Happy New Year! 

I can't believe it's 2008 already, and that Brett is almost One Year Old!!  We have had a lovely christmas, and Brett continues to do very well.  His smile just melts you!!!

I just love this picture of Brett with his Dad...........

Brett has a new best friend! - Hi Abi  

This will probably be the last update before christmas, hope you all have a good one, stay happy, and stay healthy!

It's been a very very busy year for our family, and we can't quite believe how the time has flown!  Almost 12 months now since Brett was born, and when we look back on the last year we can't believe how much has happened and how much Brett has been through.

We wish everyone the best for the new year and hope that it brings joy and happiness to you all.  For ourselves, we are hoping that sometime next year (here's hoping sooner rather than later! please keep your fingers crossed that we sell our house quickly!) we will be moving to the house we have chosen by the sea and that Brett is breathing fresh air and getting stronger and healthier by the day!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

When I was pregnant with Brett and we were told that he would have Downs Syndrome, the doctor and midwives repeatedly told us how 'sorry' they were.  In some ways this confused things for us, we knew we wanted to continue with our pregnancy but we longed for positive councilling and positive encouragement.  We got negative information that only focused on the worst case senario, and we were told on a few occasions that our baby might die before birth.   I wish with all my heart that doctors would tell women the whole picture, that a baby with a disability might be hard work but that there is absolutely nothing on earth that surpasses the rewards they bring to you, and the immense joy you will feel with helping them achieve.

You might wonder why I am writing about this again 11 months on from Brett's birth.  I have received a link to a video that reminded me once again how precious ALL life is, and I thank God for Brett and for my other wonderful children Terri, Sam and Garry.  The video link will make you cry but it will also teach you to value every day.  Turn up your speakers for the words and click here, this couple are an inspiration to us all.

For a long time now Brett has struggled with Gastric Reflux and has vomitted and not tolerated his feeds very well.  Although his medications had been increased he was not getting any better and his weight was dropping, he spent every day in pain and was always crying.

Last week Brett was admitted to hospital because the reflux had got so severe and I was no longer able to care for him at home, even with daily help from a nurse.  I can't describe how terrible it is to see your baby crying and in pain and to feel helpless to do anything about it.  Brett was also having jerking episodes because of how bad the reflux was, they call these sort of spasms Sandifers Syndrome.

Then, a miracle happened.  Our prayers were answered.  Brett was suspected of having a milk allergy, he was started on a new formula called Neocate.  Slowly over a few days, Brett has had increased amounts of this new feed given to him through his tube.

The difference in Brett with the new formula is like a miracle.  He no longer cries, he doesn't have spasms, he has all his feed without being sick, he doesn't writhe and squirm in pain, he is a HAPPY baby!!!  He has his SMILE back!!!  Thank you God for our christmas miracle, and to all the wonderful caring people who have helped Brett and us - thank you.