Thursday, February 26, 2009

What is the #1 rule of the universe?

DON'T PANIC!

Now let me tell you about our day...Align Center
Due to fog, Garrett had the day off of school.  So we got to spend the day together!  We worked out together this morning and then Garrett put his laundry away, took out the trash, fed the dog, and made his bed while I bathed, fed, and dressed Nicolas!  He was a great help this morning but this afternoon he really stepped up to the plate!
After we got cleaned up, we headed to the Angola Outlets to make a quick return.  I carried Nicolas into the store...because this was going to be brief... while waiting for the sales person to give me my receipt to sign i asked Garrett to hold Nicolas....which being the good brother that he is, he said, "sure!"  BUT the lady was taking longer than she should and Garrett started to get tired...Nicolas is quite heavy...so he had to hand him back to me.  During the exchange I felt a warm liquid start to ooze all over my hand.  I looked down and said, "close his button Garrett, it came open and is leaking"...But on further inspection realized it had come OUT....THE ENTIRE FEEDING TUBE HAD COME OUT!!!!!!  
My initial reaction....PANIC...
I laid him down and immediately tried to put it back in...which is impossible...
...because there is a water balloon on the end of the feeding tube which anchors it into the tummy... To put it back in you have to empty the water out of the balloon using a syringe...reinsert the feeding tube into Nicolas...then put the water back in....
Well at the moment...
My mind was going a mile a minute and yet all I remember is...
This isn't supposed to be OUT...It's supposed to be IN!
And all that was coming out of my mouth was...
O my gosh...O my gosh...O my gosh....O my gosh....O my gosh...
Then a women came over and said I'm a nurse...and I thought to myself, me too! (HA--not really)  Well everything clicked and I remembered I had everything I needed in the diaper bag which was in the car.  So I gave Garrett my keys and told him to go get the diaper bag.  He brought it in and the nurse held Nicolas down on the table while I reinserted the feeding tube.
After that...I bought Nicolas a new outfit...dressed him...cleaned up the very sour smelling formula that was all over their cash register area...
Said thanks and we walked out the door!

So #1 rule....DON'T PANIC!
And I must say...Garrett was amazing!  He didn't miss a beat...he was focused and calm!
I was shaking so bad that I could barely sign the receipt!
I'm so glad he was there with me!

What a day!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Pirate Party's!!!

The Meyers Family...
Reading my pirate book!
I buried treasure in my pocket!
Pirate Camden

The Baker Family...

Pirate Andrew and Pirate Jacob
Two Pirates wishing Nicolas a Happy Birthday!
-Uncle Joe and Aunt Lynne

The Stein Family...(Tom and Christy)
Pirate Tommy
Pirate Aaliyah
Hey Guys, 
Hope Nicolas had a Happy Birthday!  What a wonderful idea the birthday box was.  The kids loved the books and Tommy liked to dress up like a pirate.  We had Cassandra make the cupcakes which were good.  Tell Nicolas that we can't wait to see him and we love him lots and lots.
Love Tom and Christy and kids


The Leman Family...
Jack, Tim, Kimra (Ms. baby Leman in mommy's tummy) and William
We enjoyed pizza and a movie!
Cool Pirate Brothers!

Pirate Jack

Pirate William
The Brower Family...
Pirate Brielle and Pirate Jake

Yummy cupcakes!
To Nicolas

HAPPY 1ST BIRTHDAY NICOLAS!!!
We hope you had a great day and a wonderful 1st birthday.  We had a lot of fun celebrating here in Indy, but wish we could have spent it with you...next year :) We made cupcakes, lit a candle for you and made a wish that your second year is even better than your wonderful first.  We are so proud of you and the little man you have become.  You have been through a lot and have been quite the tropper.  You are so lucky to have such amazing parents and big brother that love you so much.  We love you so much too and can't wait to see you again.  Happy Birthday little pirate!!

From the Browers
Aunt Danae, Uncle Jake, and Pirate Brielle

More Pirate party pictures soon!


Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Happy Birthday To Dear Nicolas!

Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Nicolas!
Happy birthday to you!
Cap'n Nicolas sent boxes full of goodies to each of the Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  Inside they found treasure to help them celebrate Nicolas' birthday in true pirate style!  So while they had a nice Pirate Party in their very own home...We celebrated at our house with the grandparents!  We wish we could all be together...but we know it won't be too much longer until we can!  Here are some birthday party pictures and our birthday wishes for Nicolas!  Enjoy!  More pictures to come!
I like watching Mommy decorate for my party!

Yummy icing!

Aargh Gaaarrrett!

Grandma Peggy

Papa Crotchie's whiskers are poky!
Grandma Lane

Papa Randy ...Mema Marilyn couldn't be here.  Poor Mema's pancreatitis is acting up again and she is back in the hospital...We love her and missed her very much!  Get better soon Mema!


Grandma Lane and Papa Crotchie gave me my birthday hat!
It's my party....
...And I'll cry if I want too...


I love my daddy!

I love my mommy too!


I want to open my presents now!
(He stayed awake the whole time!)
Garrett got me a pirate sun hat and a matching swim suit!
(He tried to peek up at me from under the hat!)

He is the coolest big brother!


Throughout the day we received many kind messages from friends and family!  Thank you!  We love you and miss you all!
At the party, Nicolas opened some very nice cards, summer clothes, pj's, a new swing, and money for therapy toys!  We love it and appreciate it very much!
Love you Grandpas and grandmas!
  
Our wish for Nicolas is health and happiness this year and always!
Happy birthday Nicolas!  You have been a gift to us all!  We love you!
Mommy, Daddy, and Garrett

On This Day Nicolas Was Born!

On the morning of February 19th,  Garrett decided he wanted to be there so Mema was his coach and they sat behind my shoulder.  
Jake was in tears.  
At 9:18 a.m. Nicolas Jacob Stein was born!  
Weighing 6 lb. 2 oz. and 19 1/2 in. long!  What a chunk!  

You've come a long way baby!
We love you Nicolas!
Daddy, Mommy and Garrett

One year ago...

On February 10th, last year, I stopped working because the doctor thought I was going to go early.  HA--  February 18th was my due date and still no Nicolas.  I had a doctors appointment at 4 p.m. and it lasted until after 6!  She did an ultrasound, measured me, and had me do a stress test...that is where they hook you up to a monitor for an hour to make sure the baby is OK.  While meeting with our doctor she explained that Nicolas had done all the growing that he could inside and that he would probably only weigh 5 lbs. 14 oz.  She said everything looked good to go ahead with inducing me.  She scheduled us to go to Parkview North that evening.  We went home packed our bags and I gave it one last attempt at fattening Nicolas up....We ate Culver's...I had a Deluxe  Butter Burger and fried cheese curds!  Yum!  After that we went to Mema's to tell Garrett the good news.  He wanted us to call him with updates and when Nicolas was getting close to delivery...At this point Garrett went back and forth about wanting to be in the delivery room.  We kissed him, reassured him, and told him we loved him.  At 10 p.m. we checked into the hospital and by 10:30 I was induced.  It only took about 2 hours before I started to feel contractions.

This all happened one year ago and it seems like yesterday!
My baby is about to be one!

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

LOVE to Snowboard!






This weekend, while Aunt Kimmy watched Nicolas, Jake and I took the boys snowboarding!  Here are some pictures!  We had a great time!  Love you!

Here is a quick clip of G boarding!


Saturday, February 14, 2009

They're Heart Breakers With Those Blue Eyes!

Will you be our valentine?

This morning we had some eggs and Krispy Kreme Valentines dougnuts...OK I didn't have any, but I tried to get mom to put one in the blender...she said no.  Moms!?!?  Garrett ate one for me...He is such a great big brother!  Then we opened our valentines!  Garrett got a new robe, candy, and Star Wars Legos.  Mommy, Daddy and Garrett got me two books and suckers.  I tried an orange one today...it was yummy!  We will be leaving shortly to go visit our Aunt Kimmy!  I love my family!
I love you too!
Nicolas

Friday, February 13, 2009

My 2nd Haircut!

Yesterday I got a new haircut...then I went and played with Camden and Mema while daddy and mommy went out for lunch!  Our Aunt Kimmy got us matching shirts...so mommy took lots of pictures...so many that I got tired!




Today I have a t-shirt that matches Garrett!  I'm sure mom will take more pictures!
I love you all!
Nicolas

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Caught Nicolas Smiling!


He was so happy to have a full tummy!  I love my little man!

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Baby Leman...

It's a girl!!!!!!!

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Hand Splints...

For the most part Nicolas keeps his hands held in a fist.  When he is upset he clenches them very tight.  When he is relaxed we can stretch them open but you can feel the muscles are very tight.  So today Nicolas was fitted for hand splints.  We should get the splints in a couple days.  The gentleman who measured his hands was a joy to speak with.  He and his wife have a beautiful (as seen in her picture) 10 year old daughter who was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.  It was a very encouraging conversation....about expectations....about life with Nicolas....and about how truly precious these children are in our lives.  The way he mentioned God throughout our conversation reminded me how important HIS role is in our lives...God prepared us in such a special way and brought us together (all of us...not just Jake, Garrett, and I...but our family and friends and Doctors too) so that Nicolas would be loved and cared for.  This is something to be thankful for each and everyday!  Tonight (as every night) Nicolas and I will pray for the sick, the weak, and those in need...people we know...and those we don't...God bless us all...and continue to be with us night and day...and thank you for the opportunity to be reminded each and every day of Your love, Your presence, and for the many gifts You have given us.  You know what we need and You always provide!  Thank you LORD!

On another note....I'm picking Garrett up from school at 1:15 tomorrow.  Mema, Garrett, Nicolas, and I are going to South Bend for an Ultrasound...My sister (Kimra) is expecting their 3rd child and tomorrow we will find out if it is a boy or a girl!  I'll let you know tomorrow!  I'm so excited!!!!

Love to all!
Felisa

Monday, February 2, 2009

Lab Results...

Today Nicolas Had another immunization shot.  On Thursday he will get another and we will be caught up to 6 months.  We will wait 6 weeks and begin another series of shots that are typically given at 9 months.  Then wait another 6 weeks and  do it all over again...At that point we will be completely caught up!  So we are getting there!  Because the cause to Nicolas' difficulties is unclear they give him one shot at a time so that there are no complications with any grouping that could possibly make his symptoms worse.  He occasionally will get a slight fever from them...but on Thursday last week he got hives from one...one dose of Benadryl and it went away.  So he is doing pretty good! 
 
Last week we found out about all the recent blood work and a urine test...this was part of genetic testing...it came back negative!  Which is good.  The next step is the muscle biopsy...which we have been told will be done this Spring.  I made a call to Riley today to start setting that up.  I have not heard from them yet but I will let you know as soon as I can about when it will be scheduled.
Nicolas is getting so BIG!  He is officially into his new car seat!  We still have it rear facing...and will continue too until he is 36 pounds.  Developmental Pediatrics at Riley said Nicolas is in an appropriate car seat until then.  Once he is 36 lbs, if he is still not supporting his head and has no trunk control, we will order him a special car seat...one that insurance will cover.  Just making sure our little peanut is safe no matter where we go!

That is all I have today!
Take care!
Love,
Felisa