This could be an epic saga of a blog post tonight, I have scaled back quite a bit and I still have a ton to post. We had a super busy fun day and then we got the package we have been waiting for!!
This morning, Bill went to the office and Gramma surprised the boys with their early Christmas present. It is so super cute! This rocking horse whinnies, makes trotting sounds, shakes his head and wags his tail. The boys were in awe.
Trevor was all about trying it on for size!
Brendan did NOT like the texture of the mane and tail.
He was happy to chew on the stirrups though!
Trevor thought that seemed like a good idea
We have some cute videos of the rocking horse, but there was just too much to process to post them tonight!
The boys played all afternoon with straws and cups.
Until high drama tantrum throwing tired Trevor ended up on the naughty step!
It had nothing to do with this naughty behavior…
And then the doorbell rang and we all jumped up with excitement! It was Brendan’s package!
But it was really a cruel trick. It wasn’t the speaking valve for his trach like we have been waiting for. It was the tiny little plastic adapter piece that allows an oxygen line to be connected to the speaking valve.
But then… another truck pulls up to the house! Another package for Brendan!
We love the fact that in each box, the actual contents are just over 1 cubic inch in size. They had to use lots of air pillows. We were so anxious to try this out, we waited nervously for Bill to get home from work!
Brendan gets dressed and ready to debut his voice for the first time in just over 8 months. The blue piece you see is the guard that he wears on his trach while he uses the mist collar.
The new valve being put in place..
This valve is called a Passy Muir Valve or PMV. It is a very simple design it allows air to be inhaled through the trach tube. But it slams shut tight on the exhale. Instead of breathing out through the trach tube, Brendan has to push his exhale out his mouth and/or nose which is why he will be able to make sound. It allows air to move over his vocal cords. It is pretty uncomfortable at first and can be very stressful so Brendan will only wear it for a few minutes a day at first until he gets used to it. Then he will be able to have it on any time he is off the ventilator.
We were able to distract him and make him smile like in this picture, but his first experience was pretty rough on him. He coughed and gagged and panicked a little. We would just give him breaks and then try again for a few more seconds until he started to figure it out.
I can’t even begin to describe how thrilled we are even to hear a super mad baby belt out some good cries. Yay Brendan!!
After a few tries, he was starting to get it figured out, but he was tired. Bill did manage to get a laugh from him with some tickling! It just melts me to hear him giggle, and this is just the start. My silly Brendan will really love this once it starts to feel better. I can’t wait to hear his real belly laughs. Trevor is in this video mocking Brendan’s laugh. It is so funny to see Trevor’s reaction to Brendan making sound.
It is super hard work, but he has his brother for support!
Trevor isn’t real keen about Brendan’s angry cry now!
This was a huge day on the timeline of Brendan’s progress. Once again, YAY BRENDAN!!!!!
I will second the “YAY, BRENDAN!!!!!”. It was an amazing thing to hear Brendan’s voice, crying or giggling! He did a great job for the first few attempts, and I am sure he will improve every day. I am very fortunate to be able to be part of this very important step in Brendan’s journey.
Brendan, you are the bravest little boy, ever. You have been through more than anyone should have to go through in a lifetime. You have fought hard to get well, and you do it with courage, and you endure the discomfort, the withdrawal, and the tubes and wires. Through it all, you are sweet and affectionate, and smile and laugh, and you can melt any heart with your big eyes and toothy smile. Gramma loves you very much.
Trevor, you are silly and loving, and your sense of adventure can be so amusing. You are a constant ball of energy, you keep Gramma on her toes! I love you very much, too.
Lots of love for more healing and progress.
Gramma XXXX
Wow! Big yay for Brendan! That must have been both cool and scary at the same time. It must have been really weird for Brendan, but imagine how much trouble he will be when he figures out that noise = attention….
Way to go buddy! Time to show Trevor that he is not the only “dinosaur” in the house!k
How exciting to hear Brendan s voice and Trevor s reaction is great, soon they will be doing twin talk. Trevor on his new rocking horse is priceless, he needs a cowboy hat and boots.
That is so amazing and wonderful to hear Brendan! I cried many happy tears watching that!
Woo! Awesome post! Go Li’l B, go!
One Year, Six Weeks, the Seventh day – – – 😮 😮
I’ve been waiting, and this morning, the wait is over, – – – – – –
BRENDAN HAS VOICE !!!, and I’ve heard it !!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
As my mother would have put it, “Another country heard from”.
—( insert: “over excited – bouncy – dancing – smilie” , here )—
😉 😉 Trevor, now, your brother can argue with you ! 😮 😉 🙂
WOW! What a wonderful day indeed. I second everything everyone else has said so far. What a HAPPY day!
I finally was able to watch with sound!! How awesome! That little voice has been in there all along – it is nice to finally hear it!
Good evening from the, “It’s about time that I catch up on the boys blogs and OMG what a perfect time to do so!!!!!!”, East Coast!! We have been battling all those evil microorganisms that you have experienced and then WOW..we read this blog and we are cured. Good news is so healing!! Trevor looks like one cool dude riding his horsie!! Brendan, we just cried when you cried. Scared yourself, didn’t you??!! Soon you will be dictating to Trevor, your next moves. Boys, give hugs and kisses to Mommy, Daddy and Gramma!!! So proud of both of you!! Prayers, hugs and love!!!! 🙂