First Cold

Ari woke up yesterday with a stuffy nose :( I put saline drops and suctioned her nose all day and night. In spite of it, she's been fine. No coughing, thank God! We thought of calling the doctor but since the stuffy nose is the only symptom...I think she's fine.

First Weekend Getaway

We spent this past weekend at the Poconos with the kids, Abuelito and Abuelita Vazquez. We had a great time. It was nice to be able to go away with Ari for the weekend and not have to worry about oxygen or even the monitors. She's still on the monitors but mostly at night. She should be close to 9lb this week. We have an appt. on Thurs. for a check up since she is done with meds.

Finally, here are some new pics and videos. I always try to remind myself where we were and where God has brought us.

Almost 5 mo. but Really 1 1/2 mo.

Hi Everyone, Ari was 8lb 4oz at last weeks appt. She has been gaining 1lb every 2wks. I need to get new pics. I feel bad not posting new ones, I've been very busy. My sister is babysitting Ari while I get my house cleaned and organized. I feel like this house has gotten out of control and I haven't been able to get a handle on it. And Ari loves to just be held (it's all our own fault). We are actually trying to work on putting her down more since we have spent some days holding her practically all day. It's a blessing to have Sharon sit with her while I do house stuff.

Recently I have been struggling with her age - almost 5mo but really 1 1/2. We have been getting out more and every time someone asks how old she is, I don't know what to say without feeling like I'm rambling on or trying to explain her age. It's weird and sad because I know people will look at her and think she's really small. Or maybe I fear people will think something is wrong with her - I don't know why I have a hard time on "how I should answer this question." I think that rolls into this other feeling I have - she's been a newborn for 5 mo. You know how people say to their little ones, "I wish you stayed like this forever." I don't. I realized God gave us stages in everything in life for a reason. Our children grow up for a reason. And for those special moms and dads of kids with disabilities such as not ever going beyond a certain age mentally - God has given them an astounding amount of grace. Ari doesn't smile on purpose yet (only when she's half asleep), she's doesn't reach for things, or hold things, and since I've been out and seen other babies her age - it's made me think of this. Don't get me wrong - she has come such a long way and she is amazing. I guess I'm just getting anxious.

Tomorrow I'm doing the kids yearly pics that I do. So I should have new pics by the weekend.