Little Man's First Christmas

Amon's first Christmas was... well... eventful. And of course he was a total star! I couldn't help myself with the Christmas decorations... my friend Donna sent a screen shot of a skype chat and Amon's head looked so round and perfect... just like a Christmas tree ornament!

We flew to Winnipeg to be with Michael's family over the holiday. Amon was a gem on the plane. He was a pretty happy baby until we realized he was getting his first cold!

The traditional Christmas morning stair portrait

Christmas morning was a bit subdued because he wasn't feeling well and we were all worried about him. Despite this, he seemed to enjoy his presents! He wasn't quite sure how to open a present, but he knew what to do with it once it was out of the wrapping: put it in his mouth!

Christmas puppet! (taken by Grandma)

Colds in preemie babies are a big deal, and are often the result of RSV virus, about which we had received dire warnings from our paediatrician. RSV is the most common cause of re-hospitalization in prems. For this reason, we were instructed by our doctor to limit contact with other kids, and avoid crowded places, and things like parties. I have to tell you that it makes for a bit of a lonely maternity leave!

In November, we were slated to be part of an RSV vaccination programme for premature babies. After calling our doctor's office numerous times to inquire when we were supposed to come in to get the first shot, we were finally told that we didn't qualify because Amon's birthdate fell a week after the government mandated cut off. Our paediatrician wrote a couple of letters on our behalf attempting to get an exception for us, but we were refused... it's a very expensive vaccination apparently. So when he started sniffling, and coughing, we were really worried. As Christmas approached, he seemed to be more miserable each day, and on Boxing Day morning, he sounded like he was wheezing. It was horrible to see him suffering. Martin took us to the Winnipeg Children's Hospital where he was diagnosed with bronchialitis, most likely caused by RSV.

Thankfully, he didn't have to be admitted, but he did have to have an epinephrine mask to help clear the congestion from his lungs. Amon really screamed which just about made me cry. Eventually, he fell asleep and the mask seemed to help. We had to go back to the hospital twice, and extend our trip by 2 days on the advice of the Winnipeg paediatrician. We are so grateful for the excellent care we received at the Children's Hospital, and to Martin for taking us to the hospital and patiently waiting for us in the emergency room! Amon was such a trooper, too... after all that nose sucking, masks, and sleepless nights, he still had smiles for us.