Hand Specialist Update...

Ryan and I recently met with a hand specialist and finally got some insight on Cade’s hand. As some of you may or may not know, Cade was born with a birth defect on his left hand. Due to what doctor’s think is Amniotic band syndrome, Cade is partially missing three fingers. Amniotic Band Syndrome (ABS) is a congenital birth defect believed to be caused by entrapment of fetal parts (usually a limb or digits) in fibrous amniotic bands while in utero. In other words, before Cade was born his fingers were likely caught up and entangled in string-like bands, causing abnormalities that were present at birth. As you can imagine, this was heartbreaking for me as a new mom. After doing research and learning more about ABS, I realize that we are actually very lucky that only three fingers were affected (rather than a whole hand, or even arm). Even so, at times I’ve struggled with the thought of our little baby facing obstacles that may come his way, but Ryan has ensured me that we are going to raise a strong and confident little boy and that his is going to be just fine. In addition, the hand doctor seems very positive about Cade’s hand. Because Cade has partial bone in his three short digits he should have optimal function in his hand. Also, the doctor did present us with options (bone transplants, prosthetics, ect) available when he gets a little older. We are scheduled to meet with the doctor in five months to get additional x-rays and review the bone growth in the fingers. In the mean time, we are just so grateful to have a happy and healthy little boy that we love and adore!!

Picture Update!

Cade is 5 ½ weeks old already! I can’t believe how quickly the time passes and how fast the little guy grows. Ryan and I are enjoying every single day and all the fun firsts that have come along the way!

Cade's first shower with Dad! (He loved it!)

Cade's first Sunday at church in his first little man outift!

lol, that little face cracks me up! :)

Cade's first night watching Dad play baseball!

So Cade is 2 weeks and 5 days old and just the cutest, sweetest, funniest little baby boy ever!

As far as the cuteness, Ryan and I think he is just beautiful! Everywhere I take him people comment on his perfect skin tone. He definitely has a nice little tan and we’re hoping it's here to stay. I know it’s hard to tell from the pictures, but he’s kinda rockin a mullet right now. He has a head full of hair in the back, and cute little whispies in the front. From the back his hair is brown, but as his hair grows in in the front it is looking blonde, so we’re curious to see what color it will end up being. And as his eyes develop, it looks like he will have blue eyes, but we’re still not positive. He has such a cute little body and adorable buns, just like his dad! :) As of his two week appointment, he weighs 8lbs and has grown to 22 inches long. He is healthy and VERY strong. He army crawls up our bodies when he is being held and has been holding up his head since week one.

Cade is definitely a little sweetie pie! He is a very chill baby boy and very well tempered. He lets us know when he is hungry or wet, but other than that is just a little prince. Right now he just loves to be cuddled and is cuddle bug back. He is also hilarious! He is always making faces that make us laugh. When he’s waking up he scrunches his faces and puckers his lips, hence his nickname, Monkey!

As far as Mom and Dad, we’re doing great! Ofcourse we’re tired and are adjusting to being parents every single day, but we love it. And if I can brag about my husband for a minute, I have to say that he is amazing father! A few weeks before Cade was born Ryan told me I needed to show him how to change a diaper. Through our conversation I realized Ryan had not cared for babies very much and I was curious to see how he’d do. Well since day one he has been an absolute natural. He is seriously an expert diaper changer, pro baby burper and perfect swaddler! (He has actually taught me a thing or two!) I am so lucky to have him home this first month and am grateful for his tremendous help. I can just tell how much he loves his son and it is so amazing to see my two guys together!

Alright, get ready for picture overload....

In Daddy's arms!

My view of holding the little guy! (lol, I love his squished face! :)

Cade is not a fan of his feet being virbated in the bouncer, so he always tries to keep his legs up!

Always asleep in his carseat.

Our first night outing, Joe's Farm Grill with the Landes family.

Our first day outing, a picnic at Freestone Park.

Cade gives the park a thumbs up!

Napping in the shade with Dad.

Hanging out with Mom.

Baby mullet!