He's Home!

It's been a whirlwind week, but I can happily tell you all that Brendan is home and doing well. More blog posts to come soon as I go through pictures and video, but for now look at this little peanut in his car seat!

Let's Get This Boy Home!

Why is he still taking my picture?

This is my awake face

Brendan is getting closer and closer to coming home.  We're still not sure exactly when that will be, but we know it will be here soon!  He's about ready to transition to a crib from his isolette, and once that happens he will be about ready.  He gained weight today, so that is a positive!

His big sister is anxious to meet him.  I (Nick) have been spending lots of quality time with Caitlin, but she definitely is in need of some mommy time.  Thankfully her Aunt Bekah is here to be a good stand in!

Going down the slide all by herself!

Notice my startled face

This past week is still surreal; a week ago at this time we were getting back from dinner with friends and a snow storm was about to hit.  Tomorrow it's supposed to be 60 degrees, and I'm no longer the only man around!  Thank you to everyone who has sent us prayers and good wishes recently; we appreciate it!  We look forward to everyone being able to meet Brendan in person soon!

Can't wait to see all of you soon!

What a show off!

Well almost 2 years ago I was having a minor meltdown as they debated and eventually put my sweet daughter,  Caitlin, on a ventilator. She needed help from the great staff at Shawnee Mission Medical Center's NICU, but took off and only ended up staying there for 15 days.

When we finally came to terms with Teresa being in labor five and a half weeks before Brendan was due I was ready. I expected him to have every bit of trouble Caitlin had and then some.

But... that hasn't happened. He's still in the NICU as I type this, and I don't know when he'll be ready to come home yet, but he's breathing great. He's eating well. He might now be off of IV fluids. He's just loving right along!

Caitlin better watch out!

4 days old! (Well, almost)

Not a whole lot of news to report yet today other than her continued progress. They are starting to wean her off of the ventilator's help, and we are hoping that will happen this afternoon or later on tonight. It's all up to Caitlin, though, and she is making it mighty clear that she does things at her own pace! We are happy with the progress she makes each day.

I don't have any pictures on my phone, but I will try to add some tonight or tomorrow.

Life in the NICU

Since Caitlin is a little under cooked, she is spending some time in the NICU helping her transition to life on the outside.  She currently has a CPAP with oxygen to help her with breathing, and the NICU staff is waiting to see if she will need any additional help (like a ventilator).  It looks and sounds scarier than it is; these are just things that can happen with a 35 weeker.  She's a feisty one, and is making progress every time we visit her.