Your First Christmas!

I'm ready to meet my Uncle Geary and Family!

Max and Daniel

Daniel Feeding Max... such a good helper!

Hanging with your Aunt Kathy

Grandpa and Grandma with the Grandkids!

Our little Family!

Max and Daniel in their matching P.J.'s

Monday, December 22, 2008
Dear Max,
Today we started painting your bedroom. We love what we see so far and are way excited to get it all completed. If feels like it will never be done at this point – I worked on laundry and getting Christmas all wrapped since we leave in just a couple of days for St. George for Christmas. Grandma went home today – she had to go and prepare for us all to come home for Christmas.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Dear Max,
I love being home with you! It is so fun! Today I took care of you all on my own. It was the first day that everyone was gone for the entire day – your dad was at work and I got to hang with you at home. You are so amazing. A beautiful baby, a good baby, a sweet spirit, and amazing gift from our Heavenly Father. I hardly feel worthy to call you my own. I love you! I packed you and cooper for St. George today – just needing to pack myself and your dad will pack for himself in the morning.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Dear Max,
We left for St. George today – it was a little stressful getting you, cooper and the two of us all out the door – we wanted to time it perfectly with your feeding so we fed you right as we left that way you wouldn’t be hungry again until we got to St. George. We did it! We are getting really good at this! The ride was wonderful. It has been a long time since we have driven to St. George in the light of day – we are usually going after work and coming home late on Sunday’s so it was enjoyable to see the sights!
When we got to St. George, your Auntie Jali, Uncle Geary and your cousin Daniel were all waiting to see you for the first time! They were so excited to see you. Both your Uncle Geary and Aunt Jali were overwhelmed when they finally got to see you face to face. And Daniel has officially given you a new name… it is “Baby Max” not just Max, you are now and maybe forever will be known as “Baby Max!”
Being that it is Christmas Eve we each opened one gift and it was PAJAMA’S! Just a heads up… it’s always pajama’s. Matching Pajama’s. You looked so cute in your little Christmas P.J.’s!

Thursday, December 25, 2008
Your first Christmas!
Daniel has taken such a loving interest in you. Each time when I start to feed you, Daniel asks if he can feed Baby Max. So of course I let him help! I can always use an extra hand. It is so fun to see the two of you together. The best was one time when he was feeding you and then says.. “Aunt Nelly, I take Baby Max with me?” and started to get down from the couch with you. Oh no! Baby Max stays on the couch. He just can’t wait for you to grow so the two of you can run and play! He loves you so much!

Saturday, December 20 - Sunday, December 21, 2008

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Dear Max,

Today your mom’s friends fropm work threw her a baby shower. It was at Shannon Coldon’s house. It was so much fun and of course so fun for everyone to see you! Everyone was so excited for your arrival and just kept saying how beautiful you are. We are so lucky to have you! Earlier in the day I had the opportunity to talk to Wes, your moms best friend since childhood. It was so good to talk to him and tell him all about you.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Dear Max,

I went to church today and left you home with your daddy. Still a little nervous about taking you to church. I know that everyone will want to hold and touch you and I’m trying so hard to not let you get sick. During sacrament the Bishop got up at the end of sacrament and started talking about the reason for this Christmas Season and about the love of the Savior and how he came to the world this time of year as a baby – born into less than standard circumstances. Then he said, it is so specials this season that a family in our ward is experiencing the love of a new baby in their home. He said that he didn’t know a more excited family then the Trenholm’s about the arrival of our Max. It was so sweet for him to recognize your arrival from the pulpit. He loves you so much and we feel that he has such a part in your being in our home. He gave us the comfort and the courage to go on and gave me the desire to pick up the phone that day! I taught in young women’s today – did what’s called a silent lesson. It was a lot of fun and the girls loved it. When I got home we had some dinner that grandma cooked and went to bed. It was a good Sunday.

Monday, December 15 - Friday, December 20, 2008

Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 15, 2008
Dear Max,
Today we woke up late- we were suppose to have a doctor’s appointment with your heart surgeon – but based on the great visit last Friday with the cardiologist they cancelled the appointment. You are doing so well! Your daddy goes to work tonight for the first time since you arrived in our lives. He is leaving at 7:00 pm and will be home at 2:00 am – right in time to feed you!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Dear Max,
Today I cleaned the house and you hung out being such a good little baby! Tonight, Andrea and Patti, your mommy’s friends are throwing you a party for our friends in Las Vegas to welcome your arrival. Several of mom’s friends from church came over, both the Los Prados ward and the Aliante ward. Everyone was so excited to see you – and you were a hit. You are such a beautiful baby – everyone that sees you is just blown away with your perfect complexion and your perfectly shaped head and big blue eyes. You are amazing! We had fun opening gifts and you getting passed around and held and loved by everyone the whole night.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Dear Max,
Today was your one month check up with Dr. Downey. He is thrilled with the weight you have put on in the last week. He would still like to have seen you gain a little bit more – but with all you have been through was still pleased. After the doctor’s appointment we got a call from your Grandpa Page and he decided to spend the night in Las Vegas so he could see you again – he misses you so much! He stayed the night and helped us take care of you.

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Dear Max,
This morning, Ruth the case worker from Premier Adoptions came by to visit with us. She got to meet your Grandpa which was so fun for her to see how excited everyone is that you are here. She talked to us about how you are doing. She was so excited to see you again. After she left we took your Grandpa back down to his truck and since we were out decided to take you into your daddy’s work to show you off to everyone. They were all SOOO excited to see you! They all said how beautiful you are and couldn’t believe how perfect you are. We decided while we were there that we would buy the paint and other items needed to paint your room. We are designing your room in a really awesome green and blue color. I really think your going to like it! When we got home that night we were all exhausted. But as soon as we got in the house – it started to SNOW! A LOT!

Friday, December 19, 2008
Dear Max,
Today your Grandma Page came into town. She couldn’t stand not seeing you and since Grandpa Page just saw you she just had to come! Grandma, You and I decided to run some errands and do some returns of items that we had gotten as gifts for you. You are such a lucky little boy – and everyone is so excited for your arrival that we were overwhelmed with the generosity of our friends and family. Amazingly enough – our little adventure took the ENTIRE day! I think that is one thing that your friends with kids don’t tell you – is how the little tasks suddenly take SOOOO much time! You are worth it all – but it has been a big shock to the system for me! I’m so use to just getting everything I could imagine accomplished all in a flash – it’s been so good for me to take the time to slow down! I need you!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Dear Max,

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Today marks the one week mark from when we first met. I can’t believe it has been a week! We spent the day recovering from Saturday. It was an exhausting day and we enjoyed relaxing and hanging out with you. We drove back to Las Vegas – of course the two of us slept the entire time and dad drove. We love dad so much and are so grateful that he takes us back and forth so often in safety!

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Meeting Grandma Trenholm for the first time!
This is your Auntie Arynne - she went to Bunco one night and met a girl who's sister works for the adoption agency. She said that they could help Tony and I. Because Arynne went to Bunco one night - you are here in our lives! We love you Arynne!!!!
Grandma and Auntie Glitz!


Dear Max,
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Today is the first of many celebrations marking your arrival. Grandma, Auntie Glitz (Sherlene), Teri and Julie threw you an amazing party. The food was so good and over 75 relatives and friends came to meet you. You were so good – you just slept in either your moms, dads, or Grandma’s arms. It’s a good thing that you love to be held! Cause people sure love holding you! The party went from 11 am until 7:30 pm. It was a long day – but we had one more very special thing to do. Go and meet your Grandma Trenholm. The moment we took you into the room – she was overwhelmed. We laid you in the bed with Grandma and she just snuggled with you and the two of your souls spoke. She just took everything about you in. Checked out your fingers, toes, nose, eyes, ears she wanted to know everything about you! She loves you so much and told us all the hopes and dreams she has for you. She prays that you will gain a testimony of the Lord, Jesus Christ. She wants you to know that she has such a strong testimony. She is the first in her family to join the church and because of her bravery to join to church she has given you the opportunity to know the truth. She prays that you will never take this for granted and grow into a worthy, bright, and spiritual young man.
Your dad and I have dreamed of this day - and with your Grandma Trenholm getting older and sicker – we were so glad that you arrived in time to meet her. We don’t know how much longer she will be with us in this life – but we know that she loves you and she will always be a special person in your life. She has left an amazing legacy for you to learn from. We love you!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Dear Max,
Friday, December 12, 2008
Today we will be going downtown to see Dr. Evans your cardiologist and then we are driving up to St. George. We did some packing in the morning – the good news is you don’t own much right now – so packing you is very easy. I put everything you own in one bag and put it into the car! I have a feeling that I should relish this moment as the next times are not going to be so simple!
Dr. Evans was so excited to see you! And to see how well you are recovering. He took an ultrasound of your heart and showed us what they had done with the surgery. He said that you are a trooper and that he was so excited that you had found a family. We told him that we felt like the lucky ones. You are such a blessing in our lives! Your heart looks amazing! He said that you will do whatever you want in life. Play football, soccer, run track – that your life will be 100% normal. We are so glad to hear that! He gave us all big hugs and we will go back and see him in a month to monitor the healing of your scar.
So we left the Doctors office and headed to St. George. I of course sat in the back of the car again and checked that you were breathing every 15 minutes – I’m getting better – not making your dad turn on the overhead light nearly as much as earlier in the week. I have to say that I feel good about this progress!
We arrived at Grandma and Grandpa Pages late that evening. Just in time to meet your Grandma Swendy and Grandpa Mike. They were so excited to meet you and especially waited for you another night before going back to Salt Lake. They have been helping Grandma with your shower – even making these beautiful Christmas Ball’s with the word “Miracle” on them. Because you are our Christmas Miracle. Someday you can ask your Grandpa Mike and your dad all about the fun they were having making those Miracle Balls!

Thursday, December11, 2008

Dear Max,
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Today is a scary day. Grandma went home this morning – leaving you in the care of only us AND we are headed back to Dr. Downey’s office. Based on yesterday’s visit I’m a little nervous – and the fact that we are going back for you to get circumcised. I must say your dad was much braver that I was. I hid in the corner with a pamphlet on how to care for your little manhood while your dad sat by your bedside and comforted you as you screamed bloody murder. What a horrible thing to hear. My new little baby so sad! We left the doctor’s office and your dad and I went for ice cream. This is one of the traditions in our family. A little treat after the doctors. It sure made us feel better and we can’t wait for the day that you can indulge as well! We love you and are so glad that you are here!
I talked with my office today and I get to stay home with you until Monday, March 2nd! We are going to have so much fun! I’m excited and so grateful for this opportunity to be at home with you. I celebrated by taking your foot and handprints. Let’s just say that you have great foot cooperation, but man do you clench your fists! I love you little man!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - Our First Doctors Appointment!

Dear Max,
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
O my gosh!!! You scared us so bad last night! Your dad had set his alarm so we were be sure to wake up every 3 hours to feed you. We woke up at midnight and fed you and then your dads alarm didn’t go off and you didn’t wake up until 4:30 – I thought we had killed you on our first night home! And then you didn’t wake up the next time until 9:00 am! We appreciated the rest – but were we scared! Today’s be adventure is getting to meet your Grandpa Page for the first time and going to Dr. Downey’s office your pediatrician.
Grandpa got here early Wednesday morning. He was stuck in California and was so mad that he wasn’t able to get to you sooner. We talked to him several times a day in the hospital – he wanted to know everything about you. I will even admit to you, my pumpkin , that Grandpa cried one time just so sad that he wasn’t in the hospital with us. When he got to the house he brought you a cute little green teddy bear. He was thinking of you and missing you while he was on the road. He spent the entire day holding you until he had to leave. The timing is working perfectly. Grandpa needed to leave when we needed to go to the pediatrician so we all left at the same time.
So we just got back from the pediatrician’s office! That was an adventure to say the least! First I somehow thought to myself – we need a diaper bag. So I had Grandma pack a diaper bag for you. We get to the doctors and get you, my purse, all the paper work, all up to the 4th floor and look down – no diaper bag – we left it in the car. So your dad ran down to the car – got the diaper bag and ran back up to the office just as he walked in the door the nurse calls out “Max” – we just sat there… she say’s again “Max” “Max Trenholm” Oh! That’s us! I was not use to going to the doctors and not hearing my own name! We get back in the nurses area and they ask that I put you into a clean diaper – I looked at your dad and said… “good thing we brought the diaper bag!” could you imagine if I would have looked at them and said – can I get a diaper? What kind of parents would we be?
We then get back in the exam room and are waiting for Dr. Downey. He comes in and we meet for the first time. He sits down and says that he wants to ask us a few questions before he examines you.
First thing he asks… Was Max born vaginally? WHAT? I look at Tony, do you know? Tony looks at me – I think so? The doctor looks at us like…are you kidding me? You don’t know this? We have some major problems! I can see the look the doctor is giving us… O Dr. Downey, Max is adopted! Oh he says… now I see why the confusion! So he goes onto ask, are you breastfeeding? WHAT? Dr. are you serious? He quickly says – oh – I guess that would be a no, since he is adopted. However, you know that you can breastfeed your adopted child? What are you kidding me! Let’s just say that your mom got a good 10 minute lecture on how this is all possible. I’m stunned! And what does your dad say? If that’s all you need – can I do that?
I don’t think Dr. Downey will forget us for a long time!
When we arrived back home, your mom’s friend Sarah and Nick Davi came over and brought lots of useful stuff – a bath tub so we could bath you – some outfits and some baby care stuff. So many thoughtful and useful items!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008 - Going Home!

Dear Max,

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Wow! We feel like a million bucks today! We needed that sleep!!!! This morning your Grandma came back to the hospital and brought breakfast for everyone. Well – except for you – you’re on a diet of 2 ounces of formula! We worked with you all morning to try to encourage more consistent eating! Maria – one of the ladies your daddy works with came to the hospital to meet you – and then your mommies boss and co-workers came too, Jennifer Abdinoor, Shannon Coldon and Kristi Sharrer. They were all so excited to see you – everyone has been eagerly awaiting your arrival with us. They were overwhelmed by you and just cried and cried with us!

You started getting better at eating by the early afternoon and it looked like the doctors were ready to release you. The process of discharging started about 3:00 pm and we didn’t actually leave the hospital until 8:30 pm. We dressed you in the cute outfit your dad and grandma picked out the day before at the store – buckled you into your car seat and walked out of the hospital. Your daddy was caring your car seat – I was caring your bag and I will never get the image out of my mind – of your proud daddy taking his son home! Of course I rode in the back on the ride home – checking every 5 seconds to be sure you were still breathing!

When we arrived home – the front yard had 2 signs welcoming you! It’s a Boy! Max Charles Trenholm

And we came in the house to balloons and more balloons! Everyone had come to give you a warm welcome! We got you home put the car seat up on the kitchen table and looked at each other and said – “k- now what?”

We were all so tired that we fed you and then decided to go to bed. Patti had brought over a bassinet so you had a place to sleep – and a few blankets to make it more comfortable for you.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Dear Max

Monday, December 8, 2008

Today is your Daddy’s Birthday! What a present you are to him this year!! Definitely the best gift EVER!!! We spent the night in the hospital with you. It was very exciting and your dad and I didn’t sleep a wink – well we tried but we were so excited and in the hospital, especially on the PICU floor there is a lot of action and its hard to get any sleep in. You are such a good baby. Your Grandma Page is on her way down and should arrive around 10:00 am. We are all so excited for you to meet her!

It’s been a full day – Grandma arrived and of course came with lots of cute outfits and a book about adoption for you. She has been waiting so long to meet you and just cried when she saw you for the first time. Grandma and your dad left to run a couple of errands, picking up a car seat and some bottle, diapers and wipes so we could get through a few days at home.

Can you just imagine your dad at Babies R Us making these huge decisions! Let’s just say that he was VERY overwhelmed and did have a slight break-down in the store – until a stranger took pitty on him and said “ Just pull all the strollers off the shelf – play with them and see which one you like the best – and that’s the one for you” the advice worked and we love your car seat and stroller! The nipples and bottles were not quite as easy! So your dad took a leap of faith and bought what he hoped would work!

Meanwhile – you and I got to stay at the hospital and hang out. We met with your Physical Therapist, Eileen. We also met with the picture lady to take your hospital pictures. You ate a couple of times and even took a little nap together. It was fun to have you all to myself for a bit – cause I knew as soon as your dad and Grandma got back – they would have been missing you like crazy and I would not be seeing you for a while.

We waited throughout the day- as we are suppose to get released from the hospital this afternoon. About 6:30 pm the nurse came in and said that they were going to keep us overnight again- they wanted you to get better about eating – you would eat about an ounce – and you needed to be eating 2. They moved us from the PICU floor to the regular pediatric floor. The nurses just sobbed when you left. They didn’t want you to go and were hugging and loving on you the entire time we packed up your room.

We moved down the 4^th floor- the room was definitely more comfortable. We had a bigger bed to sleep in and our own bathroom! It’s the small things.

Grandma decided that she would take her first babysitting opportunity and let us go to Outback for a “birthday” dinner for your daddy! We were excited to go – but so anxious to get back – we didn’t want to miss a thing!

When we got back, Aunt Andrea came to visit you and Patti and Rhonda Hunt came too! Your nurse that night was named Hennessy and of course the second she saw you she fell in love! And we fell in love with her when she volunteered to feed you at 3:00 am and let us get some sleep!!

Grandma went home to take care of Cooper and we were able to get some much needed rest!