OOPS!

It's Ellie's mom. I forgot to post weigh in from last week....so I will post both weeks. I have been so busy with cranky Reid that I have hardly had time to even go to the bathroom let alone post....sorry about that!

Weigh in- week 7
Gain of 0.8 pounds
Total loss- 9 pounds

Weigh in- week 8
Loss of 3.6 pounds (that's better)
Total loss- 12.6 pounds

Yippeeee!

Reid

Here are a couple of recent pics of Reid. You can see him wearing the NAM device and then without it. His lip is moving backwards!!! This is good news. Then, you can see the NAM device and what it actually looks like. Look at those nasal stents! You are such a good boy Reid to wear this without complaints! At least, not too many!

Reid's NAM with Nasal Stents

Here are some pictures of the new NAM with nasal stents. Reid seems to be adjusting well. I thought this would be a hard process to get used to, and I dreaded the thought of having a hard "getting used to" period. So far....so good. His lip is really moving, and we are happy to see the NAM working well for Reid. It's quite obtrusive to look at, but Reid seems to understand that this is just another part in the process!!!! Love you, big guy!!!!

Kaylee and Sienna

Hi, it's Ellie! Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. Mommy has been keeping me busy! I wanted to share two new friends with you.....Kaylee and Sienna. They are twins that were born just a few weeks later than Reid. They are much tinier than Reid, though. My daddy and their daddy work together. We went to their house last weekend to play. The twins have a 2 year old brother, Ethan that I played with. He is very sweet. I am sorry I don't have a picture to post of him! Next time, Ethan! I promise! I told Mommy after we left their house that I want a baby sister, too. Mommy just laughed at me. I wonder what that means????

You're HOW big, Reid????

It's Ellie's mom filling you in on our lovely weekend. (not really) I am sure many of you can relate....here goes!

Well, hi ho...hi ho...to the doctor's office we go (AGAIN!). Yes, what a weekend it was. Reid decided to be soooo fussy on Friday during the day. I knew we were in for a rough night. Yep...rough is an understatement. He was up crying about every hour. Nothing would soothe him. I tried it all....and at 3 am trying "everything" is sooo tiring after being up 8 times already "trying everything." So, Brian took over in the early am hours, and I tried to sleep. But, with a 3 year old awake by 7the sleep didn't last long. So, Saturday was a bit better. Reid was so tired and still fussy, but I just thought that he had a little cold and wasn't feeling himself. Especially after not sleeping well the night before. We went to a friends' house who have newborn twin girls and a 2 year old to entertain Ellie. Reid was pretty good there...and slept for quite awhile. Well, of course, we got home...and BAM....FUSSY! Crying so hard that he lost his voice. He was hoarse from the crying...so sad to listen to. So, I was up for another long night with Reid. Just not good. We made it through Sunday...again...fussy, so I knew that something was up. Thank goodness for friends. Amy, a friend of mine, took Ellie today so I could go to the doctor with Reid and not have to haul a 3 year old along. How nice is that? That makes life much easier! So, Reid and I headed out for a fun filled doctor's visit. Reid was weighed...and drumroll please...the kiddo weighs 15 pounds 5 ounces at 16 weeks!!!!! GEEZZZZZZ! Reid, you are going to outgrow your carseat before you are 6 months!!!!! So, to sum up the visit.....it was informative! Reid has a left ear infection, an eye infection, and thrush. Yep..no wonder he was so fussy. I can't blame him. So, he is on 2 more meds for 14 days...and hopefully, this will clear him all up. I got some smiles actually out of him which is a step in the right direction. I haven't seen any since Thursday! What a sick little boy. I am glad we figured it out. Now, hopefully, we can get ourselves back on track. Sorry, little guy. Love you much!!!!!

Prayers for Nate

Hello, all. It's Ellie's mom for a minute. Please, please say a prayer for baby Nate. He is the grandson of a dear teacher friend of mine and is fighting really hard right now to beat pnemonia and RSV. He has been hospitilized for 8 days now and is critical. This hits me hard because he is just 2 days older than Reid. He is in the PICU ward at Akron Childrens getting one on one care....but the family is really struggling with all this. Nate struggles to breathe, and has had 2 very close calls of not pulling through this awful illness. He has been taken off the Morphine because they are worried about him becoming dependant on it. He had a trache put in for aid in breathing, and the doctors are seeing how he does today with it removed. It may have to be placed back in if breathing is too laborsome. I can not imagine the feelings of the family involved. They are are wonderful group of people to know....so please say a prayer for Nate. Big brother who is 3 is also dealing with a lot of change in his life right now, too. So, prayers for Noah are also appreciated. I will update you as I hear more. Thanks for your love for this family.

Mommy's Boy

It's Ellie's mom taking a turn tonight.

I just wanted to share a couple of my favorite pictures with you. Bathtime is one of my favorite times....and Reid loves it, too. He especially loves looking in the mirror after we are all done. He thinks this is just too funny. So, here we are...just laughing at each other. I can hear his belly laugh right through the picture!!! Love you, Reid!!!

**look how the lip is changing. This is 3 weeks into using the NAM. He is so used to wearing it...that he doesn't like to be without it. Bath time is the only time it is out of his mouth. Love that smile!!!!

Just me and my Teddy

Just me....being cute....sitting on the couch with Teddy...watching Dora. Being three is great!

I wonder....

Hmmm....I wonder how the toilet paper makers get the paper to be so perfect on the roll? All I did was unwind the whole roll all over the bathroom floor and then roll it back up....but it doesn't look the same. Wonder if Mommy will notice?

I love Pudding!

Hey...it's Ellie....just showing you my favorite treat...CHOCOLATE PUDDING! I don't just eat it, though. Oh, no. I have to transfer it into my treat bowl...then eat it. Oh, but I can't just eat it right away. I have to mix it up and get it all special. Then, I eat it. But, usually there is a big mess on the counter and myself, too! Mom thinks she can have me all set for bed and I won't get messy anymore. HA. Fooled her, didn't I????

Meet Kai

This are pictures of Kai. He lives in Michigan with his mommy and daddy. My mommy and Kai's mommy have been talking online and on the phone because Kai and Reid both were born with bilateral cleft lips and palates. Kai is almost 7 months old and just had his lip revision. He is one week post op and is doing really well. Doesn't he look great? Kai's mommy has had good advice for my mommy about many things relating to kids with clefts. My mommy is very glad that she has met Kai's family. So many blessings have come from Baby Reid. We are lucky. Please keep Kai in your prayers. He has surgeries ahead of him as well....and the more prayer warriors we have on our side the better!!!! Hugs to you all!!!!

We are blessed!

It's Ellie's mom...and I just have to take a moment here.

I feel so compelled to write a few lines here thanking all the wonderful people that I have met who have cleft kids. I have looked at many blogs of cleft kids, read your stories, and felt like we have walked the same walk. I have spoken directly to some of you via phone and have wished that I could jump through the phone and give you a hug because you understand what we are going through...because you have been there, too. You just "get it." I don't have to explain anything to you....you just know. Thank you. I feel that God gave Reid to us for His very purposeful plan. I know that. But, I feel that you all with cleft kids have also come into our lives with a purpose. I am so grateful for all our friendships that we share...no matter where you live. I can't tell you how much you have taught me....from the taping, to the glue that works best, to the feeders to use, and the techniques that worked well for introducing solids, to the team approach to cleft care, to advice on ear infections, from surgery stories, to advice on what to do pre and post op. You have given us all the support that we can not imagine not having. And, I am so glad that you will all be in our lives as we tackle this journey hand in hand. Cleft kids are pretty amazing kids...and I have learned that they are only given to pretty amazing people. Thank you all for touching our hearts and our lives. And I truly mean this. Ahhh...well, time to go use Reid's nap time to tackle some laundry. Thank you all for being so amazing. We love you!!!!!

Whatever works!

Look at my silly brother. I must have worn him out. Daddy put him in the saucer to get some exercise, but all he wanted to do was take a rest from his big sister. So, he decided to sleep there. You are too funny, Reid!!!!!

Weigh In...week 6

Here are the latest results from the Thursday weigh in. Again...I am only doing this to kick my butt into gear!!! If I don't post....I fall off the wagon! So, here we go!

Week 6
Loss of 1 pound
Total loss- 9.8 pounds

Slow and steady, I guess! I need to work a little harder, but haven't quite found the energy or time to work out. My workout is getting up at night with Reid!!!! So, hopefully more good news to come next week!

Those baby blues......

Love those eyes, Reid! Happy Valentine's Day! ***Mommy couldn't get a picture of Ellie today...she was running around like a crazy woman! Love you, too, Ellie!

Will you........

Be my Valentine?????

Thanks, Sheila for the bib and rattle! You are too sweet!

The things they say.....

It's Ellie's mom taking a turn today. I just had to post one of Ellie's remarks today. I love how kids think. Reid was wearing a fleece vest today, and Ellie got all excited when she saw him wearing it. She ran to her room to get a vest of her own to wear. She ran out exclaiming, "Look Mommy, I can wear my life-jacket, too!!!" I haven't stopped smiling over this one!

Sophie and Me

Hi, everyone! While Reid was napping today, Mommy took Sophie and me out to play. It was cold, but we bundled up real good! We wanted to make a snowman, but the snow was too "crunchy." It didn't work too well when we tried. So, I just played with Sophie in the yard instead. It was a fun time. Now, I am ready for my nap! All that playing was hard work!

Being Cute

Here is Reid...just being happy. Now that he is sleeping better...everyone is happy! Including Reid! (Daddy's quote is...When Mommy isn't happy...no one is! Thank goodness she is happy!)

Haberman Feeder

Thank goodness for Medala bottles. I should do a commercial for them...because I could not be happier! They have a special needs feeder called the Haberman feeder that has saved us! Reid can now drink from a bottle! No more syringes...no more hauling all of our feeding supplies out with us when we would travel....no more wierd looks with feeding...and the best...Reid is able to take a bottle like any other baby. We are so happy...and Reid is adjusting well to the new way of feeding. Yippeeee!
PS...Now Mommy and Daddy can go somewhere a little easier...because they can get a sitter to feed Reid easier!

I never would have imagined!

Hello from Ellie's mom! A big thank you goes out to all you smart moms out there that gave me such great advice! Reid has been sleeping horribly, and I have just been a wreck. He has taken every last ounce of energy out of me. I was looking for ideas on how to help his sleep better, and finally, I took the advice of so many of you! Many of you wrote me and said to put Reid in his carseat to sleep. I never would have thought that he would actually like that. Well, look for yourselves! AMEN! He slept from 10:15 pm- 4:30 am...took a bottle...went back down from 5:30 am - 8:30 am! AND...he went back for a mid morning nap and has been resting comfortably for 3 hours. Seriously...the car seat is working!!! I have the seat in his crib, so we can transition back when we need to....but for now...here is his new bed! Thank you all you smarties out there! I love you all!!!!

Tummy Time

Well, Reid loves tummy time. It makes him spit up a lot, though...so Mommy doesn't like it too much! Look at how Reid can push himself up. Pretty good for a 3 month old. You are growing up too fast, Reid!!!

Sleeping on the Chair

Here is my baby brother. Mommy had to make a bottle, and he was so mad. Mommy had to put him down...and he likes to snuggle in the Lazy Boy chair. He got so comfy while Mommy was making the bottle that he stopped cyring and put himself to sleep! How funny, Reid!

Weigh In...week 4

Well, it's Ellie's mom....I should be sleeping instead of blogging this..but I had the time, so I am charting this while I can!

Weigh In-
Week 4- Loss of 1 pound
Total Weight loss so far- 8.8 pounds

You know I was a little upset that it was only a pound this week...but think about how much that is. Think about a pound of butter. I lost the equivalent this week. Not too bad! I should be happy about little losses and big ones both! I will work on that. Almost 10 pounds in a month...not too shabby! I'll be back next week to post again!

How does Mommy spell relief????

Baby Einstein!!!

Ha!

Doesn't the shirt say it all?????

Reid's NAM- Week 2

Well, here I sit....pretty exhausted actually. I am pretty much spent. You know those days???? Reid is just not sleeping with the NAM well, at all. It is because he was a tummy sleeper and now is forced to sleep on his back because of the device. So, any of you NAM moms out there have any words of wisdom for me....Please, let me know! Seriously. Reid is up at least every 2 hours at night...sometimes more. He just wants to lay on my shoulder in that upward position. I know his ears are ok....had them checked. I just think he wants to be on his belly. Not an easy transition. He is getting used to the NAM fairly well other than sleeping. He does hate having the tape changed daily...but I can't fault him for this. He was measured at his appointment from his palate to his lip with a measurement of 25 mm. We hope to decrease this number week by week so he can have surgery in May as planned. The taping is hopefully doing it's job! Any advice that you parents of cleft kids can give me would be great. I just feel exhausted....and to think...we have many, many more weeks ahead. Keep us in prayer.

Finally.....sleep!

My mommy wanted me to post this pic of Reid sleeping in his swing. He used to HATE this thing....but now seems to be able to tolerate it a bit. Mommy doesn't care WHERE he sleeps...just that he sleeps! Last night was a better night. Reid seems to be dealing with his NAM fairly well...just in time for it to be adjusted tomorrow! Hopefully, the doctors won't have to adjust too much....and we won't have to go through that awful phase again of transition. We will pray! Last night Reid slept from 9:30- 2:30...then ate....then woke up at 3:30...needed another burp..then went down until 6:30 this morning....and fell asleep on Mommy's shoulder while she was making a bottle. She laid down with him...and they both rested until 8:30....not bad at all!!!! We will hope it continues to improve day by day!

Too sweet for words....

Here is my brother looking quite sleepy. We had just come home from Grandma and Pappy's house where we had dinner and watched part of the Superbowl. Reid was ready for bed...and here is how you can tell. See what his hands are doing? He has to hold something to be comfy. He holds a blanket all the time....it makes him feel happy. Mommy thought this was cute...Reid is holding his blankie in one hand and his little pacifier holder in the other. As long as it is soft and cuddly....Reid is happy. Pretty sweet, huh???

Ellie's many faces....

I was being silly today at lunchtime. Hey, I gotta find some way to let out this excess energy!!! So, I made faces and Mommy took my picture. I was just showing how many different faces I can make. Which one do you like best???? Here they are....Surprised.....Mad.....Sad (even complete with tissue..well, napkin from lunch)....Happy....and Silly. Mommy's favorits is happy. She says that I am sweet in this picture. I'm always sweet!!!!! Well, most always!

Look at me....3 months already!

Well, my brother, Reid, is 3 months old today. I don't quite get this. He's 3 and I am 3...but why is he so much smaller than me??? Mommy tried to explain it to me..something about months and years...but I don't get it at all. Oh, well! Anyway...here Reid is. He is doing better getting used to his NAM. It will still take some time to fully adjust...but he is getting there. Happy 3 month birthday, Reid!