First Breaths...

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Dear Family and Friends,

The day that we have been excitedly waiting for since Everett's birth exactly one month ago is here.  This evening our little Everett took his first unassisted breaths!!!

After 30 days on the ventilator, Everett is finally able to breathe totally on his own.  And after 30 days, we are finally able to see his lips, tongue, chin and smile.  We can say without a doubt that he has Zac's mouth and lips.  They blend perfectly with his nose, eyes, and hair.  He is the CUTEST baby that we have ever seen...but then again, I think we're a little partial!  He hasn't cried yet (he wasn't feeling unhappy when we were there)...but he did sneeze four times and watching that was really fun.  He even made a little, tiny ACH-HOO sound!!! 

Seeing him without the tubes for the very first time was super emotional.  I was crying (of course), hugging every person in the room, and thanking them for helping our little boy while Zac was staring at him in disbelief, saying "Oh my gosh...oh my gosh."  It is such a milestone, one that four weeks ago, we felt like we'd never make, but very happily...HERE WE ARE!  We are overjoyed and so full of pride for our strong son.  He is such a fighter!  I know that he draws his strength from all of you who are praying for and thinking positive thoughts about him.  You have helped get us to where we are today...and today is a GREAT DAY!  Thank you for being a part of our lives.

With lots and love and tears of joy,

The Bollinger Family

P.S. He's up to 2lb. 3oz. and 13 1/2 inches long :-)