Living on a prayer

Garret is keeping our family on their toes. He came down with acute aspiration pneumonia on Thursday, which may have been a result of (1) a leak in his esophagus from the last dilatation or (2) his recurring reflux from the previous oral feeds (he's now strictly on his g-tube). The pneumonia caused persistent pulmonary hypertension, which in turn caused some cardiac distress with his right ventricle. He had to be intubated and will likely be for most of this week. He is getting a chest x-ray today to reassess the pneumonia and will likely finish off the antibiotics for it on Tuesday or Wednesday. Garret is also on meds (Viagra to be exact) for the pulmonary hypertension to help dilate the blood vessels in his lungs.

In part due to Garret's critical condition, the ENTIRE Chuck Dallman clan gathered on Saturday evening (at my in-laws' home) to enjoy some quality time with one another. (Surprisingly, no one even suggest snapping a picture!) We are extremely appreciate of the meal and space Carl & Polly shared with us for the evening. (If only the Brewers had held on to win our evening would have been more than complete.)

This next week will be a bit touch and go - especially as they begin to remove some of the current meds to see how he tolerates being without them. While I am not always particularly religious, it seems that the Easter message of hope in a time of darkness is quite appropriate here and is comforting to our family.

G-Pops

Don't let Chuckles' stern exterior fool you. He's ready for the lil' G to make his appearance in the north woods. In the mean time, he's honing his skillz on making sure his grand-dogs are well-behaved. Rest assured these same dog-rearing skillz were used on us, girls, growing up. We knew how to listen and sit on command just like Garret will when around G-pops. (Ask Chuckles the same question, though, and he might give you a different answer - especially when it comes to Erin and Missy in their teenage years.)

The Sling in time for a Spring Fling

For her birthday Erin received a baby sling, which was handmade by me. (Therefore, she had to sign a disclaimer releasing me of any legal obligations before using it.) Slings can be a tricky thing if you aren't sure how to use. HOWEVER, once you have them down the can be extremely useful and convenient.

From the picture Erin posted on facebook, it looks like she needs a tutorial. Luckily the internet is full of useful information--even how to use a sling. If you make it down to visit Erin & Jim see if she has mastered the sling yet. If not watch the info and share a few pointers. Lil' G will surely be ready for a spring fling walk outside this weekend if the sling features are mastered!

They say it's your birthday...

The 7ths (and 17th) seem to be the day to remember in our family - for birthdays anyway. Of those, Erin turns 27 today! And, not to be forgotten, Garret is 4 months.

Some of the Dallman clan is heading down to Milwaukee to spend some quality time with Erin. Maybe they'll get in a game of cribbage or scrabble. Our attempt at wishing Erin birthday wishes is posted here. We purchased a piano yesterday and this is our first duet...we definitely need to practice a bit more before we hit the road. At the very least you can enjoy our ridiculous behavior and ogling over Sparky.

Happy Birthday Erin! We love you.

more about "They say it's your birthday...", posted with vodpod

In like a lion, out like a lamb?

To continue with my weather metaphor to life: as March begins many following the Darling clan may be beginning to wonder if the month will go out like a lamb?

All signs point to "we're not sure yet, but the progress is promising." Lil' G is well over the 7 pound mark and LOVES to eat (just look at those cheeks?). In fact, he has been eating orally so well that they are decreasing hi j-tube feeds to every 8 hours AND he's been able to actually do a little breastfeeding. He is still receiving the stockpiled, frozen milk, but I bet he really enjoys the fresh stuff.

Garret's pod is still on lock-down and his visitors are limited to Erin, Jim and grandparents. However, if you happen to be in the Milwaukee area they'd certainly love guests. (You know if you're stranded at the airport and can't catch the connecting flight to Bean-town or something like that.) Erin has taken some adorable new photos of Garret posted on picasa for the spring and has some nice shots of all the helpful doctors holding him. Enjoy the longer days and look for "calmer, lamb-like" weather.

It's still winter...

So, as we all know Momma Erin LOVES taking pictures, and we have accumulated quite a few over the last three and a half months. Here's a little montage to remind us all of how far little Garret has come this winter...it's quite a ways! Just to recap: he was 2 lb 1 oz and is now over 7 lb; he was eating through an IV, then g-tube, now doing oral feeds; he had surgery to correct his windpipe and is continuing to make forward progress! While it can seem as if there are setbacks, it is good to be reminded of all the progress that has been made. An, my latest soapbox reminder/metaphor: winter is a VERY long season, just when it seems like spring is around the corner you get hit with another snowstorm, but the seasons always follow thro"ugh and eventually change.

Of course, the song selection is one of the few songs I love playing on piano and is really what I like, but it seems appropriate. Enjoy!

Blogger: The Darling Darlings - Edit Post "It's still winter...

Hand in the 2009 V-card

Well, it's one day past Valentine's. And, 2009 is (again) a year of firsts for our family. Obviously, it's is Garret's first Valentine's Day, and everyone in our family couldn't be more smitten with him. Lil' G was showered with love from all directions. G.G. gave him his first "Gunner" dog replica, so he'll know what it's like when he actually arrives home.

It was also Uncle Marc and Auntie Amber's first V-day as a married couple. Most people probably know that the only reason I would celebrate v-day is because I don't have a v.d. - guess that's as good a reason as any, and will now be less likely since we are in a publicly and legally recognized committed relationship (Note, the heavy sarcasm.). Needless to say, we didn't do anything out of the ordinary for the day, but did spend some quality time with one another including a trip to the dog park and dinner and a movie.

Back to the Darlings: as we all know winter is a long season that started for our family at the very beginning of November. The last few months of the season can seem particularly draining, which is also where we are at with lil' G's status in the NICU. He's lingering near the 7 lb mark, but hasn't quite sustained it - yet. Erin and Jim are becoming more understanding of his current physical status and are hoping it will improve with the weather over the next month. Our family is looking forward to new seasons and lil' G's growth with them.

A weekend away...to the big city

Last weekend Jim and Erin were able to get out of the bubble of the NICU. They traveled to the big city of Saint Paul for Amber and Marc's wedding (we certainly appreciated their presence). On Friday night we all enjoyed a little dinner with Marc's family and the crazy Dallman's (of course). Then, Saturday we had a little sister time and enjoyed some breakfast a walk together in the morning. Later, we met up with the guys to check out the melting ice sculptures at the winter carnival in down town Saint Paul. Of course, the evening ended with a wedding, dinner, and drinking from 'das boot.' (More photos to follow later.)

As for lil' Garret - he's continuing to make forward progress. It appears that his continued apeneas and bradies may be a result of trachea malasia. He's back on the canula, which will hopeful allow the trachea time to heal. His "pod" is currently on lockdown as there was an outbreak of influenza. Therefore, only parents and grandparents are admitted in to see his cute face. The rest of us will have to rely on photos from Erin and Jim. HOWEVER, visitors are still appreciated and can get Erin and Jim out of the pod for a walk or a meal - especially now that the weather is acting like spring again!

Some winter carnival/wedding photos...

It's Been a While...

So, I have admittedly neglected the blogging for some time now. I am sure I could come up with a ridiculous number of excuses, but we won't go there. Since I've last written, the lil' G has been going through some growing pains - literally and figuratively. He has been recovering from he's surgery, which appears to be successful with no significant leakages. He recently had a g-tube inserted and is getting 8 ml of food (aka Erin's breast milk) every hour. Lil' G has also more than doubled his weight in his first two months of earthly existence, but will not be trying to get on the Biggest Loser any time soon - closing in on 6 lbs might be a little premature for that! (No pun intended.) Garret has outgrown most of his preemie clothes, which is huge! (Pun intended.)

Erin and Jim have been keeping each other warm over in the NICU and RMH the last couple of weeks. They certainly appreciate the continually thoughts and encouragement friends and family send their way, and have learned what a support system truly means. We know it's difficult for friends and family to get down and visit, but appreciate the continual efforts that made to contact everyone and check in as to how things are going. Living in the NICU definitely is test of perseverance and patience, which will help Erin and Jim grow in many ways together and apart!

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.