Dear Max #5

Dear Max,

Tonight I reread your blog from start to finish. I have to admit it made me cry just thinking about how hard it was to know you would come so early, wondering if you'd be ok and worrying that you would have to start your life in the NICU. There was such anxiety and fear about if I did something wrong in pregnancy, if you would develop properly, wondering if you would be healthy and when you could come home. But, as I read on, I also shed happy tears as I thought about how strong you were from the minute you were born, how much love radiated from our hearts the second you arrived in this world and how every single day, you bring us joy and pride and purpose like we have never felt before. I hope one day you can read this blog and it is a reminder of your strength from the very beginning and our love for you that will never end.

Hugs,

Mom and Dad

Double digits

Hi everyone,

I am getting bigger and bigger every day. I just had a doctor appointment and weighed in at 10 pounds, 6 ounces, 22 inches and a 38 cm head. I am in the 50-60th percentile at my adjusted age of 1.5 months so I am catching up to all my new baby friends like Scarlett and Ruby.  My early intervention worker also did another assessment on me and I have some new goals like opening my hands more, working on my neck strength and tracking things with my eyes. She will come see me every other week to see how I'm doing and Mom, Dad and I will practice these skills at home. These days I'm more awake during the day, I have real tears and a louder cry when I cry, I look at Mom and Dad and smile, I kick my legs and I try my best to make sounds. I really enjoy the outdoors and fresh air, I like riding in the car and the stroller, I love being sung too and when mom pretends to clap my hands together and says "Yaaaaaay!" She's very protective of me and kisses me A LOT. Probably a little too much but I won't tell her that until I'm in middle school.

I took my first ride on the T and bus and that was quite an adventure. I met my Aunt Megan who lives in NYC and she's super fun. I attended my friend's, Hillary and Oliver, baptism because Mom is Hillary's Godmother. That was fun for me but not so much fun for Dad whom I pooped all over and made a huge mess on his pants and in mine! My Grandma Metz also came to visit me last week and I really love her. She is very gentle and talks to me in a nice voice a lot. My Kung Kung and Grammy and Tia have also watched me so Mom and Dad can have more "adult time" and keep the romance alive. It's nice to have so many great people in my life.

My next big adventure will be an 8 hour car ride to Snyder Beach to see Grandma, Grandpa and finally meet my Great Grandma Fries! I hear she's a firecracker so we'll get along great. We both don't have any teeth these days so we will be kindred spirits together.

Until next time....

First Ride on the T

Trying to coo! 

Moving and Grooving

Hey, hey everyone!

I just wanted to say hello and let you all know I'm still here! I have been out and about with Mom a lot these days so she doesn't let me sit in front of the computer too much, especially on sunny days, which is why I don't write as many blog posts as I used to. I'm a man on the move these days. Well, not literally, but I have been getting out more on walks with Mom and Dad, visiting Mom's friends, enjoying my new playgroup (i.e. "Mom's group) and Mom just recently started using her BOB running stroller to get back into distance running. I enjoy it a lot and might actually add some posts about my adventures in my cool new ride. Maybe I'll call it, "The Adventures of Max and BOB." Mom really likes using it because we can be outside, she gets some exercise and she gets to hang out with me all at the same time. In fact, I heard her telling Dad that I actually inspire her on the runs. She thinks about all I went through in the NICU and how resilient I am and how strong I have been in just a few short months on earth and it makes her want to work harder and be better. She is always telling me that even though I'm very little, I'm a big inspiration to her. That's pretty cool.

I have a busy week ahead. I'm doing some more play groups, have my first early intervention appointment, the visiting nurse is coming to see me and I get to meet my Aunt EWoozy (Emily) and her kids.

 Enjoying the outdoor SOWA Market

View from our first adventure with BOB