fun with electricity

Another fun clip of our crazy 20 month old.

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6 days

Leaving your kid(s) for vacation...Why does this require more work?  This is a title of a parenting blog entry I ran across while reading about preparing to leave your toddler for vacation.

Nothing is simple (that is for sure). And mom, I know you are reading this and it's not you, it's me...I want to make that clear! We completely trust Harrison in the hands of grandma while we bask in the sun of the Caribbean. After all... I turned out good....well alright at least!

But no matter what we do or how much we prepare for this departure...it's going to be difficult. 9 days...9 whole days without without our little boy. I am nervous about the daycare drop off on Friday (the day we leave)... I picture myself this emotional wreck mother who Doug will have to drag out of the daycare center and on to the plane. I would be lying if I didn't say I am afraid that I won't enjoy the trip in fear of homesickness for him. There is a whole heck of emotions that goes with this all. What happens if day 5 comes and I am consumed with missing him to the point I can't even enjoy the trip itself? Yep...I am probably spending WAY too much time worrying about anything, everything and the little things in between.

What did we worry about the 8 years before Harrison was born?

When it comes down it...Doug and I are making the right decision by taking time for ourselves and as a couple.

I took Thursday off work this week for a Harrison and Mommy day and the Monday upon our return home.

We leave in 6 days...Harrison's Instruction Manual was completed tonight, packing begins tomorrow and last minute shopping next week.

20 lbs in 20 months

Healthy as a horse...well for now anyways.

Seems Harrison is completely on the mend from last weeks trip to Gundersen...(a sigh of relief for mommy & daddy).

Friday Harrison had his 17 month WELL baby check-up. He passed all the developmental milestones of a 20 month old (scoring low in communication, but still passed). His primary doctor, Dr. Gerhard is very pleased (we are too). He also tested negative for any early signs of autism.

Doug and I placed bets on Harrison's length for Fridays appt. I guessed 31 inches and daddy guessed 31.5 inches. It's no surprise mommy was right on at 31 inches. He is a full half inch taller than his last measurement at April's well baby check. He also tipped the scale at 23 lbs 5 ounces. This means he is full 20 lbs 2 ounces more than his birth weight. Without adjusting his age for the growth chart, length wise Harrison is in the third percentile and is in the tenth percentile for his weight. Dr. Gerhard said he couldn't be happier with Harrison's growth, "he's exactly where he should be...he is long and lean, he's not too thin and he is not too heavy, he is perfect." The doctor's order is to keep doing whatever we are doing.

Eating habits are changing. Dr. Gerhard asked about Harrison's eating. I said more recently it has been changing. It's not the fact if he likes/doesn't like a food, it just depends if he is in the mood for it. Dr. Gerhard said that picky eating peaks at Harrison's age. He suggested that we don't make special meals for Harrison that he eats whatever we are eating PERIOD. He also suggested that Harrison only eat snacks in his high chair (with the exception of outings or going to the store). The problem we have been facing lately is that Harrison is becoming more of a grazer when it comes to eating and the three square meals are falling to the weigh side. We need to eliminate the grazing and keep snacking to a minimum per Dr. Gerhard. Though Harrison's eating habits are not effecting his growth now, it will in the future. The doctor said that grazers either become overweight or underweight if their nutrition is not monitored.

Shots are not fun. Harrison received his last three required vaccines required before kindergarten There will be no more shots for his 2 year, 3 year, and 4 year appts. I guess this vaccination round went out with a bang, spiking a fever yesterday evening (all better today). Harrison will see Dr. Gerhard next for his 2 year well baby check-up the first week in December. If all goes well Harrison will not be required to see a doctor for four months with the exception of his immunologist in September. After his 2 year well baby check, visits become yearly.

As each month passes, we see the gap in prematurity getting smaller and smaller. The fact that Harrison is on the growth chart (and has been) for several months is reassuring. Many pre-term babies don't hit the growth chart or development milestones by Harrison's age, but he is. Dr Gerhard said, "looking at him, you would never know he was 11 weeks premature, he is doing just wonderful."

I have to emphasize how much I value Dr. Gerhard's opinion, thoughts, ideas, expertise---well EVERYTHING. I spoke to him about last week's trip with Dr. Steir (which I blogged about as well). I was very frank in telling him how much I didn't appreciated Dr. Steir conclusion that his inconsolable crying was a temper tantrum. Dr. Gerhard said, "you know him better than anyone else, you don't know how to help him when he can't tell you what is wrong." He went on to say that Harrison could have been suffering from some severe headaches or hurt himself and we were unaware. He explained that his own daughter has gone through same things we described. It felt so good to be heard.

Harrison recieved his "Reach Out & Read," book at the appt. as well as bath time turtle to make up for shots from the staff at Gundersen. On our way home Harrison picked out a giant dump trunk at Target (which he pushed all the up to the check-out). It seems he made out pretty well for the day.

**Don't forget to view the newest video clip(s) below. As much as I am not a fan of all the hype with applications for cell phones, with daddy's new phone we are actually taking video and posting it too.

Playtime at the park.

A short clip of playtime.

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20 Months!

17 months or 20 months...this little boy is growing up WAY too fast. In just four short months we will have a two year old, a TWO year old!

I have HUGE plans for Harrison's 2nd birthday photo session, so I am trying to tame down my excitement and just pick about half of ideas I have and the hope and pray he will cooperate. My lips are sealed on the theme, but certainly there will be another photo birthday book this year.

At 20 months Harrison weighs in at 23 lbs.  Length wise he is most likely 31 to 31.5 inches in height. I am absolutely amazed how long he is! At the preemie picnic this year he was at least 2 + inches taller than his NICU neighbors. Just looking at photos in the past 3 months there is a huge difference, (but I still can't believe he wears 9 month onesies and 6-9 month shorts). However, since he is still technically a "shortie" that has it's advantage. Since Harrison still falls under 32 inches in length he gets in free to Target Field for a Minnesota Twins game. On August 28th he will attend his first game as part of Minnesota's March of Dimes day.

These days Harrison mood varies by the minute it seems. He is VERY inpatient. In Harrison's world it's his way or no way...don't let that adorable face fool you! A lot of frustration comes from not knowing what he wants. He is getting better making his wants and needs heard, but with this comes less patience on his side. When he is thirsty he will go to the refrigerator and try to open it. The second he realizes he can't get it open is the second he starts to scream and jump up and down acting as though this is the end of the world. When we used to ask to him to wait Harrison would sign "wait" back to us. Instead of signing he has gone to a less subtle approach, a temper-tantrum. The same goes for dinner time, rather than signing "eat" he shakes his high chair in protest. We continue to encourage signing, as a way calm his impulsiveness. This is merely phase (that can end any time now) As the saying goes, "this to shall pass."

Language continues to improve. He understands almost everything we say or ask him to do. Harrison can say "duck," "ma ma," "da da," "cat" which sounds like "gat," and "dog" which sounds like "dag." He favors the "g" sound. Imitation of sounds is also improving. The other day I was scolding him and told him "no, no, no" and he came back at me (giggling) repeating, "na na na." I don't think it will be long until he is using the word "no" regularly in his vocabulary. I can wait for this, though he has been giving us a preview by shaking his head no when asked if he is hungry or wants this or that.

The potty. A potty has made an appearance at house. Right now he plays with the potty and occasionally sits on it. We aren't rushing potty training just opening the door to it. Most likely we won't enforce trying until he is at least 2. On the positive side he is understanding "hey, when I poop, I'll bring a new diaper to Mommy or Daddy."  We are welcoming this with open arms!

Since we are on the topic of growing up, Harrison's crib will be converted into his toddler bed in December. I am on the search for some super cute bedding. I am glad we designed his room nuteral and not baby specific if that makes sense. His room will stay the same shades of yellow and we will keep with the frog (outdoor theme). Target offers a pretty cute line of frogs/pond I patiently waiting for them to clearance out.

Some of Harrison's favorite things include rocks,planes, fire trucks (sirens), cell phones, playing at the park, water, Whitney Dog along with his blanket and plug. Speaking of the blanket and plug...it's an unhealthy addiction. I can't believe how he can be so attached to these things---I have to thank daycare for not allowing him to tote the blanket and plug around all day, so there is proof he can live with out these! The funny part or not so funny part is the quantity of blankets. Some days one isn't good enough, he lugs around 2-3 of them...and let me tell you carrying around a blanket in 90+ degree weather is not ideal. I promise myself that we will nip this habit in the butt when we get back from vacation.

Fortunately Harrison continues to each like a horse, however his preference for foods is pickier these days. I seriously think Harrison could live on Teddy Grahams if we let him, that by far is his favorite food with yogurt coming in secondly. Harrison just stopped eating 3rd baby foods in the last week. We were very lucky to have him eat baby food for this long of period of time. On the plus side, he still loves plum food and Ella snacks which make for mess free meals/snacks.

Harrison has mastered steps. He crawls up our 19+ stairs at home, but most of the time if there is a railing, he climbs stairs like you and I. He is also getting a hang of the spoon (yeah, this really does stand a purpose). Harrison also attempts to put on his own shoes and can successfully open up half of our doors and flush the toilet.

"Gentle" finally has a meaning. Harrison is much kinder to Whitney and the kitties these days (more Whitney than the kitties). In general he is nicer to all animals. Grandma and Grandpa Nelson just welcomed a 6 week old puppy into their home. Her name is Lucy, she is Golden Retriever. Harrison met her yesterday for the first time and handled better than I expected.  I keep telling Doug we need a baby kitten for Harrison (well for Mommy too). I am unsure if we are ready for dog #2, definitely not baby #2, but a kitten, yes. I am doubtful we will convince daddy but maybe a furry friend will just show up at our house one of these days.

Helping is on top priority for Harrison. When I am getting ready in the morning he brings me make-up (and tries to put it on too, very cute BTW). When we clean house Harrison can be found with a dust cloth or swiffer....though as much as he thinks he helps---this sometimes takes me twice as long to clean each week, but as long as he is "helping" I can't turn that away.

I could probably blog a small novel on the changes in the past month, but I do realize you have a day job, so I'll touch on last thing.... cuddling.

Cuddling is quite possibly one of the best things. As a baby Harrison has never really been a cuddlier and that has been a soft subject, until recently however. One of my favorite things he does is put his arms around my shoulders and nudges up against my back. He gives lots of kisses and hugs without even being asked. The only word to sum this up? Awesome.

Harrison has a "well baby" check up Friday this week.. I am anxious to see what good things Dr. Gerhard has to say about Harrison; he hasn't seen Harrison since April. Oh...but "ouch" shots are on the agenda.

It's been a busy week for Harrison and I, daddy has been gone in Vegas for work...  We didn't manage to capture many photos tonight, Harrison was doing his own thing and I didn't have the energy to chase after him....but you don't need a ton of photos to know just how adorable this blonde hair blue eyed cutie is!

 Meet T-Bone, meet "T"

Harrison picked him out a few weeks back during a Kohl's shopping trip. I think he favors the color yellow, which is not so awesome for dirt.

 Look at this gobs of his white blonde hair. His first hair cut is nearing, possibly by his second birthday. His stylist will be Kristi.

 We chased a bunny.

Thank you to all that follow our story, our lives, our miracle.

An eventful Thursday

I have been avoiding blogging about Thursday's trip to Gundersen, in fact I am trying to pretend it didn't even happen.

I got a call from daycare on Thursday morning saying that the staff couldn't console Harrison and that he had been crying for 2 hours straight.

When I stepped in the door (which is upstairs) to the center I could hear blood hurling screams from Harrison coming from the toddler room (which is downstairs). His teacher Jaclyn (whom I love by the way) was doing her best to console him. He cried the whole way home (which is only 5 minutes, but felt like five hours). By this time Doug had a call into the ENT doctor and primary doctor as we have been seeing Harrison like this for several days, but this had only been occurring in the evenings/night.

I felt so bad for him he continued to scream and cry, which made me cry. We rocked upstairs in his bedroom until Doug could relieve me to go back to work (since I left in a panic). I cleaned up the chaos at the office and e-mailed my boss to let her know that I needed to leave early for the day because Harrison was sick. I mentioned in the e-mail that I might not have enough PTO to cover the afternoon since I will be on vacation from the 4th to the 16th. Just before I left she replied to my e-mail and said "take the time on me today." She thanked me for my work that I do and gave me pay for the afternoon. I am so grateful for this. Thank you, thank you.

The first appointment in the afternoon we had was with an ENT. Dr. Case was in surgery so we saw Dr. Overhault. I really liked him...in fact I liked him better than Dr. Case (whom I have never been a big fan of). Dr. Overhault cleaned out Harrison's ears good and flushed the tubes ensuring they were open they were in fact open. After a throughout examination Dr. Overhault could confidently say that whatever is causing the screaming/crying isn't due to his ears.

Next appt was with a pediatrician Dr. Steir (his primary Dr. Gerhard) was not in today either. I didn't care for Dr. Steir... he had an old doctor humor (which wasn't funny) and he cut me off several times as if he was in a hurry). It's so hard to see another pediatrician when my standard/expectation is so high since having Dr. Gerhard.

Dr. Steir ordered labs and a urine test. Harrison was tested for diabetes as well as he had an HUGE episode of wetness that morning. I found him drenched to his neck, his blankets, and sheets. Honestly his diaper weighed a good 5 lbs. Since he was drench I needed to get him in the bath tub....which he proceeded to pee all over the bathroom rub before he got in the tub. This was seriously the weirdest things, but I kind of brushed it off until I got this alarming call from daycare.

The results?

Lab work negative, urine labs negative. We couldn't hoped of any better news from a medical stand point...but this leaves us with an unanswered question? What is causing Harrison so much pain? He can be playing contently and just drop on the floor rolling around, kicking, screaming and crying. He does the same thing at night. He is fast asleep in bed and wakes up with these blood hurling screams that can not be consoled.

With normal urine/blood work, Dr. Steir said that he believe we are just dealing with a crabby child. 

WHAT?

 SERIOUSLY?

That is the best you have got? I almost told the doctor to *@$# off. How I managed to keep my cool...it must have been a miracle. We were treated like first time parents who have never seen a temper-tantrum.

Well, we maybe first time parents, but we know the difference between not getting your way and a blood hurling cry in pain.

The best part of the day's visit was talking to the nurse who said, "You know your child better than anyone else does." Thanks for the nurse I kept my sanity.

So you know what Dr. Steir take your 8 + years of schooling and 100 + years of practice and think outside the box! Just because he doesn't fit a diagnosis doesn't mean that there isn't something causing him pain!

Doug and I have spent countless hours over the past week to figure out what's going on.

Lastly at the appt were advised to give Harrison Tylenol/IB Pro fin every 4 hours switching every other dose. Funny how we were advised to give pain medication for temper tantrums. Oh, and we are also supposed to use "white noise" to help console him at night. Where was the doctor at at 4 am wake up call this morning?

Well, I have definitely made it LOUD and CLEAR that Dr. Steir didn't impress me one bit. I am thankful we see Dr. Gerhard on July 29th for his well baby check-up. I am anxious to see much he has grew length-wise. Harrison weighed in at 23 lbs 1 ounce, which is almost 2 pounds more than his appt. back in April, but every pair of his shorts (even the 6-9 month size) falls right off his butt when they used to fit.

All in all...today has been a better day. Doug called to check in at noon at daycare to see how he was doing. The staff felt like he was doing better with the exception of falling off a bike and hitting his head during playtime (he came home tonight with nice scuff to his forehead---boys will be boys.

Welcome to Disneyland

It's already been a whole year since the Harrison's first Neonatal ICU Reunion!

Even though nearly 19 months has passed, it still feels like yesterday we called the NICU our "home away from home." And for 52 days...this was our home.

Tomorrow (Saturday) we are celebrating hugs, kisses, and answered prayers. Without our faith and the medical staff (whom had become like family) we wouldn't be able catch our little boy's kisses, hear his sweet giggles or wonder..."what did he do with my cell phone?"

Are you ready to go somewhere fun now?

 Let's go to Disneyland!

It's been several months since we have seen preemies Madden and Quinn, we are looking forward seeing them. I wonder how much trouble the 3 of them could get into together?

*A special thanks goes to Julie from It's A Preemie Thing" (http://www.itsapreemiething.com/) for custom making Harrison's tee for tomorrow's trip to Disneyland. 

Lurking

Harrison is teetering on the line of ear infection # 13...it's closely lurking it's way in.

I am convinced nothing and I repeat NOTHING is ever going to keep this child healthy.

Over the past 3 weeks there hasn't been a day without a runny nose, but other than that he has been relatively healthy. You could say, "kids have runny noses," which is completely true...but to toddler with a history of ear infections this is NOT GOOD NEWS.

Last night it took more than an hour to settle Harrison for bed. He rolled on the floor SCREAMING. I was finally able to rock him to sleep. Doug and I talked about the possibility of him having a bad headache or something.

This morning when Harrison woke up he was consumed with crabbiness. I decided to peek in his left ear (which is usually the ear infection side) and I didn't see anything. I took his temperature which was a low grade 99.2 (which could also be elevated due to the warm air temps). Just before I left the house to go to work this morning I decided to take a look at his ears again. To my surprise he had dried blood in his right ear. The drainage hadn't been there the night before when I bathed him.

Doug took Harrison to urgent care this morning to get confirmation of infection so we could collaborate with his ENT. At the urgent care appt. in turned out that he had no fluid in his right ear but did have some in his left ear. This was weird. We ended up placing a phone call to Dr. Case (the ENT). The good news is that Harrison's ears are draining (which was the bloody drainage) meaning the tubes are doing their job. The not so good news? The fluid is too thick (if it stays this thick he will certainly get an ear infection). We are starting a coarse of medicated drops to help thin out the sludge and make it fluid like again. If the bloody drainage consists through the weekend he will need to be seen at Gundersen on Monday.

Tonight Harrison had more bloody drainage from the right side and bedtime was another HUGE struggle. Are we optimistic the drops will work? We have no other choice but to hope.

For myself...I am thankful for the longest stretch of healthiness Harrison has had in more than a year. I got to see a glimpse of a healthy toddler and it's seriously one of the best feelings in this world.

Can't stay a wake

I decided to take Harrison to daycare of Friday morning, which is normally his day off, but my mom and I planned on doing some shopping.

We got up at 6:15 or what I really should say is that Harrison got up at 6:15 and he woke me up... I would have voluntarily slept it.

After breakfast I got him dressed, we played and then I needed to get in the shower. Harrison was playing in the next room as I hopped in the shower. I heard him playing and then silence.

Silence...something our home rarely sees.

I looked out of the shower and saw this...

I seriously don't know how Harrison go on one nap at daycare. I asked them that when I dropped him off last... He ALWAYS has two naps at home and we can't keep him a wake if we tried.

Honey Moon

I am not sure what it is...but whatever it is, I LOVE it! I am calling this a HONEYMOON!

Harrison is turning into a poser... I can't count the number of numerous cute photos we captured on Tuesday evening (when daddy was at work). So without any back-up Harrison sat down, stood up and smiled like it was going out of style.

Perhaps he is trying to make up for past several months of being rather uninterested in cooperating...If that is what it is, I will take it!

 Future six pack in the making...

 Sticks... One of the best props mother nature has to offer!

 This next one is currently in the top 10 favorite photos of all time.

 

I love this bridge. It could probably do without the graffiti, but the bear...that justifies this as photo friendly for a 19 month old. 

Since I am going on luck with these recent photo sessions...I decided why not do another one today (Saturday). We checked out some old alleys. We found one man sitting out on his deck with a tall bruskey in his hand at 9:30 am---but none the less, he was a friendly drunk.

What is he looking at?

 An AIRPLANE!

This is currently Harrison's favorite things to look for when we are outside; squirrels come in close at #2. The funny part is, I find myself pointing out airplanes and squirrels, even if Harrison isn't with me. Apparently it's becoming one of my favorite things too!

Giggles

I don't know how I managed not to post these photos sooner! I took them a few weeks ago when the temperatures soared well into the 90s.

 The latest obsession/love?

The hose.

Captured the excitement of just about being sprayed down! And just in case your wondering... he is all GIGGLES!

Making a mess!

Nothing is wrong with making a mess... Actually I insist Harrison should make a mess. He is a toddler and we don't want to deprive him from creativity.

 Painting himself...

 

 Yep...he tasted the blue paint.

They grow up so fast!

Harrison attended his first wedding reception last Saturday. I can't say he was well behaved....because how else would I be able to give him the nickname "little monster?" Behavior was tolerable.

At the reception it was fun to bump into people you don't see very often, especially when everyone seems to have kids of their own these days. This makes me wonder..."How did we get this old?"

As the night wore on the music began so we headed to the dance floor.

 This is where I met this little sweetheart.

Okay...I know what you are thinking...and no, I just don't randomly take photos of other people's children. This Josie, she is 3 lbs 2 ounce miracle born at Gundersen in LaCrosse, WI. Harrison and Josie were NICU neighbors. Josie was born at 32 weeks January 6th, 2010 (Harrison born November 28th, 2009 at 29 weeks.)

This was their first meeting since Harrison was discharged from the NICU in January (Josie was discharged 6 days later).

Even though a year has passed...there seemed to be a connection.

They grow up so fast!



It was pretty awesome to see how well she has grown up and it's great to have that connection with another preemie mom. There are just some things that those who have have not experienced, will never understand it.

We are looking forward to connecting with Madden and Quinn in two weeks at the annual NICU Preemie Picnic. The theme this year is Disneyland. Harrison's outfit preparation is well underway.