Life with 2 Kids!

Since Aurelia's birth we have been inundated by house guests, struggled to find a new normal and attempted to balance the never ending pile of laundry that comes with having two kids.  Having a newborn is challenging as every new mom will attest to.  Yet with Aurelia's arrival on the scene I struggled more with balancing two kids than with dealing with my newborn.  This is because Aurelia is one of the easiest babies ever - I couldn't be more blessed and feel like I hit the jackpot when it comes to infants.  She is a terrific eater who breastfeeds like a champ, she loves to be held and is willing to be held by anybody who comes to visit, and she loves to sleep and started sleeping 4-5 hour stretches by one month.  We couldn't be luckier.

Happiness = Aurelia's smile 

My beautiful little lady

The first few weeks we were home we were lucky enough to have my parents stay with us.  This was a blessing as they were able to entertain Benton and have him feel as if he wasn't losing out on his primo spot in the family with the arrival of his new sister.  With the departure of the grandparents we definitely began to see Benton's neediness and jealousy peak.  While Benton is a sweet and protective big brother, willing to rock the baby in her bassinet, give her kisses and share toys, he is still a toddler who wants mommy and daddy's undivided attention.  Needless to say I have become a master at feeding Aurelia and reading books to Benton or doing puzzles.  I now understand why moms wish they had an extra set of hands :)

Aurelia's special time with Mommy and Daddy

In order to keep Benton's world stable and as unchanged as possible we have continued his therapies and appointments at their normal clip.  This means I am now balancing 6 therapy appointments a week along with his specialist appointments all with a newborn in tow.  No easy feat, but it keeps him happy and entertained which is what is important.

Having fun in the ball pit at occupational therapy!

In addition, Benton's pulmonologist finally cleared us for playgroups and outside classes so we have begun taking Benton to music classes and story times at the local library.  We are hoping these events give him more social interaction as he has been very shy around other children lately.  With the advent of music classes, more trips to the local playground and story time over the last two months Benton has begun to open up socially.  He no longer runs away during music class or clings to me, he has started interacting with the other students and he is loving the playground.  We couldn't be prouder of his progress.

Fun in the Spring & Summer 

Aurelia has just hit two months old and she is at the top of the growth charts in every way.  She is 11.9 lbs and 23 inches tall at just two months!  It is surreal for us to see how big Aurelia has grown as it took Benton almost 9 months to reach this same weight and height!  Aurelia is also holding her head up most of the time, cooing and starting to smile.  We are so proud of her accomplishments as well :) 

More pictures of gorgeous Aurelia

Staying home with our kids these past few months has been an unbelievable blessing.  I am so enjoying watching Aurelia and Benton grow before my very eyes.  After the scary start to Benton's life, it is wonderful to enjoy some quiet moments with my second child - breastfeeding, cuddling and staring at her.  Much love to everyone who has been following this journey.

The most important men in my life <3 

Benton wearing outfits from Cameroon and Japan! Looking so cute :)

Smiling Happy Aurelia 

Our Happy Benton

Welcome to the world Aurelia! A new little miracle joins our home

Celebrating our newest arrival Aurelia!

On March 9th at 8:42am Aurelia Charlotte Marie Bertram was welcomed into this world and we couldn't be more ecstatic on her arrival.  It is so amazing to instantly go from a family of three to a family of four.  We couldn't feel more blessed.

Having a full term baby was such a different experience than what we had experienced during Benton's birth.  With Aurelia we had a set c-section date at 37.5 weeks and we anxiously awoke that morning knowing full well that we were going to meet our daughter that day.  There were no surprises.  It was surreal driving in the early morning hours before dawn to get to the hospital knowing that a few days later we would be bringing our daughter home with us.  Once we checked into the hospital they hooked me up to the contraction monitor and the fetal heart beat monitor and then they prepped us for surgery.  Unlike last time I was able to have a epidural and be awake during the csection which was both exciting but also nerve-wracking -- knowing you are cut open on a table is quite an unreal experience.  When they gave me the epidural I was feeling so much emotion.  Excitement that I would soon meet my baby and nerves that something unexpected could go wrong.  (I mean who can blame me since my last experience in the OR was so traumatic).  Once they started the procedure I just stared at Joe and we talked about how excited we were to meet our daughter.  Being able to focus on him and not the pulling and tugging you feel during a csection was a godsend.  Then at 8:42am about half an hour after they started we heard the best sound in the world...a baby's first cry.

Getting ready to meet our newest little one!

When I heard my daughter cry for the very first time my eyes welled with tears and I couldn't help feeling overcome with emotion.  My daughter could cry, my daughter could breathe, my daughter was perfect.  The doctor quickly showed me my beautiful little girl and I couldn't help notice she was unbelievably blonde - like electric blonde!  They then whisked her away to be suctioned and cleaned with Joe running over to see our newborn baby girl.  He was able to cut the cord and after what felt like forever I was able to stare at my beautiful daughter while they stitched me up.  Everything was perfect - she was perfect, the csection was perfect and my doctors couldn't have been happier with her health.

After the csection was finally over they rolled us into the recovery room and I got to begin the process of being acquainted with the new love in my life.  As I was breastfeeding her for the first time and doing kangaroo care (skin-to-skin), Joe and I discussed names.  I know many of you may not believe me but we truly hadn't picked out a name before her birth.  Even in the moments following her birth as the doctors asked us her name we kept saying we didn't know.  Joe had given me the monumental task of deciding her name as he had chosen Benton's and I was flipping and flopping all over the place on what to name her.  As I looked at my beautiful golden-haired daughter I finally decided on Aurelia (with its meaning being golden one - I took her hair as a sign that this was the right decision).  We then gave her the middle names Charlotte (for where Joe and I first met) and Marie (to honor the many women in our family).  Our little Aurelia is a true blessing and we couldn't wait to show our our beautiful, healthy baby girl.

Hanging with our beautiful girl

That very day we had our family come and meet Aurelia and my parents brought Benton to meet his little sister!  Having Benton meet Aurelia for the first time was incredibly special - we weren't sure how he would react but it seemed that he instinctively understood this new little person was his sister.  Prior to the birth Benton would kiss and point to my stomach when I would ask where was his sister.  That day when I asked where was his sister he pointed at the baby and gave her head a kiss.  What a little sweetie!  I can already tell he is going to be an amazing big brother!

First portrait as a family of four!

Hugging my two little loves

The next few days we spent in the hospital enjoying some quiet time with Aurelia before the craziness of going home.  Every moment I looked at my beautiful daughter I was just filled with awe and wonder.  Awe in God's miracles and awe in the blessings we have been bestowed as a family.  Each moment I stared at my daughter, I couldn't help but compare and contrast the moments with Benton's birth.  To say that these moments differed would be the understatement of the century.   In Benton's birth we felt fear - fear he may not survive, fear of making one wrong move with this infinitely small little baby and fear of the NICU, an unknown environment.  With Aurelia's birth we felt excitement, when we looked at her we couldn't help marvel at how big she was and how we were able to hold her the very day she was born.  Most of all we couldn't help feeling blessed that we had a healthy full term baby.  Having had a preemie gives you a whole new appreciation for the health of your baby.  No longer do you take having a healthy baby for granted - a healthy baby is something to be cherished and cherish her we did.

Heading home from the hospital

Thank you to everyone who prayed for our family and sent positive thoughts during my most recent pregnancy.  We are so blessed that people are following our story and wish us nothing but the best.

Little feet

A Reflection on our Amazing Son

Love at the park

As I get closer and closer to my due date with Little Lady, I have been pausing to reflect on the amazing blessings our family has been given.  Each day Benton brings happiness to everyone around him with his joy for life, eternally sunny disposition, natural mischievousness/curiosity and unfaltering determination to overcome obstacles.  I am constantly amazed by my son and I know others around him who know his fragile start to life are in awe as well.

Trying to read and building towers of blocks!

Such an explorer

Making a mess and getting mischievous

Some days I look at Benton and think to myself what if he had passed away during those terrifying times his first Christmas.  What if this joyous little boy hadn't been able to overcome the seemingly insurmountable obstacles and get to the place he is today?  What if kangaroo care and a mother's love had not pulled him back from the brink of death?  What if our miracle boy wasn't here today?  Not only would I have missed out on loving and parenting the most amazing little miracle....but I would never have had the chance to see his personality, his genuine happiness and joy for life.  Each day I thank God for miracles.  Benton is a miracle and I am so very blessed that I am fortunate enough to get to watch him grow up, explore and learn about his world.  I can't imagine what my life would be like today if we hadn't been blessed with his life and for that we are forever grateful.

Fun with Auntie Breton and Uncle Chris

Brisk walk around the neighborhood

As I look at my beautiful and amazing son, I know that his road has been challenging, but each day he continues to overcome obstacles and surprise everyone with his wonderful progress.  Here is an update on Benton's medical progress:

• Cardiology - At Benton's most recent appointment his pulmonary hypertension looked well controlled and the doctor said we could start weaning his sildenafil medication from 4ml to 3ml!  The plan is for us to slowly but surely decrease the dose until he is off this year!
• Pulmonology - Benton's pulmonologist said we could begin to wean Benton's albuterol inhaler once cold and flu season was over!  In addition, Benton has been cleared to join playgroups and little classes once cold and flu season is over; however, we are still not cleared to put him in daycare.
• Opthamology - Benton's eyes looked good and he doesn't need glasses.  He had slightly raised pressures in his eyes which could be genetic and they will continue to watch it.
• ENT - Benton's ear tubes looked good in his post-surgical follow-up.  He also passed his hearing test which is great as this means the tubes have made a difference!
• Occular plastic surgeon - Benton's eye tumor has been removed and has healed beautifully.  We were formally discharged from these recurring appointments!  The first doctor we can successfully take off the list :)
• Physical Therapy - Benton is a walking fiend and loves to walk all over the neighborhood and park.  Due to him walking a bit on his toes his physical therapist has recommended higher orthotics for the time being to encourage better form while walking - so we plan to be in these higher braces for 3-6 months.  In addition, Benton was written an order for a SPIO compression vest which should help increase his core strength.
• Occupational Therapy - Benton's fine motor skills are improving by the day and his favorite activity now is puzzles!  We are currently working on identifying colors and stringing beads together.
• Feeding Therapy - Benton's feeding is just amazing now :) He no longer requires calories via his feeding tube - you heard that right he takes all of his calories by mouth!!!!!  Now we just use the feeding tube to supplement his liquid (water) intake.  We have also been working on soft solids such as stewed fruit, tiny bites of hot dog/dumpling/ravioli and puffs.  Each day we are seeing more and more improvement and hope that one day Benton is eating an age-appropriate diet!
• Speech Therapy - Benton can now make the following sounds: Ba, Ma, Moo, Bow-Wow, Da, Ta, Uh, and Ahh.  He says Hi and Bye and loves to chase the dogs around yelling "Bow Wow Bow Wow".  He is also saying word approximations for ball, please and up.  For a kid that barely made any noises in 2015 his vocabulary has vastly improved.  We know he has a long way to go, but we are encouraged by his general babbling and his awesome receptive language.  Benton is easily following two-step commands and can identify animals, modes of transportation and shapes.  

Trying ice cream for the first time!

Spaghetti sauce!

As you can see from the list above, Benton is growing in leaps and bounds.  Not only is he making progress across so many of his therapies but he no longer needs calories in his feeding tube and currently is 31 lbs and 36.5 inches tall (in the 75th percentile).  Every day I look at Benton I see a miracle.  When the doctors look at Benton they are so impressed with his progress in spite of his early circumstances.  Benton was given a 5% chance to live and was almost assuredly going to have moderate-serious disabilities, but he survived and doctors say that he will grow out of his delays without long term disabilities.  It is true that miracles happen.  Benton is living proof.

Lot of love in our family snuggle

Making silly faces

As I embark on our next chapter as a family of four I thought it prudent to reflect on the constant blessings we have been given these past 2 years.  Our family is incredibly fortunate and I can't wait to make Benton a big brother in less than 2 weeks :)

Enjoying some outdoor time!

Happy Valentines Day!

Getting excited for our new addition!

Family time with Tutu and Grandpappy at the park

Ready to take on the world :)