Caleb and Kara

Check out my Facebook profile

2008-11-23T16:29:00.003-05:00

I've decided to go the Facebook route because it's easier to post news and pics and keep everyone up to date automatically. If you're not already a member, please go to www.facebook.com and join (it's free). Then search for me and request to be my friend. Gosh, that sounds desperate!

facebook

Chris Yarborough has:
209 friends
16 photos
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36 wall posts
12 groups

Check out my Facebook profile

I set up a Facebook profile where I can post my pictures, videos and events and I want to add you as a friend so you can see it. First, you need to join Facebook! Once you join, you can also create your own profile.

Thanks,
Chris

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long awaited photos

2008-08-22T12:18:00.000-04:00

DSC01035.JPG

May 31st

2008-06-04T20:51:00.001-04:00

June 4

2008-06-04T20:51:00.000-04:00

May 27th

2008-06-04T20:49:00.000-04:00

Buddy Jadon came over to play.

Jax Zoo: Part II

2008-06-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

Jax Zoo

2008-06-04T20:47:00.000-04:00

May 21st: Spaghetti Night

2008-06-04T20:46:00.001-04:00

May 18th

2008-06-04T20:45:00.001-04:00

May 16th

2008-06-04T20:43:00.001-04:00

May 9th

2008-06-04T20:42:00.000-04:00

May 8th

2008-06-04T20:40:00.000-04:00

Pals

2008-05-07T22:35:00.001-04:00

May 5: Rag Time

2008-05-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

A moment of desperation. But we really do feed our kids.

April 24: Pappy and MorMor

2008-05-07T22:31:00.000-04:00

April 13: Zonked

2008-05-07T22:30:00.001-04:00

Cracker

2008-05-07T22:24:00.000-04:00

Apr 5: Savannah, GA

2008-05-07T22:23:00.001-04:00

Whole fam went up to Lady & Sons restaurant in Savannah for Nana’s belated birthday gift.

Mini Me

2008-05-07T22:18:00.001-04:00

Easter 08

2008-03-25T17:24:00.000-04:00

Easter lunch at our house.

Mar 22

2008-03-25T17:22:00.000-04:00

Hair comments will be deleted!!

Kiss Me, I'm Irish

2008-03-25T17:20:00.000-04:00

Mar 14

2008-03-25T17:18:00.000-04:00

In the Hood

2008-03-25T17:17:00.001-04:00

Helping Hands

2008-03-25T17:15:00.001-04:00

Don’t worry, he didn’t actually turn on the blender.

Feb 26th

2008-03-25T17:13:00.000-04:00

Daddy Says I'm Beautiful

2008-03-25T17:11:00.000-04:00

More Pitchers

2008-03-25T17:09:00.000-04:00

Brother and Sister

2008-03-25T17:07:00.000-04:00

Mr. Cool Caleb

2008-03-25T17:06:00.001-04:00

Uncle Al & Aunt Sheila in Town & Uncle Clay's Birthday

2008-03-25T17:04:00.000-04:00

Chris’ uncle Al & Aunt Sheila were in town on their way to Savannah. And Chris’ brother, Clay celebrated another birthday (Feb 6).

Kara's "Room"

2008-02-01T17:49:00.000-05:00

Kara’s temporary abode in mom and dad’s room.
Caleb gets a new shirt from Aunt Grace and Cousin Janyn.

Caleb preoccupied, Kara snoozing and meeting cousin Emily

2008-01-22T12:42:00.001-05:00

Normally we don't plop Caleb in front of the TV, but in this case, well, it was a nice break.

Emily is Chris’ sister’s daughter.

Kara, Caleb and Aunt Krystle

2008-01-22T12:22:00.000-05:00

Aunt Krystle (Kristina’s sister) stopped by on Sunday.

Big brother

2008-01-22T12:20:00.000-05:00

Pics from 1/19: Caleb and Kara.

Kara and Birgitta

2008-01-22T12:13:00.000-05:00

Birgitta is Kristina’s mom.

Nana, Grandaddy and Uncle Clay

2008-01-22T10:42:00.000-05:00

From 1/17: Kara meets Nana, Grandaddy and Uncle Clay. (Chris’ mom, dad & brother).

Kara and Pappy

2008-01-22T10:35:00.001-05:00

From 1/17: Kara and Kristina’s dad, Ren, affectionately known as Pappy.

Introducing Kara Birgitta Yarborough

2008-01-19T22:55:00.000-05:00

Kara Birgitta was born Thursday morning at 8:17 AM EST. She measured 21 inches long, weighing in at 8 lb 4.5 oz. Kristina and baby are doing great and we came home Saturday morning. Thanks to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. I promise more pics coming soon.

Need more Cowleb

2007-10-31T23:23:00.000-04:00

Mountain Man

2007-10-21T23:20:00.000-04:00

Yeah, I love to read with mommy!
OK, that's enough reading for tonight.

Caleb's surgery update

2007-10-11T20:49:00.000-04:00

Caleb is doing good from his surgery on Tuesday morning. It was about three hours long (we had thought it was going to be five). He then had a couple of hours in recovery. We took him home that night. He did wake up in pain a couple of times as the pain meds would wear off. We gave him more, but it took a good half-an-hour to kick in.

That’s certainly the worse time when you know your kid’s in a lot of pain, but there’s absolutely nothing you can do about it.

He’s doing pretty good today, but is going to need several days to fully recover. We’re going to the doctor’s office on Friday for a follow-up.

All in all, God has been very gracious to us.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, cards and emails. I'll keep you updated.

Vacation

2007-09-17T18:31:00.000-04:00

Here's some pics from our recent vacation up to a cabin in the Smoky Mountains (Tennessee) and then back down through Alabama and west Florida to see family.

Kristina and Caleb @ the cabin porch.

Caleb in the Smokies! Oh my, he just loved that car seat.

Dad and Caleb traverse the cliffs. (with Caleb exhibiting what we've affectionately come to label "Cheesy Face")

State line.

Mimi (Chris' grandmother) gives Caleb a much needed bath!

Year One

2007-07-10T09:19:00.000-04:00

1st Family Photo: July 2006

"You know, we could be mourning today, but Praise the Lord!", Kristina said to me this morning.

A year ago at this time (approx 9 AM), I wasn't sure what was going to happen to our little child. There had been some problems the night before and we rushed to the hospital. Though we thought we were at least 12 weeks away from having a baby, God had different plans.

Probably the most difficult thing for me was calling our parents. I could not get the words out about what was happening. I didn't know if I was losing my wife and child. They were able to check the heartbeat and everything was o.k., but they couldn't slow down the labor. We transferred to another hospital in the middle of the night. They took Kristina in an ambulance and I followed in the Explorer. I was reminded really quick how our lives our in God's hands.

Our families joined us in the morning about this time a year ago and we had probably the sweetest time of prayer that I've ever had in my life. We poured out our hearts before the Lord trusting in His providence and sovereign control over all things. We asked for the faith and strength to rest in His goodness and bless His name regardless of whether He chose to give or to take away. I cannot imagine having gone through all this without the promise that He is a very present help in trouble, and that all things work together for good for those who are called according to His promise.

Caleb was born around 1020 AM. As soon as he came out the doctor held him up and he let out a little whimper. Then they immediately took him to the NICU. We got to meet him a little while later. He was so tiny. 2 and a half pounds. It's hard to believe where he is today.

I praise God for His lovingkindness and mercy toward us in and through His Son, Jesus. I thank Him for the many, many people family, friends, church family and even folks across the world who were praying for our son. God is always good, and He chose to be gracious.

Happy Birthday, Caleb! We love you!

(click on pics for larger size)

BEFORE CUPCAKE...

...AND AFTER CUPCAKE...

(Pics are from a little 1st birthday party we had for him on Friday.)

May Pics

2007-06-30T22:21:00.000-04:00

In early May, Caleb took his first airplane flight as we all traveled up to Rhode Island to be with Kristina's mom's family. I came back home and Kristina and Caleb spent a week with her dad's mother in Pennsylvania before returning to Jacksonville. Needless to say I was very glad to see them!

April Pics

2007-06-30T22:08:00.000-04:00

I know I've been a total slacker in posting pics.

Here's some from April.

Like a weed

2007-03-17T22:21:00.000-04:00

Just Chillin'

2007-03-10T11:35:00.000-05:00

The Chair of Cheer!

2007-02-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

Caleb isn't always so happy to get in his carseat.

So, we've affectionately dubbed it the Chair of Cheer, (from the Grinch).

Baby, among smallest to survive, to be released from hospital

2007-02-19T19:37:00.000-05:00

By MATT SEDENSKY Associated Press Writer

MIAMI - A premature baby that doctors say spent less time in the womb than any other surviving infant is scheduled for release from a South Florida hospital Tuesday.

Amillia Sonja Taylor was just 9 1/2 inches long and weighed less than 10 ounces when she was born Oct. 24. She was delivered after just under 22 weeks of pregnancy; full-term births come after 37 to 40 weeks.

Neonatologists who cared for Amillia say she is the first baby known to survive after a gestation period of fewer than 23 weeks.

"We weren't too optimistic," Dr. William Smalling said Monday. "But she proved us all wrong."

The baby has experienced respiratory problems, a very mild brain hemorrhage and some digestive problems, but none of the health concerns are expected to pose long-term problems, her doctors said.

"We can deal with lungs and things like that but, of course, the brain is the most important," Dr. Paul Fassbach, who has cared for Amillia since her second day, said by phone Monday. "But her prognosis is excellent."

Amillia has been in an incubator since birth and has been receiving oxygen. She will continue getting a small amount of oxygen and will be on a monitor to watch her breathing once she leaves Baptist Children's Hospital.

"She's going to be in a normal crib, she's going to have normal feedings, she's taking all her feedings from a bottle," said Smalling, who has cared for Amillia since her third day.

Amillia is the first child for Eddie and Sonja Taylor of Homestead. She was conceived by in vitro fertilization, which made it possible to pinpoint her exact time in the womb, and was delivered by Caesarean section.

"It's a prize baby," Fassbach said. "A miracle," Smalling added.

Yeah, I know what you mean.

Caleb meets Mimi & Aunt Linda

2007-02-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Chris' grandmother, Mimi, and Aunt Linda came over to Jacksonville a couple of weeks ago.

Quarterback (someday)

2007-01-10T21:26:00.000-05:00

Caleb is 6 months old today and is weighing in around 14 pounds.

Whoa!

Here's some pics from Saturday after Chris had been playing flag football.

Caleb's shirt reads "quarterback (someday)".

Various Holiday Pics

2007-01-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

Here's some various pics we took around Christmas.

Low approval rating

2006-12-19T20:47:00.000-05:00

Nana & Grandaddy's House

2006-11-26T20:10:00.000-05:00

We went over to Chris' parents house on Saturday to watch the UF vs. FSU game.

High Chair

2006-11-24T17:07:00.000-05:00

Caleb & Aaron

2006-11-07T22:05:00.000-05:00

Caleb met a new friend.

Our close friends Anh & Audra had their first little boy this past weekend. We went up to see them at the hospital (the same one Caleb was at).

Here's a pic of two proud fathers and their boys.

Sorry

2006-10-23T23:30:00.000-04:00

bout the lack of updates.

I've been pretty busy with a seminar at our church that was this past weekend.

Anyway, Caleb is doing good. He's up to 8 lbs now.

Due Date

2006-10-02T22:10:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that Caleb's due date was October 1st!!

We took him to church for the first time and he certainly drew a crowd. He's a keeper.

We certainly praise God for His mercy towards us in perserving our little boy's life.

Eye Exam

2006-09-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

Caleb had another eye exam today, and praise the Lord, the doc said that everything is o.k.!! We had been concerned about retinal prematurity. But He doesn't have to go back for a year. We are so thankful.

Speaking of eyes, one day last week I went in to check on him and he had pulled his hat down over his face...

Uncle Al & Aunt Sheila

2006-09-19T21:18:00.000-04:00

My uncle and aunt, Al and Sheila Yarborough, drove all the way over here from Mobile, Alabama (my hometown) to meet our boy and spend some time with the fam this past weekend. We had a great time with them, albeit way too short. My parents, brother, sister and brother-in-law also came over. And I finally used the grill again, something I haven't done since before Caleb was born. Al is the self-proclaimed grill-master of Mobile County, but he wasn't too harsh on my humble attempt at grilled chicken. ;-) We were so glad to see them and hope they'll come back soon.

Miss Gena

2006-09-17T21:26:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning, Gena came over to meet and hang out with Caleb. She's been one of Kristina's closest friends for several years. They made some monkey bread for breakfast. Good stuff.

Caleb, I am your father!

2006-09-14T22:01:00.000-04:00

OK, I couldn't resist...

Friends from church, Beth and Stuart, got him a Star Wars toy.

Yes..."him" = Caleb!

Taking Showers

2006-09-10T22:00:00.000-04:00

Kristina had two baby showers this past week. The ladies from church threw her one on Thursday night and then family and friends on Saturday. So, we had several family members from out of town stopping by to meet the boy.

He's doing good. He had his first doctor's appointment on Friday. Got three shots. I was impressed because he only cried when they first stuck him, then settled down. I was expecting him to be wailing all afternoon.

Sleep? What's that?

2006-09-05T22:00:00.000-04:00

Caleb seems to be adjusting well to his new surroundings. How mom and dad are doing has yet to be seen. We were told "now the real fun begins."

Here's some recent pics.
1) Crib was so big so we put a little bassinet in there.
2) Dad and son napping.
3) Uncle Kris came over shortly after Caleb first came home.
4) Our good friends Anh and Audra stopped by on Labor Day. Their son, Aaron is due in November.
5) Aunt Krystle fed Caleb (before heading back to the Promise Land, i.e. Tallahassee)
>>>>--------------<>

Surprise!! Caleb is HOME!!

2006-09-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, they told us that Caleb may come home on Monday (Labor Day), so bring in the car seat to see how he does in it. Having heard other stories from other parents in the NICU about how things didn't work out, we waited to tell everyone. Then on Friday, they said, well, he's doing so good, he's going to go home tomorrow (Saturday!!)

As I am typing this, Caleb is in the next room drifting off to sleep after taking a bottle feed. We brought him home at about 11 AM this morning. He's doing fine and adjusting well to his new surroundings. His "goat-boy" noises assure me that he likes his room.

Whoa, it still feels very surreal. And I guess now is when the real fun begins. He feeds every 3 hours. Here we go!

I'll post some pics and send out an update email a little later today.

Thanks again to everyone for all the prayers, encouragement, meals, etc.

God is always good, but He's chosen to be so gracious to us!

Stay on Target

2006-08-31T22:30:00.000-04:00

Caleb's doing really good. He's now at ALL bottle feeds. They have him at an average of 40 mL per feed. He's taking them pretty well. They took the feeding tube out on Thursday.

He's up to 4 lbs 11.6 ounces. His hearing exam turned out fine. And he's still making his "goat-boy" noises. It's really kind of funny. But the nurse said in a couple of weeks he's going to have a loud cry.

Also, one of the criteria for going home is his ability to sit and do o.k. in the car seat for 90 minutes. And they told us to bring the car seat in on Friday morning...hmm.

Well, here's some pics from Wednesday and Thursday.

Mom's Birthday

2006-08-29T22:30:00.000-04:00

Kristina had a good birthday. Caleb is now out of his incubator and in a regular open-air crib. He is also up to 2 out of 3 feeds with a bottle, and is at 4 and a half pounds.

7 weeks old

2006-08-28T21:55:00.000-04:00

Current Stats:
Mass: 4 lbs 8.6 ounces
Length: 17.5 inches
Milk Intake: 39+ mL/feed

Weekend #6

2006-08-27T21:59:00.000-04:00

On Saturday, I put together his furniture. His room is just about ready for him. We can't wait to get him in it! Lord willing, just a few weeks to go.

Caleb had another good weekend. In the past few days, his weight has increased to 4 lbs 4.4 ounces. He is getting 38 mL of milk at every feed. And he's now doing every other feed from a bottle. He's taking them pretty well, except when he's too tuckered out. He seems to be sleeping more soundly, not as fidgety as before.

And he has had a couple of brady's, but they are usually a result of reflux right after a feed, and he self-corrects. But, overall, he's doing good.

Grandfathers

2006-08-23T22:12:00.000-04:00

I took Wednesday night off to stay home and work on some stuff, but Caleb still had plenty of visitors. Ren & Birgitta & mom were there. Then Grandaddy and Uncle Clay stopped by. Ren got to hold his first grandchild for the first time.

Caleb has his next eye exam tomorrow [Thursday AM], so please pray that it goes o.k.

Oh, his weight is now 3 lbs 15.9 ounces!!

34 weeks

2006-08-23T22:04:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, they lowered the temperature in Caleb's incubator. They'll keep lowering it a little at a time as he grows and can keep warm. I fed him that night and he did very well. He took all 36 mL.

6 weeks old

2006-08-21T22:36:00.000-04:00

On Monday, Caleb is 6 weeks old. He's up to 3 lbs 13 ounces. He took his bottle feed (35mL) tonight really well.

Even More Weekend #5 Pics

2006-08-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday afternoon feeding, burping and napping.

More Weekend #5 Pics

2006-08-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

The bath...

Weekend #5

2006-08-20T22:05:00.000-04:00

On Friday night, Kristina took the night off to work on his room, so it was father/son night. I attempted another bottle feed. Well, he had a little upset stomach, so he did about half from the bottle and then the rest from a tube.

On Saturday morning, our friends Kris and Stephanie came over to the house and helped Kristina paint Caleb's room. It looks really good. Now I've got to put his furniture together, etc. While they were painting, one of my best friends, Anh, helped me with the yard work. God has blessed us with some great friends.

We got up to hospital around 215. Kristina gave Caleb his bottle. He took most of it. It was kind of funny, b/c all three of us fell asleep. Out first family nap. Later, Kristina gave him a bath.

After church on Sunday morning, we grabbed some lunch, went home to change and back up to the hospital. It was my turn with the bottle, and he did pretty good.

Here's some pics with more to come...

More Pics from Thursday Night

2006-08-18T16:48:00.000-04:00

Ren & Birgitta [Kristina's parents] visited Caleb on Thursday night.

Pics from Thursday Night

2006-08-18T16:41:00.000-04:00

Wed 8/16 - Thur 8/17

2006-08-18T16:30:00.000-04:00

Sorry 'bout the lack of updates.

Caleb's doing good. He's taking 2 bottles (out of 8 daily feeds) of 33 mL each. And he's up to 3 1/2 pounds. I got to feed him last night and he did a lot better than Tuesday night.

A lot seems to be happening very quickly. Lord willing, within a month, he'll be coming home. It just depends on how he does with these feeds. And as much as we want him home, we certainly don't want it too soon.

On Wednesday night, Grandaddy and Uncle Clay [Chris' dad & brother] stopped by.

33 weeks

2006-08-15T21:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I tried to feed him with a bottle tonight, but he was pretty tired and didn't take it, so they fed him through the tube. It's a lot of work for the little guy. May be tomorrow night he'll do better with it. Weight is the same, and overall, he's doing good.

My camera batteries are dead, so I'll have to post some pics tomorrow.

We're planning to finish up his room (painting, furniture, etc.) this weekend.

5 weeks (continued)

2006-08-14T22:48:00.000-04:00

*Please see the previous post.

And here's some more pics from Monday night.

First bottle feed. Uncle Kris. "Little Cowboy" outfit.

5 weeks

2006-08-14T22:45:00.000-04:00

Well, Caleb had a great day...and therefore, so did Mom and Dad.

He is now on 'air' mode in his incubator and is wearing clothes! He looks so different with clothes on and even though it's a premie outfit, it looks huge on him. He's up to 3 lbs 6.6 ounces. And if that wasn't exciting enough for us, Kristina gave him his first bottle feed last night. He did really good, taking 20 of 30 mL. He didn't brady or desat at all. After putting him back in the isolette, they gave him the remaining milk through his feeding tube. Caleb gets 8 feeds a day = every 3 hours. For now, he'll be doing one bottle feeding a day. Then depending on how he does they will increase the number of bottles vs. tube.

Ren & Birgitta [Kristina's parents] and Kris & Lindy [Kristina's brother and his wife] came by tonight.

A great day. We were really encouraged.

Weekend #4

2006-08-13T21:22:00.000-04:00

A good past few days. He didn't have a brady from early Friday morning until late Sunday afternoon. I'm hoping that they'll continue to become rare.

He's up to 3 lbs 5 ounces. They're going to try bottle feeds this week. And also he'll be placed on 'air' mode in his incubator. He's been on 'skin' mode, which means it adjusts to keep him warm. Now, he'll have to adjust and begin to retain his body temperature. It also means that we will be able to put some clothes on him, though it's not too easy to find clothes small enough for premies. And we don't want to get too many b/c we know he'll outgrow them quick.

Kristina and I are doing well. Just trying to stay on top of things. On Saturday morning, we moved some furniture from the former guest room into the office and rearranged some things. Very glad that it all fit. Now, I've got to finish caulking the crown molding and then we can paint Caleb's room. Then I went in to work for a couple of hours then ran some errands. We met up at Outback to celebrate Caleb's ascent to 3 lbs, then went back down to the hospital to see him. (When he hits 4 lbs, Kristina picks the restaurant.)

Then on Sunday morning, we had to check on Aunt Michelle [my sister] who had some unexpected medical issues. She's doing o.k. We went on to church, back home for lunch, then up to see the boy. Stayed home last night to rest up for the week ahead.

Friday:

Saturday:

Sunday:

A Month Old

2006-08-10T13:03:00.000-04:00

Caleb is one month old today!

He had an eye exam this morning and although there are some immature vessels (to be expected) he doesn't have ROP, which is a retina problem. He could still get it, but for now, that's a relief. Since his eyes are still dilated and he's more sensitive to light, I probably won't have any new pictures today.

Last night, Ren [Kristina's dad] and Krystle [Kristina's sister] visited with Caleb. My parents, Bo and Micki, and my brother Clay also stopped by. After spending most of the day up there and giving Caleb a bath, his mom took the night off to work on his room.

Ren and Krystle.

Nana [my mom] holding Caleb.

Grandaddy [my dad].

32 weeks

2006-08-08T22:30:00.000-04:00

Caleb is now at 32 weeks development. He's got an eye exam on Thursday, so please pray that everything will go smoothly with that. He has had some bradys and some apnea (where he stops breathing temporarily) but usually corrects himself. During his feeds, which is through a tube in his nose, we give him the pacifier to get him ready to feed from a bottle. Probably in a couple of weeks, they'll start him on a bottle.

Look at that. Already doing push-ups. Well, sort of.

Dad with the kangaroo hold.

After visiting Caleb at lunchtime, I took a shot of Baptist Hospital from the roof a 13-story building that I was inspecting just across the St. Johns River.

3 pounds!!

2006-08-07T22:29:00.000-04:00

Well, Caleb made it up to 3 lbs 0.7 ounces tonight! They say once they hit three pounds they really start to fill out quick. We'll see. Just a couple of brady's today.

He was lying on his back tonight and very animated, well probably more agitated, especially while I was changing his diaper.

Weekend #3

2006-08-06T22:51:00.000-04:00

Very close 3 lbs. When that occurs, mom and dad are going out to celebrate!

Saturday night with Ren & Birgitta [Kristina's parents]:

Sunday afternoon with mom and dad:

Friday Night Lights

2006-08-04T22:47:00.000-04:00

Caleb was sticking his tongue out at me. That was a new one. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough with the camera.

He did lose some weight today. May be an ounce, but he's doing fine.

He had a couple of bradys during the day and one tonight while I [Chris] was holding him. I know these are to be expected and a developmental thing, but trust me, it's one of the worst feelings I've ever had and somewhat upsetting. But, as Kristina and I reminded each other on the way home, ultimately little Caleb's life will always be in God's hands.

Whoa there son, that's a big yawn!

On the scale, holding his mom's hand.

"Umm, could y'all hurry and finish up? It's kind of cold out here."

Is it really August, already?

2006-08-03T21:47:00.000-04:00

2 lbs 13 ounces. Overall a pretty good day.
After his bath, mom held him for a while.

Wednesday

2006-08-02T22:40:00.000-04:00

Our friends Kris and Stephanie came down to the hospital and had lunch with us today. Ren and Birgitta [Kristina's parents] came by tonight for a while. And then my parents and brother stopped by after church.

Superbaby. "No capes."

Thumbs Up Tuesday

2006-08-01T21:56:00.000-04:00

Saw Caleb suck on his thumb for the first time today. No brady's that we know of. Up to 2 lbs 12.8 ounces. When we got there tonight he was really active with his eyes wide open. I think it's the most active that I've seen him.

Sucking his thumb this morning.

On the scale tonight.

Yo, dad!

Back in bed.

New hat.

3 weeks old today

2006-07-31T23:02:00.000-04:00

A good day. Only 1 brady during a feed. Now 2 lbs 12.3 ounces.

Weekend #2

2006-07-30T19:45:00.000-04:00

We varied our visiting schedule this weekend. Kristina and I were both feeling sort of drained by the monotony of the past two weeks. I had to go to work for a few hours on Saturday morning just to make sure I had all my hours for the week, then I went up to the hospital for most of the afternoon. Kristina went home early and mowed the lawn. Yeah. I think she just needed to extinguish some built-up energy. But it might've been a lot easier if she used the self-propelled! Oh well, better workout. Her sister [Krystle] stopped by the house. Then Kristina and I went back on Saturday night to visit for a couple hours.

This morning we went to church. Again, very glad to be there. Sang God Moves In A Mysterious Way and Great is Thy Faithfulness. Timely (thanks, Jason). God has blessed us with a great church family. Pastor Rick preached on The Gospel Advantages of Being Married. We ran home to change, then ate lunch at Moe's right near the hospital. I had the Homewrecker. Mmmm.

We're really not supposed to bother Caleb too much. As much as possible, they want to recreate womb-like conditions. So, I spent most of the afternoon almost finishing (one chapter to go) a book by John Piper entitled God Is The Gospel. When I get a chance, I'll write a review over at Yarbucks. As much as I am learning to love little Caleb, I must remember that he is a gift from God. And thankfully, the book, filled with Scripture, is challenging me to not love the gift more than the Giver.

Anyway, Caleb's up to 2 lbs 11.3 ounces. A few Brady's yesterday and today. We continue to hear good reports from the docs and nurses. Everyone is pleased with his progress for having been born at 28 weeks. But, we are guardedly optimistic. He's got a ways to go and there are still several things that need to finish developing, etc.

So, if you would, please pray that 1) he will grow and put on weight as he needs to, 2) he doesn't get any infections, 3) when he's ready to come home, he won't have to be on a monitor, 4) wisdom for the docs and nurses and others who care for him and 5) his parents get some rest between working and commuting. Thanks!

Ren and Birgitta [Kristina's parents] came by on Saturday.

Face-plant! Surprisingly, he's already able to pick up and turn his head. Strong little guy. But sometimes he doesn't quite make it all the way around.

Today, Mom and Birgitta with Caleb.

Switched to his side 'cause he kept moving his head.

Dude, look at those pipes! That's my boy.

TGIF

2006-07-28T22:30:00.000-04:00

Gained another ounce today...up to 2 lb 11 oz. And he's taking 25 mL feeds with some sizable poops. Hey, at least we know things are working!

But, a few Brady's today. One when I was about to leave at lunchtime. I hate those things. Can't wait 'til he outgrows them.

Well, here's Mom taking Caleb's temp. (Guess you can't keep a good nurse down.)

For the most part he's been resting on his stomach, so a little surprised to see him on his side tonight.

But, back on his tummy before we left.

Just some pics tonight

2006-07-27T23:26:00.000-04:00

Wednesday Night Lite

2006-07-26T22:35:00.000-04:00

Well, we're pretty tired. Sort of hit us all of the sudden. So a quick post and off to bed.

Caleb's up to 2 lbs 9.3 oz. His birth weight was 2 lb 8 oz then he lost some and now he should steadily gain.

Nana, Grandaddy and Uncle Clay stopped by after church tonight.

Also, found out that the other little boy I mentioned yesterday is doing better. Didn't have to have the surgery yet. We'll continue to pray for him.

Here's Caleb holding his dad's hand tonight.

Leaving Comments & Archives

2006-07-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

I have changed the settings to allow for anonymous comments. Now anyone can leave a comment without having to be a registered user of Blogger. At the end of each post you will see text that reads "X comments". Click on that and it will take you to a page where you can write something, then punch in the word verification, and post your comment.

Please note that only so many posts are shown on the main page. If you want to view older posts, there are quick links on the right side menu. Clicking on one of those links will show the post on a page by itself including any comments that folks have left.

Also, all posts are archived by month if you wanted to view them all at once.

Thanks to everyone for keeping up with Caleb.

Guy Night

2006-07-25T22:41:00.000-04:00

Finally, I got to hold Caleb tonight on my chest, kangaroo style = skin to skin. 1st time for dad. Very cool. He's had another good day.

We've met another family up there whose baby isn't doing so well. He's going to need an emergency surgery soon and it's not looking very good. Gosh, all this is hard enough even with Caleb's steady progress; we cannot even imagine what they're going through. We prayed that if it be His will, God would heal him and comfort them when we said our bedside prayers tonight.

"Umm, Dad, this tickles."

The (Little) Thinker.

Just Chuggin' Along

2006-07-24T22:46:00.000-04:00

2 weeks old today and the docs and nurses are saying that Caleb's doing very good for his age. Right now he's just sleeping, eating and well, you know. Kristina got to hold him tonight (kangaroo) and he did really well. It helps for them to stay warm and hear the heartbeat, etc.

Resting good after being held by mommy.

Uncle Kris (Kristina's brother) stopped by yesterday.

Umm, I'm not sure how to comment on this one.

Building Up One Another

2006-07-23T21:32:00.000-04:00

Kristina and I went back to church this morning. It was great to be there. God has been good in providing much encouragement and love towards us through his people. Also, Pastor Rick prayed for Caleb and that certainly meant a lot.

It was good to worship God together. One of the songs we sang today was Amazing Grace (Thanks, Jeff). It was difficult to hold back my emotions as we sang the verse "Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come, 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home." God has indeed been gracious to us as we have started down this path.

Well, then we went home to grab a quick bite to eat and then back up to see our boy. He had a pretty good day. Only a couple of Brady's. He was pretty active and opened his eyes wide, especially when mommy was holding him. We both felt kind of drained tonight so we came on home around 6PM to rest up as we head into another week.

What a smile!