March of Dimes - Walk America - Braden's Team

First off, I wanted to report that we still have not received any word from the specialist on Braden's condition with his head. As of the end of last week, he still had some swelling in one ventricle on one side of his brain. He has blood being mixed with his normal brain fluids which is not being drained properly. His head scans were sent to a specialist on Thursday and we hope to hear the results by Monday on whether Braden may require some minor surgery to help correct the issue. On a better note, he was upgraded from his CPAP to a different type of nasal prongs called a nasal cannula. I don't know much about the switch other than it is a good move and one of the last steps to him breathing on his own. This is Braden's second attempt at this procedure - the first time wasn't a success. He has had some difficulty so far, as could be expected, but he isn't dong too bad. Braden's weight has fluctuated between 3lbs 8oz - 3lbs 10oz, but overall he is really doing so good, we couldn't be prouder of his progress.

On Saturday, April 30th we participated in the March of Dimes Walk America to help save babies born too soon. It was a 5 mile walk around White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas. It was a really inspirational event. People or businesses sponsor teams to participate. They are asked to take donations and if you reach the $1000 mark you get your name on the back of the sponsor shirts. Either our fee was raised or waived by the March of Dimes, but Braden's Team was on our shirts. Annie decided at the last minute to do the walk with me and the thousands of others. It sounds pretty easy, but to walk five miles on concrete and gravel, partly uphill after giving birth by cesarean just two months ago isn't too shabby. I haven't seen Annie walk that much since the last Red Apple Sale at Foley's. In all honesty, it was a great time. When we started out there were people holding up signs cheering us on, cheerleaders, clowns, and even some protestors. Some people seem to think a few lab rats used for testing are more important than human lives, but thats another story. We met a lot of parents of other premature babies, many had their little ones with them and we ate some good barbecue. We also saw many of the nurses from Baylor there showing their support. It was fun, exciting, sad, & tiring all in one afternoon. Can't get drama like that on TV.

All in all it was a busy weekend. Its amazing to see how many people are going through or have went through our same situation. It helps a lot, especially seeing the babies born so early now at three, four, and five years of age. Next year we hope to get our whole family to the event, including Braden. Speaking of, its time to call and check in on him. Thanks for taking time to out to read about our little story. Steve & Annie