Braden eating...

O.k. so he hasn't started therapy just yet. However, the speech therapist said I was free to experiment. Braden has been fairly cooperative. He lasts about 15 minutes and then he's had enough. He wasn't much on greenbeans but yesterday we started a new trial with carrots. I think he is a fan of the sweet stuff. :-) He was a bit sleepy in these photos.

Braden's door jumper

Here are a few photos of Braden. I pulled this out of the closet today. I thought for sure he wasn't big enough for it. I guess I should have used it sooner because he's been big enough for a while now. Oh well ... at least he's using it now. Maybe he'll have it mastered soon.

By the way my old background was cancelled by the provider. So when I put this new background all the old pics got sent to the bottom of his page. I also tried to post a video but the site is having difficulties. So maybe I can get it to work later.

Braden update

Well I am very pleased with Braden's developmental progress this month. Over the past few weeks Braden has really done a great job on lifting his head and keeping it straight. For a while there he would constantly tilt his head to his left shoulder. He has also greatly improved with tummy time. He is now lifting not only his head but his chest off the ground using his arms. He can also roll from the tummy position on to his back. Which I know doesn't count as an official roll till he goes from back to tummy. However he is a micro preemie and I am counting everything. I really think his new red sports car has made a difference with his head control and trunk control. He absolutely loves it and he can watch me clean or cook in the kitchen while playing in it. I am still working on getting his PT and food therapy set up. I am so anxious to get him started but unfortunately these things take time to set up.

Braden's 12 month check up

Braden had his 12 month check up with the Pediatrician. Overall she thinks Braden's doing pretty good. He weighed in at 15 lbs 8 ozs and is now 25 inches long. Braden had several shots today so that was a little rough. Braden is such a trooper. He only cried for the duration and then Nana talked him into being smiley again. :-) Way to go Nana.

Braden also has another new cousin. My niece Deserea had her second baby girl yesterday afternoon. Mikayla Jade weighed 6 lbs 10 ozs. Mom and baby are doing well.

Braden has a new cousin

Stephen's sister Leslie had her baby boy yesterday. He was 7 lbs 10 ozs and 19 inches long. We are all excited about their new addition. We wish we could be there to meet Avery James. Braden will be so happy to have another cousin to play with hopefully in the not so distant future.

Braden's swallow and reflux study

Braden had his suck swallow test and study to see if his Nissen fundo surgery worked. Both tests look good. No aspirating and no reflux. So Braden has been cleared to start feeding therapy. Yahoo! He had his first taste of sweet potatoes today. He did pretty good considering he has never had anything but formula. Braden's weight is now 15 lbs 3 ozs.

Braden's MRI results

We are pleased to find out that Braden's MRI results show no new damage to his little brain. We expect that he will have no further problems except delays that can be managed with therapy. They will need to do one more MRI between 2 and 2 1/2 years of age. If this MRI shows no changes we will be done and have no other follow ups.

We made a video

We wanted to share this past year with some special photos. Please click the link below to view.

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=7d149c659aea11476d2545&skin_id=601&pid=95425&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

It's Braden's Birthday!!!!

Today is Braden's Birthday!! We have so many people to thank for helping him get to this point in his life. From the EMTs that helped deliver Braden and Kaleigh at home, to the Doctors at Summit that worked so hard to stabilize them for transport, to the wonderful Doctors and Nurses at Baptist that cared for Braden and treated him as their own for over 4 months, and last but not least, each and every one of you. Your thoughts, prayers and encouragement each step of the way has meant more to our family than we can ever express. So many people have been instrumental in getting Braden to this point and we thank you. Who would have ever thought the twins would have touched so many people in so many places. It's just another testament to knowing God had a plan for their lives and their impact on others. There were times when we honestly didn't think this day would come but we tried to stay strong to believe and know that everything would work out according to God's plan. As we look back we miss Kaleigh Grace more than ever but we cherish the days we had with her as her memory lives on.

Sincerely,
Stephen, Stephanie and Braden

Braden update

Sorry it's been a while since our last post. Braden had a GI appt. today. Dr. Acra thinks that Braden is not aspirating or refluxing anymore based off our conversation. He has ordered an additional study with Braden's suck/swallow study schedule for Jan 16th. If all goes well we may get to take Braden off meds and start him back on bottle feeds. Tomorrow Braden has a routine MRI follow up. So Braden doesn't eat past 1 am which means I will get 6 hours of uninterupted sleep tonite. I am so excited. I am glad his MRI is early and the no feeds are during the nite. It's easier on Braden. Braden will be turning 1 year old on Saturday Jan 10th. It's unbelievable a year has already past. It comes with sadness as well as joy. We miss Kaleigh and keep her in our hearts as we celebrate Braden's amazing life. Braden now weighs 14 lbs 8 ozs.