Brady's Brigade

Many of you will be receiving an email from First Givings and the Buddy Walk (or 3 for some technical reasons). This is a fundraiser for the National Down Syndrome Society and the local Omaha affiliate. Jeff and I are new at this gig so we thought we would just give it a good'ol "Shannon Family" try. If you get the email please DO NOT feel obligated to donate. We have established a team called Brady's Brigade. Creating a team allows people to donate in Brady's honor. It also gives us a shot at raising the most money for the Buddy Walk. You do not have to donate in order to walk with us on October 3rd and if you donate you do not have to walk. It's really up to you to determine your involvement.

This is the one and only fundraiser the ODSPN hosts so we are trying to make it a good one. The money raised helps fund many activities for children and families affected by Down Syndrome. They organize advocacy opportunities for families, field trips for the kids, job training and life training for young adults and provide much needed support and education for all.  The ODSPN were one of the first people to call us when we brought Brady home from the hospital (the first time). They offered us support, encouragement and anything else we needed. They also presented us with a beautiful gift at the hospital upon Brady's arrival. Their efforts were much appreciated and we want to ensure that those efforts can continue in the future. 

Brady would like me to mention that he will be accepting donations at anytime. He's been fine tuning ways to lure you all in, clapping, kissy face and the ringer...the melt your heart smile. Beware, this boy was born to fundraise. 

Thank you all for your support and I mean the non-monetary support. We are often reminded how wonderful our community of friends are and we feel blessed to be surrounded by you all.  

Colorado

The "babbling brook" in our front yard.

First hike

Breckenridge

Brady has been getting high for the last week......as in elevation people! We took our first family trip to Colorado. It was beautiful, relaxing and boring. We scheduled ourselves a good'ol fashion do nothing vacation! Typically a Shannon vay-kay involves extensive activity and requires a month long recovery period, but since the addition of Brady our activity log has been parred down. The week was packed full of firsts for Mr. B! His first flight, which he slept through, thanks to the wonders of nursing. His first stay in a hotel, which was awkward when he tried to throw a room party (no parents allowed, but since we were footing the bill he made an exception). His first hike with the fam plus one lovely guide (thanks Michelle). His first Crossfit competition, not as a participant, but as the #1 fan of dear old Dad. Well done Jeff, well done! We are so proud of you. Back to the firsts. Brady's first bought with altitude. This was a rough one. The house we stayed at was at 11,000 ft. At these heights a walk to the bathroom becomes daunting, but Brady faired pretty well and we all adjusted. His first microbrew. Brady has discerning taste for a 9 month old. He prefers a pale ale to the "wussy wheats." 

We are happy to be back home. Brady settled nicely back into his crib and has already unpacked his bag. 

Mrs. Shannon?

As smooth as Brady likes to think he is, Claire gave him a run for his money. He's not used to a woman of her caliber. It began as an innocent introduction and then bam! Claire laid one on him. Brady quickly put the breaks on and said "hold it lady, we haven't even had dinner yet." Brady and I have been going over the rules of dating and the virtue of being a gentleman in anticipation of Claire's arrival. We practiced opening car doors, pulling out high chairs, offering sippy cups and small talk. The only variable we didn't consider was Claire's advanced wu factor. She made putty of Brady in her tiny little hand. Sugar isn't even sweet in comparison to Claire. Brady's considering a proposal just to secure a place in her future, seriously...look at those baby blues. 

Today we spent the afternoon with Claire's parents and had a wonderful time at the Laurtizen Gardens. It was amazing to talk with other parents who can identify and understand everything we have been through and are going through. Thanks to them for coming to Omaha and we look forward to the next outing. 

ENT update

We had another follow up visit with our trusted ENT and we got an official "wait and see." The Doctor is trying to decide between two possible problems with Mr. B 1.Enlarged adenoids and tonsils or 2. Crowded airway. Obviously two very different directions. Brady's symptoms are not clear cut, but he is developing a pattern and that is very helpful. So now we wait for the next "episode" and then try and decipher between the two. Put your prayer hats on that we don't have another "episode" and then we don't have to decided about anything! Time is our friend so every healthy day that passes Brady gets stronger, his airway gets firmer, his reflux lessens and he gets even better looking. 

Clap, Clap, Clap

It appears that Brady has been less satisfied with our praise and celebrations because he has whipped out the big guns! As shown in the video Brady has figured out a way to congratulate himself, parents and strangers no longer needed. Typically, when Brady rolls over, takes a good bite, smiles, laughs, etc... he gets enthusiastic appraisal from us. Apparently we were not making the grade. Brady has now taken it upon himself to produce his own applause. If you see Brady in the near future please pay attention because he will demonstrate the clap and then demand you reciprocate appropriately. 

Chocolate or Poop?

In this case we were hoping for poop. NOT that my baby has poop on his face, but rather prunes. After 5 long days the ever important #2 was on hiatus. I began my intervention with good old fashion prunes followed by a healthy does of milk of magnesia. With that formula you would expect things to get moving, but day 6 came and nothing! So we made a Doctors appointment and packed our little pooper up and head for the office. Upon arrival Jeff picked Brady up and discovered the only missing ingredient in our pooptastic formula was a Dr. appointment. Apparently, Brady didn't like what the Dr. had in store for him so he got things moving, and moving, and moving. I know some of you are thinking why didn't I just put him in a holiday themed outfit? Answer: Brady can see through that! He's not going to spoil/soil a perfectly crafted holiday piece unless its truly a holiday worth celebrating. The only calendar worthy event was May Day and how do you dress for that one? A basket? A flower hat? Neither festive enough to break a 6 day poop strike. Regardless, we are back on track and featuring multiple non holiday oriented outfits today.