Today's Doctor Visit

What a day!  Duvall has at least 2 feet of snow on the ground. 

Audrey's climbing toy - snow art

The plan was that Dusty would take Brogan to the doctor today and I would stay home, work and keep Audrey occupied.  We all know about plans!

Everything started out ok – then I got a call from Dusty.  “Bring a shovel”.  He was at the bottom of the driveway, and wouldn’t make it out onto the road.  Our driveway is a challenging .10 mile steep hill.  I ended up pushing him on the 3 wheeler up a bit of it on Sunday after he and Audrey came back from the grocery store.

After puttinng the snow chains on our trailblazer, Dusty was frozen and wet.  We all got into the car, since we were there and frozen too, except for the baby who was hot and sweaty in the car!  Daddy - so worried about him had the heat on full blast.  Ok, so after I unzipped Brogan's jacket, and dried his hair, we all got in the car and went to town.  We got to Brogan's doctor appointment 40 minutes late, but not bad.  They still got us in ok.  While Dusty waited, Audrey and I walked 2 blocks to the QFC to get her something to eat.  She was "STARVING"!  She's also a mega drama queen.  We've decided that visits to Brogan's doctor should be accompanied by survival foods because no matter what it always seems to take 2 hours.

Brogan was just supposed to get his shots today, but his breathing still hadn't cleared up from the last time we took him to the doctor, so we made sure they checked him out for that.  A little sinus infection, plus his chest is tightening up (spasms) similar to asthma, so besides the inhaler we have been using more frequently this week, they prescribed a nebulizer and amoxicillian to kick this crud!  Thank goodness.  It's been a very fretful few weeks 'waiting' for him to get over it himself.  A very sleepless few weeks too.  I know doctors are very reluctant to prescribe antibiotics at the drop of a hat these days, but he really needed it.  

Today was very challenging, bad snow, crazy drivers, sick baby and a rambunctious 6 year old!  Dusty and I are just worn out, but thankful that we got through it together.

Brittney the snow dog - 9 years old

A puppy again!

Visit with Santa

Santa visiting Duvall is a big deal – the guy taking the pictures was a volunteer from A-1 roofing, and Santa was awesome.  We think he’s the dad of the owner of the hardware store.  Then “Mrs. Claus” came and visited with Audrey and talked to Brogan too.  It’s really cool living in this little community!  The line was huge, I think everyone from Duvall was there.  

Duvall gets 12 inches

Lots of snow here!  Accumulated totals are up to 12 inches!  I'm so lucky Dusty can drive in this stuff.  We've got a 2004 2 wheel drive Chevy Trailblazer and he makes us all feel so safe like riding in a jeep 'round here!

Breastfeeding Brogan

I've read a lot about how hard it is for a baby with Ds and low muscle tone to latch on and breast feed.  Brogan had a tough beginning being on oxygen, and having low Oxygen saturation levels when he fed.  His stamina just wasn't up to the whole feeding thing, plus he was just learning all of the breathing/swallowing coordination and I understand that that can be a lot for a newborn to learn in the first place!

The nurses ended up tube feeding him and we fought like crazy to get him through one full day of nipple feeding to get the tube taken out.  By nipple feeding, I mean - ANY kind of nipple.  I knew the sooner we got him feeding, the sooner he could come home and I'd work on breast feeding him later.  

We got Brogan home, and I was reminded of the newborn days with my daughter, trying to get her started breastfeeding.  It was tough, but we were able to get the hang of it.  Brogan breast feeds quite well and has no trouble latching on.

Brogan is very lucky to have good muscle tone.  His pediatrician commented that his tone was a lot better than he expected.  

Since I work, I pump and bring home milk for him and when I am home I breast feed.  Now he is eating solid foods (baby food) in addition to the breast milk and supplemental formula.  I feel like all we do is "stuff" the baby.  With his vitamins and all of his varied foods, he is doing very well for a 7 month old.  I'm proud of our boy!  I'm so thankful too.  I love my baby so much, I'd do anything for him.  He is so beautiful and so sweet.  I can't imagine life without him now.

Brogan a little mad, but doing the Army Crawl!

Brogan has been doing the "Army Crawl" for a month or so now.  He really gets around and now Brogan's just started bouncing up on his knees.  He'll be crawling very soon!  Look out!  He's on the move!

Ewww Banannas!

What the heck was that Mom?!

Brogan loved Sweet Potatoes, and really eats his cereal well, but Bananas?!  That was the ewwwiest face I've ever seen, complete with shivers!  Dusty and I couldn't help but laugh like crazy, then we got him something else to eat.

Adventures in food are fun!  For both the parents and the baby!