Porter has something to say...

We love listening to our little man jabber. And I am sure that once in a while he says Mama...even if he doesn't know it. :)

First Tooth!

Porter has his first tooth!! We have been fighting a cold with a fever all weekend. The fever is gone and in its place is Bubba's first tooth...what a trade off! :)

Slow Leak

We had Porter's cardiologist appointment on Friday. It was a spectacular day. Both Eric and I took the day off. Porter was in a good mood and even allowed Mommy and Daddy to sleep in a whole half hour. The sun was shining and spring was in the air. But the best part of the day was hearing Dr. Neuberger tell us that Porter's valve has gotten better as he has grown. He doesn't want to see us for 6 months.

6 months!! My first thought was thank you Lord! My second thought was 6 months is a long time with no Echo's or EKG's...a double edge sword. I shook that bad worry-vibes out of my Crazy-Mommy head and breathed a sigh of relief. The valve looked great and there is no sign that he will need another valveoplaste.

Although, he does have a leaky valve because of the last valveoplaste. We knew that could happen and is not a surprise. The good thing- it is a slow leak and only mild to moderate in nature. The bad news- at some point in our little man's life he will need a valve replacement. What will happen is the valve will continue to leak more and more over time which will enlarge the right side of his heart, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Impressed with my doctor-speak?

So we wait and watch. Again, it is a slow leak...leak....leak....leak. Porter could be a 30 year old man with a wife before he needs a replacement. Or it could happen within the next 5 years. Leak....leak....leak. "I hope no one is treating him any differently," were the parting words from Dr. Neuberger. Parting words full of hope.

See you in 6 months Doctor.

Prayers for Layla

A friend of mine on facebook posted a link to a blog: www.laylagrace.org. She asked for prayers for this family and encouraged everyone to look at Layla's story. I spend the next hour reading archived posts from Layla's courageous mom and dad. The tears started flowing...and flowing, but I kept reading about the brave little girl who is dying from cancer while so young. I read about the sacrifices that her parents have made and how all her mom wanted was a family picture before Layla could no longer hold up her head. I read an entry from her dad and how all he wanted was for his little girl to no longer be in pain. They have accepted the fact that she is dying and will not be with them for much longer. Layla's dad was not acting for a miracle. He was not asking for God to cure Layla of the cancer that has overtaken her small helpless body. He was only asking that his baby not suffer and be comfortable in her last days.

I look back and think about Porter in the hospital at 3 weeks old. I think about the fear and emotion that both Eric and I felt. I can't think what it would feel like to say good bye to our baby boy. What we went through was peanuts. It was rough and not something I want to go through again, but not even close to what Layla's parents are going through. So tonight as I rocked and laid Porter down to sleep, I prayed for Layla and her parents. I prayed for all parents that have a sick child. I did not pray for miracles...but I prayed that God give all those parents the strength to get through another day. I prayed that those sick babies are comfortable....and I will continue to pray.

My Boys

As I sit here on a sunny Sunday morning with my cup of coffee next to me, I am watching my boys sleep. Eric is on the couch soundly sleeping. Porter is in his pack and play sighing and making those cute noises that he emits when he is sleeping soundly. The house is peaceful. It isn't as clean as I would like it- there are dishes in the sink, the bathroom floors need to be cleaned, and there is a thin layer of dust on the furniture if you look closely. Before Porter, this would have bothered me. I would be frantically cleaning on Saturday morning in order to get the house put together and cleaned for the weekend and following week. I could be cleaning or at least doing a load of laundry. Instead, I sit here watching my boys sleep and taking in the pure serenity of the moment. With March quickly approaching, I realize that the luck of the Irish has found me and blessed me two times over.
Porter has a cardiologist appointment on Friday. He is a happy, thriving little boy. I have no doubts that the appointment will go as planned. Although, I have to prepare myself for the chance that because he is growing and changing, so is his heart. Any change-especially growth- can put stress on his valve and increase the possibility that he will need another procedure.

But I have Irish on my side- and hopefully the luck that usually goes with it. If all goes well we will be back for another appointment in June. And as much as we like Dr. Neuberger, seeing him every 3 months is enough for us!

Whoa...It's February!

It takes a snow day and Porter napping to get me to update the blog...kinda pathetic, but that is my life lately! So much has happened in the last month (insert slacker comment here), I guess I should give everyone an update! So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in. Here we go...

The biggest change and transition in our crazy life with a 3 month old is going back to work. I have been back to "the grind" for over a month now and it has seemed like forever. It is still a challenge to get up, get dressed, get Porter ready and fed, and get out the door. I hate that I am not with him all day, but we are so blessed to have my Dad coming to Porter-sit daily. I know that Porter is in great hands, but still jealous that I don't get to spend the day with my little boy- instead spending it with other people's children. We have settled into a routine nicely and enjoy our nights and weekends even more than we did when I was at home.

Porter is growing and thriving. He is sleeping through the night- often 10 to 11 hours at a time. He takes 2 naps during the day with an occasional "cat nap" in the afternoon. We have him on a great schedule, that will be easy for him to transition when he starts going to Mimi's house 3 days a week in March. We have also introduced cereal to Porter in the morning and evening. He loves it! He was unsure about it at first, but now eats like a champ! It is one of my favorite times in the evening, being able to feed him from his highchair- our boy is growing so quickly!

Last night, Porter rolled from his belly to his back for the first time. Now, we just need to get him to roll from his back to his belly again. He does NOT like sleeping on his back and lets us know it! He is also scooting around his crib each night. Often times he is facing a different way than when I laid him down. He is constantly active- kicking and waving his arms. It is amazing to think that in a few short months he will be mobile. Let the baby-proofing begin!

Porter continues to be a happy little boy with a sweet personality. We are going to the pediatrician for his 4 month check up this Friday, the 12th. We are anxious to see how much he has gained from 2 months ago. March 5th is the next check-up with Porter's cardiologist. We are hoping to be cleared for another 3 months. My goal is to post before then, but I don't want to make a promise I can't keep. :)

Happy Snow Day!

Busy Mommy

My mom has been very busy lately. I am sure you have noticed by the lack of activity on my blog. Here is a quick update from the last 3 weeks...

My first Christmas was great! I was given lots of special gifts and had a great time spending the holidays with family. I am looking forward to next Christmas when I can open my own gifts!

Mommy went back to work after the first of the year. It was sad for me, but more difficult on Mommy. We are on a good routine and I am having a blast with Papa Turner. He comes to my house each morning. We play and read all morning and afternoon. In between times I take long naps and can't wait for Mommy and Daddy to get home in the afternoon. Gram even stops by after school to spend time with me. I am a VERY luck boy! Our nights go quickly, but I have been getting great sleep at night- I have been letting Mommy and Daddy sleep all night. I am looking forward to going to Mimi's house in March for part of the week and spending the other days at my house with Papa.

I love it when the weekend arrives and Mommy and Daddy are home to spend all day and night with me...and it is the best part of their week as well! Hopefully Mommy will get some more time on the weekend to keep everyone updated- she has really been slacking! Enjoy the pictures from the past few weeks. I am a growing, busy boy!