Brenna's skin has continued to astonish us with how quickly it is "shedding" to reveal her less scaly pink skin underneath, and her eyes, nose and mouth look so much better too. She is eating so much now compared to even a few days ago (at this rate, she will surpass Connor's weight soon!)
The doctors were a bit worried with her kidney function yesterday, so they ran some tests and did an ultrasound on her belly this morning. The medications she is getting can affect the kidneys and her urine output was pretty high, but the tests all came back fine - yea!
So today, our doctor and nurse surprised us with the best gift ever: some cuddle time with our girl! I even got to try to nurse her...while she seemed interested, she conked out so quickly before she even got to try to eat. Maybe next time!
To keep her body temperature and her moisture up, they coated her with ointment and wrapped her in plastic, then wrapped the blanket around her. It worked quite well, and she was a pretty cozy little thing!
I didn't want to put her down. I thought my heart was going to explode out of my chest, and I got pretty emotional a few times.
But Daddy needed a turn too!
Not much can top that as a New Year's Eve celebration for us!
I am so happy for you! Happy New Year to your beautiful family. You provide so much inspiration to so many. God bless you all!
ReplyDelete:) :) :) wonderful!
ReplyDeleteYep, you've given me new favorite pics. What a special day. Happy New Year, Court.
ReplyDeletethank you for sharing an incredible New Year's celebration. Nothing could top that. Prayers and hugs coming your way.
ReplyDeleteThat last picture especially, of the three of you. Made my heart burst too. Lots of prayers and hopes for you all.
ReplyDeleteYour joy shines on your faces. What a wondrous moment. Hugs and prayers and love to you. God bless.
ReplyDeleteThis is some of the best news I've heard all day!! The pics are so precious <3 Kitten is such an amazing little miracle. She's going to thrive on your cuddles!
ReplyDeleteAwesome news! I remember how it felt to hold Brody for the first time after just being able to only look at him through the glass for so many days. Continued prayers coming your way for her continued improvement.
ReplyDeleteWONDERFUL - thanks so much for sharing your beautiful pictures and story. We're keeping your family in our prayers
ReplyDeleteSweet!! I love the looks on your faces holding Brenna! Warm ointment, plastic wrap in a warm blanket in Mom and Dad's arms.....sounds just like a great spa treatment. Carry on Mommy and Daddy and baby Brenna. Happy New Year! Leslie Frederick
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! The pictures are wonderful..
ReplyDeleteso happy for you and so very happy for brenna! i would imagine being held by momma and daddy felt incredibly wonderful to that precious baby!
ReplyDeleteShe fits so perfectly in your arms, so happy for you all! Praying today is another great day!!
ReplyDeleteMy name is Tammy. I was on google to see if there was anything written about my neighbor's little boy who was born with harlequin's on Christmas day. Parents named him Emmanuel & he was flown to Denver w his father by his side. I was so sad for them and th baby. I made it to the hosp in time to meet their little guy. Since he was born c section, the mom couldn't be with him right away. A few of us gathered $ for her to get to Denver, a 7-8 hr drive, the day she was released from the hospital. Her baby passed away a couple days ago. The parents are Christian people and thank God for their sweet blessing even though his life was short. I'm glad that Brenna continues to live and may her life bring honor and glory for Jesus. Thank you for sharing your story - I will continue to follow it.
ReplyDeleteThat's so wonderful! What a fabulous NYE gift!
ReplyDeleteBrenna's story is an amazing one! Your outlook is inspiring. May God continue to bless your beautiful family of 4.
ReplyDeleteMuch love, Muckles.
Brenna, God says I knew you in your mothers womb and I know the plans I have for you to prosper you and to not harm you..I can see how much your parents love you and your Father in heaven loves you with a love that can't even compare to how much our earthly parents love you so look at them and just try to imagine how much GOD LOVES YOU!! We all love you and I don't even know you but God knows how many hairs you have on your head!!!God Bless and continue to heal you and make you perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful NYE celebration - getting to hold your baby girl for the first time! You both are beaming xx
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and congratulations on the birth Breena. My name is Shannon and I am the proud and blessed mother to Lauren, our daughter affected with Harlequin Ichthyosis. Your pictures took us right back to our early experience and I want to thank you for posting them. We a small but powerful community and I would love to talk with you more about our girls and what it means to be giving such an amazing gift and responsibility. My contact information can be found through the wonderful staff at FIRST, The Foundation for Ichthyosis and Related Skin Types. Blessings to you all.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures courtney! Hope she continues to improve every day! Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteHi there. I just read your story and I am sending prayers your way. My son Evan was born June 9, 2010 with Harlequin Ichthyosis. We live in CT and were lucky enough to have the care of Dr. Milstone and Dr. Choate of Yale. If you have not yet contacted them, I suggest you do, they are amazing!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMany prayers to you and your family!! If you ever have any questions and need another Mommy to talk to who knows what you are going through feel free to contact me!
Hello, is tere any way you could contact me? My sister just gave birth to a sweet baby boy named Charlie last week with HI. We are looking for any information and support for my sister, her husband and baby Charlie. Thank you very much,
DeleteTara Jo
Tara Jo, feel free to email me! courtney.westlake@gmail.com
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