1 month old!

Grayson is 1 month old today! He is starting to talk to us, and he gave us his first smile. I didn't get to capture it on camera yet though. He is sleeping about 6 hours during his first stretch, so I am happy about that. I load him up at 10pm and he sleeps until usually 4am. Then, he goes until about 8am for his next feeding, and then we are up for the day.
Here are a few pictures of him from his first month with us.
Granny holds him (that's his Great Granny)


Brayden holding him:

Kaylee holding him:

His first bath: He loves bathtime and relaxes so much he almost falls asleep

We finally caught him smiling:

Sleeping oh so sweet:

This picture reminds me of Austin Powers character "Dr Evil" saying "One Billion Dollars"

Surgery is Scheduled

Grayson is 4 weeks old today! The clinic called me back and his surgery is scheduled for August 7, 2008. Dr Leurssen wants to do it earlier than I originally thought because he said the bones are still "moldable" this early in life, and the longer we wait, the harder the surgery is on the child. The scariest part now is that he will need a blood transfusion. We are trying to find a family member who will donate and can be a match. They have to test for the CRV virus, which most adults carry in their blood, but children do not. So, it has to be VERY clean blood. Chris, Debbie, Casey and Chris Sr are all going to donate Monday. I am a freaking wreck! How am I supposed to hand off my child to someone else so they can cut open and perform major surgery on his head? No mother should have to go through this. EVER!

Our First Appt with the Neurosurgeon

Today was a very emotional day for me. We met with Dr Leurssen at Tx Childrens Hospital nerosurgery clinic. He is the chief of neurology there. He explained to us the details of the surgery. He said he will do the zig zag incision across the top of his head from ear to ear. Then, he will remove the piece of bone that is fused and then stitch him back up. He took one look at him and could tell he had it. They did the MRI and scanned him for a helmet. He will have to wear the helmet for 6-8 months after the surgery. I cried at the thought of Grayson going through surgery so early in life. He's so tiny. He weighed 8lbs 8 oz today, but he grew an inch and a half. So, he's up to 21.5 inches now. I am the most terrified of the anesthesia. Too many "what if's" are out there for me to worry about, and for those who know me, you know I worry about EVERYTHING! I am the world's biggest worry wart! This totally sucks! First, I had to have surgery to get him out, and then he has to go through surgery also. I'm a mess today. I can't even think straight. Oh, and it's my Dad's birthday. I need to remember to call him. Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy 4th of July!

We went and watched fireworks today. Grayson slept through the whole thing. I had to feed him twice, but with my nursing cover, it's so discreet.

I lost another 7 lbs too. So, I’ve lost 20 so far. Grayson had another check up on Thursday. He weighed 8 lbs 5 oz. He gained 10 oz in 7 days! My milk must be good. He is on a schedule, somewhat. He eats a lot at 10pm. I feed him for about an hour. Then, he sleeps until 2-2:30am, and the he eats for about 30-45 minutes and then he sleeps until 6am. We go back to sleep after that feeding while Chris gets up with the kids at 7am. Me and Grayson sleep until about 9am. I am still really sore, but I am off the pain meds.

Day Twelve

Chris took me to go get a pedicure today. It was nice to get out of the house. He got one also. We went to lunch too. It was a nice “date” and I enjoyed myself! I am pretty self sufficient now. I shaved by myself, and I can squat and everything. I can do everything I’m just slow going. I just wish I could drive. I feel cooped up not being able to drive anywhere. I don’t know if I can make it to my Dr appt for the release. I may have to drive before then or I’ll go crazy. I looked at my scar today. It looks ugly, but it’s so low, no one will ever see it. Tomorrow, Grayson goes for his 2 week checkup and heel stick. Then, my kids are coming home!!!! My tummy is shrinking down nicely. I think the breastfeeding is helping a lot! I am weighing in on Friday for my official weight.

I’m off the steroids, but I think I may need another round. I am only about 90% better, and I am still using nose spray about 2 times a day.