Update photo's to follow

Hello all,

It has been sometime since I last posted. I will add pictures in the next couple of days so everyone can see Sebastians progress. After reading the last posts I realized that so much has changed.

Sebastian is currently 6.29kl or 13 pounds 14 ounces.

He is a very long baby and very soon we are going to have to purchase another car seat (already). He will be 9 months old on the 10th of Jan and is currently 5 months corrected. This morning we just started him on cereal and he took to the spoon with no problem. We just have to make sure his digestive system can handle the new texture.
Sebastian has started to make some lovely sounds which I believe are sounds he hears from Grandpa as we are over at my mom and dads house on a daily basis. He is an incredible baby but after me posting months ago that he is eating every four hours that quickly went back to every two -three hours so I am still not getting much sleep.

Steinar is working longer hours but when he walks through the door after working all day you would think that Sebastian only knows who daddy is. Kind of annoying but I love watching the two of them.
We are very active going to many outings with other moms and it makes for a week when we are not in all day. With the weather getting colder we (the moms) meet at the mall prior to it opening and walk the mall for excerise then hang out and get tips on child care from each other.

Our first Christmas together was wonderful and we were thankful for having each other and such a wonderful family and great supportive friends.
As a gift to me I put Sebastian in his own room. I thought I would get more sleep but listening to the monitor is more annoying then listening to him while he is in our room. I have been told that I will get used to it and possibly sleep in the near future (one can only hope).
I look forward to posting new pictures for everyone to see. At the moment my angel calls so I run. :)

Photo from yesterday

Hi all,

Sebastian is doing well and so am I. He has just started (2 days ago) to sleep four hours between feeds which makes me really grateful. It has been three months of getting up every two hours or sooner in order to keep him happy. It is funny when I hear other moms of babies the same age as Sebastian's corrected age (12 weeks) and they are complaining because their babies are only sleeping seven or eight hours between feeds then I want to choke them. I guess it could be worse so I am not complaining.

Sebastian still has numerous appointments at various doctors appointments but for the most part is well. Our big decision is what to do with these flu shots and the H1N1 shot for ourselves and him.

I had planned on discontinuing this blog but as I have so many people following it I may contiue it for a few more weeks before I figure out how to keep people updated.

Greetings to my family in Portugal- as you can see by the picture he is cute as a button in the outfit that you set him. Many thanks and much love to all of you.

Carlie comes for a cuddle

Pictures from our trip (various)

Our first real away trip (and that means overnight)

Steinar , Sebastian and I decided that we needed a little get away. For Thanksgiving weekend we went to Huntsville which is three to four hours north of Toronto and spent three nights in the most beautiful spot watching the fall colors and just hanging out. It was the ordeal of packing what seemed like everything in the house. Trying not to forget anything which I did and had to go back. Leaving on time which is never a possibility no matter how much planning you do. The eleven o'clock departure became a feeding at 11 and departure at 12 after three changes of clothing for the little guy. The leaving and become stress free prior to realizing that I was missing a part of my breast pumping equipment and hence we made a return trip home to get it. We did manage to reach Huntsville by 6pm and after a bit of room shuffling we were able to get settled and had an enjoyable weekend before packing up (which was alot quicker then packing to depart from home) and spending Thanksgiving Monday with the family.

So far so good I am almost ready for the big International trip to Norway. Heaven help me.

Moms I spent time in hospital and the big prem babies

These are the moms and the babies that I spent time with in the hospital prior to Sebastian arriving home. The bond we have is amazing and we meet on a regular basis. Funny when we arrive a t a restaurant with three infants, three strollers, one four year old and three moms how we are not able to get any service really quickly. We get looked at and it seems as if everyone decides regardless of the time that it is their lunch break.

Sebastian is now 6 months old and doing well

Hello everyone who is still reading. I have decided that I now have some time again to blog until I figure out what I am doing with these updates. On Saturday October 10th our little boy turned 6 months old. I find it hard to believe that he has been around that long as I have only had him home for about 10 weeks.

Sebastian according to all the health professionals we are seeing is doing very well. It is hard to judge just by looking at him that he was premature unless I tell you his age is 6 months then he looks small.

As of his appointment today he is 5.20kl or 11 pounds 7 ounces. His length is 60cm and he is doing very well.

He is still waking about every two hours to be fed and is fondly called "snacks" by our friends the Marmina family who know that he eats small meals alot rather then letting mommy sleep. Oh well, I am told in time he will get better and have more hours between feedings.

Sebastian still goes to numerous appointments with many different doctors and we are blessed that he has so little issues.

We took our first road trip into Huntsville which is about 3-4 hours north of Toronto. We decided it was time to take a trial trip so that when we visit Norway it would not be such a huge shock to prepare. Well it was a huge effort just to get out the door. We scheduled a time to leave. At that time Sebastian became hungry again so we had to postpone leaving until he was fed. It rolls around to an hour later and we decide to leave but we need to change him three times prior to leaving as he has done a bit of a throw up on three occasions. The funny thing is we know when he is going to be sick because he has the most beautiful little laugh and then proceeds to throw up. At least we are somewhat prepared.

We left and then I find that I have left behind some important part of the breast pump which I need in order to provide our child with nourishment. So back we go to the house. I should say it could have been alot worse. We did stop for lunch and a lovely lady came over and shook Sebastian's little leg which he was kicking up and down. No sooner had she done that then he had a massive bottom burp and the biggest poop we have seen yet. That was pretty funny. We did get to our hotel and had a wonderful few days taking in the changing of the leaves. Steinar managed to get in a golf game in the 0 degree weather during a now fall which turned into rain and then hail.

All in all I must day it was a great success and if I was not so tired I would do it again.

I hope to keep more regular updates but I hope that you will all enjoy the numerous pictures of our little man.

Update on Sebastian

Hello all blog readers I have finally found the time to give a "Sebastian Update". Things have been really busy with him now being at home and I am trying to get into some sort of routine or find a way to manage my time more effectively.

Sebastian had his clinic update with the doctors from Women's College Hospital and he is doing very well. Our only concerns are his acid reflux and his weak tummy muscles(so we have to do alot of tummy time in order to strengthen his muscles). His last weight was 10 pounds (or 4.6 kilo) exactly however that was weeks ago and we are sure he is above 11 pounds now as he is getting very heavy to cradle and hold.

Mom and dad have been very supportive with helping me adjust to having him home. The long days in the NICU and the stress build up is something I am trying to deal with and have not felt quite right since his birth. I am thinking time and sleep will help with my road to recovery.

Sebastian is now 9 weeks corrected and is starting to smile and laugh which is making it really enjoyable. We are trying to take road trips on a weekly basis so I don't go stir crazy looking at the same four walls. I have joined several classes for babies so I can spend some time with other moms and get out of the house. With the weather I get out for walks but when the snow comes it will be mall walking for exercise. I have decided I am not a mall person although this is were other moms go for a break.

I am planning on stopping the blog at some point as he is taking up alot of my time and I am having trouble updating and I know that I have a lot of people reading this blog and would like to know exactly who wants updates. That being said for those of you faithful followers who want updates on Sebastian I am going to start an e-mail account and those of you who e-mail his account will get regular updates.

Pictures will follow before I shut down this blog, however he looks the same just more beautiful with every day.

Love and thanks to everyone still reading the saga of Sebastian our miracle baby.

Our first real road trip- what a task that was!

This is how the day went. We decided to go on a road trip to Port Perry to see how things would go. For those of you who don't know the location of Port Perry it is about a 40 minute drive east and north of where we live. I drive it in about 25 minutes but that is a different story. Mom and Dad used to own a Bed and Breakfast in this lovely town.
We had planned on leaving at 11 am until that is Sebastian had to eat. So we were out the door by noon. Not too bad I guess. We took the country roads to Port Perry to make it more exciting (took us 40 minutes to get there). By this time we needed to eat. So we ate and when we were done and ready to walk and window shop Sebastian decided to eat. That was another hour. Needless to say we spent more time trying to feed, change diapers and other necessities then we did actually enjoying our road trip. It was a beautiful day and what I have learned are the following:
Always bring extra food regardless of how long you are gone.
Never expect to leave any time near the preplanned departure time.
Never plan anything.
Other then that it was an excellent outing which has prepared us for the next. Maybe we will venture an hour away from home next time.

The chair that saved my sanity

Grandma comes for a quick visit and tries out "The Chair". Some of my co-workers chipped in to help with the purchase of a chair. I was unable to have a baby shower because of the unscheduled events and early birth. This is what I needed as for the first few months and still now I leave the bedroom to feed Sebastian so daddy could continue to sleep.
Sebastian sometimes could only be burped after many long hours if he is on my shoulder and reclined. For the longest time we had a patio chair in the house for me to try and sleep but that was not too successful.

When we got the almighty chair things like my comfort level were much better and it is used all the time. It is much appreciated and I hope it will become Sebastian's story time chair for when he is a bit older.

Visitng at grandma's house with a visit from Great Uncle "G"

This past week and a half Uncle G has been staying at my parents house. He is awesome and in his mid 80"s. He visits every year from New York in order to chill out and just relax. G always spoils us when he visits and promptly spoiled Sebastian upon meeting him. "G" kept threatening to take Sebastian home in a shopping bag so I had to keep a close eye on our son until "G" was safely out of the country. :)

Just hanging out

Sebastian just chillin out

Update on Sebastian pictures to follow when I get two minutes

Hello all Sebastian followers. It has been a few weeks since I have posted and blogged anything on Sebastian and I actually have about five minutes between changing diapers, feeding, pumping and trying to power eat anything I can find in the house.

Sebastian is doing very well. Steinar has been off for the past couple of weeks and is the biggest help. I only dread the day when he goes back to work and I do this on my own again.

Sebastian is the best baby and is doing what he should be for his corrected age of six weeks. He is discovering his hands and likes to put them in his mouth. He does not use a soother and although I tried to resort to using it on one occasion he does not like it or need it. He has had a series of check ups and is doing well as far as eye development and other issues that may have been a problem based on him being a prem. We have a major appointment on September 11th with all the doctors who looked after him downtown in the NICU. It is a big clinic where his progress is checked. So I will update this again after that appointment.

Sebastian currently feeds every two -three hours and I am TIRED.

The joys of parenthood.

Sebastian's real age is six months on the 10th of September and today he is currently 4.32 kilos or 9.70 pounds.

Steinar and I have had our first date night with thanks to the Marmina family who we entrusted Sebastian with. Diane almost makes it feel like we are doing her a favour when she looks after him for a few hours. We are grateful as it gives us time to get things done around the house without having to have the attachment to the hip.

Pictures will be posted soon but on the average I am getting three hours sleep a day if lucky. I have been told this is going to be like this for some time. Wish me luck (you would think I am the only woman who has had a child). lol

Thursday August 20th -Guest Speaking at a Fundraising Event for Sunnybrrok Hospital

I was asked to speak at a golf tournament that was to help raise money for the Women and Babies program at Sunnybrook Hospital (aka Women's College). When I was asked I did not hesitate to accept the invitation (as much as I hate to public speak) as I am so passionate about the hospital and staff that saved Sebastians life. The golf tournament was held at a beautiful golf course in Toronto called Eagles Nest.


When I arrived with Sebastian (to pull at the heartstrings of the golfers) and Steinar (as support and because he would never say no to anything to do with golf), I was amazed at how beautiful the club house was and the quality of people in attendance.

The public relations people were very appreciative of our family being in attendance. The event was done up to the nines and it was the annual Sofina Golf Classic. The owners of the company the Latifi family were amazing and hold this foundation very close to their hearts. They have committed to help fund the High Risk Operating Suite within the new Sunnybrook Health Science Centre's new Women and Babies Program. This means a 1.5 million dollar commitment.

The people attending this event were kind and welcoming. They showed parts of my video from the fund raising effort we had done months ago for one night live. I was asked to speak after the video. When I watched the video it made me cry to see how far we have come and the road we had travelled. So by the time I got on stage to speak I was a bit chocked up to say the least and hence the introduction began. My speech writer (grandma) did a spectacular job and I was able to present with strength and conviction a supportive and glowing review of the hospital and their staff. With Steinar by my side holding Sebastian the 150 people in attendance gave us a roaring standing ovation and not a dry eye was in the room. I am pleased to say that 240 thousand dollars was presented to the Women and Babies Program and I am sure some of that my have to do with Sebastian being in attendance.

To let you know the kind of event this was one of the live auction items was a Presidential lecture with Bush and Clinton followed by photo's and an intimate dinner President Clinton. The other items were awesome and Steinar made sure I did not raise my hands to top the 28 thousand dollar bid for a Oceanfront Villa in the Turks and Caicos (I was tempted).

The picture of Steinar outside is when the auction was loud daddy stepped out to quiet it down for Sebastian. The sky was amazing and the weather had been incredible with a tornado touching down just west of us during the fundraiser.

What a night. I think we are going to be the new spokes people for the Women and Babies Program.

A happy day for daddy as we vist the Norwegian Consulate to get Sebastian citizen ship and a Norwegian Passport

On Wednesday we went to the Norwegian Consulate to get Sebastian registered as a Norwegian Citizen and get him his second passport. I think it was one of Steinar's most proud moments. Sebastian will carry two citizenships until the age of 21 when he will have to make a decission if he is Norwegian or Canadian. I am hoping by that time he will not have to make the choice and Norway will allow him both citizenships.
I am sure grandma Britta will be pleased with the days events.

Loving visits

It is so nice having mom and dad so close as they are able to drop by on a regular basis. Mom seems to have more time with Sebastian and is always cuddling him. Dad not so much as both of them are very hot blooded and overheat on contact. So we now put a pillow on grandpa's lap and they can look at each other without getting too hot and bothered.

The sweater and the teddy bear

You may be wondering why I posted this. Since this is eventually going to be a log/diary for our son I want to make sure the important things are added. My Aunt Theresa was kind enough to make this sweater and mail it to Sebastian all the way from England. By the time we received it the Sebastian had grown to the point where the sweater did not fit. My Aunt kindly told me to give it to someone who could use it. I loved it and could not pass it on as it had been made lovingly for my son and I wanted to use it in some way.
It now sits on a very old teddy bear that (and she may not know this) my grandpa (her and my fathers father) gave to me when I was two years old. That was 40 years ago. wow. So I found it very fitting to display two very important items from two very important people in my life. I think it is a perfect fit.
Aunt Theresa you can make this sweater for me and I could eventually pass it down to Sebastian. :) It is lovely. Thanks!

Going out for the day -Keoni gets baptised

It was really nice to get out of the house for the afternoon to celebrate my friend Meredith's sons baptism. It was a great event and while at the service we were thrilled to meet up with Pressie who was one of the fantastic nurses who worked at both hospitals that Sebastian was staying in (sounds like he was in a hotel). She immediately took Sebastian and took care of his feeds and looking after him with lots of cuddles so I was able to enjoy the day. Now I guess we have to think about Sebastian's baptism.