9 Weeks Old

Brady is 9 weeks old today. I was able to go see him after seeing my doctor this morning since I had gone 24 hours without a fever. Brady was sound asleep. I just sat there and watched him sleep...so sweet:) He is really starting to look like David when he was a baby.
Dave and I went back to the hospital this afternoon to give Brady his bath and visit with him. He was being weighed when we arrived and he is now 3 lbs. 10.4 oz. He can wear clothes now...yeah! Go Brady! I am taking his little tiny outfits in tomorrow. Although you won't be able to appreciate exactly how small the clothes are, I will take some pics of him in his new threads so everyone can see.

Mrs. Joan, thank you for bringing my milk to the hospital:) Love, Brady XOXO

Love to all and God Bless.
Karissa

Baby Brady is doing well. His movements are becoming more controlled and he makes smiley faces a lot when he is looking at me. I love that so much:) He weighed in at 3 lbs. 7 oz. The nurses moved him to another room today. Apparently, a lot of babies went home today so they are moving everyone around. It is going to be weird going to another room after being in the same one for 9 weeks.
I started feeling bad again today...11 days off meds, now, sick AGAIN! I started running a low grade fever this afternoon so I called the doctor. She put me on another antibiotic and wants to see me tomorrow to refer me to a specialist. I am really getting scared and I can't stand the fact that I won't be able to hold Brady until the fever is gone. We were having such a great time together this week. He is nursing pretty well for his age and we cuddled a lot. I will miss that desparately.
Thank you all for your continued prayers, love, and support.
Karissa

Lots of Mommy Time:)

Brady had a good day. He has been in the NICU for 60 days. The nurse said she thinks he will probably be there for at least another 5 to 6 weeks. There are many requirements for him before he can come home.

Today, Brady weighed 3 lbs. 5.5 oz. Only 4.5 more ounces and he can wear clothing. He is still off the oxygen cannula and doing well so far.

Dave and the kids are at the beach so I got to spend a lot more time at the hospital the past two days. Brady is getting lots of 'Mommy Time' and we are both loving it! I got to give him his bath this evening. I was scared, but once I got going I was okay. He was a good boy:) He only cried during the hair washing...again...lol! I got him all cleaned up and wrapped in the blanket and I was just about to put him down to put on a diaper and guess what...he went in the blanket! I cleaned him up again and we cuddled. It was so sweet.

We are so thankful to God for each day:)
Karissa

33 Weeks (Gestational Age)

Brady is 33 weeks today. He is doing well. The docs removed his oxygen cannula yesterday and he is doing fine so far...but if necessary, they will put him back on it. He is getting better with nursing and much better than he is with the bottle. The flow of the bottle is too much for him just yet. Brady weighed in at 3 lbs. 4.5 oz. today.

8 Weeks Old

Brady is 8 weeks old today. He is doing well. This morning the doctor told me they were able to reduce his oxygen back down to 1/4 liter. He did fine with it all day. We worked on nursing again. He is so funny because he is very anxious to get started and after about 5 minutes he is worn out. He tries to fight falling asleep, but he just can't seem to keep those eyes open any longer. LOL!
This evening, Dave and I were able to give him a bath. He really seemed to like the bath, but not the hair washing...he cried through that part. He gained a little weight back today...3 lbs. 2.7 oz. and Dave measured him to see if he grew any lengthwise...he was 15 inches so he did grow an inch since he was born:)
Love to all and many thanks for your continued prayers.
Karissa

We tried nursing again this morning and this evening. Brady did a little better both times. He is still so tiny...he just needs practice and to gain more strength. The nurse also had me try giving him a bottle this evening. He wasn't too thrilled with having to suck, swallow, and breathe that quickly...it was kind of scary for me too.
Dave and I have been a bit concerned the past couple days because Brady has been losing weight. We spoke with the nurse practitioner about it. Again, she said it was normal due to the diuretic he is receiving, but I am still worried. I am going to speak with the doctor tomorrow. Brady weighed 3 lbs. 1 oz. today.
We are grateful to all of you for your continued prayers.
Karissa

Brady is continuing to do well. We tried nursing again today since he was awake when I got there this morning. He did ok for his first try. It will take time for him to gain strength for it...he will have to keep work out with the binky:) Brady weighed 3 lbs. 3.5 oz. today. He did lose a bit yesterday since the doctor started him back on a diuretic medication to reduce excess fluid. I got to hold him twice today...very happy about that, but he saved me some presents for this evening...I ended up changing his diaper 3 times in 15 minutes! LOL!
Thank you all for your prayers.
Karissa

Bath Time:)

Well, the nurse was supposed to let us give him his bath at 5pm yesterday evening. When we arrived just before 5pm ready for Dave to give him a bath and me to take lots of pictures, the nurse had already given him a bath. I was so upset!!! I have no idea why she did it, but he will get one on Thursday so we will do it then. She did tell us he liked it. We took a photo right when we got there and the nurse was wrapping him in a blanket.
Today, I tried nursing him. The nurse thought he might be ready since he is so good at sucking the binkie. He just snoozed right through it so we ended up using the feeding tube. He was a sleepy boy all day today! He had a lot of visitors too. Dave's Aunt Pat, cousin Rich and wife Nanette came to visit.

32 Weeks (Gestational Age)

"Check out the cool chair Daddy bought me!"


Brady is 32 weeks today. It seems like yesterday and it also seems like it was forever ago that he was born. I am not sure I feel like any of this is actually happening...almost like it's happening in a movie or something???
Dave and I spent time with him together again today. It is so cute when Brady is awake and we are both with him because he can't decide who he wants to look at...he goes back and forth. Then, he does that cross-eyed thing trying to see his binkie. He gets a grip on that thing to make sure it isn't going anywhere. He is very good with the pacifier, but he won't be able to try the bottle or nursing until he can keep his oxygen saturation above 93% all the time. He is all over the place right now. Up and down. He weighed in at 3 lbs. 3.4 oz. today:)

Love to all! Your prayers are very much appreciated.
God Bless our wonderful family and friends.
Karissa

7 Weeks Old

Brady is now 7 weeks old. He weighed 3 lbs. 2.1 oz. today. Dave and I held him this morning for a good while and he was wide awake and perfectly content. The doctor had to re-order Gaviscon for him because he is having some issues with reflux. Hopefully, it will help his little tummy. It won't be long until he is able to try feeding from the bottle. I am thinking they may try this coming week or next. The doctor also had to turn his oxygen back up to 1/2 liter. His lungs aren't quite strong enough yet to go off the oxygen and they definitely want to make sure he is ready.
Aunt Candy and I stayed with him for a while this evening. I was able to hold him again for a short while this time. He was a little fussy and I didn't want him to get too worked up so I put him back in his isolette and gave him his binkie...that worked:)
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
God Bless,
Karissa

He did it!

Brady weighed in at exactly 3 pounds today!!! He had a good day...still trying to wean him from the oxygen. His oxygen is down to 1/4 of a liter. He is taking his time, but that is fine with me. It all makes me so nervous. I held him for a little while today and he was wide awake. I really enjoy it when he is awake because I like to imagine what he is seeing and wonder if he is recognizing me yet. I know he recognizes Dave's voice and mine. I changed another stinky diaper...LOL! But, this time I got it done quickly! I pray Brady continues to do well and thank you all for continuing to pray for him.
Karissa

Feeder & Grower

This is what Brady is now considered to the nurses in the NICU...a feeder and grower...LOL! He is doing well. His oxygen is now reduced to 1/2 liter. He is doing ok with it although I worry when his O2 saturation dips. The nurses all tell me it is normal due to prematurity and because of his CLD (Chronic Lung Disease). CLD in preemies will go away with maturity of the lungs. He is doing great in spite of his difficult beginning. He weighed in at 2 lbs. 15.1 oz. He's almost there...Dave says he will be 3 lbs. tomorrow...we'll see:)
David and Delaney miss seeing him so much. I really hope they allow siblings in soon. They ask me everyday if they can come with me:(
We are so thankful to all of you for your continued prayers and support.
Karissa

Hello Everyone:)

Brady was wide awake several times today and we were finally able to take a picture. He seems to be very alert right before feeding time...lol...like his big sister, he isn't going to miss a meal! He likes to have his binkie with his meals;) Brady weighed 2 lbs. 13.6 oz. today and is doing well. His oxygen was reduced to 3/4 of a liter. The docs seem hopeful to have him off the oxygen cannula by the weekend. I held him this morning through one of his feedings. He looks all around and responds to different noises. He wants to know what is going on...that's for sure. He fell asleep when his belly was full and was quite content:)

31 Weeks (Gestational Age)

Brady is now at 31 weeks. He is doing well. They reduced his oxygen from 2 liters to 1 liter. The docs are trying to wean him off the oxygen cannula altogether. He is still being fed through the feeding tube every 3 hours. They moved it from his mouth to his nose. I think you can tell in the photos above. His weight was 2 lbs. 12.4 oz. this afternoon. Dave went in this morning and held him for a while. Brady was wide awake the entire time...very alert and checking things out. My aunt and I went in this afternoon to see him, but I wasn't able to hold him. The nurse just set up his feeding and didn't want to move him around a lot so he could digest well...so, Aunt Candy and I just watched him give his binkie a workout:)
Karissa

6 Weeks Old

Brady is 6 weeks old today:) The docs changed his feeding again today...not sure why so soon, but he is being fed 16 ml for one hour then off for 3 hours. He seemed to rest much better during his time off of feeding today. Then, when the feeding started he would squirm around more. He gained weight again today so now he is up to 2 lbs. 12 oz. Dave and I asked if he has grown any in length, but the nurse said they won't measure his length until he is ready to go home. Just curious because he looks longer???
Many thanks to you all for continued prayer.
Karissa

Brady is doing well. He has been bumped up to 'preemie' status by the nurses...they changed his isolette and gave him a bigger binkie and diaper this week. Now, he isn't a 'micro preemie' anymore. The docs put Brady on a feeding schedule...it starts out very gradually at 10 ml over a 2 hour period then off for an hour then 10 ml, etc. They also put Brady on a weekly check instead of daily. He is getting to be a big boy:) Today, he weighed in at 2 lbs. 10.5 oz.---he's inching toward that 3 lb. mark!
David and Delaney went to the NICU Sibling Night last night. They really enjoyed it. They got to make a craft and play games with other children that have baby brothers or sisters in the NICU. It was really good for them...especially since they aren't able to visit Brady right now.
Hugs to all and thank you so much for continued prayers.
Karissa

First of all, Brady wants to wish his big sissy, Delaney...Happy Birthday!
Brady is doing well. His breathing has been good. He gained a little more weight yesterday and today. He is now up to 2 lbs. 9 1/2 oz. The doctor ordered another chest x-ray for Brady today because she thought he sounded a little congested, but it came back normal. I am again unable to touch him or hold him due to this infection relapse. I am heartbroken, but I can still let him hear my voice. I hope to be able to hold him by the end of the week...I pray.
Hugs to you all.
Karissa

30 Weeks (Gestational Age)

Brady has been doing well. His breathing has been fine the past few days. He gained a little more weight today and is now up to 2 lbs. 8 oz. Everyone loves his new cover for his bed. The doctors and nurses think Rena should market them...LOL! Dave said Brady got a bath yesterday and he looked so cute, but he didn't take the camera with him. Today, I made him take the camera so I could see him too. Photo is above. They spiked his hair:)

I haven't been able to see Brady since Friday afternoon because I started running a fever again Friday evening. I called the doctor immediately and they put me back on antibiotics for the infection I had previously suspecting it has returned. Yesterday was horrible...I could barely get out of bed. Feeling a bit better today since the antibiotics have kicked in I guess? I have an appointment tomorrow with my doctor and they are going to refer me to a specialist. This is so frustrating as well as physically and emotionally draining. I can barely stand it that I can't see my baby and David and Delaney are so upset because I am sick AGAIN!!! Lord, I pray the doctors can help me get well so I can take care of my babies and my family.

We are so grateful to all of you for continuing to pray for our baby and our family.

Karissa

New Threads

My new custom made Isolette cover compliments of Ms. Rena!!!! Everyone in the NICU loves the cover and Brady seems to like it too. He now weighs 1,110 Grams which is 2 lbs. 7 oz. He is doing great, Karissa held him last night for an hour and his vitals were perfect. He gets a little disturbed when he has to go back into the Isolette and causes a fuss. He had a bath today and looks just like his DAD! Finally!
He just needs to keep gaining weight and he is on his way to Forest Creek Ridge Court!

Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We are truly blessed.
Dave

Brady is doing well and has been maintaining his breathing for the past 3 days. He gained weight today...he is up to 2 lbs. 6 oz. He really needs these little weight gains because it is making him stronger. The nurses have all been getting a kick out of him the past couple days. Somehow???...He has been turning himself over when he gets tired of being on his tummy or back. He is very particular about how he wants to be positioned...he certainly has to be comfy:) Preemies are put on their stomachs, sides, and back alternatingly because it helps with their breathing. Brady does enjoy being on his tummy, but when he is over it...he is OVER it! LOL! He will push his little tiny arms and legs until he is on his back or vice versa. He is a wild man. It really is amazing. The nurses want me to get a disposable camera and leave it at his bedside. Brady also gets very mad when the two bigger babies in the room cry. He makes faces and grunting noises like he is telling them to 'Be Quiet'!
Today, I was able to hold him for about an hour and a half skin-to-skin...they also call this "Kangaroo Care". I was in a rocking chair and he was placed on my chest. He LOVED it. He snoozed the entire time without fidgeting and his oxygen levels were between 95-100 percent. I really enjoyed it too:) He is so precious. Anyway, research has shown this type of nurturing to be most effective for preemies in promoting growth, improving breathing, and overall general development. I hope they let me hold him this way tomorrow too;)
Thank you all so much for your continued prayers. We are truly blessed.
Karissa

Brady has been doing better the past couple days. The doctor did run several tests on him. His blood was checked for infection and internal inflamation, etc. These tests came back with good results. He also had a chest x-ray which was ok. These were all done yesterday. Today, I spoke with the nurse practitioner and she said the doctor has decided to give him a medicine for reflux after examining him this morning. Reflux in preemies is common and can cause apnea and desaturation of oxygen. So, we are praying this helps him and we are very thankful all his other tests results were all normal. Brady also had his 1 month cranial ultrasound and that too came back normal.
My poor baby went through so much with tests, etc. yesterday that I wasn't able to hold him. I did get to hold him today and he was wide awake the whole time. I held him and talked to him for a little over an hour...until he got the hiccups and then pooped...LOL! I got to change him...he wasn't happy while I was doing it, but went right to sleep after I was finished:)
Thank you all for continued prayers for baby Brady.
Karissa