Popsicle Pirate

Brogan was so MAD when he saw his sister eating a popsicle! We gave him his own and here is the result!

Popscicle Pirate!

Early Support - Helping Every Child Succeed - UK

A UK Site:  http://www.earlysupport.org.uk/decMaterialsZone/modResourcesLibrary/HtmlRenderer/Dev%20journal%20Downs.html

I think the UK must be leading the way in Ds... or I'm sadly not finding the latest interesting info on the internet for Ds.  I did like their website very much and I've found some other UK sites with more caring information than could be found in the US.  Please see their Early Support News:

http://www.earlysupport.org.uk/decNewsZone/modResourcesLibrary/HtmlRenderer/News1.html

I downloaded the entire 11 step Journal, I'm excited about using this, I hope others will be.

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!

Harley Boy

Love this shirt! Cute shirt from the Harley shop over in Idaho. I thought the picture was pretty cute AND THEN I noticed the THUMBS UP - HA. He's a rider already. His dad, his mom, his mom's dad, his dad's dad... all the grandpas are riders. He's born to it.

Me WANT - Harley Davidson

JUST one thing - can't Harley Davidson use the correct grammar? "I WANT A HARLEY" is so much better. He's working so hard on his core muscles for sitting. can't a supposed american icon work just as hard to be literate? Brogan is so strong and happy to work out. He loves the exercises we do with him, and he's not floppy or weak. This makes us really glad.

Big Boy Bathtime

First big boy bath without the "newborn sling". Look at my darling boy - he is so absolutely charming!

We decided to let Brogan have a bath in his tub sitting up! He had a great time and did so well!

Brogan 6 1/2 months

I'm so proud of Brogan. He is a very good baby. I remember how demanding his sister was, and am so thankful to have a boy. I don't think having a boy that has Down syndrome has anything to do with his loving disposition, I just think he's a real sweetie to begin with.

Features and DS

As the doctor was looking at Brogan as a newborn, he told us that Brogan didn't really have any "features" of a Down Syndrome baby.

Dusty and I looked at one another - "Features? What are we doing, buying a car?". That word, along with many others that we would be hearing just didn't make a lot of sense. Obviously I know what the physical features of a human being are, but wouldn't it be more correct to say "Characteristics?".

Whatever - I just wanted to place my complaint against the word "Features" as relates to our son or any baby.

September, 2008

Ooh, Colic

Brogan is a very happy, sweet baby!

Colic is so hard! Look into your baby's eyes and his pain filled face and you suffer such sadness and helplessness... you feel his pain so well. Anything that works for your baby is a godsend. Tag team with your partner, siblings too. Something that distracts your baby seems to be very worthwhile. The only question is, has the episode run itself out. Because any parent with a colicky baby will identify with these episodes. And the episodes run their course no matter what we try to do. It just seems like we get lucky with one tactic or another, and it never seems to be the same one. Sometimes it's all daddy, other times mommy is the only one who can calm the baby. But look at the timing. I think you'll find, to your dismay, that the baby's tummy has a schedule for his colic.

I have feel for Brogan when his tummy is bothering him. No parent wants their child to feel pain.

I love my son - my little son that I am so proud of - with all of my being. I only want good things for his life.