Luke.. I'm your father, Luke

Little guy resting comfortably and "self soothing". Developmentally he has good muscle strength, as demonstrated by his ability to lift his head already. He is able to calm himself by using his hands - a good sign. He was able to feed from mom already! He's a genius... Still in Nicu, but making progress and grew another oz today.

Mom and Dad are spending all the time they can with the little guy - 'kangaroo time" - skin on skin, which is helping him develop and grow.

Haylen is doing great and Luke is developing well. He has IV out and is on minimal air. He will remain in the NICU until he can 1) eat without an NG tube, 2) Breathe without assistance (now on so called 'nasal canula' - 30% oxygen - 21% oxygen is the air we breathe), 3) keep a stable temperature within an open crib.

Haylen is officially discharged, but 'nesting' at the hospital full time while she pumps milk that has already allowed Luke to grow 20 grams today. She is in love and he is precious. Both Mom and Dad spent kagaroo time 'skin on skin' with Luke James and he was very content. Amazing process having a child.

Thanks to Everyone

Mom is settling in and spent "kangaroo time" with the baby - skin on skin contact and they both loved it! Baby luke is getting his IV out today - poor little guy had tubes coming out of his tender skin. Neonatalogist and RNs are saying he is 'right where he is supposed to be' and will need to learn to 'nipple' or eat on his own and be off all breathing apparatus before he goes home - typically gestation week 36 (which could be wednesday of next week or sooner). Lots will depend on him and his ability to eat - there is no standard of measure for this. Mom is sore but mobile, and lactating as expected.

All that said, he grew .29 oz in the last few days and mom is presently getting an 'in room massage' - spa in hospital does a great job! Afterall, she deserves it and we are in Scottsdale, AZ.. Mom and dad napped together for 30 min this afternoon. This could be an easy job for us with 24/7 RNs and food and massage brought to the room. We are probably not at all in for a culture shock when we take him home soon..

We'll give gratitude for what we have now and know that we will be given what we need when he is ours full time. Thanks to everyone!

Pictures coming soon.

Day 2 - Dont get bored with us yet..

Luke is here!

Little Luke James Brokars!

He's here! Born on Sep 24 at 1 30 pm! A tiny guy at 4 lbs 12 oz. energetic and resting after a tough transition. haylen is doing well and emotional about her new love. we r so proud! thanks to everyone for your support! Still in Nicu while his lungs learn to adjust to the air..

delay today.. 12 30 pm pst instead

haylen is great, baby is still okay. we experienced a delay due to other emergent cases that came in. not to worry! 12 30 pm scheduled c section (pst). more to come after.

Haylen is Having a Baby on Wed Sept 24th 7:30 am PST

This is it! This boy is coming out tomorrow AM at 7:30 am Wednesday Sept 24th! Lungs are developed enough, he is small at 35 weeks but coming out regardless (estimated 4 1/2 lbs). Pray for Haylen and the baby during surgery tomorrow and we will give you details following. Very exciting!

Now a 'babymoon' pic from our trip to Europe, just after we learned Haylen was expecting. Lake Como in Northern Italy. Buon Giorno, Bambino!

Honeymoon Haylen! We can remember when the romance was just starting

Haylen is Having a Baby!

We are anticipating an early arrival of our little boy! He took a sudden dive from his growth curve at week 34 gestation and we are following direction from our high risk OB to have him arrive early - week 35. A poor placental nutrition is the culprit, so we will wait for appropriate lung development and have our boy during the week of Sept 22. (due date was Oct 26)

All will be great, currently he is over 4 lbs and there is good flow to the baby via the placenta. We anticipate a Thursday Sept 24 C section. Thanks for all of your prayers!