Guess I'll go first......(bumped for Christina)

[babs]

Well hello to everyone. I can't tell you how happy I am that this board is here!!!

Guess I'll introduce myself......
I'm Barb married to Danny. We have three living children and one Angel. Ricky just turned 12 today Alexis is 7, Max was stillborn on 3/8/04 due to a placental abruption, and Brody was actually stillborn on April 25th of this year due to an abruption as well but was resucitated after 14 minutes. Some reports say 11 minutes and some say 20 minutes but since I was still out from the emergency c-section I really don't know.He wasn't due untill 6/6/06.
Brody has been diagnosed with HIE(Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy). Due to his asphyxiation at birth alot of his brain tissue was 'killed'.We won't know the full effects of the damage untill he starts missing milestones. But he doesn't suck and has a g tube which we feed him through so that's not a good indication of what is to come..... He also has seizures which we are trying to get under control with phenobarbital. Oh yeah, and neurological storms for which he takes Ativan. So much for such a little guy.
It's been really tough lately dealing with it all. I also have an Autistic Sister so I know what it's like to grow up with a sibling with special needs, and I see that same look in my oldest's eyes when he tries to get close to Brody and brody won't even meet his eyes. It hurts so much to know that they have waited SO LONG for their little brother and now they have to adjust to this new 'normal'. As if losing Max wasn't enough.....
It's really hard to visit MAL and see all the other babies and what they are doing. My B is so far behind. :'(I am also going to smack the next person IRL who says,'Oh he's gonna be just fine!!!' I always tell them,'He's just fine for me.' but it is really starting to get to me!!!!!!!!
Well I'm getting off into my own 'thing' so I'll finish up. I can't wait to hear about everyone else's 'preciouses'.
Love and peace,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Barb

p.s.
I am really gonna have to fix my siggy!

[my4boys]

Barb,
You are SO right! our children are each "perfect"...they are each special. I continue to pray for your precious Brody. My niece, Chloe, is 14 year old, and is a very special girl. She was born at 26 weeks, with only mild CP. AT almost age 2, she developed a 108 fever, which did major damage. She was in a coma for several weeks, and survived. She, like Brody, has a g-tube. She cant walk, sit, or do other things. But let me tell you...she is an angel! Her face lights up when you walk into the room! I cant imagine our lives without her! All this to say, no matter what Brody may face, KNOW that he was sent here for a reason. He is a precious gift. And I am sure he will touch many lives, just as Chloe has.

Also, remember...I am not too far from you. Please feel free to pm me if you ever need an "ear".

Blessings~
Wendy

[lapin]

Barb...so glad to see a post from you!! I PM'd you a while back but not sure if you had gotten it. And you are right..Brody is fine (not "Oh he is going to be fine"). I can see how that would bother you so much. I think they say that thinking it will comfort you not really understanding how it really impacts you. Sorry that you have a hard time visiting/posting on MAL. Brody is such a beautiful little guy....I love hearing (reading) about how he is doing and especially how he proves those doctors wrong! Yes..I stalk you! I hope I can come here to see that. I hope that my replying to you doesn't bother you as I am sneaking over from MAL. Isabella send Brody kisses!! Take care....Shannon

[Corinne]

{{{{{Barb}}}}}}

I am so glad you posted. I did PM you but I know how hectic your life is.

I think of you often, wondering how Brody is doing.

Corinne

[jillgibson]

Babs-
Great to read an update on Brody!

[mommy2three]

Barb, Its so great to hear from you! I think of you and little brody alot! You were there for me with my little Eli! I find that Eli is behind in a lot of thing! He don't hold his head up alot he's not rolling over yet either! I know these are mild compared to the things with little Brody!

Many HUGS,

Carrie, Skylar and Eli

[monicag]

It is nice meeting you.. I'm interested in learning about your precious children.

[thankful heart]

Thanks for sharing your story. I look forward to getting to know you and Brody. I also have to remind others that our children all have a God-given purpose in life -- whatever that may be.

[babs]

Christina, Just wanted you to be able to read Brody's story!

[gabeandgavinsmommy]

Thank you Barb, yay, I know your name know :-)
Boy does it ever sound like you've got a little fighter on your hands! That's an amazing story, I'm so glad they were able to resucitate him. It must have been a horrible thing to watch, especially after losing Max. You guys sound like you're a strong family.