Lions, Tigers and Bears

We braved the hot June weather with a day at Zoo Atlanta with my cousin and aunt.  Such a treat to get to see them and seeing all the animals never gets old my little people.

Sweet Summa Time

 I might be a teeny tiny bit biased but I think these three kiddos in matching seersucker bathing suits are pretty stinking cute.

Last Day of MMO and Kindergarten

All good things must come to an end and so May brought an end to another wonderful school year for Will and Molly Jane.

Molly Jane wrapped up a year of being a drop-in student at MMO.  She was known by her teachers as having a quiet, sweet spirit.  We were thankful for Ms. Margaret and and Ms. Beth and how they tenderly loved my quiet and timid child.

 And Will couldn't have had a more sweet experience in Kindergarten. We are thankful for his school, his teacher, his classmates, the half day program, his love for learning, his hardworking skills, his obedient heart and his ability to soak up everything he hears.  We are proud of you, Willie!

And this little one…well, he didn't go to "school" but when we would go to story time he definitely made his presence known.  He lives life to the fullest.  

Moments to Remember in May

The two big kids got to experience their first bike race in the Twilight Criterium!

 My heart and souls.

 Thankful for sweet friends to do life with.

 An opportunity that blessed our family at a time that we needed it most was being able to organize and run an estate sale at my grandmothers home.  It was a lot of work but getting the proceeds to help pay Henry's medical bills was a blessing to our family.  My sweet dad was my right hand man. 

 Three in a row.

 Kid imaginations at it's best. 

 Someone was pretty pumped about her newly painted stripes on her wall. Bold?  I'd say so. 

 These three kids and their daddy sure do know how to make a mama feel loved and special on Mother's Day.  

 Not to mention a special date night to celebrate me turing a year older.  Dinner out with this guy is rare but special. 

 A girlie painting party with my only girl.

 

Will's 5 year old art work never ceases to amaze me.  He has way more skills than I do. 

 That belly and that scar…remarkable.

 Twin friends!

Look who is back up to pre-surgery weight….

It only took a couple of months but this little love bug finally got back up to his pre-surgery weight!  We all celebrated. After surgery and being so sick he pretty much had to learn how to eat again.  He was very particular about the texture and taste of his food.  The first few weeks after getting home he pretty much lived on milkshakes and goldfish.  I know, that's terrible but we were desperate to get him to eat again and gain some weight.  You do what you got to do.  He might just be a tiny bit spoiled and that's the way I like it;)

Overwhelming

If you are just joining in on Henry's journey here is how it all began….

Part 1

Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

There is nothing to rip a mother's heart into more pieces then to be woken up at 6:00 am from a night of very little sleep to say your baby needs to be moved to the ICU.  His breathing, his heart, his lungs, his blood, another possible blockage, another surgery…but was he strong enough for another surgery??  Why was he not responding to the antibiotics??  Why was his stomach still so distended?  Pneumonia, lungs collapsing were a few other words they were throwing around that morning.   I couldn't think clear, I couldn't believe he was to this point.  My heart ached, my husband (who I had never seen cry) was falling apart.  He cried all day, his tears couldn't stop.  I could hardly hold myself together, much less comfort my husband who was broken and completely at the end of his own strength to keep going.  I'll never forget I had on some polka dotted Christmas Jammie's when the day started in such a horrific way and it was 3pm the next time I looked down to even notice that I still had not brushed my teeth, changed clothes or even put on shoes even during the move across the hospital.  All that I cared about, the only thing that mattered was getting my baby well.  I remember crying over him and whispering in his ear how much I loved him and at some point looking up to see a team of doctors by his bed and tears filled their eyes. I think our love for this sweet boy was evident.  We had to fight for him.  We wanted to be by his bed every moment to hold his hand and let him know we loved him.  We had to be his advocate to make sure he was getting the care he needed.  We were on our knees crying out to the Abba Father to heal him.  No doctor, no team of doctors, no medication, no nurse could heal him.  We knew our baby was in the palm of His creators hand and he was the only one who could heal him.  

Jan 3 7:11

At 6am a team of surgeons came in our room and told us to pack up.  Not to go home but to go to the ICU.  Possible pneumonia or his lungs collapsing.  Still waiting on one more X-ray to be done but they think there is another block which would mean going back into the OR.

For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." Isaiah 41:13

It was only a matter of a few hours before our friends, church and community were gathering together to storm the thrown of the Great Healer.  A prayer service for Henry was planned for later that day and people from all over Athens gathered together to pray on Henry's behalf.  People from Nick's work, Will's school, our church, our neighbors and family were all interceding on his behalf.  Nothing more humbling and chilling than seeing these pictures come in….  I've never experienced anything quite like it.  To see the body of Christ at work like this is indescribable.   We were completely overwhelmed with grief and sadness and at the same time completely overwhelmed with the love of Christ being poured out on our family.  Overwhelmed is the only way to describe how we felt, completely overwhelmed.  

Jan 3 9:11

From Elizabeth

Hey y'all. There is going to be a prayer service for Henry and the Brannens tonight at 5:00 at the church. No childcare provided but you can bring kids. Spread the word.

Gifts, flowers, visitors, phone calls and texts were pouring in.  I have never in my entire life felt so loved and overwhelmed with people's generosity and love in my life.  

Jan 3 11:35

Praise God we have just received some good news.  X-rays showed that barium did in fact go all the way through him which confirms no blocks.  Praise God! So we have ruled out the need for surgery at this point. Another chest X-ray also confirmed that he does not have pneumonia but he is still having pressure on his lungs causing shallow breathing.  His stomach is extremely distended which is causing concern but they are working to release the pressure through the NG tube.  Right now our biggest enemy is the c diff bacteria.  They are about to start another really strong antibiotic in addition to the one he has been on for three days.  We are praying that this gets in him and kills it quickly.  We are praising God for the good news and continue to pray for his complete healing.  Thanks to Morphine, Henry is resting peacefully right now.  Seeing him in such distress tore his mama and daddy's heart into a million pieces.  Thank you for all your prayers to our Great Healer. I'll do my best to keep you updated.

And while all you faithful prayer warriors are fervently praying for the Brannens you can add Nick's mom to the list. We just found the tumor that was removed was cancerous.  Almost too much to take in right now...

I remember when my parents brought the kids on Saturday (before the turning point) I was at my lowest point.  Since Henry was in the PICU they weren't allowed to see their baby brother so I took them to the hospital library and they were each given a book.  We went to the hospital lobby to read it and I couldn't even get through the first page.  I was trying to be strong for them but I couldn't hold it together.  I wanted life to be the way it used to be. I wanted to be their mom again but I couldn't leave Henry or even think about anything else. I longed to have all three of my babies snuggling in our bed on a Saturday morning but here I was seeing my kids for one of the first time in two weeks and I couldn't even talk with them without tears flowing.  They kept asking me why I was so sad.  I knew they knew their baby brother was sick but I didn't want their young and innocent minds to worry more than they already were.  My heart was so divided.  I wanted to be able to be silly and laugh with them but I couldn't.  I couldn't think of anything except Henry.  We prayed together asking God to be with our family as we were apart.  All I could do was hug them and tell them how much I missed them and wanted to be home with them soon.  God's grace was so evident in how well they handled the transition.  That's the only to describe it.  I was so thankful for family and friends that were taking such good and loving care of them.   It allowed me to focus on my baby.  

Jan 4 10:05

Not many changes good or bad.  The swelling in his stomach has gone down a good bit which is good but he is still having some difficult breathing.  They started a second antibiotic to hopefully help knock out the c diff.  Still waiting for the bowels to started moving again but are thankful that yesterday we confirmed there are no other blocks.  Still having a few fevers which are a concern but doctors are doing lots of blood work and trying to make sure they are checking all the basis.  As I feel anxious and frustrated with the lack of progress or reallllly slow progress I'm just trying to trust in the Lords timing.  I can get overwhelmed feeling like we still have a long way to go but Im trying to focus on today and taking baby steps hopefully in the right direction.  Give me Lord my daily bread.

 

AND THEN THE TURNING POINT BEGAN TO HAPPEN….FINALLY

Jan 5 9:11

I don't think there is anything in the world that makes me as happy as to wake up from 8 hours of consecutive sleep an to see my buddy playing with balloons.  The nurses and doctors have all been in smiling and laughing and can't believe how much better he looks today. I'm hesitant to say it and maybe it's too early to say but maybe, just maybe we are starting to turn a corner.  He is need a blood transfusion which they will do soon but it seems like the day is starting off on a good foot.  All praise to our great God!

His hemoglobin level has been low and dropping a little everyday. This is effecting his higher heart rate and making his heart work more than it needs too. They say it should make him generally feel better too.  Please pray his body would except it and there will would be no complications.

 Jan 5 2:44

From EC 

Thought y'all might like to see this little video of Henry playing and actually smiling!  Justin stopped by hospital just a bit ago and said he has improved so much since Friday!  Answer to prayer!

Seeing that kid start to play, laugh and smile today couldn't possibly be any better medicine for this mama! We are praising God for the progress made today and praying for continued healing.

 
They did the transfusion this morning and so far he has handled it well.  He has not had a fever today.  The infectious disease doctors thought he was having fevers yesterday because the second antibiotic had not gotten all the way through his system because his bowels are still working really slow.  It seems that maybe the second antibiotics finally made its way through him last night because his fevers broke, he had a big poop and he generally started to act and feel better.  We are praying that it continues to knock it out so he will feel better and everything can start working again.  We still have a long way to go to get his bowels to start working and get him eating and drinking again.  But none of that could even start until this infection started to get attacked.  So keep praying.  We are by no means out of the woods but at least for the first time in 11 days we are making good progress instead of going backwards.

It was SO wonderful to see the big kids!! My parents brought them by yesterday and today.  They took them back to Athens last night and said the kids were thrilled to be home with their own toys again (first time they have been able to play with their Christmas toys!!) and sleep in their own beds.  They seem to be holding up well but I could tell Will was very sad when saying goodbye today.  Broke my heart to see tears in his eyes when he left.  11 days is along time to be the tough big brother taking care of his little sister.  I kept telling them we are one day closer to be together again.  It can't get here fast enough. I miss having all together in their little nest.

Sorry for the excessive texts right now but my parents kept saying how amazing the house looked.  I assured them it didn't look like that when we left on a whim the day after Christmas.  Can't tell y'all how much that relieves me and helps them to come home to a clean house with a fridge filled with food.  I can't say it enough but y'all are amazing and we are so grateful for each of you😘😘😘.

From Alison

I love the texts because it means you are encouraged and joyful!!!! Keep them coming friend!!!

From Karen

Girl, stop! I am crying in Kroger. And it's the UGLY cry.

I ate chocolate cake and a chick fil a sandwich for breakfast and still haven't brushed my teeth or showered today and for some reason that seems completely normal around here.

From Jen rivers

Karen I was crying in publix:). I agree Alison- so good to know you are encouraged!!

I feel like a new person today! It probably helps that I reserved a "family room" last night that the PICU offers and slept for 8 hours staight. 😴😴😴👍👍👍

This is pretty much how we felt all the time.  We felt like zombies living on no sleep and completely emotionally exhausted.  

Yes, my parents are on their way back to Athens now and Will starts school on Tuesday.  I'm so glad to know they are back home in their own beds and only an hour away from us.

 Jan 6 8:24

We had a pretty good night and he seems to be alert again this morning. So thankful.  I've met with our two teams of doctors this morning and our next goal is to get him to drink liquids.  He still has and needs the NG tube in him but that can also hinder his desire to want to drink and swallow.  We can take it out but then we risk not being able to get his antibiotic in him which is not even an option.  So it's just going to be a game of trial and error and a lot of patience. It could take a couple of days.  Please pray he will have the desire to drink, that the tube won't irritate him and that his little system will handle it well.  Pray for patience for me and that I won't get frustrated and discouraged with slow progress. We made tremendous progress yesterday and just to be at his point is so encouraging. 

He has mastered the art of pulling off his blood pressure cuff:). I like to see the rascally side of him coming out.

Look who is sitting up for the first time and pulling out all the wipes!  He can pull out all the wipes he wants and thank our insurance company for them😜

And 2 minute of that totally wore him out😴😴😴.

Ok, I'll let y'all get on with your lives and quit texting.

Jan 6 4:08
More good news coming from Egleston! We got kicked out of the PICU , Drank juice, antibiotic and applesauce by mouth and held it down!! NG tube came out, no oxygen and two big poops! And playing and smiling most if the day! We have tunrned the corner, my friends!! 

What a happy day to be feeling better, having most of the cords out AND be cheering on the Auburn Tigers in the National Championship.  We made it through the first quarter and then crashed.  Our priorities were a little different during this time of life.  But hey at least he got to put on his AU jersey with the help of 3 nurses:) 

 It was apparently FREEZING outside. School was even canceled because of the low temps.  I wouldn't have known because I never stepped outside for weeks but I at least heard about it.

         Jan 5:25

Henry got a front row seat at the hospital lobby concert today.  We are getting a little wild and crazy over here💃💃💃.  He had a 15 minute curfew until we had to be back to our room to be hooked back up.

It was pretty unbelievable.  Couldn't believe we got such good seats. We may never want to leave if we keep getting to do such fun stuff.

 

Jan 7 10:42

Henry still seems to be on the right path which is very encouraging.  He has had a few more bites of applesauce and jello this morning and has been able to hold everything down for the past 24 hours without his NG tube. He still seems to be  having a lot of discomfort and pain which is hard to watch.  He's on a low dose of morphine periodically throughout the day but sometimes it's just hard to know where he is hurting or how bad.  That is one of our biggest challenges now is to know how much meds to give him to keep him comfortable enough so that hopefully he will want to eat but trying to wean him off as much as possible.  It's just a guessing game with a 14 month old that can't talk and is just as ready (if not more!) to blow this pop stand.  Since we have had a 12 day tour of the hospital so far we are learning that being in the PICU is sort of like being at the ritz. Bigger rooms, bigger bathrooms, more doctors and nurses close by and somehow we managed to get a lot more sleep up there.  On one hand we are so thrilled he is doing well enough to move back to the regular floor but with all three of us being on top of each other and up a lot during the night to comfort him it makes us even more ready to bring this baby home!

Jan 7 4:21

Y'all I really hate to still be having bad news but I ask you to pray that God will continue to heal this baby.  This afternoon he has started to act really sick again.  I just have this intuition when something is wrong and I'm very anxious.  Please pray for peace and clear thinking for me and healing on this sweet baby.  I've requested to see the doctors and waiting on them to come see is.

I'm praying specifically that he will have the biggest poop ever and release gas and all the yucky stuff inside of him.  He hasn't pooped in 24 hours and I'm just praying his body just needs to release those toxins. I'm just praying things will start moving quickly.

Jan 7 6:44

Ok, y'all! God is at work and there is no other way to explain what has happened the past 4 hours but Henry is back.  It might sound crazy but about 30 minutes ago he just started acting like the wild man again.  They still did the X-ray stat and 7 doctors checked it out.  They said his intestines are still not awake like it should but there was nothing alarming or new.  I'm totally ok waiting 13 more days for them to wake up as long a we are seeing some sort of progress.  I'm still praying for a big poop💩💩💩💩tonight.  I think this was Gods reminder to stay on my knees without ceasing. We are still keeping a close watch but this mama is feeling so relieved.  All the doctors jokes that I'm going to have earned my MD by the time this is over.

There are no test that can be run or no stat they can give me that tells me how how he is doing more than him bonking us on the head with an Elmo balloon and dying laughing. It's medicine to my heart.  This afternoon he was completely lethargic and almost non responsive like he was the first 10 days. But he's back. But we gotta keep storming the throne for this little guy!

Yay for a big 💩💩💩!  Yay for an Elmo ballon and a toothbrush! And yay for a playful baby!!

 I have no idea how we would have made it without my sweet dad and mom.  While my mom held the fort down at the house with the two big kids my dad drove to Atlanta everyday to be with me so that Nick got get back to work.  He was the perfect, calming, soothing, steadiness that we needed.

Jan 8 11:44

We had a pretty good night (besides the fact he was up every 30-45 minutes!).  This morning he seems a little uncomfortable and irritable but I think that's just a side effect of coming off the morphine.  But nothing that is alarming.  The doctors have turned his nutrients down to half the amount so that hopefully it will create more of an appetite.  He has had some juice and water so far this morning.  Specific prayer request would be that his bowels will start moving and working again and that he will have an appetite.  It's just taking a lot patience to try a little something and then wait to see.

I forgot to mention that he did throw up last night right before bed because he got too much in his tummy and it just wasn't moving down.  That's why it's such a hard balance between wanting to encourage him to drink and eat but not pushing him too much.  Patience, patience, patience is the name of this game. 😞😞😞

Funny story from last night.... It was probably the 6-7th time Henry had started crying and I nudged nick telling him it was his turn to go check on him and in the most confused and delirious  voice he stood up and said "oh my gosh! Who in the world is that crying? Who's baby is that?"  😂😂😂  I think its safe to say exhaustion has set in:)

I ate many, many meals down in this cafeteria.

 Jan8 4:50

Henry has had a great day and making baby steps in the right direction.  Feeling very encouraged.  There has even been talk of sending us home in the next couple of days!!

Elizabeth always says that when I use my emoticons then I must be doing good so here you go...👏👏👍👍😀😀😍😍👊👊🙌🙌🙏🙏🙏

This is my exciting life right now.

 Jan 9 9:29

Couldn't have better news today!!!!  This kid is completely unhooked to all his wires and nutrition and is kind of crawling around and playing.  He has made tremendous progress and there is talk of sending is home late today or tomorrow morning!!  He ate a huge serving of Hannah's mashed potatoes last night and I think they must have had some super ingredients to get him going today! I'll keep y'all posted on when we find out for sure when we will make our grand exit out of this joint.  I didn't know if this day would ever come. 🎉🎉🎉🙏🙏🙏

Heather, it's still not totally functioning normally but it's enough that he has been able to eat and drink  a little and poop and not vomit.  He still won't be eating or have his normal energy level for quite a while but things are moving and working enough so tht the rest of the healing can happen at home.

No greater news than to hear that he could be released to go home!!!  The day we had all been praying and waiting for had finally arrived!!!  All my babies under one roof!!  God is good!  He was still very sick and weak but to have him at this point was so wonderful.  

We had to say good bye to all the wonderful nurses and doctors who had helped us and encouraged us along the way.  It began to feel a little bit like him with all the sweet and caring people that were caring for us.  

Jan 9 6:42

Driving home!!!!!! Home sweet home!!!!! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!

 We were greeted and celebrated by a house full of friends, banners, balloons, cards, flowers and family!

No greater feeling then to have all three of these precious children home again under one roof.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!