My precious girl,
Today you are eight months old. I received reminders from several people today before this finally sunk in.
Your 7th month was not the best or happiest for you. Since the week and a half from your surgery, you have basically regressed back to the rigid, anxious baby that you were when you came home from the NICU. Thank goodness your skin has improved noticeably after your latest infections, but your overall demeanor has not.
I haven't seen you smile in a couple of weeks, and this hurts my heart. You are constantly wailing and fussing, and even when you are quiet, your eyebrows remain furrowed as if you're just waiting to get upset again.
I've always said that the newborn stage is not my favorite, and it's becoming increasingly difficult having an 8-month-old baby with the body of a newborn. And you definitely get frustrated, wanting to explore your world and not having the means to do so. I have to continually remind myself that despite your tiny stature, you are growing older and more alert, and that means you need more mental stimulation and learning.
I've started to put on Baby Einstein DVDs for you every now and then, and you really are quite taken with the bright pictures and music. It comes in handy when I have to hook you up to the feeding pump for a while. So far Baby Mozart, Baby Newton and Baby Van Gogh have gone over well with you. I'm also starting to try to read more one-on-one with you.
I'm sorry things have been so difficult for you lately with all of your feeding issues. I am so praying that your 8th month will be way more successful and happier than your 7th month, and that no other health problems arise.
Tonight we read "Guess How Much I Love You," and in the words of Big NutBrown Hare... "I love you to the moon - and back!"
Happy 8 months, Boo Boo.
Such beauty. Hard to see the discomfort. The smiles will come back, soon, I hope and pray
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that I can be so sad yet so happy for Brenna!! Love y'all Tonja
ReplyDeleteWell, she may not be smiling, but she is still super cute with her chubby little cheeks. Her skin looks really, really good.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, she is getting used to the feeding tube, and her discomfort will ease soon. Glad she enjoys the dvd's and I imagine she enjoys watching her big brother and all his antics, even if she isn't showing it.
I will continue to pray for your sweet family and I hope things improve over the next few days.
Happy 8 months old Brenna!So glad I finally got to meet you this weekend!
ReplyDeleteOne positive thing..... she will never recall her 7th month of life.....
ReplyDeleteHappy 8 months Brenna! I wish you nothing but joy and happiness this month and forever more. Momma and Daddy she looks really good. It is hard to see the furrow in her little brow but as anonymous said she will never recall all that has gone before her 8th month but she is definitely due for a break as you all are and I am praying for it!
ReplyDeleteThe best is yet to come!!! Trust In the lord ALWAYS!!!!!! She will get there, and we all are cheering her on!!!! Looking forward to some good reports in this next month!!! Precious gift from god!
ReplyDeleteHere's to a WONDERFUL 9th month Brenna! We love your new pictures and the ones of that big brother of yours:) Hugs!
ReplyDeletePete and Judy Olesen
Happy 8 months Brenna!!! Eight is great! Prayers for an easier month!
ReplyDeleteSo precious! Our baby girl was born Christmas Eve so they are only 6 days apart :) God bless your beautiful baby she is adorable!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that she's been so unhappy lately...other than not being smiley, she is looking so beautiful! And in the pictures above, her skin looks so good, dare I say that she looks "normal" (in that if I didn't already know better, if I just happened to come across these pictures, I wouldn't even be able to tell that she has HI...) Praying that during her 8th month, the feeding tube issues will be resolved and she can once again pack on those pounds (or even ounces)!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI think that the busier anyone with health issues can stay, the better. We all have to get out of ourselves, and it isn't easy when you don't feel good. I'm speaking from only an adult perspective, but geez, what good ideas you come up with. Sure hope it helps Brenna's attitude. You know the old saying - an attitude of gratitude keeps us in the right latitude :) Prayers headed your way!!!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog yesterday and have read the entire thing. What a beautiful daughter you have! I am a fellow "warrior Mama", as my daughter has Mitochondrial disease.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering if maybe your sweet girl would benefit from a GJ tube? My daughter had similar vomiting and she does much better with a GJ. There's no surgery involved to switch from a G to a GJ.
I'm praying she starts feeling better fast. :)
She's so beautiful. I hope to see her smiling again soon.
ReplyDeleteIt can't be easy for her, or you and Evan, but I want you to know, from an adult with Ichthyosis, it does improve x
Keep strong, as you have in the past. You are doing a wonderful job with God's gift of Brenna
ReplyDeleteKeep strong, as you have in the past. You are doing a wonderful job with God's gift of Brenna
ReplyDeleteA beautiful blessing!
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