Happy Nineteen Week Birthday, my little princess ...

Nineteen weeks, wow! So, Zoey is a little behind in the milestone department, but not too bad (I feel) especially when "compared" (is there a better word) to her brothers and sister! I don't remember when they rolled over, but Zoey hasn't done that yet ... as is proved in one of the following photos, though, she really tries! Her neck muscles are also still weak. She can hold her head up when in a sitting position, but it's still wobbly and she can only do it for so long - just depending on how tired she is, etc. When she's on her tummy, which is very rarely, she really struggles to get that little head up ... all in time, though, it will come!

Other exciting news: today is day fifteen of NO TUBE!!! Ever since I decided that one saturday that I wanted to be done with it, we have been! Zoey doesn't fully wake up for her "late night" feeding (before I go to bed) but she still will eat at least an ounce or two, which tides her over until morning! Her zantac, iron, and vitamins (and recently she was taking an antibiotic) go into her bottle with milk and she takes it just fine! I can't wait until we can get that tube out and be completely done with it!

Zoey continues to be a great baby and such a blessing! She is happy (only fusses if she needs a diaper change or to eat, sometimes if she's over tired) and loves to smile ... and her smile always makes me smile! She absolutely loves to "talk" - I think she may be quite the chatter box - she makes all sorts of coos and sometimes quite enjoys getting a little loud! She usually falls asleep between 7:30 and 9pm and sleeps until at least 6am (her last eat is usually at 10/11pm, but - again - she usually doesn't wake up). She's a joy!

So, here's some pics from this afternoon ... a little floor time with sissy!

Happy Eighteen Week Birthday, my little princess ...

just so no one thinks I forgot yesterday, I didn't! I even took pics, but don't have them on the computer yet (I'll add them later) It was just too busy yesterday and then I was too tired late last night to do it! ... but yes, happy eighteen weeks Zoey!


update: pics!

don't you love her Elvis lip!

hiiiiyyyyaaaaaa

she loves that tongue!

Happy Four Month Birthday, my little princess ... (yes, a day late)

Boy did we celebrate for Zoey's four month birthday ... wanna know what she got to do??? Take a bath! You heard me right, the kid is four months old and had never had a "real" bath ... between being in the hospital, the g-tube, then the surgery - we've been restricted from actually putting her in the bath tub! We got the go-ahead as far as the g-tube right before surgery, I didn't see the point in doing it then. The last time we saw the cardiologist he said it was fine as long as we didn't submerge her chest ... but I was still nervous, but finally I got up the nerve to do it! She didn't seem to mind it, which is good, granted only her tiny little bum was actually submerged in the water - but still - it was a whole new experience for her to even be in her tub (I've been doing the sponge baths on her changing table). So, no fancy photos for my four month old princess, rather some special photos of another first time experience:






Zoey had her four month well baby appt - she was 12lbs. 9oz and 23.4in long (apparently the length hasn't been too accurate?)! that puts her in the 30/40% on the "typical" growth chart and in the 70%s on the down syndrome growth chart! She's doing great ... AND - we haven't used the tube for the past two days (today will be day three) - yay!

Happy Seventeen Week Birthday, my little princess ...

Happy Sixteen Week Birthday, my little princess ...

Zoey is doing so well! I know and have heard of so many babies this past year having "problems" and even going to be with Jesus and it just makes me sob for those mamas ... I am truly blessed that the Lord chose to give me Zoey, who is actually quite a strong little girl! It's not something I dwell on, but I know that I'm especially blessed to have her here with me and doing so beautifully! Can't remember if I mentioned it, but at the g.i. doc she was 11lbs 11oz! Doing good, my little princess!

Happy Fifteen Week Birthday, my little princess ...

this one was sissy's idea - she set it all up!

at the pediatrician on Monday, Zoey was 11 pounds, 9 ounces (five days earlier she was 11lbs. 5oz) and 23.4 (I think) inches long! She is growing, at a slow - but steady - pace! Overall, I would say she's a bit more fussy and less content these days ... perhaps in part she just didn't have the energy to fuss before? But, as all my babies have been, she's still a very "good" baby! We're still "under orders" to be very cautious about her exposure to others and the "outside world" - lol! The pediatrician has said: "I'm not going to tell you not to take her out, but I'd keep her covered up when you do" and the nurse in the hospital had said she felt like outdoor stuff would be fine, but nothing in a crowded place (she said even a home might be ok, so long as no one is or has been sick). I have to say that's very difficult, it makes errands and such kind of a pain cause she either has to stay in the van with someone or I have to leave her home with daddy and I hate him to feel like he doesn't get a chance to relax. It will be real nice when I can take her out and about more freely, but for now we do what we have to in order to try and prevent her from catching any "bugs"! This mother's day is especially special because I have her, another new baby face to look at - amongst my other three - and treasure ... isn't it great to be a mama!

Happy Fourteen Week Birthday, my little princess ...