Guess what...I have lungs!

Asleep at last.
We are seeing less and less of this...

WHAAAAAAAAA! ...whimper... WHAAAAAAAAA!
(You guys know the drill.)

Austin had more visitors today and was a little angel. However, five minutes after saying goodbye... you guessed it!

He has quite the singing voice and perhaps some violent tendencies (throwing pacifier out of mouth, pinching Daddy's bottom lip...that really hurts!).

Seriously though, he really is a well behaved little man. We have some flare-ups throughout the day, but as long as he is fed and changed regularly, he is pretty much happy.

Next week brings the pediatrician (Abilene), more head ultrasounds (Fort Worth), the pediatric neurologist (Fort Worth) and another audiology screening (Fort Worth); all between Wednesday and Friday.

Should be fun!

-Ricky

Doing what I do best!

Still Eating...
Austin gets another snack.

Nothing new to report today, but I figured some people might like another picture. So, here you go.

He has one very healthy appetite!

-Ricky

Sorry for the delay!

I'M ALWAYS HUNGRY!
Getting a little snack from Daddy between meals.

I apologize for not posting in a while. It has been a pretty busy week and I am having to switch around where I host the photos.

Austin is doing great. He eats all of the time! The swelling in his head comes and goes (depending on his mood), but is really draining off well.

Robyn and I have been treated this week to homemade meals prepared by several women we have known and loved for the better part of our lives. We would like to say a big thank you to all of you ladies for your kindness and excellent grub! It has made this busy week so much easier because Robyn and I don't have to remind each other to eat.

Now sleep...that's a different story.

-Ricky

A busy day.

Sound asleep.

Rocking tonight with Robyn...the bump on his head is where the stitches are located from the shunt surgery.

Austin went to the pediatrician for the first time today. He did great. He slept the entire time (1 1/2 hours) in the waiting room and made very little fuss during his check-up.

The doctor said he looked just fine and healthy.

We had visits from both sets of Austin's grandparents today. We all had a great time. He can't get enough attention from the family and Robyn and I love having all of you over to the house.

My mother was thrown a "Granny Shower" at work today and was simply astonished at how giving and caring everyone was. Robyn and I would like to extend a very special thanks to everyone who attended this shower. It means so much to us that you all would go to such great lengths for us and our little boy. God bless you all! We will definitely bring him by the office as soon as we can so he can meet each of you.

The week after next brings more appointments and another trip to Forth Worth. I will let everyone know how that goes in a later entry.

-Ricky

Home at last!

Happy to be home.

This was taken tonight after dinner.

Austin is home and doing great. We arrived home last night around 8:30 to a welcome party who did a little more than just welcome us home. Robyn, Austin and I walked into a beautifully cleaned and decorated home that was ready to keep up with the little man. Robyn and I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to those little elves for their care and craftmanship.

It will never be forgotten.

Austin sleeps...and I mean sleeps. I am enjoying this now because, well you know...

He is doing awesome during our exercise times. He moves his hips really well and even shows some movement in one or both of his knees. I have said from the very beginning that if Austin does not flourish, it won't be for lack of effort on his or our part. He has already proven himself to be so strong and brave beyond even my own expectations.

Perhaps...someday...I will post a picture of his first steps for all to enjoy!

-Ricky

I'm all smiles!

I'm all smiles!
Austin was in playful mood today.

Well tomorrow is the big day!

Robyn and I have been rooming with Austin up here at the hospital to get a better idea of how things will be once we get home. So far everything is going very well. He is not much of a screamer (yet). He just wants to eat, sleep, play, DESTROY DIAPERS and see his mommy regularly for good measure.

We have learned several excersises that we have been performing with him to insure that the muscles in his legs stay nice and loose and ready for use. He is a strong little booger!

Once we get home, I will continue to update this blog for anyone who would like to see first hand how YOUR prayers and support are paying off. I have also fixed it so that anyone can post a comment without having to create an account with blogger.

Robyn sends her love,

-Ricky

Did someone say Wednesday?

I'm coming home!
This was taken today while Austin was very active...and yes, those eyes are blue.

Due to popular demand, Austin will be coming home on Wednesday! We received news today that Austin is doing so well that there is no reason for him to remain in the hospital and we will be bringing him home much earlier than expected.

While Robyn and I both know that the next few months will hold some unique ( and some not so unique) challenges, we rejoice in the fact that God has chosen to glorify himself through our son. We know this to be true because we have experienced it in our lives daily since this boy came into this world. While we spend our days laughing, cooing, coddling and cuddling we always pause late in the night and realize, as if for the first time each time, that the peace of God truly does pass all understanding.

We want to thank all of you for your prayers and support. We know that the Lord uses the people in our lives to reveal Himself to us in ways that we may not even understand. Every prayer that has been said and every tear that has been shed from every caring soul has found its way to us wrapped up tight and warm and ready to come home.

We will see you soon.

-Ricky

Austin is here!

Coming out of the operating room just after delivery.

Austin Alan Beard

Born: January 4, 2005

Weight: 7 pounds 10.5 ounces

Length: 21.5 inches

Where: Harris Methodist Hospital, Fort Worth

Well everybody, he's here!

I have created this blog to keep everyone up to date on Austin's progress while we are here in Fort Worth. So, if you know anyone who would like to stay informed, send them this link: http://boybeard.blogspot.com. I will be updating this late every night so check back each morning to find out what we have been up to and to see the latest pictures of Austin.

You can also post comments on each post if you would like to send us a message.

For those of you who are not aware, Austin was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus.

The defect on his back was a little larger than a quarter and the Hydrocephalus caused a little swelling to be visible on his forehead. He went into surgery on January 5 at 7:00 AM to both close the defect on his back and implant a shunt into his head to correct the Hydrocephalus. The surgery took about an hour and a half and was a complete success.

Austin has had several days of recovery and is doing wonderfully. Robyn and I are continually amazed at how God has blessed us as we watch all of the prayers lifted up for Austin being answered in "real-time" before our very eyes. We are truly grateful for all the support we have received from family, friends and even complete strangers throughout this entire time.

Check out these pictures we have taken so far in chronological order:

Mommy and baby reunited

This was taken about an hour after delivery as they moved Robyn to her room.

Ready for his close-up

A close-up of Austin shortly after delivery.

Smoooooch!

Austin gets a kiss from Daddy. You may notice the stitches on his back from surgery.

All bundled up

He's getting warm and cozy after nursing.

Austin's first grin!

He's got his Daddy's slick charm! (...and hopefully his Mommy's brains.)

Sound asleep after nursing

This was taken today after he was moved to a different room. He was moved because he is making such good progess.

Rockin' with Mommy

You may notice the gauze patch on his head. This is where they inserted the shunt.

Still asleep

Another close-up taken today.

The parting shot!

All tucked in and dreaming just before we left tonight.

Check back tomorrow for more,

-Ricky