Our sweet baby Brock Louis was born November 11th 2004. Brock weighted 9lbs. 10 oz. and was 23 inches long. He had a full head of thick black hair. To our surprise Brock was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. The first ten days of his life were spent in the NICU and Memorial Hermann of The Woodlands. He also had breathing problems unrelated to his cleft. His lungs kicked in and we took him home November 21st just in time for Thanks Giving.

The hospital sent us home nursing but it was obvious that he was not getting enough to eat. He had lost almost 2 lbs. by the time we were seen at the cleft clinic. He is now eating well from a haberman bottle that is used to feed babies with a cleft. We have chosen to see Dr. Stal and Texas Childrens Hospital. They have a great team and we were very excited to see some of the children that he has "corrected". We are very greatful to have a healthy baby and while we are dealing with his cleft it is not life threatening.

Brock is very beautiful and looks an a lot like older Brother Chase. Chase is adjusting nicely and does not seem to notice his cleft at all. If only everyone could enjoy that kind of innocense. Chase asked me last night how old he was when he had his lip repair. I think he thinks that every baby is born like Brock. He enjoys holding him and rubbing his hair. He comments daily on how soft his skin is.

Check out Brocks Blog to watch his changing smile and updated progress as we get ready to go on this crazy ride.

Tarah