Carter's First Thanksgiving

11/27/14  Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving from Carter!!!  He prepared a special artwork with the help of his teacher's Ms. K and Miss Aileen to share with everyone on his 1st Thanksgiving.

This time last year Katie and I knew that we would be sharing a special 1st Thanksgiving with our new addition however we had no idea how much it would mean.  The past year has brought many challenges but it has come with great reward.  This Thanksgiving we are thankful to have this amazing little miracle in our life and thankful for all that he has taught us.  I have said it before but I will say it again, his strength and determination has gotten us through the toughest times and as we celebrate this holiday and many more to come we are so thankful that God has blessed us with so many gifts of life, health and inner strength.  I am especially thankful for my wife who is not only an amazing mother but an amazing soul mate.  She brought this little man into our lives and her strength to protect him and beat the odds is something I will forever be grateful for.  I am also thankful for our families who have given us so much unconditional love and support.  We are so blessed to have the confidence that our families will do anything for us and for Carter.  Although Thanksgiving has taken on a lot of meanings since the Indians and Pilgrims celebrated it in 1621 the one thing that has been a constant is unity.  We all unite in the blessings that we have through rich family traditions and share our faith and good fortunes.  This holiday has taken on so much meaning and I truly appreciate the prayers and support of so many who read this blog.  

Back to Carter's 1st Thanksgiving.  I know you all are wondering, "What did little Carter eat today for his 1st Thanksgiving?"  Turkey of course......wait little Carter has no teeth and we certainly did not puree turkey so we relied a wonderful blend of........

How did that go you wonder? 

1st bite on its way!

1st taste of a meat......

yum Carter says but he wanted a bit more so..........

Ha just kidding this is not Gastroenterologist approved!

After a nice full tummy of food and love Carter took a nap.  He had a great first Thanksgiving and I hope you all did as well.  Whatever your tradition enjoy food, family and blessings.  We love you all, good night and god bless from the Hoffman family!!

Turkey Butt!!

  

Happy 9 months Carter

11/25/14

Happy 9 months old Carter.  This little guy continues to amaze us everyday.  He is eating baby food and still drinking his Neosure.  He has started babbling more and more and tends to be very talkative when he is ready to nap.  dadadadadadadadadadadada is all you hear and I love it.  He smiles a lot and is a very happy baby.  Enjoy the pictures and have a Happy Thanksgiving!  I will post more pictures later in the week so you can all see him eating his pureed turkey dinner, yum!

Mr. Bumblebee has become his favorite, instant smiles when he sees him!

Look at me!  I'm sitting up with minimal assistance my personal best is about 10 seconds but I'm getting better every day!

Gerber Be Our Baby Photo Search 2014

11/17/14

Each year Gerber has a photo contest to find its Gerber Baby.  The prize for this contest is education money which would be a great start for Carter's future.  Below is the link to vote for Carter.  You will need to enter some basic information first then you can do a search for his ID which is 263182.  Then vote.  It's that easy.  You can vote once a day until December 14th.  Don't forget to vote for this little miracle and joy.  And as always check back for more Carter updates.  With Thanksgiving on its way there will be more fun Carter stories to come.

https://photosearch.gerber.com/gallery?entry_id=263182

Prematurity Awareness Day

11/16/14

Tomorrow November 17th is Prematurity Awareness Day.  I will admit myself I never knew the statistics, the impact or the struggles that these babies endure.  Many do not make it but thanks to research and technology many do and these little boys and girls become our miracles.  The use of surfactant in respiratory distress syndrome, often seen in babies born before 30 weeks gestation improved respiratory complications and survival.  Treating premature babies have come a long way however there is still work to do.  On this day pray for all preemies and get involved in organizations like the March of Dimes who work everyday to improve outcomes and the Ronald McDonald House who help families through one of the most difficult times of their life.  Nine months ago my wife's and I life forever changed as well as the lives of our families.  A miracle was brought into our life and he taught us what strength really looks like.  A lot of people that included doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, family, and friends never gave up.  They prayed, they supported and they fought for a 2 pound baby that faced a struggle every minute of every day.  This day is for all babies who come into this world too early.

Happy Halloween

11/1/14

Happy Halloween to everyone.  I know you were all anxiously awaiting the pictures of Carter's first Halloween outfit so here they are.  He really did seem to enjoy his outfit and all the fun we had carving pumpkins.  Especially when he got to play in the pumpkin.  Although he doesn't get any candy he did get some great Halloween books.  Enjoy the pictures and please remember that November is Prematurity Awareness Month.  I will have more to come on that.