Looking Back, Looking Forward: Archer's 1st Year Video & Holidays at Home

For those who have not had a chance to see it, here is a link to a video Kyle made capturing the highlights of Archer’s first year:

Click here: Archer's First Year Video

Whew, what a month! Archer seems to have boundless energy and has kept Mom and Dad on their toes the past few weeks! He had his first opportunity to try out the sled he got for his birthday, and while he didn’t enjoy being strapped down much, he did love standing in the snow!

Archer had a 2^nd visit to his pediatric ophthalmologist in December. The doctor did not see any cause for concern right now, but he did caution that Archer’s extreme prematurity, as well as the aggressive ROP and subsequent laser treatment that he underwent in the NICU, put him at a much higher risk for vision problems in the future. Archer will visit the ophthalmologist again in 6 months.

Archer was also able to enjoy some time with Grandma and Grandpa Kumfer, who were able to visit over Christmas again. We reminisced about how different this holiday season was from their visit the year before. Last Christmas, needless to say, was rough. Archer was just 3 weeks old and was struggling with low blood pressure, fighting an infection, and requiring high levels of oxygen. On Christmas Eve we were told he had a seizure, and on Christmas Day he received a blood transfusion and a new IV line that required many pokes and was difficult to witness. Fortunately, things started to improve thereafter and Archer’s blood pressure stabilized, he was able to begin milk feedings again, and a few days later Mom was able to hold him for the first time! We are all amazed at everything he has been able to overcome so far, and we were so blessed to get to celebrate with Archer at home this year! Although he was not very impressed by the tree and all of the gifts (they blocked him from moving around), Archer loved having more people around to play with! He even got to meet some family members for the first time. 

On the bottom-left, Archer is holding the ornament he received in the NICU on his 1st Christmas.

1st eye opened - New Year's Eve 2012

Archer was again determined to have his eyes open to celebrate the New Year too. He opened one eye for the first time on New Year’s Eve last year (the 2^nd opened the next day), and this year he woke Grandma up at 11:30pm to party and stayed up to wish Mom and Dad a Happy New Year as well!

Archer has continued to make strides developmentally and has become a pro at pulling himself up on anything; his grinning face now greets us as he stands in his crib each time we enter his room. Unfortunately, this skill has led to many bumps and bruises, but thankfully Archer has recently figured out how to get back down to the floor on his own after pulling to standing. He is constantly on the move and loves to walk around with assistance, cruise, and climb the stairs, which makes for an exhausted Mom and Dad! We had to put away the changing table because Archer was immediately rolling over to crawl away, so diaper and clothing changes are now done on the floor while Archer stands. It’s comical to watch, but we can’t get him to lie still long enough to get a diaper on!

 

Archer has gotten much louder and is “talking” much more, although he did subject us to a new whiny screech for about a week. We have been working on introducing sign language as well. We thought he had mastered the sign for “more,” but then he began using it whenever he wanted anything and we had to work to figure out what he was asking for. Hopefully we’ll have more progress with signing soon.

Enjoying a snow day inside.

Playing with rice.

Archer also had his first experience with a babysitter other than Mom, Dad, Grandma, or Grandpa today (Thanks, Jim!). It was only about an hour, but he was not happy with Mom and Dad leaving. Looks like we have some work ahead of us on getting him comfortable interacting with other people. Thankfully he'll be able to go out in public and socialize more after Cold/Flu/RSV season!