I missed writing an update for April, whoops! 

Well, it’s been 3 months since our beloved Liam has come home from the NICU, which means we are finally experiencing more days out of the hospital, than in. 

Since our last update, we’ve seen several specialists and have a better understanding of what we need to do to support Liam Joel. 
In two weeks, he will be going back to Connecticut Children’s for his next size gastrostomy tube replacement. Recently, Liam has been showing signs of discomfort, likely due to teething, so his feedings haven’t been as smooth as before, which is common. 
We continue to work with speech on his feeding challenges, but overall Liam has improved.

He also met with several other specialists including neurology and the genetics team, to name a few. Liam is also scheduled for surgery in late summer and then if all heals well, he will go for part two surgery six months later. 

At his last appointment, Liam was close to 24 inches long and weighing 13 lbs 6 oz. He will see his pediatrician in a few weeks and we will discuss starting solids. At the end of this month, he will be 6 months, but technically 4 months corrected age (it’s a preemie thing, if you know, you know). 😉

Since I’ve last written, we’ve entered into Springtime and we’ve celebrated a couple of holidays - Easter and Mother’s Day (see photos).

Liam has met several family members as well. Cousins, aunts and uncles, friends etc. We also ran into a few of his NICU nurses while leaving CT Children’s and it was incredibly special to see them a few months after he’s graduated.

Since he’s received more of his immunizations, we’ve visited a couple of places: Mystic Aquarium, Harkness Memorial Park, the beach, and the Nest Coffee shop (check it out!)

I started back at work last week and it was definitely an adjustment for all of us (just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month, our busiest time of year). I’m grateful to be back and feel very fortunate to have an organization to work for that understands and supports our little family. The team at NAMI are truly amazing! A highlight to my week was when Liam joined our staff meeting via Zoom - making his grand appearance. 

Some more highlights, and then I’ll stop boring you:

Liam has been smiling a ton and more recently started giggling when his Auntie Alex came by to visit. 
He also loves to say the word “Hello.” (I’m serious, he actually says it out loud. And he will continue to say it to get your attention!) He also practices his imitation skills by making the same movements and mouthing the words we sing or speak. It’s quite entertaining when we converse with him; Liam loves showing off his vocal range. Maybe we will have another singer in the family? 

We officially packed up his 0-3 month clothing and switched out his wardrobe to accommodate his 6-9 month clothes. 🥲

Some things to look forward to: A trip to the farm this weekend, and the NAMI walk on May 21, where he will meet some of my dearest coworkers and volunteers.
We also welcomed a new cousin into this world last month- Lillie Grace - and hope to meet her and more of our families and friends soon. There are so many more people and places to see and we are excited to share the world with Liam and Liam with the world. 

As each day, week, month, and season passes, I continue to count my blessings. Liam has brought out some of the most amazing qualities in my husband and I and has taught us the true meaning of love. 

Thank you for reading. 

Til next time, 

💗 Val