Super-hero status confirmed!!

Ruby had her 6 month surgery appointment last week. This is a quarterly appointment to review her x-rays, make sure everything looks good (i.e., no more surgeries needed), and to confirm that she continues to be the super-hero that we keep bragging about.
Well...she didn't disappoint.

The surgeon showed me Ruby's beautiful lungs on x-ray and said that they were looking so great, it would be hard for anyone to even tell that she'd had a CDH repair. After multiple positive doctors appointments I am finally beginning to trust that Ruby is going to be aok.

We can't take credit for these great photos. Marti Sears from www.picturemommy.com did a photo shoot for us last month and got some great shots of our little family.


Now that Ruby is 6 months old it really is time for us to take down her welcome home sign! It holds a lot of sentimental value for us and it has almost become wallpaper it has been up there so long!! Maybe we'll get around to it tomorrow :)

The cookbooks have been selling like hotcakes and it feels awesome to know we are spreading the word and doing something good for babies with CDH. Thanks so much to everyone who has supported the project!

Ruby has been enjoying the holiday season. She loves looking at the lights on the Christmas tree and we have been jamming to Raffi's Christmas album (a classic if you don't have it!!).

As we celebrate the holidays as a family for the first time, we are very aware of how lucky we are and of how special it is to have a beautiful, giggly baby here with us. Ruby has her first stocking hanging by the fire-place and her first Christmas ornament on the tree. We can't wait to start all of the holiday traditions that will make this time of year magical for her.

My love.

So, from our happy, healthy family to yours....Merry Christmas.
xox
Adie

The Half-time show

Well who would have thunk it? We made it to 6 months!!! We have arrived at the "half-way point" between the miracle of Ruby's arrival and her much anticipated first birthday!

Instead of cake, we celebrated by giving Ruby her first taste of cereal. She's not the biggest fan...
but perhaps it's an acquired taste? (I forget!)

Here's a snapshot of what our little monkey is up to at 6 months:

• Loves to blabber and talk to us
• Especially loves talking when we read her a book
• Likes holding on to the book so she can decide when we turn the page
• Is starting to recognize and take an interest in her big brother Toby
• Loves playing with her Pooh bear
• Enjoys sleeping in... but only if she can cuddle with Mom and Dad
• Can almost sit up by herself
• Is not a fan of naps (although our Nanny has the magic touch)
• Prefers to stand up (with help) whenever possible
• Likes to watch Mama's blackberry (uh-oh)
• Is rolling from front to back and back to front- occasionally gets stuck because she gets an arm in the way
• Is turning out to be a tummy sleeper like her Mama
• Is growing more cute fuzz on her head (but has yet to get rid of her "old man" bald spot)
  
• Is still waking up every few hours at night with an occasional good night's sleep- just often enough to keep our hope alive...

Unfortunately, pictures with Santa and are not in the cards this year as we continue to take extra precautions regarding germs during flu season. Maybe next year we'll capture that classic "bawling-on-creepy-santa's-lap" photo that is a rite of passage for many kids.

This is a bad pic (blame the Christmas tree man) of Ruby, Toby and I. We strolled down the street to pick out Ruby's first Christmas tree.

On the medical front, Ruby had her 6 month check up last week and got rave reviews from the doc. Next week we have her quarterly surgery follow-up so we can monitor the progress of her lung growth and confirm that her lil' body is adjusting well.

Here's a pic of Ruby enjoying the Christmas lights (and me in a ridiculous hat).

6 months seems like a long time ago. We're starting to really get our groove on as parents and we're appreciating every day.

Finally, the news you procrastinating Christmas shoppers have been waiting for! The cookbooks have arrived!!!!! They look AWESOME and will make the perfect holiday gift for just TEN buckaroos (plus shipping if you're not local). Spread the love and yummy recipes, all while raising money for a good cause. Email me with orders (or send an email to cdhcookbook@gmail.com). I'll do my best to get the books to you ASAP.

Happy Holidays!

Adie, Scott, Ruby & Toby

A Terrrrrrrific Turkey Day

Happy (American) Thanksgiving everyone!
We have a LOT to be thankful for.
Here are a few shots from our first Turkey Day as a family.

We decided to keep it very low key. We enjoyed the sunshine, got a gourmet turkey dinner from a favorite local restaurant, and gobble gobbled.

Our friend Trina joined us for the first course and Ruby made a new friend.

I think she looks like a news anchor about to launch into a story here...

New favorite onesie (Thanks Stace!!)

Bundled up for a walk.

I'll be crawling soon!

This is a pretty long video of Ruby talking and rolling... it won't win an Oscar... but it gives you an idea of what she's up to lately.

**Cookbook update: They look GREAT and should be arriving from the publisher in about 3 weeks... hopefully in time for Christmas!! They will be selling for $10 each (plus shipping if required). All proceeds go toward research on CDH at UCSF.

Stay tuned- Ruby turns 6 months old next week!!!!!!
~Adie

This post brought to you by the number **5**

It's that time again...time to celebrate another month with lil' miss Ruby!
She is 5 months old!! For some odd reason I say that and hear the Count from Sesame Street saying "FIVE - mwah-ha-ha-haaa."

Here's our cutie with her buddy Horton (who continues to shrink). This past month's "accomplishments" include kicking, giggling, drooling and sucking on fingers. There's a tooth in our future!

Sleep has been hit or miss but we are working up the courage to let Ruby get herself to sleep without so much coddling (a.k.a. let her cry and fuss a bit instead of attending to every peep). Hearing her cry makes me flash back to seeing dropping numbers (bad) on the monitors in the hospital which is hard... but one look at her chubby, happy cheeks reminds me that she is doing just fine.

Tummy time with Daddy.

Silly Daddy.

Chillin'.

This is a picture of the cover proof for the cookbook!! It is now at the publishers and should be ready around Christmas or shortly thereafter. We can't wait to see it in print :)

Sweet dreams all!

Wuby the Wabbit

Happy Halloween everyone!

***Prepare yourself*** You may not be able to handle the ridiculous amount of cuteness in this post. Just don't say I didn't warn you! I challenge you to view all of these pictures without uttering the word "awwwww" ....just once :) (and don't miss the video at the end!)

We woke up this morning (October 31st) and realized that, in attempting to tackle our crazy weekend to-do list, we had completely neglected an important rite of passage. We had forgotten to take Ruby to a pumpkin patch to pose her among the "Great Pumpkins!" I could hear Charlie Brown "tisk-tisking" us. Sacrilege. In an effort to make things right, we loaded her up in the car and headed out to look for a church nearby that was selling pumpkins. They tend to pile them up on the lawn outside the church so I figured if we got the camera angle just right at least it would look like we'd made it to a real patch! After driving by 3 churches with nary a pumpkin in sight, we decided we'd be practical and go to the grocery store. Alas, even the grocery store had gotten rid of their pumpkins by the time we latecomers had arrived.

So we decided to pose among the gourds at Publix ... :)
I don't think Ruby was impressed.

When we returned home, we dressed her up in her costume.

As you can see, Ruby dressed up as a bunny for Halloween. A pink bunny. With big feet, big ears, and her very own carrot.

We're not exactly sure what the white pom-pom on her head is... but it makes her look even goofier.

We didn't give up on the pumpkins though...

We got creative and "borrowed" our neighbor's pumpkin (Thanks Karna!!!) for a few pics.

Happy family.


My little cotton-tail.


Next year your misfit parents will take you to a real pumpkin patch Ruby. Promise!

"Canadian EhBC's"

We see the light!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scott and I had our first date night since MAY last night. Yes folks, MAY! It's been about four and a half months since Scott and I have left the house together "sans Bobaloo" for the sole purpose of enjoying each other's company. In short- it was wonderful. We had a lovely romantic dinner and saw a movie. We even stayed out 'til midnight!! Let's just say that as soon as we returned home, we booked the nanny for another date night in 2 weeks time. We're planning on making a habit of it ;)

In honor (or should I say "honour") of Canadian Thanksgiving last weekend, here is a video of me teaching Ruby her ABC's. I am trying to make sure her Canadian roots are strong :) I have fond memories of being home for Thanksgiving last year and convincing Erik and Teija (my niece and nephew) to make a pre-dinner announcement regarding their "new cousin" that was on the way. It was a fun way to share our news. My Dad's response to the announcement: "Finally!!!!"


*************************NEWS FLASH********************
We have a roly poly baby on our hands! Ruby rolled from back to front for the first time a week or so ago. Here's a pic after she did it.


Her new favorite pastime is to lay on her back and move herself in a circle around the crib. We also played our first real game of peek-a-boo this past week. She is getting to be so much fun.
Do you think somebody likes polka dots?

In health news, Ruby has qualified for the Synagis (RSV) vaccine which she will receive monthly for the next 5 months. Most CDH babies get this because of their reduced lung capacity. I think it will make us feel a bit less anxious knowing she is protected for her first flu/RSV season. We are also thankful the insurance approved it since it is an expensive vaccine (about 7-8K all in). Thank you to the little mice who made it so Ruby can stay safe and healthy!



Here's a video of Ruby talking a ton and trying to get the hang of thumb sucking.

Cookbook update: I have received many wonderful recipes from friends, family, neighbors, friends of friends, Ruby's doctors etc. Thank you!!! If you want to contribute but haven't yet, please send your recipes as soon as possible so I can include them in the book. It's going to be a good one :) Just reply to this email or send them to: cdhcookbook@gmail.com.

That's all for now folks!
Adie

Help! Horton is shrinking!!!

Can you believe it? Our baby girl is 4 months old!!


Here's a comparison to last month...

I'm not sure she looks thaaaaaat much bigger but she is packing on the pounds (14.5 to be exact), can hold her head up pretty well now, and is giggling and talking to us all the time.

Ruby's follow-up with the surgeon was EXCELLENT. Her right lung has expanded to fill her thorax and the empty space left behind after they pushed her organs down and repaired her diaphragm. Her heart has also shifted back to the correct position now that everything else is in the right place. (yay!) While Ruby's lungs still have a ways to go at the micro level (e.g., branching alveoli, etc.) to increase her lung capacity and ability to oxygenate her blood, she has made HUGE progress since leaving the hospital. Finally, the x-rays indicate NO need for additional surgery at this time which is wonderful. This news was a welcome gift - just in time for her "birthday" celebration. Neither Scott nor I realized how relieved we would feel after hearing how well our lil' superhero has done.


We'll be following up with the surgeon again in 3 months for another check but we expect good news.

Our little pumpkin.

Ruby continues to love the nanny (Jane) and so do we! She's babysitting for our first "post-baby" date night next Friday. We won't know what to do with ourselves! I'm thinking a very nice dinner, glass of wine, and a valiant attempt to discuss "adult stuff" instead of our latest obsession (Ruby).

Thank you to everyone who has submitted recipes for the cookbook so far! I really appreciate it and I'm excited to put it together. If you are able, pretty please send recipes by October 15th so we can work on getting it published.
Until next time,
Adie

Cooking for a Cause

Dear friends and family,

A year ago, when I was overjoyed and hopeful about bringing a new baby into the world, I had no idea what CDH (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia) was.

I had no idea that 1 in 2500 babies are affected by it (as common as Spina Bifida and Cystic Fibrosis). I had no idea that only 50% of babies that are diagnosed with CDH survive... and many of those survivors have life long struggles including mild learning problems or difficulties with breathing, feeding, hearing, and growth. I had no idea that the cause of CDH is unknown. I had no idea what parents go through when they are scared to death their baby might not make it.


I had no idea that would be me.


Ever since Scott and I spent those long days and nights in the hospital watching over our Superbaby I have wanted to do something to raise awareness and support for CDH. I want people to know what it is and I want researchers to find out more about what causes it and how we can prevent and treat it. I've never really had a "cause" before. I've always wondered when something would strike me close enough to the heart to make me really step up.

I think this is it.

I have never felt comfortable asking for money directly so I came up with a different way to raise support and awareness for CDH. I am creating a cookbook of recipes that I will be selling for the holidays with all proceeds going to support research about the cause and treatment of CDH. Please please help me by contributing your favorite recipes!!! You can send them to CDHcookbook@gmail.com Any and all recipes and contributions are appreciated! Feel free to submit your recipes in whatever format is easiest for you... email them, scan them, photocopy them, send them... I'll take them any way they come.

Ruby has been so incredibly lucky to have done as well as she has given her diagnosis. Many babies with CDH have not been as lucky. Please help us spread the word and support CDH research so we can learn more about preventing and treating CDH.

I am looking forward to receiving LOTS of recipes!!!

Thank you,
Adie

The Nanny is my BFF

Well.... we did it!
The nanny had her first day last week and Ruby did great. Who am I kidding... nobody was really worried about Ruby... Mom and Dad were the concern! We did fine too ;) The nanny (Jane) was AWESOME and sent us texts and pictures throughout the day to update us on their adventures and how Ruby was doing. Maybe my 10 page nanny interview, multiple reference checks, criminal background check and nanny competency model was effective? Ha ha (no really- not kidding). I think we have a keeper.

To be honest, it was harder to stay home and train the nanny than it was to leave Ruby alone in her care. Watching Ruby cry as the nanny figured out how best to hold her, feed her, etc. was not easy. Don't get me wrong... I didn't just sit on the sidelines and bite my nails while she struggled... I gave plenty of instruction but at a certain point I had to hold back and just let them find their groove. I reminded myself that it took Scott and I months to get the hang of Ruby and her quirks.. it would be silly to expect the nanny to figure it out in less than a day. (insert deep breath here). When that positive self-talk didn't work I decided a trip to Target would make me feel better. When in doubt, go shopping (and don't tell Scott I said that).

Here's a little video of Ruby telling me about her day with the nanny...or.... maybe it's a video of me asking Ruby in a silly babytalk voice how her day went... you decide.


We have some important appointments coming up this week!
Ruby had an x-ray done on Friday and we are meeting with the surgeon Wednesday to hear about the results and compare the size of Ruby's lungs to her x-ray from 3 months ago. We are crossing our fingers that her lungs have expanded a LOT and that there is no need for additional surgeries. Ruby also has her 4 month check-up this week and we are excited for her weigh-in!!!

I'll post updates later this week.
Cheers,
Adie

Farts are Funny

Here we are on a wild Saturday night! It's almost 10 pm, Ruby has been asleep for 90 minutes and I'm thinking of following her lead- getting a little shuteye sounds like a great idea.

It's been a few weeks since the last post. In that time Ruby has been smiling a lot, drooling, making cute noises, and gave us her first real giggles. In fact, her first real "giggle fest" was in response to Scott making simulated fart noises and raspberries. Potty humor at 3 months?? She must be a McVeigh!
She's always a bit shy for the camera but here's a video with a little giggle.


Ruby has also been discovering her fingers- both by putting them into her mouth and by grabbing things. Here she is having a little conversation with her rattle.


In other news, Scott and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary last week (and almost 10 years together)!! What a wonderful hubby I have. We are hoping to get out for a baby-free date night sometime soon. In honor of this special occasion, I made a cake. Well... sort of a cake... but really more of a chocolate icing receptacle. I like how it has a hole in the middle to store extra icing. mmmmmmm...

I am starting back to work part time which means that Scott will be playing SuperDad on Mondays and our new nanny will be taking over Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting next week. My first day back was fine- knowing that Ruby was hanging out with Dad all day. I have a feeling that leaving Ruby at home with the nanny for the first time will be a little harder...

Wish me luck!
Adie