Hello Friend....

...so glad that you're here. We hope that even though we may be miles apart, we can share those special moments of our lives with you...whenever and wherever the occur. Just do us one favor...keep us updated with your special moments, as well!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

6 Days to Go...

These pictures are getting closer to where Micah is right now!!! He is so much fun...and he has such the personality!

Brushing his teeth for the first time...he loves his toothbrush and he gets so mad at us when we take it away....I think it's because it's another fun chew toy like his paci!

"Can you guys see that?" I was standing on the other side of my grandparents storm door, in Monahans. I got a lot of pictures of this guy smearing his face all over their door!

Micah doing what Micah does best (and loves best)....eating!!! He loved the lasagna my grandma served. By the way...in his class at school, he is the smallest of the babies his age, but he eats more than all of them (combined, I bet)! On the second day of school they put him in a high chair, so that he would not take the other kids' food!



Monday, September 27, 2010

7 Days to Go...

This is going to be a simple and sweet blog. I love how silly my little guy is. He loves his paci...but more like a chew toy...I think. I'm calling these set of pictures..."Ode to my Paci."

This was the first time he started to chew on his paci. We were in Target and I was so happy I actually had the camera with me....for once!

In Monahans

At Grandma Jean's

In the car getting ready to head home from Monahans
....oh, he makes me laugh...and smile :)




8 Days to Go...

My dad always says that Micah smiles with his eyes...and he's right. Micah can light up a room and melt your heart with those eyes. I love how unique they are. When he was about 3 weeks old and started opening his eyes more often, I quickly noticed that one pupil was larger than the other. I contacted a former student's parent, that was a pediatric nurse. She told me to get it checked out as quickly as possible. More than likely it was just they way his eye was (kind of like a birthmark), but it could also be the sign of something more serious (like a brain tumor). She recommended a specialist that also happened to be the pediatric eye specialist of another family friend. He was an amazing, Christian man that quickly reassured us that Micah was just fine. He has a condition called Anisocoria. While Anisocoria can be more worrisome for adults that develop it later in life, when it is found in babies early on and there are not other underlying issues, it's perfectly normal...and probably something genetic. However, to be safe, we had his eyes checked again when he was 4 months old and we have another appointment coming up in a few weeks. If things look normal, then he will continue to go see Dr. Hunt every year until he is in school and can communicate to the doctor about his vision. This all being said...I love looking at his eyes. Everytime I do, I'm reminded of how beautiful he is and that he was "fearfully and wonderfully made." There is no flaw in him and he is perfect...he is the creation of the God Most High...he is a reflection of of Him!

Yes, you can clean the floors for me

Hey there, blue eyes!

Playing peek-a-boo with me



Sunday, September 26, 2010

9 Days to Go...

Summertime!! During our spring break fiasco of a trip to the zoo, we purchased a year-long membership, since the boys were fee. So, the boys and I spent many mornings at the zoo, having fun! Micah does not quite understand what the big deal is about all of those weird looking creatures, he's just happy to go along for the ride.

He also had his first dip in the pool while visiting Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa during Memorial Day weekend. Like most babies, again, he did not understand what was going on. For the most part, he just hung out in his little water chair and watched everyone else. Maybe next year, he'll be more excited about the water!

In the pool with daddy

My zoo buddy

At a zoo-keeper chat with the penguins. A little penguin was on the ground next to us, so naturally Micah wanted to grab it!



Saturday, September 25, 2010

10 Days to Go...

Those of you that are parents know that as your baby becomes more independent, life becomes more fun. First step, rolling over, followed by sitting up. Micah was so happy when he could start doing these things because he just wanted to play with everything...and Jonas! I was afraid that he would be a lot more delayed in these skills, since I did not put him down on his tummy as much, due to his reflux. But, I guess that did not stop him and he learned to do these things on his own, pretty much right on target with the average timeline of developing these skills.

He is so much fun!! I just love looking back and seeing him grow....I love him, sooooo much!

Hey, Tigger-roo! Cool hat from Uncle Chris and Aunt Melinda

Playing with his little giraffe from Uncle Kyle

Buddies

What is this thing doing?? He actually loves his Turtle pet pillow from Aunt Hayley




Thursday, September 23, 2010

11 Days to Go...

Micah really does have quite the personality. He is much louder than Jonas was. When he gets mad....he is mad!! The neighbors know when Micah is mad. When he wants something (usually food) he makes sure that everyone around knows it. Future jobs for Micah may include, but are not limited to: Lawyer, Politician (the good kind), Teacher, Sports announcer, or Pastor!!

Facinated by a new toy from Nana B and Papa Joe during Jonas' bday party

Mouthing off to Aunt Piper, who took this pic

Easter baby with Ma-Ma



Wednesday, September 22, 2010

12 Days to Go...

For Micah, starting on solids was a major event and turning point for two reasons. 1) He was very ready to eat real food like the rest of us, and 2) It was very instrumental in helping get his reflux under control. Once he started his medication in conjunction with his food, his spitting up became less and less each day, until one day I noticed he was not spitting up at all. It was so wonderful and I was so happy for him. He became a new baby. I would feel horrible everytime he spit up...poor guy. But, as of August 3, I took him off the medicine and he is doing great! He will still have an occasional spit up, if he eats too much, followed by drinking too much (mostly in the evenings), but overall, he's wonderful! Praise God!



First meal of cereal...he kept trying to take the spoon and grab the bowl from us!
I just can't get over what a beautiful smile he has.

First trip to the zoo!! We went on the busiest day of the year...and it was quite the adventure. You can read all about that in a previous blog from back in March.



13 Days to Go...

I love how limber babies are. It is so weird to think that I was once able to just stick my toes in my mouth without any problems. (Haha...and gross to think of!) I loved it when Micah figured this out...he was doing it all of the time. He's always been a difficult one when it came to changing his diaper...and now it was even more difficult! Such a busy boy!

Yummy toesies

Bath time...the toes are en route to the mouth :)


14 Days to Go...

This was a very cold winter...with record snowfall!! We kept our little Micah buddled up everywhere we went. We even had a little "boot" cover for his carseat to block the cold wind from getting him. I wrote about our fun "Snow Day" in a previous blog...so I won't bore you with all of the details, again. But here are some of my favorite pictures from that time....

Me and my little one....his first time in the snow!

Inside...where it's warmer...having fun playing with big brother (look at that smile)

Hey Gerber baby....he's so precious



Monday, September 20, 2010

15 Days to Go...

Sometimes I look at these pictures and think, "Oh my gosh....he is so cute that it hurts." I cannot believe how incredibly blessed we are to have our little Micah-boo. I am so thankful that the Lord is in control of our life...and not us. If it were up to Ryan and my control, we would not have had another baby so soon. But, I look at Micah each day as I'm holding him and rocking him before he goes to sleep, and I thank God for him. He was meant to be in our life.

When Micah was little, he did not like to be held so much. He wanted to put in a position to where he could see everything. He loved this little glider (on loan from our dear friends) and he would often drift to sleep in it. I loved as he got more older and started to discover toys and his finer motor skills that this little ball was always in his hand....even while sleeping.

One hand on the paci and the other on his ball...protecting his two treasures!

I love this picture! I'm sure many of you had babies that would fall asleep in the middle of playtime...but, it was new to me. Jonas never fell asleep on his playmats, but Micah did all of the time. He'd be playing away and the next thing I knew...it was total silence. He would wear himself out! I love it! (Love those cheeks, too)


Saturday, September 18, 2010

16 Days to Go...

I love when babies start to realize there is a lot more to do in life than just sleep, eat, and...well...you know...fill up their diapers. Around this time is when we started hearing "The Micah" a lot more frequently. "The Micah" is this sound Micah would make in the back of his throat when he was happy or excited about something. I could be on one side of the house and he could be in his swing playing with a toy and I could hear his sweet, happy sound all the way on the other end of the house. I love how unique he is!!



Hello. How are you today?

Happy baby

Playing on his floor mat and having a good time



17 Days to Go....

This was the most difficult Christmas for us since we have been married. Ryan knew in August that he was accepted into his educator training course and we were hoping that he would be able to hold on to his job until he started a teaching position. But the company he was with had to let him go in October, about 3 weeks after we had Micah, due to the decline in their production. So, with both of us at home and not working...it was tough. But, we already had the best, little Christmas gift. Our little Micah-boo had made our family even more whole. He's perfect.
Our precious Christmas gift
Looking at my baby boy on Christmas morning
Happy Baby, Happy New Year!
He looks all beefed up in this picture....but it's just the sweater! He's always been a tiny baby.


18 Days to Go...

Opps...forgot to post this one yesterday...actually, being that it was Friday...I fell asleep before I could post it! :) Anyway, about a week before Thanksgiving is when Micah started to smile in response to us. At first it was those little smile, but by the time we went home for Thanksgiving and Micah was about 6 weeks old is when he was in control of his smile and he would smile all of the time. Ryan would get the biggest smile...it was wonderful!!

Micah talking to his "buddies" up on his swing mobile

All smiles for daddy

What's up?!?



Thursday, September 16, 2010

19 Days to Go....

When Micah was born, he was our "little pumpkin." Two reasons: he was born in October and because of jaundice.

The day we were discharged from the hospital, the nurses told me that they could see that some jaundice was setting in on Micah. It starts at the head, works it's way down to the toes and when it clears up, the skin will become pink from the toes up to the head. They told me to just watch and notice if it got worse. Well, geez...how was I suppose to know? When we returned the next day for his weight check and jaundice check, they said it was high on the subcutaneous levels, so they had to draw blood from his heel. It came back right on the borderline of high-risk and severe. So, the doctor's office wanted to recheck the next day. So, after going through 4 grueling days of rechecks....I said enough is enough. His levels were not going past the high-risk borderline...but, they were not showing any sign of going down either. I told the doctors it was time to start the phototherapy, because I was not going to make another trip down to the hospital to stick his heel a fifth time....unless it was going to be the last!!!

So for the next few days...he was our little "glo-worm." His light therapy was the blanket kind, so we were still able to hold him and I could nurse him, without removing his therapy. It was wonderful. He had therapy for almost 3 whole days before, they checked his heel and the results were great....his numbers had dropped drastically!! Praise God!!

My boys just love to create drama, I guess. When Jonas was born, it was the weight loss issue. So, not to be outdone...Micah had to have a little drama, too. Either way, I sure do love our little pumpkin!

Glo-worm being held by daddy

The Glo-worm (and his tail) with pa-pa and ma-ma

3 weeks old...still and little yellow...and very serious (or mad about the frog jumper)

Little pumpkin being loved by Mimi

Love this little guy!






Wednesday, September 15, 2010

20 Days to Go...

I did this same countdown with Jonas and it was so much fun. I love looking back on the year and seeing just how much this sweet boy has grown. From the day we found out about him we were growing in love with him. He was such a busy baby in my tummy, I knew that he was going to keep us busy when he was born. And, yes, he has definitely lived up to it.

I'll try and share a little each day about our little Micah and his personality and little personal stories.

Hope you enjoy the countdown!!!

Micah Jeffrey Flood
October 5, 2009
4:02pm
7lb 3oz, 21 inches
Micah--who is like the Lord; humble

Going home!! It's so funny how we buy these little outfits and when we are folding them up and putting them in the bag, we think, "there is no way he's going to fit in this...it's too small." Then once it's on, is hanging off their little body.

Day 3
Sleeping in his bassinet...he still sleeps with his face up against his bumper guard in his crib

Learning how to fold towels...and just how crazy Jonas and Dad really are



Micah is 11 months old!!

Here we are...11 months old (ok, so I'm a little late...sorry). This last month has been a whirlwind. I had a last minute intereview for a teaching position the Monday that all of the teachers returned to work for teacher inservice week. I was hired the next day and started the process of getting all my creditials and background checks cleared so that I could be ready to teach the following Monday.

So, for the boys, that meant going to school, too! Our school district has a wonderful development center just for its employees...and Micah got the last infant spot! I found out that I got the job on a Tuesday and they were in school the next day. Oh my gosh....that was the most horrible day I have had in a long time. I thought that I was going to be busy taking care of things for school, but since the district was running my background checks, there was nothing I could do. I had to be completely cleared before starting any school-related work. So, I went home to an empty house. I think I cried so much that day, that the next day I could only cry twice because I was so out of tears. I missed my boys so much. It was not so hard to take Jonas because he was excited and could understand what was going on....but, it was heartbreaking to drop Micah off that morning. It's making me upset just to remember it.

On the second day of school when we dropped them off together, Micah was put at a high chair, instead of the half-circle table with all of the other babies. His teachers said it was because he was such a good eater and self-feeding....but, also because he likes to steal other kids' food, too!! Yep...that's our Micah. He loves food!!

He has adjusted quite well. I had the chance to observe him a few times and he's always have so much fun when I see him. Ryan takes them in the morning and I pick them up. They are both dealing with daycare illnesses and it is tough to see them go through this, but next year will not be so tough.

Right now, Micah is close to walking. He has taken a step or two and then fallen down. He still has to get his balance down a little better before taking off. He can stand very well and walk with our assistance. He wants to "go" so badly....he needs to run with big brother!

I cannot believe it's almost been a year (sigh). It is so bittersweet to see them grow before our eyes.

First day of school
Current Stats:
Weight--17lb. 15oz. (yes, he put on almost 2 pounds the past month!!!)
Length--oops...I forgot to measure
Eyes--still different sizes---we go for another check up next month
Teeth--5
The Micah--yes, he still makes his little unique sound in his throat when he's happy/excited. He does it especially when he's playing with Jonas...and Jonas will even immitate the sound, too.
Feedings--The night I had my job interview was when he told me we were done. :( He's now drinking two cups of formula a day.
Meals--let's just say that he eats more than Jonas and almost as much as I do
Fave Foods--still blueberries, yogurt, fruit bars, sweet peas, green beans, corn, spaghetti, bananas, ice cream, cheeseburgers....just about anything!
Fave Toys--his toothbrush, his paci's, remote controls, a little Woody and little Buzz toy, sunglasses, toilet paper, and cabinet doors
Time with Jonas---he follows Jonas everywhere (except for when he's following me). He loves him so much and they play so well together. The have playtime when we got home from school and the love taking a bath together. I hope and pray it will be a lifelong friendship!

Jonas

Jonas
Born 03.20.08 7lb 7oz 21 1/4 in