Whoopsie

I really didn't mean to go so long without an update. I suppose that only the die-hard Marley fans remain. Ah well, here's what we've been up to anyway.

As Marley approaches his 6 month birthday (6 months, people!), we decided it was time to introduce him to "solids". His first meal consisted of less than a tablespoon of breast milk mixed with a minuscule amount of rice cereal. He seemed confused, not sure why I was putting this strange spoon-thing in his mouth. But after a few more attempts, he began to really enjoy himself. Not sure that he actually EATS any of the food, but luckily at this point it's about the experience rather than the nutrition.

Mars had his last dermatologist appointment. His doctor felt that his rash was cleared up enough - almost completely gone on his face - that we didn't need to come back. Yay! We're still putting medicine on some rashy parts, but we expect it to be totally gone in a few more weeks.

I had my first Mother's Day! I woke up to blueberry pancakes and coffee in bed. Then, we walked to the Farmer's Market to buy flowers. Afterward, we met up with Jeff's family and went to the Mac and Jack's Brewery in Redmond. All in all, a very fun day!

We went to Mazama (take Hwy 20 East through Washington and Rainy Passes) for Memorial Weekend. Troy's aunt and uncle welcomed us,
once again, into their lovely mountain home. Luckily Mars was on his best behavior, so I think we'll get invited back.

Marley is growing up so fast. He loves to read books and play with his toys - he especially loves holding and chewing on the soft ones. He loves to play with his hands. He drools like a maniac. His legs are so strong, he can stand if you hold onto his hands.

When he's on his tummy, he kicks against the ground to move forward and he pushes up onto his forearms. He sleeps great - between 7 and 10 hours at night. He takes three naps a day, one or two hours each. He's still very good natured - lots of things make his smile, few things make him cry. We couldn't be more proud.

Babies Rock!

In just one short week, we raised $200 for March of Dimes. Thanks to all who donated. We had a great time doing the walk on Sunday. It began with a bus ride to Qwest Field. We arrived early and had a pancake breakfast, then walked around collecting freebies.


Jeff and I got very emotional reading the "Wall of Remembrances", where people shared their Preemies' stories. Memories of our NICU experience just came flooding back. I wish I would have known about it ahead of time so I could have made a poster for Mars.






Walking on the Viaduct was pretty cool, especially surrounded by all those families. Marley slept the whole time. The weather was great. Afterward, we got on the West Seattle Water Taxi and headed home.




The Walk itself was 3.5 miles, but we probably doubled it with walking to and from the bus and Water Taxi. Overall I'd say it was a success. I can't wait until next year!

What's red and white and wet all over?

Mars (with impetigo and thrush) in the bath tub, of course! As you'll hear, Jeff and I are complete fools over Marley's smile. Can you blame us?

March for Babies

It's kind of last minute, but we decided to do The March of Dimes: March for Babies this Sunday at Qwest Field. The March of Dimes helps fund important research on premature babies. Marley's entire course of care was based on this research, and we are forever grateful for all they have done.

Nearly half of all premature deliveries have no known cause. The March of Dimes Prematurity Research Initiative funds promising, innovative research into the causes of prematurity. The goal is to translate research findings into actions that will help prevent early births.

If you'd like to donate to our walk, visit our website. I've set our fundraising goal at $100 since we only have one week, but I'm sure if we raise more they won't turn it down! Thank you!

And The Rash Goes On

So, it turns out that my previous exclamation of "All Better" may have been just a little bit hasty. Marley's rash seems to be in a holding pattern, not willing to go without a fight.

The new assessment is that 19 days of antibiotics did a great job of killing all of the bacteria, maybe too great. Yeast was able to run rampant with no bacteria to keep it in check. So, we're going to try an anti-fungal, Nystatin, and hope that it does the trick.

The good news is that Marley is perfectly healthy, otherwise. He seems to be feeling okay, too. And his dermatologist assured us that the rash's days are numbered, and that the rash better watch its back, and if she were the rash she'd get out of town. That's not a direct quote, but it was something to that effect.

And the winner is...

No one! None of you made a guess as to how much Mars would weigh at his 4 month appointment, so you all lose! Okay, so maybe you just made the guess in your head, but you're going to have to get your own prize.

Well, our big boy weighed in at exactly 12 lbs - that's the 4th percentile for full term babies his age. His length was 24.25 inches, the 23rd percentile! Marley did NOT like the shots (he had four immunizations and a blood draw), but he seemed to be doing fine this afternoon. His face is still quite rashy and we continue to put ointment on it daily. It's hard to tell if it's getting any better. We go back to the dermatologist next Tuesday. Hopefully we won't need to make too many more trips there.

All Better!

Well, mostly. Mars still has a bit of rash on his face, but it's WAY better. We went to the dermatologist this week just to make sure that the infection was clearing up. A culture showed that the bacteria were gone! She prescribed more stuff to put on it and a different antibiotic. His mood has been much better, too. Thank goodness!