Guest Blogger

In an effort to jump-start Jill's blog, Jill has graciously allowed me (her husband) to update all of you on the goings on in our household.  Jill has not written at all because she has been so busy (and tired).I promised her that I would not turn this into a sports blog.  However, if any of you want to post any thoughts concerning off-season moves the Cincinnati Reds should make in order for them to return to their former glory, please feel free to comment.  I myself could write, talk, think, mull, etc. about why the Reds are terrible and what they need to do to improve for more hours than my wife would want to know about.  (For nonsports fans, the Reds are the oldest and some (myself) would say the greatest professional baseball team in the world).

Now, on to important news.  As many of you know, Jill and I adopted a daughter, Sophia, in late July.   Since that time we have had many ups and downs, but the good news is that we are all doing well.  Sophia is a wonderful baby and she is changing everyday.  We are thrilled that she is a member of our family.  I have to also say that she is a very cute baby.  I am sure that Jill will post some pictures in the near future.

As Jill indicated in her last post, Sophia was born with some health problems.  In short, her urinary system does not drain properly and she will require corrective surgery soon.  She has a tube in her abdomen to empty the excess urine.  Although we have had a few stressful days in the emergency room because her tube almost came out (twice), by far the most stressful part of our new parenting life has been Sophia's eating. 

Sophia has never been a good eater and this was compounded by an acid reflux condition that took the doctors over a month to treat.  There was a period of time during which it was very difficult to get Sophia to eat because she was so uncomfortable.  Getting her to eat required perfect timing.  As soon as a feeding would begin, Sophia would scream for up to an hour.  Eventually, she would become exhausted and start drifting off to sleep.  The feeding would have to continue while she was drifting off but before she was in a deep sleep.  If you tried to feed her too early, the screaming would begin again.  Feed her too late, and she was too drowsy to finish her bottle.  Needless to say, it was quite stressful and we seriously began to worry if we could get her to keep gaining weight.  (By the way, so you all know, Jill was basically a cool customer during all this.  Most of my references to stress, worry, etc. apply to me.)

Eventually, after many visits to doctors, nutritionists, and an occupational therapist, Sophia was properly diagnosed and put on baby Previcid.  She was also placed on a special formula (Emfamil A-R) that contains rice starch so that it thickens in the stomach and does not come back up easily.  Since her diagnosis, she has been improving slowly but surely.  Her eating has improved, she is gaining weight, and she is getting quite long (90th percentile).  She also has become a very smiley baby.  She loves to smile at her mom and at me and she loves seeing relatives and meeting new people.  She also loves to look at books, look at her Winnie the Pooh mobile, and most of all, take a bath.  She is growing and changing all the time.  She loves to be held (she really can't stand not being held).

There is much more to talk about, but I will let Jill fill you in on everything.  We feel very blessed by Sophia.  We have learned that parenting is challenging, but it is also rewarding.

Comments

[Lyrehca]

So glad to hear an update--looking forward to more. So glad Sophia is thriving!

[Lisa G]

Yay, you're back! So sorry to hear things have been rough, very glad it's getting better! Can't wait to see pictures. Please write soon Jill!

[Lisa G]

Yay, you're back! So sorry to hear things have been rough, very glad it's getting better! Can't wait to see pictures. Please write soon Jill!

[Sami]

Thank you so much for updating. We were praying for all of you and I am glad that things are on the upswing. Tell Jill we are all thinking of her and praying for little Sophia. I am so happy that you are a family. Can't wait to see pics! Sorry I got nothing on the Reds :D

[BethanyWD]

Glad to hear from the proud parents - we understand why you have been so busy. Take care and we all hope to hear more soon.

[ali]

Wonderful to hear from you guys. Sounds like you are getting everything under control!

[Ruby]

AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I am so glad to hear that though her health has been problematic, it's worked out and you are all a very happy family. I can't wait to see pictures!

Sorry, I know nothing about the Reds.

[jen]

What a wonderful surprise to find an update! My nephew had a very similar problem with his urinary tract. Luckily, after a year or so of a stoma for his urine, his plumbing has been rewired and he is doing well. I'm hopeful that Sophia's surgery goes well too!Thanks for the update!

[MelanieB]

Thanks for the update. We've been praying for Sophia. We'll continue to pray, I know facing the surgery will be scary.

[chancesmom]

Yeah!!!!an update! We are a-parents to a 6 year old spirited girl. It is so rewarding, but sooooo much hard work! Please lean on others (and the big guy) when you need too. Prayers for you all.

[Salome Ellen]

Hurrah! Praying for the wisest and gentlest doctors in the world, and a girl who learns to love eating as much as I do. (OK, well maybe not QUITE that much ;-D)

[In Search of Morning Sickness]

I found your blog actually only because of Sophia's birth announcement, and read back through ALL your history. I was so very touched and take aback and the depths of pain you have been through and the faith still intact. I cried and cried at the miscarriage when Jill's father also died. She wrote so beauitfully. Anyway, I am so happy that it looks like you two plan on posting some more now that Sophia is in your life. Blessings to you both.

[isabel]

I'm so proud of you guys! Glad to read the update. You go, parents!

[Amy]

So very happy that you are doing well. I enjoy Jill's blog, and have been hoping for an update. My own history is a little like Jill's, so I've been rooting for her. Sounds like you are all doing wonderfully, and hope you can get a little rest soon. Looking forward to more pics and news!

[Gina]

Hello Jill and Husband,

Thank you for the update, I've been praying for all three of you and hope that you'll have a Happy Thanksgiving. I'm so thrilled that you finally have a little one to hold in your arms. Take care!

[Karen]

Congratulations! I am so happy for the both of you. God is good.

[halloweenlover]

I'm so happy to hear from you! I'm sorry that Sophia has had some bumps in the road, but so so so happy to hear that you are a wonderful and happy family. Can't wait to hear more news!

[Alex]

I had lost the URL to your blog and thought I had lost your story -- then I noticed a link from another blog (Thalia's) and found you again.

I lost you before you were approved to begin the adoption process and I return to find you adoptive parents. I am so, so, so excited for you and for Sophia. Please accept my most sincere and heart-felt congratulations!!!

[louise]

Ah, thank you for the update! We will keep praying for Sophia's health! And we expect to see a few pictures soon, too, as well! :-) Blessings,

[Stilla]

So glad to get an update on yoru family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I pray that Sophia's surgery is successful and that God gives you all the grace you need just for today.

[Kate]

Congratulations! She is beautiful!

[June]

Its nice to see Castellini throw some money around to get Cordero...now, can we see some pics of the baby and get a post from Jill???

[karianne]

Hey guys,

Great to have you back. Glad to hear that all is well.

[lauren]

thank you so much Jills Husband! I have been waiting for an update for months! =).

I'm glad all is working out ok now and would LOVE to see photos when you have a chance.

I'm glad you finally were blessed with the baby you have always wanted.

[Emily]

I have followed this blog for quite some time and I have often wanted to comment but never could. My history is very similar...and I have cried many tears with Jill's blogs as I can relate all too well. More tears flowed when I read of your adoption and pictures of Sophia. My husband and I have been blessed this year as well - after many years of heartache. I feel as though my history mirrors Jill's. Good things come to those who wait! Congratulations to the both of you and best wishes to you and your family.