Fellow bloggers

I have had several requests from fellow bloggers for the picture file of the prayer card we passed out at Noah's baptism (see my side bar).  I'm happy to send the file to anyone who would like to post it on their blog... just email me at deblauer@gmail.com!

Josh in Reno

UPDATE: Josh arrived home safe this (Sunday) afternoon! There were several additional quakes in the Reno area today, but none stronger than a 3.

Earthquakes seem to be in the news of late but seeming distant from our new home in the South.

However, Josh is in Reno this weekend recruiting at the Far Western qualifier and there have been many small earthquakes reported in the area over the last few days. Scientists now are indicating that these smaller quakes may be precursors to a much larger one... which of course has got me worried.

Please pray for his safety! He is supposed to fly home tomorrow morning.

How quickly things change

Before having a baby, I always heard parents talk about how quickly their kids changed... each minute they seemed to grow bigger and learn something new.

This has not exactly been our experience.  Noah's leukodystrophy caused his development to stall somewhere in the 3 - 4 month range and we haven't him achieve many milestones since then.  

That is why this week has been so amazing.  I don't know if I can effectively communicate the difference that a few days has made in Noah's life.  His new skill with the bottle has continued, with most feedings lasting no longer than 30 minutes and with significantly less stress.  I usually dread feeding time but over the last few days it has been decidedly peaceful.  He is mastering the spoon and seems to like any baby food I offer him from sweet potatoes to prunes.  Tummy time has basically become non-existent because as soon as I put him on his tummy he rolls over!  I have even seen him roll over once to his weak (left) side, although he usually chooses to roll right.  And this afternoon he has treated me to a chorus of cooing like I have never heard before (see video below).  

I am doing my best to remain cautiously optimistic.  We have no idea what the future holds for Noah and, as I have written before, seek to celebrate each and every one of his accomplishments, no matter how small.  But, I have to admit, what he has accomplished this week leaves me practically giddy.  Thanks for all your continued prayers... God is listening!

Record breaking

Yesterday, Josh took the day off and we headed to Birmingham for an appointment with Noah's pediatric surgeon. He replaced Noah's button with one that was slightly longer as the previous one was getting a little snug. We were also able to get a prescription for a steroid cream that will help take care of the nasty granulation tissue that keeps cropping.

After the appointment, we went to visit our friends Chris and Patience Peters at St. Vincent hospital. Chris and Patience were in a serious car accident on Monday... Patience was admitted with a broken ankle, a collapsed lung, a fractured rib, a partially fractured sternum! Please join us in praying for her quick recovery and a minimizing of her pain.

We did a little shopping then headed back to Tuscaloosa where we dropped Noah off with Josh's mom so we could have a date night. Here is where the record began to be broken...but I need to back up a little.

A few weeks ago, Josh's mom and I attended a feeding clinic with Noah. We were looking for some insight and advice on Noah's feeding issues... it usually takes him an hour to eat at least and often we have to pump at least half or more of his bottle. At the time, I asked if we should switch from a level 2 to a level 3 nipple (we use Doctor Brown bottles). The occupational therapist discouraged us from doing this for fear that the increased flow of formula might trigger Noah's extremely sensitive gag reflex.

Fast forward back to yesterday afternoon... Josh's mom bought some level 3 nipples and thought she would try one to see if it helped anything (she is much braver than I am). Miraculously, it did! At that feeding as well as the next four feedings, Noah finished his bottle in 20-30 minutes. And get this... we did not have to use the pump in 24 hours! Unbelievable. I did have to pump about 1/8 of his last feeding tonight but only because he fell sound asleep. Hopefully this is a trend that will continue!

Finally, a few pictures for your enjoyment... Noah looks a whole lot more stable sitting in these pictures than he actually was, but it is a start! And, you have to admit, he is pretty stinkin' cute!

Goodbye 8 West Rose

Our house is officially sold!

We more relieved than anything else. Word has it that the housing market in St. Louis continues to struggle, so having a buyer and getting a semi-decent price feels like a major accomplishment.
And, through the course of our last negotiations, the buy agreed to move closing up to the beginning of May. This is HUGE as it will save us additional money on utilities and mortgage payments.

I did love that little house and it will always have a special place in our memories as our first home!

Ask and ye shall receive

Needless to say, we were excited to see Noah roll! I don't know how many people specifically prayed for this over the last 24 hours, but God clearly heard! He rolled about 5 times (each time from his belly to his back) and then dozed off. Please keep praying as he still has a long way to go!