Blogging Break

Now that Lincoln has reached his one year milestone and is doing so incredibly well, I feel like a chapter in Lincoln's life story has come to an end. This blog was started to document Lincoln's story of overcoming Right-sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, and he has just about done that! Because of this, I have decided to take a break from blogging for a bit. I really never was the blogging type, but the blog has been a great outlet for my emotions, as well as a way to let everyone know how Lincoln was doing through every phase of his beginning of life. I plan to always keep the site public for other CDH parents to view Lincoln's story. I know throughout this year, reading other families blogs was a real comfort to me so I am happy to provide the same comfort to others just beginning their journey. I don't know when my next update will be, maybe in a few months. I don't think this is the end of Lincoln's Blog, just a break. I really, truly appreciate the incredible support and love that has been shown to us through the blog comments and page views, as well as the printed articles and weblinks that have been created about Lincoln's life. I never imagined Lincoln's story would be heard by so many.

Family and 1 Year Pictures

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our studio session!

Lincoln is One

I feel like this is such a gigantic milestone for Lincoln, and me. Getting to one year. Getting through one year. Believe me, I love my son. I enjoy being home with him. Watching him develop and caring for him. I am thankful that I am able to do that. To do what I feel is best for him. But this year has been the most difficult thing both all three of us has ever faced. First, not knowing whether Lincoln would even survive. Now at one year old, Lincoln has little evidence of CDH or complications. I knew throughout the year, especially during the really tough times I would think, that there would be a time when I would be able to relax. When Lincoln would be well and I wouldn't need to be so anally-retentive. And it is here! This past month, I have felt relief. I have stopped writing in Lincoln's food journal and no longer measure his liquid volume by the mL. I have stopped counting his respirations at every nap. I have stopped counting his night wakings and length. I have put away the hand sanitizer. I even stopped monitoring his SO2 before the monitor was taken back! It has been WONDERFUL to just be with Lincoln. I know he is still struggling with weight gain, but I finally feel like things are either under control, or OUT of my control and I have learned to let them go.

So enough about my feelings and on to the fun stuff!

Here's some facts about Lincoln at about 12 months.

*Favorite toys are BOOKS, mostly for chewing (grrr...) but starting to look at and turn the pages more. Also likes spoons, mostly baby plastic spoons from the dollar store, but will take any!

*Mimicking sounds and expressions. There was a time when Linc started to do this, but then had stopped until recently. He now will stick out his tongue, make a click noise, and say a few choice "words" like mamama or lalala.

*Lincoln will now also shake his head at EVERYTHING. He even has made a game of it. He shakes his head at you with a big grin and laughs if you reciprocate! It's great fun to see him communicating so well!

*Full on pulling up, cruising and starting to stand on his own for a few minutes. He absolutely loves to walk around holding my or daddy's hands.

*Motor skills are also gaining. Lincoln can now clap his hands and thinks it is so fun! He likes to bang toys together, too. He is also waving, and I think he means it as a greeting.

*Lincoln's cognition is developing as well. He is starting to understand some words I say. He will look towards an object I speak of, or sometimes I just see it in his eyes that he recognizes what I am talking about. He also has started to say a line of one of his favorite books as I read it to him, just before we get to the line, he blurts it out. He also laughs when I say, "The End" after each book.

Mommy: A cow says, 'Mooooo.' A sheep says, 'Baaaah.'
Lincoln: -Lalala.
Mommy: That's right, Lincoln. Three singing pigs say, 'Lalala!'
Lincoln: (smiles.)

He's so smart!

*Linc is wearing 12 month tops (due to his head size alone) and 9 month bottoms. Although, some 12 month bottoms fit, depending on the brand.

*I think I can safely say that Lincoln's eyes are now brown. Just like Mommy.

*Lincoln has 6 teeth. Four on top and tow on bottom. His 7th is broken through but taking it's time coming up!

*Lincoln is enjoying all table food now. He pretty much eats what we eat. No more baby food. He gets his DuoCal supplement three times per day added to moist foods, giving him an added 120 calories. Lincoln is now only drinking about 8-10 oz (on a good day) of his formula per day, which is now 100% Kid Essentials 1.5cal (meaning 1.5cal per mL, compared to whole milk that is 0.67cal per mL, so it's packing the punch Linc needs). He is happy to drink his 6 or so ounces of water throughout the day from his cup and only wants his bottle at night when sleepy. I have stopped waking him to feed and now let him ask for his milk. Which brings us into...

*Sleeping. Which is not so good. As soon as I was able to get Linc to sleep through the night it seems, I needed to start waking him for feedings. Well, it only took about three weeks before he started waking on his own about 10 minutes before schedule. He sleeps for stretches up to 4 hours, totaling about 10 hrs per night. Linc has also begun to drop his morning nap and sleeps for 2-3 hours for naps.

Kind of a side note...
Around the time I started the dreamfeeds, I started to read books on Attachment Parenting, which is a resource I stumbled on when Lincoln was "colicky" but hadn't read until recently. One of the many topics is sleeping and the promotion and benefits of co-sleeping and bed sharing. I will not go into the details of Attachment Parenting, which you may research on your own, but the book gave me the willpower to do what I have felt was right in my heart -to sleep with my baby. It was something I longed to do from the day he was taken from my belly. So, now Lincoln starts off in his crib while I am still awake and finished his nights with us, after one of his night wakings. He sleeps the best there, between us, and I don't mind the extra snuggle time. There is no "crying it out." Dan's been a good sport about it, too. It's what works for us.

I don't have measurements right at 12 months for Lincoln. He has his 12 month well visit this Friday, which is more like 12.5 months, and his dietitian doesn't come to the house until next week. So I guess we will go with his measurements taken at his surgery when he was 11.5 months.

16 lbs 12oz (<3rd%)
28 inches long (~3rd%)
HC - not taken

For 12 month pictures, we took Lincoln to a studio for the first time. We actually just did this today. It went really well. Lincoln is such a happy boy, in general, and he did not disappoint! We also got a few family shots in addition to Linc's birthday photos. For now, I just have a few of the pictures I took of Lincoln yesterday in his "birthday suit." I'm starting to really like this photography thing. Enjoy!

Better Late Than Never

This post includes happenings from May 22nd through May 27th, relating to Lincoln's birthday, some firsts and random cuteness. Since Lincoln's Aunt Amanda's wedding was on Lincoln's actual birthday, May 26th, festivities were split over several days.

May 22nd - Donation Drop Off

Lincoln had his follow-up appointment with Urology after his surgery. While we were at the hospital, I had the great pleasure of dropping off all of the items for donation that were collected at Lincoln's party on May 20th. Again, I would like to thank every one for their generosity. It means a lot to me to give back to the place that was able to grant me these first 365+ days with my incredible son!

May 23rd - Baby Locks

Lincoln got his first professional hair cut! Our friend, Erin, was very nice and came to our house to cut Lincoln's beautiful baby hairs. I was not emotional at all about this, as some parents are. I just thought it was so adorable that Erin brought a small cape for Linc to wear! He screamed through the whole thing. Poor boy hated the feeling of the scissors and the comb! Erin did an amazing job. Lincoln looks so cute! 

May 24th - Go Cards!

Lincoln attended his first Cardinal's baseball game! Dan got tickets from work to go the the ball game, so we invited Grandma Kathi and Grandpa Greg to go with us to the game. Grandpa Greg is always talking about going to games with Linc (as soon as he is toilet trained!) so we knew he wouldn't miss Linc's first game for the World.

The night was nice. I think Lincoln enjoyed himself, being handed off from Grandma to Mommy. Eating some snacks. Chewing on some toys. He lasted almost two hours, and then it was time to go. Daddy wanted to be sure and stop off in the gift shop to get Lincoln his "first Cardinals game souvenirs" - a 2011 World Series ball from Daddy and a T-shirt from Grandpa.

Dan did try to take a panoramic picture of all of us at the game, but sadly it didn't quite turn out.

Standing - Random Cuteness, also on the 24th.

Lincoln is getting really good at standing and walking around the house pushing objects for stability, and fun! Laundry baskets, cardboard boxes, and bar stools! The bar stools are almost always pushed in a circle. Maybe because they are round, Lincoln tried to step side-ways when holding them. I love it!

His face is priceless here

Round...

and round...

and round.

So proud of himself! Mommy is, too!

This is Lincoln's exerscaucer converted into an activity table. He was always standing on the outside anyway and now he is restricted from straddle toys so I thought it was time to make the switch. Lincoln seems to enjoy it.

May 25th - Rehearsal Dinner

Lincoln got all dressed up for Aunt Amanda and Uncle Drew's rehearsal dinner. Yes. That is a real tie!

May 26th - Lincoln is ONE

Aunt Amanda and Uncle Drew got married on Lincoln's birthday. (I had a lot on my mind last year, so when the MFM OB suggested the 26th for my induction date I agreed, forgetting that it was Amanda's wedding!)

Since Dan and I were both in the wedding party, and Linc was walking down the isle, there wasn't much time to do anything birthday related besides put Lincoln's "Birthday Boy" onesie on. He was later changed into a tiny suit and chucks to match the groomsmen. It was a beautiful wedding with thoughtful words and it was a lot of fun, too. Lincoln had a good nap right before the ceremony so he was able to stay up through most of the reception. He was definitely fussy at times, but thankfully we have lots of loving family and friends who were happy to care for him while I could not.

When we arrived at the reception, Dan and I were surprised to see photos of Lincoln at every seat! As it was explained inside the card, Amanda and Drew had made a special donation to the St. Louis Children's Hospital NICU in honor of their guests and as a surprise gift to Lincoln, Dan and me. Amanda and Drew also gave Lincoln his own smash cake, which was presented in front of all the guests! It brought me to tears that Amanda and Drew had incorporated Lincoln into their special day and in such a wonderful way! They didn't have to do that and they did. It really showed how much they love Lincoln and are so happy that he is here. It was really, very nice. I was also presented (for Lincoln) with a plaque from the hospital stating the birthday donation.

I don't know what I was thinking but I didn't bring my camera to the wedding. There was so much planning and every thing going on that it slipped my mind to bring it. I didn't even take one picture of Lincoln on his actual Birthday! (What a Bad Mommy!). I think there are a few professional photos that were taken, but "Aunt" Jenell was able to snap one candid shot of the birthday boy, partially still dressed up in his suit.

Lincoln and Mommy dance the night away

This is the day after, but here's the plaque.

May 27th - Presents!

Lincoln was given a few gifts before his birthday, but he opened the majority the morning after his birthday. Some from friends and family (even though gifts were not necessary!) and some from Mommy and Daddy.

Virus in May

After all of our family business in May, Lincoln (and I) caught a nasty cold as a result of being exposed to so many people. Lincoln is more susceptible to viruses due to his CDH history (under developed lung) and also being on Pulmicort, a steroid. It only takes a little bug to get him sick. I always seem to catch whatever Lincoln catches, too. I don't know if it has anything to do with me breathing his treatments in too (it's impossible not to) or just that I give him so many kisses! So both of us have been taking it easy this past week. Although Lincoln has had several colds over this past winter, this was the first time Lincoln had a wet cough, so I was a little worried. He was also running a low grade fever and wheezing more frequently. Lincoln also had coughed up slime, so pneumonia was on my mind. I contacted his doc at SLCH to let them know what was going on. She had me double Linc's inhaled steroid, and gave him 24 hours to improve or she wanted him to be seen. Thankfully, the treatment worked and Lincoln was improving by the next day and his fever had gone! I continued the increased Pulmicort for about 5 days and gave albuterol as needed. This seemed to do the trick for Lincoln and he is just about back to normal. I'm so happy that we didn't need to take Lincoln in. He whipped that virus' butt!

First Birthday Party!

Lincoln May 20th, 2012

I am just getting around to posting about Lincoln's party and it is already June! May was so completely busy for us, with the party on the 20th, Lincoln's surgery, and Lincoln's Aunt Amanda getting married on the 26th, Linc's actual birthday (and all that goes along with that - shower, bachelorette party, rehearsal and dinner, wedding, and gift opening brunch!) I haven't had time to take Lincoln's 12 month photos yet! So, without further ado, here is Lincoln's First Birthday party.

First off, I have to say that I had a ton of inspiration for Lincoln's party. Foremost, Chrissy, another CDH mama, threw a fantastic and beautiful first birthday party for her survivor Clara, which was my first point of inspiration to even have a big party for Lincoln with extended family and friends. My inspiration for colors and theme came from Lincoln's invitation, designed by his Uncle Pat. And, lastly, in addition to the grand Internet, wonderful Ms. Martha Stewart played a big role in my  decorations.

I had so many wonderful pictures to choose from thanks to "Aunt" Jenell's photography of the party. It really was difficult to choose which pictures to share. Thank you Jenell.

I decided to have the party at our neighborhood park, under a pavilion. This is the same park that Lincoln and I frequent on our walks, so it was the perfect place. The day was beautifully sunny, but extremely hot at 90+ degrees. Several balloons were popping as we were setting up due to the heat, but thankfully most of them survived. I was watching Lincoln closely to make sure he didn't over heat, but he handled every thing very well. He really enjoyed his party.

I love Lincoln's cute smile here! Please, ignore my nervous down turned smile! It was a big day!

The pavilion filled up fast with friends and family.

I decided on blue and green for the party colors. I love the invitation Uncle Pat made and decided on "Mr. Lincoln is Turning ONE" and Lincoln's picture as the theme. I think it really turned out cute. But with a face like that, it was bound to be adorable!

Sam's Club provided the cake. It was affordable and oh so yummy.

 

Lincoln's smash cake.

I kept the cake simple and just made the cake toppers myself. I made sure Lincoln's cake had a special "ONE." I also made the banners for the tables using Martha's circle cutter and several magazines for the letters. We had to tape them directly to the tables instead of letting them swag because the wind was so strong! I still liked they way they turned out.

It was so heartwarming to watch the Donation's table fill up!

I made this picture collage of Linc's "1st" year. Martha's idea. It was really hard to choose just enough pictures to make the number 1 out of the 1000+ I have of Lincoln!

(yes, that's a big bowl of peanut butter in the middle!)

We served snack foods since the party was in the afternoon. Pretzels, Chex Mix, ants-on-a-log, Ritz and cheese, homemade cookies courtesy of G-G, and cake, of course! Water, soda, beer and juice boxes to drink.

I did this signature table instead of a signature book, which I had originally planned to do. This was actually one thing I didn't copy from another party! Craft paper was taped on to one of the tables and crayons were provided. Guests were asked to leave messages and drawings for Lincoln to read when he is older. I don't think everyone got a chance to sign the table, but it still turned out nice.

The kids had plenty of things to do to keep them entertained. Being at the park there was plenty of room to run and play at the playground. I also had set out bubble wands as favors and sidewalk chalk to keep little ones busy. The "big kids" had beer and ladder golf to enjoy!

I think that every one had a good time, but it's all about the kids at a one-year-old's party, right?

There was even a little impromptu hop scotch near the end of the day!

A lot of friends and family came to celebrate Lincoln's big day with us. Some were meeting Linc for the first time. Not many one-year-olds that have 50 people come to their party! Lincoln is a special guy! I couldn't possibly post pictures of everyone but here are just a few of the guests.

I LOVE Layla's expression toward Linc! She's so cute.
Me and Linc with Aunt Jen, Cousins Layla and Aubrey.

Great Aunt Val and Great Uncle Mike

"Uncle" Josh and "Aunt" Kelly

Cousin Paige, her mom, Cousin Christina and Aunt Amanda

Cousins Matt and Jim

Aunt Chris and Uncle Pete

Great Grandma and Grandpa Olds - with a wink from Grandpa!

"Uncle" Paul, Uncle Pat, Cousin Vince, Great Uncle Doug, and Cousin Brian

G-G (Great Grandma Thompson) and Debbie

Lauren and "the Godfather" Jake

Aunt Amanda and Cousin Aubs

Lincoln really enjoyed his party. I couldn't have asked for a more well behaved boy. He wanted to snuggle in my arms for most of the time, but he was eventually coaxed out and enjoyed being held by someone other than mama!

Great Grandma Olds

Grandma Kathi

Great Aunt Carla
(you can see how red Linc's face is here from being so hot!)

Wearing "Godfather" Jake's hat! Such a little boy now!

Aunt Amanda
Getting ready for cake!

Lincoln did well trying his cake. He's not very big on sweets, so it was not a surprise that he didn't dive right in. I have to admit, this is was not Lincoln's first taste of cake. When Linc started to slow with his weight gain, I tried offering him everything! With some help from Mommy and Daddy though, he managed to get a good taste, and had fun making a mess!

Daddy and Linc having a moment as I run to get the cleaning supplies.

The aftermath

After eating his cake, Lincoln changed into his CDH Survivor shirt. A gift from Grandma Kathi that was perfectly appropriate for the party! It reads-

"WARNING: I'm a CDH Survivor

Determined, Defiant, Rebellious, Bold, Brave, Tenacious, Insolent, Stubborn, Fearless

- It's how I am where I am!"

And while I was working on party planning for the past month, Lincoln's Dad, Dan, was working on this bad boy...

Completely custom built wagon by Daddy for Lincoln. Complete with air bags so it drops the rear axel to the ground with the flip of a switch!

Lincoln likes it! And so does Daddy!

Soon after doing cake, the air shifted and a cool breeze brought a few drops of rain our way. No one really got wet, as we all fit comfortably under the pavilion. It was just the cool off we needed to stay comfortable outside. The combination of the excitement, heat, and then cool breeze sent Lincoln into a slumber. I happily cradled him for the rest of the party as he got in an afternoon nap. He woke up just in time to join in a balloon release initiated by his cousins. 

Lincoln's party couldn't have been better. I want to thank everyone for coming to celebrate with us. It has been one hell of a year! Lincoln is such an amazing boy! He has overcome more in one year than most of us in a lifetime. It was wonderful to see the love and support Lincoln has surrounding him. A special thanks you to the family who helped make the party possible by helping with set up and transport! We love you all. Here's to many more wonderful years for Lincoln!