On Thursday May 21, Braden had another physical therapy session. The PT was very impressed with how well he was doing with his fine and gross motor development. Braden is sitting independently now, doing amazingly well with balance, toppling over periodically when reaching for a toy. During the appointment the PT said that skill, sitting without support, puts baby Braden right at age-appropriate development, even a bit ahead! (I hadn't even realized he could balance by himself until the girls had pointed it out to me a few days earlier. Way to go mom!) Braden doesn't have to see the PT every month now. She will just check in, see if we have any concerns, and then take it from there. (happy sigh...)
Braden has been off heart meds for nearly two weeks. He had an appointment today for a non-heart related issue, but I asked the pediatrician to check for any concerns that might show a negative reaction to being off the diuretics. None! His weight was 13 lbs. 4 oz. We go back in a month for another check, but other than that it looks like our calendar won't be full of doctor appointments anymore. No tears shed on that point. We are quickly approaching the end of the school year and all the fun and busyness that follows. We treasure every day. God is good.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Celebration Time, Come On!
Well, today was Braden's cardiology check-up. To get right to the point, it was the shortest appointment we have had for him EVER. After the normal check-in by the nurse, the doctor came in, listened to his heart and said it sounded "boring"! (Boring is good.) No echo or EKG needed today. Braden doesn't have to be seen again for six months AND gets to discontinue his medications. Wah-hoo! The chest x-ray showed the diaphragm still slightly elevated beyond normal, but lung expansion was good, no signs of decompression.
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. Thank you for your healing touch on our precious boy. We praise your Name! All glory to Jesus! Our hearts are full of gratitude and tomorrow, as we celebrate our youngest daughter's sixth birthday with our family members, we will be celebrating LIFE and the goodness of God. There's a party goin' on right here. . . !
Thank you Lord for your faithfulness. Thank you for your healing touch on our precious boy. We praise your Name! All glory to Jesus! Our hearts are full of gratitude and tomorrow, as we celebrate our youngest daughter's sixth birthday with our family members, we will be celebrating LIFE and the goodness of God. There's a party goin' on right here. . . !
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Six Month Check-up
Braden had his 6 month check up yesterday. This had been his longest stretch of time between appointments and I was eager to know his weight. He was 12 lbs. 10 oz. and I have to admit to being surprised and initially disappointed. (I really need to quit asking other people how much their baby weighs. Duh, they are ALL bigger and heavier and Braden's "normal" is just that, Braden's! Asking just causes me to compare him and feel anxious about something I really don't need to worry about.) I guess I just am concerned that the nursing is too hard for him and burning off too many calories or that he needs a higher caloric intake or more fluids. I was all ready to head to "guilt land" and the good doctor helped me ground myself with reality. I am so grateful for a pediatrician who loves the Lord. He was so reassuring about Braden's growth, noting his bright eyes and inquisitive manner. He showed me that baby Braden's weight gain is following the curve, it's just underneath it! His length, however, was actually in the 19th percentile and his head was somewhere in that area too. So, overall great appointment, Braden took his shots like a trooper and that was that. We just keep on keeping on!
Mother's Day was a treat, celebrating with my wonderful husband and FOUR kids. We ate out at our favorite Mexican restaurant and then I opened sweet cards and gifts from all. (Braden is a great little shopper! ) It was an emotional day as a mommy to count my blessings, especially the little baby boy one.
Braden started cereal last week and isn't too wild about it, gags on it actually. Watching him eat is great big sister entertainment, by the way. Who needs TV?! He has also started something that we affectionately call his "war cry". It is like he has discovered he has a big voice and can make a BIG noise that is louder than all the other noises put together. Its really hideous, kind of a grating half shriek, half yell. If you're lucky, you may even get to hear it for yourself. Hopefully not during prayer time during church service, but maybe!
Mother's Day was a treat, celebrating with my wonderful husband and FOUR kids. We ate out at our favorite Mexican restaurant and then I opened sweet cards and gifts from all. (Braden is a great little shopper! ) It was an emotional day as a mommy to count my blessings, especially the little baby boy one.
Braden started cereal last week and isn't too wild about it, gags on it actually. Watching him eat is great big sister entertainment, by the way. Who needs TV?! He has also started something that we affectionately call his "war cry". It is like he has discovered he has a big voice and can make a BIG noise that is louder than all the other noises put together. Its really hideous, kind of a grating half shriek, half yell. If you're lucky, you may even get to hear it for yourself. Hopefully not during prayer time during church service, but maybe!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May Update
May is finally here. Braden turns 6 months old this upcoming Friday. He is turning into a roly-poly with gotta-pinch-'em cheeks. I can't believe a tooth hasn't pushed through yet. He is working hard and really taking teething like a little man.
The girls have each taken a turn dressing Braden lately, with a lot of mommy supervision, and it is hilarious. I should hope they appreciate my baby dressing skills after trying to get clothes on their wiggly brother. It is good entertainment for sisters and brother because they giggle their way through it and he just can't get enough of watching them. So sweet.
Braden went to his first Apple Blossom parade on Saturday. He did great but was unimpressed overall. His teething toys were more interesting and he even took a cat nap. I had placed ear plugs in his ears so the noise didn't bother him. He did look especially cute in his Mariners baseball cap. Another successful family outing.
His first over the phone pacemaker check is coming up in mid-May. It is so easy to forget he has a pacemaker. It hit me again right out of the blue the other day and I found myself struggling with trust and acceptance of God's plan over mine. The whole pacer issue still doesn't make sense but I know Christ is so in control of this crazy life thing. Braden is just so little to have a pacemaker for heaven's sake! BUT, we continue to pray that his heart will begin to function again without the unit and will continue to do so until Jesus tells us otherwise! Please pray with us about this. Our girls pray with sincere hearts every night for their brother to not need his pacemaker anymore. It is a beautiful thing, the faith of a child, the faith God wants me to have and I fight against with my "reasons". If anything this experience has done for our family, it is definitely a much bigger understanding of the goodness of God and that we can trust Him. Even just this week He came through once again in providing the exact amount of money we needed for a repair on our heat pump. Amazing!
-Jenni
The girls have each taken a turn dressing Braden lately, with a lot of mommy supervision, and it is hilarious. I should hope they appreciate my baby dressing skills after trying to get clothes on their wiggly brother. It is good entertainment for sisters and brother because they giggle their way through it and he just can't get enough of watching them. So sweet.
Braden went to his first Apple Blossom parade on Saturday. He did great but was unimpressed overall. His teething toys were more interesting and he even took a cat nap. I had placed ear plugs in his ears so the noise didn't bother him. He did look especially cute in his Mariners baseball cap. Another successful family outing.
His first over the phone pacemaker check is coming up in mid-May. It is so easy to forget he has a pacemaker. It hit me again right out of the blue the other day and I found myself struggling with trust and acceptance of God's plan over mine. The whole pacer issue still doesn't make sense but I know Christ is so in control of this crazy life thing. Braden is just so little to have a pacemaker for heaven's sake! BUT, we continue to pray that his heart will begin to function again without the unit and will continue to do so until Jesus tells us otherwise! Please pray with us about this. Our girls pray with sincere hearts every night for their brother to not need his pacemaker anymore. It is a beautiful thing, the faith of a child, the faith God wants me to have and I fight against with my "reasons". If anything this experience has done for our family, it is definitely a much bigger understanding of the goodness of God and that we can trust Him. Even just this week He came through once again in providing the exact amount of money we needed for a repair on our heat pump. Amazing!
-Jenni
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
New Accomplishments
Since Braden's appointments are really starting to lessen, we are actually forgetting to update on his progress. He is doing so well! His newest accomplishments are sitting with support, flipping from tummy to back, and discovering how to make a noisy slurping sound by sucking his bottom lip. He keeps practicing that last one, so he won't forget how to do it. Our little girls think this is especially hilarious.
Last week Braden had his monthly physical therapy session. The therapist was pleased with his progress and gave us some activities to work with him on, like encouraging exploration of toys that make sound (cause and effect, curiosity). She also wants him to build his core muscles while supported sitting and to work on going from back to tummy.
We don't know Braden's current weight, but he is sure eating a lot. His appetite has grown. He has started grabbing whoever is holding him by the hair, whiskers, neck skin, whatever!, with both hands and sucking on their face. Kind of like a slimy kiss but it really means "Feed me now!"
Last week Braden had his monthly physical therapy session. The therapist was pleased with his progress and gave us some activities to work with him on, like encouraging exploration of toys that make sound (cause and effect, curiosity). She also wants him to build his core muscles while supported sitting and to work on going from back to tummy.
We don't know Braden's current weight, but he is sure eating a lot. His appetite has grown. He has started grabbing whoever is holding him by the hair, whiskers, neck skin, whatever!, with both hands and sucking on their face. Kind of like a slimy kiss but it really means "Feed me now!"
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Five Months Old
Braden turned five months old last week. Amazing! Here's some of the latest . . .
Over the past weeks we have seen baby make great progress with his neck strength. Braden is gaining endurance on his tummy and holds his head up much longer now. So cute! His physical therapy starts next week and I hope the therapist sees improvement from her last observations.
Braden likes being held in a supported sitting position now, really enjoying being part of family time around the dining table. He sits and observes the chaos of mealtimes with a lot of interest. We are very entertaining for him. Braden also really likes it when his sisters do the "Banana" cheer they learned at Mega Kids Sports Camp. He is learning that if he squawks, they will do it again. Only 5 months old and bossing the older sisters around already.
Braden went to his first egg hunt and attended a church service for the first time this past holiday weekend. It was a monumental feat to get all of us to church. Darth was there already so I was outnumbered, but I conquered, thank you very much. No, we weren't on time, but that is besides the point. It was scary to take Braden to such a large social gathering. He just hasn't been out. I kept him in his carrier the majority of the time and that discouraged touching. Braden had another fever last week and more cold symptoms, so continuing to assertively protect him is beneficial. God is giving me strength in these socially awkward situations. Saying "look but don't touch" is easier to say to kids than to adults.
Because his neck is getting so strong, Braden can now be carried face out in the front pack carrier. The soft material of the Moby wrap is great for him and comfortable for me. He went through Costco on Monday loving life and looking super cute. Outings are so exciting for him because he just hasn't been out! And who doesn't love Costco?! (We lead such an exciting life.)
I continue to be very content in my current role as Braden's mommy, nurse, therapist, and teacher. Focusing on his development is so important right now. The slower pace of stepping back from too many commitments is refreshing. I am choosing to enjoy this season with little precious one because it will pass quickly and then life will get hurried and harried again. I am blessed to be able to stay home with my kids.
More updates soon. Thanks for your continued prayers for Braden and our family.
-Jenni
Over the past weeks we have seen baby make great progress with his neck strength. Braden is gaining endurance on his tummy and holds his head up much longer now. So cute! His physical therapy starts next week and I hope the therapist sees improvement from her last observations.
Braden likes being held in a supported sitting position now, really enjoying being part of family time around the dining table. He sits and observes the chaos of mealtimes with a lot of interest. We are very entertaining for him. Braden also really likes it when his sisters do the "Banana" cheer they learned at Mega Kids Sports Camp. He is learning that if he squawks, they will do it again. Only 5 months old and bossing the older sisters around already.
Braden went to his first egg hunt and attended a church service for the first time this past holiday weekend. It was a monumental feat to get all of us to church. Darth was there already so I was outnumbered, but I conquered, thank you very much. No, we weren't on time, but that is besides the point. It was scary to take Braden to such a large social gathering. He just hasn't been out. I kept him in his carrier the majority of the time and that discouraged touching. Braden had another fever last week and more cold symptoms, so continuing to assertively protect him is beneficial. God is giving me strength in these socially awkward situations. Saying "look but don't touch" is easier to say to kids than to adults.
Because his neck is getting so strong, Braden can now be carried face out in the front pack carrier. The soft material of the Moby wrap is great for him and comfortable for me. He went through Costco on Monday loving life and looking super cute. Outings are so exciting for him because he just hasn't been out! And who doesn't love Costco?! (We lead such an exciting life.)
I continue to be very content in my current role as Braden's mommy, nurse, therapist, and teacher. Focusing on his development is so important right now. The slower pace of stepping back from too many commitments is refreshing. I am choosing to enjoy this season with little precious one because it will pass quickly and then life will get hurried and harried again. I am blessed to be able to stay home with my kids.
More updates soon. Thanks for your continued prayers for Braden and our family.
-Jenni
Friday, April 3, 2009
Too Much of a Good Thing!
Our in-home care nurse came today and "discharged" Braden. He is doing so well that he doesn't need close monitoring anymore. We will miss Nurse Michelle, but what great news! Braden weighed 11 lbs. 4 oz. today. We were advised that it is time to cut back the calories. Mr. Chubs gets only 24 calories now instead of 28. Yea Braden and thank you Lord!
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