Sunday, February 13, 2011

Meeting Milstones

Harrison loves to be on his back with interactive toys. We're constantly playing music and interacting with him. He loves attention!! Today we found him grabbing the musical rattle hanging from the play gym. This is huge milestone for him based on the fact he was an extreme preemie. We have no doubt Harrison will not only hit normal milestones, but exceed them. We are so proud of him! He had started cooing and making sweet faces.
This little man can EAT! I had an abundance of milk in the freezer. Well...that supply is almost gone and I'm still pumping too. I've been able to keep up with him taking 4 ounces every 3 hours. He's wanting 5 now! My goal is to pump til April and hopefully, that will happen. If not, oh well... I'll never forget the lacation consultant telling me it was the one thing I could do for Harrison, besides prayer and being with him. So I haven't stopped since October 10th! I've tried breast feeding, but his reflx is soooo BAD! I bought a container of formula yesterday, which made me a little sad, but Harrison continues to want more and more and I can only produce so much! This might be a little TMI, but it's what's going on right now.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

We're Back!

We're back! I so wish I would have blogged during our 93 days in the NICU, but you know... I'm hoping to do a much better job now that we're home and settled. We have been blessed with our miracle baby, Harrison Luther Hardin. We can't wait to watch him grow.
I'm going to take you back two years ago. I found out I was pregnant two days after Mother's Day in May 2008. I was sick the entire pregnancy with many complications. I was 23 weeks and went into preterm labor on September 19th, 2008. Our precious baby girl lived for 78 minutes and passed away. We had here cremated and have her ashes at home. I will never forget that day. Little did I know, HE was preparing me for our precious son. Two years down the road, I became pregnant again! Ironically, I found out two days after Mother's Day just like with our baby girl. This baby had the same due date as our first baby! I immediately saw Dr. Wendel, high risk maternal/fetal dr. LOVE this Man!! He placed me on a strict diet, moderate then full bedrest, and NO STRESS! My pregnancy was so much different this time and I felt great. Well.....everything changed so fast. I went into preterm labor (26 weeks) again on October 7th, 2010. I was admitted to UAMS, where I was upside down for almost 4 days trying to hold off labor so I could get the two steroid shots. I DID IT! I couldn't take the pain anymore, so Harrison Luther Hardin was born via C-Section on 10-10-10 at 5:44 am. He weighed 2 pounds 2 ounces, 13 1/4 inches long. This journey has shaped me into the person I've become today. I believe I was chosen to help others and inspire women who have lost a baby or at high risk. God is so good and blessed us beyond measure. I met so many wonderful nurses and Dr.'s who I love so much. I consider them life long friends. We have the most wonderful family and friends who have supported us each step of the way. Here are a few pics of our journey.


23 Weeks Pregnant, 2010






Few Days Old

2 Pounds 2 Ounces






Few Days Old



1 Month







2 Months








3 Months









4 Months
9 Pounds, 9 Ounces