Physical Therapy

Zander met with his physical therapist today. He was evaluated and will begin physical therapy twice a week beginning next week. Marj and James also have stretch exercises to do with him during the day to help his torticollis. Please keep them in your prayers as they work with the medical professionals to hopefully get things working and as good as new.

Medical Update - October 29, 2009

Good morning all. Zander had an ultrasound of his neck yesterday and then met with a doctor afterwards. The doctor told Marj and James that this is in fact torticollis (a swollen neck muscle). This doctor said that this was nothing to worry about and gave them some stretch exercises to do with him and says it will eventually go away. He will continue to get random ultrasounds until then to make sure it doesn't become anything else.

Meanwhile, they meet with Zander's physical therapist this morning at 10 for their initial consultation regarding his erb's palsey in his right arm. Hopefully, the physical therapist can give a little more insight into torticollis also. Both are birth injuries and are located on his right neck / arm.

Thankfully neither of these injuries cause him pain or bother him. He continues to grow - now weighing 8 lbs 7 oz (up two ounces from Monday).

They are still waiting on an appointment with a urologist to look at his belly button and see what / why it is leaking. The hopes are that this will happen before the end of the week so that the pediatrician has all of the reports when Marj and James take Zander back to her on Monday.

Thanks for your prayers. They are being answered.
MeeMee

Prayer Requests

Zander and his family are in need of prayers. He has developed a knot behind his right ear. He saw two pediatricians this morning and is now on his way to the hospital for an ultrasound. The initial diagnosis is torticollis - another birth injury.

He is also leaking fluid from his belly button and will be seeing a urologist as soon as they can get an appointment.

He has an initial consultation with his physical therapist tomorrow at 10 to discuss treatment for his erb's palsey.

He's such a perfect little man. Just keep reminding me that God is in control and this will all work out. I'm struggling today.

MeeMee

Just for MawMaw

MawMaw got some alone time last week. She was in town for several things - getting her hands on Zander, getting Gus his shots, watching Jordan play varsity football for Wardlaw Academy, and in general, spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Zander loves you MawMaw!

Medical Update

Zander had his two week check up Monday, October 26th. He now weighs 8 lbs 5 oz (up 15 oz from last Wednesday). I'd say he is not going hungry! Actually, he eats 3-4 oz every three hours.

Marj and James have a consultation appointment with Zander's physical therapist Thursday morning. It will be interesting to see what he says about physical therapy and his hopes for prognosis.

Snuggled up in his boppy with his security monkey.

Four Generations and Family Fun

Sunday was a great day in my house. Mom was in town for the weekend so I decided to cook lunch for her, Marj, James, Zander, Wade and Shelby. Becca was out of town visiting a friend. We missed her (and she missed us even more after she got stuck on I-40 on the wrong side of the latest rock slide). We had a lot of fun playing pass the baby while Wade and Marj sat in the kitchen and caught up with each other.

Five Generations: MawMaw, MeeMee, Zander and Marjorie

Only these three know what was being discussed around the table.

(MawMaw, Marjorie and Wade)

While they talk around the table, Zander and I (and Lady of course) had some alone time.

It was then Uncle Wade's turn to do some talking and spoiling. Oh the tales he could tell you little man.

MawMaw was in heaven. I know she hates being so far away from him every day. She always had her grandchildren right around the corner and popping in and staying over all the time. My how times have changed.

Shelby finally got her hands on him. She was tickled pink and fell in love with this bundle of joy quickly.

Zander's First Bath

The time had come. The umbilical cord had fallen off and it was time for Zander's first official bath. MeeMee was there with camera in hand to help and make sure pictures were taken of the occasion.

MeeMee took my clothes off and I really don't like that.

She snuggled me close and I thought "ah, this isn't so bad after all".

Still happy and content - had no idea what was about to happen.

Whew, what's that?

Somebody save me. Aunt Bec Bec, where are you when I need you?

It's all over. You survived your first bath.

Mama, what were you thinking?

Poor baby, such a drama filled five minutes.

Ok, enough of this bath / taking pictures stuff. Dress me, feed me, and let me take a nap.

MeeMee is trying to convince me that the bath wasn't so bad. I'm not buying it.

All dressed, fed and now hoping Mr. Monkey will protect me.

Ahhh, I do look like my Uncle Wade.

Clemson Tiger

It pains me to have to do this, but I'll humor everyone this once. I'll work to change his college choice later. Saturday, October 24th, was the day for Clemson to play Miami and what a game it turned out to be. Clemson won 40-37 in overtime.

Aunt Bec Bec and Kric Kric made this outfit for Zander. They did an awesome job and are trying really hard to make him a Clemson Tiger fan.

Clemson wins!!!

Aunt Bec Bec - I miss you and can't wait for you to get back home!!!

Birth's Palsey

Another first...

• Zander had his first visit with his orthopedic doctor Thursday, October 22, 2009.

Hello fellow prayer warriors. Marj, James and Zander met with the orthopedic doctor Thursday afternoon to review the x-ray of his right arm. As most of you know, he was born with no use of his right arm. The diagnosis is "birth's palsey" - a birth injury. His doctor has now ordered physical therapy in the hopes of gaining use of this arm. Marj and James were told that the good news is that he moves his fingers and his hand, and has movement at the elbow. They were also told that he would re-evaluate after three months. If things have not improved by then, "we have a problem".

I was over visiting yesterday for awhile (of course) and did notice him beginning to "flex" his shoulder a little. This is more than I've noticed before. I continue to work his arm and pray for his recovery.

He is such a precious child and has stolen our hearts. Marj says he's spoiled. Isn't he supposed to be? Aren't they all? He doesn't stand a chance with MeeMee and BecBec so close by.

October 21, 2009

Zander had another weight check with his pediatrician this morning. He now weighs 7 lbs 6 oz (up another ounce from Monday). He has an appointment in the morning (Thursday) with an orthopedist to discuss his right arm and the possible need for physical therapy to help get it moving. On a good note, Marj said that he fought her a little this morning when she was getting him dressed.

Marj sent this picture of him this morning. He looks like he was enjoying his car ride. He should be getting use to them!

MeeMee

Awake and Alert

Hello world. Marj is sharing pictures that she has taken today. It is obvious that Zander is waking up and becoming more alert every day. He seems to be really enjoying the bouncy seat that his Great Aunt Billie Faye bought for him. I am sure he will enjoy this gift for many hours / days in the future.

What's that mama?

While in the womb, Zander went from "Peanut" to "Lil' Harpo". I'm not real sure why or what the Lil' Harpo represents. Now he has become Becca's "monkey butt". Oh my, I wonder what nickname will stick.

October 19, 2009

Happy Birthday Zander! You are now one week old and changing right before our very eyes. I forgot how fast they change at this age. Marj and Zander are now asleep on my couch while James it at his physical therapy appointment.

Zander saw his pediatrician again this morning for x-ray results and a weight check. He weighs 7 lbs 5 oz (up an ounce from Friday) and his x-ray shows nothing is broken. The pediatrician is now scheduling an appointment with an orthopedist to discuss physical therapy for his right arm. The doctor says that his arm is moving a little more at the shoulder but not at the elbow yet. She is still pretty optimistic and doesn't seem to be overly concerned. We continue to keep him in our prayers and have faith that this is just a hiccup in the road of life.

How can you argue with this face?

He is now drinking three ounces every 2-3 hours and sleeping soundly in between. In his eyes, all is right with the world.

Sleep tight little man. We love you.

MeeMee

Sunday Afternoon Nap

There's nothing better than a Sunday afternoon nap. I stopped by for a hug and a quick feeding Sunday after church. Shortly thereafter I was leaving Zander sound asleep for his Sunday afternoon nap.

How precious is this?

What a beautiful baby.

So peaceful.

All is right with the world.

Firsts - October 16, 2009

Friday was a day of firsts:

• First visit to the pediatrician
• First x-ray (for right arm)
• First visit to MeeMee's house
• First smile
• First visit with Lady

Zander saw the pediatrician yesterday morning for his first official office visit. He weighed 7 lbs 4 oz (down from 7 lbs 14 oz at birth). The pediatrician's initial assessment of his right arm is "erb's palsy". She ordered x-rays of the right arm. Marj and James took Zander to LMC for the x-rays and will meet with the pediatrician again Monday to check his weight and get the results of the x-rays.

James then dropped Marj and Zander off at MeeMee's house for the rest of the day while he went to his physical therapy appointment and to run errands. What a special treat for MeeMee (and Lady). He is so precious and such a good baby. He is drinking two ounces of formula every two hours and is happy and content in between feedings.

MeeMee got her hands on him for a little while and actually had him awake for a short while after his second feeding.

Poor thing, someone is always flashing bright lights in his face. I am attempting to steal every moment that I can get in pictures.

His mama had him smiling for her...even if it was in his sleep.

Lady wanted to know what this was that was taking her time away from Marj. She finally got used to him and laid in my lap while I fed Zander his second bottle.

Marj and James are great parents and are loving every minute of it. I am so proud of them.

Adjusting to Life Outside the Womb

Good morning world. Zander is adjusting well since coming home with his mom and dad Wednesday afternoon. Mom is attempting to breast feed but her milk has not come in yet so MeeMee went over yesterday and fed him a bottle of formula so that we could get him settled down and sleeping for several hours. Mom and dad are doing a great job adjusting and doting over him. They are typical parents and hate to hear their new baby cry. We've all been there. I know I have.

Once he drank about three ounces of formula he was sleeping soundly and such a precious sight. It doesn't take them long to steal your heart and make everything right in the world.

Dad put him in his swing for his afternoon nap. He snuggled up in his warm plush blanket and was happy. I don't blame him. I could get warm and happy in that blanket too. Too bad there isn't one in my size!

We love you Zander.

Zander's first complete day of life

Thanks to a special friend (Robbie Durham) for taking such precious photos of James, Marj and Zander. They are just precious.

Dad, mom and baby make such a special family.

Zander loves to snuggle in his blanket and sleep. He is so precious.

His great grandma made his cap - actually she made several caps. They are so cute. Thanks Kristen for the outfit. It is adorable on him.

Mom is so smitten and in love already. All of that pain yesterday was worth every bit of it.

He loves to sleep. Mom is probably trying to wake him up so that she can feed him. He's not interested.

How can you not fall in love with this face!