Two Months Old

Harper had her two month birthday on Monday and in celebration of the event, we had a photo session!






She's starting to smile so much and has started talking (well, minus the actual words) up a storm. I'll try to catch some conversation on video to post later this week.



We finished her antibiotics on Monday too and we're so thankful to be done. They were doing a number on her stomach and making diaper changing an interesting and very regular experience.

We had our first physical therapy session since leaving the hospital this week. Harper's stomach muscles are splayed from her omphalocele. This, along with her lack of tummy time will make her a little developmentally behind so PT will be a weekly appointment for us. Its more to teach Jared and me how to work with Harper when she's home and to track her progress. She's doing great with her head control, kicking and arm movement. Getting out of the house is an experience all together. I thought I was doing so well with my planning by trying to schedule PT far enough from a feeding that she wouldn't throw up everything she just ate but I went a little too long on the back end. She was good for about ten minutes and then "Rage" came out. Jared and I have decided if Harper was a UFC Fighter, her announcement into the ring would be: HARPER "RRRRAAAAAGGGEEEEEE" MEABON!!!! In other words, Rage is her alter ego that emerges when she's hungry or during bath time. And it is not pretty! The other physical therapists started shutting their doors to block out the screams. A little embarrassing but when the girl's hungry, the girl is hungry! I've learned my lesson and would prefer spit up over the screaming.

I've been getting the question about what Harper is wearing these days. At night, we have her in snap front gowns or one piece sets with the snaps open so her O peeks out. During the day we have her in pants and kimono or cropped tops. Harper and I had to have a serious discussion about the use of crop tops and midriff bearing shirts. This will be the only period of time in her life when crop tops are acceptable. They are not to be worn post surgery and should specifically be avoided past the age of 12. Under no circumstance will a crop top ever be appropriate for Spring Break.


We are so use to her O that its almost like another limb. I keep her covered when people come over, not because we're embarrassed about how it looks but because I don't know what people's comfort level is with seeing her O. But if you come by and would like to take a look, by all means, let us know. We're so proud of the progress its made and how good it looks compared to what we started with that we're happy to play omphalocele show and tell.

As we discuss surgery and the future, I've been thinking alot about what her stomach will look like later in life. Our surgeon has told me that she will have scarring on her stomach but they will try to make her a belly button when surgery is complete. It will be higher on her stomach than a "normal belly button" and it probably will look different. How do I give my little girl the confidence to not let any teasing effect her? If she ever gets teased about her belly, how do I convince my sweet girl that she is perfect in every way? I want her to realize how those scars will be a physical reminder of what God has done in her life and how many people prayed for her. I just hope I arm her with the confidence she needs to let her know her "differences" are really strengths and something to be proud of.

I have a few prayer requests to ask. First, welcome to the world Tobias! Tobias is a fellow O baby born last week. He's had his surgery and is doing so well. Please keep his parents, Carolina and John, in your prayers since they were discharged yesterday and are now back and forth to see their little man.
Please keep Kari and Scott in your prayers. They gave birth to Colin last Monday and Colin joined the Lord in Heaven on Tuesday. I ask that you pray for peace for Kari and Scott and for God's grace in their lives during such a heart breaking time.
Lastly, please keep my Uncle Denny and his family in your prayers. Denny has developed an infection in his brain and his body is struggling to fight it.

Much love,

Brooke