~~~~~~~~2 lbs 12 oz!~~~~~~~~

My name is Kim and I live with my husband, Casey and my 2 kitties, Daphne and Dalton. We found out we were pregnant on Christmas Day! What a wonderful Christmas present! Now he is here, he greeted us early on June 18, 2007! Read below for more details. Congratulations to all of you mommies and mommies to be!

Here is my myspace if you'd like to visit :) www.myspace.com/kimwyman

Intelligender said we were having a boy and it was right!

Some Wedding Pics :)~May 13, 2006

Our babies...Daphne & Dalton

Our 1 year anniversary. 6 months preggo.

Here are some pictures of my feet and legs before I had Brennan-why I had to have Brennan. I lost 43 lbs of water within a week and a half after I delivered! Look at the pitting edema!

June 22

Holy Moly where do I begin???? So last Friday, the 15th, we went to the doctor as scheduled for my 1 week follow up. I still had a lot of swelling (the pictures above), more protein in my urine, and actually my blood pressure was okay in the office. So my doctor put me on bedrest, ordered some STAT labs for that afternoon and a 24 hour urine protein He also wanted me to return for a biophysical profile and non stress test on Monday. Then to be back to see him on Tuesday. I got my labs drawn, came home and laid down to start my bedrest. Well my doctor called minutes later stating I needed to go to the hospital to be admitted. I askes if they would start me on magnesium and he said "yes" He said he would be in to see me after office hours. So we went straight to the hospital. They wouldn't even let me register, Casey had to register me and I had to go straight upstairs. We were both totally freaked out. So I went upstairs to the labor and delivery room. They collected some urine, started an IV and started me on magnesium (which is the devil itself, let me tell you). I also had a foley catheter put in because from that time on I was not allowed to get out of bed. The magnesium is very debilitating. The nurse said "Well you are going to have a baby within the next couple of days" I was like "What? Next couple of days? But I am not even 29 weeks". I was diagnosed with pre eclampsia with HELLP syndrome. I then went downstairs to ultrasound for the biophysical profile and weight check to see how big baby was. He was estimated at 3 lbs. I came back up and received a steroid shot to help develop baby's lungs. My doctor came to see me and said we would continue with the magnesium to prevent seizures from the swelling and delay birth until baby's lungs are as developed as possible from the steroids. My next dose of steroids was Saturday night then if we could wait until at least Sunday night to give 24 hours after the second dose. My doctor wasn't on call all weekend so we really wanted to try to postpone the delivery until Monday. So I just kind of hung out through the weekend, getting labs drawn every 12 hours, not able to get out of bed. My blood pressure was very high all weekend so my visitors were restricted and I wasn't allowed to watch TV. Anything to keep me calm and relaxed to keep my blood pressure as low as possible. My kidneys weren't working so hot, I was barely peeing enough. Then by Sunday night I was so swollen I had gained 15 lbs since my doctor's appt on Friday. My face, hands, everything was so puffy. My labs were abnormal, but stayed pretty stable through the weekend. Then through the night Sunday I couldn't breathe because I had so much fluid on my lungs. I was on oxygen and around midnight I begged for a dose of lasix (to help me pee off some of the fluid) They were hesistant to give it to me because I was already losing fluid intravascularly and the lasix would make it worse, but I neeed to be more comfortable and able to breathe. I finally convinced them and the lasix helped tremendously! I was still uncomfortable as I had been all weekend not being able to get out of bed. By morning the fluid had built up in my lungs again and I couldn't breathe. My doctor came in at 6:30 am and said I was getting too sick and we had used me long enough to make baby's lungs strong and it was time to take him. He said I was too sick to try to labor so they rushed me back for a cesarean section. My platelets were too low for spinal anesthesia so I had to have general. Casey wasn't allowed to be in the room when Brennan was born. Scariest thing in my entire life!!!! So introducing Brennan Layne ~ 2 lbs 12oz ~15 inches long ~ he was born on Monday June 18, 2007 at 7:45am at exactly 29 weeks gestation.

Brennan right after birth~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Casey's wedding ring

Daddy and Brennan~June 22nd~~Mommy and Brennan

The whole family :) Brennan~June 22nd~so precious!!

Brennan started his life off on a small amount of oxygen. He was getting really tired and required some ventilation. As of today he is only on a little bit of oxygen, C-PAP to provide a little pressure to his lungs and we are hoping all of that will be gone tomorrow. Then we can work on feeding and growing. He will be in the neonatal intensive care unit for at least a month and a half to two months.

My blood counts continued to drop after delivery so my doctor referred me to a hematologist. My doctor offered a blood transfusion, but I requested to wait to see if I would recover on my own. I am on my prenatal vitamins and iron 2 times a day. Mommy and daddy are home now after a week in the hospital. We will be spending the majority of our days at the hospital with Brennan as he grows and matures into a baby who is strong enough to bring home. He is the ultimate fighter and is doing a wonderful job of making his mommy and daddy proud already! We love him soooo much and cannot wait to bring him home. For now we will offer all our love, strength, and support!

June 25th

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. I have been exhausted and Brennan backtracked a little, but is on the uphill climb again! He was on only oxygen on Saturday (which are the pictures below). Then the only thing he has been having trouble with is his CO2 and it climbed back up again so he had to go back on the CPAP (which are the pictures above with the little yellow hat). We gave him one dose of steroids yesterday and this morning his CO2 is much improved. He still gets another dose of steroids this morning. If it would not have improved or if it gets worse then he will have to go on the ventilator again and be transferred to another hospital. We do not want that to happen! I don't think it will because like I said I called this morning and it is much improved and my little man is such a fighter, he is so strong for his mom!! I love him so much! The CPAP will probably come off either today or tomorrow. Everything else with him is going great! He has lost a little weight, but that's okay I think that will make a turn around too. He is off IV nutrition and on full feedings through a tube in his nose and has tolerated them well the whole time! All of his tests and ultrasounds have come back normal. We just need to get his respiratory status under control so mommy can start feeding him and take him home! Okay the pictures below are from Saturday. I got to hold him for the first time which was wonderful and makes us both happy :) I also changed his diaper and let me tell you he has the cutest little butt I've ever seen!

Oh my gosh look at that big yawn!! Mommy changing Brennan's diaper

I got to hold my sweet little man!! The best day of my life!

All dressed up like a little man!

Daddy's first time holding Brennan :)

June 25th

Brennan received both doses of steroids. He is off the CPAP and only on oxygen and is holding his CO2 (the lab that we have been concerned about) at a normal level. The doctor said it is a possibility that after the steroid wears off that he could backtrack again, but we are holding onto the fact that he has been off the CPAP and is only getting better! I told you he is the ultimate fighter and my strong little man! He is still doing wonderful with his feedings and he is such a good little baby, he hardly ever cries. And not that I want him to, but it is the most precious little cry I have ever heard :) Mommy and Daddy got to hold him today and I'll tell you what we could just stare at his adorable little expressions ALL DAY! We only hold him during his feeds, it helps to promote bonding while he is receiving the satisfaction of eating because babies like that. Then he goes back in his little house to stay warm. I changed his diaper again today and dressed him...twice :)

June 26

My little fighter pulled through again. He is off the oxygen!!!! YAY buddy! He has the IV, only in case something happens and we need it, which of course we won't. It is not even hooked up, just there and comes out in a couple of days. Then he has the NG tube for feedings. He will get feeds through the tube every 3 hours for about another month. Then we can start feeding with a bottle. He is up 2oz from his birth weight. So everything is looking great! I will post more pictures tomorrow.

June28th

Tonight was so much fun!! Right when we got to the NICU this evening they were weighing Brennan and getting him ready for his feeding. So he was all naked as you see below (his cute little butt). And he was wide awake! So we got some good pics. Daddy got to change his diaper and dress him for the first time...which he did excellent (with mommy's help :) Brennan is doing so good!!! He is doing excellent with his feeds and tonight he was sucking on his pacifier which is a great sign for later when we start bottle feeding. The pacifier is HUGE but it is good for him to get used to it now. Thank you for all of the prayers and for thinking of us. It is hard for him to be away, but we know he is in good hands and he is making great progress and will be home with us before we know it. We just love our little man soooo much!!!

Oh look at that naked butt! So cute!!

Precious face! Daddy changing diaper :)

AAWW...Daddy loves you so much! Family photo :)

Look at that big paci!

July 1st

I had to update today.....Brennan weighs 3 lbs and almost an ounce as of last night!!! Yay buddy!! He is doing soooo good! He is wanting his pacifier...yes the great big one :) Which is such a great sign for when we start feeding with a bottle. I don't think that is too far off either because he is doing so well. I gave him his first real bath on Friday. I will post those pictures later. I am trying to finish some classes to graduate with my bachelor's in nursing so I am a little more busy right now. They are soon to come though. Just had to let you know he hit the 3 lb mark and we are very excited about that :) Will update more soon with pictures hopefully.

July 5

Sorry I haven't updated in a while. It has been a little crazy with the holiday and I have my last class for school tonight so pictures are to come I promise. Brennan is still doing well. He was dropping his heart rate and oxygen sats a little, but they increased his caffeine and so far he is doing better. He does have a bit of reflux which may be causing some of that too. He weighs 3lb 5.1oz, so he is getting to be a big boy! He is still wanting the pacifier which is very good. I am going to see my little guy in a while. I will update later. Hope everyone is doing well!

July 8th

Brennan now weighs 3 lbs 10 oz!! He is really growing fast! You can tell how much bigger he is. I have posted some new pictures below. Some are a little older because I had to put his first bath pictures up. He took his first bottle! A lot earlier than we thought and he did really well. He has taken 3 bottles so far and today he took the whole thing which is very impressive! He is so sweet. He hardly ever cries and not that I want him to, but they are teeniest little cries I have ever heard...so cute!

First bath on June 29-didn't like it at first, but it got better. I love this outfit!

~~1st bottle on July 6th!!!~~~~~~~~~~Daddy's team!

Daddy and Mommy with their sweet boy after his bath today-July8, 2007

After his bath on July 8th

July 10th

Brennan continues to do really well. Tonight he weighed 3 lb 14.4oz. Almost 4 lbs! He is up to 2 bottles a day. He will probably stay at 2 bottles a little longer because he is having a little tougher time with it. He is learning though. Such a strong little man! We cannot wait for the day he can come home with us. Every day we get closer and closer! Thank you for checking in on us.

July 11th

Our BIG little man is now 4 lbs! What a big boy!!! He really is getting big guys. So fun too! He is still a little slow with the bottle, but that's okay he is trying. And we didn't even think he would be doing anything with the bottle yet so anything is good. I posted some new pictures...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~My big boy hit 4 lbs!~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love when he holds his pacifier :)

July 13th

Brennan is still doing really well. He took 2 bottles today and took over half the bottle at each feeding! Very good job buddy! He is still getting so big, 4 lbs 2oz tonight. We are just going to keep pushing with the bottles to help him learn and he is definitely on his way! A new picture below from 7/12, one of our favorites.

So handsome! July 12, 2007

July 16

Our little guy is 4 weeks old today! He weighs 4 lbs 7 ozs. He continues to do well. He is still trying to take 2 bottles a day. He just gets cuter and cuter every day! I will post some more pictures later. Thank you for checking in on us :)

July 18

Lots of good news guys! Brennan is officially 4 and 1/2 lbs! He is well on his way to 5 lbs! He is up to 3 bottles a day. We figured out what the problem was, he decided that he is too big for the preemie nipple, he wanted the big boy nipple. Yes that's right ever since we switched to the big boy nipple he has been kickin' butt on bottles! He has taken almost all of the bottle the last 4 feedings which means he graduated to another bottle a day! He is up to 3 bottles a day. It is still very tiring for him. The doctor said him trying to feed from a bottle is the equivalent to an adult walking on a treadmill! That is hard work for such a little man, but he is doing it and doing it well. Also we talked to the doctor to explain to him our goal for Brennan coming home is the end of July/beginning of August because Casey is off that week and he said that is a very realistic goal and possibly sooner!!! I just can't stop thinking about how close we are to bringing him home! He is also out of the isolette, he is in an open crib. He was getting so warm (keeping his temperature up so well) in the isolette that they couldn't turn it down any lower so they said they didn't usually take them out that early, but my man was ready. So now its the bottles and he is also having some apneic episodes. He basically stops breathing for about 20 seconds and his heart rate gets really low. It sounds very scary and it is, but it is normal for preemies and they grow out of it. He hadn't had one for a few days until yesterday morning, but we are hoping that was the last! If not we may bring an apnea monitor home with us so we can make sure everything is okay once we get home. Mommy may feel a little more comfortable doing that anyway. I posted some new pictures, so enjoy. And thank you for coming to check on us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Bath Time~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~So Sweet!~~~~Taking a bottle tonight-7/18/07

July 22

Well we are just getting closer and closer to coming home! Brennan is taking a bottle every other feeding and has not had one apneic episode since Tuesday. This Tuesday will be 1 week since the last so they will stop the caffeine and see how he does. After 5-7 days off caffeine and taking all bottles we get to come home! So I am thinking maybe next weekend! Lets keep our fingers crossed. He is still gaining...4 lbs 12 oz last night. That is 2 lbs over his birth weight and closer to 5 lbs! He is doing really well, we are so proud of him. He has come a long way!

July 25

The end of this journey through the NICU is near! My little man is improving day by day. He is taking mostly bottles and taking them well. I think tomorrow or the next day he will advance to all bottles and hopefully get that tube out of his nose. He has been off caffeine since Sunday and no apneic episodes. We are now getting ready for discharge. They haven't really said when yet because it depends on how he continues to progress, but I am thinking Monday or Tuesday. Also, he weighs 5 lbs! And Sunday he was 17 inches long (15 inches at birth) I posted some more pictures. One from 3 weeks ago and one from now, in the same outfit :)

July 1st~~~~~~~~~~~~~July 23rd

I love him in his little hat :) ~~Tonight getting weighed~ 5 lbs!

July 26

Okay so Brennan is now taking all bottles! His NG tube is out for good! I talked to the doctor today and he is thinking Sunday or Monday. Most likely Monday because he has a few things to get done before discharge. Casey is off all next week too so that is so perfect we can all be home the first week :) I'll update more later...with some pictures without the tube!

July 29

Soooo Brennan is coming home tomorrow!!! YAY!! He is doing so good. He weighs 5 lbs 3oz. He eats every 4 hours, which will be great for us (sleeping at night), but really I am up for anything because I am ready for my little man to come home! We got his first pictures today at the hospital and they are so cute! I will post it when they come in. We are asking to have no visitors for a little while since we haven't had any alone time with our little guy. We are also requesting that no kids visit when the time comes. Brennan is getting stronger every day, but we still need to protect him from germs as much as possible. Thanks for checking on us...

July 30th

Aaaahhh. It is so good to be home! I cannot even begin to explain how wonderful it is! We got home about 3 this afternoon and Brennan slept for a little while and took a bottle about 5. He went back to sleep because that is pretty much all he does at this point. We made spaghetti for dinner and it was nice to cook dinner and not have to rush to get things done before leaving again. It is just so relaxing. I never thought I would say that with a baby in the house :) Just knowing that he is right here by our sides is very comforting. I posted some pictures from today.

So little in his car seat :)

~~~~~~~~Brennan's first day home!~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Brennan's Room~~~~~~~~~~~

Bookshelf and my bed for now :)~~~~Glider~~~~~~~

August 2nd

Brennan had his first outing today...to the eye doctor. It was not a fun experience for him either :( Preemies are at risk for what's called retinopathy of prematurity. But our little man held through the torturous process like a tough guy and his eyes are normal! YAY! One less thing to worry about :) Also if I didn't post it previously, his hearing test was normal as well. The doctor also said before discharge that he has very good muscle tone which is good for reaching all of those baby milestones. He will be behind of course by about 2-3 months until about age 2-3 years. That's usually when they catch up. We are so thankful after everything he has been through that we have an essentially healthy young boy! And a cute one at that :) We are very lucky! Thanks for checking on us.

Picture taken at the hospital-6 weeks old~~Playing on his tummy :)

Chillin' with dad!

August 4th

We have really enjoyed our first week home together as a family! It has been very peaceful and we appreciate everyone respecting our privacy. I am trying to convince Casey to stay home another week :) Our little guy loves for us to hold him! I'm sure every baby does, but he is just so much more peaceful being held and we have been deprived of that very thing this whole time so it hard for us to deny him that. So as bad as it is probably going to be later...its soooo worth it now! He is such a little snuggle bug! Not much more to say for now. We go to the pediatrician on Wednesday. Our first appointment since discharge. We are anxiously waiting to see how much our peanut weighs! He is eating well so I am sure has gained, but we were used to weighing him EVERY night. Enjoy the new pictures...

August 8th

Brennan had his first doctor's appointment with the pediatrican this morning. Mommy was a little nervous about taking Brennan out by herself, but everything went well. Brennan weighs 5 lbs 13.5 oz!!! YAY! Mommy and daddy are doing good :) He was 5 lbs 3 oz when we left the hospital last Sunday so he is gaining well. He is 17.5 inches long now. The doctor said he was in the 50th percentile at birth and he continues to grow appropriately and is still in the 50th percentile (for prematurity). The doctor was great! Of course mommy had lots of questions and the doctor answered most of them before I even asked! We are going back in a week to make sure he is still gaining appropriately and he has to get his 2 month shots :( Yes Brennan is almost 2 months old already! He is growing so fast! He does have a heart murmur, which I was not aware of. It is very possible they told me about it when I was loopy on morphine and mag after he was first born, but then I never heard anything else about it. She is not too concerned and stated it is very common for these little ones, but said if they didn't do an echo (ultrasound of his heart) in the hospital she would like one just to see what is causing it. Well, someone is calling me because he is hungry, so I will write more later with some pictures. Take Care!

August 12

Hello everyone! We are doing good. Brennan is eating very well...so hopefully still gaining! The doctor said she would like him to take about and ounce and a half to 2 ounces and he usually takes almost 3 ounces! He still likes to be held...he sleeps better that way anyway. So the sling rider has become a good friend of ours :) Its nice because he sleeps good in it and I can still have free hands to get things done. We are going back to the doctor on Friday. I'm hoping he will have hit 6 lbs! I posted pictures of my feet while I was pregnant with Brennan at the top of the page. I posted some more pictures of Brennan below. Enjoy...

His favorite spot!~~~~~~~~~~Love him in the carseat :)

August 17th

Brennan went to the pediatrician again today. My little peanut weighs 6 lbs 12 oz!!!! Almost a whole pound in just 10 days! He was also 18 1/4 inches long! He just keeps growing and will be 2 months tomorrow! Now for the not so good news...while we were there the doctor discovered a left inguinal hernia. The testicles form in the abdomen while in the womb then drop down into the scrotum. Basically after the testes drop into the scrotum, the hole that they drop down through doesn't close and air and tissue gets in there causing a hernia. She said sometimes the intestines can drop down in there and cause more problems so it has to be repaired. She said it is common in preemies. That was the first time I had seen it and thank goodness it happened at the doctor's so she could assess it. So anyway what that means for little Brennan is that he will have to have surgery to fix it :( We do have to get the ECHO of his heart for the murmur so we are going to Children's Hospital in St. Louis to see the general surgeon as well, hopefully within the next week. So Brennan did not get his shots today because she said the hernia usually does not bother them, but if for some reason it would she didn't want to mask it with the irritability from the vaccinations. So we go back to the pediatrician in 2 weeks, most likely for vaccinations and hopefully we will have all our testing done by then. He has to have some blood drawn as well just to check his hematocrit, he was a little anemic in the hospital, which is also common in preemies, but we have to make sure he is recovering on his own. So our poor little guy has to endure more pokes and prods and hospitals....UUUGGGG! I thought we were done with all of that! So anyway that is my update, maybe I will post some 2 month pictures tomorrow :)

August 18th

Brennan is 2 months today!! I am going to take some pictures to post. So we are meeting with the pediatric surgeon at Children's Hospital on Thursday. We should have a better idea or maybe even a date scheduled for when his surgery will be. I know this is a very common procedure, 15 out of 100 preemies and 1 out of 100 healthy newborns, but I am afraid for my little guy. Its the general anesthesia that scares me. Brennan has already had a rough time respiratory wise and I am afraid that he may end up back on the ventilator. I may be worrying too much and will have a better idea of what the doctor thinks about that after we meet. He may think it is worth waiting for his lungs to mature a little more before performing the procedure, but who knows. Just so many questions mommy has :) Then the ECHO is scheduled for the 29th and we go back to the pediatrician the 31st. The Health Department is supposed to visit us some time this week to check on Brennan developmentally. I am glad just to be sure he is where he should be. Although I guess he can't be too far behind since he is still not even supposed to be born yet! Anyway, hopefully pictures to come and thanks for checking on us!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2 months!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Our photo op today in his little Children's Place outfit! First REAL outfit!

Dodging the camera lol~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Enough mom!

August 23rd

We met with the surgeon today and Brennan is having his hernia repaired this Tuesday, August 28th. He does have to stay overnight since he is a preemie. They want to monitor him overnight for apnea (from the anesthesia). Which Tuesday worked out perfect because then Wednesday morning he is already scheduled for the echo so we can just get that done before we leave. Then Friday we will see the pediatrician, which will be nice for kind of a follow up visit. Oh and I asked for him to be weighed today and....7 lbs. 7 oz!! That is like 11 oz in 7 days! Although this time he did have his diaper and clothes on and usually we weigh him naked, but still gaining like a champ! I guess all of these middle of the night feedings (every 3 hours) are worth it for my little man to grow so fast! Okay that's my update for now...

Brennan was named after my mom's maiden name. I think I had that posted on my "pregnant" page, but not on this one. So just a FYI...

August 24th

The nurse called today to get a health history on Brennan. I told her about the heart murmur and she said anesthesia would want the echo before surgery to make sure everything is okay. So they squeezed him in on Monday for the echo then we will have to go back over on Tuesday for the surgery. She said they could just draw the blood for the anemia when they start his IV, which is good, at least we can save him one poke! So we are just going to relax this weekend with a busy week ahead. Maybe I can get some more pictures up this weekend. Take care!

August 29th

Brennan is home fom his surgery and everything went great! We woke up about 3:30am on Tuesday to feed Brennan because that was the last time he could eat. Slept about a half hour after that and then had to get up to get ready. We got to the hospital at 6:15am. We got registered and they gave us a little pager (like the ones you get at a restaurant) to let us know when he was finished and we could come back to recovery. They took us back to the pre-op room. First they weighed Brennan...8lbs! And he is 20 1/2 inches long! By the time we got to the room it was about time for Brennan to eat again, but he stayed pretty content with the pacifier. Brennan got his ID band, changed into a gown and we talked to the anesthesiologists. Brennan got his echocardiogram on Monday so they had the results and said the echo showed a small PFO (patent foramen ovale). It is open during their time in the womb to bypass the lungs, but then it is supposed to close after birth and his didn't. They said not to worry about it, that it should close on its own and shouldn't cause any problems. Whew! One less thing to worry about! Then they walked us through step by step, what would happen with the anesthesia and how long it would take. They said they would start with a little oxygen and the anesthesia. Then after he was asleep they would start the IV and draw the blood for his CBC, I was happy about that since he wouldn't have to feel the poke! They said they were going to do a caudal block, which is regional anesthesia as well. They said that way they wouldn't have to give him as much gas anesthesia since he is so little. After that he would be intubated (on the ventilator) which is standard for little guys like him. They said there shouldn't be any problems getting him off of it, but that is what I was so afraid of. He got a dose of tylenol before surgery and then it was about 7:30am, time for surgery, so we walked back to the doors to the operating room where we had to tell our little guy goodbye :( I was scared for my guy, but I knew he was in good hands and they had explained everything thoroughly to us. About 45 minutes later we got a call from the doctor, we thought something was wrong since it was so soon, but he called to tell us that everything went well and they would page us again when we could come back to see him. Then about 15 minutes after that they paged us again to say we could come back to see our little man! He was asleep of course, drooling :) The nurse, who I used to work with, was holding him. She said he did great, but they did not do the caudal block because they decided he was too little for that. He was all bundled up in this big blanket. He had an IV in his foot and he was hooked up to the monitor. He has a teeny dressing on his groin area and that should fall off in a week or so. She said he fussed a little and she wasn't sure if he was hungry or in pain so she gave him some sugar water and gave him some morphine, just in case. I held him the rest of the time in recovery. Then one of the staff came back to tell us his blood had clotted from the blood draw so he would have to have it drawn again :( We got to the room about 9:30am. We had a room all to ourselves! My cousin works on that floor and set that up for us :) The nurse came in to see him and the aide got his vital signs and Brennan pretty much slept the rest of the day. He had IV fluids and was still hooked up to the monitor. He finally woke up about 12:30pm to eat. Then he ate about every 2 1/2 - 3 hours after that. But was zonked pretty much through the feedings and in between! He had to get his blood drawn for the CBC and that was the only time I heard him cry the whole time we were there! Such a little trooper!! We had a couple of visitors (people I used to work with) and grandma. We were exhausted so we napped for a little while. Then he really started to wake up about 8pm. Actually he was very alert at that time. He ate good through the night, got a couple of doses of tylenol and the monitor beeped unnecessarily through the night which was annoying, but he didn't have any problems! That's all that matters! Anyway so we were discharged about 9:30am this morning and he has eaten since we have been home and now he is sleeping! I posted some pictures of the little bugger in the hospital and some from Monday at home :) Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~Poor Bugger!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~Got Milk?~~~~~~~~~Spidey!~~~~~~~~

August 30th

Brennan went to the pediatrician today. I think there was an error in the weighing process at the hospital. She said 8 lbs, but he was 3.5 kilos which is 7 lbs 7 oz. I guess she rounded up? Doesn't she know you don't "round up" the weight with any baby, but especially our itsy bitsy? LOL Anyway, so I guess Tuesday he actually weighed 7 lb 7oz and today he was 7 lb 11.5 oz. Not quite 8 lbs yet, but close! He also got his shots today....ouch!! He cried tears! He never cries tears....I felt sooo bad! But he got over it quick when momma gave him the bottle :) And he is a big boy, he doesn't have to go back for 2 months...at 4 months old...for more shots :( That is going to be a long time to see how much he weighs. Although we do go back for a follow up with the surgeon in 2 weeks, I suppose I could sneak a weight in there :) Oh and I think Brennan shot his first REAL smile at mom the other day! He looked me right in the eyes and SMILED twice! It was too cute!

SEPTEMBER 3RD!!!

Today is Brennan's due date!!! Finally! Brennan is almost 3 months old, in fact we made an appt for his 3 month pictures on the 15th! Fun! Fun! I can't wait. He is such a little cutie and he is so much fun! Even though he is 2 1/2 months old he is really like a 1 month old developmentally. Now that his due date is here we can expect him to start reaching his baby milestones. Even though he is still small (especially for his age) he is so big to me and now I look at him and want him to stay this size for a while :) I can't even believe how wonderful it is being a mother, having something that you created, especially with the person you love! Casey and I really enjoy parenthood! You know that you are going to have to give up things that you enjoy doing, but you can never imagine how much a baby will change things, even the littlest things...but it doesn't even matter because every little minute with him is so precious!! Anyway enough of my mushy talk, Brennan is doing wonderful and we enjoy every moment! That's that! More pictures to come :)

October 3rd

Okay well everyone's page on here got deleted and I guess they only restored up until the beginning of September so I will just do a quick update. I am putting all of my pictures in the album over to the right from now on. Well I was supposed to go back to work last weekend, the 22nd. On the 21st I ended up having to get my appendix out! And I've had this terrible cough/cold since and is making my recovery very difficult. Anyway I go back to work next weekend and am working weekends so I can be home with Brennan during the week and avoid daycare. Brennan is doing GREAT!!!! He is such a big boy and has been smiling occasionally, but today the most I've seen. I got a shot and had to post it below!! So exciting. He did roll over from tummy to back the day before turned 3 months which I thought was pretty impressive!

October 6th

We got the letter of approval for the RSV shot (synagis). I didn't think there would be a question of him qualifying, but its good to see it in writing. Brennan is smiling a whole lot more these days, which is so fun! I still have the never ending cold...I am really getting annoyed, but what can I do, but WAIT! I'm sure I will be posting more pictures soon...

October 10th

Brennan went to the doctor's office today to get his first synagis shot...he cried of course, but calmed down quickly. He weighs 10 lbs 12 oz...so I was very happy with that! We didn't see the doctor today, that will be for his 4 month shots (he will be almost 5 months by then though) in Novemeber. He will see the doctor, get the 2nd RSV shot, and 4 month shots. And I am STILL sick! I went to my primary doctor yesterday and he was surprised I was not improved after being on an antibiotic for 5 days plus the IV antibiotics I had gotten in the hospital (that is how long I have been sick!) so he ordered another antibiotic in addition to the first one and he said I am wheezing quite a bit so I have to use an inhaler 4 times a day. He said if there is no improvement by Friday he will start steroids and if I am not pretty much fully recovered by Monday he will start steroids. I am just ready to be better so I am hoping this will work! He is hesitant about giving me steroids because it will delay healing of my appendectomy. So we will see...I was not released back to work because I am not fully recovered. So now I will probably not go back to work until the beginning of November. Hopefully I will feel better before then and maybe talk the surgeon into releasing me to regular duty and go back earlier...I am just ready for some normalcy!

October 19th

Brennan was 4 months yesterday!! He is smiling so much and today he has been cooing a lot. He is getting so big...he is so much fun!! I am feeling MUCH better! I ended up getting a steroid pack and I think that is what really kicked it. I am going to try to go back to work next weekend...I see the surgeon Monday. We are getting Brennan's pictures on Sunday...I am SO excited!! We are going to get family pics too. We are doing them outside. My aunt had her baby Wednesday...Alexandria Danielle, 8 lbs 6 oz! She is so cute! I put some new pictures up for 4 months. Oh and my aunt and my grandpa went to U of I so Brennan is sporting the Illinois shirt!

November 8th

Brennan went to the doctor yesterday and he weighs 11 lbs 12oz and 23 inches long. He is such a little sweetie! 2 of the girls in my photos section had their babies and the other is having hers tomorrow...so November 5th, 8th, and 9th...how much closer could they get?!?!? Brennan has lots of new friends and he can't wait to play with them :) Not really much else to report...Hope everyone is doing well and thank you for continuing to check in on us. Even though I may not update as often I am still trying to post pictures. Oh and my little mister is teething...growing so fast!

December 3

Not much going on here so I haven't updated in a while, but Brennan is getting very big and changing so much! I posted some Christmas pictures in the album. They turned out great! He does have a cold right now :( His first one! I guess I can't complain he has gone 5 1/2 months, but I feel so bad for him! Casey is sick so I think that's where he got it. We actually go for a RSV shot in a couple of days, maybe I'll get back on here then and post an updated weight. Last month he was 11 lbs 12 oz.

December 5

Brennan is 12 lbs 14oz!

December 30th

Brennan is doing wonderful! He gets another RSV shot Friday so we haven't had a weight since the last post. I posted some pictures from Christmas, he is getting so big! He is really exploring things now and of course still laughing and smiling more than ever. He had a 6 month check up with physical therapy at the hospital where he was born to make sure he is developing properly and they said he is way ahead on everything for his gestational age, which would be about 4 months. I cannot even imagine life without him! I am so lucky that everything has worked out the way it has. And my schedule is so awesome! I am home with him all week and just work on the weekends. It is hard being away, but if I am going to work this is the way to do it. We hope everyone has a Very Happy New Year!!

January 4th

Brennan got his RSV and Flu shot today :( He did pretty good though, cried a little. He was 14 lbs and 5 oz! And 24 and 3/4 inches. He is really growing. I pretty much updated on the last entry but wanted to put his weight on here. He gained almost a pound and a half in a month. We will find out at his next appt if he will stay on the Neosure until 9 months or if we will switch now. We go back to see the doctor on the 16th.

January 28th

Brennan is a little over 7 months old! Time is flying by, I cannot even believe it! I am starting to put ideas together for his 1st birthday because I know it is going to be here before I know it! We went to the doctor on the 16th and he was 14 lbs 7oz so not too much bigger than on the 4th. We started cereal and he isn't really liking it. I'm going to try a different kind so hopefully he will start eating it soon. He is rolling over lots from back to belly. And we are starting to ease him out in to public. Mommy is getting brave :) We might go shopping this week, I figured during the day, during the week it shouldn't be too bad. I posted some new pictures in the album.

March 12th

I guess its been quite a while since I've updated...well Brennan is continuing to develop amazingly! He is 16lbs 7oz and only has one more RSV shot-woo hoo!! He is rolling all over the place and just as fun as ever! He is eating cereal and baby food and enjoying it :) I'm posting some more pictures below. Everything is great around here...ready for summer!! We have 2 very fun vacations planned with Brennan this summer. One is to Arizona in April and Florida in August...we are so excited!! We have started taking Brennan out into public...I said March and its March! He is the best baby we could ever ask for, we are SO lucky to have him!!! Enjoy the new pictures, they capture him well.

March 20th

We went to the doctor this week and Brennan weighs 17 lbs 3oz!! He also had another NICU appt and he is reaching all of his milestone appropriately (for a preemie). His "talking" is right at the 9 month age...I think he gets that from his mom :-) I took him up to see his doctor from when he was in the NICU and I was almost in tears...so many memories came flooding back and I just can't believe how far we have some in 9 months and that he is 9 months already!!! It goes by way too fast! I have already picked up some decorations for his 1st birthday party and already know where I'm getting the invitations. Brennan is the greatest joy in our lives and every single day is AMAZING with him!

All bundled up! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~My Precious Face!!

Daddy and Brenny~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mommy and Brenny

So excited about Easter...................................................and the Easter bunny!!

May 6th

Brennan is almost ONE!! Time flies, I'm tellin' ya! He just started sitting up on his own and said his first word all in the last week. His first word was "ma ma" by the way :0) He is so much fun as ususal. Eating everything in sight. No teeth yet, but he is wanting all of our food. He eats baby food, cereal, yogurt, potatoes, biter biscuits...you name it, he will eat it if you let him! He scoots himself backwards and is starting to pull himself up onto his knees so I'm sure crawling is soon to come! I posted some new pictures...enjoy!

August 26th

Brennan is now 14 months old and he amazes me every day!! He is talking, crawling, trying to walk...so much fun!! If you ask him what a doggy says, he says "woof woof". He is over 20lbs. He is amazing! I am still staying home with him during the week and working on the weekends which is PERFECT!! I love it that I can still work, but I get to spend so much time with him! We are trying to sell our house so we can build a new one. And that's about it for an update in a nutshell :0) I posted some new pictures so feel free to take a look!