Sunday, June 17, 2012

WAY overdue update!

I know it has been way too long since I've updated the blog, but I've been a little busy with Miss Priss and Mr. Man (Brady).  Before I get into the update how about a few pictures...

Happy Memorial Day!  I know I look a little scared in this photo, but don't worry I am okay.  Mommy just forgot to turn the flash off on her phone and it was really bright!

My mommy has this really bad habit of taking pictures of me right after I eat.  I keep telling her that I'm really sleepy, but she keeps saying I'm really cute. 

I had my first photo session with Amanda McNeely last week.  That lady is SO talented!  She took so many pictures of me (without the scary flash) and I didn't even cry once.  She wanted to get some pictures of me sleeping, but I was just too awake!  I haven't seen all of the pictures, just the quick previews she sent my mom, but I'm pretty sure my mommy is about to spend all of daddy's money on my portfolio!

YUCK!!!  I had no idea mommy and daddy were kissing!  Bubba obviously saw them and couldn't contain himself.  I sure do love my Bubba...he is a GREAT singer!


Now for the update.

Ashton is doing very well at home.  We are still on the oxygen, but only 1/16 of a liter when sleeping.  I think she is really close to getting rid of it completely and I know she is ready for it to be gone.  She has scratched her little nose more than once trying to get it off her face.  We saw the cardiologist in Lubbock a few weeks ago and had yet another Echo.  No real changes to report.  He didn't weight adjust her Propranolol (heart medicine) and she has been doing fine-so that is good news.  Her heart function isn't perfect, but her heart is functioning well enough that we are still in wait and see mode.  Speaking of weight.  Miss Priss now weighs 8lbs, 2 oz!  She has baby fat and little leg rolls!  She still doesn't cry much and sometimes I have to wake her for feedings, but she is definitely getting more alert and staying awake for longer periods of time.  She has started to fuss when she wants her diaper changed or just wants out of her swing or seat.  We are trying to work with her on more tummy time which she is perfectly fine with skipping completely.  Unfortunately, the back of her head is getting a little bit flat, so she is going to have to start spending more time on her belly.  Probably the biggest news is that we went last week for our second attempt at a hearing screen.  As you may remember, Ashton did not pass her hearing screens in the NICU in Houston.  Well, last Wednesday we tested her again and her left ear PASSED with minimal, IF ANY, hearing loss!  That is such a huge PRAISE!  They were not able to get her right ear drum to move so we will retest her in a month.  It could be fluid in her ear, that her ear canals are still REALLY small and the probe wasn't able to accurately measure, or that the bones were not formed correctly.  We should know more in a month.  We also will be getting her EI assessment this week to see what, if anything, they recommend on the OT/PT front.

We are in the process of attempting to find someone to care for Ashton as I plan to return to work.  Please be in prayer that we will find the right person to care for our sweet girl.  Obviously daycare is not an option and she still can't be around other sweet darlings who may have sniffles or sneezes.  Midland's economy makes it very difficult to find someone qualified that is willing to care for an infant with a few extra needs.  If you know of anyone that may be a fit for this special job, PLEASE email or call me!

Mr. Man is doing great and is an amazing big brother.  If Miss Priss is fussing he will walk over and sing (usually Father Abraham or a mixture of every nursery rhyme he knows) to her.  He is also the best pacifier finder/giver I've ever seen.  He helps me when we go to Lubbock for doctor's appointments and has just been amazing!  For Father's Day weekend, he and Cody went to the deer lease to work and "hunt".  I know some of you are not fond of hunting, so skip the last picture if you don't want to see Mr. Man's first confirmed kill.  He is so proud of himself and had an amazing day with his daddy. 

We love and appreciate you all so very much!  I promise I will try to update more often.  My mom has been coming every other weekend from Houston to help out which has been a life saver.  Speaking of, I better go remind her she can't hold Miss Priss ALL day long today!

Much love,
Brandi