Happy 6 Month Birthday Pierce!

Yesterday marked Pierce's 6 month birthday. It's so hard to believe that it's been 6 whole months, half a year since Pierce was born!

We took Pierce for his 6 mo check up yesterday and here are his latest measurements:

He weighed 12lbs 13.5 oz and was 22 1/4 inches long. He's still in the <3% for his actual age (of course!), but we have a special growth chart that compares him to other preterm boys and he's well over the 95 percentile on that chart! So needless to say, he's growing very well for a micropreemie!

Our pediatrician was so pleased with Pierce's progress. It really is nothing short of a miracle. Pierce was showing off all of his skills for her- looking side to side, babbling and smiling, and even sitting up (assisted of course). She said that in some areas he's already caught up with babies that are his real age (other 6 month olds). In fact, she told us that some of what he's doing, her own daughter wasn't even doing at his age. Incredible. Of course, we, like all new parents think our child is just so smart and so advanced (haha!). Another positive was that she sees no signs of any weakness in either side of his body- something that we will be watching for as he grows. With Pierce's brain bleed, there's significant risk for Cerebral Palsy, but the good news is that as of now (and it's still kind of early), Pierce is showing now signs of that. Please continue to pray that he will grow and develop normally and that he will have no lasting side effects from the brain bleed.

We really could not be any happier to have our little guy home with us. Not a day goes by that I do not find myself thinking about all that he has been through and how far God has brought him. I know that God has answered many of our prayers throughout this time, and I don't know if I've ever been more grateful in my life. Thank you for continuing to walk this journey with us and continuing to pray for Pierce.

A huge "thanks" to all who participated in the Friends of Timothy Golf Tournament on Monday. We are so thankful for Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and the love that they have shown our family during this time. Nik was able to attend, and Pierce and I were able to say "thanks" via webcam (although we definitely wish we could've been there in person!). It was a wonderful event and we are so, so grateful for everyone's support.

We shared this video with the folks at the tournament and wanted to pass it along. It's a look back at the past 6 months. Enjoy!

Much love,
The Franks