Friday...

Pictures Bottom to Top: "Nanny" Zoie and Remington, Reme Laughing/Crying Over Daddy's Whiskers.~~~Today was a "Homebody Day"...Daddy and I stayed in to play with you all day long. We had such fun as a family...even your dogs got involved! Zoie, your Chiuanian watches over you as if she were your own Mary Poppins. She watched intently as you played with your Garanimals "Touch, Feel, Hear" cube.

Right now you enjoy looking at faces, even your own with the mirror present in your toy. Later in the afternoon, Daddy was making noises at you while kissing you...you started out laughing until you decided you didn't like the feel of his whiskers -- then you did a combo laugh/cry. I love watching you as you figure out things about your world. You make some of the most wonderful and interesting faces! You have a natural curiosity about everything; and, you decide what you like and don't like very quickly. I think you are awesome!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Already?!

Pictures Bottom to Top: Rolling Over, Rolling Over Part Deux (Almost There), Whip It Good (Finally Made It).~~~Son: I can't believe you are maturing so quickly! You've been rolling over for the past three weeks, but when you did this at your three week marker I truly thought it was a fluke because I was the one to always witness it, but now that you are 5 weeks old, I finally had the event witnessed by your Dad...and sure enough, you are rolling over from your tummy to your back. Apparently, you don't like tummy time much at all! I love that you are already independent enough to try things (like rolling) on your own.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Look Ma! No Hands!

Picture: Remington showing off his slippers from Mommie's friend Kellie Baldwin.~~~ Isn't he too cute in these slippers? I absolutely love them and he has been too tiny to wear many of the fun, hip, and fashion forward outfits he was given. It was awesome to realize that Reme has grown enough to wear these; and outgrow a few of the preemie outfits he has been wearing. Honestly, he didn't like me putting the slippers on at first (look at the face he makes) but as the day progressed he didn't mind them at all!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO to my Little Him.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Adventure at Primary Children's Hospital...4-20-2010

Pictures Bottom to Top: An Historic Event (Remington's First Visit to PCMC), My Brave Duckie, Going into the Gama Photometer, Such a Small IV, Reme's Kidney's under Fluroscopy.~~~Remington -- today was a difficult day for me and Daddy. You had to have an invasive procedure in Nuclear Medicine. I don't recall the name of the medication inserted into your little I.V. but it was a dye to map the process of urine flow from your kidneys, down your ureter, to your bladder and then out the urethra. As parents, it was hard for us to see you undergo a medical procedure at age 4 weeks and 2 days...and; in addition to the I.V., you had a foley catheter placed to measure urinary output. You were so brave -- remaining still and quiet when it was the most important to be so. I prayed that you only had to have one stick for the I.V. placement; and, your Nurse and Nuclear Med. Technician accommodated that wish. After this test you had another renal ultrasound. Both tests procured great results...although the left kidney is still distended and not functioning to its maximum, it was felt by Dr. Wallis, your Pediatric Urologist, that the slight blockage you have at the start of the ureter will correct itself over time...so, essentially, you will out-grow your kidney problem (hydronephrosis). This was fantastic news! Your Daddy and I were ecstatic because that means you won't need surgery while you are so small. As a family, we are definitely blessed...and more so because you are a part of it.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

April 18, 2010...Your One Month Marker...

Dear Remington: I'd like to say that your one month milestone was one without trial and a very blissful day for you, but it came with the most severe diaper rash you've experienced in your short life. Daddy and I have been fighting diaper rashes since you've come home from the Hospital because you have been on Amoxicillin to prevent a Kidney infection. Just when we thought we'd found the perfect remedy and you'd never get a diaper rash again, we discovered this terrible testament to it this morning. We are confounded as we've never kept you in a wet or messy diaper (you hate those and totally let us know to get you the H out of them). We feel we've tried everything...and so today, we have been supplementing all the other advice from the Pediatrician with soaking your bum in a mixture of 2 Tbsp. of baking soda and warm water (the prerogative of Dr. Sears) then leaving your bottom open to air. You are a modest child and don't like to be un-dressed in the least, but we are all mulling through...hoping to eliminate the rash, pain, and any other discomforts associated with it. Hopefully, the rash WILL be short lived. But, trying to find the positive in all experiences, what I've learned from you today is that there will be times when I CAN'T fully help you or take a bad experience away from you. This hurts my heart more than you will ever know, but I am sure it is essential for you to be the unique and wonderful person you are meant to be...I know that you will handle each trial that your life journey brings you with grace, dignity, persistence, and determination. Today shows how strong you are -- if you can handle today's trial, I am certain you can handle most anything!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie

P.S. Pictures Bottom to Top: Just Reme, Poor Reme, and Fussbucket! These are pictures of you right before your bath and directly after-wards.

First Stroll about the Neighborhood...

April 16, 2010...Daddy and I wanted you to have a new experience and since the day was so lovely (70 degrees, little to no wind (unusual for Tooele), birds singing, and the sun shining brilliantly) we decided to go for a short walk. You loved your stroller, but moreover, you loved being outside! The three of us had an unforgettable and fabulous time!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Little Him -- Wiggle Worm...

Wigglin' and Stretchin'

Mommie and Remington

Hush little baby, don't you cry. Momma's gonna sing you a lullaby.

Bath Time!

Pictures Bottom to Top: Bath-time, April 11, 2010, Duckie out of Water, Little Him getting his Hair Washed, Hmmm -- Maybe Bath-time IS Fun!~~~Reme, I love bath-time with you. At this stage in your life it is a ritual that relaxes both of us. So far, you are still too little to fit into your tub, which goes into the adult bath-tub, so we are still washing you in the Kitchen sink. After each bath, you get pampered -- Mom pats you dry, warms baby lotion and douses you in it using Dr. T. Berry Brazelton's touch-point technique...you also get your hair brushed and then you are dressed. For some reason, bath-time relieves all of my angst over the things gone wrong as I am learning about you...the ritual of bath-time just reminds me that we have a very special bond. What I have learned from bathing you is that every mistake I make as I try to anticipate your needs is a teaching mechanism that etches your cries, grunts, giggles, and smiles in my memory so I may discern the best way to help you. I feel that each day I have an opportunity to care for and love you I am given a gift...the gift of knowing you better, and that, my Son warms my heart beyond measure.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Easter Sunday: April 4, 2010

This picture of you always brings a smile...your toy Easter Bunny is bigger than you! I hope you will always enjoy the traditions of the Holidays; and, I hope that they always delight.

One fantastic thing that happened on this day is that a Star was named in your honor. Your star resides in Ursa Major and is named "REME318." Oh, Happy Day!

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Moments Ingrained in our Hearts, Minds, and Souls Forever...

Pictures Bottom to Top: Reme Enjoying Sounds of the Rainforest, "I'm Shocked, Mom!," "Oh, My!," Just Swingin', Look Ma! -- SUPERMAN!~~~Each day brings a new outlook and perspective for me as I learn more about your likes and dislikes, how you learn to be you as I am learning to be your Mom. I can't believe my heart can continue to grow with more and more love for you each day, somewhere in the depths of my soul I know that I've loved you all of my life. You are my miracle, my blessing...my son.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Son-shine...

Daddy loves you so much, Son. I hope you will always know that beyond a shadow of a doubt. One talent you share is a love for music...so, Daddy sings and you listen intently. He often sings: "You are my Son-shine, my only Son-shine, you make me happ-y everyday...You'll never know dear how much I love you, until you grow up and drive the car a-waayy!"

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Pictures of "Little Him"...

Pictures Bottom to Top: Remingtion's First Day at His First Home, Reme -- "Just Not Sure About This Outfit, Mom!," Duckie as "Cuddle Bug," Son-shine -- Getting to Stretch, Finally!, Remington -- Dreaming Happy!~~~Son, as I write this electronic journal for you, it dawns on me that it is extremely difficult to only choose a few photos of you in your moments of glory. Daddy and I love your personality...and as we learn more about all things "Remington" we are continually delighted and astounded.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Reme and a Few of his Auntie's...

Pictures Bottom to Top: Reme with Aunt Joyce; Aunt Jaci;and, Aunt Anitra.~~~These special ladies all think you are a special boy!

A Very Special Memory...

Picture: Remington Everett Koehler, Marjorie Glick, Rachel Ann Halverson.~~~Son, your Great Grandma is 72 years old, has Parkinson's yet remains one of the most amazing people to converse with. In her wisdom she predicts you will be a very kind, loving and generous person.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Remington's Grand-Marm's...

Pictures from Bottom to Top: Grandma Halverson, Grandma Koehler. ~~~Son -- you are loved so very, very much.

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

A Few of the People Who Love Reme...

Pictures from Bottom to Top: Reme and Mommie, Reme and Daddy, Remington with Big Sister Collette, Remington with Big Sister Jackie, and Reme with God-Mother Cheryl (MiJangos).~~~Son, I want you to know that as I held you in my arms the first time I was so elated and proud to be your Mom. Everyday, from the moment I first got to hold you my heart is filled with joy, bliss, and so many un-describable emotions. I feel blessed to have you in my life...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.

Love Letter to Remington...

Remington -- You were born on March 18th, 2010 at 8:17 pm and weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces. You were 19 inches long. So many thoughts raced through my mind upon our first meeting...first and foremost, I believe you to be perfect. If there is one thing I can convey to you as you grow and learn from me is that I truly believe there is no limit to what you are capable of...Mommie had grand plans for her own journey that I feel would have enabled you to have amazing opportunities and experiences. However, many bumps in the road have prevented me from getting to my personal vision, but only because I have set limits upon myself and sometimes can't overcome them. Although, I can't offer you everything I ever dreamed of, or hoped for, I can offer you unconditional love. I hope you will always remember that I love you, that Daddy loves you, and that we will always be here to support you in every capacity you want and need. We will do everything in our power to ensure that your vision of your life's journey meets or exceeds your expectations...we love and adore you...

Love Forever and x Infinity,

Mommie.