All is well...

Garret's procedure was successful yesterday. It was a long day for those waiting it out - Erin, Jim, G.G., G-pops, and Mursaus were keeping each other company. The rest of us were waiting by our phones to hear the news.

What we know is that Garret's fistula was larger than expected - they had to stretch the esophagus quite a bit to close it. That said, there is a 50/50 chance there might be leak, if so doctors will carefully monitor it and look for it to close on its own. Because the gap was a bit larger, lil' G might have to have his g-tube for a couple of years to supplement his caloric intake. In the meantime, he has to stay very still for the next 5 days to help it heal. Once that's over he'll get to experience all the fun of Christmas in the NICU!

Eventful Day!

Garret has been cleared to have his surgical procedure to correct his fistula today. The surgery team came by this morning to confirm that the procedure is a go. He will likely be in surgery starting around 10:00 AM and it is unclear how long things will take. The length of the surgery depends on the gap in the fistula.

Originally the procedure was scheduled for the 24th, but Garret's was having increased apneas and bradies and was intubated earlier this week as a result. The intubation was causing some issues with his g-tube and the surgeons decided as long as his health was good they would move the procedure up.

Erin and Jim are down in the NICU today. G.G. and G-pops are heading down to wait with them, along with Rich and Jenny Mursau. The Mursaus have been a great support system for Erin and Jim reassuring them throughout this journey. Their son Ty had similar conditions to Garret about 3 years ago and they were spending quite a bit of time down at Children's then. Needless to say, Garret and the Darlings will be in the thoughts and hearts of many today as he has the procedure done.

Auntie Missy graduates!

Auntie Missy is graduating today from the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh! She has earned her bacelor's in Marketing, Supply and Operations Management. The Dallman's couldn't be more proud of her accomplishment. We all wish her the best in her upcoming job search.

Most everyone is making their way over to Oshkosh to support and celebrate Missy's accomplishment. Amber, regretfully, is hanging back in Saint Paul because of the dismal weather forecast - she certainly wishes she could be there. Erin is looking to take a break from the NICU and cheer Missy on in the next chapter in her life.

In general reflection, this shows how far the Dallman girls have come in 2008. Missy moves into the next chapter of being a professional. Erin's next chapter is becoming a new, loving mom. Amanda and Amber are working on rearing their delightful dogs (Sherpa and Sparky) because they're not sure they are ready for anything much bigger than that at this point. Whatever the next chapter is, our family has been there to support everyone through it all.

Can you believe it?

The little G hit the big 4 pound mark! Who ever thought doubling your body weight in just over one month would be such a HEAVY deal? With the weight gain and a couple of other positives, Garret is now down to 3 liters on flow and no more caffeine.

Being 4 pounds means it is also time to talk surgery! They have scheduled Garret's esophageal procedure for Christmas Eve at 7.30 AM. Some you may say, "Christmas Eve? What?" To that, I think Christmas Eve is a great metaphor for a time of hopefulness, light in a time of darkness, and peace in a time of chaotic consumerism. It will be a time to reflect on how much Garret has brought to our family and how hopeful we are for the future. Please keep the Darlings in your thoughts, reflections, and prayers while you reflect upon the holiday season.

One Month Today!

Garret turns one month today! And, in one month's time he has come a long way. He is currently weighing in at 3 pounds, 9 ounces - gaining over 1.5 pounds in the last month! While he keeps packing on the holiday pounds Erin and Jim should be meeting with surgery some time this week to discuss his upcoming procedure in more detail.

This past weekend Garret also had a room full of loving family for his baptism. All grandparents were there as well as new aunts and uncles. Pastor Nate from Trinity in Waupaca came down to conduct the nice little ceremony. And, G.G. brought guardian angels for everyone who was present to hang on a small Christmas tree. The angels all had names on them and will overlook Garret and Erin while they stay down there over the holidays. After the baptism we all enjoyed lunch and conversation together.

With everyone away from home the dog cousins are spending some time alone. Auntie Missy and Uncle Paul have taken in Gunner the past month. And, it appears that Gunner and Chug are now the thickest of thieves. One thing is for sure, Gunner better start taking better notes from Chug on how to remove the holiday headpieces Auntie Missy insists on putting one for pictures. On the other hand, Garret is finally starting to fit into some of the adorable clothes he has been given, which is certainly one of many blessings to be counted!

Ringing in December

Garret is quickly approaching the one month mark. He is gaining the weight to prove it too. Little G is closing in on the 3 pound mark and will hopefully achieve it (and a bit more) by December 1! All of his blood work came back and he did not have an infection, but he is breaking up a lot more mucus and junk now then before.

Erin and Jim are finishing out the Thanksgiving weekend together with Garret. They have decorated his pod to make it feel more like the holidays are near. Jim headed back this morning for work and school, and to beat the snow. And, Erin will be settling into December with a bit more routine than the start of November.

3 weeks and counting (the grams)

Garret hit the three week old mark today, and appears to be suffering from a Thanksgiving hangover like the rest of us. The good news is that he is up to 2 lb 12 oz and growing. The food hangover part is that he is a bit sluggish, running a temp, and back on oxygen for a time. Docs have put him on antibiotics and those seem to be settling him down a bit. All that said, he's being well taken care of and Erin and Jim received more information on the type of fistula Garret has. It's a type C tracheoes0phageal fistula (that is about all I can say about that - see the link for more details).

Erin had a little help from the nurses to prop up Garret's prized toy - the homemade teddy bear from me (Auntie Amber)! Now, the colorful bear can watch over little G when Erin and Jim are not around. Sparky has noticed where his bear friend is and can't wait to make the road trip to Milwaukee next weekend to pay a visit.

Reflections of Thankfulness

This Thanksgiving is quite different from any of those experienced by the Dallmans in past. For starters, we're all grateful that Garret is here and is doing as well as can be expected for a nearly 3-week old who was 10 weeks early! Garret has been participating in typical preemie behavior the last couple of days, having the occasional slowing heart rate and breathing - to peeing before Momma Erin can get the new diaper on him.

Garret's early arrival has shown that our family can be flexible and adapt to new scenarios (as much as we all enjoy being in control). Gail gave up being the matriarch to participate in (perhaps a more) relaxing dinner with Darrin's family and Amanda. Missy latched on to Paul's family and found herself a delightful meal there after dark. Erin and Jim made their way back to Waupaca to enjoy the company of Jim's family and a bit of time away from the hospital. Amber and Marc stayed in Saint Paul and learned more about the capacity of their half-sized oven and enjoyed a quiet meal at home (proudly made from scratch).

And, of course, there are some things that have yet to change - Chuck has not bagged the big one this year and spent the entire day out in his deer stand, enjoying the peace and tranquilty of the "back 40." One thing is for certain though, this Thanksgiving we all had a greater understanding of how grateful we are for each other, even when we are not able to enjoy the traditional meal together.

PaPa has a big birthday

PaPa Chuck's always has his birthday during the 10 days of gun hunting in Wisconsin, and this year is no different. However, this is the first year G.G. has been gone for so long, and he has had to fend for himself. Playing bachelor means many nights of frozen pizza, potato chips, and candy bars. He received a pleasant birthday surprise when G.G. and Erin showed up to wish him well and into the next decade.

The usual suspects were on hand (Gramps, Ruth Ann, Missy, Paul, Darrin and Amanda) to enjoy a Chuck-y meal of BBQ and chips. Amanda made the red velvet cake (with a little added love and health). All in all it was a great day for the Dallmans.

Oh! And, the little G-man had a quiet day of rest. Erin came back in the afternoon and was able to hold him for a while. Then, she was off to grab some dinner and then back to the NICU for part of the evening. This will be the first night Erin's spends at the Ronald McDonald alone! Erin is as ready as she'll ever be to take on the leading role of mom, and I know she'll be great at it!

Lift and separate?

No, I am not talking about Erin changing Garret's diaper. One of the highlights down near the NICU today was the trip Erin and G.G. took to the bra shop. Erin was able to get sized and found a couple of good fitting nursing bras to take care of "her girls." This was stated to be one of two highlights for the day.

The second being that G.G. held the little G today! Yes, that's right...she was the first person other than Mom & Dad to hold the little guy. I am sure G.G. was ecstatic to hold her grandson for the first time. Surely, Garret continued to steal her heart and now he probably has her on a very short leash. G.G. will likely be bragging about this one for quite some time. However, that is what the grandma is suppose to do.

The crazy women have left...for now

Things should be a little calmer for Garret this evening. Aunties Amanda and Amber came to say their "see you laters" this afternoon and show some love for the G-man. Garret will enjoy the next few days with Erin and G.G. before the turkey day holiday. It is quite apparent this weekend that everyone in the Dallman clan (including extended friends and family) are certainly smitten with Garret. His little, quirky smiles and squinting eyes have stolen our hearts.

Now everyone seems to better understand the brady episodes and how to get through them. We will continue to hope for Garret to grow, grow, grow to get him big enough for surgery to stop all those mucus build-ups from driving us crazy!

(Oh, I admit we look completely crazy standing around Garret's isolette watching him grow...I don't think he liked us all watching him, because he bradied right after this photo! :-( But, he followed it up with a smile and some winking to wish Amanda and Amber farwell.)

Garret and Daddy bonding time

Today Garret got some quality alone time with Dad while G.G. and Aunties Amanda and Amber whisked Erin away to a wedding shower. Garret was well-behaved while Jim was able to get some homework out of the way. Garret also gained back some of the weight he lost the last couple of days. And, hopefully he will have a better night than Friday - where he had some breathing difficulties and needed some assistance a couple of times.

Erin headed back to Children's in the late afternoon, and will look forward to spending a quiet evening with Jim and Garret. G.G., Aunties Amanda and Amber will be nearby at the Schwartzmiller's abode enjoying a homemade meal (sans the mushrooms for Amanda) and Janel's de-lish, homemade cookies!

Cousin Sparky wishes he could road trip...

Auntie Amber is heading down to the Milwaukee area today; leaving Marc to entertain Sparky for another weekend of bachelorhood. Sparky will grudgingly give Garret one of many hand-made gifts from Auntie Amber. Hopefully Garret will enjoy the bear as much as Sparky does and Gunner probably will as well.

The weekend will likely be a blur as Jim, G.G., Amanda, and Amber will all be around at some point to help kill time with Erin in the NICU. On Saturday, Jim will get a bit of well-deserved alone time with Garret (and peace and quiet from the craziness of all the Dallmans) as we'll be heading to a wedding shower for the afternoon.

2 weeks and counting!

Garret hits the big 2-week old mark today! To celebrate, he's gearing up for a fun-filled weekend. Jim heads down to stay with all for the weekend. And, Aunties Amanda and Amber will be in the area to spend some time with the fam as well.

On Thursday Auntie Jackie (Jim's older sister) came down to keep tabs on Garret and was able to spend the night at the Ronald McDonald house with Erin and GG. Garret had a pretty solid day yesterday, despite having the occasional bradycardias, which are keeping the nurses on their feet! Little Garret did lose a bit of weight, which has him down 2 ounces. I am sure many of us have b.m.s where we lose more than Garret's body weight, but 2 ounces is pretty significant in preemie world.

Another day of forward progess

Good news for Garret today. His PDA is officially closed, and it appears that there is tissue growing around his VSD (or in lay men's term the slight hole in his heart that would cause a murmur). Also, he was able to be dressed in a stylish, adorable outfit (that will probably fit him for at least a couple of months)! Erin helped dress him and he looked, oh, so cute!

Garret has been having a bit of trouble breathing, with the occasionally drop in heart rate (bradycardia) and bit of apnea. However, we are quite blessed that he is breathing on his own! Many preemies in similar conditions are not breathing on their own, so this is a huge accomplishment. But, when he has these little epidsodes it can feel like minor setbacks. Rest assured he is great hands and is continually monitiored until he will be strong enough to run like the wind!

Increasing the mom responsibilites

Mommy Erin was able to help give Garret a sponge bath today. Apparently, he did not enjoy getting wet and clean as he was working his lungs to nearly full capacity!

Erin was also able to hold Garret for a while, but he decided to become feisty and had to lie back down. While all the action is happening G.G. had to go for a walk to take a few deep breaths! All-in-all everyone is doing well, considering the circumstances! Stay tuned for their weekend plans.

Almost a 3 hour nap time!

Erin was able to hold Garret for nearly three hours today. She even feel asleep while holding him! Of course, while Erin was kangarooing with Garret there had to be a picture snapped of G.G..

And, WOW can we tell what Erin is going to look like in a couple of decades? Seriously, she's Gail's spitting image!

Also, notice Garret's stylish new hat. Erin is learning to use the knitting loom, and will likely have a new hat for every preemie in the NICU before she leaves! Overall, it was a pretty calm day - because as said before, things just seems a bit easier when mom is around.

G.G. heads to town

G.G. (Grandma Gail for those who may not know) headed down to Milwaukee today. She'll be able to be there through Thanksgiving. Erin will certainly appreciate her support the next couple of weeks, as Jim heads back to work. That certainly doesn't mean they won't drive each other crazy...G.G. will certainly insist on daily walks and extra vegetables, which is definitely out of love, but can come across as nagging! Maybe they can pick up a few hobbies together, like learning a few more crochet stitches or mastering the cribbage board.

At any rate, everyone knows life seems more feasible when your mother is around. Little Garret is certainly aware of this too. While Garret has been testing his boundaries (in more than just the incubator),Erin will likely continue to test her boundaries with G.G. At any rate, both moms definitely have a way of comforting the way no one else can.

Auntie Manda comes to visit!

Thursday was a good day for the Darlings. Garret gained weight, which is a double yea, Erin & Jim are really settling into the Ronald McDonald House, AND Auntie Amanda came to visit!

Garret is still working on his tan with the lights, but Erin and Jim have been able to hold him for the last three days. Garret is one week old Friday, and it has certainly been a long, roller-coaster of a week! However, this roller coaster appears to be leveling off while everyone waits for Garret to double his body weight. Erin is going to settle down with some hobbies--a little crocheting, sodoku, and some movie watching--and hang in there while the little guy gains weight. As always, phone calls and visitors are more than welcome!

Caring Bridge Site

Erin and Jim have started a Caring Bridge website - you can visit it at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/garretallandarling.

Jim was able to kangaroo with Garret last night for nearly two hours! Both Jim and Erin are settling in to what the next few months may look like...walking back and forth between the Ronald McDonald House and the NICU at Children's. Fortunately, they have met other families and have been able to sit on support activities for other parents with children in the NICU. If you get a chance to visit them ask to check out their scrapbook...it has a fantastic front page!

Daddy leaves and Garret comes out to play!

On Tuesday, November 11th Erin was able to hold Garret for the second time. This was the first time holding him after his g-tube procedure. Garret was off the morphine and breathing on his own again. As Erin held him he even opened his eyes for the camera! PaPa Chuckie and Auntie Amber were on hand to see Erin hold little Garret. Of course, they had to get their pictures taken with the Darlings to document everything!

A Place to (Comfortably) Stay - Finally.

On Monday evening Erin and Jim were able to get a room at the Ronald McDonald house across from Children's Hospital. The house is an incredibly welcoming place and will hopefully allow Erin and Jim to relax in the evenings while being able to connect with other families.

They can be contacted at the house at 414.475.5333, which is the main line ask to be transfered to the Darlings. Erin and Jim can also receive mail at the house! The address is:
8948 West Watertown Plank Road
Milwaukee, WI 53226

Erin and Jim can also be reached in Garret's room at the NICU - 414.607.5291.

Phone calls are certainly appreciated, and of course mail is definitely appreciated!

First Family Picture

Jim and Erin were able to hold Garret for the first time on Saturday, November 8. This was the day before he had his g-tube put in. Both mom and dad enjoyed "kangarooing" with Garret for about an hour on Saturday evening.

On Sunday, Garret had his g-tube procedure to drain stomach acid, this prevents the acid from going into his lungs and allows him to continue screaming (like mom likes to do :) !).

Welcome Garret Allan Darling!

Garret Allan Darling was born Friday, November 7 at 7:14 AM - over two months early! He weighed 2 pounds 1 ounce and was 15 inches long.

His first baby picture shows he could have only inherited his lungs from his mom and dad! He has already proven to be quite the fighter. As PaPa Chuck said, "He's going to be a wrestler because he doesn't like to stay on his back!"