February 19, 2009

The other day I received a large package in the mail. I didn't recognize the name or address of the sender. I opened it only to find the cutest, handmade things for our little Cookie Monster. There was a blanket, 2 isolette buntings, booties, mittens, hats and even a scarf for Big Brother Braden. I was amazed! I read the letter that accompanied the gifts and found out they were made by a lady who knew my uncle. She lives across the country - but has been praying for Blake since he was solely known as Cookie :) If you read this Ms. Hayes, thank you. The shear amount of generousity and kindness we have received will never be forgotten. Blake's story has reached farther than I'm sure we will ever know - and I know he has prayers coming from more places than we could ever count!
So here is our little Cookie Monster in most of his gifts. Jill and Kahala thought they were just too darn cute so they had to put them on him right away!

February 18, 2009

Seriously Mom - enough with the pictures already ;)

February 17, 2009

Waving hello to everyone out there following my progress!
Love you all!!!

February 16, 2009

Technically this was last night, but I had to include them! I got to help give Blake his first "bath" last night. We sponged him off in his bed - he was getting stinky :)

The above picture is right after we were done -drying him all off - as you can see, he was NOT a happy camper!

Just a few minutes later - it had done the trick - he was wiped out for the night!

February 15, 2009

One eyed smile!

February 14, 2009 - Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

Braden got this Wall-E balloon for Blake's room! He was supposed to pick out a Valentine's balloon (you know...red, a heart...) but thought that Blake would like Wall-E better ;)

AND his cupcakes were a big hit! I hear that they didn't last very long and everyone thought they were pretty yummy!!

February 13, 2009

Braden and I spent the morning together hanging out! He also made Valentine's day cupcakes for all of Blake's nurses! I didn't get a picture of the finished product, but he did an excellent job! We will take them up to the hospital tomorrow when we go see Blake!

Well the snow did come - Daddy and Mommy thought we might have to stay the night with Blake - but after Daddy got a little snuggle time - and a nap - we headed home about 11:30 pm so we could wake up on Valentine's day with Braden!

February 12, 2009

Braden and I got outside today and enjoyed the *warmer* temps (ok it was like 32 degrees - but the sun was shining!) Snow is supposed to be on it's way tomorrow! We had to get out the 4 wheeler of course... ...and the new big bike that Santa brought him!He also had to play in the mud - I mean, was there really any question about that?!?!?

"Ummm...Excuse me, I have a question. Who turned out the lights?"

February 11, 2009

Room with a view!

Blake doesn't so much appreciate it - but he does have a pretty view from the top floor!

February 10, 2009

A friend of Mommy's from NY sent Blake two teeny tiny little shirts (fit 1-3 lb. babies) they are perfect for the NICU - as they allow access to all his leads and IVs and yet make him oh so cute :) He's not really wearing clothes yet but Jill and Kahala had decided he needed to put on a fashion show last night! All the nurses loved the way they fit - maybe I'll look into getting some for the NICU for other tiny babies!Thanks Lori - you are so kind for thinking of us!!

February 09, 2009

So sweet - saying my prayers!

Look at all that BLONDE hair!

Showing my size.

Great Meena Gross got me this Beanie Baby Lamb - it's just my size!

Braden got to go to his first "Big Brother" class tonight. He did really well. They read books about having a sibling in the NICU, did some crafts, played games and had fun. He met another little boy who has a sister in the NICU too!

Then Daddy got to help Jill change Blake's sheets - He truly is a Daddy's boy - he just stares and stares at him!!

February 08, 2009

Braden was so excited - he got a package in the mail from Mommy's good friend Denise (or Aunt Dee to the boys) - John Deere Boots!!! He was thrilled! He had to put them right on with his Transformer pajamas (which pretty much sums up what his life consists of these days - with the addition of monster trucks!) Blake also has a tiny matching pair! I'm sure there will be a photo shoot in the future!!! Thanks Denise - you Rock!!

February 07, 2009

A weekend for visitors...

(Ok technically - the first two came up last weekend - but just wanted to show that ALL the aunts and uncles have now officially met Mr. Blake!)

Aunt Emily

Uncle Nathan

Aunt Katie

Uncle John

Uncle Eric & Meghan

Uncle Matt & Uncle Adam

And so many people have asked for a comparison on his size - this is what I had on hand. It is a normal 16.9 fluid oz. water bottle - pretty much reaches head to toe!

February 6, 2009

Well --- hmmm...a lot has been going on here - so please forgive the gap in time :) I'll catch you up a bit and then hopefully start from here!

In case you didn't hear - Cookie Bean (aka Blake Joseph) was born at 12:18pm on Friday January 30, 2009. He made it to 28 weeks 2 days gestation. He weighed in at 1 lb. 6 oz. and was 11.25 inches long!

He is one week old today and doing fabulous in the NICU. He has truly been a rock star and has been doing better than anyone thought!

Braden is very happy to be a big brother and constantly asks about Blake and wants to make sure he is ok. He is still sad that he can't see him in person, but we've finally got some good video of Blake and he liked seeing that - he also loves to look at pictures!

I am doing ok recovering from my c-section - it's been pretty painful - but I'm making it! Chris is doing well and was able to take this week off (paid!!!) and a week off when we get to take Blake home - so that is a blessing. It has been wonderful to have him home and for him to get to spend a lot of time at the hospital this week! I got to finally hold Blake yesterday and daddy got the chance today - it was so precious!

So here I sit in the NICU - watching Blake sleep. Waiting for Chris to come pick me up (can't drive myself till next Friday - I don't like that ;) ) then we will meet Braden and Meena K and aunt Katie for dinner. After this weekend all of the aunts and uncles will have gotten a chance to meet him. We have to be very careful of who is allowed in the unit - we don't want to get Blake sick - so if you have had ANY symptoms of any kind in the last 72 hours and are thinking of visiting, please know we'd love to see you - but we'll wait till you're feeling better ;)

That's about all I have for now - we also are keeping a Caring Bridge site for Blake's updates - so if you'd like to check that out the address is www.caringbridge.org/visit/babyblake !

Thank you for all of your continued prayers and support - we are blessed!

Hugs,

Carissa, Chris, Braden and Blake!!