Dearest Avery,
Last week you turned five months old! It's so crazy that five months have gone by with you in them, many times it feels like you've always been here, and many times it feels like we're still getting used to you. :)
This past month was a big one for you - you visited Children's Hospital five times between visits to the CF clinic, the ENT, the CT/MRI scans, and your sinus surgery. And let me tell you, you are BRAVE girlfriend. I'm sure there are many adults who haven't had to go through as much as you already have in your short life so far. The other day, as I was giving you one of your daily medications, I thought that you've probably already taken more pills than some adults will in their entire lives. I'll never understand why you're in the position you are, but we trust that God is working so much good through all of it. I know he's teaching your dad and I to be better, more patient parents who focus on the big things and let go of the little ones. But don't worry, I still have SO much learning to do!
Here's some more info about you this month:
You still don't really "talk" to us or giggle like many babies at this age, but you did start blowing bubbles recently, and we're loving it (and laughing at it too!). We are hoping you start talking to us soon!
You "started solids" this month (even though technically you started solids at 2 weeks old with the applesauce you use for your enzymes!). You don't love eating, but so far you've eaten some rice cereal, mango, sweet potato, pear, and banana (in addition to the applesauce). Pretty exciting stuff!
At your surgery, you weighed in over 12lbs, so that was awesome! The doctors are so happy with your growth lately (even though you still are such a peanut!).
You ADORE your brother and love to watch whatever he's doing. When you're sad, he often goes over to sing you a song or give you your paci. Each time, my heart melts a little.
You just started using the exersaucer lately, even though you can't touch the ground and don't quite know what to do with the buttons/toys yet :)
You LOVE chewing on your hands. We're not quite sure if it's because you have teeth coming early or what, but not matter what, you'll rip that paci out of your mouth in favor of the side of your fist!
You smile ALL the time. We're SOOOO thankful for that!
Example:
You don't do much tummy time, so you don't really lift your head off the mat/bed/ground yet... I'm hoping you start liking it better soon, silly girl.
You take awesome naps in your crib (often 2 hours at a time a few times a day!), but you've hit a bit of a sleep regression at night and are starting to wake up at 4am... we think the anesthesia from surgery through you off schedule and out of whack for awhile, so hopefully this will get better soon! We're ready for you to sleep in your crib at night too, but so far we've only tried twice. :)
You're on your second round of antibiotics due to a bacteria they found during your surgery. So this week your daily routine consists of: 2 CPT sessions (10 min each), 2-3 times saline sprays in nose, 4 capsules of enzymes before each feeding (so usually this means 20 pills/day of enzymes), 2 doses of an antacid, two doses of your antibiotic, and one bottle with your special multivitamin. Wow, it's a lot to keep track of and we just hope it's keeping you healthy and doing its job :)
Your cheeks are outgrowing your body, just like your brother's did! We love it and just hope your body keeps growing as big and strong as it can :)
You loved celebrating your first Christmas and we can't wait to see what you'll be like at your next Christmas!!
We love you so much brave, sweet girl. Thank you for being ours.
Here are some pics from your month!
Mom & Dad
