Snow, Patches, Christmas Tree, and Peas

Snow

It snowed in Lubbock on December 1st. Here are some pictures around our house and one at Tech. I decided not to get the boys out in their first snow.

Patches

Jacen has become very interested in Patches lately. He loves to try to touch him, smile at him, and get his attention. Nathan is still Patches favorite. He is very protective of Nathan.

Christmas Tree

Laura came over to help me get the tree up. She of course spent time with the boys as well! We have not put our tree up since we got Patches. He wasn't as curious as I thought he would be about the tree. We only got one picture before he was interested in something else.

Peas

This week we are eating peas. He still doesn't like the green beans from last week. I got a few pictures tonight, but it was interesting trying to feed and take pictures. Kyle was at church watching/listening to Legacy. These pictures don't show it but he even smiled during the peas which is a lot better first reaction than last week with the green beans.

Prayer Request

At the 6 month appointment today, we received some new news about Nathan's condition. Lately on his bloodwork we have been doing a basic metabolic panel (bmp), but the Hospice team asked to have a complete metabolic panel (cmp) run this week. The reason behind it was to look at all the liver enzyme numbers. His bilirubin level has been in the normal range and for those of you who have seen him he doesn't look yellow anymore. Kyle and I assumed based on the bili level that his liver was recovering and functioning more on its own. When we inquired at the appointment this morning about adjusting his Actigall, Dr. Gray said that the bili looks good, but there are three other numbers related to the liver that are still really high. I knew that we needed to be praying for a miracle for his kidneys and brain, but I am now asking for prayers for his liver as well. We will be rechecking his bloodwork Monday instead of waiting the normal 2 weeks. Thank you for your continued prayers!

6 Month Appointment

Jacen
Head: 44.5cm
Height: 27in
Weight: 16lbs 30z

Nathan
Head: 35cm
Height: 22.5in
Weight: 11lbs 12oz

Nathan is still under the curve, but going at his own curve upwards.
Jacen is in the 75th percentile in height and head circumference and 25th percentile for weight.

We didn't take any pictures at this visit. I, as always, had lots of questions, and the boys cried during their shots. We will do bloodwork on Monday for both of them. Their next visit with Dr. Gray is at 9 months.

Nathan's Hands

Nathan decided last night that he wanted to help me hold his bottle. I didn't put his hand there like I have to with Jacen. Yay Nathan!

We also practiced holding toys again yesterday.

Green Beans

We tried veggies for the first time Sunday night. As you can tell by the pictures though, he didn't like the green beans at all. He didn't like them any better today. On the up side, we have been giving him a spoon while we feed him, and he has actually managed to get it in his mouth!

Thanksgiving

We had a relaxing Thanksgiving at our house with friends, Wiley and Janelle. We had turkey, dressing, and all the fixings. We played games and visited. Here are a few pictures. Enjoy!

Jacen was worn out by the end of the day!

Grandpa and MeMe gave the boys Thanksgiving bibs.

Jacen likes the barn on the Exersaucer.

Daddy is still teaching Jacen to love computers.

I Can't Believe It Has Been Almost 6 Months

Time is continuing to fly. We are enjoying the boys every day. They continue to amaze us and make us smile. Kyle and I went shopping today for Christmas gifts for the boys which was lots of fun. The boys have their 6 month appointment on December 4th where I will be excited to get their new measurements.

Jacen is very interested in what Nathan is doing all the time. He will even look concerned when Nathan is crying. The boys enjoy playtime together as well as storytime.



I am definitely learning that God is in control. Nathan wasn't supposed to live very long, and he is now over 5 months old. He had refused to bottle ever since our last hospital stay, but now he is taking 1 ounce bottles. He is enjoying tummy time and even lifting his head. While sitting in the bumbo, he loves to look around and has started holding items that I put in his hand. Nathan and Daddy enjoyed watching The Muppet Movie together. Since the doctors increased the calorie count of Nathan's formula he has been a lot more alert and happy. He even slept for 5 hours last night in his bassinet. I DO realize that his kidneys are only functioning at 20%, but he is definitely my fighter. I am learning to cherish every moment through all of this. Please continue to pray for a miracle!



Jacen is really starting to grab things as well as put everything in his mouth even the side of the bumbo. He has decided it is more fun to sit in the bumbo and play with things on the floor rather than on the tray.

Professional Pictures

Tierney asked her sweet friend Krista to take pictures of the boys. We met at Tierney's house last week since we aren't supposed to go where there are a lot of people. Tierney and Krista were both awesome. The pictures are wonderful. Below are 40 of the 42 she gave us. We left out 2 that we are going to pick from for a Christmas card. Enjoy!