Oliver's Orthopedist Appointment

Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement. We went to the orthopedist today and she is still not able to see what is wrong with Oliver's arm from the x-ray. She wants to run more tests to see if she can get a clearer picture of what it is so we now have to get an MRI. Because of his age, it requires them to put him under anesthesia so he won't move. Also because he is under 50 weeks (he's only 43 weeks) gestation age, they require an overnight stay in the hospital for monitoring.

This is overwhelming to say the least. I really want to know what is wrong but sedation and an overnight stay in the hospital with a 7 week old is a lot. I think really the hardest part was thinking about the cost of all this. I know that sounds ridiculous when it comes to the health of my child, but we are already swamped with medical bills from his birth. Now we're about to add more to it, especially if this MRI finds something. I'm questioning as to whether I need to go back to work so that we can afford to pay all our bills.

On top of all this, he is extremely fussy all the time...we think reflux and/or colic. He's now on his 2nd medicine but we aren't seeing much of a difference. I've been asked if I think his arm is giving him pain and we don't think so because he doesn't react when we move it. A sweet mom here from my mom's group called me today to offer her help. Her son was just like Owen and she found out it was a problem with her milk production. Her theory about my milk supply and making sure he's getting the hindmilk made so much sense. Based upon her recommendation (and her doctor's), we are trying a new nursing strategy. I'll let you know if we are successful.

If you don't mind, please pray for us...

• that the doctors would be able to figure out what is wrong with Oliver's arm.
  
• that the Lord would provide the money for all of our bills whether it be a job for me or whatever.
  
• for our sanity in dealing with a fussy child and his older brother who also wants our attention.
• for Owen who woke up with a fever this morning.

I'll keep you updated...

Nana and Papa's

This past weekend Oliver made his first trip to Nana and Papa's house. It was a special weekend as we celebrated both Papa and Brandon's birthdays.

We had forgotten what it was like to travel with an infant. We had to stop halfway to nurse him so it took us much longer to get there. When we finally arrived around 10:15, Owen was asleep, but Oliver was bright-eyed and ready to hang out.

Papa and OliverPapa asking Oliver about his trip

The next day we stayed in our pajamas all morning and enjoyed playing the Wii. Owen wanted to play so badly.

He tried to imitate Uncle BP in the chicken game.
Then he did some coloring with Papa
You might be a redneck if you have a holster for your beer. My mom bought the boys these...half being silly but really thinking they would use them.
The boys gave Papa this personalized gift. Jeremy and I saw the idea on Etsy and made it ourselves. I think he liked it. :)
It was a nice and relaxing weekend...well except for the night hours. The boys had difficulty sleeping on Friday night leaving for very sleepy parents. As always, our time felt too short.. Happy Birthday Dad and BP..we love you!

First bottle

Because I was having issues with Oliver's latch, we had held off giving him bottle. The lactation consultant warned me the other day though that the 6 week mark was kind of the point of no return. She said that a bottle should be introduced before 6 weeks or he may have difficulty ever taking one. Well he's 5 weeks old...it was time. A mama needs to be able to be away.

He took it like a champ though. There was only a second of awkwardness and then he sucked it dry. Good job dude..now I can go out by myself! :)

Oliver @ 1 month

Our littlest guy hit the one month mark on Sunday! It's been a whirlwind of a month with the holidays, making it go by super fast.



We went to his one month checkup yesterday and here are his stats:
Weight: 9 lbs 7 oz (4o %tile)
Height: 21 3/4 in (59 %tile)
Head: 14 5/8 in (28 %tile)

At 1 month, he:

• finally moved into size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes. (This is a change for us because Owen was only in newborn stuff for a week!)
• is great at following a schedule of eat, play, sleep in 3 hour increments (almost to the minute)
• loves to snuggle up in a ball on your chest, which is super sweet.
• is very tolerant of all his brother's kisses, tackles, and beatings.
• has a super strong suck..so much so that we have made 2 trips to the lactation consultant trying to get some relief for his poor mama
• doesn't mind tummy time

In this last week, he had become more fussy and it was all day long. We were wondering if he was showing signs of colic. After further examination, we believed it to be reflux. We thought we knew all about reflux because Owen had it so bad. Oliver doesn't spew as much as Owe did but he definitely has the pain, etc. We have noticed he has been spitting up more and is really fussy after he eats. He constantly has hiccups and arches his back in pain. We talked to the doctor yesterday and she prescribed the same meds we used with Owen.

Since birth, I have noticed this huge bulge on his right arm. No one else seemed to notice it in the hospital so I wrote it off as swelling or whatever from birth. The pediatrician didn't say anything about it at his first weight check. This time I finally mentioned it and his pediatrician examined it and apologized for not seeing it before. This bulge has everyone stumped...it looks as though his shoulder socket is out of place but he has full range of motion. Today she sent us to get an x-ray taken with the strong possibility of a consult to the orthopedist. Please pray that it is something simple or that the Lord would miraculously heal it. We should hear back from her tomorrow with the results.

We know that the Lord knit Oliver together perfectly. No matter the outcome of the x-ray he is perfect. The Lord uses everything for His glory, including this. We are so in love with our little guy and think he's the perfect addition to our family!

Unto These Hills

No one is more iconic to the modern day Christian faith than the Rev. Billy Graham. For almost a half century, this man has preached the word of God to millions of people. This year his daily devotional, Unto These Hills, has been republished for another generation to enjoy. Twenty five years after its first publication, this 365 day devotional still offers peace, comfort, and inspiration to the masses. Each day Dr. Graham offers you a verse of Scripture followed by a mediation/story, then a prayer. While the book follows the calendar year, you can jump in anywhere. What I also love is that the book is now be offered in paperback, making it cheaper and more accessible than the previous hardback addition.

Normally, I am not a devotional type person. Most of them offer little, if any, meat and seem to be just a feel good message. However, Dr. Graham's book is different. I feel like daily he points you to Christ and the power of the Gospel. While this should not replace daily time in the Bible, this devotional would be a great way to start the day. If you are in need of a little inspiration, this book would be a great resource to include as part of your day.

Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishers and the Book Sneeze program for my complimentary copy.

Project 365

Have you ever wanted to know what life is like day in and day out at the Cox house? Well lucky you because now you can get a little taste.

Jeremy and I have started a new project for 2011 called Project 365. We are going to be more intentional about taking pictures of our daily life. One day we want to look back and remember the small moments when the kids were young so why not try taking pictures every day. At the end of the day, we pick one that stands out and post it.

This project is also helping me to learn more about photography as well as Photoshop. I'm excited to see how my skills grow as the year progresses.

Right now, we are posting the pictures in blog format...it's really rough right now. Have no fear though, my super creative and talented husband is working on a better format. For now though, feel free to visit our other blog... Project 365. Feel free to leave comments...can't wait to see what you think!

Oliver's 1st Bath

Oliver's umbilical stump finally fell off on Thursday, December 30th, exactly 4 weeks after he was born. (For some reason. my boys really like to hold onto them as long as possible.) Now he can finally have a real bath!

Oliver really hates to be naked; he screams bloody murder every diaper and or clothes change. I was sure this experience would elicit the same response. At first, it was looking that way.
Then as I started to cover him with water, things turned around.


Then he looked like a deer stuck in the headlights.
and then he had had enough..

This what Owen did while we bathed Oliver...played in the shower with his clothes on. :)