Very heavy heart...

This is how I come to share tonight.

As Owen's life has brought us friends and great joy from around the globe, tonight we share in the grief experienced by the Dungey's from the UK. (a link to their blog we have listed to the right about other LP's and their journey)

Their precious son, Theodore Edward Dungey arrived today but died (unexpectedly) shortly after birth.

Andy writes:

Theodore Edward Dungey was born by emergency Cesarean at 3:56am today weighing 6lbs 10oz. Unfortunately, I'm very sorry to say that he had significant respiratory problems and despite the Special Care Baby Unit's best attempts to resuscitate him, he died at about 9:30am.

He goes on to say:

I am very sorry to have to break the news to so many friends in this way and I pray that you would find peace in your sadness.

Andy in his great Faith and witness to our Lord also shares these verses to give us peace, comfort and hope:

Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised. Job 1:21

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

With a heavy heart I post tonight asking your prayers for the Dungey's. I am at a loss for further words.

11 months and counting!

Owen's visit for measurements today:

Weight: 14 pounds 14 1/2 ounces (last month 14 # 14 ounces....hmmmm up a whole half ounce-yet scales don't lie, do they;-(

Height: (measured twice; 1st measurement was 1 inch smaller so who knows) 25 1/2 inches (last month 25 1/4 inches-ahhh, up a whole 1/4 inch)

Head Circumference: 44.5 cm (last month, same-44.5 cm)

So here's how he measures up compared to The Centers for Disease Control Growth Charts (CDC) says a child with an adjusted age of 9 months (remember Owen was 2 months early so we give him credit for what he should be vs what he is in regards to age) would be in the 50th percentile of:

Height=28 1/4 inches whereas Owey's 25 1/2 inches equals that of a just under 5 month old
Weight= 20 1/2 pounds whereas Owey's weight of 14#14 1/2 oz =that of a 4 month old (weighed 14 pounds, 14ounces last month)
Head circ=45 1/2 inches whereas Owen's noggin of 44.5 cm is the size of an ave 7 month old, but with his little 4+month old size body makes his head seem big.

***Note: I wrote most of this without realizing that Owen has not grown much in the last month, thus I'll be calling the pedi in the am to bring this to their attention.***

On an up note his weight for length measurements are falling just within the 25 to 50th percentile range which means he's very proportionate.

Owen had his 1st biter biscuit today (see pictures below) and loves sitting like a big boy in carts and high chairs at restaurants... he sits longer and quieter in restaurants than both of his brothers combined just looking around, smiling etc. He can get to a sit now, and also has mastered pulling himself up on most anything he can reach (all while giving me more gray hairs than any 31 year olds head should contain!). He has horrendous itchy diaper rash that I've been battling for what seems like forever-the MD glanced at it today and told me to try steroid cream-whoa, won't Owen be pumped!). He is like a food magnet, knowing when we eat big people food and he can't be fooled into thinking he's getting bites of my food when I give him his own food off my plate-he spits out whatever baby food was given to him and cries for my food-very bright boy!

He crawls on all fours now and can get to a sit easily whenever he wants, though he prefers to be on the move ALL the time (to my disdain). No teeth still, but he loves to bite on things like his spoon, etc. He also likes ice.

He has started dancing to music-when his musical toys play, he rocks on all 4's etc or he'll rock in his seat when he hears music from the radio, etc.

He's so sweet and a little trying (did I mean to say tiring?) at times nowadays. But, I am so delighted to give this 11 month update!

He's an amazing portrait of God's artistry! Sometimes when I look at him or watch him sleep, I could just cry (bawl like a baby) thinking about how I longed for him this time last year and how far he's come from what we ever thought possible!

In a high chair at our 1st visit to McCallister's Deli

Above and below: Owen's 1st biter biscuit fiasco

Jakester in his new Spidey Costume;-)

Is it a mad dog?
...affected with rabies?
No, it's just Owey after his brother gave him 'licks' of his 1st ever sucker;-)

Some benefits of being small...means you always have a foot rest in your high chair tray;-)

Note how he is chin level to the tray vs chest level as is desired for a baby learning how to properly eat...oh, the problems those with short stature face;-(

Who dunnit?

A case almost as renowned as the "who shot JR" series finale of Dallas...uh, er-ok, so maybe...not so much....

The crime scene. Found 11:02pm in the Master Bathroom.


Suspect #1 The most likely perpetrator-Spidey Boy, aka The big brother. Good fit for the perp-last seen with the victim. Skilled with tools, motive: unknown.

Suspect #2: Not so likely, but with stealth like speed possible perp. Motive, none.

Suspect #3 The victim aka Jacob and now "Buzz". Motive: none. However, was present during the crime. Looks like a mug shot to me.

The crime? See exhibit A

Exhibit B
Exhibit C
So the story goes:

Mom (me) plans to head to bed last night and finds the evidence (picture 1) in her (MY!) bathroom. Hmmmm....she thinks-but in the tired stooper she's in, she decides she'll investigate in the morning. Fast forward 9am today. Mom asks "Jake" about the missing chunk of hair from his head. His answer "I dunna know". Mom asks again. His new answer "TJ made me do it. Mom says, "WHAT!!!" Are you sure TJ told you to do this? What did he say. Jacob responds, uh, I don't remember. Mom: Jacob, tell mommy how this happened. Jacob: Uhm er, :::::stammers and stutters:::::: TJ said to do it really fast. Mom:okey dokey, we'll have to talk to TJ about this. In the meantime-let's see what we can do about this new "do" of yours.

Uh, I don't think so.
Ah, much better. Fast forward 3pm today. Mom: TJ, you have one chance to tell the truth-THE FIRST TIME!....tell me what you know about Jacob cutting his hair. TJ::::deer in head lights type of confused look:::: uh, Jake cut his hair? Mom: JACOB!!!!! Tell mommy the truth right now! Did TJ tell you to cut your hair? Jacob: Yea. TJ: NO I didn't Mom: JAKE! Jacob: he didn't.

Ahhhh, sweet victory. Case closed-not so sure what to do about the missing size of Alaska chunk outta his head, but-at least we know he did it to himself and he has to live with it. He is quite embarrassed and wore a hat most of today. But, I don't know that preschool allows hats

Oh well, a first.

Onto the story of Jacob's 4th Birthday and party.

Jacob turned 4 Thursday September 27th. It seems like just yesterday that I had him---a little stinker then too. He just couldn't wait to make his debut unto this world showing up a full 6 weeks early. Thus, giving us our first taste of the NICU experience. The 1st longest 10 days of my life. He was quite a sick little boy. On a vent, then C-pap, nasal cannula, feeding tube, etc. We finally got to bring our little peanut home (birth weight 5 # 13 oz, lowest 5#6oz).

Look at him now!

Ecstatically opening up presents from mamaw Becca and mampaw Andy.
uh, yea-love the moon sand;-(

Onto the cousins party. Jake and Jonah share a celebration every year as they are 1 year and 362 days apart;-)
On a still related but unrelated to my trib to Jake entry-aren't they cute cousins? Lindsey and TJ are 350 days apart (Linz soon to be 9, TJ soon to be 8).

The cake...it was a Spiderman 3 theme.

A very scary spider cake....



Thanks Aunt Amanda and Uncle Jason for the liability, uh, I mean Scooter! Ahh, it's ok, Mamaw Becca got him a helmet, knee pads, and shoulder pads-it's all good.

A special Thanks to Jonah for the VERY SPECIAL Spiderman costume! Jacob LOVES it!
And to Grandpa Ron for the BIKE!
More pics from the party-and what's a party without masks and webslingers as party favors?


Jacob also says thanks to his Uncles Andrew and Zach for the Moon Sand stuff, Mamaw/Papaw Harbath for the very popular with the neighbor kids Spidey Skateboard (candy, moon sand, etc), Aunt Heath, Uncle Lee for the story board and other goodies, Uncle Casey/Aunt Kristi for the card/$, and Grandma/Grandpa Valiant for the DVD's, and savings bond!

It was a fun few days and I can't believe my boy is 4!!!

***Owen update*** Owen's a wreck. He's been ill for a while now from ear infections/drainage, to balance issues, to horrendous diaper rash and diarrhea. It's been miserable. I've been miserable. He poos soooo much I've upped him to size 3's just in hopes of less leakage of poo. Was pooed on today in fact at a staff meeting-ugh. I digress...Anyway, here's the news from the geneticist.

Was a very good visit. They are very thorough and kind. They were very impressed (and baffled) by Owers. The plan: return in 6 weeks in hopes that Cedars Sinai (dwarfism specialists in CA) will have completed it's review of Owen's skeletal survey. All was going well and I was speaking with a genetic counselor all about our 'Owen experience'...when the genetic counselor said it was time to get the MD. So, I'm like, ok. great.

Then he walks in and she says to him, "his films are still being evaluated at Cedars, but the say it they are leaning towards ::::muffled sound, her voice trails off-syndrome something or other:::: Uh, what? Huh? What just happened? "WHAT?" I pipe up. The Dr explains: Because they don't think he has a skeletal dysplasia, IF he has something wrong, they would consider syndromes.

:::::Sigh:::::It doesn't matter. I'm fine and we don't know anything and we don't need to worry about some potential syndrome before they have even finished their analysis. So, while I don't have much to report, they were baffled and said Owen is really going to make them work.

So, we'll see. I sure hope Owen starts feeling and acting better soon. This whole crazy, unstable 'wants to explore the whole house' phase is very tiring. But, I take so much comfort in remembering how I yearned for this baby's life this time last year.

Up next-watch back for the 11 month stats-coming soon!

Lobster ala Owey

What a busy last couple weeks we've had.

Owen up to his old tricks...

Exhibit A


Exhibit B
Exhibit C We do question his need for continuously splashing milk on his face...
I really have no idea why he finds this so entertaining.

My big boy, his first attempts to climb the stairs came about a week ago...ugh-nothing is safe now!


Lobster ala Owey!

Bon appetit!
I never thought I'd have a baby be in as much hot water as Owers has been!
Jakers showing off his preschool head band!

My favorite new thing! Owen says "Are you sure this thing is road worthy, mom?"

"Uh oh, I feel a bit car sick"
Hey, this isn't so bad-check me out!
Lovin' my new wheels! (which are really very old used wheels from a yard sale find-$10!!!)
A great day outdoors!



Look at me mom! Did you know I could do this?

Ok, so actually, we did. Owen has been pulling up some for about 2-3 weeks, but today when he pulled up on the gargantuous ottaman like he's been doing it his whole life, we were awestruck It took him like .001 seconds to pull up. So, what baby do you know that struggles to keep his balance sitting but can climb stairs and furniture like a pro? And he's lightning fast too...he can get around this place faster than I can! At the church nursery today (yes, I finally broke down and last weekend was his 1st official complete stay in the nursery and they love him) I was paged to come for him but it was because the crazy baby was so all over the place he slipped on a toy and bumped his head-he was just fine and no mark even. He's even pulling himself up on his exersaucer!
One of the boys last fun outdoor weekends of the summer. They lived it up as you can see from the dirt!

On one last more serious note:

Please pray for us this Wednesday as we travel to Indy, yet again for a gazillionth opinion about Owen. We will see Dr Escobar, Geneticist from St. Vincent's. He saw Owen "unofficially" at the LPA conference we went to back in March. He was really great with Owen and I really am hoping he can look at all the info we have gathered to this point and lead us closer to a diagnosis for Owen.

Pray for our safe travels and for guidance for Dr. Escobar.

AFN, Renay :-)