crossing the deep (space between)

Soren is growing like a weed! He seems to "wake up" a little more every day. It's fun to see his personality come out more and get more social smiles.

Parenting for almost 10 weeks is sometimes the most fun thing I've ever done and sometimes the least fun. Babies like to cry... even really mild tempered babies like to cry. I've never found the sound of a baby cry to be frustrating... let's be honest I've worked with tantrum prone preschoolers, who like to bite and run around all day throwing things, for almost 2 years... so baby-cry has not really been on the "too much to handle" radar.

But one little thing changes all of that... Soren, go figure that my own body grew something that later would ware down my emotions and fill me joy all at the same time. I'm not really sure how symptoms of insanity and parenthood differ.

Ooh, symptoms of parenthood, that has a nice ring to it. :)

At any rate, this is one household that is growing... Soren physically of course and myself spiritually and emotionally. I am not as weak as I sometimes think I am and I hope that I can remember that even at 2am, 4am, or any other hour in which my mind and body feel as if they have nothing left to give.

I really hope this doesn't sound gloomy for that is not my intent; just to exude some hope and help myself or anyone else to focus on the destination and still find joy in the journey.

I hear ya!

So...

rambling in Espanol the blog-o-sphere didn't go over very well with my 3* faithful readers.

Sorry ol' faithful.

But as a reward for your half-hearted diligence here are some more Sweet Sorens! Maybe this is not the type of compensation you had in mind and although he is MY buddy bear he would like you be your friend too!

*estimated 3, it's probably less. :)

UPDATE:

---Please don't feel guilty! I didn't mean to guilt anyone for not commenting on the blog or even not reading it. I'm only joking about my circulation... that's why I can post in Spanish or jibberish and it doesn't matter, especially because (let's be honest) we come here for pictures of Soren now! :)

UN MES.

Every now and a again I feel the random need to rattle in Spanish. If you choose to translate, please read in the correct tones of voice.

1. este bebe hermosisimo, es tan chiquito pero se esta creciendo gordito! no puedo creer que lleva un mes, no es recien nacido nada mas. estoy feliz y triste. :)

2. quiero praticipar en un "flash mob" y que se lleve a cabo en el zoologico. y supongo que la cancion tendra que ser la del principio de Lion King.

3. amo a mi familia! y me encanta comer hot dogs adentro de tortillas.

HAPPY ONE MONTH (AND 10 DAYS), SOREN!

2 weeks

Soren was 2 weeks old on Monday. It's strange because we've only had him home a week, so it's hard to believe he's already growing growing... but he's a keeper and we can't imagine our family without him!

*** now weighing in at 6 lbs. 12 oz. and 20 inches long. ***

magic moments

eyes totally open for the first time

daddy holds baby

mommy loves this little dude

soren is so small, but fits perfect in daddy's arms

telling secrets about mommy

some soren squeaks

Our November Surprise!

November started off with a HUGE surprise. Baby Boy decided he was ready to meet ya'll and picked his birthday to be
11-01-10. (*5 weeks early*)

As I laid in bed Sunday evening about drifted into "dreamworld", I felt a sharp pain and then a new but unmistakable sensation... "Water-breaking!"

"Jon... um sweetie my water just broke. What should I do?"

"Are you serious? You should probably call your doctor," he replied.

And thus began Soren Idrios Galbraith's journey into this world.

Of course there was a lot of waiting between Sunday night at 11:30pm and Monday night at 10:48pm when his eviction was complete. I did not start having any contractions on my own so when Dr. Ramos came in Monday morning we started with Pitocin to move things along. I tolerated contractions alright, but when things got fierce the epidural did the trick. Don't get me wrong it wasn't peachy the rest the way, but definitely more tolerable.

Soren weighed 6 lbs. 2 oz. and all the doctors have said it was good I didn't go full term because I likely would have had to have a C-section. However good for me, coming 5 weeks early for Soren hasn't been uncomplicated.

His little lungs need some support to mature. The first night was pretty rough for him in Level II NICU, but moving him to Level III (although scary) was the best decision and he has greatly improved. I won't get into all the physiological details... just to say that technology, medical science, dedicated doctors and nurses, and lots of prayer are all powerful elements. And these things have brought about miraculous change for our little guy.

I am so grateful for some really awesome people like: Dr. Ramos, Dr. Suell, Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Simkowitcz, Mrs. Clara Bias, Austin, Anne, Beth, Myra and many others who are experts in their craft. Among them are wonderful family, friends and ward members that offer such great faith and much needed positivity and support. WE Love you all so much!

Soren will still be in NICU for some time, he has some big goals to reach, but we have NO DOUBT that he will be coming home soon strong and healthy. It's not easy being home without him... the house feels empty somehow and we certainly are aware that someone is missing. But seeing his improvement every time we visit is a great motivator for my faith.

Soren isn't giving up and neither are we.


Can't wait to hold our little man!!!