A New Year Has Begun

This new year will bring many new adventures! Our handsome son, Jadon, will turn 1 in March! I am not sure where the time went!

Today I will reflect on the last year. The first few months of his life were, to say the least, a little hard. In addition to being born 5 weeks early, he had jaundice for the first month of his life and had to lay on a "bili blanket" 24/7. That was hard because we couldnt hold him and because of that we felt like we couldn't bond with him.

Also, getting him to sleep has been a struggle since he was 1 week old. And it continues to be a battle every night. At 6 months old, it was as if a switch was turned on in him, and he suddenly started taking naps on his own twice a day! Night time is still a struggle, and I imagine that it will be a struggle for many years to come.... however, we've come to accept that fact and are just dealing with one day at a time.

At 2 months old, Jadon was diagnosed with acid reflux, which is common in premature babies. He has been taking Zantac prescribed by the doctor twice a day for his reflux, and that has been a miracle medicine for him! Most babies grow out of their reflux by 1 year of age, however a small few will go on with the reflux into their toddler years. We are slowly decreasing his medicine dosage and hope for the best!

At 5-6 months of age, Jadon really began to become a little person. Thats when he began eating solid foods, and had a major growth spurt. Shortly after that he began sitting up on his own, and that has recently led to crawling and pulling himself up to standing. He is so proud of himself, and it just brings tears of joy and sadness to my eyes to see him accomplishing these things. It means that our baby boy, our first born, is growing up, and that is so bitter sweet!

Although the first few months were difficult, this journey of parenthood has been so worth every second of it. Jadon is such an amazing blessing to our family and we are so thankful for every second!

Take care!
Alicia