Chugging Along

Well, Brayden seems to have pushed thru the infection, he is breathing completely on his own (no more tubes - AT ALL), and he is back on regular feeds (breast milk).  He is also beginning to suck on his pacifier, and the nurse mentioned that if he keeps it up he may be able to start bottle feeding soon. 

His intestines are still a little distended (swollen), which does not allow him to process his food properly.  We haven't heard any news about his brain because he won't have another sonogram until Nov 19th.  He also had an eye test just two or three days ago and they found a ridge on his eye that is abnormal -- at this point they are going to see if it will heal on its own, but if not they will initiate drops to help.

So, right now we are taking the good with the bad and we are focusing on the fact that he seems to be progressing more than he is digressing.  He is an active baby and the nurses have taken a liking to him.  That's good because we need as many of them caring about him (and for him) as we can get.  Kel and I have been able to spend some good time with him the last couple days.  During the week, I get to see him on Tues Nights, so we went on Tuesday and the pics below are from that visit.  Then, today (Thurs) MiMi was in town and got to see Brayden and was able to hold him for the first time.  She was a smitten kitten, but we already knew that.   :)

We are so thankful for those of you who have sent well wishes and encouraging words.  We hold onto those dearly, and know that the prayers are making a difference.  We know his infection went away because God willed it to happen, and we are now continuously in prayer over his brain, eye, and intestines. 

Sorry -- no sermon tonight, but I wanted to get this update out along with a few pics. 

We are excited for his progress, but we know he still has a few hurdles he needs to overcome, but we are relying on the One who created him and know that He will mold and shape Brayden in Perfection.  (whether we as the world consider it "perfect" or not, which to me really doesn't matter)

We are also counting the days until we can get him home.  Kelli has been "nesting" recently and trying to find a crib, bedding, playpen, and all the other things you need (or want) when you bring a baby home.  We have registered for a few things, but what an overwhelming process that is -- we still can't figure out the right pattern for the bedding, but it will come (hopefully!).

Thanks for stopping by, we love you all, and know that we want to hear from you.  Email, call, or respond to this blog.  We would love to hear from you, and find out what's going on in your world -- as we feel like we only get to talk about us, but we want to hear about you too. 

Sincerely...DD

Here he is sucking on his passy



Momma likes him in a beanie




This one is just too cute not to post...

"Hey everybody...thanks for stopping by!"



He has always got this arm in the air!!  It's pretty funny



Cute pic, but we're glad he doesn't have the breathing tube anymore.



He's sucking his thumb in this one...needed to capture it on film.




He's a squirmer...and we think it's hilarious!!




Our sweet boy