One Year Ago

One year ago Ryan and I found out we were expecting. We were so happy but still a little scared. Ryan and I were the only ones who knew the wonderful news ... it was our little secret. This was the day that would forever change our lives!

Ryan and I are so thankful Hunter is here and healthy. Although our pregnacy path was not like the norm. ........ we would have not changed it for the world!

"The Lord is my strength and my sheild; my heart trust in him, and I am helped." Psalm 28:7

5 Months

Here is our happy little 5 month old! Hunter is weighing in at 17lbs and is getting more adorable everyday. As you can see by the picture he loves to laugh and smile. He is very ticklish, just like his momma. Even is you pretend like you are going to tickle him he will bust out in a giggle. One morning he woke up around 3 a.m. I went in to check on him. He looked at me and just smiled the biggest smile and started laughing ...yes even at 3 in the morning it was the cutest thing ever!

Hunter has also found his legs. He likes to lay on the floor and raise his feet in the air. He tries to kick whatever is hanging. Now that he is moving his legs and feet more and more it leads us to this......One sock on and one sock off!

Hunter is working on sitting up and rolling over. He can sit in his Bumbo pretty good, but he is not ready to sit on his own. Without the Bumbo he can sit up for just a little bit on his own then he will slowly start to lean forward. I am sure in no time at all he will be sitting on his own.

Yes he is sitting in a purple Bumbo. We are borrowing it for now. I figure once he masters the whole sitting up thing he really won't need the Bumbo much.

As far as rolling over goes, Hunter is pretty content with staying on his back or belly. He can get to his side from his back, but he has only done that a few times. So here he is on his belly working on holding his head up and moving it around. I keep tucking his hand under his chin, hoping to get a roll over from belly to back.

One BIG accomplishment Hunter has made is sleeping through the night. He usually get a good 5-6 hour stretch in, but so far we have had 3 total 8 hour nights! Two of those night have been in a row ..... and mommy feels SO refreshed! Hunter really does like his crib. He sleeps on a wedge which helps his reflux. Here he is hanging out in his crib watching his mobile.

Hunter has enjoyed watching the Olympics. I think it is all of the white snow that gets his attention. Here he is watching curling. I took the picture at the perfect time and got the Olympic logo too!

Hunter still looks a lot like his daddy and he is starting to act a lot like his daddy too. Here are a few pictures so you can see what I am talking about.

He is such a silly boy!

I Found My Hands!

Here is Hunter 4 months old! He is weighing in at 15lbs 1oz and 24 3/4 inches long! Right on track with a full term 4 month old! To celebrate 4 months Hunter found a new toy - his hands! He is just so adorable watching him try to figure out how they work! It first started with him putting them in his mouth. One day Hunter was laying on the floor playing then we started to hear a smacking sound. I looked over and Hunter was just as happy as could be chomping on his hand.

Now he is hitting toys hanging above him and grabbing too! All of this hand discovery just happened within the past few weeks! Here he is with his favorite toy giraffe.

He has also been a little smiling fool! I remember a time when we would do everything just to get a little smile. Now all we have to do is look at him and talk to him and in no time at all he is smiling away!

I am sure there are many, many more discoveries and changes along the way. Now they are happening so quick! Before we know it Hunter will be much more active! Each day we look forward to the new tricks Hunter has in store!

"Everything is possible for him who believes." Mark 9:23

3 Months And A Merry Christmas

Hunter is 3 months old! He is growing so fast! Here is a little celebration picture!

To celebrate his 3 month birthday Hunter had a Tummy Time accomplishment. He lifted his head! As soon as he did it the first time I grabbed the camera. I took a ton of pictures and I finally got the shot! Here he is showing off his latest accomplishment!

Although Hunter is 3 months old his adjusted age is 1 month. Compared to a typical 1 month old baby he is right on track! He is doing everything that a typical 1 month old baby would do. We are so proud of him for all of his little milestones.

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Christmas was WONDERFUL! Although Hunter had no clue what was going on, it was still the best Christmas ever! Here he is "opening" his gift from Santa.

Here is our little music man trying out his new piano. I am not sure if he realizes what he is doing, but he can kick a pretty good tune!

Hunter also made his first big trip to see family in Port Lavaca. The two hour ride was not all that bad! Hunter slept most of the way! He is such a good car rider ... I sure hope he continues to enjoy the rides!

Hunter spent time with his grandparents, aunts and uncles and met so many "new" people (family) that have only seen him in pictures. He was passed around and "awwwed" at numerous times. I am so thankful that we were able to make the trips this Christmas to see most of our families. Christmas is the one time of year I can count on seeing family that I have not seen in a long time. Now this will be the time for Hunter to see all of his cousins, great uncles, great aunts and great grandparents. We are very lucky to have this time!

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

A Very Thankful 2 Months

Hunter is 2 months old! Where did the time go? It seems like yesterday we were taking our daily evening trips to the NICU. But we are all home and well .... Thank goodness!

Hunter had his 2 month appointment. The doctor is very happy with his progress. Hunter is weighing in at 9lb 4.5 oz! That is almost 3 times his weight from when he was born! We could not believe he has already passed the 9lb mark! He has also grown about 3 inches. He is now 21 inches long! He looks a lot different from his days in the NICU. Here is a little comparison.....

Here he is in the same outfit. He really fills it out now!

Hunter is having some reflux issues, but each day seems to get better. The doctor is pretty sure he will grow out of that by 6 months. He is not concerned with it at all because Hunter is continuing to gain weight - as you can see by the pictures. So in the mean time we will just keep the burp cloths close and extra clothes handy.

We are so thankful Hunter is doing so well. We are thankful to have him home with us. We are thankful Hunter is surrounded by tons of LOVE from all of our family and friends. We are so thankful Hunter has reached his 2 month milestone. Each month will be celebrated and cherished.

Most of all we are thankful God is protecting our little one. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ~ Philippians 4:6 He will and does answer prayers! We love you Hunter! Grow baby grow!!!

Prematurity Awareness Day

November 17 is Prematurity Awareness Day. Please keep those babies that were born a little early in your thoughts and prayers. Having a son and a niece both born at 32 weeks this cause is very near and dear. Visit the March Of Dimes website to learn more and see how you can help. http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/index.asp Spread the word to your friends and family. The more who are aware the more babies WE can help!

Happy Due Date

November 16 ....... this is the day Ryan and I were so looking forward to every since we saw that little heart beating at the first ultrasound. This would be the day (or around this day) we would meet our son. But today we are not at the hospital. Instead we are at home with our happy, healthy and handsome 8 week old little miracle! Happy Due Date Day Hunter - WE LOVE YOU!!!

Here are a few pictures of our fighter and MVP Hunter!