The Village

Alexander just passed his 5 month birthday last week and we are still enjoying every moment. I'm sitting here writing this as he hangs out in his swing next to me. Often times we find ourselves still questioning if this is real. Is he really home safe and healthy? The truth that he is, is not lost on us for a second. We have settled into a routine that works for us, but somehow there seems to be a lack of time in each day:). We are both working at full speed again and have recruited help with him and the house where needed. What they say is true, it takes a village...and what a mighty and fabulous village we have!

Grandma, my mom, is watching Alexander while I work. Thankfully, I work from home and can still be there when mommy is needed or when I need him:). It has been such a joy to watch them together and such a relief and comfort to know that he is surrounded by love all of the time.

Our village of family and friends has started a steady trickle of visits to meet, snuggle, spoil and help with baby Alexander. It has been wonderful to watch our family meet him and share in our joy. There are many more to the village left to meet (and visit!), but we have nothing but time!

Nana, Jon's mom, came for a whole week and was a huge help! It was so cool to see her welcome and love on her 5th grand baby. She even did the 1st night time feeding all week! The week flew by and we can't wait for her next visit...hint, hint, hint:)

Aunt Carolyn, Uncle Matt and cousins Emmitt, Camille and baby Elijah came next. We had a blast together and it was pure joy watching the kids together. Emmitt is such a great big brother and big cousin. He is such a thoughtful little boy and his heart is full of kindness, not to mention pretty cute too! Camille is beyond adorable and brings so many laughs it's hard to keep up. Jon and I considered ways to keep her here and she considered ways to take our cats home with her. Elijah might just be the happiest baby on earth. He is one big giggle. We are so thankful they made the trip so we could finally meet him!

Next to visit was Aunt Abby. She came for a long weekend over the 4th of July. She got to come with us to Alexander's monthly check up. The doctor was very impressed with him and gave him two thumbs up! He now weighs 12 pounds 4 ounces and is 23 1/4 inches long! He also got a clean report at his last eye exam, thankfully. Any parent of a preemie that has had to witness the eye exams they have to perform, knows the meaning of self-restraint. I won't get into the details here, but they are not fun. You find yourself wanting to deck the doctor, even though he is just doing his job.

While Aunt Abby was here, we took Alexander on a couple of outings and even to some fireworks. Don't worry, he had baby noise cancelling headphones on and he ate through the whole show! The weekend went by way too fast, but we're hoping for another visit when Uncle Thomas can come too!

We've also had many other visits with local friends and family and we're loving every one of them!

Jon has made several work trips and Alexander was kind enough to start sleeping through the night at about the exact same time! He started out sleeping for 6 hours straight at night and is up to 7 1/2 hours at night! Believe me, the grandness of this is not at all lost on us. I'm one who needs a lot of sleep, some people do not, I do. The gift of 7 straight hours, is just that, a true gift!

I also had to make my first work trip since he has been home. We loaded up the highlander with all the necessary and some unnecessary things needed for a two night trip with a baby. Since Daddy was busy working, one of those very necessary things was Grandma. We were able to have some fun with this trip because we stayed with Great Grandma Janet while we were away. It was so fun to see her and have her hold him. We also got to see some great friends while we were away!

Alexander loves bath time, snuggles, story time, his daddy, getting his diaper changed and shockingly my signing voice, to name a few. He doesn't like tummy time, his car seat or waiting to eat. We're working on tummy time and the car seat thing because sometimes in life, we have to do things we don't like to do. Ah, such are the lessons of a 5 month old!


Watching my husband thrive in fatherhood is one of the greatest blessings I've ever experienced. Jon is completely smitten with his son and the feeling is mutual. This made celebrating Father's Day even more special. Last week, when Jon was in Canada for work, we were Skyping and Alexander was sound asleep. As soon as he heard his daddy's voice he woke up with bright eyes and starting smiling. It was so awesome and incredibly cute too! The fact that Jon got to see this through the camera made it even better!

The outpouring of love, prayers and support that we have received throughout our lives, but more acutely this past year and a half has been a humbling experience. We cannot thank you all enough and hope to express our gratitude throughout our journey. Check back next month to see what we can pack into the next 30-ish days!

Love,

Emily, Jon and Alexander

I can't help, but post a few more- just because!

Baby Alexander is 4 Months Old!

We have been home with Alexander for almost 7 weeks and just celebrated Alexander turning 4 months old. As with all new parents our days (and nights) are forever changed. We were very aware this change was coming, but I don’t think anything can truly prepare you for being a mommy and daddy on duty 24/7. Our days and nights are filled with diaper changes, feedings, house work, our jobs and not a lot of sleep, but the most notable addition to our daily lives is the pure abounding joy that has seeped into every crevasse of our life together. Before Alexander joined our world, we were very happy. We were very, very happy, but nothing compares to this. When we wake up at 3 am to his little grunts and cries- cards on the table- my first thought is “I’m so tired”, but then I get up and pick him up and all of that washes away with one look at his perfect little self. Before his arrival we would make bets on who would have to change the dirty diapers or get up for middle of the night feedings. Through our journey over the last year we are able to truly appreciate the gift that he is and we are both happy to be the one that gets to spend that much more time with him. I feel like I’m in a constant state of bliss and am overwhelmed with appreciation for that, for him, for us.

Alexander is growing before our very eyes and you would never know he was once 2lbs 9 oz. At his last doctor appointment he was a stunning 9lbs 14.5oz and 21 ¼ inches long. That was almost two weeks ago, so I’m sure he is pushing 10.5lbs by now. He is a healthy baby boy and thriving- our prayers answered.

Alexander continues to enjoy many of the activities he enjoyed in the NICU, but now in the comfort of his own home. We continue to read books, sing songs and snuggle every day. He is quite the pro at tummy time and he is getting so strong. If you give him enough time and his mood is right, he can push himself from his tummy to his back. In the last few days he has started to smile, real smiles, all of the time. He smiles to the sound of our voices or when he focuses on our faces or just because he is happy.

Monday was the one year anniversary of when our precious baby girl, Ellie, joined her brother, Will, in heaven. It was a day of remembering all that was, all that was lost and celebrating all that we have now. In truth that is every day for us. The loss of Ellie and Will is no bigger or no less today than it was yesterday. I can say that our loss has brought into focus the love and joy present in our lives and has made us more able to soak in all that is good. All of it has brought us to right now; and right now is more than we could have asked for.

Now time for what you have been waiting for- pictures- enjoy!!

Love,

Emily, Jon and Alexander