The Depperschmidt's

I know I haven't been very speedy about updating the blog...Every day, I mentally picture myself downloading pictures to the computer and posting some witty update...In real life, I'm just so tired I can't organize my words in to complete thoughts and if I do have a few minutes down time during the day, there's usually something more pressing to do than blogging. So that's the disclaimer for this post...it's a bit random and unorganized. I did also add a few new pictures to August photo album...

- AJ -
He seems to have plateaued. This is frustrating for me and Andy because we of course love to see him taking big strides towards coming home. Andy uses the analogy of watching your child learn to walk. It seems like they have all the necessary tools to start walking (strength, coordination, desire, etc.), but the light bulb hasn't clicked on yet. Then one day, they put it all together and take off walking. It seems like AJ has all the necessary tools to eat and breathe on his own (and he does sometimes)...he just doesn't do it all the time. We're hoping one day soon, the light bulb will click on and he'll just take off. He has been a stellar breastfeeder the last few days...however, when he's had a few good days of eating in the past, it's followed by a few days of coma-like lethargy.


- EXIA -
She's teething again. This is a painful process for her and everyone around her. I'm not sure how Andy, Exia, and I all survived cutting the first 8 teeth. Even her teacher at school commented that she's NEVER (and this lady has been teaching toddlers for like 20 years) seen a child who handles teething so badly. In a way, at least it's validating that someone else recognizes that E's change in behavior is real (and temporary). She does still have her moments of being completely adorable...her new favorite things to do are stand on her tippy toes and spin in circles...and she learned how to turn on the water in the master bath. She stands there (on her tippy toes) turning the water on and off, washing her hands, and squealing with delight.


- ME AND ANDY -
We're just tired.

I'm tired of driving to the hospital.
I'm tired of constantly watching AJ's monitors and holding my breath hoping he doesn't alarm today.
I'm tired of watching him alarm and watching his heart rate drop in to the 50's and 60's.
I'm tired of managing all his cords and wires every time I want to touch him.
I'm tired of trying to adapt to which ever nurse happens to be on call that shift.
I'm tired of pumping.
I'm tired of asking my mom to come over every night to stay with Exia so that Andy and I can make one trip to the hospital together.

I'm sure there are few other things to add to my "tired of" list, but I'm too tired to think of them...