"To the Family!"

This is what Walker cries out when we toast at dinner. "To the Family!" Its pretty cute. But its also wonderful and comforting and kind of tear inducing for Jack and I at this time. Now that Charlie is home from the NICU, we're finally feeling like a family again. This morning, with the whole day to call our own, we took off in our new car for a family outing. First order of business was to find coffee for Mommy and Daddy. Some things just can't be skipped. Then, off to our favorite park for some play time. The weather was actually nice this morning with a somewhat cool breeze. After our time at the park, we ran a few errands and then had lunch at Dream Cafe in Uptown. Walker was on his best behavior and Charlie slept through the meal. Dream cafe indeed! It's early afternoon now and we're home. Both boys are snoozing in their cool dark rooms, while the rest of Dallas heats up for the evening. Here are some snapshots from the day:







This is the latest email update:

Hello again all,

Charlie has been home from the NICU now for over a week! It has been a quiet week filled mostly with normal family activities and infant care. Charlie is gaining weight at a very fast rate - he's over 8 pounds now, and his doctor appointments have been mercifully few and easy. Since Charlie is thriving so well, our doctors are spreading out his assessments and appointments a bit. So we've had lots of time for napping, nursing and general cooing over Mr. Charlie. Walker is also thrilled to have Charlie home. He tells anyone who will listen that his baby brother is "getting stronger, but is still a baby". So really, there is no new news except to say that Charlie is doing amazingly well. He is active, content, interested in the world around him and shows no strong signs of stroke. His left side, which is supposedly the "impaired" side, shows the same amount of limb movement and range of motion as his right. He makes great eye contact and has a directed, intent gaze that lets us know he sees and hears clearly. The only thing that reminds us of his condition is a once a day cocktail of Phenobarbital, antibiotics and infant vitamins with Iron, which he takes with breast milk in a bottle. He smiles, squeaks and squirms just like every other baby we know - except that he's way cuter.

Thank you to everyone who has sent loving notes, cards, food, bouquets, clothes, toys and books. Your incredible outpouring of support and love has buoyed us through this weird and daunting time. We are filled tip top full with gratitude and love for you. And Charlie is rewarding us all with his swift and solid come-back. Again, thank you and we'll keep you all posted as Charlie navigates the path that lies before him.

Yours
Sarah and Jack