Welcome to Munchkinland

The name of my blog used to be "The Life and Times of a Mom Times Three". Well, on March 22nd, I became a mom again, for the 4th time. I know it's a bit late, but I feel the need to blog about this important event in my life anyway.

"Munchkin" was born 7 weeks early, but was 5 lbs. 7 oz. and relatively healthy, all things considered. I didn't get to see him for the first 4 hours of his life, but when I did finally see him, this is the sweet little face that I saw.....

Having a baby in the NICU is one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. Twice a day, sometimes more, I would drive up to the hospital just to spend an hour or two with my sweet little boy. He slowly began to improve, and on the 2nd day of his life, he was taken off the CPAP machine that had been helping him breathe. That same day, I got to hold him for the first time.....

By the 4th day, they removed the oxygen tube from his nose, and he was breathing all on his own. The only thing left was the feeding tube.....

All in all, "Munchkin" was in the NICU for a total of 18 days, and on Easter night, we were able to take him home. Even with all of the candy and trinkets that the kids found in their Easter baskets and on the egg hunt, having their baby brother home was definitely the highlight of their holiday. On a day when we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, I was especially mindful of His many gifts and blessings.....

Now 2 months later, "Munchkin" is growing, thriving, and bringing more happiness to our home than I could have ever imagined. Those 18 days that I was seperated from him still make me ache from time to time, and I find myself never wanting to leave his side. His beautiful face brightens my day, and I feel very blessed to have these 4 wonderful children in my home and in my heart.....