Two

Two! First, two came together. Then, we got two pets. Then, we had two kids. And now we have a two year old. Two tends to be a milestone and one that we will cherish. 

People complain about the terrible twos - but I have found joy in every corner. They way that Andrew has to work to bend his fat fingers to show that he's now two. The way he will hold his chubby hands together while we pray at dinner and before bed each night. They way he says "Pray for Alex. Alex come home." - as only a two year old can say his brother's name. The way he will sit and do puzzle after puzzle with such contentment. We feel so blessed with our clever, calm, silly and fun two year old boy.

We had several celebrations this past week - many for our new two year old and many for our number two son. Andrew spent the week with Nana and Papa G and I think they were actually sad to see him come home. Papa G said Andrew was just a joy to have around. They golfed, shot hoops, did puzzles and played with the cousins. 

First time Papa G holding Alex.

Birthday present from Papa G and Nana.

Then we had three birthday celebrations in a row - each with different people as they were in town. Andrew is obsessed with the birthday song and gets a big goofy grin when we sing. 

Alexander is making huge strides. On Saturday, he was moved to Bay 4 - a less critical bay for the NICU. This is a more private room with a couch for guests or sleepovers and a full bathroom with shower. I will be able to stay with him this week. On Monday, he came off his ventilator!!! A huge celebration!! He is now on 1 liter of oxygen. This is something he will come home on but it just depends on how much. 

 

He's also nursing well and has been having one bottle each evening. This has moved him to Phase 2 of eating - two nursing sessions or bottles every 12 hours. We hope he can continue down this path as this is the big thing on his checklist to do before coming home. We are getting so close!!