Baby Nathan

I told Ben and Marina that Nathan is the glue that bonds these two families.  Ben replied, "He's a little dab of glue."  And he is just about that small.  But don't let his size fool you, he has a spirit larger than life itself.

He clawed himself out of the womb 11 weeks early.  Then decided he didn't want some silly breathing machine, that he was quite ready for a binky with no training and last but not least that his silly feeding tube wasn't necessary when he was quite capable of drinking from a bottle.  He is a little wonder.  To give you an idea of just what a little miracle he is, the previous record for a premie his age leaving the hospital 3 weeks early.  Nathan left 6 weeks early.  Amazing!  

He has given a little scare when he had a little blood in his stomach and needed a blood transfusion.  Ben told the doc he wanted the stomach tube out.  The doc told Ben that if he lost one ounce he would put it back in. He never did.  Go Nathan!  

Marina was quite nervous to bring home a preemie and felt unprepared, but as we have seen time and time again she has risen to the challenge.  And a preemie does pose many challenges.  He is not able to nurse which means pumping before every feeding.  He is not allowed to be in a car seat for more than 20 minutes because the position of the seat can make it hard for him to breathe.  He is not allowed to be in a day care situation for over six months.  And sometimes he forgets to breathe and you have to remind him. . it's a whole new ball game.  But he is adored there is no question.  

I was with Grandma and Grandpa Smith when they held him for the first time and we saw his second bath.  

And then at last he was ready for takeoff. . proud daddy.

Your boys are quite smitten with their little brother.  Matthew had lots to tell us about it.  :)

Daddy's girl

Sweet Lans, my friend Jenny's (she cut your hair for ya a few times) little girl was diagnosed with Leukemia last week.   My heart has been breaking for her knowing the ups and many downs that accompany cancer.  I don't think you can truly know the devastation of cancer unless you have been on the front lines with someone you love battling.

I had posted about it on facebook and the next thing I know your sweet daddy emailed asking for their address to send a donation.  Your daddy knows just how her daddy feels . . .  his empathy is great and heart even bigger.  What a blessing he was to you; he was there for you in every way and through every obstacle - when you were out of gas as a teenager, a proud dad on your wedding day, when you needed a place to stay after residency dreams fell through, when you were building the store and needed help with funds and hard labor, visiting you each day you were in the hospital and a billion times before.  He loves ya and continues to share that love in your honor.

I've been reading your old blog http://beilana.blogspot.com/ .  It's fun to hear you as I read and it's nice that you captured a few thoughts in times that were healthy- still challenging, but your vivacious personality was in full swing.  I loved these few things you wrote:

 "Times may be getting tough, but we've got family around, we're healthy and happy.  I'd say we're doing pretty good."

"It WILL work, though, positive thinking!!"

"I don't need much, just a place to set up!  As much as we love and appreciate the family members that have offered us a place to stay- thank you, thank you, thank you, we would not be where we are today without you! We love you to pieces!"

"A little date night w/ my honey, can't complain.  Life is good."

"I'll be happy while they last!"

"There IS a bun in the oven!!  I can't tell you how excited we are!! . .. Ok, so I know you're not really supposed to say anything in the first few weeks, . . but screw that!  I'ms so friggin excited!!"

How could we not miss you?  You are a light.

Punch out

With baby Nathan here now I have had the privilege of seeing your sweet babies a little bit more than usual while Marina and Ben were in the hospital visiting their premie baby.   And I just love them. Matthew was especially fond of these punching gloves and with each visit he takes the opportunity to punch someone out!  He and my J were having a blast with them.  

 I think it was here that Matthew said something along the lines of "You want some of this!?"  or something like that - it sounded so adult I was chuckling about it all night - he kills me.

And there were pics from when baby bro was born.  

 

This little boy is a champ!  He is happily surprising doctors with just how well he is doing.  He is now off IV's, off oxygen and out of the more intensive NICU.  He is just darling and is also knocking expectations out of the park like Matthew and his punching gloves.  

Christmas visits

I'm a little behind, but didn't want to forget these sweet pictures of your boys from the many Christmas gatherings we had. 

 Our daddy face . . .

 And our mama face. . . .

 By the way girlie, this little boy of yours is GIGANTIC!  He is already in a size 9/10 shoe and is barely 2.  It's funny because both your cuties are having fun for the first time with the word "No!" :)  Pretty cute actually.  Marina said Andrew has a favorite pooping spot too.  Apparently the corner of the kitchen (by the table where they eat) is the perfect place (according to Andrew) to take a dump.

 Blocks with grandma

 So fun to see all my brothers together . . such a treat to have Josh visit.

 And the girls - just missing you and Rach!  Sisters forever!!!

 I've enjoyed documenting the latest happenings of your men, but I must admit I wish I had more pictures to document old memories of you and I want new memories with you too. . . while I am no hurry to exit this sweet life, I do look forward to a great big hug from you.  And we can catch up on the antics of your boys. . ..just promise me you will throw that sweet head back and laugh for me ok?   Promise.