Thanks To ALL for Your Support

My wife Annie and I wanted to thank everyone who has called, e-mailed, sent cards + gifts, and responded to this Blog. It has really meant so much to us, more than typing these words can express. It is all so surreal, you never think something like an emergency c-section and a premature baby could happen to you until it does. We are still in a slight state of shock, but slowly working our way out of it - mostly due to support of family and friends. Some are friends we didn't even know we had. We have received responses from people through prayer chains from all over the country. Many have had similar experiences and wanted to wish encouragement and support. Some family members have called in which we haven't spoken to in a while and it really has meant a lot to us.

Now to move on....We visited Braden today at the NICU at Baylor Medical in Dallas. This is his 4 1/2th day with us and already we have seen signs of improvement. Not having any experience with this, we have noticed his skin color getting much better. In his first 24-48 hours, his skin looked so transparent. Now it seems fuller and stronger looking. He has been breathing well, only requiring about 20% oxygen level of help. His vitals have been consistently good. He is long (12 1/4"), but a little lean, however he has gained 1 ounce weighing in at 1lb 8oz. They are planning on putting him on a feeding tube very soon and we hope to see continued growth. He was very squirmish today, almost like restlessness. He was very active and stretched a lot sometimes popping a limb out of his nest made of blankets. Unfortunately, they don't like to see him using that much energy so they decided to sedate him a little bit. The nurses that have been attending to Braden have been absolutely wonderful. Kim & Wendy have seen the most duty with him. They are so informative and have no problems with us asking questions - they actually encourage it. They get so attatched - treating these preemies almost as if they were their own. Poor Wendy almost came to tears while speaking to Annie & I the other day - she actually had to excuse herself. It is refreshing to know that they actually care that much.

We also want to thank Clara, my sister-in-law for taking time out of her personal schedule to keep up with this BLOG. Annie and I would like to do it, but for now will gladly turn the majority of the responsibilities over to her. We are lucky to have family that are that considerate. I better wrap up for now, again thanks to all and we will keep you posted as often as we can. For those asking what they can do or what we need, right now just thoughts and prayers will work fine - we will announce Braden's "official" baby shower date soon so please check back!! We plan on making it one heck of a PARTY!!!!

Your friends - Annie & Steve Bunger