Keeping Cole Entertained

While we were at Arkansas Children's Hospital, my mom kept Cole in Little Rock at my aunt Karen's house so he could visit us every day. It was SO nice to look forward to seeing his smiling face! In order to keep him entertained one day, Papa decided we would take him to the Witt Stephens Jr. Nature Center. Cole LOVED it! It was nice for Patrick and me to get out of the hospital for a bit too:).

Grandparents

I know that ultimately, Miller's diagnosis is hardest on Patrick and me, but I know it is SO hard on our parents. I feel like the grandparents get a "double whamey" because they have to watch their "babies" suffer AND their grandbaby. Patrick and I are very blessed to both come from such strong families. Thanks so much to Bud & Peg and Nana & Papa for all you have done and continue to do for us! We are so thankful for your support.....

Hospital stays.....

April 20th, we took Miller to the doctor because we were concerned with his lack of movement and "floppiness". I really thought that the doctor would laugh at us for being there and tell us to go home and be thankful that we had an "chill", laid back baby. My hopes were quickly shot down. The second the doctor walked through the doors, he picked up Miller's little arms and legs and watched them fall straight back down. I could immediatly see the concern in his face. He left the room for a little while and when he came back he told us he thought we needed to take Miller to the hospital to be seen by a neurologist. I can't even begin to explain the sick feeling I had in my stomach. I felt so helpless, and so sorry for my sweet, innocent, precious baby boy. We headed directly to the hospital, where we were promptly seen by a neurologist that was equally concerned with Miller's lack of muscle tone. After lots of blood work and numerous other tests, Doctor Schaefer came to visit. He told us that if Miller was his baby he would take him to Arkansas Children's Hospital. We agreed and decided we would leave first thing in the morning. I wanted to load up and go right away, but he reminded us that if we were to arrive at night we would have to be admitted through the ER and it would be very stressful. This way they would do all of the admittance paperwork for us and we would just arrive and be shown to our room. That was the longest night of my life! I hated the waiting! I wanted to get to ACH and get answers, fast! Miller slept in his bassinet and Patrick and I slept together in the hospital bed. Since our journey has begun, I have clung closer than ever to Patrick. He is my rock! I don't know what I would do without him! The next morning we waited for the ambulance to come get Miller. Patrick and I followed behind. On the ride down, we made contact with all of our family and friends to let them know what was going on with our baby boy. Once we were checked into our room, the "team" quickly arrived. I was overwhelmed by all of the people in our room and the fact that it seemed they were having class over my baby:(! I just wanted to pick him up and go home and pretend that none of this was happening. Once things settled down, and we got moved to a PRIVATE room, I was better. I LOVED our doctors and continue to keep in touch with a couple of them. Jim and Rhonda came to town the next day and brought Cole. What a breath of fresh air it was to see his smiling face! My parents were on vacation in Florida, and despite me telling them to stay put, they booked an early flight home and came to be with us. This was just the beginning of our support system! I can't believe how many people have reached out to us! We are truly blessed to have such caring people in our lives. The following pictures are from our hospital stays at Mercy and ACH.....