Saturday, April 16, 2011

6 Months!!!

Scarlett Grace is 6 months old today!  It has been a long, rough road for her but she has persevered.  We are so grateful for every day we have with her.


She has made some great progress in the last month, and we hope this infection does not cause too much of a setback.  Her eyes are much more centered and rarely drift to the left anymore.  She is tracking side to side better, and is beginning to do more up and down.  She insists on being held upright so she can look around.  She turns her head side-to-side and is working on holding it upright.  She reaches for toys and momma's fingers and face.  Her favorite toys make noise and have lights.  She grabs her hands at the midline and can stuff almost her whole hand in her mouth. 

She is feeling better still today.  Still no fevers, so it seems the antibiotics have finally taken effect.  Our goal is to get her up out of bed more and to do the majority of feeding by mouth instead of NG.  It is challenging because she has many wires and tubes connected right now, which is uncomfortable for her and us.  However, we are doing our best to keep her moving and entertain her.

Updated Numbers:
6 Months
26 Weeks
13 Pounds
24 Inches
41.5 cm Head Circumference (back to normal)
0 Shoe Size (she has tiny feet!)
11 Current Medications
4 Months since diagnosis
7 Surgeries (and one more on the horizon)
69 Days in Hospital
10 Rounds of Chemo Left

Fingers crossed that her next 6 months is easier than the first!

59 comments:

jennifer said...

I LOVE IT!!!! She is absolutely incredible! I smiled through the entire video.. you are the most amazing family - thinking of you always!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCARLETT!!! <3 you! Jen

Elizabeth said...

my daughter will be 6 months in two days. you two are unbelievable and really an inspiration. Scarlett (despite the circumstances) is SO HAPPY and seems like such a joy! amazing. i go to your site daily (i have been since Scarlett was 2 months) and i feel a connection with you 3! just wanted to say how you and your little family are always in my thoughts and prayers. from, liz (in fairfax virginia) <3

katiemom said...

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing! Happy half birthday, Scarlett!

mamacarlson09 said...

Happy 6 Month Birthday Miss Scarlett! She's such a cutie :) Love the video!

skye said...

Awww, Happy 6 months Scarlett! Very cute video. She is sooo adorable! She's growing so well, too. My 6.5 month old is only 1.5 lbs heavier. I think about you guys a lot and I hope Scarlett continues to do well, she is such a strong little girl. :)

Jamie said...

she is amazingly beautiful!

Tara Poor said...

She is just amazing! Everything she has faced and overcome, what a truly amazing little girl!!! Happy 6 month birthday baby girl!!!
lots of Love,
Tara and Wade Poor

LC said...

She's adorable! Happy 6 months, Scarlett!

Melissa said...

I love the video!! Her strength (and yours) is such an inspiration to all of us. Our little man turned 6 months yesterday, coming into this world just one day before Scarlett. With every post, and every word, I think about how that could be our family, and I admire your strength. I know it's hard and I wish everyone who is on the outside looking in could send just a few ounces of extra strength and perseverance to you every day - and maybe we do in some small way. Your family is an inspiration to everyone.
We all love you little Scarlett! Happy 6-month birthday!
Melissa (Charleston, SC)

Renaissance Woman said...

I seriously cried at how beautiful your LO is. Thank you for posting the video! Happy six months, Scarlett! You are doing great!

Claire McNeely said...

Happy Birthday Scarlett! What a beautiful video. She is absolutely amazing and has amazing parents. This video made my day! I'm so happy to see her happy and laughing. My nine month old Charlotte and I pray for you all every night when we say her prayers. I love your baby girl and I've never met you all. I think of you Brandi and Chris and pray for you often. Thank you for sharing the video. We look forward to more. Love, Claire and Charlotte

Kayla said...

I've been following your story since the beginning. Our little girls are part of the same birth club. I am so glad Scarlett is doing well, she looks great, so beautiful! If you need anything, ever please message me

Kayla

bobwendi said...

Happy 6 month Birthday, Scarlett! :) I cannot even imagine how hard the first 6 months have been on your family, but I honestly believe that the next 6 months are going to be much, much better! I have faith that Scarlett will be kickin' cancer's butt one chemo treatment at a time, and then we'll all be reading the word "REMISSION" on this blog and shed such tears of happiness. I just cannot wait for the day! Soon, my friends, soon! :)

Thank you for sharing your heart touching video. It really made my day!

Rebecca said...

Oh my goodness what a little cutie you are Scarlett! Happy 6 month Birthday!!! My family and I think of you and your Mommy and Daddy everyday. :) <3 <3

mc said...

Tears of happiness for you! She is amazing. Cheers to a six month birthday!! Elyse (Oct 2010 baby)and I read your blog and pray for you every single day.....and sometimes several times a day :) Your strength and your courage are simply amazing. Keep up the good fight! I can't wait to see her blow out her first candle!!!
Rachel & Elyse

AngelaCourtney90 said...

Wow she looks so good despite everything shes been through. God bless u and ur family. I praise u for being strong throughout this time in your lives... I dont know where Id be at if I had to deal with this everyday. I admire you for this. I praise Scarlett was well for being a little trooper through it all so far and hope to see her get rid of all this soon. My LO just turned 6 months the 12th too so Im enjoying her time right now as well. Im hoping to get to send you a card. Wish I could donate to you guys but money has been extremely rough for us right now... I hope that soon I will be able to donate something atleast to show my support.. Good Bless you all and keep up the spirits... Ill be sending my prayers out to you and Scarlett

Stephanie said...

She is so beautiful! And so happy. She is obviously very loved :)

Kate said...

What an amazing little girl! Thank you for the video. She has the most beautiful smile. And it made me cry tears of joy to watch her play with her Daddy. Your family is in my prayers. Happy Birthday, Scarlett!

Jennifer said...

Happy 6 month birthday Scarlett! Such a beautiful, happy girl!!! Thank you for updating us here in blog land - my husband and I think of your family daily. We watched your video tonight and I cried and smiled through the whole thing. Scarlett is a phenomenal baby with equally phenomenal parents. We showed the video to our daughter Juliette, who is 5 months old, and she smiled and "talked" to Scarlett!! Much love to you all!

beebeeducks said...

Thank you so much for the video!!! It was so wonderful to see! She is a precious little girl! Happy 6 months Scarlett!! My little one, James, will be 8 months on Monday. As a previous poster stated...I often think that your situation could just as easily be ours. It truly makes me so grateful for our healthy baby boy! I think of Scarlett and pray for her often! Also praying for strength for you and your husband as well. Enjoy this special day together!!!

Michelle said...

Thank you for sharing the video. Thank you!!

Anonymous said...

She is so precious. Your strength is amazing. We check in with her progress several times a week and pray for you guys often. Can't wait to see the video from her first birthday!

Kristin said...

She is such a doll!!! Scarlett is 1 day younger than my little guy and I pray for her all the time The strengh you two have is inspiring,

mommytotwo said...

Hi,

So I have never posted before but I have been following your blog since the beginning and figured that last time you were in the hospital you mentioned that you liked to read all the comments to help pass the time so I thought I would give you a little something to pass a few seconds ;. I check the blog everyday about 4 times a day when I am pumping for my little guy so when something new is posted I get all excited for the update and LOVE when you post pictures of your little princess. My guy is Jack he is 7 months I also have a 10 year old Johnathan (actually Jack is really a John so I have a John (my DH) Johnathan, and John (aka Jack. I know you hear it all the time but we too are praying for your LO my ODS Johnathan and I watched the videos you posted today and he will be praying for Scarlett also. Well I have taken my fair share of your time rambling about nothing. Take care mama and papa Keep up the good work.

amanda assaley said...

happy 6 month bday sweet girl!!!! oh man i cried watching this as much as i cried seeing my own turn 6 months! you are one amazing lil girl!!!!

Unknown said...

She is so beautiful & happy. A precious, miraculous gift from God. Praying daily for each of you as you continue this journey. So glad she is doing so well. Prayers & hugs from Alabama.

Ashley said...

Happy 6 Months Scarlett!!

Unknown said...

She is such an inspiration to us all, defying all odds. She truly is a miracle, a blessing, and a perfect little butterfly. I as well hope the next 6 months are easier, but im ecstatic that she has continued to show improvement! We love the updates and knowing how everything is going.
THankyou for taking the time to share with us. Prayers daily

The Wills Family said...

Oh, this made me cry! She is so beautiful and happy and vocal! So wonderful to see her doing well and interacting with you. Happy birthday, Butterfly!

Kadica said...

Thank you for the video... she is so beautiful! I'm so glad to see she's getting better again. Your family has remained in my prayers since the very beginning! Happy half birthday, Beautiful Girl!

Tammy said...

Adorable video!!

tkv9107 said...

Happy 6 months Scarlett! Beautiful girlie!
Praying that the next 6 months are easier for you!

April and Roel said...

I have tears in my eyes! It is so wonderful to see a video of this beautiful baby girl. She is in great spirits despite all the tubes and recent infection. Still sending lots of thoughts and prayers your way. Happy 6 months, Scarlett!

Mama of Two said...

LOVE the video! Halfy Birthday to sweet baby Scarlett!

Stephanie said...

I just showed this video to my 10 month old Violet, and she got so excited and was trying to talk to Scarlett :) I hope she continues to improve!

Sarah G said...

Wow! This video brought tears to my eyes. She's so precious and so greatly loved by you guys. Happy 1/2 birthday, Scarlett!! Wishing you all the best.

Unknown said...

I have been following Scarlett's journey from the beginning, and I was moved to tears watching this video...seeing her smiling and cooing was amazing! My son is 9 months old and I know how excited I was to see him smile. I have such admiration for all of you going through these hard times. I wish you all the best and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers always, she'll make it through this! :)

Stephanie said...

Happy 6-months, Scarlett! Thanks so much for the video, Brandi & Chris. You guys are always in my prayers. Sending prayers, love, and healthy vibes your way...

Jessica said...

This made me smile so big!!!!!

Em said...

She is so sweet. What a miracle. Hugs to you!

devon said...

Totally brought tears to my eyes. Happy 6 months to you1 You are an incredible testimony to strength! Praying for a great next 6 months.

Mrs.Andrews-Next Adventure Travel Co said...

Hooray Hooray! 6 months of amazing little girl to be celebrated today! I am SO HAPPY seeing and hearing about her amazing steps forward! Thank you for making my night just wonderful!

Amanda said...

Wow, this has to be one of the most inspirational stories I've ever heard/seen! Just caught up on all the blogs and I am in smiles and tears at the same time! You and Chris are absolutely wonderful parents and Scarlett is an amazingly strong and beautiful baby girl! My little Aubrey was in the hospital for 4 days with pneumonia when she was 6 1/2 months old and I thought I would go insane, I now realize that I am a complete pansy!!!!!
So glad that you guys are able to stay so strong during this whole ordeal. It's like, stay focused on today, but keep the light at the end of the tunnel in your sights!
Love the fact that you were able to celebrate her 6 month birthday with a great laugh (on camera even!) from your precious baby girl.
I will be thinking of you, Chris, and baby Scarlett every day as I kiss my own baby girl and hug her a little tighter.

Chelsey said...

Oh this made my night! It's usually before bed that I get the chance to check up on Scarlett, and a lot of times I have gone to bed crying and unable to sleep because my heart goes out to you guys and her. Of course, I'm crying lol but this time it is tears of joy! God bless you wonderful parents and this amazing, beautiful little girl who has touched my heart so deeply! I pray she continues to grow stronger and heal quickly!

skylac8506 said...

Happy 6 month Birthday Sweet Baby Girl! Such a wonderful Video! You can tell by her eyes and smile how much she LOVES her mommy and daddy. She is making some amazing strides!!! Thank you so much for sharing! Here's to a million more bdays and celebrations for Ms. Scarlett. Sending love and prayers from the Cozza's in CT

Mersida said...

Happy 6 months!!! Wishing you all the best in the world from the bottom of my heart! Keep fighting girl. The video is awesome!
Hugs from PA

michelmoba said...

happy 1/2 birthday Miss Scarlett. Such a beautiful gummy smile. I cant wait to post a comment with all your pretty teeth in 6 mths from now :)

Unknown said...

Happy 6 month birthday beautiful Scarlett! You are an amazing fighter and are so loved by so many people that you don't even know!

The Hubbs said...

Happy 6 month birthday Scarlett! What a happy talkative little girl!! Thanks for sharing the video! She is beautiful!

Maria said...

Brandi and Chris, I have been following Scarlett's story for many months now. I wanted to tell you that I pray for you and your baby, and am so happy to see her at 6 months, so beautiful and in love with her parents! I wish all the best to you all, and will continue to pray for Scarlett's healing.

Sarah said...

Beautiful Butterfly Scarlett

I don't comment a lot but I check for updates every single day. My heart is with you.

Love, and God Bless

Irene K said...

Happy 6 Mos Scarlett!!! It has been an Honor to read your Mommy's blog and learn all about how strong and sweet you are. Keep fighting little Butterfly, we are all cheering for you!! Love and Strength from Austin, TX (LOVE the video, thanks for sharing!)

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful, sweet baby girl. Scarlett is destined for great things-I pray for her daily and I am believing God for complete healing and restoration. Keep your head high and continue to give her all that you can as parents. Happy 1/2 Birthday Scarlett and by faith, she will have many, many more. She is just stunning!!!!

Unknown said...

how sweet. so beautiful. oh, it made me cry happy tears. :)

rrc said...

LOVE the video--she is so beautiful and so sweet! Hugs and prayers from South Dakota! Happy birthday, little Scarlett!

Unknown said...

I've been following your story since the announcement on babycenter and your blog since the beginning. I also have an October baby. Tho this is my first comment. What a long road you and your family have traveled! You both are amazing! You guys truly represent what a parent should be and you prove that length of time in service does not make you a better parent! She is beautiful and strong and incredible as are you both!

Unknown said...

Oh, this brought tears to my eyes, what an absolutely beautiful little baby, I pray for her so much

The Thompson Family said...

This post is absolutely amazing...your daughter is amazing...an inspiration! We pray for baby Scarlett every single day! This video brings tears to my eyes! Baby Scarlett is truly blessed to have 2 amaaaaazing parents!

~Fellow October mommy from Wisconsin!

Shawndra said...

Your daughter is so amazing and gorgeous! I love watching her video and listening to her talk!! You guys are so awesome for sharing her with us.

HAPPY 6 MONTHS SCARLETT!

Shawndra in Oregon