Oh my goodness what gorgeous weather we are having here in Orlando. But Spring also means pollen. Everything outside is covered in this yellow dust which to us means big time sneezing and congestion. Brianna has been congested for the last couple of days and miserable. We're just giving her some allergy meds and breathing treatments to hopefully prevent an infection.
Can you believe she is almost two years old?!!! I'm sure I posted this before but I'm going to say it again...this year her birthday is on Easter Sunday. Isn't that something.
Blessings to you and thanks for keeping up with us.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Feeling Better
Brianna is much better now. The bleeding ear turned out to be a middle ear infection. Nothing that a little antibiotics can't handle. Praise God. She is getting so big now and learning so much. Her language skills are increasing and just about every day she makes a different sound. Lately her sound has been "do it, do it, do it" it is so funny. She still hasn't mastered crawling in the traditional way but she gets up on all fours, moves her knees and hands, rolls forward or sideways, gets back up, starts over and moves all over the room. She is able to roll over and sit up by herself and we have been encouraging her to reach up and try to pull herself up.
Check out her cheesecake photo. She is soooo cute, yes?
Check out her cheesecake photo. She is soooo cute, yes?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ashley's Turn
Ashley's turn to shine. We are so proud of our oldest daughter. Let's see, how do I say this...well, to say she is 16 years old says alot in itself (for those who have teenagers). There's been a tremendous amount of difficulties in her life and it has been hard for her to figure out how to handle those difficult times. But little by little, she's been figuring it out by trial and error. She has become quite active with the youth group at our church (First Presbyterian Church of Orlando) and last summer she went on her first mission trip to New Orleans to help rebuild houses for those affected by Katrina and this summer she is saving to go on a mission trip to Jamaica to help those in need there.
Regarding school, last Fall she was held back. What a bummer. What did she do? On-line school in addition to high school. Said no to lacrosse so she could focus on school (what a change). Her hard work paid off, in January we received a letter from her high school stating that she had been promoted UP to her original grade. A Junior. How exciting and how proud we are of her. Now, all we hear is college, college, college. Originally she wanted to be a pediatric physical therapist but after seeing Brianna's speech pathologist at work with Bri, that is what she wants to do now. She knows it is going to take some time but she is determined.
Let me tell you, we KNOW God answers prayers.
On another note, several people have asked me how to post a comment. Well, below each posting is the word COMMENT. If you click on that, there you go....post away.
One more thing, I'm sure Ashley would love to hear some congrats about her accomplishments. Her email address is pinkpep1@yahoo.com.
Brenda
Regarding school, last Fall she was held back. What a bummer. What did she do? On-line school in addition to high school. Said no to lacrosse so she could focus on school (what a change). Her hard work paid off, in January we received a letter from her high school stating that she had been promoted UP to her original grade. A Junior. How exciting and how proud we are of her. Now, all we hear is college, college, college. Originally she wanted to be a pediatric physical therapist but after seeing Brianna's speech pathologist at work with Bri, that is what she wants to do now. She knows it is going to take some time but she is determined.
Let me tell you, we KNOW God answers prayers.
On another note, several people have asked me how to post a comment. Well, below each posting is the word COMMENT. If you click on that, there you go....post away.
One more thing, I'm sure Ashley would love to hear some congrats about her accomplishments. Her email address is pinkpep1@yahoo.com.
Brenda
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Here we go again....
Little Brianna has ANOTHER ear infection but this one is the worse so far. She tugged at her ears several times which put me on notice but no fever, no crankiness, nothing until yesterday afternoon (of course AFTER the doctor's office was closed). Dark blood oozing out of her right ear. After me freaking out and scaring Jerry who heard me freaking out I called Bri's pediatrician who prescribed an antibiotic for her ear. Of course I have to tell you this itty bitty bottle of antibiotic costs a whopping $103.00. Now isn't that ridiculous?!!! But whatever we need for the Bri, we'll take care of it. Anyway, after a dose of tylenol and ear drops, she slept pretty good and we will be off to the doctor's office this morning.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
So Here We Are
Getting ready for bed....
so I put Brianna in her bed, knowing she is ready for the sand man....go into the room minutes later and this is what i find....
did I tell you that her Physical Therapist said as a general rule...that if a child is sitting up by 2 years of age, that eventually they will walk....yeah, you read that correctly...we believe Brianna will walk...she continues to be such a fighter...nothing keeps our baby girl down......oh my goodness....life is god, I meant to say...life is good....hmmmmm. typo or.........
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Lots of New Stuff
Well, it has been quite a while since I posted and we've had a lot going on. Earlier this month Brianna was sick with what turned out to be the flu. Battled it like a warrior. Then it turned into congestion, that was the toughest part but in true Brianna form, she conquered it.
She went to the eye doctor and has new glasses...new picture soon. Went to the orthopedic and her back is curving more than we want so she now has a back brace...another new picture soon and....she has an itty bitty split on her hand to see what we can do about her crooked finger, the least of our worries. She continues to be her happy, adorable little self continuously making us smile great big smiles. We are so blessed.
Feel free to post a comment on this new page, I have enlarged the "comment" section at the bottom of each post. To comment, just click on the "comment" and there you go. As I said before, we love to hear from Bri's fans...please leave a small note for us to check out.
Happy day.
Brenda
She went to the eye doctor and has new glasses...new picture soon. Went to the orthopedic and her back is curving more than we want so she now has a back brace...another new picture soon and....she has an itty bitty split on her hand to see what we can do about her crooked finger, the least of our worries. She continues to be her happy, adorable little self continuously making us smile great big smiles. We are so blessed.
Feel free to post a comment on this new page, I have enlarged the "comment" section at the bottom of each post. To comment, just click on the "comment" and there you go. As I said before, we love to hear from Bri's fans...please leave a small note for us to check out.
Happy day.
Brenda
Saturday, February 7, 2009
3 Little Miracles All Together
MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2009 10:36 AM, EST
What a weekend! We went to Houston, Jerry, Brianna and myself (Ashley stayed in Orlando to attend a church retreat) to meet little Annabel. Oh, she is gorgeous! Imagine our surprise when not only did we meet Annabel but we also met Rachel who is 9 months old and also diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Three of these beautiful babies in one room. Living and breathing. Bless my husband who was present listening to three women talk about their baby girls. I would say all of us learned something new in caring for our girls.
More later. Bri's fussing for some attention.
This is one of my absolute favorite photos...our little angels
Happy 16 Month Birthday Baby Girl
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2008 04:30 PM, CDT
Happy 16 month Birthday to our cutie pie. (A day late...I actually updated the website last night and then the internet blinked off and it was lost...I was too tired to re-type it then). Things are going well with Brianna. She is scheduled for eye surgery on August 22nd. We don't think her little cross-eyes look that bad (I think they're cute in a Brianna-kind of way) but her eye doctor highly recommends that we do it. So....we'll see how they turn out (no pun intended LOL).
I was quite pleased when Bri's OT said that her neck is strong enough to ride in a bicycle seat. Straight to the cycle shop we went. Brianna HATED the helmet. Couldn't stop trying to figure out what the heck was on her head. The guy at the cycle shop said "oh look...she's cross-eyed....(idiot). We just smiled and waited for him to figure out that yes, her eyes DO cross. After that he couldn't get away from us fast enough.
Anyway, she cried so loud in the bicycle seat that when I was down the street, her daddy could hear her and came to her rescue. We'll try again when the weather is not so hot and humid.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. Brianna weighs in at a hefty 20 lbs. and now has five teeth. Two front and three bottom front.
God Bless.
Happy 16 month Birthday to our cutie pie. (A day late...I actually updated the website last night and then the internet blinked off and it was lost...I was too tired to re-type it then). Things are going well with Brianna. She is scheduled for eye surgery on August 22nd. We don't think her little cross-eyes look that bad (I think they're cute in a Brianna-kind of way) but her eye doctor highly recommends that we do it. So....we'll see how they turn out (no pun intended LOL).
I was quite pleased when Bri's OT said that her neck is strong enough to ride in a bicycle seat. Straight to the cycle shop we went. Brianna HATED the helmet. Couldn't stop trying to figure out what the heck was on her head. The guy at the cycle shop said "oh look...she's cross-eyed....(idiot). We just smiled and waited for him to figure out that yes, her eyes DO cross. After that he couldn't get away from us fast enough.
Anyway, she cried so loud in the bicycle seat that when I was down the street, her daddy could hear her and came to her rescue. We'll try again when the weather is not so hot and humid.
Oh, and I almost forgot to mention. Brianna weighs in at a hefty 20 lbs. and now has five teeth. Two front and three bottom front.
God Bless.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Welcome to our Planet
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2009 07:36 AM, EST
Hello everyone,
Life here on Planet Trisomy 18 is not so bad. Brianna is improving daily. She is sitting up all by herself for a good 10-15 minutes and when she is not sitting up she is trying to crawl. She now rolls over, pulls her knees up underneath her, gets her arms in position and pushes on all fours in one quick move. Smiles so big and bold once she is up. Then she rocks back and forth moving her knees forward. She is so close to moving her arms but they are just so heavy for her. Remember these babies have very weak upper bodies so for her to lift up in on all fours is a tremendous milestone.
Jerry and I are looking forward to this coming weekend. We are going to meet a little girl (with Trisomy 18) and her family. Her name is Annabel Grace and she is......3 1/2 years old!! To see this gorgeous little girl you can visit her website. www.annabelgrace.blogspot.com
Have a blessed day.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Happy 2009 Everyone
THURSDAY, JANUARY 01, 2009 04:02 PM, EST
Happy New Year!! This holiday season has been the best ever. We celebrated Christmas Eve by going out to dinner with family and friends and then attending the candlelight service at church. We spent Christmas morning here in Orlando opening gifts with Jerry's parents, Doug and Helen and then on the 26th left to visit family in north Florida. After a very nice, relaxing visit with the family we returned to Orlando in time for New Year's Eve. And the neatest thing happend New Year's Eve (and if I didn't see it myself, I would have thought it was a set-up). My nephew, Shawn and his fiance Christina came over with a homemade Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) that Christina had made. In her family Spanakopita is served on New Year's Day and the person who makes it puts a quarter in the pie and whomever gets the quarter is supposed to receive good luck the following year. Well, a little after midnight, I cut the pie in various oddball sizes and walked around and made sure everyone received one. Oops...I didn't give Bri one, so her daddy picked up the smallest one on the tray and took a bite of it "for Bri". Then he promptly teased Christina about her cooking because there was a piece of tin foil in it. That's when Christina said, "no, that's the quarter!! wrapped in tinfoil." How neat is that. Bri got the good luck quarter.
And then....you do know what happens to the first person who falls asleep on New Year's Eve, especially when guests are still around....that's right, they get their toenails painted...bright red. The lucky recipient this year was Jerry. Check out the pics. That's Bri with her lucky quarter and Jerry with his gorgeous toenails!
On that note, Happy New Year to everyone once again.
Happy New Year!! This holiday season has been the best ever. We celebrated Christmas Eve by going out to dinner with family and friends and then attending the candlelight service at church. We spent Christmas morning here in Orlando opening gifts with Jerry's parents, Doug and Helen and then on the 26th left to visit family in north Florida. After a very nice, relaxing visit with the family we returned to Orlando in time for New Year's Eve. And the neatest thing happend New Year's Eve (and if I didn't see it myself, I would have thought it was a set-up). My nephew, Shawn and his fiance Christina came over with a homemade Spanakopita (Greek Spinach Pie) that Christina had made. In her family Spanakopita is served on New Year's Day and the person who makes it puts a quarter in the pie and whomever gets the quarter is supposed to receive good luck the following year. Well, a little after midnight, I cut the pie in various oddball sizes and walked around and made sure everyone received one. Oops...I didn't give Bri one, so her daddy picked up the smallest one on the tray and took a bite of it "for Bri". Then he promptly teased Christina about her cooking because there was a piece of tin foil in it. That's when Christina said, "no, that's the quarter!! wrapped in tinfoil." How neat is that. Bri got the good luck quarter.
And then....you do know what happens to the first person who falls asleep on New Year's Eve, especially when guests are still around....that's right, they get their toenails painted...bright red. The lucky recipient this year was Jerry. Check out the pics. That's Bri with her lucky quarter and Jerry with his gorgeous toenails!
On that note, Happy New Year to everyone once again.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Extra Christmas Blessings
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2008 12:23 AM, EST
Happy Birthday Baby Jesus and Merry Christmas to everyone.
This morning was an important day for us because Brianna had an appointment for an ultrasound of her abdomen. Babies with Trisomy 18 are at high risk of cancer, tumors, and abnormalities of internal organs. Therefore it is advised to have ultrasounds every six months of their abdomens. Yet today was the first one that we had because I only recently came upon the information that we should have her checked every six months. Guess that is what happens when we are 'pioneers' in this field. One can only imagine the anxiety we felt taking her in for this exam this morning...what will the outcome be? Well, to say the least we received the best Christmas present ever....Brianna's kidneys, liver and bladder were free of any abnormalities....yehhhhhhhh. What an extra celebration we will have this Christmas day.
Blessings to everyone.
Happy Birthday Baby Jesus and Merry Christmas to everyone.
This morning was an important day for us because Brianna had an appointment for an ultrasound of her abdomen. Babies with Trisomy 18 are at high risk of cancer, tumors, and abnormalities of internal organs. Therefore it is advised to have ultrasounds every six months of their abdomens. Yet today was the first one that we had because I only recently came upon the information that we should have her checked every six months. Guess that is what happens when we are 'pioneers' in this field. One can only imagine the anxiety we felt taking her in for this exam this morning...what will the outcome be? Well, to say the least we received the best Christmas present ever....Brianna's kidneys, liver and bladder were free of any abnormalities....yehhhhhhhh. What an extra celebration we will have this Christmas day.
Blessings to everyone.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Dear Old Santa Claus
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2008 11:02 PM, EST
Well here I am visiting with that dear old man Santa Claus and I wasn't scared not one tiny bit. I will be celebrating 20 months of life in a couple of days. Amazing.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Christmas Cookies
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2008 10:19 PM, EST
Oh, what a wonderful time we had making candy and cookies today with friends and family. I'm sure Bri must miss her daddy. He's away for seven days on a business trip. I know I miss him! Anyway, we're tired and headed to bed. Good night all.
Bri with her Reindeer Cookie
and my best friend Veronica and her daughter Miranda with their reindeer cookies
Oh, what a wonderful time we had making candy and cookies today with friends and family. I'm sure Bri must miss her daddy. He's away for seven days on a business trip. I know I miss him! Anyway, we're tired and headed to bed. Good night all.
Bri with her Reindeer Cookie
and my best friend Veronica and her daughter Miranda with their reindeer cookies
Thursday, December 4, 2008
19 Months Old
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2008 10:07 PM, EST
Back to the doctor today for Bri's 18 month checkup (she is 19 months). Dr. Chaban made me feel really good. He told me what a fantastic mother I am to Brianna. That Jerry and I should be proud of ourselves for the care we give her. Something I don't quite understand...doesn't every parent give their child this type of love and care? Don't answer that. I already know. Anyway. Bri's lungs are clear (Yeahhhhh!!!) and she looks fantastic. Still weighs only 20 lbs which concerns me a little. She hasn't gained any weight (not has she lost any) in the last month. I spoke to her dietician yesterday and we are upping her caloric intake to see if that will add some weight to her. She is just so darn cute. She is like this little person. No longer a 'baby' although since she is petite, she is often mistaken for a 'baby'. And talk about a personality....I can't tell you how excited I am about this holiday season. Last year it was bittersweet. At that time in my mind I thought it was going to be the only Christmas with Bri and honestly, it was a very difficult time and now the only way to describe it is that I feel like I won the lottery....another year, another holiday season with both of our girls. I am on top of the world!!! God is so good.
Blessings to you and your family.
Please be sure to read the next four or five postings. It took that many to get current.
Back to the doctor today for Bri's 18 month checkup (she is 19 months). Dr. Chaban made me feel really good. He told me what a fantastic mother I am to Brianna. That Jerry and I should be proud of ourselves for the care we give her. Something I don't quite understand...doesn't every parent give their child this type of love and care? Don't answer that. I already know. Anyway. Bri's lungs are clear (Yeahhhhh!!!) and she looks fantastic. Still weighs only 20 lbs which concerns me a little. She hasn't gained any weight (not has she lost any) in the last month. I spoke to her dietician yesterday and we are upping her caloric intake to see if that will add some weight to her. She is just so darn cute. She is like this little person. No longer a 'baby' although since she is petite, she is often mistaken for a 'baby'. And talk about a personality....I can't tell you how excited I am about this holiday season. Last year it was bittersweet. At that time in my mind I thought it was going to be the only Christmas with Bri and honestly, it was a very difficult time and now the only way to describe it is that I feel like I won the lottery....another year, another holiday season with both of our girls. I am on top of the world!!! God is so good.
Blessings to you and your family.
Please be sure to read the next four or five postings. It took that many to get current.
So Much to Be Thankful For
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2008 09:17 PM, EST
Thanksgiving. Words cannot describe how much we have to be thankful for. Ashley has turned into a remarkable young lady. She went to Eagle Rock, TN for a 4 day retreat with the youth group (but was back in time for Thanksgiving). My mother, sister and her husband, nephew and fiance (and her mother), in-laws, and our 4 enjoyed Thanksgiving at our house. It was a wonderful time. The only thing is that Brianna was not well. A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving she started coughing and was congested. We were hopeful that she could fight it off by herself but Friday after Thanksgiving off to the doctor we went and she was put on an antibiotic and breathing treatments, 4 times a day. That's all it took. By Saturday afternoon, what a change. Whew. The toll it takes on Jerry and I when Brianna is not well is so stressful. You see when she shows the slightest illness we go into combat mode....and I know that I can't help but think....is this it? Is this the illness that is going to be fatal? Don't misunderstand and think that I am a negative person, it's just that anything, we don't know what thing, could be fatal to Brianna. The things that other children brush off (and parent's too) could be what takes her life. Life on the edge. That's what we live. Every day.
Thanksgiving. Words cannot describe how much we have to be thankful for. Ashley has turned into a remarkable young lady. She went to Eagle Rock, TN for a 4 day retreat with the youth group (but was back in time for Thanksgiving). My mother, sister and her husband, nephew and fiance (and her mother), in-laws, and our 4 enjoyed Thanksgiving at our house. It was a wonderful time. The only thing is that Brianna was not well. A couple of days prior to Thanksgiving she started coughing and was congested. We were hopeful that she could fight it off by herself but Friday after Thanksgiving off to the doctor we went and she was put on an antibiotic and breathing treatments, 4 times a day. That's all it took. By Saturday afternoon, what a change. Whew. The toll it takes on Jerry and I when Brianna is not well is so stressful. You see when she shows the slightest illness we go into combat mode....and I know that I can't help but think....is this it? Is this the illness that is going to be fatal? Don't misunderstand and think that I am a negative person, it's just that anything, we don't know what thing, could be fatal to Brianna. The things that other children brush off (and parent's too) could be what takes her life. Life on the edge. That's what we live. Every day.
Chicago, Here we Come!
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2008 09:00 PM, EST
At last posting we were headed to Chicago for our first family trip out of town
and Bri was such a trooper. Check out this airport picture...
At the time we were concerned about her ears hurting (more on that later) and her screaming in the airplane, people complaining, blah, blah, blah and heck if she didn't come out smelling like a rose. In true Brianna form, once we hit Chicago, that child didn't sleep except at night when all of us went to sleep. She has never been one to miss a thing. All day long, awake and happy. Just amazing. To make a long story short, all of us had a fantastic time. Ashley and Bri had a 'sleepover'...what an excellent babysitter, yeah?
while Jerry and I attended the wedding reception. The worse of the trip was all of the stuff we had to pack and take....but well worth the memories.
Here's Jerry and his great friend Sal and another picture of Ashley. I love these pictures.
At last posting we were headed to Chicago for our first family trip out of town
and Bri was such a trooper. Check out this airport picture...
At the time we were concerned about her ears hurting (more on that later) and her screaming in the airplane, people complaining, blah, blah, blah and heck if she didn't come out smelling like a rose. In true Brianna form, once we hit Chicago, that child didn't sleep except at night when all of us went to sleep. She has never been one to miss a thing. All day long, awake and happy. Just amazing. To make a long story short, all of us had a fantastic time. Ashley and Bri had a 'sleepover'...what an excellent babysitter, yeah?
while Jerry and I attended the wedding reception. The worse of the trip was all of the stuff we had to pack and take....but well worth the memories.
Here's Jerry and his great friend Sal and another picture of Ashley. I love these pictures.
I can hear, I can hear
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2008 09:09 PM, EST
Bri has been having such problems with her ears. When she was in the hospital in June, it took 4 days to figure out that the problem was fluid in her ears. Problem is that her ears are so tiny that the doctor can't see inside of them. Looking back, we believe she has had a chronic ear infection since April. One that antibiotics couldn't clear up 100%. So off to the Ear Nose and Throat Doc. Thank goodness for experienced doctors here in Orlando. We decided to attempt to have tubes placed in her ears for drainage. I say attempt because even the highly experienced doc wasn't sure if he would be able to place the tubes in her ears. The procedure day came and Praise be to God that yes, he was able to place the tubes in her ears. (That was about 6 weeks ago). The doctor said that she could probably hear 30 decibels higher. We noticed a change in her immediately. Interesting thing is that she used to be startled easily, now she's not. Hmmm.
Bri has been having such problems with her ears. When she was in the hospital in June, it took 4 days to figure out that the problem was fluid in her ears. Problem is that her ears are so tiny that the doctor can't see inside of them. Looking back, we believe she has had a chronic ear infection since April. One that antibiotics couldn't clear up 100%. So off to the Ear Nose and Throat Doc. Thank goodness for experienced doctors here in Orlando. We decided to attempt to have tubes placed in her ears for drainage. I say attempt because even the highly experienced doc wasn't sure if he would be able to place the tubes in her ears. The procedure day came and Praise be to God that yes, he was able to place the tubes in her ears. (That was about 6 weeks ago). The doctor said that she could probably hear 30 decibels higher. We noticed a change in her immediately. Interesting thing is that she used to be startled easily, now she's not. Hmmm.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Personal Testimony at Church
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2008 09:59 PM, EST
Our Testimony. Months ago we were asked if we would be interested in sharing our testimony in church. Jerry and I both said yes without hesitation. Well, they filmed it, thank goodness because both of us couldn't help but cry at times. And let me tell you, the media crew at First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Orlando, is amazing. I do have to say in my defense, although I am a talker, my husband is MORE of a talker than I but during this interview, he couldn't say very much without getting upset so I spoke most of the time. To see the testimony, follow these directions....there must be an easier way but computer literate I'm not...so
www.fpco.org/worship/multimedia.aspx?id=344
Then, in the top 1/3 of the page you will see 'Categories:' followed by 'Sermons'. Click on 'Sermons'
Then you will see 'Personal Testimony, Nov. 23, Jerry and Brenda Botts' Click on that. And then when the picture of the sanctuary comes up, click on the arrow on that picture.
Our Testimony. Months ago we were asked if we would be interested in sharing our testimony in church. Jerry and I both said yes without hesitation. Well, they filmed it, thank goodness because both of us couldn't help but cry at times. And let me tell you, the media crew at First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Orlando, is amazing. I do have to say in my defense, although I am a talker, my husband is MORE of a talker than I but during this interview, he couldn't say very much without getting upset so I spoke most of the time. To see the testimony, follow these directions....there must be an easier way but computer literate I'm not...so
www.fpco.org/worship/multimedia.aspx?id=344
Then, in the top 1/3 of the page you will see 'Categories:' followed by 'Sermons'. Click on 'Sermons'
Then you will see 'Personal Testimony, Nov. 23, Jerry and Brenda Botts' Click on that. And then when the picture of the sanctuary comes up, click on the arrow on that picture.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Heart-felt News
MONDAY, OCTOBER 06, 2008 10:12 PM, CDT
Woo Hoo here I am again with some fantastic news. Today we met with Brianna's cardiologist, Dr. Ramos for her six month echocardiogram. Meeting with him was really special. He is one of her doctors whom you could tell in his actions and demeanor that he has such admiration for Brianna and her strong spirit. His report at the end of the meeting is that her heart is doing so well that he does not need to see her for a repeat echocardiogram for a full year.....Yay!!! He also noticed that Brianna is not a "baby" anymore but that she is growing up...it's funny because she IS growing up but yet she is so petite. For an example, and a darn good one, take a peek at some photos we had taken this past weekend by our wonderful photographer Martha Bravo. Go to www.marthabravo.com and then click on her "blog". Brianna looks so grown up not to mention our 16 year old (who will be a senior next year..yikes!!!). I feel like I look so old in these pictures compared to before Brianna was born. Guess that is what happens when you cry a million plus tears, huh. My husband looks great....men always age very well. Anyway.....we are all very excited about this upcoming weekend. Headed to Chicago for our very first "family" vacation (family get-togethers don't count, ya know). The son of a very good friend is getting married and we are going for the wedding...Thursday through Sunday. Everyone is looking forward to it. Will let you know next week how it went. I have to admit I am a bit anxious about making sure I pack everything Bri needs without taking so much it wears us out. Hmmm. will get back to you on that next week.
Happy Monday to everyone....Brenda
P.S. What I forgot to add is what a cranky baby Brianna was during the photo shoot. So unlike her. Of all days she didn't get a good nap in and even though it was late in the afternoon, it was still too bright outside for her. So....only one small sponge-bob smile and few peeks at her eyes.
Woo Hoo here I am again with some fantastic news. Today we met with Brianna's cardiologist, Dr. Ramos for her six month echocardiogram. Meeting with him was really special. He is one of her doctors whom you could tell in his actions and demeanor that he has such admiration for Brianna and her strong spirit. His report at the end of the meeting is that her heart is doing so well that he does not need to see her for a repeat echocardiogram for a full year.....Yay!!! He also noticed that Brianna is not a "baby" anymore but that she is growing up...it's funny because she IS growing up but yet she is so petite. For an example, and a darn good one, take a peek at some photos we had taken this past weekend by our wonderful photographer Martha Bravo. Go to www.marthabravo.com and then click on her "blog". Brianna looks so grown up not to mention our 16 year old (who will be a senior next year..yikes!!!). I feel like I look so old in these pictures compared to before Brianna was born. Guess that is what happens when you cry a million plus tears, huh. My husband looks great....men always age very well. Anyway.....we are all very excited about this upcoming weekend. Headed to Chicago for our very first "family" vacation (family get-togethers don't count, ya know). The son of a very good friend is getting married and we are going for the wedding...Thursday through Sunday. Everyone is looking forward to it. Will let you know next week how it went. I have to admit I am a bit anxious about making sure I pack everything Bri needs without taking so much it wears us out. Hmmm. will get back to you on that next week.
Happy Monday to everyone....Brenda
P.S. What I forgot to add is what a cranky baby Brianna was during the photo shoot. So unlike her. Of all days she didn't get a good nap in and even though it was late in the afternoon, it was still too bright outside for her. So....only one small sponge-bob smile and few peeks at her eyes.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tiny Ears, Big Trouble
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2008 04:56 PM, CDT
Shame on me. It has been an entire month since I have journaled yet it feels like it was only last week. Alot has happened in the last month. At last posting Bri was running a low grade temperature and rubbing her ears. I've mentioned before since her ears are so tiny, her ear canals are even smaller and her pediatrican cannot see inside them. So we took her to an ear specialist who with his specialized tools could barely see inside. It was determined that she had another ear infection which calls for more antibiotics.
She also started music class on Wednesday mornings. The first two weeks she simply was overwhelmed. 15 children in one small room is alot to get used to. By week 3, she was doing better and actually smiled instead of having big "O" eyes!!!
Also, we had the pleasure of having my sister Judy and my mother, come and stay with Brianna and Ashley while Jerry and I took a mini-vacation. Yeah....imagine that. The first time away since Brianna's arrival. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the beach for those 4 days while Brianna and Ashley enjoyed having Aunt Judy and Grandma here to spoil them rotten!
After our return we noticed Brianna rubbing her ears...again. You guessed it. ANOTHER ear infection and more antibiotics. Not sure where this path is going to lead although we have a good idea. The ear specialist told us he could put tubes in her ears, no, actually he didn't say he could put tubes in her ears, he said he could only TRY since her ears are so small. So...that is where we stand on that issue.
I can't tell you how excited I am about the upcoming holidays. Jerry and I were talking on the way home from church today about how last year this time it was, um, shall I say a bittersweet time of year. We were trying to enjoy the holidays yet in the back of our minds we only thought we would get to have one holiday with Brianna...and look where we are today. We get to have another season of holidays with our baby girl....as I have said before...God is so good. He's been good to me...to our family.
Oh, finally...new photos. Four of them
Shame on me. It has been an entire month since I have journaled yet it feels like it was only last week. Alot has happened in the last month. At last posting Bri was running a low grade temperature and rubbing her ears. I've mentioned before since her ears are so tiny, her ear canals are even smaller and her pediatrican cannot see inside them. So we took her to an ear specialist who with his specialized tools could barely see inside. It was determined that she had another ear infection which calls for more antibiotics.
She also started music class on Wednesday mornings. The first two weeks she simply was overwhelmed. 15 children in one small room is alot to get used to. By week 3, she was doing better and actually smiled instead of having big "O" eyes!!!
Also, we had the pleasure of having my sister Judy and my mother, come and stay with Brianna and Ashley while Jerry and I took a mini-vacation. Yeah....imagine that. The first time away since Brianna's arrival. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the beach for those 4 days while Brianna and Ashley enjoyed having Aunt Judy and Grandma here to spoil them rotten!
After our return we noticed Brianna rubbing her ears...again. You guessed it. ANOTHER ear infection and more antibiotics. Not sure where this path is going to lead although we have a good idea. The ear specialist told us he could put tubes in her ears, no, actually he didn't say he could put tubes in her ears, he said he could only TRY since her ears are so small. So...that is where we stand on that issue.
I can't tell you how excited I am about the upcoming holidays. Jerry and I were talking on the way home from church today about how last year this time it was, um, shall I say a bittersweet time of year. We were trying to enjoy the holidays yet in the back of our minds we only thought we would get to have one holiday with Brianna...and look where we are today. We get to have another season of holidays with our baby girl....as I have said before...God is so good. He's been good to me...to our family.
Oh, finally...new photos. Four of them
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