Today we had the great opportunity to bless Isaac. How far we have come. When this journey began, we got permission from our bishop to bless Isaac at the hospital. Before he came to us, we were not sure what to expect and wanted to bless him before we didn't have that opportunity. Ultimately we decided to wait, and I am glad we did. Daily he shows us how tough and capable he is.
Look at us now! He is 8 lbs. 6 oz. According to the medical charts he is below the 3rd percentile for weight. According to us, he is growing and getting bigger and stronger everyday. He is at least 2 weeks behind, due to surgery, but may be more being slightly premature. As his dad, I feel we need to compare him to other 7-8 week olds, not the 10 weeks olds, ... but what do I know?
We still haven't gotten a handle on his calcium yet. He is low and we haven't been able to pull it up. We have been to see an Endocrinologist, to check his hormone system. Dr. Murray concluded that his parathyroid gland, in his throat, wan't working properly. She changed his Vitamin D to the active form of Vitamin D, hoping to increase the blood calcium levels.
We have only checked his calcium once since the appointment, but it was a positive check. His calcium levels were up. Dr. Murray felt confident enough that she even reduced his calcium carbonate supplement by a third. Come Tuesday, when we have our next appointment, will be the true test, to see if his calcium has stayed up.
Overall he is a tough little boy. Isaac loves to be held, loves the attention, and loves to smile for his sister and mom. What a blessing he still is and how grateful we are to have him and see how well he is doing. I still don't feel like I am old enough to have multiple kids, then I see pictures like the one above. We are no longer "young parents", we are just "parents". Maybe I am not as young as I feel. Either way, I love being a dad, there's not better calling and opportunity.
Misc. Pictures from the last month:
Isaac in his blessing day outfit.
Emily decided to walk a while in Isaac's shoes.
