2nd week of Seth's ISR Swim Lessons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_XMuJS75ZQ

First Week of ISR (rescue swim skills)

This is Seth's first week of I.S.R. Swim Lessons.

21 Months update

On May 6, Seth James turned 21 months, boy it's so hard to fathom that seth will soon turn two. It just seeemed like the other day when we were in the hospital with this lil guy. The picture above is one that reflects him with his lil Jesus teddy that his grandma gave him for Easter. If you press his left paw, the teddy sings "Oh Jesus Loves Me, Oh Jesus Loves me, Oh Jesus Loves me, the bible tells me so.... And he loves it ! He plays it over and over again and then with his sheepish smile looks up at me at says "Jesus" in his own loving way that only mama can understand, heh!

Speaking of language, our lil guy we begin speech therapy sometime next week. As I had Seth evaluated by the Early Intervention Program for speech therapy and he did qualify for the program which is great because it is funded by the state/government and it is fully paid for. A speech therapist will be coming to our home once a week for one hour to work one on one with seth. His Elegibility Evaluation Results were the following:

Gross/Fine motor skills: Average scores for all sections our between 85-105 (seth scored 103)

gross skills he's at about a 19 mth old and fine skills he is at about 28 mth old.

Self-Help/Adaptive Skills: He scored an 80 - he's about a 15 mth old - he still puts inedible objects in his mouth, picky eater but he does eat well the food he likes.

Social /Emotional skills: He scored 105 - he's right where he needs to be between 21-24mths.

Academic/Cognitive including pre-literacy skills: He scored a 90 - he's ranging between a 13-22 mth old in this area.

And last but not least - Receptive and expressive communication: He scored a 92 (receptive seth is at about an 18mths old and expressive which is his speech he is about a 15mth old. Seth has maybe about 10-15 words that he says but it's not consistent. He understands when someone speaks to him and he does have use of some sign language.

So there you have it - please keep our lil guy in your prayers that the speech therapy will help him in his further development.

Seth all in all is doing great, he continues to grow not only physically but emotionally & spiritually believe it or not. When we sing praise and worship songs to our Lord he can distinguish the difference in music and he promply raises both hands in awe of our savior.... GOD IS GOOD!

Oh that reminds me, when I took him to the evaluation for speech, there was a nurse present, the speech therapist and also the coordinator and when the ask me what words he says consistently, I proudly said "JESUS" and they all chuckled and gave me a WOW look.....

Almost 19 mths

Oh a baby with a machine gun - not good

Don't I look like such a big boy

Check out my new sandals

Hello Mama?

Seth is just a few days away from turning 19 months. And Oh my goodness, I guess this is the trying age of this lil guy. He is into absolutely everything, I mean everything. Between the lil guy grabbing everything he lays his little eyes on to climbing on tables, couches, toy boxes, chairs. Anything that has some sort of height, seth is up and climbing. But I must admit that he is as cute as a button. Between his beautiful blonde hair & blue eyes to his charasmatic (politician) hello wave that he gives to everyone and I literally mean everyone. He is a true ham (as I mention this, my heart swells with so much love for this lil guy).

What's New with Sethey Poo

God is so good to us and continues to bless us constantly with his bits and pieces of miracles that we get to witness everyday. For the past two weeks, Seth has been spending time with his brother and sister, Julia and Billy. A few weeks ago Julia and Billy came over and we spend the day at the park. The kids had a fun time and I was able to capture lots and lots of pictures of the kiddos.

Then this past weekend, Seth had a treat. Yep his sister and brother spend the night at our house and the played and played until they couldn't play anymore. Seth eventually over stimulated passed out, while me and Julia baked some yummy cookies. And Billy, well Billy played guitar hero and bowled with anthony while also spent time with Herb.

We have been so ever blessed that the Lord has allowed us to expand our family, not only did we get another son but we also inherited the love of two more kiddos (billy and Julia), I truly love them both as much as I love sethey poo.

18 month check-up

It's hard to imagine that our little man is growing up so fast. Feb, 6 - seth turned 18 months old. He had a doctor's visit yesterday. According to the doctors, seth is doing great. He's grown 4" and is now weighing 24lbs and 12 oz. My only complaint is that he is a very picky, picky, eater. If anyone has any suggestions out there in cyber space that I can try to make him eat new foods. Please advise.

Unfortunately, the doctors say that's a battle that he has won because I can't make him eat. So we just have to wait and see how this eating thing progresses.

Seth also goes to toddler time classes on wednesdays at our local library. He loves it and it's nice to see how he interacts with little people his age. On Friday's, sethey and I go to a toddler dance class together at the YMCA. It's great, very upbeat, lots of dancing and a tired mama at the end of the hour. It's a class where they incorporate dancing, exercise and gymnastics. Below are some updated pictures of our lil man.

My Angel Face

Too cute not to post. Our lil miracle baby boy.

Before you came into my world

To my sweet baby Seth,

Before you came into my world

I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.

I never thought about immunizations.

Before you came into my world
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.

I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before you came into my world
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before you came into my world
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put him down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.

Before you came into my world
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before you came into my world ,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom..
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before you came into my world

But you know what Baby Seth - I am so blessed to call you "My Son" and I love having you in my world. I love you more than the whole world and back. Thank you Jesus for this precious gift.

Sixteen Months today

Today Seth James is 16 months old. Boy they sure grow up way to fast.

Sometimes, I wish I can slow down the growing process so I can enjoy the time when he was smaller.

He is our precious miracle baby and Oh how I love this lil man.

Happy 16 month day baby boy. Mama Loves you more than the whole world and back.

Did I mention these new Milestones

So last week my hubbie, me and Seth went to North Carolina. I went to visit some friends and Herbie went for business. During the four days we were up there, Seth met some milestones. Our friends have wood floors in their home. Well, seth felt pretty confident I suppose in his walking skills and began to take much more steps. One day he even walked like 10 steps or so. I was too happy, he then voluntarily as teaching him how to blow kisses with his hand for many months, decided that he would impress everyone he met by throwing kisses to them at their request. That was so cute !

The last milestone was that on our way back home at the Charlotte airport, we decided to have lunch at Chili's, so I ordered a glass of water and as I placed the straw inside. Seth motioned that he wanted some water. As I placed the straw in his mouth not expecting anything to come out, the little stinker wrapped his little lips around the straw and WHOLA - The water came flowing out right into his mouth. He's been sucking out of straw ever since. My heart swelled with pride watching our little man conquer these milestones in his life.

Well since I am on a bragging role - I am proud to announce that SETH IS OFFICIALLY WALKING - YEP - 15 months later but he is now walking. Can you tell that I am one proud Mama?

Happy Forever Family Day Clip

Seth's 1st Forever Family Day

To view all of the images in a Gallery view, click on VIEW IMAGES.

Seth's 15th Month Check-up

Now isin't that a smile that will melt your heart. I know it melts mine everytime I look into his eyes.

Today, Seth James is 15months old. Where did the time go. His check-up went well. Doctor says he is doing great, he weighed in at 22 lbs and 13 ounces and he is 30.5" in height. His head is 48" (big head and she said that he has a big IQ and alot of brains) so yayyyy.

Seth's development is good, although he is walking alittle bit she said that if he stands on his own and takes a few steps than that's considered walking and YES he is doing that. I mentioned to her about his climbing abilities. The climbing thing is becoming quite dangerous. Just yesterday, he climbed a little toy table (don't ask me how he got up there) but when I looked Seth was on all fours on this little table and of course seconds later, he tumbled to the hard floor and let out a yiping scream. Then a couple of hours later, he grabbed a big truck that he has placed it right near the coffee table and stood on that to climb on top of the coffee table. Within seconds he came tumbling down again and let out another yiping scream. Seth is a major climber :)

Other than that, his doctor says that he is doing great and he did have to receive 3 shots today, HEP A, The Flu shot & DTAP (not fun - poor baby screamed so much, we were home by 12:00 noon, he fell fast asleep in the car and is still sleeping) Poor Baby !!!! Well that's all for now. I will be posting pictures of seth's forever family day soon !!! Stay in Touch.

NOV. 5TH (SETH'S FOREVER FAMILY DAY)

Yes! Can you hardly believe it, today Nov 5th is our (1) year forever family date anniversary. Seth James is forever ours !!!! You know God always says that their our miracles happening every day, some are little miracles and some our big miracles. Having Seth join our family is a BIG miracle and today we are going to celebrate.

We will be going out to dinner to celebrate his (1st) forever family date with pictures and some yummy dessert. Lord Jesus thank you for this

precious gift that you have trusted us with. May we always live out each

day to honor and glorify who you are and represent in our lives.

I will post some pictures later of our celebration.

Update

Oct. 25 - Our little seth James is now 14 months old. He will be 15 months on Nov 6 and HE IS STILL NOT WALKING -- What the heck is wrong with our little guy. Just kidding, I think his issue is that he is just plain lazy, but still it does not take away from his cuteness. Seth is doing great, a very picky, picky eater. Believe me we are working on it, he says quite a few words. Two word sentences but only once in a while and he is learning both english and spanish. Although, I try to talk to him only in spanish and his older brother talks to him in english until I correct him and tell him to speak to him in spanish. His daddy is the same way, I will catch him talking with him in english and then I rush to remind him to speak to him in spanish. As I really want seth to learn the spanish language, it will benefit him in the future and since we live in America, he will pick up on the english language almost anywhere.

Other than that our little man is doing good. He is growing like a weed. Last doctor's check up he was weighing in at almost 23 lbs but they did not take his height. But he is quite tall (at least he looks it to me). On Nov. 6th, he has his 15mth check-up, I will post his growth on his blogsite. Until then I will leave you with some new pictures. Enjoy !!! Oh and did I mention that he is a climber... Okay well Seth is a climber, he climbs on everything....

DAY 3 of the TETE (Final Day)

Well yesterday was day 3 of sethey not having his binkey. The Binkey/TETE issue is history. Yesterday I actually threw it away. You know it's weird though because even I had a connection with that DAM Binkey. Keep in mind that Seth had that Binkey his whole life for 13 months. He took it from the time he was a newborn in the hospital until just the other day. I have posted about the one time that I lose the binkey at a mall in North Carolina and I had to backtrack every step to find that darn rubber thing.,

But anyways, it is now history and we will move on to the next issue. Thanks for sharing in my story. Peace.

DAY -2 of the TETE Withdrawl

Day - 2



During the day it was a piece of cake with Seth not having his TETE/Binkey, he did not really miss it too much. No downpour cries or fits in fact his behavior was excellent. He is being a super trooper.



Seth normally takes two naps a day - well the morning nap went well - (At the same time I am training him to fall asleep on his own in his crib). I am doing the minutes interval steps, which is you put him in the crib and tell him nite nite & then you walk out, within five minutes, go in twice and secure him and then leave the room, then you do the same for ten minutes and so on and so forth until he understands that he needs to go nite nite.

He is doing great and and things seem to be progressing.

The "TETE" (Binkey)

DAY 1

As much as it breaks my heart - Seth's soothing oral fixation has been taken away. Tonight is Day 1 - I officially took the pacifier away at bedtime around 7:00pm, poor baby cried and cried and cried some more. He was unconsolable and yes pretty much hated me or at least that's how I felt. After crying for about 1 1/2 hrs, I put him on the floor to play with some toys to get his mind off of not having is tete. Around 9:15pm I put him down on our bed & you guessed it, the crying began again, but this time it was less pitched and more winey. After a few minutes, he streched his back (like in an arch position) mama rubbed his belly and Sethey fell fast asleep. We will see what the night has in store for us. Please include us in your prayers. Nite-Nite !!!!! Okay so here is how the night went. Seth woke up at 10:30ish an cried again for about 20 minutes. He finally went to sleep until 2:30 am. He woke up crying again, but this time the cry lasted maybe 8-10 minutes and then he fell asleep until 7:15 .

Some pictures from Seth's birthday

Sethey taking a bite into his cake !!!

Yum Yum !!!

1 Year Later - Happy 1st Birthday Sethey

Taking you back (1) year ago from Today. Happy 1st Birthday Baby Boy

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Who, What and When did this happen

This is our story about Seth James. After pretty much being infertile for it seems like forever, my hubbie and I decided to try Invitro Fertilization back in 2003. Running a 50-50 chance that I could get pregnant, I did. We were over the moon with happiness. Into the fourth month of my pregnancy, we began to endure complications as it seemed that there was a problem with the baby. It turned out after carrying the baby for 7 1/2 months, I had to give birth to our stillborn son, Baby Emmanuel. It was a very long journey for me my hubbie and pretty much the entire family. After struggling with infertility, I finally get pregnant to only lose the baby 7 1/2 mths in the womb. But our faithful God and his infinite plan always carried me through.

Today August 14th, 2006 - I proudly annouce the birth of our new adopted son Seth James. Seth came into this world on August 6th, weighing 7 lbs 11.6 oz and 19 1/2" long.
This domestic adoption was very emotional, again our faith carried us through day in and day out. In the next few post I will go into detail about what this domestic adoption entailed and how life is for us now that our little man is home.

I want to give God all the glory and honor for orchestrating this domestic adoption. For allowing me to be still and listen to your voice even though I was surrounded by many distractions throughout this process. You told me many times to remain faithful to you, to TRUST YOU above all things and that you would do the rest. How blessed we are dear Lord to be able to take all of our thoughts and worries and hand them over to you and you will carry the cross for us as we make our way toward our journey.

I love you Lord more than the whole world and back. Thank you for being my heavenly father, my source of strength and my rock.

Today (1) year later - August 6, 2008

Our precious baby boy turns (one) today, I thank our awesome GOD for orchestrating and delivering our son to us and with the same grateful heart, I also thank GOD for Seth's birth parents, although sethey's birth mother passed away back in 2007 - there is no doubt in my mind that she is with us everyday in spirit. Kacey I thank you for allowing our God to use you in such a powerful way, your spirit lives with us everyday and also with your precious children that you have lefted here on earth. I can't thank you enough for the gift that was given to us and may your spirit live in paradise for eternity.

Sethey HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY Baby Boy !!!!! We love you soooooo much ...... pictures to follow tonight. Stay tuned !!!!