A week with a friend!

Brayden got to hang out with Kingston twice last week. I know Brayden loves his time with Kingston because he cries in the car on the way home.

Brayden was showing off his party tricks to Kingston

Kingston decided that he wanted to join the fun

They decided the do a lip sync. (They can't sing, they are babies!)

A few days later the boys decided to accompany their mothers and go shopping

They made sure we didn't buy mom jeans!

After a fun week with Kingston, Brayden decided to pose for some cute pictures.

Pondering Life

Dressing as a bear for a walk

Beary cute again

Riesling sees me wear this a few times a day to feed Brayden. She decided to step up and try her luck.

Really God? That's creative!

Today was another big appointment day for Brayden. Once again he was a trooper as he was ultra sounded. He actually fell asleep as they applied warm gel on his tummy for the probe. We got some new news. Apparently Brayden is one of 6% of people in the world who has two ureters coming out of his kidney. Everyone has a lower one, which connects the kidney to the bladder. Brayden has one on the bottom, but also one on the top. This is one of the key things that has made him so healthy over the past 11 weeks. The pediatric urologist is really impressed how well Brayden is doing and this explains why. Who knew an answer to prayer would be to double a ureter. So, what does this mean? Brayden will undergo a procedure in March. During that time the doctors will be investigating the blockage in the lower ureter and how sever it is. At this point things are looking really good. We are surprised and thrilled to see our prayers are being answered in a strange but great ways. We continue to pray for wisdom for the doctor and healing for our son.

A picture of a regular ureter, remember Brayden doesn't have a right kideny.

Brayden has a double ureter, this is just an example.

Happy Valentines Day!!!

First Valentines Day!

Busy week!

Brayden has been having a very busy and fun week. He loves to smile, sleep, and eat. A very full schedule for a 9 week old. Recently we have been practicing tummy time. Since he hates it so much he needs to calm down and think on his back. He does enjoy time with his Nana on Tuesdays. She comes every Tuesday morning to help and bring lunch. We both love Nana coming! Brayden met his new friend Shayne Biles on Friday. He was checking her out! We decided to take him around Portland this weekend. He thought he was flying the whole time! As we walked to saw a parade! From start to finish it was a four block parade. We tried to join in, however by the time we got in the back the parade was over!


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After such a traumatizing parade he had to go to his mom's happy place.


Through out the week he has been practicing looking cute. I think he is mastering it!

One hour after the procedure

Brayden makes this look so fun Ries joins sometimes!

Radioactive Baby

Today was a tough day as a parent. Brayden went in today for a big procedure to see how his kidney is draining. They put an IV in him (not a fun process for an 8 week old) and injected him with radioactive fluids. Then every 15 seconds he had a picture taken of his kidney. The test essentially shows how well or poorly his kidney is draining. Here is how our days started… He had to get into a grown. The only small gown was pink, just my luck! Then he had an IV placed that would deliver regular fluids and the radioactive fluids. After he was set he went to radiology and got wrapped up. He luckily slept for most of the 80 minutes. The camera taking the pictures is under the bed. It takes pictures of the fluids as they flow through the body. The results: We need more testing. I can’t believe it! We’ll be going in for another ultrasound in about a month. But there was some good news. His creatnine level is great! This shows how well his kidney is functioning. He is at a normal level for a child his age! Yeah!! This means his one kidney is doing well! However, the kidney doesn’t drain well. This impacts the kidney and poses a problem. With another ultrasound in late February or early March the pediatric urologist is going to look to see where the blockage is. Then he will determine if there needs to be a surgery later in March. (But then again I have thought that we were going to have specific answers two appointments ago!) Overall we are blessed that his kidney function is increasingly getting better. We remain hopeful that God will continue to heal him.

Strike a pose!

Brayden wanted to show off his new 12lb 14 oz body.

Blue Steel

What is this thing in my mouth? Let me show you!

Yes, I am wearing just a diaper!

And I'm loving it!

What makes Brayden look big?

On Tuesday Brayden had his first play date with his new best friend, Kingston! Kingston is 13 days old, which makes Brayden someone to look up to. We tried to see who was longer, but they didn’t want to stand back to back.

It’s hard to sit up straight for a picture when you can’t even hold up your head.

Brayden got upset because he was squishing his new best friend.

When Kingston’s life was spared from Brayden’s 12 pound body, Brayden was at peace once again.