Happy Halloween

Zander was two days shy of three weeks old for his first Halloween. His mom dressed him in a precious pumpkin outfit that his "Granny" Linda gave him for his first Halloween. He was precious.

He is just precious sitting beside this huge pumpkin.

You can't help but love this little fella. He sure has stolen my heart.

Happy Halloween Zander and may you enjoy many many more in the years to come. I look forward to enjoying them with you.

MeeMee

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.

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.

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.