Nick the Networker

Daddy time with Reece!

Reece and I enjoy spending our weekend mornings together while Jenn gets a little extra shut-eye or goes for a run.  I particularly enjoy watching Sesame Street with Reece...fond memories of Cookie Monster!

Reece is growing and growing!  She is now almost 22 pounds and 31 inches tall.  We can say "tall" now because she loves to stand up.  She crawls about as fast as I can walk and loves to get up on the couch and scoot all around.

Here are some more pics of Reece and me and from Reece's (adjusted) 1st birthday.

Happy Valentine's Day from Reecie Peecie

A priceless picture on Valentine's Day that I had to share.  She keeps growing, babbling, crawling, pulling herself up...it is so exciting! By the way, she just had an eye exam and her eyes are absolutely perfect, truly a miracle for a baby born as early as Reece. To see more pics of Reece...

Reece Hits New Milestones (and new Pics)

We are thrilled to share that Reece is growing and thriving.  She is 29 inches long and 20 lbs.  She continues to surprise many people, since she does not look at all like a preemie!  Thankfully, she thoroughly enjoys eating and gets very excited about new and familiar foods which are helping her to grow.   

Just in this past week, she has met a handful of new developmental milestones!  She can now crawl wherever she wants to go (quicky I might add!), wave, get up from her back to sitting/crawling, possibly say "Hi", and stand in her crib and hold the rails for minutes.  Most importantly, she is babbling, smiling and laughing.

On the advice of her pediatrician, we are still laying low, avoiding many places and things where germs thrive, to ensure her good health.  It's especially important during the winter, but her continued good health is the priority.  We look forward to the time we can see more of you in person and finally introduce Reece!

For more pics of Reece

Remembering Graham

To commemorate and celebrate Graham, 45 balloons were released across several states today, representing each one of his days.  Our hearts will forever ache, our lives are forever changed, and our love for him forever lives.

Warmly,

Nick, Jenn and Reece

For Graham from Daddy

There's an ache

Won't go away

Ask it to leave

But it wants to stay

Keeps remindin'

What might have been

Sends me off

To rememberin' when

So, so small

But the ache is so wide

Trade my tomorrows

For another good-bye

I miss the tears

Want them again

A sign of life

Helps my broken heart mend

Wish I could bury

This ache in my heart

Takes me down

Rips me apart

Oh my son

Oh my Graham

A burst of light

In this universal plan

Feel your presence

See you every day

Your sister Reece

Makes it okay

For Graham, from Daddy

January 7th 2008

Happy Birthday Reece!

It's hard to believe that one year ago today, Thanksgiving 2006, Reece and Graham were born.  It is amazing to see how much Reece has grown in just the past six weeks.  They say the days go slowly but the years fly by.  I agree that the days go by slowly, but admittedly this has been a loooong year.  However, I know that they will pick up speed! 

In the spirit of Thanksgiving I also wanted to share why I am grateful:

• Reece's continuous progress - she is stronger and more beautiful every day
• The time with my son, Graham
• The support of family and friends
• My employer, PwC, providing the benefits to make pursuing a family a reality, and the support they have provided through this entire journey 
• Jenn staying at home with Reece and providing everything "and then some" for Reece 

Thanks also to all of you for allowing me to share with you our journey. Your comments continue to be a source of inspiration to us.  Here are a few pics from Reece's birthday.  You can see a lot more pics at Reece's website.

I'm Getting Bigger and Stronger Every Day!

For more pics of Reece

I just realized it has been over two months since I posted my last update!

At Reece's last pediatrician appointment she was 15 1/2 lbs and 26.5 inches long.  She is steadily climbing both the preemie and regular baby charts.  If you saw her you wouldn't know she was a preemie anymore.  She is also off oxygen while awake.  She will continue to be on oxygen while she sleeps through the winter and there is a good chance she will be off oxygen completely by the spring.  Her lungs are definitely getting stronger and her high pitch squeals are certainly proof!

Developmentally Reece continues to get stronger every day.  She is actually ahead of her corrected age with fine motor skills, grasping and reaching for everything, and is close to sitting up on her own.  The occupational therapist that works with us said Reece is an active girl and definitely a chatter bug.   I am enjoying learning baby talk!

Reece loves her meals and is now eating Gerber fruits and veggies in addition to her cereal and formula.   Daddy really likes bananas and sweet potatoes!  We all enjoy wearing them.

As some of you may know we have also been building a house.  We finally moved in just over 2 weeks ago, and have been busy working out the kinks.  Moving in has been as much a relief as it has been a celebration, and we are certainly thrilled with the final result.   We have a few important details to complete (like landscaping and furniture) and then I will post a few pictures. 

Why I'm Grateful

Our pooch Beignet has been very patient with us during the last year and continues to be in good health. I went blading with her on the Strand this morning. It was fantastic!

Happy, Happy, Happy Girl!

Look at our happy girl!  Reece is doing great.  She celebrated her four month corrected birthday on June 5th and she is meeting her milestones.

She loves to play with her toys, roll around in her bed, watch Einstein DVDs (and any TV if we're not careful), splash, splash, splash in her bath, play in the mirror, put everything in her mouth, eat rice cereal, and fortunately sleep through the night.

She also just had a follow up visit with the neurosurgeon and the shunt is working well.  The pulmonologist conducted a sleep study to test her oxygenation while sleeping because sometimes preemies need more when they get bigger.  We're awaiting the official results, but the technician said she did really well.

Reece is 24.5 inches and 13 pounds 2 ounces!  She is now in the 50% percentile (on the preemie charts) in height, weight and head circumfernce.  Not bad considering she didn't even make the charts not too long ago!  Thanks again for all your prayers, support and good wishes.

Happy Father's Day!

To all the Dads out there.  Happy Father's Day!

Reece is doing great.  12 pounds, 4 ounces.  Tracking left and right.  Holding her head up. Reaching out for stuff.  Discovering her toes...and still the cutest button nose.