Gus loves to laugh!

This joyful noise is too precious not to share. I love Gus' laugh! I love how Dennis will laugh with him. They say laughter is the best medicine, and I believe it is in our house. Gus is a very special baby. He thrives with every touch. Every moment with him is a gift. I am so happy to be his mother. I can say for Dennis that he is so happy to be Gus' father. These clips melt my heart. :) Go ahead and smile and laugh with Gus. Enjoy!

Gus turned 4 months old!

Yesterday, Gus turned 4 months old. One year ago today, I found out I was pregnant with a Little Bean. It was the best first year anniversary present EVER. Two years ago today, Dennis and I got married. Already this week, we are celebrating another month with Gus and our wedding anniversary. It is an amazing feeling! Last week, my Dad came back for his monthly visit with Gus. We had a great weekend! The weather has been so warm and beautiful in Portland. We got out and enjoyed it! We had a BBQ on Thursday night, walked to the pizzeria on Friday evening, went to the Tulip Festival, and ended the weekend watching Dennis play softball. Gus loves being outside and enjoys the fresh breeze. Friday afternoon, Gus had an appointment with Dr. Miles. He weighed in at 14 pounds 6.5 ounces and 24.25 inches. Gus is getting so big. One of our concerns with Gus that he aspirates after eating, receiving medication, and after he burps. He is aspirating more and more. We have to watch how he swallows and takes in breaths. Gus is a fussy baby and continues to have a difficult time getting comfortable. Lately, he has been receiving more medication to help maintain his comfort level. On the flip side, Gus is laughing more and making the cutest sounds. Nothing is as precious as his laugh. I could watch Dennis and Gus interact all day long. Dennis tells him secrets about what boys do. Dennis and I are thankful for my Mom's help. I know Dennis can handle Gus, but he is high maintenance. My Dad got Gus a swing this past weekend, and Gus is starting to like it. Gus is kind of over his bounce chair. So far so good....he likes the swings! Grammy Chris and Mommy like the swing too! Today, I am thankful for so much. It starts with Dennis' support and strength, Gus' gift of life, and all of the supportive and loving family and friends we have in our life.

Gus and the Gustafsons  
Uncle Johnny, Cousin Brian, and Gus





We were patiently wating for Gus' medicine at the Kaiser Pharmacy. Dennis...not so much!

Gus and Papa waiting so patiently. Dennis...not so much!
It was so warm outside, Grammy dressed him in his shorts for the first time.

Gus in his hat and tie...ready for the Tulip Festival in Woodburn, OR.

 

Waking up from his nap. "Gus, you still have your tie on." ;)



Gus and Mommy checking tou the beautiful rows of tulips. After his nap, I took off his pants when I got him out of the stroller and he was so happy.



The rows of colorful tulips. Of course, Mom and I took some home (the pre-picked ones). There are signs everywhere that read "Do not pick the flowers."

  

After mass, we went to the Cadilac Cafe for brunch. Gus did much better this week in church. phew!

Before Diane left for her trip to Omaha, she got some "Gussy" time. Auntie Diane loves this colorful onesie. She loves rainbows!  

I love this photo of Grammy and Gus with Geoffrey the Giraffe.



Gus at his first softball game! "Go Daddy!"

**I have a lot of clips of Gus laughing and smiling. I will get those post those soon. Stay tuned!**

Gus is 3 months 3 weeks old!

Wow! Gus is almost 4 months old. He is growing so fast. This past week, Gus has been doing well. This week, he woke up a few times and wanted his Daddy. I got up to walk around with him to calm him down, but his Daddy had the magic touch. An hour later, Dennis brought Gus back up to bed and he was just fine. Dennis hopes that Gus is not developing a new habit. I am happy to report that last night he only woke up for his two feedings. Gus has been hanging out with his Grammy and Daddy during the day. In the evenings, Gus and I try to go on walks (with the weather permitting). Gus loves the fresh air! By the end of walk, he is asleep. Today, Gus and I had our own special outing to Morgan's baby shower. Gus got to see his Auntie Jayme and meet some new people. I did not get a picture with him and Morgan, but that is something to work on in the near future. Next week, Gus has his 4 month check up with Dr. Miles. Nothing else has changed...he gets some anxiety medicine when he needs it. Gus is a little piggy! He is growing so fast. It is truly amazing. We are enjoying every moment with our little man.

Cuddle time every Saturday and Sunday morning.

Farmer Gus. I told him about Uncle Steve Lee's farm in Kansas and all the corn fields in Iowa. The overalls are a classic but the barn and farm animal onesie really makes him look like a farm boy. Last Saturday, Gus took a long afternoon nap. It was nice because I was able to bake cookies and make soup. It felt normal!

 

After the nap and errands, we stopped by to see his Daddy at the bar.

Daddy loves the overalls!

Last Sunday, all Gus wanted was to be held. I could not even go to the bathroom without him losing it. I don't think he was feeling that well. He was fussy and could not get comfortable. He had some meltdowns and so did I. Dennis came home for a quick break to eat some dinner and hold Gus.

So precious. Gus loves his security blankets!

Gus in the Ergo. Fell asleep!

Still asleep after taking him out of it. Yes!

This week, his Grammy Chris came back to visit and help us with Gus. He was so happy!

On Wednesday, my co-workers and I took a few of our clients to Cannon Beach. It was a beautiful day! The clients loved it!

Gus and I playing bounce! Mommy does the soft touch version, and Daddy does the Gus Toss. Makes me nervous.

Gus and Grammy went on a walk while I attended a house party.

Pilot Gus.

King Gus at 3 months and 3 weeks. I love it! :)

King Gus turned 3 months!

King Gus turned 3 months the other day! It is truly amazing! Back in January, his doctors did not think he would make this far. Gus continues to prove them wrong; however, we still have to take it day by day. As he gets older, simple things will be harder for him due to the fact that his nervous system is under developed. We continue to give Gus all of our attention and love. He is still eating well and growing so fast. Since, most of his symptoms are manageable with medication Gus is off of Hospice Care. As of April 1, he graduated from Hospice. Dennis and I met with his pedestrian last week, and we will be following up with her every other week and going in for office visits every month. Also, we do have her cell phone number and can follow up with her when needed. Dennis and I are grateful for the help and support Hospice has provided us with for the past 3 months. Gus can always be put back on Hospice if the need is there. Dr. Miles was very happy with his 3 month check-up. Gus is so strong and now weighs over 12 pounds. He is 23 1/2 inches long! His 0-3 month clothes are not long enough for him. He is sleeping better at night. Most nights, we go to bed after his night time bottle (around 10 pm) and he sleeps anywhere between 1:30 to 3 am before he needs a snack. During this bottle, he falls asleep and gets mad when I wake him to change and/or burp him. Sometimes, you have to pick your battles. Lately, he has been sleeping into the 7 am hour. When he is ready for the 7 am bottle, then it has to be ready or else. Gus does not have patience.  There are times, when Gus struggles getting comfortable and staying comfortable. That is when we give him anxiety medicine. Nine times out of 10 it works! My Mom continues to be a HUGE help, especially since I went back to work on March 11. Dennis stays busy doing bar projects. He is redoing the bar top with pennies and putting more beer draft lines in. It was nice having Big Dennis and Deb Martin here to help Dennis during my first week back to work. Gus got all kinds of loving from them! He knew I went back to work, because he just wanted me to hold him all night. The weather started to warm up, and we been having so dry days. Those are the days that Gus and I get out there and go on a walk. We live by a golf course and park full of beautiful trees. My Dad was here over Easter weekend. It was another nice weekend, and we got out to play lawn darts and had a nice Easter dinner on Saturday. We walked around the courtyard with Gus. He is starting to like his stroller. :) April is off to a good start for us. I am reminding myself that we are survivors, not victims, and every day with Gus is a gift. Our situation with Gus is very unique and special. It is making me a better wife, mother, mental health therapist, and all-around better person. I cannot over think the how and why this virus happened to Gus and our family. I do have fears centered around Gus' future, but I cannot dwell on those fears. I continue to pray for acceptance, patience, grace, and hope. Happy April and Happy Spring!
Gus at 3 months:
- is wearing size 2 diapers.
- started wearing his 3-6 month clothes.
- He LOVES apple juice with warm water. He sucks it down!
- making all kinds of cute noises and smiling more and more. He does show off those dimples! (Just like his Daddy).
- His eyes are turning bright blue, and he looks good in any shade of blue.
- The pacifier is extremely important at nap and bed times. However, once he goes to sleep it falls out. At bedtime, I have to clip it onto his giraffe to find it in bed.  
- He is still upset that the Jayhawks lost to Michigan.
- He enjoys visitors.
- His favorite napping spot is on his Grammy, Mommy, or Daddy's chest. He is a tummy sleeper and his legs and arms have to be under him during this sleeping position.
- He loves being held, and when he is not being held the vibrating chair works for now.
- 12 pounds 4.5 ounces and 23 1/2 inches long.
- He still sleeps in bed with his Mommy and Daddy. It is getting better....I can put him on his side between us and he does not even notice I am not holding him. Dennis keeps reminding me that our other children will not be in bed with us. King Gus has a pass. After all, he is the King of the castle and our hearts. ;)

Sleepy Gus using his new lovey blanket (from Grammy Deb) has a pillow.

Grammy Deb loving on Gus. I did not get a picture of Papa Dennis with Gus. He is in the background of this one. :)

Gus loves these lovey blankets!

Grammy Deb and Gus. I cannot believe we did not get a picture with Papa Dennis this time. I guess we were all tired that week. Gus wore them out and I was adjusting getting back to my work schedule.

Gus finally enjoys taking a bath!

Gus making some noise in the morning sunlight. Precious.

Bunny PJs. This is a typical sleeping position for Baby Bunny Gus.

Gus made it into his 3-6 month clothes. He is getting so big!

Gus is KU Jayhawk Fan!

When I was at work I called to check on the guys...my Mom texted me this photo.

One of Gus' favorite napping spots!

Papa Mike made it back for the weekend. This photo makes my heart melt. Gus making Papa smile after the KU lost.

12.45 pounds at his 3 month check-up! Nurse Hillary pointing out he doubled his birth weight. :)

The Cruppers brought us lunch and met Gus for the first time.

Gus telling Grammy all about it. "Mommy made me sleep in until 7:30 am."

Having fun with Daddy!

DIMPLES! Just like Daddy!

Before I went back to work. Auntie Jayme took Gus' photos at 2 1/2 months. Jayme and Brooke finally got to meet each other. They both have heard so much about each other. I am sure they enjoyed putting a name and face together. Dennis' small request next time Gus gets his photos taken by Jayme: "Please have his eyes open next time" If only it was that easy! Right?! Here are the beautiful Images By Jayme. We will get these framed in our home very soon. (I cannot wait to get frames picked out). Jayme, you are the best! Thank you so much! We love you! :)

King Gus. It is official because he has the crown.

He is just so sweet, cuddly, precious, amazing, and wonderful. A piece of work...little bit of both Dennis and I.

An open mouth sleeper!

Pilot Gus. Dennis is just hours away from getting his pilot's license. But right now the bar, bar projects, marriage, and a baby are keeping him busy. I am sure some day he will get back up there.

(Gus did get an Easter basket with some toys and new blanket. I cannot find the photo I took of it. He also got some Easter cards from family and friends letting us know they are thinking of us. Gus is so loved and has a lot of supporters).