On Monday, Braden saw his pediatrician and was given the green light to go back to straight breast milk. His chest x-ray showed no signs that the chylus effusion was still an issue and that means his body is tolerating fats again. Hopefully Braden will start gaining weight more rapidly now. His Monday weight was 7 lbs. 10.5 oz. We are celebrating every bit of progress. At this point we are still enriching his feeds with formula for a higher calorie intake but are really optimistic that he will be nursing again soon. The bottle has been great, though, for involving the whole family in caring for baby. The girls have all taken turns giving Braden his bottle and they think that is just the best thing ever! They giggle and coo and just admire him by turn. He of course loves the attention and their perky little voices. And, Darth gets to take his turn at night feedings! Hurray! I still get up of course but get back to bed sooner than I would otherwise and that is wonderful. Sleep is such a fond distant memory. I'm sure I'll catch up some day . . .
Braden is getting a really strong neck and is able to be held up to our shoulder for burping now. The incisions and pacer have made this slow in coming. Soon he will be able to start tummy time. Right now his loves are eating, sucking on his pacifier, his swing, and being entertained. He doesn't prefer baths (hates them would not be too strong a description) and has extreme reactions to being weighed at the doctor's office. But other than that he seems to be a super mellow little guy who has a big tolerance level and enjoys the simple things in life. Braden has really expressive eyes and we enjoy seeing how much he can "say" with just those big baby blues. He often lifts his little eye brows too, all the while just sucking away on his paci. So cute! Pictures are coming we promise.
Today I found myself finishing up dishes and listening to Braden fuss and was surprised to start feeling really grateful for a crying baby! It was so hard when he was in the Cardiac ICU to see him show signs of pain with his eyes and to not be able to cry because of the breathing tube. Then after it came out it took a while for his voice to come back and for him to use it. We continue to be so grateful to Jesus for how far He has brought Braden. He is our little miracle.
-Jenni & Darth
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4 comments:
Thanks for your Post Jenni. After I smiled at all the wonderful progress, I had to pause and reflect on your comment about your Joy at hearing Braden Cry out. I think of our Heavenly Father....who is just waiting for us to get our voice back and cry out to Him. Too many times I just suffer in silence instead of crying out to the one who can really help me. I know that wasn't the intent of your blog. But it brought a smile to my heart on so many levels. God Bless you and your family today Jenni! Love, Miss Pam
I'm glad to hear that Braden is doing so wonderful. Our daughter was born with TGA also, and is 9 months old now. Fight a good fight & keep your faith.
Jamie
Good to hear a positive report. I'm so glad things are going well. God is so good and has taken care of you to see you through. There are plenty of unique life experiences here that someday you will be able to appreciate....you know, after you get caught up on the sleep, laundry, housework, etc.... ;)
Awww, that's cute. It sounds like he is going to be dramatic with eye/facial expressions - LOVE IT! Maybe he'll take after his uncle Chad.
WOW, what a spiritual note our Sister Johnson left above!!! The Lord must be moving in her life these days.
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