Blessed Beyond Measure

This picture totally sums up Elliot's personality.  He is so laid back.  The nurses tell us all the time how laid back he is compared to other babies.  I loved seeing him all comfy with his arms behind his back enjoying his pacifier.  What a hoot! This kid may be little, but he keeps us laughing and smiling!

Mom and I met a guy at Target the other day and he explained that his mom called him Tank. I jokingly told Mom I think I will start calling our little guy Tank.  Well . . . if he keeps eating and growing at this pace, the name just might fit!  The nurses say he LOVES to eat.  Now, this shouldn't surprise anyone who knows my family.  So proud of our big boy!!

Pretty sure God must laugh at me on a daily basis.  He probably wishes I had a little more faith from time to time.  Elliot has struggled with remembering to breathe from time to time and he has had his nasal canula in and out over the weeks we have been in the hospital.  He definitely makes a mom worry!  So, I prayed very specifically to God in my search for peace.  As silly as it sounds, I asked God to send me a "sign".  Like a personal message straight from Him to me.  I also told him exactly where I wanted the message to come from.  This is likely where I made him laugh.  Lord . . . can you please send me a very specific word from you regarding Elliot's situation . . . and I would like for you to send it through Craig G. (our pastor from Oklahoma) on his Instagram page.  I mean, seriously?  Who does this?  Well . . . I do.  Later that night I opened Craig's Instagram page and saw this . . .  Pretty clear r...

He is over 4 pounds!  Yay!  But still...when I see that tiny pacifier looking so huge on his face, I realize he is still so tiny.  We sure do love this little guy!

 This is a preemie outfit laying on top of a newborn outfit.  They are so tiny!! This may not seem like much to most people, but it's a big deal for our little guy to be wearing clothes now!  It means that he has graduated from a closed bed to an open bed.  It also means he is maintaining his own temperature.  Woo hoo!!!

 She was so smitten looking at him that the nurse graciously offered for Nixon to hold her little brother!  It was probably the most amazing moment of my life watching these two.  Elliot was so active and had so much to say to Nixon.  The interaction between these two melted my heart for sure.  He even found a few things she said amusing.  She was telling him all about Harry Potter and he was thrilled to listen so carefully. What a beautiful day for our little family.  I had no doubt that Nixon would be the most amazing big sister ever.  Since leaving the hospital, she has said many times, "I sure do love him." Melts momma's heart!

Being one week old is a LOT of work. Especially when you have already gained back to your birth weight, are breathing on your own, and maintaining your body temperature like a pro.  The picture shows just how much work he is having to do. He has been working so hard growing, eating, and being held by all of us that he was exhausted. Love the hand over the face!

Elliot was worn out today from being so awesome, so the nurse let him have some time in his favorite tummy position.  His doctor said he is "advanced" and is showing behaviors of a baby at least two weeks older than he is now.  Made our day to hear that he is doing such amazing things!

I got to change his diaper AND hold him today.  Best day ever.  So thankful that Brandi was able to be there with me and take pictures while Bryan returned to work.  He is so, so tiny, but holding him felt so good.  Love this little guy more than I could ever imagine!  Prayers for continued success and growth for baby E!

Today was a BIG day.  Not only did baby Elliot reach up and grab daddy's finger, Bryan got to hold him.  He has his chest tube out and is doing so well he got a little time cuddling.  Awesome day!!!

 I get to go home today!!!!  I can hardly wait to sleep in my own bed!!  Thought I would post a picture of the room I am all too happy to leave behind.  After a terrible few days of non-stop sickness from meds . . . I am more than ready to go home!  Woo hoo! The lighter footprint on the left is Nixon when she was born.  The darker footprints on the right are Elliot.  He may be small, but he has some big feet!

Made my day to see him without tubes in his mouth.  He is so handsome!!  Melts my heart!

Our little guy gave us quite a scare today.  The nurse said they were able to act quickly when his lung collapsed.  Scary day for mom and dad.  So, please pray for our little fighter!

Elliot Bryan Gorka came into this world today.  He is in good hands in the NICU today.  Prayers for progress for our little guy!

Well . . . my water broke.  So . . . here we go again with another preemie.  Prayers for a healthy delivery and baby boy!