every time) how he needs to go put on his big blue jeans and boots "like this" (demonstrating to me) so he can go ride.

A little nervous during his first ride

Much more confident now

All smiles

So excited that he fed Little Joe by himself

5 months old

2009-09-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Riley is 5 months old today! It's going by SO fast! She's also 3 weeks post-op. The suture that was coming up through her skin dissolved on it's own and fell off today. Yay! Only 3 more weeks of arm restraints and steristrips. I'm honestly so tired of the restraints...I know they are required to help protect the awesome work that Dr. M did, but I'm ready for Riley to be able to be a regular baby. A baby that can play unrestricted, can put her hands in her mouth, can roll around on the floor. Dr. M is pleased with how her lip is healing. She does have a little puffiness under her nose and I'm hoping we can help reduce that by putting her steristrips on tighter.

Here are 5 things about Riley:

she loves to be naked and take baths--she's likes to splash around
she's laughing out loud and is very ticklish
she can roll over both ways, but not with the restraints on :(
she can sit up fairly well with little support
her favorite toys are her bouncy seat and overhead gym

And one more thing...she loves to growl!!

Here are some pictures I took today:

Lilah & Riley

And some of Riley playing this week:

Sawyer & Riley playing under the gym (and Riley trying to roll over)

Sawyer thought Riley wanted to play with her dolls

5 years

2009-09-14T08:23:00.000-07:00

Today is our 5 year anniversary! Brock and I were married at sunset on Makena Secret Surf Beach in Maui, Hawaii. We dated for 5 years before we got married. During that time we were in several weddings and decided that a big production was not for us. So to Maui we went! It was beautiful and was the trip of a lifetime! Now, if I could only convince Brock that we have to go back (he's not much of a traveler).

Photography by Sawyer

2009-09-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

Sawyer loves taking pictures with my camera. Usually I just delete them because they're typically really close-up pictures of the remote, couch cushion, toys, etc. The other night he had my old camera and managed to take a few decent pictures. I'll have to be sure to let Santa know that Sawyer might want his very own kid camera for Christmas.

Sissy Roo--the only picture out of 10 that her head wasn't cut off

Daddy looking a little crazy

self portait--and close up view of boogers (sorry, he has a cold)

I've been thinking that I want a new camera for Christmas. I have a Fugi FinePix that I got for Christmas when Sawyer was a baby. If any of you have a awesome camera, I'd love to hear about it.

Pretty Face and Ponies

2009-09-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Here's a look at Riley's beautiful, unobstructed face! Her Logan's Bow fell off Saturday night thanks in part to tons of drool and Riley pulling on it every chance she could get when her restraints were off. Man, she's fast! I took the opportunity to take a few pictures after I changed her steristrip last night. Dr. M says that there are two "dots" on the right scar line that we need to keep an eye on. They are dissovable sutures that are just under the skin. I'm praying that they resolve on their own and we don't have to make any unscheduled trips to Boston! But we couldn't be more thrilled with Riley's result. And are so proud of her dimple!

Sawyer went to Lottie and Pop's (Brock's parents) house Saturday afternoon and came home with a pony! They took Sawyer to the local horse show and came back with this little prize. He was already named Little Joe, but Sawyer insists that his name is Joe Dexter (that's Brock's daddy's name). I think it's hilarious. I've suggested every name I can think of to change it to, but Sawyer wants him to be Joe Dexter. Sawyer is so excited about him!

I fully intend on posting more about Riley's surgery, but I just haven't had time. Naps have been hard to come-by (Riley wants to be held and wakes up the second her body touches her bed). I'm hoping I have time to post more this week! Happy Labor Day!

Back at the Hotel

2009-08-28T16:15:00.000-07:00

post-op day 3--swelling and bruising almost gone

out to eat

a tub full of baby...gotta love it!

We got discharged this morning and are enjoying some down time at the hotel. Riley is doing great. Eating 5-6 ounces every 3 hours during the day and Tylenol is controlling her pain. She only woke up once last night (to eat) and I'm hoping she'll repeat that tonight. She's talking (cooing) and playing and trying to get her new smile figured out. I'm amazed at how great (and how different) she looks!

New Face

2009-08-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Here's a look a Riley's new face! She's very swollen, but you get the idea. She's doing good...resting pretty well but not eating much. We are SO very fortunate to have a private room and that makes things so much easier. I'm going to post later about our trip in more detail, but just wanted to give a little peek at my angel...

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2009-08-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

Our flight leaves today for Boston. We will be there for 9 days for Riley's final lip repair. I'm dreading it so badly. I wasn't this anxious with her lip adhesion. I guess because it was a much shorter procedure and we were only gone for 5 days. I know that this has to be done and that it's what's best for Riley, but for some reason it's not making it any easier. The nurse in me is not nervous at all, but the mama in me is! Please join me in praying for safe travel, wisdom and a steady hand for Dr. Mulliken, and a quick and as painless as possible recovery for Riley.

We went to my brother and sister-in-law's house yesterday to celebrate Adam's 25th birthday a few days early. His birthday is Tuesday (Riley's surgery date). It was great to be able to have time with our family and allow them to see Riley's "first face" one last time. My grandparents from Mississippi were here and they hadn't seen Riley since she was 2 weeks old and were amazed with how much she's grown.

Riley and Adam

Riley and my mama, aka Biggie

Riley thought my sister, Brandi, was so funny

Riley and Brandi

Riley and her great-grandparents

Me, Riley, Lilah and Heather

Oh, how I'm going to miss Sawyer! Maybe that has a part in my dread. Nine days without him is going to be tough! He will be thoroughly spoiled in my absence, though. He will spend time with Brock's parent's, my mom and my aunt. My aunt is taking him to the Georgia Aquarium so I know he'll have lots of fun.

Check-ups

2009-08-16T15:34:00.001-07:00

I took the kids for their check-ups on Thursday--Sawyer for his 3 year and Riley for her 4 month. Sawyer was 31.14 lbs and 37.25 inches and Riley was 15 lbs 2 oz and 25.25 inches. Wow! Riley has grown...a lot! She was in the 75% for all measurements. Just as a comparison, Sawyer was 16 lbs at 6 months. I'm glad Riley's on the chunky side, especially for her up coming lip reconstruction. I tried her with some baby rice cereal, but she's not ready--lots of bad faces and even some gagging. Sawyer wasn't ready either until around 5 months, so I'm just going to wait to try again after Riley's totally recovered.

I then took them to have portraits made on Friday. I cannot wait to see the proofs. The photographer said they should be up by this Friday. Later Friday afternoon, Riley rolled over from stomach to back. She is trying really hard to roll over from back to stomach, but can only manage to get on her side.

before

mid-roll

tada!

I just love this face! I'm having really mixed emotions about her surgery. We leave a week from today for Boston. This is my Riley. She is beautiful. I love her just the way she is. But I am also excited to see how she will look after her lip repair is done. I feel so much more reluctant, anxious, nervous this time. But I know she is in great hands (God's and Dr. M's) and that she will be beautiful.

Lilah

2009-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

My, how fast they grow!

sleeping beauties

My brother, Adam, and his wife, Heather, welcomed Lilah Faye on July 27. Lilah weighed 7lbs 15oz and was 20 inches long. She is beautiful and we're so happy to have her in our family! I'm also thankful that Riley will have a cousin the same age. We went to visit with them on Wednesday. It's so funny so see Lilah and Riley side-by-side. It's hard to remember that Riley was that little just 3.5 months ago! Lilah was a little jaundiced and spent a few days under lights...hence her little "tan" is a stark contrast to Riley's snow white skin! Sawyer is in love with Lilah too and wanted to take her home with us.

It's been a while

2009-08-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

div>It's been a while since my last post. Since then, my brother and sister-in-law welcomed their baby girl, Lilah (I'll post about her later). Nothing else too exciting has been going on. Just enjoying the summer and getting geared up for Riley's final lip repair on the 25th. I bit the bullet last week and put Sawyer in big boy underwear. He's been doing pretty good so far. Usually only one accident each day but he's still in pull-ups for naps and bedtime. Sawyer really could care less if he's wet or not. When he does have an accident, sometimes he tells me, other times he goes about his business in wet clothes. I'm proud of how well he's done though and hope by next week (maybe) he won't be having any more accidents.

Here are just a few random pictures from the last week of my precious two!

Happy girl!

My beautiful two!

Having fun!

His Indian war paint (flour)!

Riley's serious look

3 months old

2009-07-16T18:26:00.000-07:00

Riley is 3 months old today! Time is flying by! She's getting so big! Riley is getting better about taking more/longer naps during the day (there have been days where she has literally only taken a couple of 15 minute naps). She will still only go about 6 hours without eating at night, but I can handle that. She wasn't much in the mood for smiling during my mini photo shoot today, but I got some sweet pictures anyway. I'm so thankful for our perfect, beautiful, sweet little angel...

Sawyer's 3rd Birthday Bash

2009-07-12T13:19:00.000-07:00

We had Sawyer's birthday party yesterday and he had a blast! It wasn't quite as hot as it has been (around 90) and the kids loved the water slide. Sawyer even had to be coaxed off the slide to open presents!

Could it be?

2009-07-10T17:12:00.001-07:00

That my sweet, not quite 3 month old, baby girl is already teething? It appears so! Riley's been drooling like crazy and mouthing her fist and then a couple of days ago I noticed the very small white spot on her left lower gum. My mom said my brother started teething at this same age so I guess it's possible...

little drool box

boy this fist tastes good

not happy about showing of her tooth

Sawyer is Three!

2009-07-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

3 years old

2 years old

1 year old

My baby, or I guess I should say big, boy is three years old today! Sawyer was born July 7, 2006 at 11:53 pm and weighed 6 lbs 11 oz and was 19 inches long. I asked him yesterday if he would stay my baby boy forever and not grow up and he said "No, I've got to get big." I'm going to attempt to list 36 things about Sawyer:

He is very sweet and loving, always telling everyone "I love you"
He is allergic 3 D's: dairy, dogs and dust; and cinnamon
He loves tomatoes
He loves strawberries
He likes just about all fruits and vegetables
He's a good sleeper
He has good manners, saying "please" and "thank you" without proding, although you do have remind him to say "ma'am" and "sir"
He is always so appreciative of anything and I mean anything. If I buy him strawberries at the store he'll ask "Did you buy those for me?" and then "Oh, thank you, Mama!"
He loves tractors
He is scared of cows
He is scared of lizards
He loves cats
He loves to take baths/showers
He loves to play in the sprinklers ("sprinklin")
He still sleeps with his blue baby blanket ("blankie")
He loves to talk
He doesn't forget anything
He likes to ride the lawn mower and 4-wheeler with Brock
He plays well by himself
He likes to climb and jump
He likes to get a flashlight and "look for monsters"
He would always rather be outside
He still likes to be rocked and insists on rocking before naps and bedtime
He will only drink the Very Vanilla flavored soy milk
He can hit a t-ball really well
He's left handed
He likes dental floss
He really does love his baby sister
He likes to go fishing but doesn't want to touch the fish
His favorite song is "Jesus Loves Me"
He is friendly and always greets people we see in public
Although he weighs over 30lbs, he can still wear 18-24 month size shorts
He likes to be our "helper boy"
He loves "chocolate cook-lees" (oreos--they surprisingly don't have dairy in them)
He likes to take pictures with my camera
And finally, he is still not completely potty trained

Growing Up

2009-07-06T12:16:00.001-07:00

My babies are growing up! Sawyer will be 3 years old tomorrow...I can't believe it. It seems like yesterday he was just a baby. And my baby girl will be 3 months old next week. Where does the time go? Here are just some random pictures from the past couple of weeks. For some reason, Sawyer has not wanted to cooperate with me taking pictures of him lately. Riley is becoming more interactive, smiling and "talking" a lot, especially to the animals that dangle on her bouncy seat. I'll make a special post tomorrow for Sawyer's birthday...

Biggie (my mama), me, Riley, and Heather...and Lilah :)

2 month check-up

2009-06-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

Riley had a great check-up today. The fluid was gone from her ears (yay!) and our pediatrician started her on some reflux medicine. She weighed 10lbs 14oz (50%) and was 23.25in (90%)--so I guess she's going to be like her Daddy! I was pleased that she gained 2lbs this past month, especially since she had surgery 3 weeks ago! She did get 3 shots and has been a little fussy, but we're so thankful for the great report!

2 months old

2009-06-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

This post is a little late...almost a week but oh well. Riley was 2 months old on the 16th. Time has really flown by--I thought Sawyer grew up fast, but it seems like Riley is growing even faster! She is a sweet, happy baby most of the time. She loves to smile and to talk ("ooh" and "aah"). I had to take her to the doctor a week and a half ago because she was so fussy and she had ear infections in both ears, but was better the very next day after starting a stronger course of antibiotic. She weighed 10lbs 5.5oz and I'm anxious to see what she weighs at her official 2 month check-up tomorrow. And praying that the fluid has cleared up in her ears!

She loves her Daddy!

You can't resist these little pink piggies!

So happy! She looks like a little Buddha baby!

Sawyer is still crazy about Riley. He says several times a day "I love her." The other day, we were outside playing and Riley was in her bouncy seat. She has a birthmark (hemangioma) on her arm and Sawyer was looking at it. He asked where/why she had it and I said that God gave it to her when she was born. He looked up at the sky and yelled "Oh, thank you God!" He is being a little more rambunctious--blame it on the 100 degree weather that's keeping us from getting to play outside until it's almost dark!

Sawyer fell asleep like this in his playroom--he was exhausted!

He said he was "working on the power lines." Don't look away for a minute!

And blame my lack of posts on going back to work. This will be my 3rd week back. It is nice to get out and have some "adult" time but I do miss them terribly. It's tough being gone from 5:30am until 8:30-9pm but it's only 3 days out of the week. And thanks to Biggie (my mama) for keeping them!

11 days post-op

2009-06-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's been 11 days since Riley's first surgery! She looks great! Who knew that I would be so nervous/paranoid/obsessed with her incisions?! I'm going to be a nervous wreck with the final lip repair...that has been scheduled for August 25th. It was either then or the end of October--I figure it's best to go ahead and get it done before she gets too active.

Don't you just love Sawyer's "bandaid"?! And farmer's tan!

How Sweet...

2009-06-01T11:28:00.000-07:00

I think Sawyer and Riley missed each other as much as Brock and I missed Sawyer! These pictures were taken right after Sawyer got home Sunday (yesterday) afternoon. I still don't think that Sawyer notices Riley's cleft--he asked what her Logan Bow was and that was it. How wonderful would it be if we all had such innocent hearts?

And I took this picture last night after cleaning Riley's lip...

We're home!

2009-05-31T16:07:00.000-07:00

We are at home! It was so wonderful to sleep in our own beds last night! We got home around 7:30pm and were all asleep by 10:30pm. Riley slept until 4:30am and woke up to eat. After getting her incisions cleaned, she went back to sleep and slept until 9:30am! I truly cannot believe how well she has been resting.

Our experience at Children’s Hospital Boston was amazing. All of the staff were so nice and took excellent care of us. Of course Dr. Mulliken is great or we wouldn’t have even gone to Boston, but I’d like to mention all of the other wonderful other people we met. The staff in pre-op, holding and the waiting area were so nice. The chaplain came by in pre-op and prayed with us before we moved to holding. Riley’s anesthesiologist was super nice and caring. He explained how he would put her to sleep and relieved a lot of my anxieties about that. He even came back to talk with us in the waiting area after Riley woke up to tell us how great she did during surgery. Then he came back to check on Riley Friday morning to see how her night went and to make sure she was comfortable. I thought that he went above and beyond what a lot of other anesthesiologists do. Our day nurse Thursday and Friday was Valerie. She was great–checked on Riley often, and stayed on top of her pain medications. She was diligent in keeping the iced saline on the gauze to help reduce swelling. She loved our accents and called us her “Alabama family.” It never failed though, if she was in our room, they were paging her overhead to go to another room! Valerie made sure to tell us that Riley was “not normal–most babies don’t eat and cry a lot.” Riley ate like a champ and didn’t cry any more than she normally does at home. Our night nurse the first night was Loren and she had a student nurse, Colleen. They were awesome. They, too, checked on us often and stayed on top of Riley’s pain meds. They were diligent about keeping Riley’s incisions clean–something Dr. M is adamant about. Loren even offered to feed Riley for me at night so we wouldn’t have to get up (I didn’t let her but was so appreciative that she offered). Mary Anne was our nurse the second night and was great too. A doctor from the plastic surgery team came in Saturday morning and removed Riley’s nasal packing. Then Dr. M came by and sent us home! Needless to say that Brock was very excited about going home on Saturday as opposed to staying until Tuesday!

Riley’s repair is not complete. This was only the first stage. Dr. Mulliken performed a lip/nasal adhesion–meaning he only closed the white part of her lip and made her left nostril match the right. The red part of her lip is the same as before and will be corrected with the final reconstruction sometime between August and November. She has a Logan’s bow over her lip to protect it. It is simply taped to her face and the tape will come off on it’s own in the next week or two. Brock says it makes her look like a football player. Riley has to wear the elbow immobilizers (aka welcome sleeves, or no-nos) to keep her from touching her lip. She is supposed to wear them for the next 4 weeks. Her lip is still pretty swollen and I can’t wait for it to go down so I can see what she *really* looks like.

Thanks to everyone for thinking of us and praying for us. Our prayers have been answered once again. We couldn’t have asked for things to go any better or smoother!

**if you point to the pictures with your mouse, you can see the captions**

Post-op Day One--Boston--Day Four

2009-05-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Riley had a really great night last night. She was awake from about 7:30pm until a little after midnight. She didn't care for the first dressing change too much! But then she slept from around 12:30am until about 10:30am--waking for feedings and dressing changes of course but then going right back to sleep. She has rested well and continued to feed well today too. The Tylenol with codeine seems to be working really well at keeping her comfortable. Her dressing came off around noon. She looks so good--so different already. She is pretty swollen though so I can't wait to see what she *really* looks like when the swelling goes down. Riley has been such a sweet little princess...I won't say much more 'cause I don't want to jinx it! I did get her a crib toy from the play room and she really liked it--it plays music and lights up. We are getting discharged in the morning and then flying home. Can't wait to get home and see Sawyer...it's been a long 5 days already...but so thankful how well everything has gone...

Surgery--Boston--Day Three

2009-05-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

Riley's surgery went as planned this morning. Dr. M ended up doing a lip adhesion on both sides to get them as symmetrical as possible and closed her gumline. She was pretty fussy went we got to see her in the PACU, but I think she was just hungry! She took 2oz glucose by syringe in the PACU then took 2oz milk by bottle when we got to our room. Riley then rested some before taking 2.75oz milk again by bottle. She is resting quietly now...I hope she is able to rest throughout the night and is not in much pain. The staff here is great and I know that we made the best decision by coming here! Right now Riley has a gauze that we keep saturating with iced saline to reduce swelling. I can't wait until it comes off tomorrow so I can get a good look at her sweet face! Thanks everyone for all of your prayers...please continue to pray for a quick recovery and as little pain as possible...

Oh, and Dr. M said we could probably come home after we're discharged on Saturday (Brock is very excited about that)!

Boston--Day Two

2009-05-27T13:55:00.000-07:00

Riley had pre-op this morning. We met with a nurse practitioner who assessed her, weighed her (9lbs 3oz) and took her vital signs. She told us a little about the surgery process. We then talked with anesthesia who just told us how Riley will be put to sleep tomorrow. Finally we met with Dr. Mulliken's nurse practitioner who explained in more detail about what will happen after surgery (wound care, feeding, etc.). Riley was so great during all of this, bright eyed and smiling some of the time, sleeping soundly the rest. Then Brock and I enjoyed some wonderful brick oven pizza. We then went for Riley to have an ultrasound. She has a small dimple/skin fold on her sacrum and they wanted to make sure her spine is normal. It is! She was a perfect angel during the ultrasound and slept the whole time just like the tech wanted her to!

We're back at the hotel now, getting ready for tomorrow. Surgery is on for 7:30. Riley can have her last bottle of milk at 3am and some pedialyte at 5am. Please join us in praying for a safe, successful surgery and quick recovery for Riley...

Boston--Day One

2009-05-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

We left Atlanta bright and early this morning and arrived in Boston around lunch. Riley did so great on the flight and slept the whole way!

We just got back to the hotel from meeting with Dr. Mulliken. He says that her cleft is not as bad as he had initially thought from looking at some pictures I had sent him. He said that he *might* have not even done the surgery in two stages if he had seen her in person prior to now, but says that she will have a "superior result" from the surgeries. He plans on doing the lip adhesion on the left side, gum line closure on the left side and may even do a small lip adhesion on the right side and get both sides as even as possible. Surgery is scheduled for 7:30am on Thursday--Riley will be the first case.

We also got some more good news. Our pediatrician said that Riley had a submucous cleft palate, meaning that there is a cleft in her palate but it is covered by the tissue/lining of her mouth. Depending on severity, submucous cleft palates can require surgical repair just as if it were an open cleft palate. Dr. Mulliken says that Riley has a "very minor" submucous cleft and was very impressed that our pediatrician even found it. He does not feel that it will require surgical repair, although we won't be completely sure until we see how her speech develops (around 2 years old).

Please remember Riley in your prayers--especially Thursday morning. Thanks everyone...

Check-ups and Portraits

2009-05-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Riley had her 1 month check-up yesterday. She weighed 8 lb 14.5 oz and was 22.125 inches. So she has gained almost 1lb since birth and almost 1.5lbs since discharge from the hospital and has grown a little over 2 inches! She did have some fluid in her right ear which her pediatrician wanted to treat with antibiotics to prevent any infection. We also visited my work and made her first Wal-Mart run and she did great!

Today, I went for my postpartum check-up. Everything is fine and I've lost 24lbs! Only 7lbs to my pre-pregnancy weight (although I need a lot of toning)! We then went to have Riley and Sawyer's pictures made. I wanted to have pictures of Riley's *first* face since she'll be having her first surgery next week. The pictures turned out really good considering we had to wait an hour, it was lunch time by then, Riley had been up since 6:30 and Sawyer woke up on the wrong side of the bed!

The last picture is quite possibly my favorite--and it was taken right before Sawyer almost dumped Riley on the floor!

When???

2009-05-14T08:30:00.000-07:00

When will Sawyer learn that being potty trained is a good thing? When we go somewhere he does great, staying dry and letting me know when he needs to go. When we are at home he does horribly, wetting his pants constantly and always denying that he needs to go. I guess he'll do it when he's ready. Let's hope he's ready soon.

He's going to love me for taking these when he's a teenager ;)

4 weeks old

2009-05-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday Riley!! We love you so much and are so very blessed to have you!

Smiling?

2009-05-11T16:20:00.001-07:00

Riley has given us a few *real* smiles. I captured one in the picture while Brock was holding her. Last night, Sawyer was holding her before bed and kissed her and she gave the biggest smile! It was the sweetest thing!

I had a great Mother's Day. Riley slept for 6 hours Saturday night and then I got to sleep late (9:30 woo hoo!!). It was so nice!! We went to church and then Brock spent the afternoon working in the yards. There was so much mortar to clean up around the house and it looks so much better. Now I can't wait until our landscaping gets done...

Here are some random pictures from the past week, week and a half. Sawyer had a great time playing in the mud following some of the massive rain we got. He's doing better in the behavior department. I'm trying to remember to take Riley's picture every week in the Boppy so I can see how much she's growing. She's doing great...eating well and sleeping well. Can't wait to see how much she weighs at her check up next week!

Two Weeks Old

2009-04-30T13:14:00.001-07:00

Riley is two weeks old today! I can't believe it...it seems like she just got here and at the same time it feels like she's always been here. She's still as sweet as ever but has finally found her *voice* and will let it be known when she is hungry (which is often these days)! She's so bright eyed when she is awake and reminds me a lot of Sawyer. But all of this picture taking just wears her out :)

Speaking of Sawyer, he's been extra moody lately and not always on his best behavior. I know it's because his whole life has changed but am hoping that things get better soon! He is very loving to Riley but will act out at the drop of a dime...any of you that have gone through this feel free to pass on some advice!

Kids say the darnedest things...

2009-04-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sawyer has been saying the funniest things lately. I've already mentioned his obsession with why Riley doesn't have shoes. Here are a few more funny things I'd like to share:

I had just changed Riley for the night and put some lotion on her. Sawyer was kissing her head and smelled her. I asked him if she smelled good--his answer--"She smells like poop." No, she did not.
Every time he leaves, he kisses Riley and tells her to "be a good boy."
Sawyer has an old camera of mine that he likes to play with in the car. He wanted it the other day, but it was in the floorboard and I couldn't reach it. He asked "Can Riley get it for me?"
Riley was looking around the other day and my mom asked Sawyer what he thought Riley was thinking about. He said "she thinks like a tractor."
My mom had taken him to the park and by McDonalds on the way home. He was asking for french fries and Mama told him that they were hot and to "hold your horses." He said, "Biggie, I don't have any horses. I have cows."
And finally, he was eating chicken nuggets and green beans for supper last night. He burped loudly and I said "Excuse you." He laughed and said, "Mommy, I mashed a chicken!" (he refers to passing gas as "mashing a frog" hence this funny interpretation)

Surgery Date

2009-04-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

Riley's first surgery date has been scheduled! It is going to be Thursday, May 28th. We will see Dr. Mulliken on Tuesday and have pre-op on Wednesday. I can't believe it's moving this fast! So I guess that means we'll be traveling to Boston on Memorial Day! Please pray with us that Riley stays healthy, we have safe flights, that Brock and I stay healthy, for wisdom for Dr. Mulliken, and for a successful surgery...

Surgery Plan

2009-04-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with Dr. Mulliken in Boston. He wants to do Riley's surgery in 2 stages. He will do a lip adhesion and some work to the nostril on the left side (because it is more cleft than the right) within the next month or so. This procedure will take approx an hour to do and we will spend the night in the hospital. Her stiches will dissolve and the trip should take about 4 days. He will do the complete lip repair when Riley is around 5 months old. This will be a much more involved surgery and will take around 8 hours. We will spend atleast a week or longer in Boston for the 2nd surgery. Doing the repair in 2 stages will give Riley the best, most symmetrical result. Dr. Mulliken says she will not have any of the problems that normally come with clefts--speech difficulties, ear infections, differences in facial growth--since her palate is intact! We are so thankful!! I will let everyone know as soon as we get her surgery date. Please pray that Riley stays healthy and her first surgery goes as well as planned.

Riley is doing great. She sleeps like an angel--which I am not used to b/c Sawyer was not a good sleeper until around 7 months old! I hope she stays that way! She's feeding well and is staying awake a little more during the day.

Sawyer is a great big brother. He loves to hold her (by himself) and help me feed her by holding her bottle (by himself). He takes diapers to the trash for me and helps me bathe her. He is so funny in the things he says. He can't understand why she doesn't have shoes, "Her lost them, Mama?"

Sweet Baby Riley

2009-04-18T11:15:00.000-07:00

We are home! Riley is doing great. She slept like an angel last night and I was able to get some much needed rest. I forgot to mention her vitals in my previous post. She weighed 8lbs 1oz and is 2o inches long.

Riley is here!!

2009-04-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

Riley Elizabeth was born yesterday, April 16, at 7:51 am. We are so blesssed that she only has a incomplete bilateral cleft lip--her palate is intact!! Praise God!! She does have a small indentation (I'm not sure at this time what to call it) in her gumline on the upper left side, but all looks great. The pediatrician mentioned she "might have a submucosal cleft" but her palate is strong and so is her suck reflex. We started off nursing yesterday and she did great, but during the night decided she wasn't very happy with it. I think she has a tougher time getting a good latch because of her lip, so I'll go ahead with my plan to pump and feed her with the Haberman. She's doing great with the Haberman. She is beautiful and so perfectly sweet. I'll post pictures when we get home tomorrow. Thanks to everyone for all of the prayers--God has certainly answered them!!

One more week!!

2009-04-09T06:01:00.000-07:00

This time next week Riley will be here! I can't believe it...the pregnancy has really gone by quickly. I am getting so excited/anxious/nervous. I am praying that she will be healthy and feed well. That's what I'm most worried about--feedings. I don't want her to be treated like a "sick" baby when she's born (although I don't think she will but it's still on my mind). And that Sawyer will be a great big brother--I know he will be. I'm just going to have to watch him like a hawk. When I ask him how he's going to help me with Riley, he says "I'm going to hold her." We've been reading his "I'm a Big Brother" and "Our New Baby" books and talking a lot so I think he's ready. Am I ready? I hope so!!

But I think he's just as excited to be going to see Disney on Ice (Lightning McQueen and Mater will be there) next weekend :)

Easter Party

2009-04-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sawyer had his Easter party as school yesterday. Although he was terrified of the Easter Bunny, he had a great time. He was much more interested in playing than looking for eggs. He did find the golden egg and won some sidewalk chalk as a prize.

Whoops!

2009-04-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I announced that my brother Adam and sister-in-law, Heather, are expecting a little boy...well, not exactly. They're expecting a GIRL!! They had a "sneak-peak" ultrasound at around 17 weeks that was in fact wrong. It is most definately at girl! We're looking forward to the arrival of baby Lilah (they're not sure about spelling yet) in August and hope that she and Riley will be like sisters.

Speaking of Riley, the count-down is on! Two weeks from tomorrow and she will be here! Fourteen days! I can not wait!! I have been having a considerable amount of contractions but really hope she'll wait for her scheduled day (I've got all of our nurses lined up). I will complain about gaining 4lbs this past week. That's right 4 stinking lbs--don't ask me how, because I have no idea. Unless of course it could have something to do with eating a piece (or two, maybe three) of home-made red velvet cake for several days in a row?!?!

Fishing

2009-03-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

Although we had some rain earlier today and are expecting a lot more over the next couple of days, me, Brock and Sawyer went fishing this afternoon. Sawyer even wore his lucky fishing shirt "Frogs, snails and big fish tails, that's what little boys are made of," complete with denim shorts and boots! What can I say?!?! We had a good time and caught a fish every time we cast out our pole. But at times Sawyer wasn't so sure and refused to hold up the fish so I could take a picture. The award for the biggest fish and most fish went to Sawyer. The biggest was bigger than Brock's hand!

Troy Shower

2009-03-26T16:57:00.001-07:00

The girls that I used to work with in Troy hosted a baby shower for me and two others, Teresa and Ashley, this past Saturday. We had such a great time together! We also a had two surprise guests, Dr Coleman and Mrs Ghlea. They moved to Louisiana December was a year ago and it was so wonderful to see them. It was just like the "old days" and reminded me how much I miss them all. Again Riley got many wonderful gifts and the food was excellent.

Baby Shower

2009-03-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

The girls I work with gave me a shower last night. We went out to eat at Eastside Grille and enjoyed some great food and time together. I got so many wonderful gifts for Riley. I'm so thankful I work with such a great group of women.

Riley's Room

2009-03-18T16:04:00.000-07:00

We've got Riley's room put together and I love it! It's so much fun to have a "girlie" room in our house now. I just can't wait for the little girl to get here to enjoy it! I only took pictures of the main items in the room--she also has a dresser/changing table and hope chest.

Only 4 weeks to go...

I'm going to brag on myself a little...I recovered the cushions and ottoman on the rocking chair. It was my first official attempt at sewing and I think it turned out pretty well. It's hard to tell by the picture, but the background is light pink with a medium pink and dark pink stripe.

Wonderful Weather

2009-03-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

Taking a break and watching Daddy work.

Riding the tractor with Daddy.

My sweet boy.

We've had such great weather this past week! Sawyer is so much happier when he gets plenty of outside time. We were able to start on some yard "reconstruction" this weekend. Our yard was ravaged by the construction of our new house and we basically have to replant it all. Sawyer had lots of fun riding the tractor with Brock and also riding his tractor (it is not a lawn mower--it is a "tractor and hay wagon" according to him).

Preggers Together

2009-02-28T18:35:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of me at 31 weeks and my sister-in-law, Heather, at 16 weeks. She and my brother, Adam, are expecting Wyatt in August. I'm so glad that I get to pass down Sawyer's clothes that he didn't get to wear nearly enough. It will be fun to see some of my favorites again.

BOSTON BOUND!! Yep, we've decided on a surgeon for Riley. We will be using Dr Mulliken at Children's Hospital Boston. I have been blessed this past week to talk with 4 families that all used Dr Mulliken with fantastic results (2 from Alabama)! I emailed him last Saturday with Riley's 4D ultrasound pictures and he emailed me back within an hour. Did I mention it was Saturday?! I feel very good about this decision and know that this is the place for Riley. Please pray that we will be able to handle the trips to Boston physically, emotionally and financially.

4D ultrasound

2009-02-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

sweet little hands

beautiful face

eating her foot!

precious baby

wow what a foot!

I had a 4D ultrasound today and got some awesome pictures of sweet baby Riley! At first she was being a little shy (or maybe just sleepy) and was covering her face with her hands, but she soon cooperated. Her cleft appears to be complete on the left and incomplete on the right, which I am hoping will make for a easier repair. We even got one of her trying to eat her foot! She is so cute and I can't wait to meet her! She was measuring a week ahead and an estimated weight of 4lbs 4oz--I'm hoping she will be my chunky baby!

Thanks

2009-02-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all the mommies of cleft affected children. Your support and encouragement is greatly appreciated! We meet with the plastic surgeon and team at Children's in Birmingham on March 5th. I have a general idea of questions I need to ask, but if any of you can think of any that I definately shouldn't forget, let me know. Thanks again ladies! Only about 8 weeks until Riley gets here (if she waits for the scheduled date anyway)!

Mischief

2009-02-17T09:19:00.000-08:00

Mischief...that's exactly what Sawyer's been up to lately. He was in his playroom Friday being very quiet (which is unsual but I decided to relish in the moment). Our computer and other supplies are in a large closet in the playroom. The door to the computer closet has a knob cover so he's not supposed to be able to open it. After being quiet for several minutes he comes into the living room looking like this. He says "I got a marker, Mommy." Yes he did, but luckily only decided to draw on his face and hands.

Saturday when I get home from work, Brock says Sawyer keeps getting out of his bed. I hear him stirring around in his room and go in to find him with his PJ's off, diaper off and a shirt out of his dirty clothes on inside-out and backwards. He explains "I don't like my jamas. I wear this shirt." When I ask why he's taken his diaper off, he says simply "it's wet." PJ's and new diaper back on and he finally goes to bed.

This morning I get up at 7:15. He's not making a sound so I'm thinking he might still be asleep (although he usually wakes up around 6-6:30). I go to his room to find him dressed in this. He says "I like my fish shirt. I get dressed. I want to wear my new shoes." He's taken his PJ's and wet diaper off and put this shirt and shorts on perfectly correctly (even though the high today is supposed to be around 60). He has strown out the new clothes and shoes I got for him yesterday at Kohl's. I asked him to show me his new shoes and say cheese...this is the pose I got. I guess boys will be boys.

Cleft Info

2009-02-13T05:52:00.001-08:00

Some of you (friends/family) have been asking about the NAM device and the type of bottle I'll use. This is a picture of a little boy with his NAM in and all taped to his face.

Also is a picture of the haberman bottle (that costs about $25 each!!) and a brief description of how it is helpful.

In cases of severe feeding problems, the Haberman Feeder offers an alternative to spoons, enlarged and /or extra holes in bottle nipples, and nasogastric tubes. It is so effective and easy to use that it can change feeding sessions from difficult or traumatic experience into a pleasurable activity for health care professionals, parents and babies. Special design features make the Haberman Feeder uniquely responsive to the baby’s nursing efforts. The slit-valve in the teat regulates milk flow from zero to maximum, depending on it’s orientation in the baby’s mouth. As milk is drawn out of the teat by even the slightest action of the baby’s tongue and gums, air enters the bottle at the same rate through an inlet groove in the disc. Consequently, there is no turbulence. Milk flows in only one direction - from bottle to teat. The reservoir always remains full, and none of the baby’s effort is wasted.

If the baby cannot nurse at all, or needs a little help, the health care professional or mother can squeeze and release a limited amount of milk - 1.25 ml (about ¼ teaspoon) - from the reservoir into the baby’s mouth.

Choosing a Doctor

2009-02-11T05:34:00.000-08:00

This is a question for all of you cleft affected families: How did you choose your child's surgeon? I can't help to keep wondering if I'll make the right decision for Riley. I will meet with the the team from Children's Hospital (Birmingham) at a multidisplinary meeting, but should I meet other doctors too to pick the best one? The only other team that is remotely close to where I live (3hr+ drive one way) is the team in Atlanta that some of you have used. If Riley does in fact have a complete bilateral cleft with palate (as we think she does) I feel very strongly that I want to her have a NAM. If the Children's group doesn't do them, I definately won't use them. But I can't really afford to go any where else other than Atlanta. There is no way that I could fly to New York or Boston weekly for months on end for NAM adjustments. Anyone with any insight to this? Is there a possibility that I could use a surgeon in another state, but use a orthodontist closer by to manage the NAM? I just feel like I'm running out of time and need to get a plan in place...

My Bump

2009-02-03T13:15:00.000-08:00

My very sweet, and perfectly thin, sister-in-law, Heather is 13 weeks pregnant. She posted a picture of her bump on her myspace page. I commented to her how patients/family members at work ask me "when are you due" and when I reply "April" they look back down at my stomach and say "oh" like they just knew I was going to say next week! Come on people, I'm only 5'2"! For some crazy reason I hadn't thought about setting the timer on my camera to take pictures. So I took one today of my bump (more like a mountain--but I do love it) and just look at Sawyer's face! Please excuse the horrible clothes--especially the droopy pants!

Nursery

2009-02-03T06:26:00.000-08:00

I ordered some letters for Riley's room off ebay a month or so ago. The lady emailed me today with the finished product and I love them! I can't wait to get her room set up! I've already got her bedding, but it's still in the package. I'll take a picture when I do get it all done, but I wanted to share these oh-so-cute letters. You can view/buy the artist's work at www.missbellasroom.com

He's a Big Boy Now

2009-02-02T07:15:00.000-08:00

Sawyer is growing up so fast! He's been in his "big boy" bed for a week now. The first night he got out several times, but has done really well since then. We've even had 3 or 4 nights of sleeping through the night without getting out at all. He also had a "real" haircut this week. I've been getting Sawyer's haircut for about a year and a half now, but have always left a little length on it so it could still curl. I doesn't really curl anymore (tear) so I decided to just cut it shorter. Everyone seems to really like it, but he definately doesn't look like a baby anymore! He's been doing really well with potty training, so let's hope that's completely done by the time Riley gets here in about 10 weeks.

**I've got it fixed now so you can leave comments...

Help!

2009-01-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm pretty new to this whole blogging thing. I had my page originally set up and had links to friends. Then I found out that no one was able to comment to my blog. So I changed my settings back to the original. Now I can't figure out how to add links to my friends' blogs back in. I want a cute background, but I can't get that to work either. Any suggestions?

OK--I tried it again. I got back to a layout that showed my links, but it won't allow comments again! UGH!

Just email me...

We are Blessed

2009-01-24T06:17:00.000-08:00

We are blessed! How well I know that. We have Sawyer who is smart, happy, healthy. We have Riley who will be healthy, beautiful. Not everyone is as blessed as we are and I am so thankful. I ran into one of the ultrasound techs from the doctor's office at work yesterday. She was there the day I found out about Riley's cleft and comforted me. I know that's what any person would do, but not everyone lost their own child several months back as she did. Her son was born with a heart condition and died after a very hard battle. She told me that she had been thinking about me and praying for me. I told her that I appreciated it and that I'm okay--that I am just so thankful that Riley is healthy and that I know her cleft can be fixed. Then she says, "I know. I think to myself 'if only Matthew had had a cleft, he would still be here.' It's so fixable." Wow. I can only imagine what she has gone through. She lost her son. I will have my Riley. I am blessed! I do not, and will not, feel sorry for myself or for my baby. We are blessed!

Riley

2009-01-20T13:26:00.000-08:00

At my routine 25 week ultrasound, we found out that Riley is going to be born with a cleft lip. We went to UAB today for a targeted ultrasound with a perinatologist. Riley has a bilateral cleft lip and probable palate. We couldn't see palate definately, but all signs point to a cleft. Absolutely everything else appears to be totally healthy! We are so thankful! We will be going back to UAB next month for a multi-displinary meeting with our perinatologist and the plastic surgeon and team from Children's Hospital. I am sad for Riley that she will have to endure several surgeries during her life, but I am so grateful that she will be a healthy baby. I don't know why God chose this for her, but I do know that He does not make mistakes. She is wonderfully made and will be beautiful!

I love this picture of her feet. She has had her feet crossed like this at every ultrasound I've had. Brock says it's because she's a lady...

Allergy Testing

2009-01-16T06:36:00.000-08:00

Sawyer was allergy tested on Wednesday. We have known since he was a little baby (almost newborn) that he is allergic to all dairy products and since he was one year old that he is allergic to cinnamon. He had a really bad bout of coughing, wheezing, runny nose, etc a couple of weeks ago that got better after a week of steriods, breathing treatments and antihistamines. Well he is allergic to dust, dust mites and dogs. Dogs!! Bless his heart, he loves dogs! I guess it is a good thing that Charlie (our shi tzu) went to live with Biggie (my mom) when we moved in our new house! Now I just have to be extra deligent about keeping dust to a minimum!

First Post

2009-01-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

Hello. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Nola. I'm a RN in labor & delivery, wife to Brock and mother to Sawyer. Brock is a lineman and we also have a cattle farm. Sawyer is 2 1/2 and all boy! We are expecting a little girl, Riley, in April. I'm creating this blog so that my friends and family can keep up with what's going on in our lives!