CELEBRATE!!!

We celebrated Rocco's first birthday over the weekend at Lake Cable Clubhouse. I should also add that we celebrated Olivia's first and second birthdays as well, since there was a little "drama" happening last year when she turned one!

Great friends, great food, and great fun was had by all. I'm not sure we could have made it this far without everyone's love, support, and prayers. This party was just as much for all of you who were there for our entire family last year when we needed it most. Thanks so much for EVERYTHING!

Here's some cute pictures from the party...ENJOY!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thanks again, everyone! Hope we celebrate many more birthdays together!

Love,
The Norch Family- Steven, Kiki, Olivia, and Rocco

Anybody Here??

Does anyone still visit Steven and Kiki's blog? I thought I would post a couple pictures here just in case...

The kids are growing like weeds! Rocco is getting big. He's eating baby food, and trying to crawl. He's such a pleasant baby...and a real charmer too!

And Olivia has assumed the role of big sister quite well. She's, um...how shall we say? Authoritative? Just like her similarly-aged-cousin-who-will-remain-nameless (ahem), she's got a little bossy streak in her.

But could you honestly resist a face like this??

Yeah, didn't think so!!

Everyone is gearing up for the holidays, and some holiday travel. We'll be hoping for some snow up here, but only because the Miami Family is coming up for Christmas!

Thought I might share a couple onesies on here that Rocco would look totally cutesy in...







And on that note, we're all looking forward to sharing Rocco's first Christmas with everyone! Let the holidays begin!

HeartBreaker!

Rocco- 5 months old. August 2008.

It's Official...OHIO is better than MIAMI

Rocco is H-O-M-E since Sunday. I got to see him and hold him and feed him. He's just the most perfect little bundle. I think I'm in love!



Olivia seems to have adjusted to life back in Ohio seamlessly. She loves her baby brother "Coco" and it's so cute to see her giving him kisses. When she left for Miami, she was not walking yet, so now she has a whole new way to explore the house and get into trouble!



Steven and Kiki are glad to be home, but there is alot to catch up on and alot of work to do, on top of settling back into home and finding some sense of normalcy and routine with two kids now.

And so closes an amazing journey with our little Champ. I'll try to update this site with occasional pictures or stories as Steven or Kiki wish to share updates with everyone. Thanks for sharing this journey with us, and check back occasionally for the lastest news!

Big OOPS...

IF...you gave generously to the March of Dimes...
IF...you did that by sending me a check sometime in March or April....
IF...your name is not "Heather and Steve"...

I received your check, but it got lost somewhere in my opened mail, probably because I was so excited about getting the new phone book paying my bills hanging up the kids' artwork just being my usual disorganized self. I even dug through our trash looking for them to no avail, and not only was I unable to find your checks, but now my clothes and hands smell like rotten apples and dirty diapers. Graphic indeed, but true!

But don't despair- I made your contributions anyways- I just didn't want you to worry when your check doesn't clear from your checking account. If you feel so obliged and would like to send me another check (made out to me instead of March of Dimes), that would be wonderful, but I certainly don't expect it because...I'm just dumb and this was totally my mistake. If I find your check, I will send it back to you. (I don't want you think I'm scamming you or something!)

I am so, so sorry, and hope this doesn't in anyway change your opinion about March of Dimes and what a great cause it is. Thanks to everyone's generosity, I raised a total of $1221.33 (even my kids raised $6.33 by helping around the house and collecting spare change and putting it in the "Box for Tiny Babies"!), well over my goal of $500. I thank you, Rocco thanks you, all the premature and sick babies at my work thank you, and all the babies who are yet to be born sick or healthy thank you! Look for pictures from the walk this weekend!

From Mommy

It is hard to believe that my little boy is home!!!! Finally, it has been a very long road but truly we are blessed. He is doing great. He actually has been nursing a few times a day I am just nervous to push him because I am scared that I will not know exactly how much he takes. But we will see how it goes.

Olivia has done really well with him so far. She just wants to kiss him up although there are times that she is not a fan of mommy and daddy holding him too much. I'm not quite sure that she realizes he is here to stay.

As far as Steve and I, we are doing great. A little tired, but excited to have our family together and start the journey home. Although it is bittersweet for me leaving my family. Even though they can be overwhelming at times, I will miss them alot.

Tell everyone that visits the website how much I appreciate their thoughts and prayers, and that we can't wait to see everyone soon. That's if we all come back in one piece (lol).

Love, Kiki

PS- Also, Thanks to everyone for their generous contributions to the March of Dimes walk next weekend! How humbled we are that you would give so kindly in honor of Rocco, in order that he might help preemies everywhere! Thank you so much! Next year, Rocco and I will be there to walk...look for pictures from Auntie Jen this year though!

Time

52 days.

1269 hours.

76,173 minutes.

4,570,404 seconds.

(1 month, 21 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes, 24 seconds...and counting...)

That's an approximation of how long it has been since Rocco's arrival.
In that time, he has learned how to breathe on his own, keep warm outside of an incubator, and eat from a bottle. He has nearly doubled his birthweight. What have you done in the past 52 days??

And did I mention he single-handedly managed to get 1,612 different people to check his blog, watch him grow, and fall in love with him?!?!

Amazing.

Thanks Rocco for the wonderful journey! Can't wait for you to come home!

I'm Outta Here!!

OUTTA HERE!!

Here's Rocco in his car seat! Guess what that means!

Rocco is discharged from the hospital and will be coming home to Ohio within the next week!

Stay tuned for more news...

New Pictures of Rocco

A little bit of home...Go TRIBE!!

Testing out my new ride...I'll be home soon!

There's no place like...

...Miami...at least for now! (You thought I was going to say "Home", right?) Good things are happening in Miami, though!!

There has been some talk about the "H" word- HOME!! After a blood transfusion last week, Rocco is taking all his bottles now and continuing to grow. The doctors and nurses are starting to prepare Steven and Kiki for bringing the little guy home. Word on the street is it could be as soon as next week!

In order to get home, Rocco needs to continue eating all his bottles, and continue to grow. He also needs to be infection-free (previously, he had an infection in his eyes that they want to make sure is cleared up). Kiki and Steven are learning how to take care of Rocco, although his medical needs will not be too different from a full term baby. They will also be preparing for his long trip back to Ohio...they will probably be driving home with him rather than flying.

Please pray for continued health and well being for Rocco, as well as guidance for Steven and Kiki while learning to care for him. Hope for good weather, easy travel arrangements, and a safe trip when it's time.

It has been a stressful but relatively easy journey for our little fighter. Seing other babies born in the NICU at similar ages brings to light the fact that so much more could have gone wrong but didn't. He was so lucky to have a mommy who took good care of herself while she was carrying him. They have been lucky to have skilled Doctors and Nurses who have cared for their entire family, and helped Rocco get closer to home each day. All of this has added up to the best possible outcomes for mommy and baby. Our family will be forever grateful for everyone's love and support through this roller coaster ride. There are no words or gestures to express our gratitude for all you've done. Please keep visiting, and stay tuned for "final plans"!!

One Last Plea...

The March of Dimes Walk is May 10th, and I'm still collecting money for a good cause. I hate to bother you all about this, especially since you're visiting the blog to check on Rocco and see him grow. I think this will be my last post about March of Dimes, because the deadline to turn in donations is coming up shortly, and I want to give everyone the opportunity to give if you haven't already done so.

So...
If your child was a preemie...
If You were a preemie...
If you know a preemie (and you all do)...
If you're grateful that you didn't have a preemie...
If you might someday have a preemie...
If you'd like to honor the medical professionals that care for preemies...
Or if you just think Rocco is a tough guy...

Consider giving to March of Dimes by clicking here, or using the box on the right.
Thank you all for your help.

As a challenge...I will post a highly embarassing and goofy picture of Steven when he was growing up IF three people donate in the next 48 hours...I'm not sure how I'll get aforementioned picture, but I do have some connections...If you want to help embarass Steven on the Internet, I encourage you to give, and give generously!!!

Thanks!
Jennifer "its-so-fun-being-Steven's-'sister'" Norch

And the winner is...

... The KELLEYs, who guessed April 13th, hitting the date right on the nose! (Yes, I know, I'm a little late in posting...there were taxes, a sick kid, and nice weather- all making it extremely hard to park my butt in front of a computer and update you all!) It's quite fitting that the Kelleys should win, especially since they are from Gourmet Club!!

Anyways, your prize is some adorable pictures of Rocco, taking a bottle and thinking about the yummy Gourmet Club Food...

...and a small donation to March of Dimes in your name! Super Cool!

Thank you all for taking part in Rocco's first contest! It has been fun watching him grow, and sharing with you all his progress. Hopefully he'll be home in the next month, and he'll weigh even more!! Keep visiting!!

A HUGE Thank You (from Me, not Steven!)

Thanks to all our friends and family, I have reached over $500 worth of pledges to March of Dimes! I am humbled by everyone's generosity and kindness. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Know that because of the generosity of you and other people like you, research is happening to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant death. I'm blaming everyone else for costing Steven $500, but it's money well spent! If you haven't given yet, and still wish to contribute, feel free to do so using the button on the right.

At last check, Rocco was 3 lbs, 14.6oz. He's gonna reach 4lbs within the next few days...who will win?? It's coming down to the wire...

Also, of interest for those in the Canton area...
A local group here is holding a poker tournament to benefit March of Dimes. I appreciate EVERYTHING everyone has done to support this cause that is near and dear to me and to our family. The poker tournament is a great way to give to an important cause while having fun and possibly winning a lot of $$$. Here's the 4-1-1:

What: March of Dimes Texas Hold 'Em tournament-first 200 tickets sold will have seats reserved for the tournament.
When: Friday, April 25th- doors open at 6:30, tournament starts at 7pm.
Where: Windsor Hall in Canton off Rt. 62
Cost: $40 buy-in with a one time re-buy allowed during the first hour of the tournament.
Payout: First place takes home $1500, with cash being paid through 10th place.

If you're interested, I can get you a ticket. Email me at jennifer@norch.com. Jason will be playing...and I'm thinking about it, too. I will probably sponsor one or two other people on the caveat that we split the winnings and part of it goes to March of Dimes. It's good fun for a good cause, so please consider it!

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you for all your generosity. -jennifer

If you think I'm cute...

...you're right!!



Dear family and friends,
Today was my first day trying to drink from a bottle. I took about a teaspoon of milk. I'm still a little young, but mommy and daddy hope I'll be a fast learner.

I'm growing and gaining weight, and now weigh 3lbs, 11.5oz. Who is going to win the contest? It's coming down to the wire!

I got some neighbors in the NICU, and apparently there's a little baby girl who could be my "girlfriend." I also have a little buddy who was just born at 28 weeks like me. Each night, we have a little "block party" once all the mommies and daddies leave for the night. We turn our lullabies on full blast, and kick back with some warm milk. Sometimes I find a cute nurse to hold and cuddle me. I'm hoping it's a trend that continues well into adult life...

I'm eager to get home and surprise you all with my charm and people skills. My reputation apparently precedes me. I love reading all your comments, and will keep them in my baby book for when I get older! Keep visiting!

Love, Rocco

Spa Day

Soaking in the Hot Tub

A Breath of Fresh Air

Rocco is doing well. He is gaining weight and growing. No, he's not up to 4 lbs. yet. When I talked to Steven on Tuesday, he was 3lbs, 5oz. Now's your chance if you haven't voted yet, because a lot of people guessed early dates.

The big change this week for Rocco is that he no longer needs oxygen to breathe. He was getting the tape changed on his nasal prongs, and the nurses and doctors decided to try the oxygen off. Rocco decided it was so much better not having tape on his face, and prongs in his nostrils, and air blowing in his nose all the time. I think I would have to agree with him! The reason he was on the oxygen to begin with was because he was having pauses in his breathing. He's not doing that with the oxygen off this time, so keep your fingers crossed that he will continue to behave.

So in baby steps Rocco is doing just what he needs to do to get home. He's 31 weeks now, and they are talking about letting him try nursing or taking a bottle in a week or two. He's chugging right along, and is on the right track to be home by the end of April or early part of May.

Getting new pictures has been a challenge because it takes a long time to transfer them the way Steven has to do it with his internet card or his phone or something. Nonetheless, if you want to see all the pictures I have so far, here's the place. I also have some video that I will try to edit and get up here, once I get home from my trip. Keep visiting!

Make Steven Pay!!

I set a goal of $500 when I started collecting money for the March for Babies Walk. Steven has pledged to match that $500 goal if I meet it. I'm at $220 so far. If everybody who checks this blog gave just $10, we would not only meet the goal, but exceed it. Take a few minutes and use the button on the sidebar to give to a worthy cause.

Thanks!
-jennifer

Like a Kangaroo

Some super sweet pictures of Champ and Kiki doing Kangaroo Care! I bet he feels much better now that he has a blue baby hat and not that hat with the pink letters on it!!

Did you vote yet in the "Guess when Rocco will weigh 4 lbs" Contest?? If not, there's still time- see the post below and get your vote in!

Also, a HUGE Thank You to Kelli, Bryan and Nico for their pledge to March of Dimes. Anyone who wants to sponsor me can use the link on the right sidebar. You can make your donation online, and that way we don't have to worry about doing checks, or cash or whatever. Our Aultman Walk Team will be selling raffle tickets, t-shirts, lollipops, and baked goods as a fundraiser for March of Dimes if anyone is interested. We are also a corporate sponsor for the Walk this year, and will have a big tent on the day of the walk- May 10th. Hopefully the weather is nicer by then. I will have pictures, and let you know how everything goes!

More to come later...Keep Visiting!!

Your Guess is as Good as Mine...

Rocco reached the 3 pound mark today (3 lbs, 1.7oz to be exact)!

Therefore, today will mark the start of the First (but probably not last) "Champ's Fight" Blog Contest.

Guess which day Rocco will reach 4 pounds.

You can participate by clicking on "Comments" (at the end of this post) and leaving your answer. Make sure you leave your name and email if you're not a registered user, otherwise you won't be able to win. Only one entry per reader. "Price is Right" rules apply- closest to the actual date without going over. If more than one person guesses the correct date, the first guess will be the winner. So get your guess in early!

Awesome prize for the winner, along with worldwide notoriety. Well, at least blogwide notoriety. And the awesome-ness of the prize is subjective, too. But I digress...

Play along, join in, be a sport! We know you've been reading, now let us know you're following along! Looking forward to everyone's guesses!

Did you notice...

I posted this picture before, but only today did I realize that Rocco is doing the "I Love You" sign in sign language with his right hand. Did you notice?

Everything is continuing to go well in Miami. Rocco's weight is up to 2lbs. 15oz. He is getting all his feedings by tube, so he no longer needs nutrition in an IV. Kiki and Steven now get to hold him. They hold him in a special way that preemies like being held called "Kangaroo Care." Parents hold their baby on their chest, skin-to-skin. When they do this regularly, the baby will grow better, and sleep better, and their heart rate and breathing improve.

The next few weeks will hopefully be filled with lots of growth and hopefully no setbacks. In about 2 or 3 weeks, Rocco should be ready to try taking a bottle or nursing.

Coming up tomorrow...Rocco's First Blog Contest. Visit tomorrow to join in!