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!

Home Sweet Home

After 31 days in the NICU Hunter is finally at home! Thankfully each and every one of those 31 days Hunter made progress. His long legs and arms are longer than before and he weighs 2lb 8oz MORE than the day he arrived! He was released from the hospital at 5lb 8 oz! He is our little fighter and MVP!

Hunter headed home!

We are so happy to have him home. Right now I would have been 37 weeks pregnant still feeling his kicks and anxiously anticipating Hunter's arrival. But instead I can look down in my arms a see our happy healthy "son"!

During Hunter's first night home he watched baseball with his Daddy and spent lots of time in his Mommy's arms.

Once again thank you to everyone for all of your WONDERFUL prayers and thoughts. As God wrapped his arms around Hunter your prayers and thoughts carried Hunter and placed him safely in our arms.

Hunter has changed to much since his arrival. He has been home for almost a week and he has gained 11oz! He has passed the 6lb mark. Hunter's current weight is 6lb 3oz! Grow baby grow!!!

Short - But Oh So Sweet - Video Clip

Here is a little video of our precious boy Hunter.

A Bottle With Mommy

Today I gave Hunter a bottle. This was the first bottle I got to feed him! Then I heard his first burp! I know it may not sound like a very big deal, but to me it is huge! Since he has been in the NICU Ryan and I have learned to cherish the little things ... his little smiles, his sweet sounds and all of his firsts!

Monday, October 5th, Hunter turned 2 weeks old. He is up to 2 bottle feeds a day, the rest are still given through his feeding tube. He is now 4lb 5oz and 18 inches long. We am so thankful he is progressing! Right now he is working on regulating his body temperature. Once he is able to do that on his own he will be in an open crib. Ryan and I are both looking forward to that day!