Resting

Here I am getting some rest in the NICU. It isn't all as scary as it looks. In my left hand, I have an IV to give me glucose water and some antibiotics. They haven't gotten the results of my blood counts yet, but they went ahead and started me on the antibiotics just in case. The glucose water is so they can keep my blood sugar levels up, because they won't let me eat just yet. The little pink stickers are just the monitors that tell the nurses how fast my heart beats and how fast I am breathing. The contraption in my nose is a CPAP. It just keeps oxygen blowing into my nose so I can breathe easier. The tube in my mouth goes down into my tummy. The pressure of the oxygen blowing in my nose can also fill up my little tummy, so they have to put the tube in my mouth to give the air that gets in my tummy a way out.
You can see, I like holding onto my CPAP. I like holding onto anything I can get my little hands on. I don't pull, I just hold it. I have been resting well today. Hopefully I will be able to go stay with my Mommy soon. Be praying! - Emery

Welcome Emery Silas!

I'm here! I made my entrance into the world this morning at 4:46 am. I had really changed my mind about coming, but Mommy and Daddy told me it was no longer optional, so I had to give in.
I liked looking at Mommy. I was pretty wound up until they wrapped me up and let her hold me. I wish I could stay with her, but the quick delivery phase has got me resting in the NICU now while the doctor's and nurses watch me closely.
I am a very fiesty young man. I like being left alone, but they really don't allow for much of that around here. They just don't realize how independent I am already!
I'm a big boy! I weighed 6 lbs. 13 oz. and was 19.25" long. My apgars were 6 and 8. I like holding things myself. Immediately after birth, I took the oxygen mask away from the nurse to hold it on my own. When they took away the oxygen, I held onto my umbilical cord clamp or my hands. I quickly learned to shut my mouth tight when the suction came near.
So, here I am world! Its been a busy day! Pray for me as I learn to camly breath without getting myself all worked up. They did a chest x-ray and some lab work, so I am hoping all of that comes back fine. The doctors will be watching me and will be letting Mommy & Daddy know when I will get to stay with them. Hopefully it will be soon! I'm going to rest now! - Emery

Swimming

We like swimming. I am getting very good at getting around the pool without anyone's help. Well, my arm floaties help me, but Mommy and Daddy don't! Aidan likes to wear the arm floaties and be by himself, too. But he doesn't really go anywhere. He tries. But he really just floats in one spot. I am on the move! Mommy was surprised by how brave I am! Swimming is lots of fun! It is time for bed, so I have to go! Enjoy the pictures of my swimming adventures! - Imogene

Go Braves!

We went to our first Major League Baseball game! Imogene had been to a Minor League game before, but I hadn't. It was really hot. But it was so much fun! I liked all the cheering and yelling! I ate a hot dog. That is not something I usually eat, but I liked it. I had to take a nap around the 7th inning. It was just too hot and exciting for me to keep going. Imogene was on the big Megatron. She was dancing and smiling, so they put her on TV. I was asleep. We didn't catch any foul balls, but Mommy was pretty happy about that. We also ate cotton candy and Cracker Jacks. We got Braves baseball caps because it was free hat day. I liked that. I like hats. I'm going to go drink some milk now! - Aidan

My Birthday Cake

I decorated my very own birthday cake. I think it looks beautiful! And it was very yummy! Mommy baked the cake for me, but I decorated it! I love it! - Imogene

Birthday Cookie

Aidan is not too sure about the pink icing. Once he tried it, he liked it.

Daddy is cutting a piece of cookie for everyone! He did a good job!

After my Build A Bear Party, we ate a birthday cookie in the food court, thanks to Mimaw and Papaw! I really liked the icing! It was yummy and pink. I stuck my finger in the middle of it before anyone could eat any! - Imogene

Build A Bear Party

I have all my things and I am ready to go!

Everyone is singing "Happy Birthday" to me "ooh la la" style!

Daddy is naming Aidan's bear for him! The bear's name is Phillip.

Aidan thought he could climb this giant zipper! He couldn't.

Giving Sousa a bath was one of my favorite parts of the party!

Aidan and his bear, Phillip, are hanging out with Mimaw and Papaw.

Daddy says, "cheese!" like I do.

"Cheese!"

Me & Sousa, my rainbow bear

Having a "beary" good time!

Stuffing Sousa

Daddy & Aidan are having so much fun!

Everyone is getting their hearts ready to put in their bears! My bear has one heart in it from everyone at the party!

Singing "Happy Birthday" to me while we walk to the bear stuffing machine!

I picked out the fabric for my birthday skirt Mommy made me!

We are all lined up getting our name tags on!

As you can see, I had my third birthday party at Build A Bear! We had so much fun! Everyone at my party got to build a bear! We sang and played games- it was great! The pictures are in reverse order cause Mommy wasn't really paying close attention when she was uploading them. I really loved my party and I think my friends did, too!- Imogene