12 pounds 2 ounces and looks every bit of it! The nurse suggested we may have to stop calling him Toby and start calling him Tubby. He's probably not really to that point, but the contrast to his former lean look is enjoyable.

We are not doing as well at avoiding illness. Along with getting his monthly synergist shot today (for protection against RSV during this winter season), Toby was diagnosed with an ear infection. We were glad to hear it as we had plenty of time to imagine worse possibilities during the hours he cried inconsolably yesterday. Tylenol was his only true love- which gave us hope that it was something simple like a good old-fashioned ear infection.

I also made a visit to the doctor and am now being treated for bronchitis. I felt the invasion into my chest a few days ago and am so thankful that Toby's latest illness has not gone in that direction. His lungs continue to do well. His siblings also are managing to stay pretty healthy. Somehow, Toby seems to catch every germ that blows by, despite the precautions and industrial size bottle of sanitizer. He's been practically in isolation, only leaving the house to go to doctors and hospitals (admittedly not the healthiest of places), so I'm not sure if he is picking up the germs there or just letting the rest of us bring them to him.

But the new year brings new hope, and the knowledge that we are marching towards spring. Half-way there and thanking God for upholding us so far.