Happy Birthday, little one. Today, Grady is 4 months old and 3 weeks old. Sounds funny, huh? If Grady had been born on his due date, he would be three weeks old. But, instead, God blessed us with this little man four months ago today. The nurse tells us that he is 8.75 lbs and and almost 19 inches long. Just about the right size for a three week old. Puzzling, right? Sometimes I get a little confused, too. He may be 4 months old, but remember, he has been growing to his birth size these first 3 months that he has been with us. So, today, Grady is 4 months old and 3 weeks old.
Most of you know, Grady moved to the TCU, Transitional Care Unit, a couple of weeks ago. Here, we get to care for all of his needs. We pick him up and hold him when we want to. One of Grady's therapy lessons is to be held while he eats and he needs to have his paci. This will help him associate a full tummy with suckling. But, it is wonderful and scary at the same time. All of Grady's bells and whistles now mean a lot more to us. Learning what all of these represent is a little intimidating. There are many other lessons that we need to complete, as well. So far, we have all completed several things. One is giving this little boy a bath. Now, it sounds a little odd that we have to learn to bathe Grady, but remember, he has several new attachments that can not be submerged in water. Mommy has found a way for Grady to enjoy his baths. He can sit up, which helps his breathing. Yeah, Mommy. All little people should get to enjoy their baths. And he smells so good afterwards. Grady loves to have lotion put on his feet and hands. We are still working on his comfort levels for his legs and arms. His Ocupational Therapist is referring Grady to massage therapy. Hhhhmmm. Where is the sign up sheet for that?!
Now, if we have to be checked off for a bath, you can just imagine all the other things that need to be learned. So far, we have jumped in with both feet. Daddy was the first to change Grady's trach. He got us all started and now we are all taking those first steps and getting our check list shorter. Thanks, son. It is a relief to know that you are here to prod us on.
Well, I must say it is wonderful to be here spending this much time with Grady. Getting to know him and learn what his personality is developing into is great. He has a little bit of a temper. But only when he does not get his way. The Boppy is turning out to be his favorite thing from home, besides Mommy and Daddy and sister. Sorry, Pete, but Grady doesn't know you yet. Music is very soothing to Grady. He is still charming all of his nurses and the eye doctor told me he is a very strong little fella. Grady loves his hands and he is learning to grip things. If he is mad, you may as well just wait until he gets tired. You will not be getting that grip to open until then. One of my favorite things is the bridge of his nose. It is the perfect place for a kiss. If you place him right under your collar bone on your chest and hold him close to you, his nose is right there just asking for you to plant a big old kiss on it. Hey, just wait until it is your turn to hold him. You will try it, I promise.
Thank you all for being an important part of our lives. Going through this with you there makes all of these challenges a little easier. Your support and prayer has brought us a long way.
Talk soon,
JoJo
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