January 3, 2002   I had my first solid food today! Mom got me some rice cereal and pears. She and I had a fun time getting used to the spoon. But I ate like a champ. This solid food stuff is good too! January 7, 2002   Today I met Dr. Hill. He's going to fix my hernia. He's really nice. Mom and Pop like him. I like going for rides. In fact, I can sleep really good when I'm riding. January 5, 2002   I weigh 6 pounds, 13 ounces! I'm getting to be a big boy now!!!  Guess that solid food is paying off! January 28, 2002   Well, I had my hernias fixed. Dr. Hill found a second one on my left side so he fixed that one too. I didn't have such a good time in the hospital though. I had some spells through the night and one was bad enough Pop had to bring me back. He's really good at that. Anyhow, we rushed home the next morning and I did just fine. I was sore after the pain medicine wore off, but I healed up real good. February 12, 2002   Went to see Dr. Ponder today. She said I was doing so good that I can come see her every 2 months now.  I weighed in at a whopping 10 pounds, 4 ounces. Wow - I must be doing all the right things! March 5, 2002   Today I went for my swallow study. I did really good too! Of course, I was starved before I did the test, so I was REALLY hungry. The lady that monitored the test said that I was swallowing just fine and not aspirating much at all.  March 14, 2002   Today was my hearing test. I didn't pass this one. It was the same test they gave me in NICU. The lady that gave the test said that just because I didn't pass didn't mean I couldn't hear. I coulda told her that. Anyhow, I have to have another test next week. The lady said that one would be more diagnostic. I'm becoming a real pro at these tests and stuff. Maybe I'll be a tester when I grow up. At least I have the experience. March 22, 2002   Had my second hearing test today. They said that I was hearing stuff, but it had to be kinda loud. What can you expect? My first two months were in a place that had buzzers and beepers going off around the clock. I just know how to ignore REAL good.  March 30, 2002   I'm a 12 pounder now! I can eat a full jar of food and take all of my bottle. I'm even beginning to sleep all night. This growing thing is hard! April 6, 2002   Boy, were mom and pop wrong! I went to see my dr today, Ms. Dr. Ponder, and I weigh 13 pounds 5.2 ounces. Dr. Ponder was really impressed too! She's such a nice lady. I got kinda sad though. Not about my shots, even though they hurt, but Ms. Dr. Ponder got married on me! I'm growing as fast as I can! Oh, well, I still like her and all, I guess I'll just have to share her. Now I'll have to call her Mrs. Dr. Dykstra. Whew, I guess I'm gonna have to check out this school thing to start understanding all this stuff... May 10, 2002   I can sit up now! Mom or Pop still helps me but I can hold on to their fingers and hold my head up, when I want to. I can even adjust myself so I don't fall and go boom!  May 28, 2002   I've started my physical therapy and my occupational therapy. Both ladies are really nice and they think I am doing really well. I coulda told them that. Anyhow, Mrs. Rayne, she's my physical therapist, is really nice. Once I got to know her I have lots of fun. Mrs. Sharon, my OT therapist, is nice too. Now I can get me some really big muscles!!! August 6, 2002   Today, Mom was playing with me - you know, tickling, making funny noises and I giggled. She got so excited that she called Pop into the room and he heard me too! I'm so busy learning new stuff that I forget that things can be fun, but I can giggle when I want. August 13, 2002   Today my first tooth came through. I'm really glad because they are not fun and I fuss alot when they are getting ready to come in. Now I am ready for pork chops! August 21, 2002   Today was my surgery day. The doctors took off my extra fingers and fixed my belly button. Mom and Pop said I was in surgery for 5 hours. All I know is they had my feet and hands wrapped up in these funny things that only showed my fingers and toes. As soon as I woke up, there was Mom and Pop. They held me and gave me some juice. Then we went to the room I was in before surgery to make sure I would wake up, pee and drink my formula good. The people were really nice at the hospital but I don't think I like hospitals very much. August 24, 2002   I get to go on my first road trip today! Mom and Pop said we are going to a place called Texas. I hope they have lots of fun stuff to do! I like to ride in the car. Maybe Eldon and me can play video games, I don't know what that is, but Eldon likes them, so maybe he can show me how to do it. Texas, here I come....... : ) December 2002   Mom started giving me PediaSure. Dr. Stowe said it was ok. Mom thought I would take it better if she got the chocolate flavor and boy did I !!! I wouldn't eat any of my other food - not even bananas. So.... Mom said no more chocolate for me - only vanilla. That's ok - I like that too! December 16, 2002   I weigh 21 pounds and am 27 3/4 inches tall! Getting bigger by the minute! December 18, 2002   Got my eyes checked today by a really nice dr lady. She said my eyes are ok and that Mom and Pop have to keep on their toes to make sure I'm not having any problems seeing. I even got caught sneaking a peek at the tech that was taking notes about me.... tee hee tee hee