MDZ.OMG: February was Fantastic for Us!

HELLO FEBRUARY.....

Thanks for checking in on us this month AND what a busy month it was. Sometimes, I wonder how moms that work full time do it. I love my job every day and although the pay stinks, the reward is great. I can't imagine doing all the things I do with Jase during the day - after work or on the weekends. We have to much playing to do, to much learning to do, to many appointments to attend, and to much snuggling to do. That being said, I once again proclaim that I love being a stay home mama. It makes every sacrifice worth it -

It has been a busy month, but a great month. Jase has been healthy and happy all month. He is 17 months actual and adjusted to 13 months old. He is happily walking around everything, walking with a push toy, and climbing up on couches and chairs with the assistance of his toys that he manipulates, to get him where he wants to go. Jase got new shoes for valentine's day and we have also been trying out new PT tape to keep his legs aligned while crawling and walking. His right leg is just a little stubborn and he wants to turn it out when walking. He got his second synagis shot and I am pleased to say that we avoided RSV during its peak month this season. (Oh how excited we will be for spring!)

Jase is wearing 18 month clothes and size 4 shoes. He loves to eat new foods, but doesn't want to eat big amounts. He is my little grazer - wanting to eat small amounts all day long. He weighs just shy of 22 lbs and is very long and lean. I believe he grows taller every day. Every one is happy with Jase's growth and I have to remind myself that we don't want a Michelan mascot for a baby. Premature babies already struggle with obesity as they grow so we want to encourage good eating with healthy food. Not sure if chicken strips and baked beans are healthy but Jase enjoyed every bit of his Elks Fish Fry meal in our living room.

Jase loves books and he loves to "read" out loud. We love to listen to him babble as he holds his book. We also love to read to him. How amazing that he can already point at pictures in a picture book for puppy, kitty, fish, monkey and pig. We are so amazed at the wonderful things that our 23 weeker is doing. We are also working on colors and shapes. Some may say that Jase is to young, but I am a firm believer in making learning fun... and it is never to early to have fun. Pointing at animals is an 18-24 month skill and Jase is only expected to do skills based on his adjusted age of 13 months. Most of his skills are right on track for his adjusted age. His comprehension and ability to learn are more advanced and his gross motor skills are a little behind. What do you expect when a baby lived in an incubator for 17 weeks instead of his mama's belly. Those muscles need stretched and scar tissue needs massaged. His chronic lung disease forces him to work harder to breathe then a full-term baby. He also needs more time to catch up. A recent study shows that for every month early a premature a baby is - it takes that many years for them to catch up to their full-term peers. So, really we can't even begin to compare him to a full-term child until he starts school. 4 months early would equal to a 4 year delay on some skills. The great news is - his growth curve is steady and growing. We couldn't ask for better news!

This just got real! Do you see this little monkey?

Welcome to the world Baby Emma! We were so excited to meet our baby cousin.

Jase loved kissing the picture and talking to his sweet little cousin on the phone.

He wasn't so sure about her when he met her.

I told him not to be jealous - there is plenty of love to go around.

2.9.15 - Jase had a new play date!

Jase loved playing with Edward. I can't wait until summer so we can have many more play dates!

My baby is growing up!

Don't mind the crazy socks - Daddy dressed him and loves the SUPER HERO Socks.
Even when they don't match his outfit!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2.14.15

Look at this mouth full of teeth!

He has all of his teeth except his two year molars.

He is currently working on completely cutting his top two 1 year molars AND boy are they stubborn.

2.23.15 - Random Cute Pictures in my new 18 month clothes!

2.25.15 - Not everything in February was fantastic. For those that don't follow us on Facebook, my Aunt Cyndi was rushed to the hospital a few days before Valentine's day. Fearing that she had had a small heart attack they needed to do more tests after she fell. She was taken by ambulance to Des Moines. Tests returned that she had not had a heart attack but she was still very weak from the flu as well as her high blood sugar. It was not good news to hear that she had fell again on February 25th. After being taken to the hospital again, it was found that she had 3 blood clots, one in her leg and one in each lung. She was air lifted to Methodist in Des Moines and it was a very emotional day. She is back in Creston now, recovering at the rehab part of Creston Nursing and Rehab. Please continue to keep her in your prayers so that she can make a full and speedy recovery. I know that her family just wants her to be healthy again and all prayers are appreciated.

Grandmas always have the best touch. I am so thankful that my Grandma Emma agreed to come to my house that afternoon. Not only is Jase enjoying his afternoon nape, but I got some much needed cleaning and laundry done. I always love her company, but after an emotional morning it was exactly what I needed.

2.27.15 - More Random Pictures from a very busy day.