tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52618972036230221072024-03-13T11:54:00.852-05:00Our Amazing GraceThe Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-67162667280180767052013-09-08T08:51:00.001-05:002013-09-08T08:51:48.792-05:00Happy 5th Birthday Grace We had a very special day celebrating Grace turning 5!<br /><br /><div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9"quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt5" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!<br/><span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.onetruemedia.com</span></a></div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-44852336749838065362013-06-14T08:24:00.002-05:002013-06-23T22:51:14.243-05:00Grace gets a new necklace, sort of...Life gets busy and I forget to write but it is about time for an update...<br>
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There have been some big changes with Grace. In December we made the difficult decision to put Grace through yet another surgery. Grace had been throwing up a lot of her feeding which was horrible to watch her go through. She would struggle to breathe, lips would turn blue, and then she would end up in the hospital with aspiration pneumonia. We were in the hospital nearly every two weeks, it was time to do something. We met with GI and general surgery and decided on a Nissen, a procedure that would make it so Grace could no longer throw up. General surgery also recommonded having her intestinal malrotation corrected at the same time. All of this was a difficult decision because during Grace's very first surgery, when she was two weeks old, she coded and needed to be ressesitated. We almost lost her. But, we knew this surgery would be good for Grace and would lead to a better quality of life. So the date was set, November 29 2012.<br>
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The day of surgery came, they took her back and we waited. About an hour had gone by when the surgeon came to the door and said "We have a problem." Our hearts dropped. He told us it took three anesthesiologists an hour just to get her breathing tube in. Her airway is so small and her anatomy is so different than a typical kiddo. The surgeon said she was stable, but not stable enough to do surgery. He said the only way he would even consider touching her is if she had a secure airway, a trach. We would have to think about this, as it would be a huge decision. A trach had been brought up before, but I brushed off the idea saying she didn't need one! So he left, letting us know Grace was stable and they would be bringing her up to the PICU with her breathing tube.<br>
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About ten minutes had gone by after the doctor left and we heard the Emergency Chimes and they announced "Anesthesia stat to OR 1" I knew this was Graces room! I lost it, I thought we were going to lose her. It seemed like forever until the anesthesiologist came in to talk to us and let us know she was ok. It was horrible. We talked with her a lot about the option of a trach. She told us that if for some reason Grace was to stop breathing and needed to be intabated, she would not make it. It took 3 highly skilled anesthesiologists to place her breathing tube in a highly controlled place (the OR), it would be unlikely they would be able to place a breathing tube in an emergency situation and it would end up that they would have to trach her in an emergency. We knew a tracheostomy had to be done, it would save her life one day.<br>
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Grace was taken to the PICU , and her surgery would be on Wednsday, 3 days later. Her initial surgery, the reason we were there in the first place, would not happen. I spent all of my time up until the day of surgery on Facebook groups for Moms of Trach Babies. I asked questions and tried to learn as much as I could to prepare for a hole being cut into my babies neck. I spent hours staring at my baby girl in the hospital bed with a breathing tube, looking at her sweet neck and kissing it. We spent hours talking to every doctor, nurse, and respritory thrapist in the PICU that knew Grace so well, looking for reassurance that this was the right decision for her. We knew this is what had to be done.<br>
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The day of surgery came, it would be a fast surgery only about an hour. The anestisiologist spent hours with us, the same amazing lady that had been in the OR with Grace just a few days before. She had been up to visit Grace everyday. She changed her schedule around to be in the OR with Grace. She knew how terrified we were. She had the nurses call us during every step of the surgery so we knew what was happening. Everything went as planned and Grace was back up in her PICU room looking peaceful. Grace was a champ and she healed over the next week. We decided this was enough excitement for one hospital stay, and we would wait until summer to have Grace's Nissen and Malrotation surgery.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IuPXF_t9wzg/UcfBXYwcECI/AAAAAAAAAMw/M1lx2aAUnuk/s640/blogger-image--295533400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-IuPXF_t9wzg/UcfBXYwcECI/AAAAAAAAAMw/M1lx2aAUnuk/s640/blogger-image--295533400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>A couple days after Grace's Trach was placed, the PICU Nurse Practitioner came into her room. She told us that she was up all night thinking about Grace and in her opinion it would be good to get her Nissen and Malrotation surgery done while she was already in the hospital. After talking to her we made the decision to go ahead with the surgery. Three days later, Grace again went down for surgery, this time to fix her Malrotation and to do the Nissen. This surgery was much longer, but when it was all over, everything had gone smoothly. Grace recovered from both surgeries like a champ!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6aCwu17Yt6w/UcfBV8ueI4I/AAAAAAAAAMg/5i2mHbwIT5o/s640/blogger-image--1074108008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6aCwu17Yt6w/UcfBV8ueI4I/AAAAAAAAAMg/5i2mHbwIT5o/s640/blogger-image--1074108008.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div>Before we could take Grace home we had to go through a lot a training on how to take care of her now that she had a trach. It was scary, but we learned quickly! We were determined to get home by Christmas. And we did, we finally came home four days before!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jBm2_JqaJ0g/UcfBYEqO5uI/AAAAAAAAAM4/czwtL8Xz9jI/s640/blogger-image-1970261252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jBm2_JqaJ0g/UcfBYEqO5uI/AAAAAAAAAM4/czwtL8Xz9jI/s640/blogger-image-1970261252.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So many new machines, she needs a bigger room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P1hnOYrRIj0/UcfBZLvarwI/AAAAAAAAANA/WjwWtJcYM2k/s640/blogger-image-214919172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-P1hnOYrRIj0/UcfBZLvarwI/AAAAAAAAANA/WjwWtJcYM2k/s640/blogger-image-214919172.jpg"></a></div>Finally in her own bed!!</div></div><div><br></div><div>With a trach comes nursing care, something that we had been trying to get since Grace was two months old. We finally have help, during the day and at night!! Gracie's nurses have been amazing. They help get her ready for school in the morning, go to school with her, and take care of her while Beau and I are working. At night Beau and I finally get to sleep, unless Brady decides to wake up. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwO7Z8Kn2I8/UcfBUj4JhGI/AAAAAAAAAMY/b20S00zZHCs/s640/blogger-image-609929561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PwO7Z8Kn2I8/UcfBUj4JhGI/AAAAAAAAAMY/b20S00zZHCs/s640/blogger-image-609929561.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Brady missed his big sister!</div><div><br></div><div>Placing a trach was one of the most difficult decisions that we have had to make for Grace, but we have no regrets, not one, except for we wish we would have done it sooner. It has changed her life so much, in so many great ways!! Before the trach, Grace was in and out of the hospital nearly every two weeks. Even just a cold made breathing more difficult for her. Dare I say it...6 month later, and we have not been in the hospital except for check ups and to visit the great doctors in the PICU!! Grace is happier, and sleeping better too!! It has been amazing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bf-Nu9m9HjA/UcfBWkJM7gI/AAAAAAAAAMo/fu8rHmzkQsk/s640/blogger-image-953578345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bf-Nu9m9HjA/UcfBWkJM7gI/AAAAAAAAAMo/fu8rHmzkQsk/s640/blogger-image-953578345.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So happy!!</div></div><div><br></div><div>Thanks for alway supporting us and for all of your prayers for Grace!!<br><div>
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<br></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-69825299914699073372011-07-30T21:48:00.000-05:002011-07-30T21:48:20.458-05:00We Are Very Blessed!There are a lot of new things happening in Grace's life since I have written last! <br />
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In January, Gracie's Ride became a reality! After a very successful benefit, put on by our amazing family and friends Grace got her new van. I don't know how we got Grace from place to place before this van! It is absolutely amazing. It is so easy to buckle Grace's wheelchair down and be on our way. Grace loves her new van as much as we do. She used to hate riding in the car, but now she is more comfortable and happy when riding in the van. She actually smiles and gets so excited when she knows that we are going somewhere! We are forever grateful to all that helped make this dream a reality!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWvfcfWysH8/TjS-y16BNHI/AAAAAAAAALA/tmL3stbMLRI/s1600/IMG_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWvfcfWysH8/TjS-y16BNHI/AAAAAAAAALA/tmL3stbMLRI/s400/IMG_0704.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace on her way in the van</td></tr>
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In January, after a battle with our insurance company, we were able to get Grace a very special bed. It is called a SleepSafe bed. It is fully electric, so that we can easily raise and lower her for dressing and diaper changing. The head of the bed also elevates to help ease Grace's reflux at night. Mommy and Daddy can also crawl in to cuddle and help Grace fall asleep. It is awesome! Grace thinks she is a big shot in her new bed!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmwIRnXZoA/TjTBYjI0tJI/AAAAAAAAALI/VkRVOUS1w-0/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgmwIRnXZoA/TjTBYjI0tJI/AAAAAAAAALI/VkRVOUS1w-0/s400/IMG_0588.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All cozy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUsZW406tVY/TjTBbtFDOTI/AAAAAAAAALM/bN2fuOZPnno/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZUsZW406tVY/TjTBbtFDOTI/AAAAAAAAALM/bN2fuOZPnno/s400/IMG_0589.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a big girl in her new bed</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The biggest change will happen in August, Grace is going to be a big sister. We found out in February that Grace will be a big sister to a healthy baby boy named, Brady. We have been reading her books about becoming a big sister, and she smiles when we talk about her brother. It will be a big change, but we think Grace and Brady will be the best of friends! </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">I'm Going to be a BIG SISTER!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRrDyYnp-so/TjSy0neaquI/AAAAAAAAAK0/0BjHsAZhz5Q/s1600/IMG_0949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRrDyYnp-so/TjSy0neaquI/AAAAAAAAAK0/0BjHsAZhz5Q/s400/IMG_0949.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My brother, Brady</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy reads me a book about my Baby Brother</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another big change is that in February we moved into a new home! We love that it is a ranch style, with no steps! Everything is very open, so it is much better for Grace. It is also in McFarland, where I teach and where Grace will start Early Childhood!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And that brings us to a big change happening in September...Grace will turn 3 and that means she will be starting Early Childhood! The best thing about Grace going to school here in McFarland is that my school is right next door...just a few steps away. I know all of the staff that will be working with her, which makes sending her off to school just a little bit easier. We met with the school and all of the people that will be working with Grace. We had her IEP, and some great goals were set for Grace to work on this school year. She will go to school in the mornings for three hours. Beau will drop her off and she will take the bus home...yes that is right my baby girl is taking the bus! I think she will really like her new school and making new friends!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The other blessing that has taken place recently is that we found out that Grace would qualify for some Home Health Care services. We now have a college student, who is wonderful with Grace, coming into our home 4 days a week, for 3 hours each day. She helps will all of Grace's care, therapy, and feedings. It gives Beau and I some time to get things done and run errands too. We are so grateful for this time!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Grace's health has been stable and her kidneys have actually improved just a little bit. We continue to pray that Grace stays healthy and makes strides each day. She has been such a happy sweet girl and gives her mommy and daddy lots of laughs and smiles! She is so much fun and we are looking forward to seeing Grace and Brady together soon!</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emdIxIj39tk/TjS3_UftokI/AAAAAAAAAK4/qZMzVqfKmt4/s1600/IMG_0890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emdIxIj39tk/TjS3_UftokI/AAAAAAAAAK4/qZMzVqfKmt4/s400/IMG_0890.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the zoo with mommy and daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DZIs1PMZ5Q/TjS4CBf4DbI/AAAAAAAAAK8/7yf8NFuU8iw/s1600/IMG_0921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0DZIs1PMZ5Q/TjS4CBf4DbI/AAAAAAAAAK8/7yf8NFuU8iw/s400/IMG_0921.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting to be such a big girl. So pretty!</td></tr>
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</div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-85288951193465707242010-12-30T19:56:00.000-06:002010-12-30T19:56:04.149-06:00Gracie's RideGracie's Ride began because friends and family saw how hard it was for us to take Grace from place to place in our SUV. In order to take a trip anywhere we had to first load the car with Grace's Wheelchair, feeding pump, suction, and diaper bag. Then put Grace into her car seat, and off we go. Then when we get to where we need to be, we unload it all. It is truly exhausting going anywhere.<br />
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So the idea of getting a wheelchair accessible van for Grace came into our minds. After looking into it, and finding out how expensive it would be to get a van with a wheelchair lift, we let the idea go, because it was something we could never afford. This is where the idea for "Gracie's Ride" began.<br />
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The planning began about a year before the event. Many of our family and friends spent many hours planning this very special event for our family. We couldn't believe the support from everyone, even people that had never met our family! It was all very overwhelming. We can never thank all that were involved enough!<br />
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The day of the event came and oh my gosh, it was bigger than we could have ever imagined! Walking into the benefit for the first time, so many feelings rushed over us...I could only cry. All of the support and love for Grace...she has truly brought so many people together! There were over 300 things donated for the silent auction, tons of food, and great entertainment. Grace was a trooper, she stayed the whole time, just loving all the people and music. <br />
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In the end, we were able to purchase our van and we are now just waiting to get the call that it is ready for us to pick up. I can only imagine how much easier this is going to make our lives. We are so excited and grateful to you all!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We all wore Gracie's Team Shirts, pink of course!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girl scouts helped in the kids corner, they make Grace her own vest!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very special wagon donated to Grace!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace spent the night in the rocking chair</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy, Grandma, and Grace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TR03sHPZHYI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hb6zDo7vX4Q/s1600/Gracie%2527s+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TR03sHPZHYI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hb6zDo7vX4Q/s320/Gracie%2527s+Ride.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at all the people who love us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TR03sHPZHYI/AAAAAAAAAKY/hb6zDo7vX4Q/s1600/Gracie%2527s+Ride.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"> </span></a></span></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-66696192135129909962010-09-30T14:46:00.000-05:002010-09-30T14:46:20.405-05:00Grace turns 2!!!I am not sure where the time has gone, but our baby turned 2 on September 7th!!! This year was a much happier celebration for me, not sure why...maybe I am getting used to the idea that Grace isn't the average 2 year old. No that is not it...I will never get used to that. Birthdays bring the reminders of the milestones children reach. Two means, running, talking, causing trouble....but for Grace it means another year of challenges, but we are so grateful for another year! It is hard knowing all that Grace has to go through! I just try not to think about all the challenges, and concentrate on the happy things, and there are a lot of happy things! Grace has made amazing progress this year, and I just look forward to what comes next. Anyway, she was so happy on her birthday! She knew it was a special day. All giggles and smiles this year! We celebrated by having a small party for her. She enjoyed opening her presents and playing with them. The frosting on the cake was good too! She loved looking at her candles and listening to everyone singing to her. It was a priceless day! Happy 2nd birthday to our Amazing little lady! We love you so much Grace!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So Happy to be 2!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmWccPR9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/H87GAqGhdB0/s1600/DSC02033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmWccPR9I/AAAAAAAAAJY/H87GAqGhdB0/s320/DSC02033.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jambos from Mommy and Daddy</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmdqtK9uI/AAAAAAAAAJc/qaMVj3cOVJQ/s1600/DSC02039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmdqtK9uI/AAAAAAAAAJc/qaMVj3cOVJQ/s320/DSC02039.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I LOVE Elmo!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmnZ1dUmI/AAAAAAAAAJg/VszBxtmHR9Y/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmnZ1dUmI/AAAAAAAAAJg/VszBxtmHR9Y/s320/DSC02040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmvH-9glI/AAAAAAAAAJk/L5Wu7NpsbxY/s1600/DSC02043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTmvH-9glI/AAAAAAAAAJk/L5Wu7NpsbxY/s320/DSC02043.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first Cake</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTm9IicO0I/AAAAAAAAAJs/wcetMG3cjJk/s1600/DSC02050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTm9IicO0I/AAAAAAAAAJs/wcetMG3cjJk/s320/DSC02050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All my cousins were at my party too!!!</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTnroOwhnI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/u6J6SVIxdww/s1600/DSC02058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTnroOwhnI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/u6J6SVIxdww/s320/DSC02058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTnx9gdjmI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_1NrvT2IDoo/s1600/DSC02059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TKTnx9gdjmI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/_1NrvT2IDoo/s320/DSC02059.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Grandma Great</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-54113620190919195782010-07-30T21:50:00.001-05:002010-07-30T21:50:34.234-05:00Grace Rolls Over<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=b7ff64e4514525b4c62fed" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="312" height="310" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=b7ff64e4514525b4c62fed&skin_id=801&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:312px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-86750051827808286522010-07-30T21:48:00.000-05:002010-07-30T21:48:01.028-05:00Summer Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Well, I would say it is about time I updated! It has been a fun but very busy summer! I have really enjoyed being home with Grace this summer. She is getting so big and changes everyday.<br />
<br />
<i>Doctors and More Doctors:</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So we took Grace to the eye doctor and found out that she has good eye sight. Normal for her age...and let me tell you, not many doctors ever use the word normal when they talk about Grace. But what is normal anyway :)! It was still good to hear. We also made our way to the kidney clinic, which is alway scary because Grace always has to get blood work and a urine sample (they use a catheter, not fun). Neither went well, as they could not get the blood from her. They tried both arms while she screamed and looked at her mom for help...it was a horrible day. We had to go back the following week and they finally got her blood in the first try. The good news is that Grace's blood work showed that her numbers for her kidney function are still stable, which means no transplant for now, we just hope they stay stable for a long time! The kidney doctor is a little worried about her growth pattern. They feel that her growth has slowed down and that she is small for her age. This may be due to Emanuel Syndrome, but can also be linked to renal failure. So she may set up an appointment with Endocrine, which could lead to giving Grace hormone shots daily (we are saying lots of prayers that we don't have to go down that path!) We also saw the orthopedic doctor and found out that Grace's left hip is dislocated and her right hip is also nearly out. It amazes me that she is not in any pain with this and that she still kicks her legs. After talking with the orthopedic surgeon, we have decided to leave them alone...no surgery for her. Grace doesn't tolerate surgery well so it is really the last thing that we would want to do. So for now they will just keep a close eye on her hips. The doctor made us feel better about this when he told us that people with dislocated hips can still do everything that anyone else can do...but it may take longer. We are used to that, so for now, no big deal. Grace had a great visit to her genetic doctor. We have known him ever since we found out that would be born with Emanuel Syndrome. He has been there through it all! He was so pleased with how well she is doing. His words "There were many times that we didn't think she would make it. She has come so far." It is always good to see him.<br />
<br />
<i>Some Awesome Firsts!</i><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first week of summer Grace learned to roll from her side to her back! It was a very exciting moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">Grace also had her first haircut...which only took about 5 minutes, but was very fun for us!</div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNo954ug3I/AAAAAAAAAJE/aZII_45Jxig/s1600/IMG_0395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNo954ug3I/AAAAAAAAAJE/aZII_45Jxig/s320/IMG_0395.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting Pretty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNoFzj3IsI/AAAAAAAAAI8/1pb8AVdm1-I/s1600/IMG_0398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNoFzj3IsI/AAAAAAAAAI8/1pb8AVdm1-I/s320/IMG_0398.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>She also has been very busy teething, which is not fun for anyone. She now has three teeth. Two on the bottom and the newest one on top! Yeah Grace!<br />
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<i>FUN this Summer:</i><br />
<i></i>Grace's favorite thing by far this summer has been going up to my parent's place on the lake. She loves to watch the trees and enjoys swimming in the lake and the pool! Mommy bought her bubbles and she loves watching them. You can tell she is spoiled because now she has about 2 gallons of bubbles!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy 4th of July</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNj2Nk39OI/AAAAAAAAAIc/i3nKfuhefVE/s1600/DSC01967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNj2Nk39OI/AAAAAAAAAIc/i3nKfuhefVE/s320/DSC01967.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming in my pool</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNjkStngmI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DVK2cki-k0o/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNjkStngmI/AAAAAAAAAIU/DVK2cki-k0o/s320/IMG_0441.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Jared, Cousin Mac, and Grace</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNi0jzOAzI/AAAAAAAAAIM/MkiIF5Mtbnc/s1600/DSC01956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/TFNi0jzOAzI/AAAAAAAAAIM/MkiIF5Mtbnc/s320/DSC01956.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grace and Grandpa John at the lake<br />
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</tbody></table>The summer is far from over and I am sure we will have many more fun adventures!The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-42515387698276409492010-03-28T11:48:00.007-05:002010-09-15T16:16:33.472-05:00It's Amazing How People Come Into Our Lives...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The story about how we found daycare for Grace is one that has changed all of our lives! You see we found our wonderful Grandma Shirley through Craig's List. I had never even used Craig's List before, but was desperate to find someone to take care of our daughter while Beau and I were working. I started looking before Grace was born, and before we knew that Grace would be born with Emanuel Syndrome. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I sent out many emails to different people on the site and heard back from many off them. Shirley was one of them. When I sent her an email, her name was not on her "add" on Craig's list. But when I received her email saying that she was looking for another baby part time I noticed her name. It was so familiar, I knew that name. My mom and mother in-law had both worked for her when she was a principal in Sun Prairie. We met with her and her husband before Grace was born and it was a perfect fit! A huge relief to have someone we knew to take care of our daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Then we found out that Grace would be born with Emanuel Syndrome, Grace was born, and spent 2 months in the hospitals. We had not talked to Shirley about all of the complicated medical challenges that Grace would have until the day we went to her home to have her meet Grace. We were scared that with all of Graces medical needs Shirley might change her mind about taking Grace for daycare. But that is far from what happened! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After telling Shirley and her husband of all that we went through with Grace after birth, and all that Grace's daily care would entail...Shirley still was willing to take her. Shirley is not only Grace's daycare provider, but she is another Grandma to Grace. She loves her just as much as we all do. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Shirley and her husband, Ting have been amazing to Grace and our family! They are much more to us than just daycare, they are like family! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal">People come into our lives for many reasons, but I truly believe that Shirley and Ting are angels sent from God for our sweet Grace. We just can't say thank you enough to both of you! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">We love you Grandma and Papa! Love, Grace</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/S6-H7iO4A2I/AAAAAAAAAHc/I18gissGxhg/s1600/26725_377940269429_349884294429_3531090_5718142_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/S6-H7iO4A2I/AAAAAAAAAHc/I18gissGxhg/s320/26725_377940269429_349884294429_3531090_5718142_n.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> Grace and Grandma Shirley cheering on the Badgers!</span></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-73301193454672504922010-03-28T11:04:00.002-05:002010-07-26T21:20:37.014-05:00Another Diagnoses...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 11px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our latest trip to the doctor was to the developmental clinic. It was a busy day visiting with OT, PT, and Speech therapists as well as the developmental doctor. It was a hard day as the Dr. gave Grace another "label"... Cerebral Palsy. The hardest part about hearing this is that Cerebral Palsy is NOT a part of Emanuel Syndrome it is something totally separate.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Cerebral Palsy is from a brain injury, which goes back to when Grace was only two weeks old. She had Mandibular Distraction surgery to extend her jaw out because it was so small. During the surgery Grace had to be resuscitated, which led to multiple problems including her kidney failure, seizures, and brain injury. After surgery, the Neurologist told us that they did not know how the brain injury would affect Grace. We were devastated.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We were never really given a clear explanation of why Grace stopped breathing during surgery. There were multiple stories, but to this day, we don’t know the whole story. It was so frustrating knowing that it could have been a mistake on the part of a doctor. I guess mistakes happen, but it should not have happened!</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It has always been hard to tell if Grace's developmental delays are from having Emanuel Syndrome, or from her brain injury. I can't help but think what Grace would be like if the surgery complication had not happened. Would she be holding her head up, sitting up...I guess I will never know. It is really hard to just be at peace with it all and to accept what happened!</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Our beautiful girl makes it easier, her beautiful smiles are what we need to know that she is happy. Just hard to let go of what could have been...</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We were also referred to an orthopedic doctor to look at Grace's spine and hips. He has told us that Grace has scoliosis as well as hip dysplasia. So now we are going to meet with an orthopedic surgeon to see what needs to be done about her hips...another possible surgery :( As for her spine, she may need a back brace, but for the most part they just want to watch it and hope it doesn't get worse! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">As for Grace she has had a pretty good winter…saying healthy for the most part. We had one hospital say for RSV, but otherwise way better than last winter! Now that spring is here we are looking forward to spending more time outside and looking forward to summer, when Beau and I are off of work! Oh yeah, and if you know anyone looking for a condo in DeForest, ours is still for sale. We hope to sell soon and move to McFarland where I work. A ranch home would be a dream, that hopefully will come true soon!</span></span></div></span></span>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-4260259343489643802010-01-24T11:00:00.000-06:002010-01-24T11:00:08.328-06:00Grace's new wheelsThis was a very exciting week for Grace. She got her new Kid Cart Wheelchair. It is a whole new world for her! She really enjoys sitting at the same level as everyone else! Her first outing was out to lunch and to Babies R Us. She loves being out and about in her new chair!<br />
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We are planning on doing the Polar Plunge again this year! It is coming up February 20th. If you would like to plunge with us, please sign up on our team…Team Grace. We would love for you to join us. You can also pledge money for a great cause, Special Olympics. <br />
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<a href="https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/pp10/team.asp?id_t=361">https://www.specialolympicswisconsin.org/pp10/team.asp?id_t=361</a>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-482016092027462812009-12-29T17:25:00.000-06:002009-12-29T17:25:52.957-06:00About time for an update!!!Not sure where my time goes...but I found a little bit of time for an update. Grace is doing so well! She is working so hard with her therapists on holding her head up and communication. They have been doing a lot of supported sitting with her as well as tummy time. She really enjoys sitting and looking around...it's a whole new view when you’re not laying on the floor! She is also working on getting used to her stander. She spends only about 15 minutes at a time in it, but this is a big improvement because she used to hate it! As for communication, Grace has really made some progress. She responds with big smiles to let us know that she thinks something is funny or that she likes it. This melts mommy and daddy's heart every single time (we waited a long time for those smiles!) Her speech therapist is also working on getting Grace to show us when she wants something. This has been pretty amazing. If we stop doing something she likes and she wants more, Grace will kick her legs and sometimes "coo" or make a noise to let us know she wants more. We have also been working on the sign for mommy, daddy, more, and all done. Not sure if she will ever use signing as a form of communication, but it doesn’t hurt to try! <br />
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As far as her health goes...her kidneys remain stable, and her blood work is down to every other month! We got some great news from her heart Dr., her last ECHO showed that both of her holes in her heart are now closed! He told us that Grace's heart is no longer a concern, and we no longer have to see him. One less Dr, it was a very great day! Otherwise Grace has been pretty healthy, just colds that we pray don't turn into something bigger. Grace is growing and getting heavier everyday! She now weighs 20 lbs 15 oz! In the 65th percentile for her weight!<br />
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Christmas was a lot of fun. Grace LOVES all of the lights. She enjoys doing tummy time in front of the tree, and I have to say, she may be sad when we take it down! She got some new toys that she loves...a monkey from her cousin, that we named Marty the Monkey, a sing along stage from Grandma Kathy, and lots of clothes from Grandma Deb. It has been so nice being home with daddy and Grace this week! Lots of time cuddling with her, it is wonderful. Grace will also be going on her first trip to Wisconsin Dells! We are taking her to Great Wolf Lodge, I hope she likes the water. It should be lots of fun!<br />
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Hoping the new year brings more great news for Grace…she is such an amazing girl and has come so far in the last year. We are so proud of her!<br />
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</div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-54239568087748290072009-11-01T08:26:00.000-06:002009-11-01T08:26:33.664-06:00Halloween 2009<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Wow, it has been a long time since I have updated! Grace has been doing well and we are keeping our fingers crossed for a healthy winter!<br />
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</div>Halloween was very exciting this year, because we were home, and not trick or treating in the hospital like last year! We spent the night with family, which was very nice. Grace enjoyed listening and watching her cousin Mason. He is very funny! We watched Toy Story 2, and Grace watched almost the whole movie! <br />
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Of course Grace was a pretty pink princess...no better costume for her! Here are some pictues of all of the fun!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2ZoDOG7CI/AAAAAAAAAFs/hDTNFErCSYQ/s1600-h/Grace%27s+Halloween+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2ZoDOG7CI/AAAAAAAAAFs/hDTNFErCSYQ/s320/Grace%27s+Halloween+002.jpg" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2ZwEAe49I/AAAAAAAAAF0/NsI1kBAQf5U/s1600-h/Grace%27s+Halloween+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2ZwEAe49I/AAAAAAAAAF0/NsI1kBAQf5U/s320/Grace%27s+Halloween+005.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2aAswZvZI/AAAAAAAAAGU/xZXQ7FsCtNw/s1600-h/Pumpkins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2aAswZvZI/AAAAAAAAAGU/xZXQ7FsCtNw/s320/Pumpkins.jpg" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2Z1FDNfVI/AAAAAAAAAF8/brb4DVVyfPg/s1600-h/Grace%27s+Halloween+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2Z1FDNfVI/AAAAAAAAAF8/brb4DVVyfPg/s320/Grace%27s+Halloween+013.jpg" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2Z8lDCGJI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Es82p47VFg8/s1600-h/Grace%27s+Halloween+017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2Z8lDCGJI/AAAAAAAAAGE/Es82p47VFg8/s320/Grace%27s+Halloween+017.jpg" vr="true" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2aAYHPAuI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fjP_zs-Izms/s1600-h/Grace%27s+Halloween+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Su2aAYHPAuI/AAAAAAAAAGM/fjP_zs-Izms/s320/Grace%27s+Halloween+019.jpg" vr="true" /></a><br />
</div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-84084794598124704062009-09-13T16:52:00.001-05:002009-09-13T16:52:40.929-05:00Grace's First Year...pause music below and then press play<div><embed src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_view_player?p=8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9" quality="high" scale="noscale" width="408" height="382" wmode="transparent" name="FLVPlayer" salign="LT" flashvars="&p=8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9&skin_id=701&host=http://www.onetruemedia.com" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><div style="margin:0px;font:12px/13px verdana,arial,sans-serif;line-height:20px;padding-bottom:15px;width:408px;text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link?p=8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9&skin_id=701&source=emplay" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/share_player_link_image/8c340a66ff56ee14c6b7f9/701.gif" style="border:0px;" width="408" /></a><br/><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/landing?&utm_source=emplay&utm_medium=txt2" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;">Photo and video editing at <span style="text-decoration:underline;">www.OneTrueMedia.com</span></a></div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-73120648537416184572009-09-07T09:49:00.000-05:002009-09-07T09:49:40.699-05:00Grace is ONE!Hi Everyone,<br />
Today is Grace's first birthday. We wanted to thank all of you for sharing in her life...it has been an amazing journey so far! Your thoughts and prayers have been so comforting. We wanted to share these two things, we have both of them hanging on our fridge. Grace is one amazing little girl, we are so lucky to have her in our lives!<br />
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"Why I was Born" Author Unknown...<br />
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I was born to learn and love like everyone else. My body is imperfect, but my spirit needs no help. I was born to give to you, with open hand and heart. I'm the strongest soul you know, though I don't look the part.<br />
I was born to teach you hope, faith, and patience, too. I came because no one else can do what I do. So the next time you think of me as broken, damaged, torn, know that I am here to lift you up...<br />
That's why I was born.<br />
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WELCOME TO HOLLAND<br />
by Emily Perl Kingsley.<br />
c1987 by Emily Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved<br />
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I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this......<br />
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When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo David. The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting.<br />
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After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland." "Holland?!?" you say. "What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy."<br />
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But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place.<br />
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So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met.<br />
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It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts.<br />
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But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say "Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned." And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss.<br />
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But... if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things ... about Holland.<br />
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Thanks for all your support, love, and prayers,<br />
Amanda, Beau, and GraceThe Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-49544533246600806162009-08-25T06:34:00.002-05:002009-08-25T07:09:25.647-05:001 year ago...It was one year ago today, I was in the hospital on bedrest...it had been 2 weeks so far. We got a phone call at 7am from my doctor asking if Beau was with me. She said she wanted to come down and talk to us about the amnio results. We knew right away that something was very wrong. We waited and waited, and while were were waiting we were looking through pregnancy books trying to figure out what it could be. Nothing could have prepared us for what she was about to tell us about our baby girl. She came in after a long time, with the genetics counselor and my nurse (who was amazing). They started talking and it seemed like forever before they said what was wrong......."Your baby has something very wrong, she is mentally retarded..." That was it I don't remember hearing much else. The worst possible thing was just said...the "R" word. Then I remember, "she may not walk, talk, or ever feed herself. She has Emanuel Syndrome. We have never heard of this before, it is very rare." She handed us some sheets she printed of the internet...yes they didn't have any handouts from the hospital nothing...just from the internet. <br /><br />They told me I could go home until Grace was born. They didn't need me to stay at the hospital, they wanted me to be with my family at home. The C-Section that was planned that same week was canceled. Both my doctors felt it was important to let my body go into labor naturally, so Grace and I both had the best chance, even though she was breech. Really I wanted to keep the C-Section...lets just get her out, I needed to hold her to see if she would be ok, no more waiting around! <br /><br />Our families came to the hospital and we packed our things up and left. I couldn't believe this was happening to me. At this point we really didn't even know if Grace would be born alive, or would live long after birth. To be honest, after all we were told we didn't know if we wanted her to be ok after she was born, we didn't want her to have to suffer and have a hard life. So many emotions went through our head. We tried to look information up on the internet, but it was all to much, to horrible to imagine our baby not being healthy. It was like loosing a baby, a baby who was supposed to be healthy and would grow up talking and walking...all of the things kids are supposed to do. We had some difficult decisions to make.<br /><br />We had a meeting with the doctors at the hospital where Grace would be born. We had to make sure everyone knew what was going on and what we wanted during my labor and after Grace was born. We asked not to have me monitored during labor, we didn't want to know if Grace didn't have a heartbeat, that would be way to hard to handle during that time. We also asked that she not be resuscitated or a breathing tube be placed if she was not breathing on her own. I felt like a horrible mother saying these things, it was a very difficult decision for Beau and I to make. <br /><br />I was so worried about giving birth because Grace was breech, coming out butt first. But she was small and both of my doctors thought it would be best for me, and an easier recovery with all that I was going through. Two weeks later, Grace decided to maker her entrance. It was an exciting but scary time in the delivery room. I was pretty quiet, worried about the birth and what would happen after with Grace.<br /><br />All went well, Grace was born, I had no complications and it was great! She was so pale and not responding right away. They cleaned her up and she opened her eyes so big. She needed to be taken to the NICU, but was breathing on her own.<br /><br />There were many tests done and yes there were things that were wrong, but I had my little girl...and that is all that mattered. <br /><br />It was all very hard, a nightmare, something I would never wish upon anyone. But the truth is, I would do it all again. In a second. I would go through all of the hurt and pain to have my Grace. She is truly amazing!The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-59827372150090657742009-07-24T13:34:00.002-05:002009-07-24T14:02:30.384-05:00Why Can't Life Just be Easy...Not sure what is going on with me these past few days, I just find myself so sad. As Grace gets closer to her first birthday I can't help but look back at the last year and think of where we were a year ago. I was going through an up and down pregnancy, getting bad news weekly it seemed. Then to find out Grace would not be born healthy...it was a nightmare. But that was only the beginning...we spent months at her bedside wondering if she would be strong enough to pull through all of the crap she had to go through. Finally at two months old, she came home, and what should have been a wonderful day was not, because I was so scared...how would we do all of this...take care of her all by ourselves. Feeding tubes, more than 8 different meds...and if that wasn't enough stress, Grace had terrible colic. She cried day and night non stop, it was not a fun beginning. But the hardest thing is not any of the medical things...it's what comes with the idea of turning one. Walking, talking, sippy cups...and Grace is far from this. Yes, I know that she may never do some of the things that other kids can do, but that just doesn't make it any easier. Things are still not easy today, but are much better, 100 times better. Grace is smiling and "talking" now more than she is crying. She is working so hard on holding her head up. You just can't help but stare at her in amazement and smile. We enjoy all that she can do and love her so much. So sorry I went on and on, but I feel better now. Sometimes I just with life could be easier...not for me, but for my sweet Grace.The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-85181294798809593262009-07-08T18:14:00.002-05:002009-07-08T18:28:10.969-05:0010 Months Old Already!Grace is now 10 months old, we just can't believe how fast time has gone. She is getting so big and has done so many new things in the last month. She is now about 18pounds, getting so heavy. Everyone comments on her rolls. We love them! Grace's 9th month has definitely been the best yet. She has started eating baby food by mouth. Even though she doesn't take much, she does a great job with it. She loves sweet potatoes the best! Grace lifted her head for the first time during tummy time. She likes tummy time a lot more too. We hope it won't be long until she has more head control. Grace has been working very hard on keeping her head up. She has become a much better sleeper, only waking once on a good night. She has also become a fan of the rocking chair, and we don't have to bounce her so often on the exercise ball (Thank God!) No teeth yet, but it won't be long now. We can see one on the top and one on the bottom. This teething thing has not been fun for Grace or mom and dad. Her reflux seems worse because she is drooling more, which really sucks. I feel so bad for her when she is throwing up...she hates it! She definitely recognizes her mom and dad. She will watch us when we walk by and smile when we do something funny. This has been one of the most exciting things. It is so nice to see her smiling so much more. We are so excited and proud of all the progress Grace is making. We look forward to celebrating many more new things that Grace will be able to do...<br /><br /><strong><em>Grace, you are such a fighter. You work so hard and have come so far. We love you baby girl!<br />Mommy and Daddy</em></strong>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-80289736671600227152009-07-08T18:07:00.003-05:002009-07-08T18:14:19.280-05:00A fun 4thWe had a fun 4th of July weekend. We went to Grace's first parade...she only lasted about 5 minutes and then fell asleep. We went over to our neighbors for a cookout. We also went up to Lake George camping at my parents trailer. Grace had her first dip in the lake and enjoyed it for a little while. <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoGH_qeAI/AAAAAAAAAFM/zzIUUMXmACo/s1600-h/Cute+Girl+007.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoGH_qeAI/AAAAAAAAAFM/zzIUUMXmACo/s320/Cute+Girl+007.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356231417517471746" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoFuiPmvI/AAAAAAAAAFE/s2lJ0KEbJKI/s1600-h/Cute+Girl+004.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoFuiPmvI/AAAAAAAAAFE/s2lJ0KEbJKI/s320/Cute+Girl+004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356231410683190002" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoFVjROgI/AAAAAAAAAE8/zecq7NZAty0/s1600-h/Cute+Girl+003.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SlUoFVjROgI/AAAAAAAAAE8/zecq7NZAty0/s320/Cute+Girl+003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356231403976604162" /></a>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-75207757430398246172009-07-02T08:39:00.004-05:002009-07-02T10:16:58.295-05:00Grace's Morning Talk...So HappyGrace was having a lot of fun this morning...(Pause the music below to watch)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=90b1a964a85cf6bbd5a034&skin_id=701&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=image" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.onetruemedia.com/cover_thumbnail?p=90b1a964a85cf6bbd5a034&view=2" border="0" alt="View this montage created at One True Media" title="View this montage created at One True Media"><br/>Grace's morning talk...</a>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-9445531185770321892009-06-27T17:26:00.005-05:002009-06-27T17:35:00.817-05:00Fun in the SunToday we went to a friend's pool. It was Grace's first pool experience and she loved it! We put her in her raft and she spent most of the time just floating around. By the end of the day she was pretty tired. I can't wait to take her swimming again soon!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4M8yiQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/NmOXt3j6qXk/s1600-h/Grace+at+the+pool+001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352138796050843906" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4M8yiQI/AAAAAAAAAEU/NmOXt3j6qXk/s320/Grace+at+the+pool+001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad45niv5I/AAAAAAAAAEs/tBY-4YfiHVY/s1600-h/Grace+at+the+pool+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352138808041324434" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad45niv5I/AAAAAAAAAEs/tBY-4YfiHVY/s320/Grace+at+the+pool+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4iDdFYI/AAAAAAAAAEk/nlXp81bvyL4/s1600-h/Grace+at+the+pool+005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352138801715942786" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4iDdFYI/AAAAAAAAAEk/nlXp81bvyL4/s320/Grace+at+the+pool+005.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4cFxTJI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vRwUUY_T_eA/s1600-h/Grace+at+the+pool+003.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352138800115043474" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad4cFxTJI/AAAAAAAAAEc/vRwUUY_T_eA/s320/Grace+at+the+pool+003.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad48gbTLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/H3UhgOFIlNQ/s1600-h/Grace+at+the+pool+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5352138808816782514" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Skad48gbTLI/AAAAAAAAAE0/H3UhgOFIlNQ/s320/Grace+at+the+pool+010.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-17615940103021479722009-06-03T18:06:00.006-05:002009-06-03T18:22:43.275-05:00Look at me...two firsts!It has been an amazing week for Grace...today being the most exciting! I had my first taste of food last week...rice cereal, sweet potatoes, peas, and applesauce. I have been eating a little each day. Mom and Dad are so excited and so surprised with how well I am doing so far. We will just take it slow. I'm not eating a lot, but enjoy tasting new things!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE5XGb86I/AAAAAAAAADE/jDuvwLrrSV8/s1600-h/Eating+and+holding+up+head+004.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343244866398450594" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE5XGb86I/AAAAAAAAADE/jDuvwLrrSV8/s320/Eating+and+holding+up+head+004.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE5ocgouI/AAAAAAAAADM/NenQGv0RSgc/s1600-h/Eating+and+holding+up+head+007.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343244871054435042" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE5ocgouI/AAAAAAAAADM/NenQGv0RSgc/s320/Eating+and+holding+up+head+007.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>Today I had my PT and Speech therapy. I worked on rolling over with a lot of help and tummy time. I am really enjoying tummy time now. My PT, Sue put my arms up a little closer to my body than I am used to...and then I did it...I held my head up for the first time! My mom and dad were so excited. I didn't just do it once...I did it 3 times and held it up for awhile! So exciting! My therapists also brought me a new chair to use, and I love it.</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE511b7pI/AAAAAAAAADU/KJRogxQNDIk/s1600-h/Eating+and+holding+up+head+009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343244874648645266" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE511b7pI/AAAAAAAAADU/KJRogxQNDIk/s320/Eating+and+holding+up+head+009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE6FBvfmI/AAAAAAAAADc/Nuw8qxMJLck/s1600-h/Eating+and+holding+up+head+010.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343244878726790754" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE6FBvfmI/AAAAAAAAADc/Nuw8qxMJLck/s320/Eating+and+holding+up+head+010.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE6cYM0_I/AAAAAAAAADk/_kXyxvaLHNk/s1600-h/Eating+and+holding+up+head+011.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343244884995003378" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/SicE6cYM0_I/AAAAAAAAADk/_kXyxvaLHNk/s320/Eating+and+holding+up+head+011.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>What a day! We are so proud of you Grace!</div></div></div></div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-61907878914574775632009-05-26T14:31:00.003-05:002009-05-27T05:52:28.432-05:00An Exciting Dr. Appt...<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today we took Grace to her renal appointment, to check in with her doctor about her kidneys. Her doctor was very pleased with how she is doing...she is growing and gaining weight which is very important for Grace. She now weighs 16 lbs 8 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ozs</span>. This is great considering that every time she gets a cold (which seems like every other week) she can't seem to hold down her food. Her kidneys are also stable and have been for many months now. They are still only functioning at 25 %, but they are stable! Her doctor also gave us the OK to start some solid foods with her. We just have to record what she eats and be careful not to give her foods with too much potassium. I am so excited, I can hardly wait to get home and try some cereal with her! We were not sure Grace would be able to have any solid foods because of her renal failure and strict diet, so we were so happy to get the go ahead! I don't have my hopes too high, as Grace does not do well with things her her mouth (bottle, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">nuk</span>...) she tends to gag, so we will just start very slow and see how she does! Also, her Dr. told us that kids with renal failure tend to not be very good eaters and not very good at taking things orally. This may be true for Grace, but I am just excited to try, and if it doesn't work...Oh Well! I will let you all know how it goes!</span>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-25691817434835001112009-05-12T14:28:00.001-05:002009-05-12T14:46:08.191-05:00An Article about Grace<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This article was written about Grace! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://cambridgeenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=135&ArticleID=1502">http://cambridgeenews.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=135&ArticleID=1502</a></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Enjoy!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-12954447106832341562009-05-12T13:28:00.000-05:002009-05-12T13:28:34.903-05:00'Hope for Grace' a hit - Lifestyle<a href="http://media.www.royalpurplenews.com/media/storage/paper1225/news/2009/04/29/Lifestyle/hope-For.Grace.A.Hit-3729485.shtml">'Hope for Grace' a hit - Lifestyle</a><br /><br />Here is an article about the benefit that UW-Whitewater had for Grace. We appreciate all that they have done for our family!The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5261897203623022107.post-13888193806596292742009-05-03T18:04:00.006-05:002009-05-03T18:28:09.230-05:00Busy Busy<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">No time to blog lately, but finally a little time while the little lady is sleeping! We have had an exciting couple of weeks. UW-Whitewater had a sand volleyball tournament benefit for Grace "Hope for Grace". It was a lot of fun and it was a beautiful day! We appreciate all of their support!</span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4kD81S78I/AAAAAAAAACc/yrRIfM7e21E/s1600-h/Grace+200.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331738659141119938" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4kD81S78I/AAAAAAAAACc/yrRIfM7e21E/s320/Grace+200.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4lmhU_-aI/AAAAAAAAACs/gKmMfJRFTBY/s1600-h/Grace+197.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331740352564951458" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4lmhU_-aI/AAAAAAAAACs/gKmMfJRFTBY/s320/Grace+197.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div><br /><div>Grace also got her first ear infection. She had tubes put in her ears when she was two weeks old and they have been working great until now. She is not feeling well and not getting much sleep at all. I am hoping the meds kick in soon and hopefully in a couple of days things will be better. </div><br /><div>Grace is getting her hearing aid on Thursday and I am so excited. I hope she doesn't hate it! I also hope it makes a difference for her. </div><br /><div>Today Grace had her first trip to Lake George. My parents have a trailer on the lake there. I grew up with my parents taking me there every weekend, starting when I was only a week old! It was a special day taking Grace there today. Hopefully it will warm up soon and then we will be able to go swimming and for a walk!</div><br /><div>Grace will be 8 months old soon, where does time go? Here are some 7 month pictures:<br /></div><div><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4n9T1m6uI/AAAAAAAAAC0/6cVPeoGnVLM/s1600-h/Grace+212.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331742943103871714" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4n9T1m6uI/AAAAAAAAAC0/6cVPeoGnVLM/s320/Grace+212.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4oVaEDj6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/tNEFALpK1KI/s1600-h/Grace+169.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331743357091942306" style="WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_0-k1exNIGvc/Sf4oVaEDj6I/AAAAAAAAAC8/tNEFALpK1KI/s320/Grace+169.jpg" border="0" /></a></span></div></div>The Brezenski'shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05501545574354424522noreply@blogger.com1