Jinxed!

We have had a good week so far. I think that I jinxed Reed by bragging on how well he was doing with his bottles with no tube. He decided this past weekend that he was not going to drink 120 ml's every bottle which means that the tube has to go back in. He is still doing good with his bottles but is averaging around 80-90 ml's each bottle. I still think that the little guy is getting a TON of food and calories for his size. The doctor is trying to get him caught up to where he should be for his age. I do not think that he will get rid of the tube for good until he gets caught up. It definitely makes his medicine giving a whole lot easier with the tube:-)
Little Reed gets 720 calories a day from his milk whereas Braden gets at most 600 calories a day. I think that Reed gets pretty full on his bottles since his body cannot 'get rid' of all the intake that he gets. Reed even gained 10 ounces in a week getting him to 13 lbs. 8 oz!!!!! Both boys mesmerized by Baby Einstein!
We have seen improvement in Reed's eyes this week. Praise God! He is tracking some and seems more like "old" Reed to us. He still has room for improvement in his eyes but we are so very thankful for the progress that he has made in 3 weeks.
We LOVE the outside. Every day that it has been nice we have taken the boys outside. They both seem to love the outdoors as much as I do and will sit out there for hours. We, of course, make sure that they stay in the shade!
My granny feeding Braden and watching Reed swing.
Enjoying the pretty day with their pawpaw and great granny!
I hesitated putting this picture on here but it was too funny not to. Braden loves to kick his legs over and over until he gets in this position in his bouncy seat. Don't worry...I was sitting right there beside him making sure that he did not fall.
Braden is getting to be such a big boy. He absolutely loves to stand any chance that he gets...of course with some assistance.
Thanks Aunt Tina for the boys' chairs. I know that they will be getting a lot of use out of these in the future.
If you haven't seen one of these "Hoops and Yoyo" cards then you need to go buy one. I think that they are hilarious and Braden loves them too.
Reed playing on the Einstein mat
Look at Braden's legs compared to Reeds! You gotta love em'! Reed with his ugly tube back in...oh well there are much bigger things in life to care about than looks!!! I do have to say that it is hilarious how curious people are. We took the boys to the flea market Saturday and people cannot help but to stare and wonder about Reed's tube and places on his head. I sometimes think that we would be better off by putting a sign on Reed that says "I have had a heart transplant and brain surgery!" One lady said "Oh, did he fall on his head?"

Today, my dad and I went shopping at Sam's and this little boy came up to me and asked "What is that tube coming out of his nose for?" I told him that he gets a bottle and whatever he doesn't drink he gets through the tube. His response was "How cool!"

I think that adults need a lesson from children sometimes. I think that it is better to just ask instead of just stare! (This is just the way I feel and I am sure that everyone doesn't handle it the same way that I do) It doesn't bother me at all but I can totally see how important it is to be careful with how we stare or look at others that may be a little different!!!

Thanks again for all the prayers! I thank God every day for the incredible blessing that he has bestowed upon Ryan and me with Braden and Reed.