Thursday, June 11, 2009

Reed meet Gaines...Gaines meet Reed

Gaines will be seven weeks old tomorrow and he has never met his big brother Reed...until this morning. Until recently we did not feel that Gaines was healthy enough to meet Reed. After consulting with the doctors/nurses and because of Gaines' recent progress, we decided it was time for them to meet each other.

Brittany went into the NICU first and checked on Gaines. At one point last night his oxygen was at 31% but was as high as 36%. This morning he was requiring 34% oxygen. He did gain a little weight last night and is now up to 4 pounds 12 ounces. Once Brittany finished getting the "report", it was time for Reed and Gaines to meet.

Before Reed could go into the NICU, a nurse had to take his temperature. After it was determined that Reed did not have a fever, it was time to take him in the NICU. At first, Reed was pretty much speechless as I walked into the NICU holding him. I guess it is a scary place for a 20-month old. When we got to Gaines' bedside, Brittany was holding him. Reed was excited to see his "mama" and did say "baby" when he looked at Gaines. However, he was most interested in Gaines' CPAP machine and the bubbles it produces. Reed must have said "bubbles" at least ten times during his three minute visit to the NICU.

I'm not sure what Reed or Gaines thought about their introduction this morning. Maybe on some level they knew they were brothers. I hope so.

Here are our first family pictures. Its not our entire family, but Jack is in Andalusia. We will get the entire family in a picture when we get back to Montgomery...someday.

23 comments:

The Elletts said...

Such an adorable family! And so wonderful to see your smiles! I know we don't know each other (I found your website through Kelly and Harper) but I have been praying so often for you that I feel on some level we know each other.

I just know that Gaines will start doing great and that Reed will be an AWESOME big brother. This post brought me to tears because we have a 25 month old and I cannot even begin to think of how he would react to the NICU (other than I KNOW he would be saying bubbles also!).

God Bless,
Jenn

vera said...

Aaaaw!!

dylonhoustonlaetonreid said...

This just made my day! What a beautiful family!

Shana said...

I know you don't know me but I have been "lurking" all along your amazing journey and today I felt compelled to finally write and say "Congratulations!" - I remember when my oldest son met his baby brother 8-months-ago (under MUCH different circumstances, of course!) and it was a fantastic moment! I'm so glad you were able to finally have your family all together! You are all beautiful people with fabulous souls! I continue to keep you in my prayers! Thank you for sharing your story!

Shana Smith

Kelli said...

Beautiful family! Thanks for keeping us posted!

Kelli in Grand Bay

Carrie said...

you're a beautiful family!!

Giggles said...

Wow! What an awesome way to start the day. God's blessings to you all!

Kerrie said...

What a beautiful family!! What a great milestone in Gaines' life that he is finally well enough to meet his big brother!! Congratulations to you all :)

Mrs.HVK said...

This is so wonderful! God Bless:)

Amy said...

This is so precious! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. I will continue to pray for your family.

Tiffany Lockette said...

What a precious moment you guys got to experience. I am so happy that Reed got to meet his little brother. I hope Gaines continues to get better everyday so you can bring him home and Reed can practice those cool big brother abilities. Praying for you guys as always.

Unknown said...

Brit:
You looked radiant holding Gaines next to Beau and Reed. I pray you guys get home soon-Gaines is obviously a fighter and that's what it takes to endure a NICU.
Love, angie sasser

dchumley said...

Awesome....what a very special moment and photo. I love it! I'm so happy that Big Brother got to meet Little Brother! I know this was a spectacular moment! Still praying daily for all you guys and will continue until we get you back home!!

Donna

Charlee said...

Hey,
I read your blog everyday, but I just had to write today to tell you those are some awesome pictures. We are still praying that you will get to come home soon. Charlee

Beth said...

I know you will treasure these pictures, and one day you will look back on them and be able to tell Gaines all about them. Still praying for your family in Madison, AL.

Amanda said...

Great to see that the brothers finally got to meet! How special. And your first family photos (kind of). Thanks for sharing!

Aunt Sherry said...

Beautiful Family! You all look so good. We miss you all and can't wait to see you. Brittany, Happy Birthday tomorrow! I will be very busy helping with Dawn Parkinson's wedding tomorrow and I don't want to forget :) Hope you have a great day.

Love,
Aunt Sherry

Ruthie said...

Oh, it just warms my heart to see all four of you together! What a joy that must have been.

I see in one of the other comments that it's Brittany's birthday tomorrow? Any special plans?

Happy Birthday, a bit early!

Ruthie

The Ellis Family said...

What a great first family photo!! Our first one was also in the NICU and hangs on our bedroom wall. Although we are thankful to have our NICU days behind us, I never want to forget just how far we've come . . . twice! It looks like Reed was looking straight at Brudah Gene in the first one!

Happy Birthday today Brit!

We love you guys!

Greg, Kelly, and the girls

Karen said...

Good morning, birthday girl! The first family portraits brought tears to my eyes - so special. Ya'll are going to have so much fun "growing up" those 2 precious little boys. Now - if the fun part would hurry up and get here! Hope you have a very special birthday. Still praying in Oneonta.

Karen said...

What wonderful pictures! I'm praying that Gaines continues to make progress and will be able to go home soon. OH, and Happy Birthday Brittany!

Karen in Virginia

Mab said...

I love the family pic! :) Too sweet! You all look great!
Arlene

Unknown said...

I'm so glad they've met! What a great day :)