SUNDAY, JUNE 29, 2008 10:01 PM, CDT
Yea!! We're home!!! Three days of daily shots (one in each thigh at the same time) and Bri is healthy enough to come home. What a difference in her behavior. She has been talking and smiling up a storm all day. I guess when someone is gradually becoming sick, you don't notice the behavior as much. She was still smiling and pretty happy even when sick but now she is REALLY happy and smiling.
It is so nice for our family to be back under one roof again.
Happy Day
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Not As Bad As We Thought
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008 01:01 PM, EDT
Ok, the doctor was just in and this is what they have come up with. After doing a CT scan last night they found fluid in Brianna's right ear and found her right sinus area to be full of fluid. With Brianna it's hard to determine if she has an ear infection because her ears are so tiny that the doctor can't see inside with his normal tools. We would have to take her to a specialist who has itty bitty tools to see in her itty bitty ear canals. So an ear infection combined with a cold, add some aspiration = what she has (I am so professional, yes?). So, now they are going to give her a shot to combat the ear and sinus problem and we should see a huge difference in the next 24 hours. She wasn't given any antibiotics earlier because when they took blood samples, her counts were normal.
So with that news hopefully we will be going home soon. Will let you know when we do.
Ok, the doctor was just in and this is what they have come up with. After doing a CT scan last night they found fluid in Brianna's right ear and found her right sinus area to be full of fluid. With Brianna it's hard to determine if she has an ear infection because her ears are so tiny that the doctor can't see inside with his normal tools. We would have to take her to a specialist who has itty bitty tools to see in her itty bitty ear canals. So an ear infection combined with a cold, add some aspiration = what she has (I am so professional, yes?). So, now they are going to give her a shot to combat the ear and sinus problem and we should see a huge difference in the next 24 hours. She wasn't given any antibiotics earlier because when they took blood samples, her counts were normal.
So with that news hopefully we will be going home soon. Will let you know when we do.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Not so Good News
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2008 10:18 AM, EDT
I tell you what. It takes me forever to update Brianna's website and after giving such wonderful news, it's time to update it again with not so good news.
In the previous posting, I mentioned that Brianna had some congestion, well, she was admitted to Florida Hospital last Monday to get it taken care of. Wish it was that easy. Here it is Thursday, and we are still here. Thank goodness though that it is not pneumonia. Right now the doctors are saying it is a bronchial virus and she is being treated with breathing treatments. Plus she is on oxygen because the virus is making it hard for her to get enough oxygen in her blood. We could do the breathing treatments at home but taking the oxygen home apparently is a big deal and they would rather we wait out the virus at the hospital. There is a possibility that it is not a virus at all but could have been caused by chronic aspiration. They will be running some tests to determine if that is the case after she recovers from this bronchial inflammation.
I will keep you posted.
I tell you what. It takes me forever to update Brianna's website and after giving such wonderful news, it's time to update it again with not so good news.
In the previous posting, I mentioned that Brianna had some congestion, well, she was admitted to Florida Hospital last Monday to get it taken care of. Wish it was that easy. Here it is Thursday, and we are still here. Thank goodness though that it is not pneumonia. Right now the doctors are saying it is a bronchial virus and she is being treated with breathing treatments. Plus she is on oxygen because the virus is making it hard for her to get enough oxygen in her blood. We could do the breathing treatments at home but taking the oxygen home apparently is a big deal and they would rather we wait out the virus at the hospital. There is a possibility that it is not a virus at all but could have been caused by chronic aspiration. They will be running some tests to determine if that is the case after she recovers from this bronchial inflammation.
I will keep you posted.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Popping the G-Tube Out...Yikes!!
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2008 10:26 PM, CDT
Hello everyone. We have had a good last couple of months. Brianna is now 14 months old. Praise be to God. She is sitting upright all by herself and trying so hard to crawl on hands and knees. She is getting around though quite well on her knees and head down on the floor...pretty soon she is going to rub all the hair off the front of her head if we aren't careful. A couple of weeks ago she managed to scoot between the couch and ottoman, all of perhaps 12 inches. That was rather amusing. And talk about happy, Brianna is so happy, big goofy grins all of the time. She has started laughing out loud too. Oh, what sweet sounds to hear. She currently has a bit of a cold, the congestion is what we are concerned with. But in true Brianna form, she is fighting it just like the best of them.
We took a mini vacation a couple of weeks ago up to the panhandle of Florida. My niece was getting married so we went and stayed for a week. To say the least, my mother was in heaven to have us there with her. Brianna spent several hours at the beach (Destin) and even went swimming. She loves the water. Always has.
Of course the visit wasn't uneventful.....is our life ever? One evening I was putting her to bed and when I leaned over the playard to lay her down, I pressed the tube to her G-tube against the railing (of course unintentionally) and heard a loud "POP". Yes, you guessed it, I pulled up her pajama top and her G-tube was not there. Yelled "Oh my Goodness" so loud that my mother and eldest daughter (my husband had to leave on a business trip and wasn't there at the time) came running. But thank goodness for Bri's GI doctor, Dr. Borenstein, for showing me how to put it back in. Ashley retrieved the diaper bag with the proper "stuff". My mother and Ashley held Brianna still, and although I was shaking like a leaf, I was able to insert the G-Tube back into her tummy. Whew!!! How was Brianna while this was going on? Smiling (surprised?) and not a bit concerned. Of course I stayed up another hour and a half to make sure I did indeed put it back properly (and to calm my nerves!).
Something else new to Brianna is her group therapy class for the month of June. This is the first time Brianna has actually been engaged with other children her age. We have been invited to playgroups but I have been too nervous about GERMS. But anyway, at the first session, Brianna could not keep her eyes off another toddler by the name of Elise. Elise had just learned how to stomp her feet and Brianna didn't quite know what to make of it. We missed the second group since we were out of town but at the third one, there was a sweet girl with Downs Syndrome who just wanted to kiss Brianna, the entire time. I would like to find a playgroup for Brianna but the GERM thing scares me.
Oh one more thing before I go. Bri now has three teeth. Two bottom and one top. Her other top front tooth should be coming through any day.
Love hearing from everyone. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. They're working!!!
Hello everyone. We have had a good last couple of months. Brianna is now 14 months old. Praise be to God. She is sitting upright all by herself and trying so hard to crawl on hands and knees. She is getting around though quite well on her knees and head down on the floor...pretty soon she is going to rub all the hair off the front of her head if we aren't careful. A couple of weeks ago she managed to scoot between the couch and ottoman, all of perhaps 12 inches. That was rather amusing. And talk about happy, Brianna is so happy, big goofy grins all of the time. She has started laughing out loud too. Oh, what sweet sounds to hear. She currently has a bit of a cold, the congestion is what we are concerned with. But in true Brianna form, she is fighting it just like the best of them.
We took a mini vacation a couple of weeks ago up to the panhandle of Florida. My niece was getting married so we went and stayed for a week. To say the least, my mother was in heaven to have us there with her. Brianna spent several hours at the beach (Destin) and even went swimming. She loves the water. Always has.
Of course the visit wasn't uneventful.....is our life ever? One evening I was putting her to bed and when I leaned over the playard to lay her down, I pressed the tube to her G-tube against the railing (of course unintentionally) and heard a loud "POP". Yes, you guessed it, I pulled up her pajama top and her G-tube was not there. Yelled "Oh my Goodness" so loud that my mother and eldest daughter (my husband had to leave on a business trip and wasn't there at the time) came running. But thank goodness for Bri's GI doctor, Dr. Borenstein, for showing me how to put it back in. Ashley retrieved the diaper bag with the proper "stuff". My mother and Ashley held Brianna still, and although I was shaking like a leaf, I was able to insert the G-Tube back into her tummy. Whew!!! How was Brianna while this was going on? Smiling (surprised?) and not a bit concerned. Of course I stayed up another hour and a half to make sure I did indeed put it back properly (and to calm my nerves!).
Something else new to Brianna is her group therapy class for the month of June. This is the first time Brianna has actually been engaged with other children her age. We have been invited to playgroups but I have been too nervous about GERMS. But anyway, at the first session, Brianna could not keep her eyes off another toddler by the name of Elise. Elise had just learned how to stomp her feet and Brianna didn't quite know what to make of it. We missed the second group since we were out of town but at the third one, there was a sweet girl with Downs Syndrome who just wanted to kiss Brianna, the entire time. I would like to find a playgroup for Brianna but the GERM thing scares me.
Oh one more thing before I go. Bri now has three teeth. Two bottom and one top. Her other top front tooth should be coming through any day.
Love hearing from everyone. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. They're working!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Bri's 15 Minutes of Fame
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 08:16 AM, CDT
Good morning. Well, Brianna certainly has received her 15 minutes of fame. We were very pleased with the story presented by David Martin on Fox 35. If you missed it, you can go to www.myfoxorlando.com and in the search box type in Brianna, when the story comes up, click on it and to view the video, double click on that. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Need to go, off to therapy with Brianna.
Good morning. Well, Brianna certainly has received her 15 minutes of fame. We were very pleased with the story presented by David Martin on Fox 35. If you missed it, you can go to www.myfoxorlando.com and in the search box type in Brianna, when the story comes up, click on it and to view the video, double click on that. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. Need to go, off to therapy with Brianna.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Getting Ready for the Big Story
FRIDAY, MAY 09, 2008 09:57 AM, CDT
Good morning. Remember when I mentioned that Fox 35 news was doing a story on Brianna. Well, I received a call last night and the story will be on Monday, May 12th (ironically Brianna's 13 month birthday) at 10:00 p.m. And if you watch Fox 35 over the weekend, there will be "advertising" if that is what you would call it, about the story. For those of you who are out of the area, I understand it will be on their website to view for two years. Of course we have no idea how it will be presented other than it is supposed to be a feel good story. We'll see.
Good morning. Remember when I mentioned that Fox 35 news was doing a story on Brianna. Well, I received a call last night and the story will be on Monday, May 12th (ironically Brianna's 13 month birthday) at 10:00 p.m. And if you watch Fox 35 over the weekend, there will be "advertising" if that is what you would call it, about the story. For those of you who are out of the area, I understand it will be on their website to view for two years. Of course we have no idea how it will be presented other than it is supposed to be a feel good story. We'll see.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Video Says it All
SUNDAY, MAY 04, 2008 10:05 AM, CDT
Hello there. I've added two new photos that you might want to check out. Didn't add any birthday pics because if you went to YouTube and saw her video, it says it all.
Last week we stopped by my former place of employment and the response was very heartwarming. Thank you. Bri didn't dissapoint because she put on her gorgeous smile with her one tooth showing. Oh, did I forget to tell you that her first tooth popped through on her first birthday? It is so itty bitty (just like her) but oh, so cute. It's now in far enough that when she smiles it shows. So cute! She has three more that are working there way in as well.
Brianna is working so hard on her neck muscles. Babies with T18 have weak upper bodies hence it is not unusual for them to never crawl. But our Brianna is trying so hard. She gets her little feet up under her and her arms under her and she just pushs and pushs and pushs. We think she will get there. It's just a matter of time.
Need to go now. Wishing you a great day.
Hello there. I've added two new photos that you might want to check out. Didn't add any birthday pics because if you went to YouTube and saw her video, it says it all.
Last week we stopped by my former place of employment and the response was very heartwarming. Thank you. Bri didn't dissapoint because she put on her gorgeous smile with her one tooth showing. Oh, did I forget to tell you that her first tooth popped through on her first birthday? It is so itty bitty (just like her) but oh, so cute. It's now in far enough that when she smiles it shows. So cute! She has three more that are working there way in as well.
Brianna is working so hard on her neck muscles. Babies with T18 have weak upper bodies hence it is not unusual for them to never crawl. But our Brianna is trying so hard. She gets her little feet up under her and her arms under her and she just pushs and pushs and pushs. We think she will get there. It's just a matter of time.
Need to go now. Wishing you a great day.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Better than Pictures, I think.
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008 09:04 PM, CDT
I know I said I would post pictures of the birthday but haven't done it yet. But guess what...I have something better!!! Go to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/bsbotts and you will be able to see the wonderful video that Martha Bravo created just for us. She is awesome!!!
I know I said I would post pictures of the birthday but haven't done it yet. But guess what...I have something better!!! Go to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/bsbotts and you will be able to see the wonderful video that Martha Bravo created just for us. She is awesome!!!
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Brianna is Now Considered a Long Term Survivor
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 11:08 PM, CDT
Oh, what a wonderful day!!! Brianna's first birthday. What a celebration.....our family, grandparents, godparents, friends from Chicago but mostly friends from here in our hometown, Orlando. Thank you everyone for your love and support. Will post pictures tomorrow. Pretty tired right now. Goodnight and thanks again to everyone.
Oh, what a wonderful day!!! Brianna's first birthday. What a celebration.....our family, grandparents, godparents, friends from Chicago but mostly friends from here in our hometown, Orlando. Thank you everyone for your love and support. Will post pictures tomorrow. Pretty tired right now. Goodnight and thanks again to everyone.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Getting Ready for the Big First Birthday
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 02, 2008 08:27 PM, CDT
Well here we are getting ready for Brianna's one year birthday. Her grandmother is in town and we are planning festivites. Can you believe it?!!!! What a wonderful thing to be celebrating. As I said last week, she is growing by leaps and bounds. As a matter of fact she has outgrown her infant car seat. It was like all of a sudden I noticed her feet sticking right out of the end of her car seat and it was like hmmmm.....better check this out and when I did, although her weight is within the range, her height is not. So, off to the store the family went and now Brianna has a big-girl car seat!
Other exciting news, Fox News will be doing a spiel on Brianna. They found out about her through photographer Martha Bravo. They have already been to our house to interview and tape. Next they will be going with us to Bri's therapy session and also to meet with one of her doctors. When I find out the date of our little movie star's debut, I will post it here on Bri's website.
Well here we are getting ready for Brianna's one year birthday. Her grandmother is in town and we are planning festivites. Can you believe it?!!!! What a wonderful thing to be celebrating. As I said last week, she is growing by leaps and bounds. As a matter of fact she has outgrown her infant car seat. It was like all of a sudden I noticed her feet sticking right out of the end of her car seat and it was like hmmmm.....better check this out and when I did, although her weight is within the range, her height is not. So, off to the store the family went and now Brianna has a big-girl car seat!
Other exciting news, Fox News will be doing a spiel on Brianna. They found out about her through photographer Martha Bravo. They have already been to our house to interview and tape. Next they will be going with us to Bri's therapy session and also to meet with one of her doctors. When I find out the date of our little movie star's debut, I will post it here on Bri's website.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
11 Months and Going Strong
TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2008 08:52 PM, EDT
Hello there. Such good news....Brianna is doing so very well. At 11 months she weighs 17 lbs 2 oz. and has the cutest turkey drumstick legs you have ever seen! For her condition, at one year, she will be considered a long term survivor. I think we should be considered long term survivors as well.
Bri has been making the sweetest little sounds for quite some time but imagine our surprise when a couple of weeks ago out of her mouth came "da da". And to top that off, she was in her daddy's arms at the time. To say the least we both melted and her daddy is very proud.
Bri has been doing so many new things in the last couple of weeks that it (or should I say "she") is amazing. She is purposely playing with toys with her hands, laughing out loud and rolling, rolling, rolling. She is such an inspiration to us. And to top if off, she is such a happy smiley baby girl.
God has been smiling on us. I hope he continues.
Hello there. Such good news....Brianna is doing so very well. At 11 months she weighs 17 lbs 2 oz. and has the cutest turkey drumstick legs you have ever seen! For her condition, at one year, she will be considered a long term survivor. I think we should be considered long term survivors as well.
Bri has been making the sweetest little sounds for quite some time but imagine our surprise when a couple of weeks ago out of her mouth came "da da". And to top that off, she was in her daddy's arms at the time. To say the least we both melted and her daddy is very proud.
Bri has been doing so many new things in the last couple of weeks that it (or should I say "she") is amazing. She is purposely playing with toys with her hands, laughing out loud and rolling, rolling, rolling. She is such an inspiration to us. And to top if off, she is such a happy smiley baby girl.
God has been smiling on us. I hope he continues.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Happy 10 Month Birthday
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008 10:31 AM, EST
Happy 10 month birthday to Brianna.....amazing, yes? Bri now weighs 16 lbs., rolls over from stomach to back easily and from back to stomach occasionally, we're working on building her upper body strength. She continues to eat solid foods by mouth and practices drinking from a sippy cup. It seems like everyday she is doing something new from focusing on a particular object, giggling when we tickle her, reaching and playing with her toys. These are big accomplishments for a baby with Trisomy 18. She brings so much joy to our family.
She hasn't been sick except for a couple of colds that lasted the normal 7-10 days and right now there is so much pollen in the air here, she has a bit of hayfever. What a sweet baby girl.
Happy 10 month birthday to Brianna.....amazing, yes? Bri now weighs 16 lbs., rolls over from stomach to back easily and from back to stomach occasionally, we're working on building her upper body strength. She continues to eat solid foods by mouth and practices drinking from a sippy cup. It seems like everyday she is doing something new from focusing on a particular object, giggling when we tickle her, reaching and playing with her toys. These are big accomplishments for a baby with Trisomy 18. She brings so much joy to our family.
She hasn't been sick except for a couple of colds that lasted the normal 7-10 days and right now there is so much pollen in the air here, she has a bit of hayfever. What a sweet baby girl.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Halloween and Packing on the Pounds
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2007 08:09 PM, CST
I've added some new pictures on the photo page. There's one of our entire family and one of Bri at Halloween. Our photographer, Martha Bravo, sure does one fantastic job, yes?
I've added some new pictures on the photo page. There's one of our entire family and one of Bri at Halloween. Our photographer, Martha Bravo, sure does one fantastic job, yes?
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Packing on the Pounds
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2007 05:15 PM, CST
I know, shame on me for taking so long to write. It's been pretty busy around here. At my last posting, Brianna weighed 11 lbs. Well, here it is two months later and she now weighs (drumroll, please) 14 lbs. 12 oz!!! Our baby girl is packing on the pounds!!!
Let's see, in the last two months she has continued to eat solid foods by mouth, attempt the bottle but still not enough. She has used the sippy cup and her occupational therapist says it's possible she will just forego the bottle and do the cup thing. Fine with us! This morning at therapy, we actually strapped her into a highchair (pillows on both sides because she still hasn't mastered sitting up) and she ate her food there. She was able to sit upright for about 15 minutes before doing the leaning over thing.
Last week we took her for an assessment which the geneticist attended and we have to tell you, she was AMAZED!!! Said if she saw Brianna out and didn't know she was diagnosed with T-18, she would never guess it. She only actually believes it because she is the one who ordered and read the results from the testing. Told us that Brianna truly is an amazing baby, considering her diagnosis.
Brianna is opening her hands and holding onto toys, smiles like crazy when we amuse her. LOVES her bathtime and splashes like a seal. Kicks her feet to knock the toys overhead on her activity mat. And she babbles... says "Hi!" absolutely unintentionally, but you would swear she meant it. It is the sweetest thing. I tell you, she is truly a miracle. An absolute joy.
With that, I'll end for now. Happy Holidays to all.
I know, shame on me for taking so long to write. It's been pretty busy around here. At my last posting, Brianna weighed 11 lbs. Well, here it is two months later and she now weighs (drumroll, please) 14 lbs. 12 oz!!! Our baby girl is packing on the pounds!!!
Let's see, in the last two months she has continued to eat solid foods by mouth, attempt the bottle but still not enough. She has used the sippy cup and her occupational therapist says it's possible she will just forego the bottle and do the cup thing. Fine with us! This morning at therapy, we actually strapped her into a highchair (pillows on both sides because she still hasn't mastered sitting up) and she ate her food there. She was able to sit upright for about 15 minutes before doing the leaning over thing.
Last week we took her for an assessment which the geneticist attended and we have to tell you, she was AMAZED!!! Said if she saw Brianna out and didn't know she was diagnosed with T-18, she would never guess it. She only actually believes it because she is the one who ordered and read the results from the testing. Told us that Brianna truly is an amazing baby, considering her diagnosis.
Brianna is opening her hands and holding onto toys, smiles like crazy when we amuse her. LOVES her bathtime and splashes like a seal. Kicks her feet to knock the toys overhead on her activity mat. And she babbles... says "Hi!" absolutely unintentionally, but you would swear she meant it. It is the sweetest thing. I tell you, she is truly a miracle. An absolute joy.
With that, I'll end for now. Happy Holidays to all.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Tiny Little Glasses....Oh So Cute
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2007 12:20 AM, CDT
There she is in all of her glory....tiny glasses and all and isn't she the cutest thing you have ever seen?!!!! When we put her glasses on her, she gets the biggest smile on her face. It's like wow....I can see!!! We discovered at her eye appt. that she is far-sighted. That explains why alot of times her eyes will cross because as she tries to focus on something that is close to her, she just couldn't do it. She doesn't seem to mind the glasses most of the time. Other times she will try (and succeed) to brush them off of her face.
More pictures on her photo page as well. One from her six month birthday party and one from her first day of trying solid foods...she liked them!!! Carrots. Now we are onto yellow squash and she likes that too. Just smiles so big when she eats. It only you could see, her smile would melt your heart. She is such a delightful baby girl.
At this point in time, everything is good with her. She had five (yes FIVE) shots last monday. Four were the six month immunization shots and the fifth was a special shot to help prevent her from getting a virus called RSV that could be fatal to her. She was such a trooper. Didn't feel well Monday night but Tuesday, it was back to business as usual. She now weighs 11 lbs, 14 oz. Finally out-growing all of those clothes we received at the baby shower. Just in time for Fall....
Oh, we had new photos taken. Check out our wonderful photographer, Martha Bravo, to see a sneak peek....you MUST see the pumpkin photo. It's adorable!!!! Click on the link below or copy and paste the following. Would love for you to leave comments on her blogspot. Martha would love them.....
http://www.marthabravophoto.blogspot.com/
P.S. The mask is part of her halloween costume, we got it from Build a Bear!!! More to come....
By for now.
There she is in all of her glory....tiny glasses and all and isn't she the cutest thing you have ever seen?!!!! When we put her glasses on her, she gets the biggest smile on her face. It's like wow....I can see!!! We discovered at her eye appt. that she is far-sighted. That explains why alot of times her eyes will cross because as she tries to focus on something that is close to her, she just couldn't do it. She doesn't seem to mind the glasses most of the time. Other times she will try (and succeed) to brush them off of her face.
More pictures on her photo page as well. One from her six month birthday party and one from her first day of trying solid foods...she liked them!!! Carrots. Now we are onto yellow squash and she likes that too. Just smiles so big when she eats. It only you could see, her smile would melt your heart. She is such a delightful baby girl.
At this point in time, everything is good with her. She had five (yes FIVE) shots last monday. Four were the six month immunization shots and the fifth was a special shot to help prevent her from getting a virus called RSV that could be fatal to her. She was such a trooper. Didn't feel well Monday night but Tuesday, it was back to business as usual. She now weighs 11 lbs, 14 oz. Finally out-growing all of those clothes we received at the baby shower. Just in time for Fall....
Oh, we had new photos taken. Check out our wonderful photographer, Martha Bravo, to see a sneak peek....you MUST see the pumpkin photo. It's adorable!!!! Click on the link below or copy and paste the following. Would love for you to leave comments on her blogspot. Martha would love them.....
http://www.marthabravophoto.blogspot.com/
P.S. The mask is part of her halloween costume, we got it from Build a Bear!!! More to come....
By for now.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Happy 6 Month Birthday Angel Baby
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2007 10:37 PM, CDT
Happy Six Month Birthday Beautiful Girl
Last Friday was Brianna's six month birthday and we had a little get together with friends to celebrate. Brianna knew the party was for her because she participated happily, only taking a mini catnap during the course of the evening. Of course we took photos and will post some in a few days. She is getting so plump now and so fast that if I don't dress her in some of the clothes she couldn't wear a couple of weeks ago, then she won't get the chance to wear them before she outgrows them. Darn....that means we will have to go shopping!!! Uh oh, gotta go, I hear the little peanut fussing in the other room. Will keep you posted later on her various check ups later this week. Good night.
Happy Six Month Birthday Beautiful Girl
Last Friday was Brianna's six month birthday and we had a little get together with friends to celebrate. Brianna knew the party was for her because she participated happily, only taking a mini catnap during the course of the evening. Of course we took photos and will post some in a few days. She is getting so plump now and so fast that if I don't dress her in some of the clothes she couldn't wear a couple of weeks ago, then she won't get the chance to wear them before she outgrows them. Darn....that means we will have to go shopping!!! Uh oh, gotta go, I hear the little peanut fussing in the other room. Will keep you posted later on her various check ups later this week. Good night.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Good News and Celebrating 6 months of Life
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 09, 2007 04:45 PM, CDT
I know, shame on me....I have been away for way too long. But, remember, no news is good news. Let me make the last three weeks short and sweet. We have been to the cardiologist two times and Brianna is now totally off of her heart meds. Today we were at the speech therapist for the first time (to work on bottle feeding) and Brianna drank 20 mls. It was fantastic. The therapist expected maybe 2 mls, not 20. She believes it won't be too long before she is totally drinking by mouth. She goes to see an opthamologist next week (wouldn't she be just adorable with itty bitty glasses?!!) to help correct her lazy eye.
Brianna is growing like a weed. She now weighs 11 lbs and is able to wear some of those adorable outfits she has in her closet.
Last night me, Ashley and Bri were at the mall so we went into Build a Bear. It's been a long time since Ash and I laughed as hard as we did while dressing Bri up as a disco dancer, pirate, kitty cat, football player. Yes, she is still tiny enough to wear stuffed animal clothing!!! It was a good time.
This coming Friday will be Bri's six month birthday. To say the least, we are estatic. Who would have thought that we would reach this milestone. She has been doing so well since the surgery. Happy with big smiles (almost) all of the time. It sure makes Jerry and I feel good to know we did the right thing for her. She is our little angel.
I know, shame on me....I have been away for way too long. But, remember, no news is good news. Let me make the last three weeks short and sweet. We have been to the cardiologist two times and Brianna is now totally off of her heart meds. Today we were at the speech therapist for the first time (to work on bottle feeding) and Brianna drank 20 mls. It was fantastic. The therapist expected maybe 2 mls, not 20. She believes it won't be too long before she is totally drinking by mouth. She goes to see an opthamologist next week (wouldn't she be just adorable with itty bitty glasses?!!) to help correct her lazy eye.
Brianna is growing like a weed. She now weighs 11 lbs and is able to wear some of those adorable outfits she has in her closet.
Last night me, Ashley and Bri were at the mall so we went into Build a Bear. It's been a long time since Ash and I laughed as hard as we did while dressing Bri up as a disco dancer, pirate, kitty cat, football player. Yes, she is still tiny enough to wear stuffed animal clothing!!! It was a good time.
This coming Friday will be Bri's six month birthday. To say the least, we are estatic. Who would have thought that we would reach this milestone. She has been doing so well since the surgery. Happy with big smiles (almost) all of the time. It sure makes Jerry and I feel good to know we did the right thing for her. She is our little angel.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Incision-looking time, lost my marbles and a little Peanut
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007 05:50 PM, EDT
Okay, there you have it. Incision that you can't see unless you zoom in and also a good look at Brianna's G-tube. I know we have been known to call it a "feeding" tube but to me that just doesn't sound good. G-tube sounds so much better. Doesn't she look just wonderful? and it's only been three weeks.
I have to tell you when Jerry read one of my last updates about things being so good, he asked me if I had lost my marbles. Things are good but we are incredibly tired. Brianna is eating every three hours(around the clock), it takes times to get the feeding pump ready, hook her up, set the timer to go off in one hour, get back up, empty, rinse out the pump and hope to goodness she doesn't get gas, or a tummy ache. Speaking about gas, it's rather interesting, all we do is uncork the end of the G-tube and it will "burp" out.
So, at night we only get two hours of sleep at a time. We try to take turns but sometimes you can't help but wake up and hear what's going on.
I told Jerry that I didn't think people wanted to hear us whine but the truth is, it seems like everyone really wants to know what is going on so, there you have it. I hope it doesn't sound like we're whining because really we're not. We are very happy to have our little peanut here with us.
Okay, there you have it. Incision that you can't see unless you zoom in and also a good look at Brianna's G-tube. I know we have been known to call it a "feeding" tube but to me that just doesn't sound good. G-tube sounds so much better. Doesn't she look just wonderful? and it's only been three weeks.
I have to tell you when Jerry read one of my last updates about things being so good, he asked me if I had lost my marbles. Things are good but we are incredibly tired. Brianna is eating every three hours(around the clock), it takes times to get the feeding pump ready, hook her up, set the timer to go off in one hour, get back up, empty, rinse out the pump and hope to goodness she doesn't get gas, or a tummy ache. Speaking about gas, it's rather interesting, all we do is uncork the end of the G-tube and it will "burp" out.
So, at night we only get two hours of sleep at a time. We try to take turns but sometimes you can't help but wake up and hear what's going on.
I told Jerry that I didn't think people wanted to hear us whine but the truth is, it seems like everyone really wants to know what is going on so, there you have it. I hope it doesn't sound like we're whining because really we're not. We are very happy to have our little peanut here with us.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Recovering
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2007 01:53 PM, EDT
Well, we have been back now for a couple of days and are working on getting back into the groove of things. Brianna is doing remarkably well. She is so happy most of the time. Smiling, smiling and smiling. She is so content just to hang out. She has also been sleeping most of the night. It's like when it's time to go to sleep there's no fussing, we can put her in her crib and she will lay there a bit looking around (smiling of course) and then go off to dreamland. She still won't take the bottle completely. If you drip the formula into her mouth she will gladly drink it but she still doesn't know exactly what to do with the bottle nipple. We will be working with a speech therapist in the near future and feel hopeful about it. Later today or tomorrow I'm going to post some pics of her tiny little scar. I have to say that you will probably be amazed at how good it looks.
Well, we have been back now for a couple of days and are working on getting back into the groove of things. Brianna is doing remarkably well. She is so happy most of the time. Smiling, smiling and smiling. She is so content just to hang out. She has also been sleeping most of the night. It's like when it's time to go to sleep there's no fussing, we can put her in her crib and she will lay there a bit looking around (smiling of course) and then go off to dreamland. She still won't take the bottle completely. If you drip the formula into her mouth she will gladly drink it but she still doesn't know exactly what to do with the bottle nipple. We will be working with a speech therapist in the near future and feel hopeful about it. Later today or tomorrow I'm going to post some pics of her tiny little scar. I have to say that you will probably be amazed at how good it looks.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
We Are Finally Home
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007 10:03 AM, EDT
Yes, yes, yes....we are home!!! Yay! Arrived last night. After 19 days away, we are so glad to be home. We have some things to get used to though. It's like having a newborn again because Brianna eats every three hours, it takes an hour to eat and it's only two hours before we do it again. That's okay. We're not complaining because WE'RE HOME! Thank you to everyone for your many thoughts and prayers. Also, a big thank you to the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. For those who are looking for a place to volunteer, please check them out (there are two in Orlando). It can be as simple as preparing a casserole and dropping it off or picking up a few extra items at the grocery store and taking them over.
Signing out for now but we will continue to keep everyone posted on Brianna's progress. Thank you again.
Yes, yes, yes....we are home!!! Yay! Arrived last night. After 19 days away, we are so glad to be home. We have some things to get used to though. It's like having a newborn again because Brianna eats every three hours, it takes an hour to eat and it's only two hours before we do it again. That's okay. We're not complaining because WE'RE HOME! Thank you to everyone for your many thoughts and prayers. Also, a big thank you to the Ronald McDonald House in Tampa. For those who are looking for a place to volunteer, please check them out (there are two in Orlando). It can be as simple as preparing a casserole and dropping it off or picking up a few extra items at the grocery store and taking them over.
Signing out for now but we will continue to keep everyone posted on Brianna's progress. Thank you again.
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