Anton might go home today!

Sorry I haven't had a lot of time to update the blog. Anton is doing SOOOO good! They started feeding him formula through his G-Tube on Tuesday and he is now up to his full feeds and tolerating them well! They were a little concerned that he might have refeeding syndrome since it had been so long since he had eaten but they are doing blood work before we go home to make sure he doesn't have it. If he doesn't have it we will go home today if he does have it we will be in the hospital for a few more days. 

 

Patrice left early yesterday morning and I miss her so much! Sandy, Courtney, Anita and Patrice were such an amazing blessing to have here the first week we were in the hospital. I couldn't have done it without them.

I also have to thank my amazing husband, he has been running around like a chicken with his head cut off taking care of us. He is working, coming to the hospital to see Anton and I, going to see Kenya and Judah at my Mom's, cleaning our house and washing our clothes. He has been AMAZING and I couldn't do any of this without him!

I wanted to also thank our families for all of the support they have given us and thanks to Momo and Gramps for watching Kenya and Judah while we are in the hospital.

Thank you to Jen also who has been coming to the hospital to see us then taking our laundry (including cloth diapers) home and washing them for us! I have lots of people to thank :)

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has brought us food or sent us money for food. It has been so nice not to have to worry about getting food!

And a HUGE thank you to the ladies from our church who went to our house and cleaned it they said it wasn't bad but I am so glad it's done!

Jason and I did our first dressing change alone yesterday and it went great. Patrice helped me cut bandages before she left so that helped a ton. We did it in two hours and we both were talking about how much easier it was than we thought it would be. Anton did great and his skin is looking really good right now. He had a few spots that have been pretty infected for the past week but they are starting to clear up! 

Anton is the EASIEST baby EVER! He was only fussy the first two days we were here and after that he has been so good! He is playing, talking, and learning more signs everyday. He understands us when we talk, which has happened a lot faster than we thought it would. He can sign "more", "thank you", "please" and "help". He can make the animal noises for bear, pig, cow, elephant and monkey. He says "Mama", "Papa", "Oppa" (the way they say "uh-oh" in English, I think) and "Tom" (Russian for "there"). He is the most amazing little boy and he is such a gift to our family! 

Our hospital stay has gone great. I have really enjoyed getting to spend a lot of time with Anton and I haven't really gone stir crazy yet. I miss Kenya and Judah but I have gotten to see them a few times so that has helped. 

Anton is adjusting well, in fact we had our two week post placement visit with our social worker today and she said, "This is more than the honeymoon phase after a child comes home, he is really bonded to you." If he is upset he reaches out for me to hold him and he lays his head on my cheek and I just snuggle and comfort him. He cries if Jason or I leave him and he LOVES it when his Daddy walks in the room. He really is doing great! 

He is recovering well after surgery. He is in pain but seems for the most part to be tolerating everything really well! He is a trooper.

 

I don't think words could ever describe how God has worked on our hearts through all of this. I just praise Him more and more everyday for the amazing things He has done in our lives. Anton is such a gift, as all of our other children are, and I can't stop praising God for these amazing blessings! 

Thank you all for praying for Anton and for us! We LOVE you all and I pray more then anything that you would know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and savior. Please take time to read the tab at the top of our blog that says "The Gospel" there is nothing more important than knowing where you will spend eternity and there is only one way to God and that is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. I love you all and pray that today you would be made right with God, there is no greater gift that you could receive then the gift of salvation.

LOVE you all so much!