It is now August and he is one day shy of being 7 months old. What a change in this boy! He was born weighing less than 5 pounds and he’s now working towards 18 pounds! He’s burly and strong. Xerxes has started crawling all over, often chasing his big sister. We finally started him on solid food, which he has taken to like a champ. We are so happy that he has recovered so well and requires no further medical intervention. Thank you all for your amazing generosity!

Today, in late July, he is a huge, growing boy! Always hungry. A bit of a grump, but he has a right to that after what he’s been through. Xerxes has started rolling all over the house and is working on crawling, plus can stand very well. He shouldn’t need anymore procedures and is doing so well, they’ve even canceled further Physical Therapy appointments. Xerxes is adored and we are so thankful he is home. He has eyes only for his big sister and is immediately happy as soon as he sees her.

As of June 1st, he is home! There will be no further need for surgeries or additional care, as far as they can tell so far. He has breached 15 pounds and is already trying to walk at 5 months. Xerxes is a strong brute of a little boy that is ready to take on life. Thank you for your consideration with donations! He is our Million Dollar Baby... plus some.

On January 18, 2025, my son was born with gastroschisis. His stomach and both intestines were developed outside of the body. He was flown to Children's Minnesota and had surgery that same day. Xerxes has been in Children's his whole life with his digestive system still not functioning completely. On February 28, Xerxes had a second surgery, removing several blockages from his small intestine.

Almost three months of living in the hospital has taken a toll on our whole family. My husband is missing work to stay down here with him, nearly three hours away from our two-year-old daughter. Medical bills combined with home bills have been daunting these last couple months.

We have had promising progress, with Xerxes finally being tube fed into his intestines, but his stomach still doesn't quite work. We will be at Children's until at least mid May, if he doesn't need a third surgery for another partial block that has developed. He is now 11 pounds and starting to act like a normal baby, chatting and wiggling.

Whether you're able to donate or pray for us, I appreciate your time and consideration. Thank you!