Time for Your Check Up

A little behind here in the blogging world. A few weeks ago we had Blake's yearly check-up! For most that means weights of 20+ lbs and babies almost walking, but as you all know WE ARE NOT NORMAL! (Really never have been! Even before the boys were born!) But what Blake is....is amazing! Blake is much farther along than we ever imagined at this point! We were 16lbs 14ounces at his one year check up- and 28 1/2 inches long...which by the way.. Was in the 4th percentile in his ACTUAL age! We have never been on his actual age charts for anything! We took that as a big win!!




Developmentally Blake is moving right along! He has decided he likes to get around EVERYWHERE in our home. Just not the traditional way...I mean really why start now doing things traditionally!?! Instead Blake takes pride in his rolling skills and rolls about throughout the house. From one side of the room...to the other he finds what he wants and then...ready....set....ROLL! It's actually quite a sight to see...and he is fast too!

This is an old video of Blake's rolling to get toys, now he is much quicker- which in turn means Zach and I have some MAJOR baby proofing to do!





Blake currently has a large vocabulary, mostly made up of words that i dont think exist- or at least I don't know the meaning to them! But he constantly says dada, hi, and quite frequently shakes his head no to about everything we say!




Blake is still having some trouble with his left arm/hand. But with lots of stretching, the use of an arm brace and therapy he is using it more and more. Even though I think he would just prefer to use his right for everything!








Speaking of therapy, other than working with his left arm, we are currently working on sitting, we are up to 3 minutes without tumbling, standing with assistance, and of course crawling.
















In therapy we also work with everyday things such as eating, picking up foods, he is now learning to use a sippy cup, and much much more! Blake is leaning new skills everyday!




Sometimes it took us a few tries to get it...but with practice...
We got it!!








Blake's newest thing....Raspberries! And not the kind you eat!!

Blake is a constant surprise! Every movement, sound, smile and laugh are true miracles. I thank God every night he allowed me to be his mother. This Mother's Day I will be snuggling close to my miracle baby, and holding close to my heart the memory of my angel Conor!

Head's Up!

So we are still in the dreaded helmet...however only because we choose to be. Technically we are finished with treatment and Blake's plagiocephaly has been corrected. However, there was still some molding they thought they could accomplish since Blake was only 9 months old in adjusted age. So we thought...what the heck...lets do it! As much as we hate the helmet Blake doesn't seem to mind it and if it will help him then why not? So here we are on helmet #2!




Here are some of the results we have seen...
December before the helmet.




Now after 3 1/2 months of treatment.




Such a HUGE improvement!!
Now from the front....his trouble side is his right side.




And now...




Not so 'block'y or square shaped!
Here are some more before and after shots!












We are so happy with the results thus far! And honestly the helmet...well it's not THAT bad!

Verses to live by.

Leaving you with food for thought today. These words came to me in this past few weeks and I find them refreshing, warm and downright beautiful and inspiring. I felt the need to share them.


"Come to me all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give rest."
Matthew 11:28


"Don't be afraid, just believe." Mark 5:36


"I have loved you with an everlasting love, with loving kindness, I have drawn you, and continued my faithfulness to you." Jeremiah 31:3









Coming soon, Blake's one year check up, helmet problems, and just plain ol'
CUTENESS!!!!

March For Babies 5k

For our first year I feel very proud of our team TeamHargis! We raised a grand total of $1025.00 fundraising for the March of Dimes, and even with the rain had 15 walkers supporting our team! Thanks to the walkers and the people who couldn't make it this year but donated! Our family can't tell you thank you enough!








































































































In loving memory of Conor James Hargis born April 11th gained his angel wings April 12th, 2012.

We remember.

A bereavement card received on the date of Conor's passing read....

"We remember." It was a card stock, one of those that they send to everyone in your situation. The one without personalization. Just a postcard with a stamped signature. 

Such a kind gesture, such a kind card. I should feel blessed that even a huge business would send cards to every single parent who lost a child. 

I should feel thankful, I did.....but at the same time, I felt....

I felt....mad! 

We remember? Really? I'm so glad you remember....I do too! As if I could forget! As if I had the option to forget that moment. That moment. when the world stopped, my heart began to crack, and part of me disappeared forever. I remember...I remember that moment when everyone avoided eye contact. They knew what they were about to witness, I searching longingly, hoping someone would look at me and tell me it was going to be okay, that they could fix him.

 But instead...nothing. 

Low laying eyes surrounded us, and when I did catch a glimpse of anyone near I saw that look of sadness, the look of pity. It's as if I could close my eyes and be back in that moment. Time slowed, people whizzing by me, adjusting this infusion, increasing that, alarms going off, and then the doctor looking at me telling me we had little time. 

"Do you want to hold him?"

Time came back, and finally someone looked me in the eyes. The doctor grabbed my shoulders with both hands and looked at me...

"It won't be long. Do you want to hold him?" 

I could paint you a picture. I remember it so vividly...even though at times I wish I could just forget the bad and only remember his face, his hands, his tiny feet. Instead I remember that moment more vividly than the rest. I was sure day to day life would get easier. The life of being a grieving mother would slowly fade, and the loss would become easier to tolerate.

It doesn't get easier. It's been a year. The pain doesn't disappear. It's only, that as time passes you become accustomed to living with that pain. It becomes your normal. You can only seek peace in it. Accept it. Find a way to get through the waves of sadness that strike you without warning, without reason. I find my peace in the knowledge that he served a bigger purpose. That Conor was meant for something bigger than me, as much as I needed him, The Lord needed him more. 

It is in this that I find peace, that I find comfort.

 Never to forget, always in my mind. 

I am a grieving mother, my son is an angel.

 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.-John 14:27