Settling In

This week has been so great in so many ways. We are getting to know Milo more and more each day, and he is beginning to trust us more and more each day. He has started to really cry when he is tired, hungry, or has a messy diaper. He engages a little more with each interaction. He is SO much more aware of what's going on around him than he was when we first got him. He really enjoys playing with toys now! He is snuggly as can be and has started to babble a ton! My very favorite thing he does is pat me on the arm while I'm rocking him and patting his back. Sweetest! He's doing a little better at night, too. He still cries out (in grief, I believe) every few nights, but the episodes are getting further apart. He still wakes up at around 5:00 to eat, then goes back to bed. He's such an angel!

This week has been the week of appointments. Milo's first appointment was a haircut! He looks so dang cute! Sometimes this boy rocks the photo shoot. His facial expressions kill me! I don't know how we got so lucky to get the cutest boy in the entire world as our son, but we sure did! 

The next appointment was with the cardiologist. Milo was supposed to have a sedated echo cardiogram, but they felt his breathing was too labored and raspy to safely do one. They did an EKG and chest ex rays as well as reviewed his file from China. The cardiologist was pleasantly surprised at his heart surgery! He said it was "cutting edge" and that everything looked great! WAHOO!! The cardiologist wants to do an echo cardiogram on Milo when he's fully under on anesthesia so his breathing can be more controlled.

Milo and I snuggling at the cardiologist appointment

The next stop was to the ENT. Within minutes of observing Milo, the ENT said he had a sinus infection as well as fluid in his ears. He prescribed amoxicillin and said that Milo needs to have his adenoids removed and tubes put in his ears. Not shocking news, but of course a bit scary! The ENT and cardiologist are going to team up and do both procedures while Milo's out. 

Later in the day (the same day as the ENT), we had Milo's first pediatrician's visit. Mr. Milo is almost 14 pounds and is 27 inches long. He's growing!! Everything went well, though it's a bit overwhelming how much we need to do to play catch up on the life Milo missed! He needed a lot of immunizations. He also needs to have blood work done to test for parasites (standard procedure with kids adopted internationally), see several specialists, and arrange for Early Intervention. There's a lot to be done, but the relief we feel to have Milo safe at home with the ability to get him the care he needs is indescribable. We're so, so grateful!

We decided we didn't have enough going on Thursday, so we gave Milo his first baby food (pears) between the ENT and pediatrician appointments ;) He really enjoyed it, but didn't quite get the concept of swallowing the food. He would eagerly open his mouth, then spit it all out again. Cute boy! When Milo gets excited, he starts blowing raspberries. He was really enjoying the pears and started blowing raspberries; pears were flying all over me and the kitchen! It was so funny!

Today was the fourth day with pears, and he's doing a little better! He started swallowing a lot more this afternoon. Yay!

The antibiotics have really helped Milo!! His eyes are no longer runny and he's WAY less congested! He seems to feel much better and has been so happy and fun! He's also been eating a lot more and just seems so much more content!

We bought Milo an exersaucer yesterday and he is so darling in it! He loves it! I know if he'd have been put in this two weeks ago, he would have had no idea what to do. Now he plays with all the toys like a champ! His core is getting so much stronger as well!

Every single day my love grows for this little guy. He has such a grip on my heart! I honestly don't know how we functioned before we had him! He is such a joy. Being his mom is the most fulfilling thing I can imagine. Every time I rock him, feed him, bathe him, change him, sing to him, I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the chance I have to take care of him. It has, of course, been an adjustment for sure. Adding a child to the family has always caused me a measure of anxiety and stress. Being a mom of FOUR can often be crazy, hectic, and loud! Overall we're doing so great, though! Milo has the most beautiful spirit. He is full of life and love, and he's blessed us more already than I ever thought possible.

Quin's paternity leave has come to an end (BOO!!), so he heads back to work tomorrow. The kids also are out of school for spring break. Yikes! I'm a little nervous! Hopefully all goes well and the kids don't give me a run for my money ;) It'll be my first full time day parenting four kids by myself!

I can't wait to see what changes Milo makes this next week! I know he's going to love having the kids around to play with him all day!