Hello everybody. Thought we would give a update since it has been awhile. I am now back to work and dad is staying home with Zach. It is hard to leave in the morning because that's when Zach is in the best mood. He wakes up smiling everyday !!!!!!!! Guess he is glad to be here, it is almost like he knows what he has been through and appreciates every new day. We went to his first developmental clinic on June 12th. He is exactly where he should be on most activities. A little slow with following sound from the right side, so we will keep an eye on this, it could be because it was a new environment and he got stimulated by everything going on. When on his stomach he reaches for toys and the physical therapist told us that was great, a little ahead of most and all in all no signs he was a preemie, only by size when you look at his actual age.

He weighed in at 14 pounds 7 ounces at this last appointment, and Terry said he is now up over 15 pounds, right where he should be. He is in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th percentile for length, so he might grow up to be tall. At any rate, he's perfect to me and Terry.

We went to see all the nurses in the NICU after his clinic appointment, and we were fortunate to see Amy, Sharon, and Linda. they were the nurses we got closest to during Zachary's stay. He was making all kinds of noises for Amy, which made her and Terry and I very happy, and Linda and Sharon got to hold him which made us happy. Thank-you to all of the wonderful nurses at the NICU. It was a very good visit for Zachary, Terry and I.

Life of our special Preemie-Inside the NICU and Beyond

I took this picture for two reasons, Zachary loves grabbing hold of things now that he has learned how to, and because I love how he holds his toes curled down. I think it is so cute. Zachary is getting so big now, I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it every day. He is up to 13 pounds now. As Jill said earlier, he eats solids 2 times a day now, I introduced him to prunes last week, and again yesterday, and he introduced them back to me, didn't like them, they went all over his bib and me. So now the new thing is berries, not sure about that yet, we'll try it out on him this weekend. He goes in for his physical therapy appointment on June 12th, to see if he is developing on schedule. I already think he is, from what I see every day, but it's nice to be reassured by the docs. Zachary is so fun now. He cries less, and laughs more. He actually laughs or giggles out loud now, only a little bit, but when he does, it's priceless. He smiles like crazy when I do something that he likes, which is almost all the time. I can usually get him to start smiling if he is crying, by acting stupid, which is easy for me to do. He sleeps most of the night now, only waking up for 1 or 2 feedings, but that usually only takes 30 minutes each, so I only lose 1 hour of sleep now instead of 2 hours as before. Although I sometimes make it up during his morning nap, which he gets in the morning, afternoon and early evening. He usually goes to bed around 7:30-8 pm, but lately it's been more like 9 pm. He likes being outside with me when I do take him out to work around the house, he only gets bored once in awhile, so he will enjoy being outside. Jill and I have a blow up pool, it's pretty big, I can lay all the way down in it, and over Memorial day weekend when it was so hot, I took Zach in the pool with me and he absolutely loved it, for about 1/2 an hour, then of course he got bored, but I was so proud that he didn't cry and liked the water, which is a huge plus for Jill and me since we have a boat on the lake, he's going to love it. Well I guess that's it for now, Zach is starting to stir from his nap.

I'm ready for my close-up

Zach loves his new boppy!

Liz in California, THINK WE GOT YOU BEAT WITH THIS ONE!!!!!!!!!!

No new updates, just new pictures...

Is this basket all mine?

Quit staring at me Dad, take this!

Okay, I guess this is fun

This is new, and what is this in my hand?

Our 6 month appointment(3 Months adjusted) went very well. Zach weighs in at 12lbs 1 and 1/2 ounces!!!!! We have already bumped up his solids to two times a day. He loves the carrots, and squash, and his newest favorite is applesauce. He laughs all the time, even in the morning which he must get from his dad and my father (his grandpa), because the thing I hate more than working for a living, is mornings!!!!!!!!!! We have recently tried using a rolled up towel under his arms and he really enjoys it.....Well off to work, I'll blog more in depth later. IT'S FRIDAY :)

On this weekend, on Mothers day 2002, I lost my best friend (My Mom). I would like to dedicate this picture of my son on this Mother's Day to her. I wish she was here today. See, she had me at 41, the same age I was when I had Zach. I have so many questions for her. So many questions that will never be answered. I know she is here with us, sometimes I can feel her next to me. She would be so happy if she knew that I have this wonderful family now, somehow I know she knows this to... but if I could only see her face. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY, TO ALL YOU MOM'S!!!!!

I think about this often.....If we live long enough we will be bald, with no teeth, wearing diapers, having someone feed & bath us, and be in a swing. :)

Dad and son. This picture says it all. Terry is looking through the scrapbook I made about Zach, and it appears Zach has found his life story very interesting. He appears to be thinking "Dad, Do you think Speilberg might like to make a movie about me?"

Zack trying hard to crawl. The amount of effort he puts into it is astounding.

Life of our special Preemie-Inside the NICU and Beyond

Just a thought...... We have read many other preemie blogs and all have touched us in different ways. The many twists and turns a preemie baby faces are filled with emotional ups and downs. The thanks we receive is mostly a non verbal form of affection directly from our babies. A smile, a deep stare directly into our eyes and even a cry which is soothed by our warm loving arms. The future for most is undefined. Each day, month, and year can bring new challenges and accomplishments. Some days we live in fear of the unknown. While at work my clients will ask how Zach's doing, I always say great, because when I look back and see where he came from and what he has overcome I can only respond with great. Most will never know how the emotional ups and downs have changed me, most will not know how the word GREAT can be so powerful. I pray for all the babies who have been born prematurely, and I embrace the only individuals that truly know what we all have been through. Thank God for these blogs, every day it gives me a sense of understanding, it is a therapy which is the glue that holds it all together. I pray for each and every one of the families which have touched my heart: Kaitlyn @ Lizmccarthy.blogspot.com Adam & Eleanor @ twomiracles.blogspot.com Holland & Eden @ micropreemietwins.blogspot.com Fiona @ www.babiesonline.com/babies/f/fionae/ Halle @ www.hallegrace.blogspot.com

Kids these days have it too good. Zach talking to mom on the phone.

Crawling progress...or lack of Well Zach gets a A for effort

Team Zachary. Dad, Mom, Denene, Sara and of course, Zach!!!

Dr Ivacko holding Zach at the March of Dimes Walk America 2006

Dr. Ivacko crowned Zach "The Apena King" However this is a title which he has retired !!!!!

Today we walked for the March of Dimes. We had a great time. Some of the hi-lights included seeing Dr. Ivacko. She is the first NICU Doctor that delivered Zach. She is the Doctor that informed us that we had a problem that indeed Zach was not a Tiffany!!!!! The other hi-Lights included seeing pictures and stories of preemie babies including Zach, the stories were displayed inside the Family Team Tent. Also seeing other families which we knew from St. Joseph's was great. Our Family team included our good friend and Zachs God Mother Denene and her daughter Sara. The weather was fine and we all pray that with the funds that the walk raised it will help save many more premature babies, just like they helped save ours. :)

Zach, my WONDERFUL boy!

-Zachary Glen Aden, my precious little angel, you came into this world a bit too early. -But I wouldn't change a thing, because you are so very special. -When you were in the NICU, it was very hard on me, but I kept strong for you and mommy. -You've been through your up's and down's, and you've shown us how strong you really are. -You have the most beautiful blue eyes, the cutest feet, and a birth mark from your grandmother in heaven which is shaped like a heart. -Your smile is so rewarding, your laughs so refreshing, and your pouty lip sad, but wonderful. -You're taking longer to do things other babies can now do, but you've come a long way, and are well worth the wait. -Being a father at 38 and married to you're wonderful and beautiful mother, makes my life complete. -You are my precious little angel, who will one day grow up to be a strong and powerful man. -Love, Your Daddy

What's this? 

You look funny Daddy! 

Zach the movie star 

Zach and the pouty look! 

Um hello, I'm still a little young for Football 

Zach at home with Dad

Well, It has been 3 days now that I have been home alone with Zachary, and I still love every minute of it. I am a stay-at-home dad, and Zach is a joy to be with, except when he is crying, but usually that can be fixed by the diaper change or food, or playing with him, and of course, HOLDING HIM. He's up to 4 ounces a day now, and sometimes he spits about 1/2 an ounce up, but very rarely now-a-days. No matter how much he cries, when he flashes me a winning smile, it makes my heart melt. I know this might sound stupid but it makes me tear up a little talking about this, because I am so happy to be able to see him smile, what with all he has endured. I'm just so happy to have him here and healthy. He also likes to grace us with the pouty lip whenever he cries. It is so cute. Jill and I just both go "augh" because he does it so convincingly. I swear he knows what he is doing when he does it. I have a picture posted like this, but it is no where near his pouty lip potential. Well Zach is pretty much on a regular schedule now. He wakes up at 6:30-7:00 am, eats, stays awake until mom goes to work, falls asleep until around 10am, then gets up and zach and I play or he's in his bouncy chair. Takes another nap around 1 pm, wakes up around 2:30 or 3pm, waits for mommy to get home, then goes to sleep 1/2 hour after she gets home. (He knows when she gets home, because he makes sure he's awake). he usually gets cranky around 6 pm and we feed him some cereal (yes the doctor said this was O.K.), We then give him a bath, and he calms down for his bath. He just loves his bath, imagine that. We play with hime for a couple of hours and then he's ready for bed. He goes to bed around 8:30-9:30 and usually stays asleep until around 3am, for his feeding and then goes to sleep again until 6:30 am. That is Zach's routine now, and of course, I feed him more than I wrote in this. I talked with one of Zach's favorite nurses today, she's one of our favorite nurses as well. Linda was pleased to hear from us. She wasn't there when we left the hospital after the 78 day roller coaster ride. She was thrilled to hear Zach is doing so good, and plans on going to this blog to see his progress. She gave Zachary a very soft bear and a very nice brush and comb set. He loves them both, well maybe when he gets older. So, Zachary looks forward to his walks with his mom and dad, ok so Jill and I and the dog (Alex) look forward to them, he usually sleeps when we take him for a stroll around the block, but the fresh air is good for him and the threat of RSV is no longer active, so we are happier taking him out. We look forward to walking with him in the Walk of America the weekend of the 30th. Well I have to go, Zachary is calling me:)

Zach and Alex practicing the art of flight

Looks like Alex has a hemangeomia just like Zach's :) 

Mom NO MORE PICTURES, I'M NOT SMILING AND YOU CAN'T MAKE ME !!!

He loves his new buddy 

I am what I am and thats what I am I'M POPEYE THE SAILOR MAN !!!!!!

Zach and his new BUILD A BEAR. Named ........ZACH

Doctors visit 10lbs 3.4 ounces

Well on Friday April 7th, 2006 we had a doctors visit to receive our last Synagis shot. I am sure the insurance companies are happy the shot cost $1800.00 and that was the last one Zach will ever need. Synagis® is a prescription medication that can help to prevent serious respiratory illness in babies and young children at high risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease. Respiratory syncytial virus (sin-SISH-shul VI-rus) (RSV) is a very common virus. RSV causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children. But premature babies or those with lung or heart problems have a high risk of getting very sick if they catch RSV. This is because premature babies do not have fully developed lungs. Also, because they were born early, they may not have received virus-fighting substances (called antibodies) from their mothers that help them fight off RSV and other viruses. Each year, 125,000 infants in the United States are hospitalized with severe RSV infections, the leading cause of infant hospitalization. Severe RSV infections cause up to 500 childhood deaths annually. RSV may also be associated with more long-term health problems, such as asthma. RSV season usually starts in the fall and runs through the spring. Due to this I had limited visits and would like to thank those friends and family who could not visit and tell them I really appreciate your understanding. Zach looked really good and the doctor was impressed with his muscle tone. He almost got up on all fours, the doctor said WOW !!!!! We have set a appointment with the eye doctor for the near future as well as having his occupational thypist coming to the house next week. Thank You to everyone who has past thru our blog and left comments, you may not know it but they sure do brighten our day!!!!!

Click on link to see March of Dimes Video

http://easylink.playstream.com/marchofdimes/2006_english.wvx

A preemie poem

Every time I read this I cry, it is sure to hit home with all parents who have been through the experience. As I love you thru the glass, the hours seem so slow to pass. I stroke your skin, and hold your hand; this isn't exactly what I had planned. I cast my eyes up to the sky, and say a little prayer; that the Lord will hold you in His arms, and keep you in His care.So sleep and grow my baby, and dream of clouds of foam, and I will Love you thru the glass until you can come home. AFTER SPENDING 78 DAYS IN THE NICU ZACHARY GLEN ADEN HOFFMAN FINALLY CAME HOME. Please join us to Support the cause to help others with Premature Babies visit us at: www.walkamerica.org/JAH3399.

I just love this face !!!!! This is what it's all about. Being with my family through this all has given me a new prospective on life. It's not about the Job you have, the car you drive, the big house you may live in or the clothes you wear, I can live without all that. It's about FAMILY. And I love mine so much.