4 months old

It's hard to believe that Thomas is 4 months old (and 11 pounds, 6 ounces). I remember so vividly the day he was born...the fear and anxiety. And it is so clear to see God's hand over that day and the days that have followed. Some have been more bumpy than others but it is very clear and reassuring to remember that this is the path that He chose for our family and T in particular. We have settled into life with 3 boys at home. I can get every up, fed, dressed and to school most days...although sometimes I look like I just rolled out of bed myself. Thomas is a pretty easy baby...easier than the other 2 boys were!

He recently began smiling- it's always nice to know that your baby actually sees you and can give a little back! I've been trying to capture a smile in a photo but have failed miserably.

We seem to be slowly checking out Thomas's whole body...one specialist at a time. Here is the latest on T's health:

1. Cardiology- we will go back the end of May to see if he will have the ballooning procedure. If they decide to do the procedure, it will likely happen late summer/early fall.
2. Nephrology- He has high blood pressure which is common in preemies. We will keep an eye on it but the doctor thought his kidneys were okay.
3. ENT- We went to the ear, nose, throat doctor on Monday and he scoped Thomas and saw that he has laryngomalacia. This is a floppy tissue/structure above his vocal folds. This is causing the "squeak" we have been hearing while he eats. It usually resolves by 12-18 months. However, it often causes difficulty eating in the meantime. This is what we have been seeing at home. So, we are keeping a close eye on his calories and are adding another night feeding (yea). I will keep taking him for weight checks just to be careful. Thankfully, even though we aren't getting in the target number of calories, he is still gaining weight! T will have an upper GI to see if he is having reflux episodes while eating also.

I'm getting pretty good at navigating Le Bonheur's clinics and carting a baby to doctor's offices. Thankful that Le Bonheur is just down the road.

Thanks for praying. I am trying to practice gratitude for all of this...some days (and nights) it is a struggle. But, we have much to be thankful for both in this life and in our Father's provision for the future.