Roughly one year ago we were hit with the scariest moment a parent could ever experience, our little boy stopped breathing.  He was only about 2 months old. Addison spent just a little under a week in the hospital being poked, tested and scaned constantly.  By the time is was all said and done, the doctors said that ACE has severe reflux and had choked.  For almost the first year of his life he had to have a tablespoon of rice cereal for each ounce of formula.  Also for the first 6 months he had to sleep on a wedge.  We finally had to yank it out of his crib, because he was too mobile and rolling around so much that is became dangerous.  Both of these things kept him from choking while his insides strengthened as he grew.  We are so grateful for all the prayers we received during this time.  Thankfully this all feels like a really bad dream and I can say that we have a happy and healthy fourteen month old now. 

The first image of ACE  having a tube put down his nose and throat to monitor for reflux for 24 hours.  The second image is of ACE wearing lots of electrodes on his head for 24 hours while they monitored his brain activity for seizures.  Poor little guy also had an IV in his arm and heart and breathing monitors on as well.

Here is my big boy now, happy and healthy.  My we have come a long way I am so thankful for each and every moment I have with him.  He is such a blessing and brings a ridiculous amount of joy into my life.

(If you would like to read more about our experience and story you can find it in my archives starting at August 17, 2010: http://babykellogg.tumblr.com/post/966872730/please-pray-for-my-baby-boy-addison)

We recently spent some time with Ryan’s family in Siesta Key!  Siesta Key has one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.  The powdery white sand and smooth clear water making it for one relaxing vacation.  Addison had the pleasure of meeting his Great Grandmother for the 1st time.  He was such a charmer giving the family lots of hugs and kisses.  Addison really showed his love for the beach during this trip.  He thoroughly enjoyed running into the ocean full speed ahead, even if he had all of his clothes on.  The pure joy and excitement came in the form of squeals, giggles and happy yells was enough to melt my heart. Although we live at the beach there is always something magical about exploring some place different.  We are looking forward to many more trips to visit with family and friends.

Addison in a Carter’s advertisement!  Woohoo, way to go ACE man!

At just shy of 10 months old ACE got his first tooth.  I was finally able to a good picture of it during breakfast.  We have been really lucky that he hasn’t been really fussy or had any major problems while teething.  The only real issue we have noticed was a night time while he was sleeping.  We would hear him whimpering a bit in this sleep.  It makes me so sad to hear my little boy uncomfortable.  Quick way to solve that problem: we let him get in bed and sleep with us for the last few hours of the night.

This was one of ACE’s first attempts at walking.  He loves zipping back and forth between Ryan and I.  He runs full speed ahead screaming and giggling in excitement.  I can’t believe how quickly he is growing up.  Time goes by so fast.

(9.5 months old)

We have started teaching ACE some independence this week.  We have stopped rocking him and holding him until he falls asleep and  have begun to teach him to fall asleep for naps and at bedtime on his own.  It is definitely a loud process with lots of screaming and crying.  I know in the long run it will benefit him.  It is just so hard to hear your baby upset and not be able to comfort him.  Also, we are teaching Addison how to feed himself with his bottle or sippy cup.  He is doing really great with this.  I am very impressed with how quickly he has learned and transition to drinking all by himself.  Not bad for being 9 months old.

Gosh, I really do love living at the beach.  I promised myself that I would take full advantage of where we live and be sure that Addison developed the same love for the beach.  We spent a wonderful Saturday afternoon at the beach.  ACE really enjoyed crawling through the sand as it sprayed up behind him.  He love picking up clumps of sand and tossing it around.  The ocean was a a little chilly that day, but we did dip our feet in.  I can’t wait till this summer when we can swim and frolic in the ocean.  ACE played his little heart out until he finally passed out in his Sundome. We are looking forward to our next adventure.

(9 months old)