Unprepared

I realize it has been a VERY long time since I last posted, but I've made a decision to start writing more often, and this will be my main outlet.

When entering the world of parenthood, there is a lot of preparation that occurs. Reading, shopping, advice gathering, laundry, nesting, and setting up the perfect nursery.  And then you are handed a baby and realize that all of those articles online did nothing to actually prepare you! Yes, you may have 7 handouts on how to put your baby to bed safely, but you will still check on them multiple times and wonder if they are too hot, cold, hungry, gassy, or if they've spit up.  Then, you figure out a routine, get to know your child, and you quickly become a pro. This is exactly how I felt welcoming Molly into the world.

When Adam and I learned that we were expecting another little Hoff, we did little to prepare.  We were already pros! We set up Molly's big girl room and moved her out of the nursery only a few weeks before the baby was born. We knew how to be parents and felt confident that this other baby would be an easy task.

Unfortunately, we were no where near prepared for what lie ahead. No one can prepare you for the devastating news that your baby is not the healthy, screaming baby you expected. No one can prepare you for the uncertainty of what is happening when your baby is taken for observation directly after birth.  No one can prepare you for four weeks in the NICU and two surgeries. No one can prepare you for a complete overhaul on what you thought your future would look like.

We are slowly preparing, learning, and growing as we re-plan our future and learn how to best help Jacob. We know that the love and support we have received is making a huge difference and that the love Jacob receives helps him every day. We thank God that he has a healthy heart and that we have the support system we do. He is a healthy 4 month old, who loves to roll and "talk" to us.  We know our lives will be different than we planned, but just as full of love, laughter, and family. What more could you want?

Here are the milestone's in Jacob's life so far, and I promise there will be more stories as time comes.

November 5th: 
6:30 PM - start of contractions
8:30 PM - me telling Adam we needed to head to the hospital
10:30 PM - Welcome Jacob Michael! 6 lb. 15 oz, and 19 3/4 inches long

November 9th: surgery to repair duodenal atresia

December 2nd: surgery to remove bilateral cataracts

December 3rd: HOME!! Time to meet big sis

February 7th: He started rolling over (and now, he rolls across rooms and into things!)

As promised, I will be more frequent with this blog, but I had to introduce our gorgeous, 4 month old son.

Sidenote - I started this blog post at least a month ago and couldn't seem to finish it.  I'm glad I finally did. Maybe, that will inspire me to keep it up!