11 months old!

Today Erik turned 11 months old. Last night I bought a gift for his 1st birthday (I know, it's a month early, but it was on clearance). On the day he was born, we weren't sure he'd live long enough to see his 1st birthday. I am so happy that he made it. He truly is a miracle in every sense of the word. I believe all babies are miracles from God, but these tiny, micro-preemies are even more so. They have so many hurdles to jump in their 1st 3 years of life. I often wonder about how much pain Erik goes through on a daily basis that he can't tell us about. He's on so many medications and his tummy hurts him after he eats. Yet, the little guy still manages to flash us a smile once in awhile and he is sure to make himself known by excessive babbling. I love when he looks me in the eye. I wonder what he's thinking. I love to smell the top of his baby head. I love it when he falls asleep in my arms. He is a little wonder. I don't forget it either. I often find myself thanking God for Erik when I hold him. He is so alive and warm. I look forward to his next several birthdays. I look forward to getting to know him more and more each year as his personality developes even more. I love you Erik!

Infections... again.

So Erik had a doctor's appt. last week and it turns out he has yet another lung infection. This is why when I take him to church, I don't let anyone hold him and he doesn't go in nursery. He gets sick so easily. It may appear that I am selfish by not letting anyone hold him, but he doesn't need the germs, so it's for his protection. Well, I shouldn't say I don't let anyone hold him ever, the 1st two times I took him to church, I let my close friends hold him, but since he has been getting sick so easily, the past few times he has gone to church with me, no one got to hold him. I think I'll keep it that way until he's closer to 1 1/2 yrs. old or when he gets stronger, whichever comes 1st. I visited him tonight, just hung out at my brothers. Erik is such a cutie. I don't want to leave Erik's big brother Justin out. He's a handsome boy too. I love all three of my nephews so very much and I am proud of all of them. But, since this blog is about Erik, he gets mentioned the most. Oh, Erik weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. at the appt. which is only 2 oz. more than a month ago. They put him on stage 2 baby food in hopes to get him chubbier. Well, that's all for now. Erik is doing okay even with the lung infections. He is on antibiotics again, and is feeling better. Until next time... God bless!

Brothers.

My mom took the boys (all 3 of them) to the mall to get their 1st professional picture together. So, here is Erik with his 2 big brothers (my wonderful nephews), Christopher, 16, and Justin, 7. This picture was taken January 18, 2009. Erik slept through the whole thing!

Laughter

My brother called and informed us that Erik laughed out loud for the 1st time! I guess my brother was blowing raspberries on Erik's belly and he laughed. I wish I could have heard it. Erik is 10 months old and it's the 1st time he has laughed out loud. Hopefully we will get to hear more of his laughter in the future. Erik has alway's been such a serious baby.

Still here.

I haven't signed into this blog in awhile so I thought I'd drop a note and say hi. Erik is doing well for the moment. No major things to report. That is a blessing though. He is breathing well right now and he is growing. Now that he has been on anti-biotics to clear up his ear infection, he is back to cooing and not being fussy all the time. He is eating well and that is good too. I will try to get a new picture of him smiling soon. Smiles are one thing he doesn't do often, so that will be a challenge. Oh, my friend, Patty, gave us an exersaucer for Erik and he loves it. We put blankets in front of him to support him and a large folded blanket under his feet so his feet aren't just dangling. Even on the lowest setting his feet can't reach the bottom. He is so precious and I am reminded all the time of what a miracle he is and that he is here because so many people prayed for him. Thank you to all who prayed. God blessed us with a beautiful baby boy to enjoy who we were told may not make it. God is more powerful than all those doctors!