Daddy & Mommy took Sean to Downtown Saratoga yesterday to one of our favoite coffee shops. It was a beautiful day. Several children were out in their Halloween costumes going from shop to shop trick or treating.
While sitting and enjoying our lunch, a gentleman asks, "How old is your baby?" Even though Sean is sooooooooo much bigger than his 2 lbs. 4oz birth weight, he still appears to be small to most people. I answered the man honestly, "He is 4 months old, but he was premature, he only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz at birth, he now weighs 9 lbs. 4oz." The man looked surprized at his tiny size for 4 months.
So...do we answer...Sean is 4 weeks old....or 4 months old...? If I answer his actual age (4 months), I feel like I need to explain why he is so tiny for 4 months. I don't mind sharing with complete strangers. I am proud of our baby boy and how far he has come in his journey. He is doing so good! For now, he is small for his actual age, but one day he will catch up to his peers.
We love you Sean!
Mommy & Daddy
Sean
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Happy 4 month B/day Sean!
Oh my gosh! Hard to believe that our baby boy is 4 months old today.... Time is already passing us by.
Although his actual age is 4 months, his "corrected" age is only 4 weeks.
Sean & Mommy went to see the Pediatrician yesterday. She said Sean is doing well. :)
Weight...9 lbs. 4 oz! So cool!
Daddy, Mommy & Sean plan to take a little trip today. It's beautiful outside!
Although his actual age is 4 months, his "corrected" age is only 4 weeks.
Sean & Mommy went to see the Pediatrician yesterday. She said Sean is doing well. :)
Weight...9 lbs. 4 oz! So cool!
Daddy, Mommy & Sean plan to take a little trip today. It's beautiful outside!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Mommy & Sean pick up Bryce from school
On Wednesday this week, Sean & Mommy took a walk to cousin Bryce's (10 yrs.) school. His school is about 10 minutes away from our home. It was a beautiful day. Sean enjoyed it.
Sean & Mommy have been taking quite a few walks. We are looking forward to doing so much more, but for now Sean still sleeps alot!
Bryce hung out with Sean and enjoyed holding him.
Sean & Mommy have been taking quite a few walks. We are looking forward to doing so much more, but for now Sean still sleeps alot!
Bryce hung out with Sean and enjoyed holding him.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Kangaroo Care: aka Skin to Skin 10.24.11
Wikipedia defines Kangaroo Care as:
Kangaroo care is a technique practiced on newborn, usually preterm, infants wherein the infant is held, skin-to-skin, with an adult. Kangaroo care for pre-term infants may be restricted to a few hours per day, but if they are medically stable that time may be extended. Some parents may keep their babies in-arms for many hours per day. Kangaroo care, named for the similarity to how certain marsupials carry their young, was initially developed to care for preterm infants in areas where incubators are either unavailable or unreliable.
Sean was born June 29th. I held him for the first time of July 11th.
One of my absolute favorite things to do with Sean...from that day and until now is to hold him. His chest against my chest. We love it! He can hear my heartbeat. I hold him like this every time after he is fed. I can't bare to lay him down right away. I need my time with him and he needs his time with Mommy.
Daddy also enjoys holding him this way.
On Thursday last week, the Public Health nurse visited our home. She said Sean weighs 8 lbs. 11oz!
Sean has a Pediatrician appt. this Friday. He will be weighed again. He is getting heavier each day.
Thank you for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Kangaroo care is a technique practiced on newborn, usually preterm, infants wherein the infant is held, skin-to-skin, with an adult. Kangaroo care for pre-term infants may be restricted to a few hours per day, but if they are medically stable that time may be extended. Some parents may keep their babies in-arms for many hours per day. Kangaroo care, named for the similarity to how certain marsupials carry their young, was initially developed to care for preterm infants in areas where incubators are either unavailable or unreliable.
Sean was born June 29th. I held him for the first time of July 11th.
One of my absolute favorite things to do with Sean...from that day and until now is to hold him. His chest against my chest. We love it! He can hear my heartbeat. I hold him like this every time after he is fed. I can't bare to lay him down right away. I need my time with him and he needs his time with Mommy.
Daddy also enjoys holding him this way.
On Thursday last week, the Public Health nurse visited our home. She said Sean weighs 8 lbs. 11oz!
Sean has a Pediatrician appt. this Friday. He will be weighed again. He is getting heavier each day.
Thank you for your support & prayers!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Unconditional Love 10.22.11
I love Sean so much...I love holding him and kissing him. I don't know how many times a day I kiss his head and forehead. I ask him, if he knows how much I love him...he doesn't answer yet.
When single & childless...I felt so much love inside of me, but felt an emptiness because I didn't have a husband nor child to love. Now...I have both. I am so grateful for my husband & child. I knew God knew what my heart's desire was and hoped that one day I would be married and be blessed with a baby.
It's taken a long time...but I now have a wonderful husband and a baby who I love to hold, kiss, and comfort. What an incredible experience. I look forward to this journey of being Sean's Mommy.
Sean's Mommy
When single & childless...I felt so much love inside of me, but felt an emptiness because I didn't have a husband nor child to love. Now...I have both. I am so grateful for my husband & child. I knew God knew what my heart's desire was and hoped that one day I would be married and be blessed with a baby.
It's taken a long time...but I now have a wonderful husband and a baby who I love to hold, kiss, and comfort. What an incredible experience. I look forward to this journey of being Sean's Mommy.
Sean's Mommy
Friday, October 21, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Baby Portuguese 101
Both Sean & Daddy are learning Portuguese. I find it interesting that I so naturally speak Portuguese with Sean. I didn't consciously choose to speak Portuguese with him, it simply just happened. Could it be because somewhere way back in my memory that I remember my parents speaking Portuguese to me as a baby??
Baby Portuguese 101
Nana = Nap
Chupeta = Pacifier
LaLa = Bye bye
Upa = Up
Acabo? = Finished?
Mas? = More?
Leite = Milk
Abre boca = Open your mouth
Nene = baby
Espera = Wait
Beijo = Kiss
Quere comer? = Wanna eat?
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Baby Portuguese 101
Nana = Nap
Chupeta = Pacifier
LaLa = Bye bye
Upa = Up
Acabo? = Finished?
Mas? = More?
Leite = Milk
Abre boca = Open your mouth
Nene = baby
Espera = Wait
Beijo = Kiss
Quere comer? = Wanna eat?
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sean's First Pumpkin Patch 10.17.11
We had a good weekend with Sean. Sean, Mommy & Daddy went to a local pumpkin patch with Grandma Harriet. Sean slept throughout this adventure, but still enjoyed himself.
We love our little pumpkin!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
We love our little pumpkin!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Sleep, Eat & Poop 10.15.11
When the Nurse Practioner visited Sean the other day, she said, "Sean's job is to sleep, eat and poop."
That's what Sean has been up to since coming home 3 weeks ago. Time is going fast. Hard to believe he's been home for 3 weeks. He does more than just sleep, eat and poop. Sometimes he is actually awake for long periods of time. During that time, he likes to be talked to, sang to, held and cuddled.
Today, we plan to head to a local pumpkin patch. We would love to take him to Half Moon Bay, but with the Pumpkin Festival happening this weekend...there is no way! Also...with Sean wanting to eat every 2 hours, we would rather keep him close to home. We are looking forward to many future adventures with our baby boy.
Sean is doing well. Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
That's what Sean has been up to since coming home 3 weeks ago. Time is going fast. Hard to believe he's been home for 3 weeks. He does more than just sleep, eat and poop. Sometimes he is actually awake for long periods of time. During that time, he likes to be talked to, sang to, held and cuddled.
Today, we plan to head to a local pumpkin patch. We would love to take him to Half Moon Bay, but with the Pumpkin Festival happening this weekend...there is no way! Also...with Sean wanting to eat every 2 hours, we would rather keep him close to home. We are looking forward to many future adventures with our baby boy.
Sean is doing well. Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What a big boy! 10.12.11
Today Sean & I had a visit from the Nurse Practitioner from the NICU. She was great! She checked on Sean and gave me excellent advice about a few questions I had.
I was told we can take Sean out. We don't have to be so afraid to go places with him (fear of him getting ill). She suggested we simply keep him from small children who may be ill and not let people touch him without washing their hands.
Daddy & Mommy are enjoying our baby boy. The NP weighed Sean during today's visit. Sean weighs 8 lbs. 1oz! NP said Sean looks good and said we are doing a good job with him.
Daddy went shopping yesterday and bought a cute little onesie for Halloween for Sean. On it, it says, "my first Holloween".
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
I was told we can take Sean out. We don't have to be so afraid to go places with him (fear of him getting ill). She suggested we simply keep him from small children who may be ill and not let people touch him without washing their hands.
Daddy & Mommy are enjoying our baby boy. The NP weighed Sean during today's visit. Sean weighs 8 lbs. 1oz! NP said Sean looks good and said we are doing a good job with him.
Daddy went shopping yesterday and bought a cute little onesie for Halloween for Sean. On it, it says, "my first Holloween".
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Monday, October 10, 2011
Pampers vs. Huggies 10.10.11
We've decided we like Pampers over Huggies. Huggies tend to leak and get Sean's clothes wet. We were changing his clothes several times a day.
Sean's Pediatrician appointment went well on Friday. He now weighs 7 lbs. 13 oz! Sean & Mommy stopped by the NICU to say "Hi" to some of our old friends.
Today was a good day with Sean. He stayed awake more than normal.
Mommy & Daddy have both had their shots. TDAP (Whooping cough) & Flu shot. We are doing all we can do to keep Sean from getting seriously ill. So far so good.
It's hard to believe that Sean's been home now for 3 weeks. Each week is getting better/easier. Some days we feel great! And other days we are wiped out!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean's Pediatrician appointment went well on Friday. He now weighs 7 lbs. 13 oz! Sean & Mommy stopped by the NICU to say "Hi" to some of our old friends.
Today was a good day with Sean. He stayed awake more than normal.
Mommy & Daddy have both had their shots. TDAP (Whooping cough) & Flu shot. We are doing all we can do to keep Sean from getting seriously ill. So far so good.
It's hard to believe that Sean's been home now for 3 weeks. Each week is getting better/easier. Some days we feel great! And other days we are wiped out!
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, October 6, 2011
ROP & RSV 10.6.11
We have great news!...Sean had his last eye exam yesterday 10.5. The result: Both eyes are mature, no sign of ROP!
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a potentially blinding eye disorder that primarily affects premature infants weighing about 2¾ pounds (1250 grams) or less that are born before 31 weeks of gestation (defined by National Eye Institute).
He will need to see the Opthalmologist again in 6 months. The Doc said that with premature babies, there is still a chance Sean may need to wear glasses. We are hoping...not.
Next month Sean begins to get Synagis shots. These shots will be given once a month from November to March. They are given to Sean to prevent RSV.
The following info provided by the March of Dimes:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes infection in childhood. RSV is very contagious. Almost all babies get it before the age of 2. Many babies (and most older children) get only a cold from RSV.
Some babies with RSV develop potentially serious lower respiratory infections. Examples are:
Symptoms of RSV usually last between 8-15 days. Most babies with RSV do not become seriously ill. But a few become very sick. They may need to be treated in the hospital with oxygen. In some cases, the baby will need bronchodilators (drugs that help open up breathing tubes) and antiviral drugs.
Call your baby's health care provider right away if your baby:
If your baby was born prematurely (too early), or has lung or heart disease, talk to your health care provider about ways to help prevent RSV.
Babies who are at highest risk from RSV (including babies born at or before 32 weeks of pregnancy) may benefit from medication that helps prevent the infection. This medication is called palivizumab (Synagis). It is given in monthly injections during the fall and winter months.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
He will need to see the Opthalmologist again in 6 months. The Doc said that with premature babies, there is still a chance Sean may need to wear glasses. We are hoping...not.
Next month Sean begins to get Synagis shots. These shots will be given once a month from November to March. They are given to Sean to prevent RSV.
The following info provided by the March of Dimes:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly causes infection in childhood. RSV is very contagious. Almost all babies get it before the age of 2. Many babies (and most older children) get only a cold from RSV.
Some babies with RSV develop potentially serious lower respiratory infections. Examples are:
- Bronchiolitis, an infection of the small breathing tubes in the lungs
- Pneumonia
Symptoms of RSV usually last between 8-15 days. Most babies with RSV do not become seriously ill. But a few become very sick. They may need to be treated in the hospital with oxygen. In some cases, the baby will need bronchodilators (drugs that help open up breathing tubes) and antiviral drugs.
Call your baby's health care provider right away if your baby:
- Develops fast breathing or breathing problems
- Wheezes (makes a whistling sound when exhaling)
- Develops a worsening cough (Do not give over-the-counter cough and cold products to infants and children younger than 4 years of age. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, these medications can have serious and life-threatening side effects.)
- Looks blue around the mouth or fingertips
- Has difficulty sucking and swallowing
- Develops any fever of more than 100.4° F in the first 3 months of life, 101° F or greater between 3 and 6 months, or 103° F after 6 months of age
If your baby was born prematurely (too early), or has lung or heart disease, talk to your health care provider about ways to help prevent RSV.
Babies who are at highest risk from RSV (including babies born at or before 32 weeks of pregnancy) may benefit from medication that helps prevent the infection. This medication is called palivizumab (Synagis). It is given in monthly injections during the fall and winter months.
You can help protect your baby from RSV by:
- Keeping him away from people who are sneezing or coughing
- Making sure everyone who touches the baby has clean hands
- Keeping your baby away from crowds of people
- Not allowing anyone to smoke near your baby
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
A day in the life of baby Sean 10.4.11
Hey Sports Fans....it's me baby Sean. I've asked my Mommy to write on my behalf since I'm still so small and not able to type yet.
Yesterday, October 3rd was Mommy's EDD (estimated due date). Yep...I was supposed to be born yesterday, but decided to come way early on June 29th instead. We haven't figured out why I was so early, but we know there is a reason for everything and believe God has a reason for my early arrival into this world.
So far this life has been quite the journey. Before my arrival, my Mommy had to lay in bed for a whole week in a hospital. She wasn't able to get out of bed at all! Mommy said it was one of the most difficult things she had ever had to do, but that I was worth each and every moment of bed rest. She would have liked for me to wait even longer, but I decided it was time to come into the world...14 weeks early!
There were several people in the delivery room when I was born...my Daddy, Doctors, Nurses and a Respitory Therapist. They were all there to make sure that I arrived safely. And I did! I was hoping to be placed on my Mommy's chest as soon as I came out, but instead the Nurses took me and placed me in a really warm bed, they cleaned me up and the RT put a mask over my mouth to help me breathe. Just before whisking me away to what they call the NICU, they wheeled me over to my Mommy, so she could get a good look at me. I would have liked to see all that was going on, but I was so little that my eyes were still fused together.
Now off to the NICU in my warm bed...my Daddy followed us there. Mommy knew she would see me again later. I was well taken care of by the Docs and super cool nurses Gloria & Erin.
When I arrived in the NICU, they took good care of me. Mommy came to visit later that night. Mommy was happy that I was alive, but was sad that I wasn't still safely in her womb. The staff in the NICU did a superb job at taking care of me and helping me grow. They kept me in an isolet to help keep me warm. They changed my diapers and fed me with Mommy's milk. Yummy! I am so grateful to the NICU staff. If it wasn't for them, I would not have made it. I'm glad I did because I've really made my Mommy & Daddy so happy.
I thought...I was only going to spend a few days in the NICU and then get to go home with Mommy & Daddy, but it turned out to be 2.5 months. The NICU became our new home. Mommy & Daddy came to visit me a lot! They talked to me through the isolet and I held their finger with my tiny hand. Eventually, Mommy & Daddy got to hold me. I loved hearing their heart beat when I laid on their chest.
When I was born, I only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. The NICU nurses took such good care of me and fed me every 3 hours. When I left the hospital on September 17th, I weighed 7 lbs. 1.4 oz. I was still small, but not so tiny anymore.
Now I'm home with Mommy & Daddy. I like it here. Mommy & Daddy take good care of me. They hold me, feed me, burp me, change my diaper, comfort me, talk to me, sing to me, read to me, do my physical therapy exercises with me, dress me, wash me, play with me, kiss me, love me and take me to my Doctor appointments. They are super sweet parents.
Life's been good so far. I can't complain. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm glad I'm here! I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. I'm also looking forward to meeting you all one day. Mommy & Daddy are keeping me away from small children. And they wash their hands a lot. They are doing their best to keep me from getting sick. I really appreciate it because I've worked really hard to get to where I am today. Bigger & Stronger. I don't want to relapse.
I miss my nurses in the NICU (Gloria, Evelyn, Cathy, Greg & more) who took such good care of me, but I don't miss the monitor alarms. It's quiter here at home. Mommy & Daddy have me listening to classical music. It's soothing and relaxing. I eat every two hours and sleep a lot. My next Pediatrician appt. is on Friday. I can't wait to find out how much I weigh!
Signing off for now Sports Fans...
Thank you for reading my Mommy & Daddy's blog and thank you for your prayers!
Love,
Baby Sean
xoxoxo
Yesterday, October 3rd was Mommy's EDD (estimated due date). Yep...I was supposed to be born yesterday, but decided to come way early on June 29th instead. We haven't figured out why I was so early, but we know there is a reason for everything and believe God has a reason for my early arrival into this world.
So far this life has been quite the journey. Before my arrival, my Mommy had to lay in bed for a whole week in a hospital. She wasn't able to get out of bed at all! Mommy said it was one of the most difficult things she had ever had to do, but that I was worth each and every moment of bed rest. She would have liked for me to wait even longer, but I decided it was time to come into the world...14 weeks early!
There were several people in the delivery room when I was born...my Daddy, Doctors, Nurses and a Respitory Therapist. They were all there to make sure that I arrived safely. And I did! I was hoping to be placed on my Mommy's chest as soon as I came out, but instead the Nurses took me and placed me in a really warm bed, they cleaned me up and the RT put a mask over my mouth to help me breathe. Just before whisking me away to what they call the NICU, they wheeled me over to my Mommy, so she could get a good look at me. I would have liked to see all that was going on, but I was so little that my eyes were still fused together.
Now off to the NICU in my warm bed...my Daddy followed us there. Mommy knew she would see me again later. I was well taken care of by the Docs and super cool nurses Gloria & Erin.
When I arrived in the NICU, they took good care of me. Mommy came to visit later that night. Mommy was happy that I was alive, but was sad that I wasn't still safely in her womb. The staff in the NICU did a superb job at taking care of me and helping me grow. They kept me in an isolet to help keep me warm. They changed my diapers and fed me with Mommy's milk. Yummy! I am so grateful to the NICU staff. If it wasn't for them, I would not have made it. I'm glad I did because I've really made my Mommy & Daddy so happy.
I thought...I was only going to spend a few days in the NICU and then get to go home with Mommy & Daddy, but it turned out to be 2.5 months. The NICU became our new home. Mommy & Daddy came to visit me a lot! They talked to me through the isolet and I held their finger with my tiny hand. Eventually, Mommy & Daddy got to hold me. I loved hearing their heart beat when I laid on their chest.
When I was born, I only weighed 2 lbs. 4 oz. The NICU nurses took such good care of me and fed me every 3 hours. When I left the hospital on September 17th, I weighed 7 lbs. 1.4 oz. I was still small, but not so tiny anymore.
Now I'm home with Mommy & Daddy. I like it here. Mommy & Daddy take good care of me. They hold me, feed me, burp me, change my diaper, comfort me, talk to me, sing to me, read to me, do my physical therapy exercises with me, dress me, wash me, play with me, kiss me, love me and take me to my Doctor appointments. They are super sweet parents.
Life's been good so far. I can't complain. It hasn't always been easy, but I'm glad I'm here! I'm looking forward to the rest of my life. I'm also looking forward to meeting you all one day. Mommy & Daddy are keeping me away from small children. And they wash their hands a lot. They are doing their best to keep me from getting sick. I really appreciate it because I've worked really hard to get to where I am today. Bigger & Stronger. I don't want to relapse.
I miss my nurses in the NICU (Gloria, Evelyn, Cathy, Greg & more) who took such good care of me, but I don't miss the monitor alarms. It's quiter here at home. Mommy & Daddy have me listening to classical music. It's soothing and relaxing. I eat every two hours and sleep a lot. My next Pediatrician appt. is on Friday. I can't wait to find out how much I weigh!
Signing off for now Sports Fans...
Thank you for reading my Mommy & Daddy's blog and thank you for your prayers!
Love,
Baby Sean
xoxoxo
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sean's First Half Marathon! 10.2.11
This morning Sean went out on his very first adventure. Five minutes from our home was the 8 mile marker of the San Jose Rock N- Roll Half Marathon. Cousin Roger ran today's race. Roger did great for his first Half Marathon 2:10. Way to go Rog! Roger stopped to say "Hi" to Sean before he went on to finish the race! Sean enjoyed his outing and is looking forward to many more.
Sean is doing well. He's keeping Mommy & Daddy busy. He's been enjoying visits from family members and is looking forward to more visits from family & friends.
October 3rd was Mommy's original due date. It's finally here! We are enjoying our baby boy.
Being parents has been an awesome experience so far. Fun & challenging already and it's only been 2 weeks since Sean has been home.
We love our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
Sean is doing well. He's keeping Mommy & Daddy busy. He's been enjoying visits from family members and is looking forward to more visits from family & friends.
October 3rd was Mommy's original due date. It's finally here! We are enjoying our baby boy.
Being parents has been an awesome experience so far. Fun & challenging already and it's only been 2 weeks since Sean has been home.
We love our precious baby boy.
Thank you for your support & prayers.
Sean's Mommy & Daddy
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