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.