Mr. Miles: Journey of a Preemie

Bye Bye 2010!

2010-12-31T20:04:00.001-05:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!

I know it's not quite time but there is NO way that Mommy and Daddy are going to let me stay up that late. Come to think of it, I am not sure that I want to see myself awake that late. So I am getting mine in now.

Talk to you in 2011!

Love, Mr. Miles

Merry Christmas everybody!!!

2010-12-24T16:16:00.001-05:00

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Love, Mr. Miles (And the other Pierces of Concord- Mommy & Daddy)

Mountain Mover

2010-12-17T07:26:00.003-05:00

Hello Everyone! I am going to warn you that this will be a short one. But have no fear because I have some stories to tell you. But i just had to share part of an email that my Mommy and Daddy recently got from a friend:

Miles - Mountain Mover:
In case you need some history just check out the man's website: http://mrmilesanthony.blogspot.com/ He is a flat out miracle. To be honest though, he comes from two mountain movers who refuse to accept anything less than the miraculous. After hanging out with Mr. Miles a week ago I can see that hell is in trouble because nothing is going to stop this boy from doing WHATEVER God calls him to do. He just wont allow it. Keep it up mommy and daddy and Miles just might lead the church to perfection and send us all to Heaven... just because someone said it wasn't possible.

Wow....I guess Mommy and Daddy were on to something when they chose my name. Miles means "soldier" and "merciful". I guess I can see why Mommy and Daddy stay on me so much. I'm gonna do GREAT things one day!!! If of course I can make it through my toddler years.....but we'll get to that in the next post.

Love, Mr. Miles

Time flies.....

2010-12-01T18:06:00.004-05:00

Happy December!!! Wow time sure does fly when you are having fun! I hope that everyone had a super duper Thanksgiving....I know I did! Daddy, Mommy, me, and Stymie made a trip to Goldsboro. I had a great time seeing everybody. And of course my favorite part was playing with all of my cousins. Grandma Dot's house is the best because you can run and run and still not end up in the street. Daddy and Mommy even left me hang up late a few times. Unfortunately that didn't go as well as I would have liked. I guess Mommy works so hard to keep me on a schedule for a reason. Despite my best efforts I am just SOOOOO cranky when I don't get enough sleep. I guess Mom and Dad really do know best!

On the way back from Goldsboro we made a few stops. First we stopped to see Cousin Martin. I really enjoyed that visit. But it might have something to do with Mommy not being able to hold Martin because she was a little sick. But hey...I will take it however I can get it!

Once we left Aunt Courtnee's house we stopped at my Great-Aunt Donna's house. I got to meet my cousins from NJ that were visiting. The coolest part about that was that one of my cousins was named Myles (yep that's with a y not an i). He was 2 like me.....well really 2 1/2 but who's counting?!?

I was a little sad to find out that I wasn't going to get to see all my cousins again for Christmas. But then Mommy fixed that. We are going to have an early Christmas next week. Everybody is going to come and visit us in Charlotte so that we can celebrate together. So be sure to check back soon for the update.

FYI Mommy has finally done her homework and uploaded lots of new pictures. So please check them out when you have a chance.

Signing off for now.....Love, Mr. Miles

I'm baaaaaack.....

2010-11-03T07:39:00.007-04:00

.....and better than ever if I do say so myself!! As most of you probably already know I TURNED 2 last month!!! And boy do I know I am 2! Mommy says that I have a new air of maturity about me. She even moved my bedtime back a little bit. Well she did until Daylight Savings Time. Now no matter how hard I try, I start getting a little crazy around 6:00pm. And Mommy has no choice but to get me ready for bed. But no worries because I am up and at em between 6:30am and 7:00am much to Mommy's frustration. But don't blame me...blame whoever created this whole DST. I am as much a victim as Mommy is!

Since I am now 2, I have gotten involved in lots of new big boy activities. Mommy signed me up for a wonderful art class last month. However, I was less concerned with the art project and more concerned with hanging out with my buddy Max who turned 2 also. Mommy also took me to my first music class this week. I was supposed to go last week but I wasn't feeling well. But there are still 3 more classes that I get to attend. The music class was pretty cool! It was at the new yoga studio that Mommy's friend opened. Ms. Diane is really nice and she has known me for a loooong time. She taught Mommy yoga while she was pregnant with me!

Earlier in the month I got to go to Chapel Hill which is where Mommy went to school and the best public university in the state (Mommy made me add that part). It was Mommy's 10 year reunion!! We had a really good time. I got to hang out with my cousin Martin. I have to admit that the kids is starting to grow on me. He is almost as cool as I was at that age ;-). Before we left the area to come home, we all went to Uncle Anthony and Aunt Tina's house to hang out. We had a blast!!!

Well I am getting sleepy and running out of things to say. Mommy promises (like always) to get more pictures up soon.

Love, Mr. Miles

Leaps and bounds

2010-09-14T20:02:00.007-04:00

The title does not describe my movements (although now that I think about it, it probably does). But I was really referring to how much I have been learning lately. Mommy and Daddy have really been keeping me busy learning lots of new things. Mommy even put up some really cool posters to help me practice.

I already know most of my body parts. However, Mommy just recently introduced me to my elbows. I get the biggest kick out of saying that word "elbow".

I have also been working on learning my colors. Right now I know orange, purple, yellow, and blue pretty well. I am still working on red and green. I know orange so well that I even seem to find it whenever we are driving around town. You would be surprised at how many orange signs there are on the road. I also point out all the red lights I see. I don't think Mommy ever gets tired of that one.

Although I practice my letters every day I am not quite ready to share my knowledge with the world. So as not to discourage, I do point out the letter "I" whenever I see it written. However, I am keeping the rest of the letters to myself for the time being. If I give them too much they might expect me to perform at that level all the time.

In other family news, I got to go to Asheville to spend a few days with my Grandpa Rob for his birthday. He is really funny. He makes funny faces all the time. Sometimes I join in with him just to humor him. I can't have him looking silly all by himself. Asheville is a pretty cool place. You wouldn't believe all the good food that is there either! I can't wait to go back for another visit.

My other grandpa, or Papa as I like to call him, left to move to Richmond. I am pretty sad about that. But I know that I have to be strong for Nana. I have to try and keep her company while Papa is away. She says that Papa is gonna come back and visit us a whole lot.

This past weekend Mommy went away for almost 2 days!! I wasn't sure if Daddy and I were going to make it. But somehow we found a way. Daddy seemed a little sad without her. I did my best to cheer him up. I also made sure I was on my best behavior so that Mommy wouldn't worry. Daddy made sure to call Mommy every night so that I could talk to her before I went to bed. She even read me a book over the phone. I haven't figured out exactly how she did that. But she got most of the words right so I am not going to complain. I am not sure what all Mommy was doing while she was gone. But she sure was tired when she came home. So Daddy and I gave her a few days to get herself together.

Next week Mommy and I get to go with Daddy to Florida. So don't expect to hear much from me for awhile. :-)

P.S. my birthday is coming up soon....I'll be 2 on October 8th!! I can't wait. Daddy said that he'll just be happy to be able to say my age in years instead of months. He's so silly :-)

Love, Mr. Miles

Ain't no stopping me now....

2010-08-21T17:21:00.003-04:00

I'm on the move!! As you can imagine I am a pretty busy guy these days. 2 years old is just around the corner. These days I am most interested in READING, READING, READING! I absolutely LOVE to read books. I never get tired of bringing Mommy and Daddy books to read. But unfortunately they do. It's not my fault that I have so many wonderful books to read that I want to read them all....every day. When I am not reading I love to figure things out whether it be pushing buttons (remotes and electronics are my favorite), pulling handles (love those toilets), or turning knobs. Mommy and Daddy are always busy trying to figure out how to keep me out of certain things. But I always find something new to get into.

One thing that Mommy and I both enjoy is drawing with chalk on the sidewalk. I actually like to draw with everything (pens, pencils, crayons, etc.). But Mommy tells me all the time, that while that is okay at Nana and Papa's house, it doesn't quite work at home. So Mommy limits me to chalk outside and crayons with paper in my high chair.

I am also working on developing my musical tastes. Although I have to admit it usually starts and ends with Junior from Veggie Tales. I just can't seem to go to sleep without listening to Junior's Bedtime Songs album.

My Aunt Courtnee and Uncle Britt finally had my cousin Martin. He is a cutie too! Last time we stopped by for a visit, I didn't really get to play with him though. I was too busy with my dinner. I gotta prioritize! But Mommy assures me that I will get to see him soon.

Please check out my new pictures. There are some funny ones with my Grandpa Rob. I am so excited that I get to see him more often since he moved from California. He is always making silly faces.

Well that's all for now. It's time for dinner. Like I said, I have to prioritize!

Love, Mr. Miles

21 months and counting!

2010-07-09T15:46:00.007-04:00

Hi everybody! If you don't already know, yesterday was a very important day for me. I turned 21 months old which puts me 1 month closer to my 2nd birthday. I have been super busy since my last post.

The only thing that slowed me down a bit was my teeth. I have about 8 that are all trying to come in at the same time. Boy, has that been painful. Mommy and Daddy have tried to be extra patient with me during my cranky times. If only I could have bought stock in Ibuprofen and Orajel, I'd be a rich kid by now! Thankfully, 3 of them have already come through and I seem to be getting a temporary reprieve from the really bad pain.

Last month I got to help Mommy and Daddy celebrate lots of special days. First, Mommy had a birthday. Then we got to celebrate Happy Mommy's Day. And then it was Daddy's turn for Happy Daddy's Day. Coming up this month is Daddy's birthday. Adults sure do get to celebrate lots of days!

Last month we also had another family reunion. Only this time it was Papa's side of the family and it was here in Charlotte. I got to meet lots of new family members. There were lots of kids to play with too.

In the past 2 weeks I have gone to my first funeral and first wedding. We got to spend a week in Goldsboro because my great-great-aunt died. Mommy & Daddy said that I acted like a big boy at the funeral. Stymie even got to come and hang out with us (Goldsboro not the funeral). I got to spend lots of time with my cousins. Daddy even let me visit Uncle Danny at Krispy Kreme where I got to eat my 1st donut. I loved it even though Mommy made sure it didn't have any sugary glaze on it.

Then we had to go to Atlanta because Daddy was in a wedding. I don't want to brag but I was the life of the reception. I was a DANCING MACHINE!!! Everyone says that I must get that from Mommy because Daddy never dances. Pictures are coming soon.

Those of you on Facebook know that I briefly got to experience life forward-facing in the car. But on the way to Atlanta, Mommy and Daddy turned me back around. I was being too much of a busy-body to fall asleep. So I am back facing the rear again (for now). But don't worry, it really doesn't bother me at all. ;-)

Well Daddy and I are about to head outside for a few minutes. So I will have to chat with you later.

Love, Mr. Miles

One more thing....

2010-06-13T16:21:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! I almost forgot to tell you about one of my more recent achievements. Well technically I did forget since the last post was about a month ago. But I'm a busy guy with lots on my mind. The big news is that I graduated from play therapy! Mommy talked things over with my play therapist and my case worker. And they all decided that I really wasn't behind in any areas. And just like that....I was a graduate. Although I didn't get a party I did get a cool certificate and lots of hugs. So that was fine by me!! So now Mommy works extra hard to fill up that time with other fun activities.

A few weeks ago we got to go to Goldsboro to the family reunion! This is when Daddy's side of the family all gets together and reunes! :-) There was lots of food, games, and music. I had a BALL. But it took me two days to recover and catch up on all my sleep.

Last month we also got to attend the annual CMC NICU picnic that celebrates all the special babies that had to spend time in the NICU. I got to see some of the nurses that helped take care of me. Of course, I didn't remember them. But they SURE remembered me (I hope in a good way). While I was there I even got to ride a police motorcycle. That was the highlight of my day!

For the most part, I am just enjoying my summer hanging out with my family and friends. We have visited some pretty cool places. Cousin Jackson invited me to go to one of his favorite hang-outs...the nature museum. I got to see lots of cool animals. My new favorite place is the Kannapolis park which has a very cool water spray-ground. I thought I was a big boy running around playing in the water with all the big kids (pictures coming soon). It sure helped to beat the heat!

Mommy also tells me that I am going to have a new little cousin soon. When I saw Aunt Courtnee's tummy I knew that Cousin Martin must be ready to come out for sure! I can't wait to teach him all the things I know.

Well I'm off on another adventure!!

Love, Mr. Miles

What a day.....

2010-05-11T18:30:00.003-04:00

Hey Everyone! How have ya been? I have been well....as busy as ever. It's amazing how much life changes when you can walk. I haven't slowed down one bit, either! Before I forget, make sure that you check out the new pictures that Mommy uploaded. Daddy has taken some pretty good ones recently. And I am not just saying that because I am the subject of most of them ;-)

Today was a pretty harrowing day. I had my first trip to Urgent Care. That's where you go when you need to see a doctor really fast. Mommy had to take Stymie outside to go to the bathroom because the guy had come to spray the stinky stuff on our grass that is supposed to make it look really nice. I was standing at the door to watch them go. But Mommy didn't know that when she closed the door, the door decided to make a sandwich with my finger. Mommy and Daddy both thought I was crying because I wanted to go with Stymie. But then Daddy figured it out and it was a whirlwind from there! After the initial pain, I really didn't cry much even though my finger was huge. In fact, I happily sat in the car eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The Urgent Care was really cool. They had this machine with food in it and all these buttons and lights. Mommy must have been feeling extra sorry for me because she let me play with it all I wanted. Then they took me to the room in the back with all these fish everywhere. Finally, it was off to the room where the lady took some pictures of my hand. Even though Mommy and Daddy went with me, I didn't like it one bit. But the Doctor said my finger wasn't broken...just a little bruised. God knew what he was doing when he made little kids so tough!! So I went home after a dose of medicine and a cool picture of my finger.

The 2nd most exciting thing this month is that now I go to sleep all by myself. Although, I will be honest....Mommy and Daddy had to coax me into it. They call it sleep training. But truth be told I think it was more about training them more than me. At first, I cried when they left me in my room. But then I figured out that they would eventually come back. So when it is nap time or night night time, Mommy and Daddy put me in my crib and say goodnight. Then I lay there quietly with my stuffed pig (oink, oink) until I fall asleep. What a big boy!

Well I probably shouldn't be typing too much with an injured finger. So I am going to say good night for now!

Love, Mr. Miles

Almost There

2010-03-29T20:32:00.003-04:00

OK I am still playing catch up on my posting. There are just so many other things to do other than sitting on the computer. Well actually I do like to be on the computer. But it usually consists of me pushing lots of random keys while Mommy is trying to type. In fact, my favorite is the sleep key that makes Mommy's laptop go to sleep. I get a big laugh out of that one every time. But I digress....

OK back to January....I can't remember a whole lot of what went on back then. But I do remember that Mommy and Daddy got me dedicated. That is when a whole bunch of family and friends came to town. I got a pretty spiffy new outfit. And instead of going to the nursery I got to stay in the big church. Then we all got to go up on stage and Pastor Doug said some pretty cool things about me while these huge pictures of me played on the screens in the background. I was a TV star for a few minutes!!

In January, we also participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. parade. That was lots of fun. I got to walk (well stroll) with Mommy's Zetas and Daddy's Sigmas. I even made it on the news....well my stroller did anyway.

I also had my 15-month appointment which went really well. I guess I say that because it meant I didn't have to get any shots. That is my kind of appointment!!

February was pretty slow as well. I was busy teasing Mommy and Daddy with my early attempts at walking. But of course I am well on the move now. Ain't no stopping me now!!!

But I do have one sad thing to report. During our vacation to Myrtle Beach Mommy and Daddy decided that it was as good as a time as ever to take away my paci. Can we get a moment of silence please?!? But the good news is that I have been just fine without it!! I think sometimes Mommy misses it more than I do.

Anyway I think I am finally caught up. You now know all the biggies that have happened to me in the past few months. Please look for some new pictures in the near future.

Love, Mr. Miles

I'm a big boy now!

2010-03-06T20:52:00.004-05:00

I know I am supposed to be talking about January. But that seems so long ago. And I have so many exciting things to share. I am currently writing you from Myrtle Beach, SC where I am on vacation with Mommy and Daddy and some of our friends. We are having such a great time. I like it because I get to stay up late every night which Mommy doesn't let me do at home. Plus I have friends to play with whenever I want.

Mommy is excited because I am walking. Well....just between you and me....I knew how to do this for a long time. But I knew that once I started Mommy and Daddy were going to expect me to do it all the time. Boy was I right!! But I have to admit that this is kind of a cool way to get around. There is a whole new level of the things that I can get into as well. And boy am I getting into them. This week I have been on all kinds of adventures.....inside my suitcase....inside the dishwasher....there's a whole new world out there!! Mommy insists on sneaking pictures of me on all my various escapades (see above). To my delight, I also realized that I am now tall enough to reach all of the door handles when I stretch really tall. So now I have been able to access all those bathrooms that Mommy has always wanted me to stay out of (for some reason unknown to me).

Well Mommy says I am pushing my luck being up this late. So I guess I better get going.

Hopefully, Mommy and Daddy will put up some pictures from our vacation.

Stay tuned for more coming soon!

Love, Mr. Miles

December 2009

2010-02-01T14:00:00.006-05:00

How's it going? You are probably pretty mad at me. I know I have been gone for quite some time. No...I didn't have writer's block. Mommy and Daddy have been keeping me so busy that I haven't had time to check in with you all. So I am going to do my best to recall what has gone on over the past few months.

For starters, Daddy took Mommy and I on a few trips with him. I got to visit Charlottesville again. But I didn't get to see very much because it was sooooo cold. But I did have Stymie with me which made it a little better.

Unfortunately, I had my first real illness in December. Mommy heard me breathing funny one day and took me to the doctor. Turns out I had the beginning of an ear infection and croup. The doctor says that is when you bark like a seal. But Mommy gave me lots of medicine so I never got to find out what that sounds like.

Of course, there was the biggie...Christmas. Despite what you may think, I didn't really care very much about the presents. I was more interested in hanging out with my family and especially my cousins: Tajea, Khierston, Taylor, and Kendal. I got to see all of them plus lots more when we went to Goldsboro to visit my Great Grandma Dot. Even Stymie got to go!! I did get some pretty cool gifts. Mommy says that the house is finally starting to look like a kid lives there. I think all the bright colors add some pizazz to the place!

December also marked my transition to being a big boy. Mommy stopped nursing me and I also depleted my frozen milk supply (moment of silence please). So now I am a cow's milk boy all the way. I don't mind much though....food is food to me!

Finally, at the end of the month we had a special birthday party for Uncle Kyle. A bunch of his family and friends got to jump out and yell at him. I was more interested in playing with the cats. The night ended with food and cake. Grandma tried her best to sneak me a little cake but Mommy wasn't having it.

That's about all I can remember from December. I will ask Mommy to upload some of the pictures from Christmas so you can see how much fun I had!

Love, Mr. Miles

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-30T22:22:00.006-05:00

Hi everyone! I hope that you had as great of a Thanksgiving as I did. Mommy, Daddy, and I took a loooong car ride to a place called National Harbor, MD. Lots of our family members came from all over like NJ, FL, and MD. We had a great time hanging out! I got to eat so many new foods. Who knew what I was missing out on last year by hanging out in the NICU! I wish it could be Thanksgiving every day!!! But have no fear....I worked off all those extra calories by going on Cousin Andrew's tour of DC. I even got to ride on the Metro. We visited lots of great places such as this really good Greek restaurant (hey... a baby's got to eat!), the National Zoo, and the National Mall. I had such a great time. I can't wait until next year!

We also got to visit Chapel Hill. It was such a great experience. Everyone seemed pretty excited to meet me in person after watching my progress via Facebook. Mommy and Daddy took me to the football game where I got to see my Tar Heels beat Duke! What a night! Unfortunately they left me at the hotel during the basketball game. But don't worry.....Grandma Linda, Aunt LuLu, Uncle Don, and Cousin Khierston came over to keep me company. We also got to visit Aunt Toni and Uncle TJ who are expecting a little one of their own. So I gave them a crash course in baby-proofing.

While I enjoyed all the trips, I was happy to return to my puppy Stymie. Secretly, I know he missed me too. I hope you enjoy the pictures from my latest adventures.

Love, Mr. Miles

Bye Bye October

2009-11-01T18:08:00.005-05:00

Hi everyone....remember me! I know I missed posting during the month of October. But it was a busy month for me. For starters I turned 1!!! It is pretty cool turning one. Mommy is finally starting to treat me like a big boy. She has started giving me all kinds of tasty treats. It started at my birthday cookout. Micah and Amara's mommy made me some pretty tasty cupcakes for my birthday. Mommy said they were vegan. I am not sure what that means. It must be code for Mmmmmm good! I ate the whole thing! I had a really good time at my party. But I can't wait until next year when I will be walking around with everybody else. Ever since my party, Mommy has been giving me all kinds of delectable goodies that I didn't even know existed! For the most part it has been bye-bye baby food and hello yogurt, bananas, toast, cheese, and too many more to name. I eat it all too....well except for the stuff that I drop down to Stymie every now and then.

Since I turned 1 Mommy finally convinced Daddy that I was ready for a big boy bath. Now I get to take a bath in my very own tub. I have some cool things in there to play with too. I have lots of froggie friends and a really cool basketball set that I got for my birthday. Mommy always uses the balls to squirt me which makes me laugh.

I also got to go to my 1st birthday party in October....well 2nd if you count mine. My friend Isabel from Mommy and Me invited me to her 2nd birthday party. I had a great time there too. Her folks sure know how to throw a party! Best of all, my best bud Ethan was there. So we got to hang out.

Last week Mommy and Grandma Val took me to Patterson Farms with the other Mocha Moms and Mocha babies. First we got to see a puppet show (which kind of scared me). Then we got to look at all kinds of animals that I had only seen in books! Then we took a hayride. After that we got to pick our very own pumpkin to bring home. I was lucky cause my grandma let me have hers too! We ended the day with some pumpkin ice-cream! I was so tired that I slept the whole way home.

I also went back to the Dr.'s office. They couldn't believe how big I had gotten. I now weigh 16lbs. 15oz. I am still a lightweight. But they said that was ok. Crawling around burns lots of calories!! I definitely got longer though...27 1/4 inches. So I am creeping along. The not so fun part was that I got 4 shots in addition to a finger prick. Mommy and Daddy felt so bad that they each got 2 also. Then Stymie got a few as well.

So as you can see October has been a busy month for me. I am looking forward to doing some fun things in November. Mommy and Daddy are going to be taking me to this Chapel Hill place that Mommy seems to love so much.

I finally got on Mommy about updating the pictures. So she updated lots of new ones. I hope you enjoy!

Love, Mr. Miles

Buzz-y Buzz-y Bee

2009-09-24T15:48:00.004-04:00

Hi everyone! I know it has been awhile since you have heard from me. But I have been too busy to sit still long enough to let you know what has been going on with me! For starters, I have been racking up the road and frequent flier miles. In August Mommy and I took a trip down to Atlanta with Daddy. Mommy and I got to hang out at the aquarium almost every day. Then we took a trip to NJ. I got to see lots of Mommy's side of the family.

This month Mommy and I got to go with Daddy to Savannah, GA and Puerto Rico! Unfortunately Daddy had to work but Mommy and I did lots of hanging out. The flight to Puerto Rico, my 10th flight, was quite an experience. One of the flight attendants took a real liking to me. So she spent a lot of time hanging out with me on the flight. She even took me up to the cockpit so I could take a picture with the pilots. While in Puerto Rico I had lots of firsts....1st time taking a shower (I loved it), 1st time in the Atlantic Ocean (or any ocean for that matter), 1st time eating a tortilla, 1st time in a hammock, and 1st time sleeping through the night (Mommy loved that one the most). Our trip to Puerto Rico really inspired Mommy. So she has been speaking to me in Spanish every now and then. I don't know much of what she says. But my favorite is "Dame un beso". I never get tired of that one :-)

Even though we are back at home, I haven't slowed down one bit. I am now the proud owner of two front teeth (bottom center). And I am crawling everywhere that my knees will carry me. But just crawling isn't enough for me. I also pull up to standing every chance I get. Mommy and Daddy worked really hard to complete the Miles-proofing around the house. But everyday I show them one more thing that I am able to get into. Stymie just stays out of my way for the most part. But it won't be long until I am able to climb up on the couch and reach him.

And for those of you that don't know...I am turning 1 in just a few more weeks!! YAY!

Love, Mr. Miles

PS. Even though I have done my part by updating the blog Mommy has been too busy chasing me to upload any new pictures. So please be patient with her. ;-)

Boy how time flies....

2009-08-04T13:32:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone! I hadn't realized that it has been so long since my last post. But I have been super busy growing and learning new skills. I went for my 9-month appointment with Dr. Knutson last week. She and Nurse Tracy were really surprised how much I had changed since the last time they saw me. I was 15 lbs. 4 oz and 25 1/2 inches long. Although my height and weight are still below average for a 9 month old, Dr. Knutson assured my mommy and daddy that I cam catching up! My head circumference was a different matter. I am actually on the growth chart for a 9 month old in that category. Hey...big heads run in the family!

I also had my 6 month review for the CDSA program that I am in. This is the program that lets me have play therapy every week. The nurse hadn't seen me since I first came home from the hospital. She was pretty impressed with my progress as well. She asked my mommy a whole lot of questions. She gave me lots of crazy things to play with. Then she made lots of notes. The results were that I was somewhere around a 7-8 month old in terms of my progress. That is great considering that technically I could act like a 6 month old if I wanted to! My new goals are crawling and picking up things with my fingers.

I think I have this sitting up thing down. I also love to flip from front to back and back to front. I really am getting close to crawling. However, I like to roll to whatever it is I need. Much easier on the knees!! I also do this spin move on my belly like an old school break dancer. Stymie better watch out!!

Mommy has started giving me lots of new treats in addition to the yummy cereal, fruits, vegetables, and meats that I have been eating. I absolutely LOVE the teething biscuits. But Mommy does not like the fact that she usually has to give me a bath afterwards. The puffs are much cleaner. I am almost able to keep them in my mouth the whole time without Mommy's help. Of course Stymie also likes the teethig biscuits and puffs, as he usually gets to eat whatever pieces I drop.

I think that is all for now. I hope everyone is having a great week!

Love Mr. Miles

My first day of school

2009-06-26T11:00:00.004-04:00

Hello! A couple of weeks ago I had my first day of school. It was all that I imagined and more. For some reason there weren't any other kids there. But there were lots of adults that wanted to hold me, talk to me, and play with me. I had a blast!! Mommy wasn't so fortunate though. She was in her old classroom cleaning and packing. Daddy and Mommy thought it was best that Mommy continue to stay at home with me. Bad news for all those other kids, but GREAT news for me. So Mommy and I will continue to get to hang out at cool places like Mommy and Me yoga, Mocha Moms, etc. Another benefit for me is all the cool stuff Mommy got to bring home. I can't wait to check out all the posters, toys, and new books that Mommy has. I think it is pretty cool that my Mommy was a teacher. She says how lucky she is to be able to teach me. I can't wait!!!

As if the first day of school wasn't exciting enough, my Uncle Kyle graduated from high school. We had lots of family members come into town. I got to meet aunts, uncles, and cousins for the first time. It was great!! Here is a picture with Uncle Kyle right after graduation. You will have to excuse me but it was a long weekend and I was tired and hot.

That's all for now! Stay cool! Love, Mr. Miles

We Are Family!

2009-06-09T08:17:00.002-04:00

Over Memorial Day weekend, we packed up the car and headed to Goldsboro, NC for a family reunion. I can't tell you much about the trip because I was deep in meditation......ok ok I was asleep. Let's just say that I was saving up my energy for all of the excitement!
I got to see lots of my Daddy's side of the family. There were old favorites like Grandma Linda, Aunts LuLu, Tina, and Kristy, Uncles Don & Anthony, and Cousins Khierston & Taylor. I also got to meet my new baby cousin Kendall. It was exciting to meet someone who slept more than I did! I also got to see my Great-Grandma Dot. I haven't seen her since the time she came to visit me in the hospital.
Then there were a host of new cousins and aunts and uncles that I met. There were too many to name! I have never been passed around so much in my life!
We had a great time. I even got to see my Mommy get 2nd place in the hula-hoop contest. I can't wait until next year when I can run around with everyone else as well as eat some of that tasty-looking food.

I have to go for now. Mommy and I have some errands to run for Uncle Kyle's graduation this weekend. Mommy tells me that I will get to meet lots of family from her side! Who knew one little baby could have so many relatives?!?

Love, Mr. Miles

NICU reunion picnic

2009-05-29T13:18:00.007-04:00

Hello again! Suprised to hear from me so soon?!? Things have slowed down a bit and I have a little more time on my hands. Plus I have an awful lot to tell you.

Right after we returned from our Dallas trip, we had a very special event to attend. We went to the annual CMC NICU reunion picnic. This event is for all the big boy and big girl graduates of the NICU. I was looking for some of my old suitemates but I didn't see them. I did get to see many of the doctors and nurses that helped take care of me during my stint at the NICU. I even got to see the doctor who took care of me right after I was born. I don't think she really remembered me though. I did get to see nurse Stephanie who was one of my favorites. Actually she is probably my #1 favorite because she is the one who helped me go home. And the biggest surprise of all is when Mommy and Daddy and I drove over to the hospital. We got to see Dr. Lessaris who was my FAVORITE doctor. (And I am not just saying that because she is probably going to read this post). Mommy was SO happy to see her and she was so happy to see me. She spent quite a bit of time talking to me and playing with me. I felt so special! Here is a picture of the 3 of us!

I can't wait until next year's picnic. There were so many things that I couldn't get into this year. But I will be ready next year!! I have to help Mommy *wink* load the NICU picnic pictures. Until the next post.....

Love, Mr. Miles

Home At Last

2009-05-27T15:32:00.009-04:00

Since my last post I have been in the air again. Since returning from FL, Mommy, Daddy, and I flew back to Texas. Boy was it HOT !!! I don't remember too much about the trip because I slept a lot
to try to escape the heat. This time we flew to San Antonio to visit my Uncle Sonny, Aunt Elenah, and Cousins Sterling and Danielle. We had a great time. I even got some pointers from Cousin Sterling on some big boy things I can try!

After spending some time in San Antonio we drove to Dallas. I felt a little bad for Daddy because the trip was reallly long. Mommy tried to stay awake as much as possible to keep Daddy company. I, on the other hand, slep the entire time.

In Dallas, I got to hang out with the Mason family. Of course, I spent lots of time with Aunt Paula.

While in Dallas I even experienced my first sink bath. It was quite the experience!

Stay tuned for some more posts re: the NICU reunion picnic and the family reunion. Also look for new pictures from all of my trips!

Love, Mr. Miles

On the Road Again.....

2009-04-22T18:34:00.004-04:00

Well actually in the air again would be more appropriate. Mommy, Daddy, and I flew to Florida for a week-long vacation with my Grandma and Grandpa. We have been having a great time! I get to hang out with my Uncle Trigger (I guess that is his real name). He likes to talk to me in the silliest voice. It just cracks me up! I also met my Aunt Tish and cousins Jam and Zion. I REALLY like Zion. He gives me all kinds of stuff to take home with me.

Today I went on my first boat ride. Along the way I even got to see some dolphins. I was so excited by the boat ride that I slept the whole time we were on Shell Island. That was after I got my first diaper change on the beach! My grandma said that she used to change my Mommy's diaper on the beach all the time. I tried to take a fistful of sand home with me as a souvenir but Mommy caught me.

Mommy and Daddy got me some really cool sunglasses to wear. They are not too bad and the ladies seem to love them! Tomorrow I am hoping to try out my new swim trunks and top in the pool.

Keep an eye out for the pictures from our trip!

I will be back on Friday. And Saturday morning is the March for Babies walk!! www.marchforbabies.org/bluprncss or www.marchforbabies.org/ForMiles Last chance to donate!!

Love, Mr. Miles

I'm Still Here!

2009-04-14T17:31:00.004-04:00

Hello All,
I know it has been awhile since you have heard from me. But my Mommy and I have had a lot of things going on. For starters, we have been working to raise money for the March of Dimes March for Babies. There are only 11 days left until the walk. If you haven't done so already, please consider sponsoring me in my efforts to raise money for preemies like me! You can do that at www.marchforbabies.com/bluprncss. If you are one of my Daddy's friends you can donate on his site at www.marchforbabies.com/ForMiles. But it all goes toward the same great goal....making sure that all babies get their full 9 months!! Thanks to the folks who already donated!

I also had my first plane ride last week. Mommy and I tagged along with Daddy on his trip to Dallas, TX. You would have thought I was an old pro at this flying thing. I did a great job. The other passengers seemed pretty impressed with me. Truth be told, I really don't know much of what happened. I was sleep in my Mommy's arms on both flights! Dallas was really fun too. I got to see my Aunt Paula who always sends me the best stuff! Her and Mommy went book shopping for me. Boy, did I rack up!

I also got to visit my Mommy and Daddy's church family in DeSoto. Everyone was really excited to see me. They were all waiting a very long time for me to get here!! I got a little bit overwhelmed though because Texans are REALLY loud! But Mommy and Daddy sure seemed happy to see them as well.

This week I am going on another plane ride with my Mommy and Daddy as well as Grandma and Grandpa. We are going to Florida to visit my Uncle Trigger, Aunt Tish, and Cousins Jamiroquai and Zion. I can't wait! Daddy says that we are going to go swimming in the pool!

In other news, I got my last RSV shot this week. I am now 11 lbs 4 oz!! Mommy says that I am getting ready to move up in my diaper size from a 1 to a 2. I am also about to outgrow my NB and 0-3 mos. clothes. I also turned 6 months old on Wednesday! I'm a big boy now!!

That's all for now!

Love, Mr. Miles

***NEW PICTURES UPLOADED***

March for Babies!

2009-03-17T12:52:00.006-04:00

Good afternoon friends & family!

Some of you may have noticed that really handsome banner to the right. It is not just there for you to look at. As you know I was born at 26 weeks which is quite a bit earlier than I should have arrived. Thanks to a great deal of prayer I did not have many of the problems that premature babies face. However, my Mommy and Daddy believe that I came here early for a reason. So as my first official preemie duty I would like to bring awareness to the March for Babies and more importantly March of Dimes.

The mission of March of Dimes (http://www.marchofdimes.com/) is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. I am sure this is a cause we can all stand (or crawl) behind regardless of your political or religious affiliation. As such, I would implore you all to consider making a donation to this wonderful cause.

On April 25th at 9:00am, my Mommy, Daddy, and Grandparents (and anyone else who wants to join us) will be walking in the March for Babies in uptown Charlotte. I would love for you to help sponsor us in this walk. My hospital bills were almost $250,000 and I was pretty healthy. Our goal for this year is to raise at least $1,000 to help babies like me. You may not know but I also have a sister Maya Angeline that was born too soon at 20 weeks and went on to heaven 01/30/07. Even before Maya was born my Mommy and Daddy were supporters of March of Dimes. But now this cause is even closer to their hearts and those that are close to us.

Please consider supporting us. Consider it an early 1st birthday present! (You're not gonna hold me to that are you?!?) Just kidding. If you would like to make a donation, you can click on the banner to the right or you can go to my Mommy's page at http://www.marchforbabies.org/bluprncss or my Daddy's page at http://www.marchforbabies.org/formiles Remember that no donation is too small!

Love, Mr. Miles

All things new!

2009-03-16T17:01:00.006-04:00

Here is the quick and dirty of what is new with me!!

New photos...click on the box to the right to read the captions.

New weight....9 lbs. 14 oz.

New progress....I am talking up a storm now. Nobody is sure what I am saying but I sure am talking!!

New shot.....RSV shot today. 1 more to go.....

New hematology visit on 3/9/09....only a heel stick once again....all values continuing to go up....1 more visit next month....

Love, Mr. Miles

Happy 5 months to me.....

2009-03-09T11:48:00.004-04:00

Happy 5 months to me..happy 5 months to me...happy 5 months to me....happy 5 months to me!!

So as you can tell I turned 5 months yesterday. We celebrated with a trip to the park with Stymie & Darla. They actually seemed more excited to be at the park than I was. I am still trying to get used to being outside. Just when I started getting used to the bright sun, the wind gets thrown into the mix. I DID NOT like the wind too much.

After our trip to the park, we celebrated with a UNC victory over Duke. Grandpa Frank did not seem too excited about that one for some reason.

Life has gotten much better for me since my last post. Although Mommy tells me I have a hematology appointment this afternoon. But those usually aren't too bad.

Other than that I am a happy little guy. I LOVE taking baths and reading books with Mommy & Daddy (not at the same time of course). Daddy likes to sing me silly songs. I try to humor him. I do like when he plays me Veggie Tales silly songs (If it doesn't have a tail it's not a monkey...). I don't like tummy time too much. But Mommy says that it is going to help me continue to build up my neck muscles. I am almost ready to keep my head up full-time on my own. And I am also going to be rolling over before Mommy and Daddy know it. I have really strong leg muscles already. And I like to entertain everyone with my baby squats. I am staying awake more during the day and sleeping more at night.

Well that's it for now! Gotta go get some sun!

Love, Mr. Miles

What a week....

2009-02-27T14:30:00.004-05:00

So it's been a rough week...scratch that...it's been a rough month! In addition to my previous posts I have had more sticks, pokes, and cuts than any baby should have to endure. In addition to my RSV vaccine on Monday of last week, Mommy & Daddy got the bright idea that I should be circumcised on Friday. Mommy swears she tried to get it done while I was in the hospital but the doctor thought I was still too small. Without going into any details....let's just say the whole family was traumatized by the experience. So then I recovered from that but had to go today to get my 4-month vaccines. The nurse was kind enough to realize that there was an additional vaccine I needed in addition to the expected ones. So I got 3 more shots today. I know I am a tough kid and all but these doctors and nurses are pressing their luck. I need a vacation.....

In happier news I am now 8 lbs. 14 oz....just shy of 9 lbs. The doctor says that I look great and am right on track.

Mommy hopes to get some new pictures posted. So check back soon!

Love, Mr. Miles

What's New?!?

2009-02-16T16:17:00.002-05:00

So I have lots of stuff going on these days. For starters, I have a hot date every Friday afternoon. Well maybe it's not really a date. But this nice lady comes over every Friday afternoon for "play therapy". I am not sure if it is therapy for me or her but I enjoy it. She is always trying to make me do things like moving my head side to side, stretching my arms and legs, following her toys with my eyes... Usually I am more interested in watching the ceiling fan or my mommy. But I try to humor her.

Today I went for my monthly RSV vaccine. I couldn't help myself....I had to scream. I am a pretty tough guy but that thing hurts. But my Mommy held my hand during the shot and then held me afterwards. And Daddy was right there trying to distract me. In the words of my Grandpa "I shouldn't be alive..."

The highlight of the visit was my weigh-in. I am 8 lbs 4 oz. And I managed to not pee on the scale as they were weighing me. That's quite an accomplishment for me!

Other than that Mommy was a little sad today as she was dressing me for my appointment. First she put on one of my preemie 1-piece outfits. It fit okay except I couldn't stretch my legs out. So Mommy tried one of my preemie onesies. But it was way too snug. I am not sure Mommy is ready for me to be growing so fast. My Grandma told my Mommy that she was the same way as a baby. Although she was small like me she was pretty long. So Mommy is sadly cleaning out the preemie clothes and washing my newborn clothes. But I am excited to get to wear some new clothes!!

Well I think that is all the news that is fit to print (another Grandpa saying).

Love, Mr. Miles

Hematology visit 02/09/09

2009-02-11T20:55:00.003-05:00

So I am sure you have all been waiting to hear how things went on Monday. Unfortunately Mommy and I were on our own because Daddy had a training that he could not get out of. Despite all of Mommy's preparation, we still had a slightly rough start getting out of the house. But luckily Mommy left plenty of time and we made it to my appointment with time to spare! Mommy made sure to pray over me and the doctor and nurses before my visit. The nurse started off by weighing me. I weighed in at 8lbs 3 oz!! Then the doctor examined me. He said I looked great. Finally the nurse came in to check out my veins. After a thorough examination she decided that my veins were still a bit too little for her to go poking around in. So she opted for a heel stick. Mommy sure was relieved! I didn't even make a whimper when they did the heel stick. They got plenty of blood for the tests they needed to run.

Fast forward to later that evening......the nurse called with great news. All of my lab values that they were concerned about had risen. So I don't have to go back for another month. What a relief.....

Well I would love to hang out and chat but it is time for my first Carolina vs. Duke game. I have on my Carolina blue onesie and I am ready to go.
TAR-HEEL....

Love, Mr. Miles

Splish Splash

2009-02-04T13:51:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone! Who is the cleanest baby in town?!? Mr. Miles, of course! Mommy and Daddy gave me my first bath on Sunday. It was quite an experience for all of us. Of course, Daddy documented the whole thing. Mommy & Daddy bought me this really cool bath tub. It was made by other mommys that wanted to make bath time better. My tub has a built in thermometer. But the coolest thing is that it has a clean water flow. So if I accidentally tinkle due to all the excitement (it happens to the best of us), the dirty water is flushed right out! Mommy put my tub into her garden tub and climbed in with me. So I wasn't scared at all. I had a good time in the bath until it got too close to dinner time. Mommy has posted some of the pictures in the album. And yes I approved all of the pictures she posted. No naked pictures of me gonna be floating around the internet for my first girlfriend or boss to see! I have to protect my image if I am going to run for president one day....

Love, Mr. Miles

Hematologist/ NICU Visit 01/27/09

2009-02-04T12:41:00.004-05:00

My Mommy apologizes for the delay in updating. We went to visit the hematologist or Dr. Torture as I like to call him. The visit went well. He wasn't too concerned about me. But then he put 2 nurses on me who stuck me over and over and over again trying to get some blood to run their tests. They finally decided to do a heel stick like they used to do in the NICU. I did think the Garfield band-aids were cool. Plus I got to come home and show off my battle scars to Stymie! Mommy and Daddy took me back to the NICU for a visit while we waited for the results. More on that later. Good news is that my hemaglobin levels came up. Not so good news is that my white blood cell counts went down. So I have to go back Feb. 9th to follow-up. All I'm saying is that those nurses better sharpen up on their skills before then!

I did have a really good time visiting in the NICU. I got to see lots of my friends (nurses & doctors) that took such good care of me. Daddy took lots of pictures which Mommy uploaded to the album. So now you get to meet some of the people that I used to hang out with.

Enjoy! Love, Mr. Miles

Weight Check

2009-01-27T10:28:00.004-05:00

Good morning! We just came back from my weekly weight check. Mommy and Daddy were placing bets (for fun of course) on how much they thought I would weigh. And Daddy won! He guessed 7 lbs 2 oz. Mommy went back and forth but decided on 6 lbs 14 oz. I shocked them all (including my nurse and doctor) by weighing 7 lbs 9 oz!! I sure showed them! So now I don't have to go to the doctor for weekly weight checks anymore. I am happy about that because it is hard to get going that early in the morning!

We also have a doctor appointment this afternoon with the hematologist. My Mommy says that my iron has been low. Apparently I missed that memo because I have been feeling great and having lots of energy! So Mommy and Daddy and I are going to meet with a new doctor to make sure that everything is ok. So please say a prayer for us!

Well it is time for my mid-morning snack. Mommy bought me some new bottles yesterday. So far so good! These bottles help reduce the amount of air I take in. So I am "tootin" much less than before. I don't know if it was for my benefit or for Mommy and Daddy's benefit!

Love, Mr. Miles

Update

2009-01-22T13:43:00.003-05:00

By the way..... the doctor's office called my Mommy yesterday and delivered the good news. My liver function tests were all normal! So I no longer have to take two of the medicines, including the yucky vitamins that turned everything orange (And I do mean EVERYTHING).

Also my Daddy said that some of you are asking about the wires that are in some of the pictures. I had to come home with an apnea monitor (see Infant Apnea Monitor). It keeps up with my breathing and heart rate. If I forget to breathe, it makes a REALLY loud sound to remind me. Stymie hates it and runs away when he sees it coming. I don't mind it except for when it goes off even when there is nothing wrong with my breathing and heart rate. Mommy and Daddy say that I won't have to keep it for too much longer. But I think it bothers them more than it bothers me. I can sleep through anything.....

Love, Mr. Miles

Doctor Visits Galore!

2009-01-20T19:23:00.006-05:00

Dear Friends & Family, I have lots to report. On Tuesday I went in for my weight check. I now weigh *drum roll please* 6 lbs. 5 oz. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me. If that is all it takes to make them happy..... Then the mean nurse gave me a shot. They keep telling me it is for my own good. The shot is supposed to protect me from RSV. Unfortunately, I have to get this EVERY month until RSV season is over in March or April. I have to admit that I did cry quite a bit with this one. But Mommy and Daddy were right there with me the whole time!

Today I had to go back to the hospital for a follow-up with my GI doctor. She checked me out and said that I looked great. But I already knew that. Mommy & Daddy tell me that all the time! Then she sent me off with these nurses who took a whole bunch of my blood. This was the first time my blood has been taken from a vein in my arm as opposed to a heel stick. It was kind of scary. But as usual Mommy and Daddy were right there with me. But even scarier than the blood draw was the crazy nurse. While Mommy and Daddy were getting me settled down, the nurse reached over and kissed me repeatedly on the forehead. Mommy and Daddy almost lost it. But Mommy calmly wiped me down with some baby wipes until I was good and clean! Anyway the doctor is supposed to call Mommy tomorrow and let her know if I can stop taking two of the medicines that I have had to take for jaundice ever since I came home from the hospital. I know Mommy will be happy about that. She is tired of trying to get out the orange stains from all of my clothes.

After my doctor visit we went back to the NICU for a visit. I got to see one of my favorite nurses (Stephanie) as well as my favorite respiratory therapist (Erica). They were my favorite because they tended to give me what I wanted. Erica always helped me out by removing those tools of torture (AKA CPAP and ventilator). Stephanie was the one that discharged me.

I think that is it for now. Time for a diaper change!

Love, Mr. Miles

Baby Kangaroo

2009-01-18T16:46:00.006-05:00

My Mommy just bought the best thing for me. It reminds me of the good old days back in the womb. As soon as she puts me in I go right to sleep. And Mommy can go about her day. If only I could stay here all the time.....

By the way, Mommy just uploaded new pictures to the web album. So click on the link to the right to check me out! Daddy got a new camera for Christmas. So he has been taking hundreds of pictures. Therefore Mommy is only putting a selection on the website.

Love, Mr. Miles

Pediatrician Visit 01/13/09

2009-01-13T10:28:00.006-05:00

So I have good news and bad news for you. Bad news first. I didn't gain much weight since last week. I weighed in at 5 lbs. 10 oz. today. Now the good news...Mommy and Daddy are supposed to feed me more. Well I guess that is good news for me. Not so much for them! Mommy and Daddy are supposed to help me eat more during the day in hopes that I will also sleep more at night. The nurse says that Mommy should add steak sauce to my milk. Not sure what that is all about. I have already listened to my doctor. I just drank 100ml which is a little over 3 oz. So I am well on my way back to chunky baby status! I have until Monday (my next weigh-in) to make it happen! As always it is time for my nap. Hey, growing is hard work!!

Love, Mr. Miles

Homecoming!

2009-01-11T18:52:00.008-05:00

So quite a bit of time has passed since my Daddy started this blog. Daddy put Mommy in charge of updates. But please don't be mad at her. She has been putting most of her energy into taking care of me! As you may already know, I came home on

December 23rd. A full 2 1/2 weeks before the doctors thought I should. But they should have learned that I move on a different schedule.

I am adjusting to life in my new home. Mommy says that I am a pretty good baby. I don't cry much. I only fuss a little when Mommy and Daddy are slow bringing the milk. I eat every 3-4 hours and usually sleep in between.

I am not exactly sure how Stymie feels about me. My grandpa calls him "my faithful companion". But I am not exactly sure how "faithful" he is! I have really only seen Darla from a distance. She scratches at the window every now and then. I am hoping to go visit her when it gets warmer outside.

I have had quite a few trips to the doctor since I have been home. My pedatrician mostly weighs me. At my last visit I was 5 lbs 9 oz. Mommy and Daddy call me chubby! I also got all my 2-month vaccinations. I barely even cried. I had to visit the eye doctor as well. The doctor said that everything looks great. But I could have told him that. So I don't have to go back there for 6 months.

Both of my grandmas have come over for visits. I love when they come because they just want to hold me all the time. I would love to have more visitors. But please make sure that you haven't been sick recently. And Mommy & Daddy say that I am not allowed to play with other kids right now. So unfortunately they can't come around for a little while.

It's time for my nap. But thanks for visiting. Mommy promises that she will update again soon. So please check back again.

Love, Mr. Miles

Fashionably Early

2008-11-14T10:11:00.002-05:00

Hello World! 10/8/08 This is when I burst on the scene.....literally. The doctors did not know why my Mommy delivered me so early. They could not figure it out. They could have just asked me. I could not wait to see that person who has been talking to me so long. I wanted to see her face,. No one told me that my eye sight would not be ready this early! I could smell and hear her though. It was just as sweet as I imagined.