Thursday, January 7, 2010

Pass The Milk

Last night we got a surprise when the doctor said Braden was going to be tested feeding on the bottle! He was giving all the right cues earlier in the day and given his gestational age of almost 33 weeks we prepared to give it a go!

They were certain to remind us to have no expectations as this is a big step that takes preemies time to master since they are swallowing, breathing and sucking all at once. It was so amazing to watch him discover the new tastes in his mouth and watch his eyes look all around at us as if to say, "what is going on here?". He only got down about 5ml out of 30ml, but we were thrilled to have some small progress while also avoiding episodes of him not breathing, which is common when they are learning about the bottle but obviously still scary! We will work him up to full feeds over time trying the bottle once or twice a day as we hope to pack on more pounds to his 3lbs 7oz frame.

We continue to be amazed at his progress as he attempts things he was not meant to do for weeks in a normal situation! The doctors say he is a super star given how sick he was in the beginning and we feel so blessed at all the progress he has made so far. See video for short clip of Braden attempting to eat.


20 comments:

  1. This is so awesome!! I love his facial expressions, he is just precious. I am so happy for you guys that he is doing well!

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  2. Congrats on such a big accomplishment! He is SO adorable, I can't wait to meet him! :)

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  3. This is amazing to watch! Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

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  4. Congrats Betts! The Trimborn's have been thinking and praying for ya'll... Taking all food off a bottle or boob was the last thing we had to wait for our little one to do during his NICU stay - reading your blog is a reminder of how incredible the gift of life is and how huge that is for Mr. Braden! Congrats!

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  5. What a precious video! Thank you for sharing it with all of us. Your description of his facial expressions were spot on! The nipple on that bottle looks huge compared to him, but that sure didn't stop him!

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  6. LOVE the video. He's such an overachiever . . . already starting to bottlefeed at 33 wks, or 5 wks, however old that cute babe is! Congrats on another milestone. We love you guys! (And, of course, Hook 'em!)

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  7. He is amazing! And just precious!!!

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  8. He is an amazing, precious, incredible child for sure!! How could he not be with two such awesome parents!!! The video brought tears to my eyes to see how far Braden has come over the past month. I can't wait to see him this weekend.
    Luv, Gammy

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  9. Well, it took me a while to write a comment. I've been bawling, giggling, and watching the video over and over. This is such an awesome gift to all of us who love you and have been praying for you all so long. It's a miracle. You are both so thoughtful to share this awesome event with us. Gotta go watch the video again!!!!!
    Love,
    Nana

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  10. We are sitting here in total enjoyment of watching Brandon's "Feeding Frenzy!" What a wonderful treat for all of us who love you so very much.
    Better keep an eye on him the first time someone shows up with a six-pack. Love

    "Ama"

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  11. adorable. he is soooo cute. thanks for sharing!!!

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  12. Go Braden Go! SO proud of all 3 of you. I miss every last one of you guys too...

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  13. That was the greatest video - watching his eyes and facial expressions as he experienced the bottle for the first time. What a precious little boy. Congratulations to you three! :-)

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  14. OMG - I just fell in love. That is the best video ever - thanks for sharing!! I can't believe how big he is getting. Love to all of you!!!

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  15. Wow, love the looks on his face very "is this right, mom? Am I doing it right? What a doll - Miki

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  16. What a special moment and thanks for letting us be a part of it. He is so cute and his facial expressions were adorable. I'm so happy he is doing so well.

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  17. Thanks for sharing and congrats to the Braden family on another milestone!

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  18. That is just amazing!!

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