In Daddy's Arms

Precious.

I'm a Big Sister Now!

Thankfully, Makana is taking her role as a big sister very seriously. She, as was previously blogged, has many plans for her younger brother, and that list of plans grows daily.

When Stephen was finally able to be in Makana's arms, the big sis' had a huge grin on her face: the moment she had waited for! :) Stephen likes being in his sister's arms, and Makana took much glee in seeing Stephen squirm and complain when he returned to Mommy. She explained, "I think he wants to come back to his big sister." I let her hold him again, and Stephen stopped fussing. Makana was so proud that she tried so hard to hold back the hugest smile behind a little smirk. :)

Auntie Irene sent Makana a book with the same title as this blog, and Makana reads it every night. Last night I substituted the names of the characters with hers and Stephen's, and Makana thought that switch was just brilliant! :)

Growing in the NICU

Stephen's Developmental Specialist Julie was so terrific to document and capture Stephen's growth, especially while we weren't there. She took these pics and many more to help us remember that Stephen did come a long way! :) The nurses took to Stephen and loved him for us, so that he would know that he is wanted and loved and cared for in a great way. We are so grateful to the staff at the hospital, as we could not have asked for any better care for our little growing boy.

One of his nurses--Pauline--gave Stephen some character with his comb-over part! :) See his triple chin, too? :)

Each time I came out of the NICU to care for Stephen, Makana would ask, "Is he stronger? Is he coming home?"

After the doctor called to inform us that Stephen would be released, I told Makana. She picked up Abu and Pupu (her monkeys) and started singing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!" with them. Yesterday, we walked out of the double doors with Stephen, and Makana did not know what to do, as she was so filled with excitement.

Front Seat Riding

Makana insisted on calling Dave today after storytime at the library. She wanted to see her daddy in the middle of the day. Fortunately for her, he was just returning from visitations on the golf cart, so she could take a little tour herself. She was thrilled! :)

I'm Growing!

Thank you for your prayers, as Stephen is growing well. He was 4 pounds, 12 ounces yesterday. I kept forgetting to bring the camera, and he was active and cooing--yesterday--when I didn't have the camera! Today he was so comfortable that he just slept through his photo shoot.

Makana is so excited to see him. We get to let the siblings see each other through an office window, for it is cold and flu season. Children 10 years and under are not allowed in the NICU. On the way home from the hospital last Wednesday, she chatted non-stop about her plans for her brother all the way home (a half an hour worth of ideas!). Makana wants to hold Stephen like a little bitty baby in the song, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands." When he cries, she will give him milk and sing to him and burp him. "What's your plan, Mommy?" she asks me. I reply, "I will call the hospital tomorrow to find out his feeding schedule and feed Stephen."

"Oh, okay. When Stephen is learning to walk and he falls down, I will help to pick him up. I will teach him his ABC song and do this (sign it). . . . And when he's 16, I will teach him how to drive because I will know how to drive already. I will turn on the music for him." And on and on . . . .

For now, Stephen is still working on breathing. Once he figures out his breathing (no apnea that is scary) and stays clear for 5 days, he will probably be able to come home. For now, we know his home in the NICU is a safe, loving place for him. The staff is fantastic there and truly love him as well. We are very thankful for our blessings! :)

Storytime

One activity we'll certainly miss when we move to Alabama in May will be the library's storytime every Thursday. Ms. Pat (librarian) and Ms. Sheila (craft coordinator) really make the time fun for the children. Within an hour, they listen to a few stories, complete a craft, sing a song or two, and partake in a little snack. Makana also enjoys perusing the stacks to select her "new" books for the next week. :) Today they made trees for their craft time, and the trees made for a colorful forest.

I'm not certain which skill Makana enjoys executing more: cutting or gluing. See her little tongue come out as she concentrates? Makana's been practicing a lot lately, as I have activity books that she completes with Grandma while waiting for me in the hospital.