A Few Extra Days

Yeah, okay it has been a few days since my last blogging. As I get bigger and stronger my time working on eating and gas seem to take up a lot of my time. My schedule seems to be getting to somewhat of a norm. I am still eating every three hours with Mommy or Daddy but every so often, usually during the day, I like a few snacks too. I down anywhere from 14-18 ounces a day with me hitting the high numbers more often. I won't see a doctor until next week but I am hopping to be in the eight to eight and a half pound range by then. I am in my 7th week of air breathing and life is going quite well. I am excited to go see the doctor in a few weeks to see if they give me the okay to go out into the world for things other than medical checkups. I know that Mommy and Daddy are excited for that too.

Grandma and Grandpa have been helping Mommy out a lot when Daddy is at work. Actually today Mommy and Daddy got to go to church. This was their first time back since Christmas. They were really happy to see all of those who have been and continue to support them (and me). Soon I will be able to join them :)

Everything else is going along. It has been a hard road these past 7 weeks and I keep hearing Mommy and Daddy say that they do see a light at the end of the tunnel. Trouble comes in threes...I don't know if that means that I will eventually have two siblings but don't say that to Daddy, he may rip your eyes out. I do say the trouble in threes due to the following calculation...beautiful child with heart condition + job loss + car wreck = 3 hard/difficult things. So, unless that Lawyer Murphy dude has anything to say the Gonzales Clan should have a few good months ahead of them. But we all know that is a given with me being around!

Up Is On The Way

Well, yesterday seemed to be an adventure for Mommy and Daddy. I got to stay home with Grandma and Grandpa for their trip to see the doctor and we are all glad that it worked out that way. While Mommy and Daddy were driving home they were on their way to turn at a stoplight and out from the traffic a car came from a store directly in front of Mommy and Daddy. Daddy slammed on the brakes but the other car came in too close so the front of Mommy's car is really messed up. Not able to drive Mommy and Daddy were potentially stranded about an hour from home. Mommy and Daddy are okay, as are the others in the crazy car, but we will be without the Corolla for a little bit of time. As it turns out the other driver was at fault and their insurance should pick up the tab. We will find out in a few days once all the paperwork is through. Mommy and Daddy rode with the towing dude to bring the car to the auto shop. Once there CP was there to give them a ride back to Daddy's work where his truck was so they can come home. It has been a crazy time for Mommy and Daddy and they are in need of some prayer. I do know that all of you who have been thinking of and praying for me are still out there with me in mind. Can you toss a few shout up's for Mommy and Daddy.

Thank you! I'll let you know more soon.

Dr.J Says All Is Okay

Well, it was a good day today. Mommy, Daddy and I went to see Dr.J, my cardiologist. He is a really good doctor. He was nice and talked to me like he remembered me as if I was just there yesterday. My O2 Saturation level was at 100% and my heart is doing well. Again, this is all with the current condition of Mr. Ebstine. I am able to be reduced on one of my medications but I still need the continued dose of the SVT medicine.

Other than that all is doing good. I did have a rough night last night due to major gas pains. I was quite upset for a bit more than an hour. I believe that I really stressed Mommy and Daddy a bit, but I was not feeling well at all. After some time I had Mommy scrunch me up and I had some good farts...sorry Grammy...toots. Toots sounds like I am playing the trumpet or something, they were farts! I hope that doesn't happen too often. It was not fun for anyone.

They Got Some Time Together

It was an adventure last night. Mommy and Daddy went to dinner without me. The doctors still say I should not go out on public just yet due to my physical defensive tactics are not up to normal standards yet but Mommy and Daddy can still go out every so often. Daddy does it a lot during the week for a few hours here and there for work but Mommy really has not gotten out much. It was nice for them to go and grab some dinner. Mommy even gets to go out with the Humorous Lady today. Daddy time for today, quite exciting.

So last night, while Mommy and Daddy were gone, I had Taag and Ripley watch me all by themselves...hahahahha....no not really. Grandma and Grandpa came over and we had a great time. Grandpa would watch and talk/sing to me when Grandma was up and about doing stuff and then Grandma would hold me and sing to me as Grandpa watch Glen Beck and the Fox News Network. I will admit, I was a little fussy for them last night. I was a little stressed, well who wouldn't be? Mommy and Daddy went out without me. They did need the time to talk and enjoy themselves. I have been occupying most of their time and Daddy had a bummer of a week. His job is cutting back on positions and he was one of the people they let go. Please pray for us as we will start the adventure of a new job after this semester. I'll keep you posted on that progress as well as mine.

I have the cardiologists appointment this coming week. We'll see how my heart is doing. It has been a month since I last seen Dr.J and I am feeling good. I hope the results reflect how I feel.

I'll talk soon!

All Quiet Except When I Have To Go To Sleep

It has been a good past few days. I am enjoying eating more and keeping Mommy and Daddy up with sleeping less. Oh sure, I am sleeping when I want to but it will take a little bit of time and energy to get me down. I won't go without a fight :)

Mommy has been awesome the past few days when Daddy has to go to work. Grandma and Grandpa come over every so often to give Mommy a break. I did miss Daddy yesterday. He had to go to work early for a meeting and with all of his classes he ends up having a very long day. An okay thing about it is that when he comes home he does hold me and talk to me for a while. Eventually he will try to put me to bed but as you can see on the above I do resist.

Well, as I mentioned, life is good. We go see the cardiologist again next week so on the doctors news nothing new, just me chillin with my family.

Who Needs The Calendar To Say "I Love You".

So what is this Valentines stuff? The world needs a calendar to tell people when they are supposed to do something nice for your loved ones? I like that Mommy and Daddy do it every day not just one day a year.

I am doing well this weekend. True, I have been a little fussy in the evenings but I am like Mommy...I don't like to sleep. I hear that cousin M does the same thing. She sounds really cool, I can't wait to meet her G and S. I have been eating very well during the days and okay at night. Last night was a little frustrating. I ate my whole bottle then my tummy decided to spit-up most of it all over Mommy. Just after my bath too. Mommy and Daddy changed me and Daddy helped my empty tummy out by letting me have some more food, at my request. Not much else really going on other than the Olympics. The new fun thing today will be that Mommy and Daddy decided on some new bottles that I will be eating from. Mommy is going to go and get them so Daddy and I can have some fun time together. I wish I could go with Mommy but the Doctor said that I need to stay in for a few more weeks. I need to get a little stronger before I go and meet the public and their germs.

More Snow In Georgia

Well have been breathing air for five weeks now and this is the second time it has snowed. Mommy and Daddy said that since they have been in Georgia it has only snowed (aka fluffy stuff with accumulation) once here in Georgia before I came along. So that means that in their five years here in Georgia they have seen snow three times and twice when I was here. I just like to remind them of the old times up in Illinois and Wisconsin.

So, Daddy has finished his first week back at work. He came home every evening and held, talked and took care of me. I heard that there are many students anxiously awaiting my visit. Soon my Oxford friends, very soon I will come and visit.

On the flip side of things, Mommy and I have been chilling here at home. We like to sleep, eat and walk around the house. Taag and Ripley are getting use to me now too. Ripley will watch me in my bouncy chair and let Mommy know when I am up and stirring. Any time that I cry Taag will immediately look for Mommy to let her know that I am calling. They are really good big sisters.

During today's tummy time Daddy put me on the whale and I rested my head on it for a bit. I then got tired of looking to my left so I lifted my head and turned it so I can face the right side all by myself. I have been working on my neck muscles the past few weeks so I am getting stronger each day. Daddy was so proud he and I went to tell Mommy. She was so excited too but a little bummed she did not see it. I'll show her later.

What Is This Work Thing?

It has been a good few days. Unfortunately the Colts lost but good for the Saints. They did earn it and both teams gave us a good game. Now on to help Daddy with his research to win his fantasy football super bowl next season.

Speaking of Daddy...I have missed my Daddy time as of late. He had to go back to work this week and it is really cutting into my time with him. He told me that it is necessary for many things like our food, home and me but he also said that it was for all the other students that he works with. Many of them have been keeping up with this blog, getting information from Reverend Pace and asking around the campus. I really did not know that Daddy has such an influence on so many young lives, not just my own. I think it is really cool, so I can't really be that upset. Over the past few days Daddy did tell me that many of his colleagues and students have been asking about me and Mommy. They are all glad to see him and have him back and I don't blame him. He really likes what he does and were he is. This gives me a bit more time with Mommy. Oh, sure, she does the same thing as Daddy just on a younger level. I heard that Mommy's colleagues and students miss her too. Sorry though, only one can go back to work now I still need some Mommy/Daddy time.

Which in fact brings me to to today. I went to visit Dr.N again today. I have grown a little and gained some weight. I understand that many women don't like to talk about weight but I feel that at my age it is a really good thing. I gained about a pound, which is really good for me. Remember it is hard for me to eat at times, one can only run so many marathons in a day and I do it every time I eat. I am healthy (for someone in my condition) by all the standards. Sure the murmur is still there and it will be for a long time but I am doing good. I did get a sharp poke by a nurse today. I cried a moment but that was just for shock value. That little shot was nothing compared to what I had at the See-Eye-See-You.

So, I am healthy and doing well. I get to spend a lot of evening time with Daddy and daytime with Mommy. Taag and Ripley are taking care of me too. All is good!

Just Before The Game

I thought that I would jump on and give a quick update before I watch the Colts smack down the Saints.

A good weekend. I have been a little cranky lately but I believe that it is due to my growing state. I feel longer and a little heavier but we will get that information this week at the doctors office. I have been eating a bit more, especially when Mommy and Daddy offer it to me. That is good though, I figure since I am getting older and bigger I will be more hungry. I just have to figure this eating and sleeping a little more. Mommy and Daddy seem so blah when I like to be up after my 12 or 3 am feeding. I believe that they have to get with my program, but I do plan on giving them a little slack about that eventually. Daddy is supposed to go back to work so he will need his beauty rest for his students...trust me he needs a LOT of beauty rest (I take after Mommy in my looks).

This weekend I got to see a lot of Aunt T and Uncle A. They spent the night here on Saturday. Grandma and Grandpa hung around a bit on Saturday too. We just talked and passed me around. Aunt T helped Mommy with my bath, it was good. I really like it when they have the extra heater on, it makes the room all nice and cozy.

Aunt T and Uncle A left early today. That gave us some time to rest and clean up a little for Gma C and Gpa C. They came over this afternoon and loved on me a bit. Gpa C is so big that I totally fell asleep on his gorilla chest. The man's hand is as big as my whole body...yes...head to toe! After they left Mommy and Daddy discussed if we were going to go to some friends house for the Super Bowl. Although they really wanted to go visit, they decided to take the night at home and prepare for a new week. I'll be seeing my pediatrician this week so that will give some answers to Mommy and Daddy so I can go out and visit more next weekend.

Eat a lot of good food tonight and GO COLTS (do keep in mind that I am cheering for the Colts only because the Bears are not in the Super Bowl...okay I think Manning is a great player and cute too).

Stop On By

Quite a day it was getting that nose string out. I do hope that you get to see the excitement on the video that I posted. Yes, that is actually coming out of my nose. Just think...people pay good money to see magic tricks like this, mine is real. Life has been quite easier to eat, dress and play with out the nose string. I can breath easier and Mommy and Daddy don't always have to worry about the dangling end of the nose string now. No more tape on my face too, now that is REALLY exciting! After that event Mommy and Daddy let me have a relaxing day. Sure it was a little traumatic but, as you could see on the video, I took it like a champ. Just a bath that night and the day was quiet.

Daddy has been getting a lot of phone calls from his friends at work. Many of them are planning on helping us out next week by bringing us dinner. This is really appreciated since next week Daddy has to go back to work and it will be just me and Mommy for a few hours at a time. With all of our friends bringing us dinner, Daddy can come home and play with me as he adjusts to finding all the time to work, clean, cook and play with me. Oh, no worries, Mommy will be doing some work around the house too, I will make sure of it but to be honest with you, I would prefer to be held, loved and sung to as much as possible from Mommy. She has a way better voice than Daddy. Hey, he knows it and he would tell you the same thing :)

There was some good Daddy and me time yesterday. Mommy went out with her 5th grade friends for lunch and Daddy got to hang with me. We talked, slept and played. I gave him a good laugh when I totally farted on his chest. He said that it felt like something punched him it was such a force. I was like...yeah dude, take that! We had a good time. Last night I got to meet D-Ray. He is a really cool guy. He smells like concrete most of the time but he is a really good friend of Mommy and Daddy. Gma C came by to visit last night too. Mommy and Daddy like it when people come over. Mommy said it is nice to have conversations with adults. I was like, "what about Daddy?" No response was given, what is up with that? They are so funny together.

Well the weekend is here and the Colts are going to win. Have fun at all the Super Bowl Parties and eat some good food!

News Flash

The nose string is out! Yes folks Daddy took the nose string out of my nose since I am eating consistently from a bottle. Watch the video with caution. If you have a weak stomach you may find this slightly disturbing. None the less...the nose string is OUT!

For some reason this video has not been working. Daddy will put it on his Facebook page for those of you what would like to experience the removal of the nose string.

Feed Me!

So Mommy and Daddy are finally realizing that I like to eat. This every three hour stuff that the doctors said I "need" is not for me. I like to eat every 90 minutes or so. Okay, I am only three and a half weeks old and I even know that 90 + 90 = 180 which is equivalent to 3 hours. Simple math :) How do I know this, I spent nine months learning about math at the 5th grade level from Mommy's teaching, it is really not that hard to figure out. So yeah, I like to eat every hour and a half which will eventually come to the proper amounts of "prescribed" food for every three hours. Daddy called the doctors today to confirm my hypothesis, we are still waiting to hear back from them. In the meantime Mommy and Daddy set me up with some tummy time (pictured above). It was fun for a little bit but that is all that I was able to handle before I started to get frustrated. Then it was time to flip and play on my back again.

Life is going well. I want to continue to thank all of you who are supporting me in prayer and thoughts. I extend the same in prayer and thought to you to :)

Adventures Come In Waves (not the water ones yet)

I always get a comment or a message here or there whenever I take a day off of posting. Always remember, no news is commonly good news when it comes to the Gonzales family. In all reality Sundays adventure was just a bath with Mommy and Daddy's help. They did a good job on it and I am smelling wonderful...actually like Johnson & Johnson Baby Shampoo and Lotion, which some believe is wonderful.

Monday was a nice quiet day. I have been working on my eating over the past few days and I am thinking I am getting the hang of it. Of course, as Daddy puts it, Mr. Murphy...apparently he is a lawyer or something because he has a law named after him...will always make things interesting. I did get almost all of my feedings from the bottle. I think there were only two that were done by the machine. Feedings today went well too. We have not used the machine yet and I only have one more official feeding of the day for today. Sure, I want to have my meals broken up here and there but I am eating the amounts that I am supposed to and if all goes well over the next few days Daddy may be able to take this nose string out. He and Mommy don't want to take it out just yet due to Mr. Murphy, but I am thinking that that lawyer will keep his distance or he'll have to deal with me.

Daddy told me today that Peepaw and Grammy are really missing me. He apparently talked to Grammy this morning and she told him that as she and Peepaw were chilling while watching television that Peepaw said that he missed Carlee (that is me). I miss them too but I know that I will get to see them soon.

Today I did get to go on an adventure. Daddy took me and Mommy for a trip in the car. It was my first non-medical trip. That is very exciting because every trip I have taken so far has either been to a hospital, home from a hospital or to go see a doctor. This trip Daddy took me to see his work. I got to see Jazz, ATF and DTS again as well as my first introductions to PS, the Tennis Man and some others that Daddy works with. I even got to meet some more of Daddy's students. It is really neat to hear all the squeaky quiet noises that come from all of those that meet me. It is always, "she is so cute" or "oh my goodness she is so small" and I get a "she is so precious" every so often. Yeah, even though my eyes are closed I am still listening to you and I like it :)

We got home and chilled. I'm going to work on some more food and try to get this last bottle down this evening. I'll let you know when the horrible nose string is on it's way out.