A special lesson at Wal-Mart

A few weeks ago, Taylor and I were at Wal-mart grabbing a few groceries while my mom watched Cooper. (oh how date night changes once you have a baby!) As we were checking out, the cashier noticed that I was buying Neosure, the special preemie formula Cooper uses, and commented on how expensive formula is. I agreed, and then told her that we had to buy this special kind for our baby who was born prematurely. She asked how early Cooper had been born, and I told her 26 weeks. As soon as the words left my mouth, her eyes filled with tears but she smiled and asked us how he was doing. I shared a little bit of Cooper's story, and she was very gracious and then shared that she had also had a 26 weeker, born in 2001 who only lived for three hours. Taylor and I both teared up as she shared a special testimony about how much she loves her baby and that she knew she would be with her again. The nice woman also told us that the stress and trauma of losing this baby was too much for her husband, and he had left her and her three other children shortly after losing their daughter. By this time, the tears were flowing pretty freely for all three of us. This woman was so positive and strong as she shared these personal details with Taylor and me, and wished us the best as we finished getting our groceries and left the store.

Once we were outside, Taylor and I could hardly speak because we were so touched by this kind woman. We were also reminded how fortunate we are to have a baby who defied the grim odds of being born at 26 weeks. This kind lady touched my heart in many ways and reminded me of valuable lessons. We truly never know the burdens and experiences people around us are carrying. I was so humbled that the cashier shared her story with us, and I still wish there was more I could have done for her besides offering a few words of comfort and thanking her for sharing something so personal with us. As we drove away from the store I resolved to be more mindful of those around me, strangers or not, and try to ease the burdens they may be carrying. 

December 28th Update

Today Cooper had his bi-weekly check-up at the pediatrician to monitor his blood pressure and weight. Exactly two weeks ago (December 14th) Cooper weighed 10 pounds 12 ounces, and his blood pressure was well within normal range. Unfortunately, today he only weighed 11 pounds 2.5 ounces... definitely on the lower end of gaining weight. For the last few weeks Cooper has been having pretty bad reflux, and throwing up large amounts of food at least once per day. I think the reflux is contributing to his sub-optimal weight gains. They do make reflux medication, but it makes babies more susceptible to pneumonia, so our pediatrician wants to save that as a last resort. We will continue to feed Cooper frequently and hope that he outgrows this reflux soon!

Next month he has quite a few appointments: a follow up with his nephrologist for high blood pressure, six month check-up, and the neonatal follow up clinic, where he will see all of his specialists from Primary's.

Cooper had a wonderful first Christmas and was thoroughly spoiled by his grandparents and great-grandparents! Taylor and I continue to feel so blessed to be Cooper's parents and we're grateful for the support and love of so many wonderful people.

Cooper's Blessing Day

Cooper had his special baby blessing on November 15th. Customarily these blessings happen at church in front of the rest of the congregation, but because we're having to be so careful about limiting his exposure to germs and illness, we had Cooper's blessing at home with only our immediate family members (and two sets of grandparents). It was a very special day, and Taylor gave Cooper a beautiful blessing. Definitely a day we will always cherish:)

 All of the wonderful men who took part in Cooper's blessing. (Uncle Alec, Grandpa Hyde, Uncle Matt, Uncle Clayton, Great-grandpa White, Taylor, Grandpa Kordsiemon, and Bro Pierson and Bishop Smith) We're just missing Taylor's brother Garrett, who was getting over a cold and graciously stayed home so he wouldn't risk Cooper getting sick. We're grateful for him and his sacrifice!

5 Months Old

Cooper is 5 months old! (2 months adjusted) Here are a few five month highlights.

- This week Cooper had his longest stretch of sleep at night... 7 hours! 
- Last night he rolled over from his stomach to his back for the first time
- He's a great eater, and usually eats about 21 ounces a day
- Still constipated every day, and needs a suppository/pear juice/miralax to help his digestion
- Started laughing in response to his crazy parents this week
- Loves snuggling! 
- His legs are getting super strong. He's been able to put a lot of weight on them for a while now, but he's continuing to get stronger and can stand up (with assistance) for a long time
- Cooper is becoming more expressive, especially when we put him on his stomach. He will squawk at us until we pick him up again :)
- He is always happy after eating and when people interact with him

My best guess is that he's about 10 and a half pounds, and as of last week he was 21 inches long. We love our Coop-ey boy! 

December 11th Update

Cooper is doing so well! Last week he had his first dose of the synagis (RSV prevention) shot. He will continue to receive an additional shot every 28 days until March. As of last Thursday, he weighed 10 pounds 2.5 ounces! He's continuing to put on weight normally and is getting bigger and bigger.

On Wednesday Cooper had another eye exam with the ophthalmologist at Primary Children's. At his last eye appointment, a few days after coming home from the NICU, we received good news and it looked like the ROP was regressing and his eyes were developing normally. On Wednesday, a long time prayer was answered. In the words of Dr. Hoffman, his eyes are "wonderfully perfect!" The ROP is gone, and his eyes are completely normal for a newborn. He is still high risk for eyesight problems in his future because of his  IVH (brain bleeds) but we don't have to come back for a followup appointment until April. For now, everything looks great and I feel peace that his eyes will continue to develop normally. We're grateful for the many prayers that have been offered in behalf of Cooper's eyesight.

While we were at Primary Children's on Wednesday, I wanted to drop off a thank you gift for each of our six primary nurses that took care of Cooper while he was in the NICU. It was my first time walking back into the NICU since Cooper had transferred to the Infant Unit before we were discharged from the hospital. Outside the NICU is a phone that you pick up to tell the receptionist who you are (and they can also see you on a camera). I picked up the phone to enter, and instead of asking who I was, they just opened the door because they recognized me. I had to laugh... I guess being there all day, every day for 14 weeks means you're not easily forgotten! I only stayed long enough to drop off the gifts, but we're planning to go visit our NICU nurses with Cooper very soon.

Cooper turned 5 months old (2 adjusted) on Monday! (the 7th) I can hardly believe it has been 5 months since his big arrival into the world. They have been the most refining months of my life, but I would never change the valuable lessons that Taylor and I have learned. We're so grateful for the continued love and support for our little family!