Oh, what a night!

It's Ellie's mom taking the reigns right now...what a night we had last night. I knew we were in for it when Reid did not sleep well AT ALL during the day yesterday. Mom came over to give me a hand which was so helpful. Today, Ellie is at the sitter's to play...and Mom is yet again coming over. Thank goodness for help! I honestly don't think Reid slept an hour straight last night. I saw the clock every hour at least...and he was just crying like crazy. It's hard to keep a baby quiet when they don't feel well...but I had to try since Brian and Ellie were also in the house trying to rest. They were able to get smoe sleep...though Ellie was up about 3 times due to the crying from Reid. Reid wanted to be walked around all night...I didn't mention that! I could not sit with him or lay with him. He wouldn't have it. So, I am mentally and physically drained today. He did not eat well through the night, and I could never tell what was wrong. This is when I wish he could talk, so I could help him out. I am wondering if he is just upset and not feeling well because of the NAM...or does he have an earache or something???? Hard to tell. He is actually sleeping now...so we will see how today goes and then take it from there. I did actually get him to drink a bottle this morning with a NUK nipple. I didn't have to use the syringe. He seemed to like the feel of the nipple on his tongue more so than the syringe with the NAM device in. So, maybe we can start using cleft bottles now instead of the syringes. That would be nice. Again...we will take it one day at a time. So...all you NAM moms out there...did you have similar weeks? How long did your kids' discomfort last with the NAM? I know we need to do this...and I know he will get used to it...but these last 2 days have been awful. I feel so badly for him, and we all need some decent rest. Nam moms....help!!!! Let me know your thoughts...and any advice you have...I will gladly take. Thanks everyone...keep us in prayer. We will be ok...it is just going to take some time.

Reid's NAM device- Week 1

Here we are...It's Ellie's mommy posting today. Reid got his NAM device put in yesterday afternoon...and is really having a hard time with it. He is fussy and just has not figured out what all this is about. He stopped gagging thank goodness....that was not fun. He was gagging and throwing up all last night. He could not get used to it. Today...that has stopped. He is not able to rest well. He is a tummy sleeper...and with this in his mouth, he bumps it and gets mad, and wakes up frequently. We were up most of the night last night. We pray that this will get better soon. The doctors told us that the first week is pretty much a week of crying and misery for all. Let's hope we can all hang in there and take one day at a time. It is hard to see your baby in pain or discomfort. Keep us in prayer....we thank you!!!! I will post again soon!

Yep...it's true!

Mommy wants you all to check out Reid's shirt. He looks like a shy guy in this picture, but we all know the true Reid. Yep, little heart breaker....and little flirt already!!!!

Soooooo big!

Thank you Rachel for the Bumbo....how fun! My baby brother likes it a whole bunch, and it saves Mommy's back when she needs a break from holding him. In the one picture, Reid is watching all the colors on the tv....pretty funny, huh? And in the other, he woudn't smile....but is looking right at Mommy's camera thinking..."Hmmmm...do I look silly in this thing???" He looks bigger than a 12 week old, doesn't he??? He loves to be upright and holds his head up really well. Mommy doesn't think it will be too long until he is rolling over. Wow! Thanks again, Rachel!!!!

Week 2 Weigh in

It's Ellie's mom standing in for a moment....
I forgot to post this...and I promised I would to stay accountable to myself. Here goes....

Weigh in- week 2
Loss of 2.4 pounds

Total loss for 2 weeks-
6 pounds

Little by little...day by day! More posts to come soon!!!!

Smiling Reid!

Here are a few of my mommy's favorite pictures of Reid. He was very happy today in his bouncy seat (this is a switch! He used to hate it!). He was just laughing and cooing away today. He is getting used to his tape, too. He is a good baby. Love you, big boy!!!!!

Thanks for playing with me, Caylin!

My friend, Caylin, came over today!!!! It was so much fun! We played all kinds of fun stuff!!!! We painted, played dress up, destroyed the living room, played in my room, then played with Sophie and in in basement, ate lunch together, and had a great time! Thanks for being my friend, Caylin. I am glad you could come to my hosue today. I love you! Come back again soon!!!!!

Scariest moment EVER!

Hello...it's Ellie's mom taking a turn. I can't believe I am admitting this to you all...but I have to share my scary mom moment with you. Monday's are gymnastics days. Brian had to work late yesterday, so I took both kids to the studio. No big deal. The diaper bag was next to Reid on the floor of the van and I threw my keys on top of it while I was organizing and getting Ellie out of her car seat. No big deal. I got her all situated and told her to stand on the sidewalk right next to us so I could get Reid out of his seat on the other side of the car. Ellie promptly stood where I asked her to. Without thinking, I closed the door and walked over to Reid's side of the car. All doors were closed....and not to mention LOCKED. Now, remember where I set my keys???? Yes, on the diaper bag next to Reid....IN THE CAR. I seriously had a melt down. I grabbed Ellie and ran inside. I frantically called out..." I need someone's phone to call the police....My ten week old baby is locked inside my car!" What a great impression I am sure I made on all those parents in there watching their kids during practice. A wonderful friend of mine was there to take care of Ellie and I ran outside to stand and wait for the police to come and rescue my baby!!! An EMT was in the studio watching his daughter and came out to stand with me. Then, a teacher friend of mine pulled in the parking lot with her daughter and stayed with me also. The police officers showed up...two cars...to help out. Our van has an anti theft thing-a-ma-gig on it...so it knew someone was trying to get in. It would not allow the officer to unlock the doors from outside. So there we all stand....trying to get in...while Reid is peacefully sleeping all cozy in his bundled up blankets in his car seat. My friend, Judy, that was there told me to take her car to our house to get the second set of keys to unlock the doors. That's what I did. I flew home and grabbed the keys. Thank God we have a touch pad to get into our garage with...because otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to get in since my keys were in the car....LOCKED!!! So, I rushed back...unlocked the doors...and snatched up Reid who was still sleeping. All of this just in time to get Ellie from her class since it had ended!!!! I missed the whole class. This experience was so scary. I was so glad that we live close to the studio. Never has my heart beat so fast. So glad we are all ok....and what an experience to write down in the baby book, huh????? Ahhhhhh....hopefully I won't do that ever again!!!!! Love you, Reid and Ellie. Thanks for being sooooo good!!!!

PS...Josh...I was waiting for you to pull up in your police car and rescue us all from this situation. I was a frantic mom.....just ask your buddies who helped me out!!!!!

Family Picture 2007

This is a family picture of my Grandpa Leatherman's side of the family that was taken on Christmas. The only poeple not pictured are my Aunt Carol and Uncle Kevin. They weren't in town when this was taken. Reid is the youngest here at 7 weeks and Great Grandma Mimi is the oldest pictured here at 93 years old. What a great picture. Love you all!!!!

Sideways Pictures

Sorry for the sideways pictures....Blogger and Mommy weren't getting along today. She decided to still post!!! Hopefully, we will get this resolved soon!!!! Thanks!

I dressed myself!

Look at me....it's about 10 degrees outside and I picked out a skirt to wear, a very short sleeved shirt, and my beautiful purple and teal tights. Don't I look pretty??? Mommy said this was ok...as long as we weren't going outside. I love to dress myself!!!!

Playdoh fun!

Mommy and I made playdoh today. It was a lot of fun!! It was fun to squish my hands around in. I also chose blue food coloring to put in it. Mommy accidentally deleted that picture. Oops! I had about as much food coloring on my hands as I put in the playdoh! Oh, well....at least I will look pretty for gymnastics tonight!

Thank you Browers!!!!

My neighbors across the street gave Reid and I Build a Bear gift cards for Christmas this year. How fun is that???? Reid was having a hard day...lots of crying since his tape has been put on his face. He doesn't like it much. So, Grandma and Grandpa watched Reid for a while last night so Mommy, Daddy, and I could go out for dinner and to Build a Bear to make our bears. Mommy and Daddy needed a little Ellie time. It was nice. So, this is me making my bear...and I helped make one for Reid, too. It was so much fun. I got to put a heart in mine and stuff it and fluff it..and the best...I got to dress it!!!! I named my bear Emma and Reid's is Fuzzy. I dressed my bear like a ballerina and Reid's is a doctor! We thought this was appropriate. So, thank you Browers for such a fun night for us. Come over and meet our bears real soon!!! Love you!!!

Fun Mall Trip

While we were at the Mall for my Build A Bear adventure, there was a big blow-up bouncy thing that kids could go in. This is my most favorite thing to do! So, Mommy and Daddy let me jump. What a great time I had with Mommy and Daddy. Thanks for the extra fun day!!! I love you!

Surgery #2

It's Ellie's mom taking over for a bit today....Well, what a great day it was! Reid was such an angel today. We had to be up and about at 4:30 am...and he hadn't eaten since 1:00 am...and he was absolutely wonderful through this whole day. He slept the whole way to the hospital and woke up mid way through our wait in the waiting room. He was actually smling and cooing...and he hadn't eaten for over 7 hours. What an angel baby! He went through surgery great, and the doctors were able to get 2 good impressions made. A mold will be made of Reid's palate, and he will have it placed in his palate next Friday. Meanwhile, we are taping his upper lip (pre-maxilla) to his cheeks to provide tension. The goal is to bring the lip downward before next Friday. This will make the doctor's job easier as they place the mouthpiece in. We are grateful for a productive day, and the nurses and staff at Rainbow were fabulous. We could not be happier. Love you baby, Reid. Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you. What a trooper you are!

Weigh in

Ok... it's Ellie's mom taking over for a bit. I am currently a member of Weight Watchers to lose this baby weight. Now, I know you all don't need to know all of this...but it will make me accountable each week to you!!! So, get ready...let the weigh ins begin!!!

Week one- down 3.6 lbs YESSSSSSS!!!!! It's a start!

Sleeping Beauty

Well, folks...here I am! Sleeping Beauty! I don't like to take naps in my room, and sometimes I make life a little difficult around here because I like to get my way. So, here I am...taking my nap on the couch in my "wedding dress". I guess this is what they mean by "beauty sleep"! Ha!

Reid's Surgery Re-scheduled

Reid was supossed to have his surgery today at Rainbow....but it was moved to Friday due to a conflict with the doctor. So, prayers for Reid on Friday. Prayers for me, too please. Mommy took me to the doctor yesterday, and I have a whole bunch of yucky stuff. I have an ear infection, a throat infection, and pink eye in both eyes. Mommy is trying really hard to keep me away from Reid. That's not easy! Grandma and Grandpa took me overnight last night to help give Mommy and Daddy a little break. They haven't slept too much since I have been sick and cranky for quite a few days. I also love going to my Grandma and Grandpa's....so everyone wins!!!

What a big boy!

My brother wants to walk...Mommy swears that he does! He wants to be upright all the time. So, Mommy pulled out my saucer just to see what Reid would do. She had to put a towel around him because the seat is too wide for him...but he can hold himself upright. He really liked it. Mommy says that she is in for it!!! Reid is going to keep her busy she thinks!! You are so big, Reid!!!

We're heading to RAINBOW!

Just for my blogging friends who do not get e mail from us...we have decided to transfer Reid's medical care to Rainbow Babies Hospital in Cleveland officially. We have a really good feeling about our decision, and we ask that you continue to keep our family in prayer. We know that there are many hurdles that we will be facing in the days, months, even years to come with Reid....and we are so glad that you will be with us along the way. Here we go.....thanks for riding along with us the whole way!!!!

Sooooo happy!

Just a couple of pictures to show how happy I am!!! My Pappy was over today spending some time with my brother and me...and Reid was very happy to see him. He was laughing out loud a bunch, too! It is so funny when he gets so happy! He makes everyone laugh along with him!

My brother found his hands!

My baby brother found his hands the other day for the first time. To you reading this, that may not sound like a very big deal, but it is to Mommy. You see, Reid will wake up at night and cry for a second, and then find his fingers to suck on and head back to sleep. This makes Mommy happy! Reid is sleeping for about 5 hours at a stretch at night. Mommy says she can't complain. Reid is a good baby. Love you, Reid!

Ellie's first day of gymnastics

Here I am being a big girl at my first day of gynmastics practice! I am doing Tigger jumps with my friend..but I can't remember her name right now...so sorry! I had a great time, and I am sure there will be more photos of me in the near future!!!!

PS...RACHEL...how do you get sound on your blog videos??? Mommy keeps messing up and is frustrated....so there is no sound on our videos right now. HELP!!!!

Daddy is upstaging Mommy

Ok....so here is what Daddy did to my picture to be funny. He decided to take it to the next level. I get my computer skills from him!!! Love you, Daddy!

Ellie-Pod

Here I am blogging away...listening to my daddy's I-pod. Hey...it's never too early to work with technology! I need to be computer literate by preschool, you know!? By the way...like my orange mustache??? I snagged a sip of Mommy's orange pop. Shhhhh! Have a great day!!!!

Mr. Blue Eyes

Here is Reid just looking around being sweet. Mommy loves this picture.

Yeah for slippers!

Ok...so Mommy and I love these slippers that Mommy's friend Ann brought for Reid. Daddy thinks Reid looks funny. We all had a laugh when Reid had them put on and loved them. We all know he loves being toasty warm....I guess these are a bigger hit with Reid than we thought! Sorry Daddy..2 against 1...we win!!!!

Our family....

This was a picture taken when we were at my Grandma and Grandpa Leatherman's house (my mommy's parents). We never seem to get family pictures when we are all together..and Grandma decided that it was about time to do so! Here we are...I am sitting on my daddy's lap..then my Grandpa and Grandma Leatherman...then my mommy holding Reid....then my Uncle Kevin and Aunt Carol are in the front. What a great picture of us all!

Looking on....

Here I am with my Grandma having some snuggle time. Mommy was taking the picture of us being silly. Here is the cool part. When my Grandma got this developed she noticed something sooo neat. Look in the background and focus on the picture. That is my grandma's mom and dad...my great-grandparents that I never got to meet. They were already in heaven. It is just neat how it looks like they are watching over us all. My mommy never even realized that the picture was in the background. How cool to see that we are always been watched over and loved.

Calling Jim Tressel....

Go Bucks!!!! The Ski clan will be cheering you on!!! If you need a linebacker anytime soon....Reid is ready!!!! Just say the word!!!!

PS...thanks Grandma and Pappy for my OSU gear! Love you!

Look who is TWO months old!

Ok....so my "little" brother is now 2 months old. Mommy and I went to take him to the doctor today. Mommy and Daddy were betting on how much Reid would weigh. Mommy thought close to 12 pounds and Daddy thought more in the 11 range somewhere. Well....*drumroll please*....Reid weighs 12 pounds 15 ozs. He is only 1 oz. from 13 pounds. No wonder he can't fit into his 0-3 month outfits very well! He is also 23 and 3/4 inches long. He has gained 2 and a 1/2 pounds and 2 inches in one month! Who says that cleft kids have trouble eating!??? Reid is showing them! He is in the 80% for height and weight and the 40% for head circumference. What a big boy! It's nice to see him growing so well! Good job, Reid!

A big thank you

Since I have put on the counter that shows where my blog visitors are from....I have realized how many of you out there that I do not know. I appreciate you all visiting and taking a peek into our lives. It is so nice to know that we have such a great support system out there...and we are so glad that you came to visit! Come back often...and again, thanks for making our lives a part of yours!!!!

Thoughts from 2007

It's Ellie's mom with some random thoughts....I can't believe that we are in a brand new year. What a year it has been. I think to sum it up in one word is blessed. To think back to the start of 2007, I couldn't have imagined the paths that we have been taken down. The biggest blessing of 2007 is our kids. Ellie has grown into quite the little firecracker that keeps us constantly on our toes...and we wouldn't want it any other way. She is such a smart, caring, independent, and compassionate little girl. She makes me smile so much that my face hurts at times! God blessed us big time with Ellie. Then, our little (or not so little) fighter, Reid. What an awesome God we have to give us such an amazing little guy. Already his spirit is bigger than life. His smile can light up a room instantly. In the short 8 weeks that he has been here, we have learned a lot more about life than we ever thought we could. He has taught us great patience, understanding, contentment, resilience, compassion, and above all, true love. I met a woman at the Cleveland Neonatal ward when Reid was a patient there, and she said, "Oh, Reid will be your special one." I have thought about the quote a lot, and she is wrong. My 2007 can be summed up with the word BLESSED...because God allowed me to have 2 "special ones" in my life...Ellie and Reid. We can't wait to see what 2008 brings our way. We know that with God ALL things are possible....and we will jump into this New Year together. I have never felt so lucky before. Here is to a wonderful 2008. Blessings to you all....