Growing Up Too Fast!

I actually wrote this post a while ago, but when I got up to get the camera card I knocked over the computer and busted the screen :( It cost somewhere around $160 to fix (and that was with a police discount) making this officially the most expensive post yet! Anyways-the important thing is that the computer is fixed and I can start posting cute pictures again. So, here is the post from I don't know how many days ago :)

I just cannot believe how much Quinton changes everyday. He continues to amaze me. One of the toughest things though is finding a balance between the teacher in me that wants to see him learn new things and the mommy in me that missed the infant phase of his life and wants him to stay a baby just a little longer. Last week my little guy decided that he could hold his own bottle. I know that this is fantastic, but I won't lie. I love the time that we spend together-holding him in my lap and feeding him his bottles. Oh well, we still have a little more work to do so I will enjoy the moments while they last.

We got a call from the doctor last week letting us know that Quinton's blood tests did indicate that he has some mild hypothyroidism :( I know that this is far from the worst news that we could have received, but my heart just sank. He will face enough challenges in his life. This is just one more hurdle we have to get over. So now we will add pediatric endocrinologist to our list of specialists we need to see. Hopefully we can get his levels under control and it will not be an issue. Update: Since I wrote this post, we have had some more testing done which indicated that Quinton does NOT have hypothyroidism! Yay for lab errors!

As far as doctors are concerned, we have been so blessed. Dr. Kelly was great with Quinton and so were his nurses. They are working on referrals to a cardiologist, the endocrinologist, and a special chromosome clinic at Duke. He also quickly referred us to the early intervention team and they have already been out to the house to start initial paperwork and they will be out the first week in September to do an evaluation to determine what therapies he will benefit from. I am so excited for him to get started!

Lots of people have asked if we have made any progress with feeding. The short answer is yes. The past week or so, Quinton has been willing to eat some applesauce or yogurt from a spoon, but he has a really hard time. He sticks his tongue out, so it's hard to get food in and once you get it in, he puts his thumb in his mouth like a bottle nipple to help him swallow. We will get there though. It is definitely a step in the right direction.

We have been very blessed to have such wonderful family and friends who have been so generous with their time and have also showered Quinton with some very nice gifts. A very sweet lady named Sharon who only knows us through this blog sent a case of those denim diapers all the way from Florida. They are so cute. Sharon-I will try and get a picture of him wearing them soon :) Thanks to everyone who has come to visit/babysit and who have sent/brought gifts. We really appreciate it.

Tomorrow is the first day of school for my students. I am excited to see them again, but not so excited about leaving Quinton. Luckily my mom and dad were each able to take a week of vacation, so he will not have to start daycare until September.

It seems like there is so much more I would like to share, but I can't think of it right now. Hmmm...guess that means I need to be better about keeping up with this blog ;) It's been hard to find the time lately. Quinton certainly keeps us on our toes, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Well, here is what you have all been waiting for..pictures!

Mostly Pictures

We took Quinton to the pediatrician this week. Everything went well. He weighs 19 pounds 13 ounces and is 29 inches tall. He got some yucky shots. That was no fun, but the nurses were much nicer that the one that gave him a shot at the orphanage. He did recommend that we see a pediatric cardiologist to check out his heart since he has an open oval window. He said that it is nothing to be alarmed or concerned about right now though. His murmur was really hard to hear and very faint-thank you God! He told us about some early intervention services provided by our county. They will come out and do some initial assessments and help us get started with speech, occupational, and physical therapies for Quinton. 

The video clip below is from the first day we met Quinton. I cannot believe how much he has changed. Compare it with the pictures and video of him now. It is amazing what a little love will do for a little boy :)

Fast forward 2 months and look at him now!

And today he found the dog's water bowl. I just watched him forever before I thought to record it. I love watching him explore. 

I'm kinda biased, but I think he's the most adorable thing I have ever seen in my life :) I love him so much and thank God for his precious life everyday.

It's Been A Week Already!

This past week was a whirlwind. We got home last Thursday and our days have been full of family and visitors. I cannot even describe to you all how good it felt to be home with friends and family and to be sleeping in my own bed again. Quinton continues to change everyday. A little more of his personality shines through and he is really coming out of his shell. We are so in love with him. He will be sitting on my lap and then all of a sudden he will flash me a sweet smile that I swear is worth a million dollars and then thrust forward with his arms outstretched to hug me. It is absolutely priceless. As I am sitting here typing, Quinton has fallen asleep in his daddy's lap. He used to fall asleep alone. Never ever again will this little boy with a heart of gold be alone. Never. Ever. Again.


Here are some of our homecoming pictures. A huge thanks to my friend Alisa for taking them for us! There were so many-too many to choose from. You can check out my facebook profile if you want to see them all.

At then end of most of my posts from Ukraine there was a countdown to one thing or another, but there is nothing to countdown to anymore because God has answered our prayers and our little boy is Home. For. Good.