Monday, April 25, 2005

A Busy Weekend

Braden had a busy weekend! Thankfully, he got a lot of positive news! As Steve wrote in the previous post, his ventilator was removed and Braden is breathing on his own. He does wear a C-PAP and that does give him a little oxygen to assist his breathing. Also, he is now on real preemie formula. We hope he'll respond well to this new food and end up packing on some ounces.

Braden was able to be held by both his mommy and daddy this weekend. When Annie held him, he was very loving and sweet. When Steve held Braden, he was snuggling up to Steve but became rather fidgety. Then, Braden suddenly reached up and grabbed Steve's bottom lip and pulled it down. Annie snapped a photo of it and it is posted below. It was so funny! I can't wait til I get to hold him!

Braden had some female visitors this weekend. Two of my girlfriends and one of Annie's friends stopped by Baylor to meet Braden. He was wide awake and gave them all googly-eyes. Braden definitely sweeped them off their feet. That baby is quite charming.

Today is Braden's 56th day in the NICU. On Thurday, April 28, Braden will be 2 months old! We still don't know when Braden will come home. There are a series of tests he will have to pass before he is allowed to come home. For example, he must be able to eat without a feeding tube, he must be able to breathe entirely on his own, he must be able to maintain a normal heart rate and body temperature, etc. So there are several factors that influence the homecoming date. But we are patient and we know the doctors will let us bring him home when the time is right for Braden.

Annie took several photos this weekend and we wanted to share some of them with you. As Steve mentioned, they gave Braden a pen and allowed him to "draw" on a piece of paper. They scanned it and if you'd like to view it click here. Thanks for stopping by to check on Braden and thank you for your prayers!

Here is Braden grabbing Steve's bottom lip.


Steve, Annie and Braden posing for a family photo.


Braden is holding Steve's wedding ring in his tiny hand.


This bear's name is Fighter and was a gift from Stephanie Hill.


Braden recognizes Annie's voice. Here he is looking for her as she was talking to a nurse.


After all those visitors, he was ready for a nap. He is holding that new pacifier and snoozing the day away.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Words cannot express how beautiful that baby is. We are so proud he is doing well, we pray it continues to get even better. Thanks for the wonderful pictures and the latest updates on this truely gifted little baby boy. He is in our thoughts and prayers now and forever.
Your friends,
NYC

Anonymous said...

Please know that people are pulling for Braden. That baby will be come home and be loved by so many that nothing will ever hurt him. Steve and Annie stay strong this is alot for your first year of being married but you will pull through. Braden will be worth it all in the end! God bless
Love from California

Anonymous said...

Just being able to see Braden for the first time in person was breathtaking. He was so precious I just wanted to hold him. It is hard to imagine that baby came into this world at 1 lb 7 oz. I was truely looking at a Miracle of God. I am so glad that God has blessed Annie with such a wonderful and very beautiful son. There is nothing like the bond between a mom and her son. Just ask Spencer.
All my love and prayers to Braden and his whole family.
(Aunt) Kim Mankin

Anonymous said...

Braden is cute as a button! Absolutely adorable! I love these pictures, especially when he is grabbing his daddy's lip. He is a strong little baby. We'll continue praying for Braden and family. Kudos to the doctors and nurses of Baylor, you should be proud of yourselves as well!
Frisco, TX

The story of a micro preemie who is beating the odds.