NICU Follow-Up Adjusted 14 months

On Monday I went to Brayden's follow-up, finally! It was hard to get an appointment and it seems like I never had a day that would work. This Picture is with his favorite nurse Ann. She took the best care of us when he was in the NICU. She couldn't believe how big he is and was so happy to see him.

Well, I am so happy to report that his follow-up went great. They said he has no tone issues and the watched him crawl and play with some toys. They were so impressed with my little man!

I had to share his chocolate cookie face! He fell asleep after his follow-up after eating one of the hospital's Mr. Ed's cookie. Those Cookies Rock!! And of course Miss. Lizzie tagged along too! She has a silly face of course!

Still here!

It's been awhile!! Like 5 months actually. But my life is crazy. I graduate in 32 days from Nursing School. And boy, it has taken over my life. But, I know I am doing if for myself and my babies. I really want to pursue becoming a NICU nurse and help other parents like me.

Elizabeth and Brayden are doing great!!! Elizabeth can't wait till she starts school and Brayden is getting around everywhere. He's always so busy and he gets into everything. He put my cell phone in toilet, the littler stinker!!

The picture on the top left is a nurse who took care of Brady when he was in the NICU the first night. She was amazing and held my husband's hand when he was scared of the unknown. On the Right is the two doctors who took care of Brady during his first week of life. The doctor on the left told me that I could hold him when he was 5 days old. The Memories. It was such a hard time and I was so happy that I could thank everyone for not only taking care of me but our family as a whole. These photos are last fall. He was so tired when he went to the NICU follow-up but they loved seeing him.

I honestly was so embarrassed that I hadn't posted in awhile but I have been so busy.

Cake!!!

Chocolate Cake! He dug right in without any hesitation! He even grabbed his sister's ice cream and cake too! He is having his first birthday bash on Halloween because that was the day I got to hold him for the first time.

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Brayden!

Almost one year later.

It's almost one year since my life completely changed.I am not the same person I used to be. I look at things differently and appreciate more than I ever did. When you have a baby, you expect to take that baby home with you. It is such a happy time period. My 6 weeks post partum was the most stress I have ever had in my life. I lost my son, and gave birth to his brother who had to fight for his life. I held on to my baby that passed away in utero before I got to hold my son in the incubator.

What an experience. Wow, I have learned a lot. When doctors told us that the first 72 hours are the most critical time period for my 27 weeker and that he could possibly die. I knew he wouldn't die. I just knew. I knew when I looked at him in the OR during my C-Section he would be fine. I didn't know about disabilities but I knew he would be with me. I didn't care if he had any disabilities. I told God that I will do whatever it takes and to "Keep him with me." I remember crying and shaking before my C-Section and telling Brady, "I'm so sorry buddy, I'm not that strong, I can't stop crying." I was afraid of the unknown. Well,

what do I know now? I know that Brayden is the most amazing little boy I have ever met. He smiles at me all the time and he even gives me the cute "cute, wet, open mouth kisses." I have learned to take nothing for granted. I have learned not to dwell on Brady's milestones, he will get there. I am so grateful he is here. God is good! He claps, eats like a horse, sits up and plays, and is so close to crawling. We love him! I know his brother Joshua Aaron is close by and watching him.

Praying

I'm at a loss of words. I am suscribed to another blog about a preemie born with a chronic lung disease. This baby was named Natalie Evelyn and she was beautiful. She was born in Febuary, I believe at 33 weeks gestation. Natalie fought for her life and had many ups and downs. Natalie passed away a couple of days ago unexpectedly.

My heart aches. I am so saddened hearing about this. I have been thinking about Natalie's Mother all day long.

Natalies blog is www.babygirltee-jennifer.blogspot.com

Jennifer I am praying for you and your family! I'm so sorry for your loss!

Loving life.

We have been having fun with this fantastic weather, I would call this year's fall a"Fantastic Fall." I can't believe he is going to be one year old soon. Where does the time go?