Just a couple of "sickies"

Phoenix's next pediatrian's appointment is June 9th, but due to his severe nasal congestion (plus coughing and sneezing), we took him in to get checked out and see what we could do for him. While we were there, they weighed him (with his diaper and onesie still on, so it was not completely accurate, but...) he weighed 7 lbs. We'll get a more accurate weight on the 9th, when they'll undress him, before they weigh him. It will be fun to see what he weighs and how long he is, now that he is "full term" (as of May 27th). He was diagnosed with a cold, but due to his young age, they would not prescribe anything for him and told us to wait it out. However, a couple of days later, his Mor (Lisa) started to get quite sick (cold and flu symptoms and fever), as well. And, after a visit to Urgent Care, she was diagnosed with the croup and the beginning of either pneumonia or sinusitis! So, Lisa is now taking a cough syrup with narcotics and a "z-pack" of antibiotics and Mucinex. This means that Phoenix has to use up all the frozen breast milk (mixed with extra formula, to make it last) until Lisa finishes the antibiotics and cough syrup, so that he does not get a dosage of this medicine. All of this means that Mommy (Steph) has had to be a full-time Mommy, while Lisa was "out" from being sick and all of the medication(s)! Steph had to take a day off of work and then, only work a partial shift, until Lisa could manage caring for Phoenix, on her own. Luckily, Steph has not had any signs of illness, yet. And, we're just hoping that Phoenix doesn't get whatever Lisa has. We've just been trying to alleviate Phoenix's symptoms with daily baths, a humidifier, saline nasal spray, nasal suctions, baby vapo-rub, and keeping him laying on his side, stomach, or upright (if he's on his back). We've been keeping tabs on his temperature, as well, and thankfully he's not had a fever, like Lisa has had. Phoenix's nasal congestion has been slowly improving. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you!

Photo Shoot (continued)!

Photo Shoot!

These pictures are dedicated to Phoenix's Mormor, who thought it might be fun to have a remote camera to take pictures of Phoenix's many expressions he makes while holding him! These were taken in his vibrating chair, but he still made a few faces! We ALL miss you Mormor and can't wait for you to come back!

First Walk in the Park

Last week, when Mormor was here, we all went on Phoenix's first walk in the local park! It was a little breezy, but he was bundled up and had the top up and cover on the bassinett portion of his stroller. Also, he was wrapped in blankets. He seemed to really enjoy being outside. And, since then, he has been outside every day... either while we were working outside or a walk in the park. He is always protected from direct sunlight, but still gets to experience and enjoy the fresh air and indirect sunlight. And, we come inside if the breeze gets too windy, since it can impede his ability to breathe normally.

Photo Shoot, Gone Bad!

This afternoon, Phoenix accompanied his Mor (Lisa) outside in his awesome stroller / buggy while she did a little light yardwork (weeding and trimming dead growth). He'd had about enough after just over an hour and we went back inside. The temperature was 75 F today and there was just a slight breeze. We brought the boom box outside and played his favorite (okay, only...) CD. It's a classical music for babies CD that he really seems to enjoy! This morning, Mommy (Steph) tried to help with a photo shoot, so that I could post new photos on this blog. But, after only a couple of pictures (the close ups, in the previous post), Phoenix had enough, screamed when his Mor (Lisa) wanted to get just one picture with his cool elephant hat, and after it was removed, he just shut down! Later (after being outside), Lisa got some good photos, in a second photo shoot, while he was in his vibrating music chair!

First Milestones

Although they are difficult to see in many of his photos, Phoenix's eyebrows and eyelashes are really starting to grow and fill in (see close up photos)! Phoenix is now 6 weeks old (as of Wednesday, May 20th) since birth. However, we were told that for developmental milestones, we should use his "adjusted age" which would be his gestational age. And, since he wasn't due until May 27th, he's still considered "unborn"! He will be "zero" (full term) next Wednesday, when we will begin charting his milestones. However, I think he must be "advanced"! This is because, according to "Pregnancy Weekly" at 6 weeks, a full term baby should be meeting the following milestones: momentarily lifting head up, while laying on his stomach; focus on others' faces; and smile (without gas!). He has met all of these milestones, even without adjusting his age! Phoenix has also begun to cry real tears (crocodile tears!). His Mommy (Steph) says Phoenix has his Mor's (Lisa's) number and already knows how to get his way with her. These tears are another "weapon" in his arsenal! And his sweet little "preemie cry" is long gone, as well. His lungs are strong and his cry is loud, now! Mommy (Steph) had to trim a few of his fingernails this week, because he keeps scratching his face and head. He had also been scratching us (our hands, neck, and arms) while we hold him! Phoenix has also begun to "coo"! He does this mainly when he's eating and when he's being held, as long as all of his other needs (feeding, burping, diaper change, sleep, etc.) have been met. He still very much enjoys his baths, so he also tends to "coo" during his bath time, as well.

Animal Assistants

The animals can't seem to get enough of Phoenix and all want to be close to him (and whomever is caring for him, at any time). They all like to be "involved" in anything that he's doing (sleeping, eating, diaper change, bath time, etc.)! They want to watch and check on him, especially if he's making any noises, including any crying. I have to say I was pretty surprised at this, since the dogs don't seem to care for small children and have always barked when they hear babies on t.v. cry!

Nacho is Concerned about Phoenix

Mormor's Visit

At his first pediatrician's appointment, Phoenix was found to be in good health and he has grown to 19 1/2" and 5 lbs. 12 oz. No shots this time (phew!). Due to his prematurity, he will have to wait another month, at least, before his first vaccinations / immunizations. He has his next appointment scheduled in June. Soon after we got home, Phoenix's Mormor arrived in Redmond for her first long visit! We had bath time... and a lot of snuggle time with Mormor. Steph and Lisa are very grateful for this time so that we can rest and get some things done around the house! And Mormor has been learning all of Phoenix's little quirks and habits. Phoenix has been quite content with Mormor holding him ALL day!

Little Boy Blue

... come blow your horn! It gets a little chilly here at night, still. So, we try to bundle up! We're excited for warmer weather coming soon! Phoenix has his first pediatrician's appointment on Monday, the day after Mother's Day. His first shots are expected and hopefully, he has gained weight since coming home! This will be Lisa's first Mother's Day as a mother and she's quite pleased!