Thursday, December 31, 2015

Update on Brandon

Since Brandon was born on the 14th, he has had to go through 2 surgeries.  He had the hole in his back closed up on December 15th and then he had to get a VP shunt on December 21st.  He did well with both surgeries.  After the surgeries he was having some problems with eating a full bottle of expressed breast milk.  A feeding tube was placed on the 22nd to help him get all his nutrition.  As of current, he is doing better and making progress with eating everyday.  We hope to get that feeding tube out soon!  Also Brandon wasn't emptying his bladder completely so he was having to be cathed every 2 hours at one point.  That was stressful!  Since then he is doing better at peeing in his diaper on his own and is only having to be cathed once a day.  Most likely the doctors will discontinue the cathing today.  Brandon is also moving his hips, legs and ankles so well despite his Spina Bifida!  Brandon has made so much progress since he was born.  We are are so blessed and so grateful!  He is a strong fighter!  With Brandon being in the NICU it has brought back memories of when Rachel and Haley were in there for so long.  Thankfully Brandon won't have to be in the NICU for that long.  We don't know for sure when he's coming home but it will be soon.  Here are some pictures since I last posted about Brandon.

Right before the shunt surgery (12/21/15)
His head after the shunt surgery.  They shaved off so much of his beautiful hair!
Me getting to hold him for the first time
Brandon eating
So awake and alert!
Sucking his thumb.  Sweet Boy!
Got a picture of him smiling!
Mommy holding Brandon

15 comments:

  1. I have been waiting for an update. So sad to see this :( I am so sorry your going through so much. Praise the lord though for the good things like him moving his legs and stuff, I am so happy to hear that. Have the girls got to meet him yet? I do love watching your family grow and stay strong despite the many challenges you have faced. Happy New Year Stansel family :)

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  2. he looks so much like his dad ! He looks so strong !

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  3. Adorable!! What a blessing to hear all the good news on Brendon's!! Love getting updates I come here often :) Have A Blessed New Year!!

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  4. Brandon is such a beautiful boy! We are sending you the very best wishes that he is soon well enough to come home to be with his lovely family. Every blessing to you all for 2016.

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  5. What a beautiful baby Amanda, he already looks like Thomas. I hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2016, I will be thinking of you and looking forward to your updates. Sending Good Tidings, Catherine x

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  6. Happy New Year to Amanda, Thomas, Rachel ,Haley, Kayla and of course Brandon. Brandon is such a cutie pie, such a lucky boy to have joined your family. All the very best to you guys for the new year with happiness and every blessing !

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  7. Thank you for the update. Have been wondering how Brandon was doing. He is so cute, just a beautiful little boy. He looks to be so alert even though he has been through so much already. Giving thanks for the great progress he has made and praying he is home and healthy soon. Happy 2016 it looks like it will be a fun filled year for your family with a new little brother

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  8. Beautiful Baby Boy! Congrats :) with you as parents, I think he will have a wonderful life.

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  9. He is so beautiful! ~Victoria

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  10. Gorgeous baby-- he looks like he is going to be a spunky, bright little guy. Congratulations on the successful surgeries. It is great to hear how he is wiggling his lower body!

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  11. So glad he is dong well and I LOVE his big bright eyes. I am so glad to hear how well he is wiggling his lower body and came through his surgeries so well!! Always in our thoughts and prayers.

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  12. Happy 1 month :) hope all is going well.

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  13. We have a shunt and they can be scary, but you are a great mom

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