Our Superbaby is 6 Months Old!

Today, we celebrate Ramsey's "Half" Birthday. Every day, we thank God for His gift of life. This video takes me back to the beginning and reminds me of what a miracle our Ramsey is:

  

Happy 4th of July!

Some photos and updates

This week we went to Children's for their opinion on Ramsey's head. With his level of flatness, they had no question that he would qualify and benefit from a helmet. He will be fitted for it shortly and the helmet will be ready a few weeks after that. The helmets are lightweight styrofoam. They say that babies adjust to them quickly, as if it's a normal part of them. Most children need to wear them anywhere from 3-6 months until the shape of the head is corrected. If we weren't to wear the helmet, he could have issues down the road with wearing helmets for safety such as bicycle helmets or football helmets. The issue is not just that it's flat in the back, it is pushed up and also towards the front of his face. I would never want him to be picked on over the shape of his head or to have any future problems based on the shape of it. Am I thrilled about his need to wear a helmet all summer long? No. But in the scheme of things, I know this really is not a big deal.

This photo will be a perfect "before" photo!

Ramsey's next checkup is his 6 month well-visit with his pediatrician. His surgeon is away for most of July, so his checkup at Children's will now take place in August.

Here are some more photos that I should have posted a long time ago!

"Ant I cute?" I just love this hoodie and onesie!

Ramsey meets Mr. Potato Head

Cuddle time

Early Intervention

Ramsey had his early intervention evaluation and it went really well! They rated him according to 5 developmental categories. He scored above average in three of the categories, and just below in two others. He qualifies for physical therapy based on one of the latter, his gross motor skills. They will work with him, probably one day a week to help him lift his head and loosen his neck and shoulders a bit. Also, they suggested he might benefit from a helmet to correct his flat spot on the back of his head.  This would need to be done soon in order to correct it before he turns one, when the bones harden. I am happy that he scored so well and feel that any therapy they can provide can only help him. The case will be open for a year, so if he should need any future help or additional services, they can add them on.

God's Will

When we were searching for a name for Ramsey, my sister suggested Will. Although we didn't choose it, I like that name and it's significance. William was my grandfather's name and God's will, we knew, would determine the baby's fate. We knew that we could pray all we wanted, and find the best surgeons in the world, but God's plan would ultimately decide his future. Thankfully, our prayers were not in vain. God chose life for Ramsey and for that I will be forever grateful.

Sometimes, however, God's will doesn't have the outcome we would prefer. I've seen that too many times this week as families have lost dear loved ones. Please pray for the following families:

• The Bissing family lost their baby boy, Owen- one of triplets. They were gracious enough to have his organs donated. Little Owen will live on in 3 others. View their heartfelt blog.
• A 4 year old CDH Survivor, Kellan, died due to a pool accident. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. 
• My nephew's best friend who lost his mom over the weekend. He is only 11 and has a younger sister too. Please pray for these children!

I pray that they might come to understand God's plan for them. May they find comfort in family, friends and faith.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Ramsey is such a happy baby. I've tried to express that in photos, but each time I grab my camera, he stops smiling. Thankfully, photographer Amie Brady was able to capture the twinkle in his eye!  Amie has been following Ramsey's blog from the beginning. She learned about him through a mutual friend. She knows what a miracle Ramsey is, and these photos convey that. When he smiles, I think he knows just how lucky he is; he's been touched by God!

Amie is based in Maryland but she returns to her PA roots a few times a year to schedule sessions with happy clients like me. Take a look at the sneak peek Amie provided of our recent session. These photos melt my heart and I can't wait to see the rest! My only wish is that Reed had been his normal, happy self. I'm afraid he might be affected by seasonal allergies.

Please visit Amie's website or Facebook page to see more of her portrait photography!

Life outside our home

On the bike trail with the "big" boys.

We ventured out with Ramsey a couple times last weekend, and plan to do so again this weekend. We took him for a walk on a local trail, and also to my parents (where we had a belated Mother's Day and Birthday celebrations). It's strange, feeling so scared to take him to the simplest places. We've had to be so cautious for so long that it's hard to not worry. While I still fear that he might get sick, my instinct is telling me that it's OK, and that it's good to be exposed to some germs.

Today, we met with a coordinator for Early Intervention. Ramsey will be evaluated on June 7 to determine if he has any developmental delays. It's possible that he could qualify based on diagnosis alone, however, I'm not sure how likely that is. Either way, I believe I'll be comfortable with their decision. If he is behind, it is not a significant delay (at least not in my opinion). In any case, it can't hurt to seek help if it will benefit him.

Sound asleep.

Did he just roll over, or is this just gravity?!

Ramsey wears his first pair of shoes.