Cord Blood Stem Cells

As many of you know, Casey and I decided it would be a great investment to bank the stem cells from Brooke’s umbilical cord.  In the future, the stem cells can be used (if needed) by Brooke, Casey or myself and possibly other members in our family.  These stem cells can be extremely valuable in the event that we have to use them.  For example, many people who are severely disabled due to MS have been “cured” with stem cell treatment.  If we didn’t save them they just get thrown away! 

 

There are two different ways to extract the stem cells – by gravity or syringe.  Gravity is done sort of like the way you give blood.  They hook up a bag and let gravity work its magic.  Using a syringe to extract the stem cells is more effective since the doctor can really pull the cells out.  Most doctors use the gravity method since it is easier.  Thankfully, my doctor used the syringe method.  On average about 350,000 stem cells are extracted although the cord blood bank likes to have around 100,000.  My doctor was able to extract….are you ready for this????  1,329,640,000 stem cells!!!!  Over a BILLION!  Thank you Dr. Kirshon!  And thank you to all those who have contributed towards this cause!  Thank you Lord for giving us the ability to bank these stem cells!

Thankful

This year for Thanksgiving, Casey and I were trying to think of what we were going to start doing for our family tradition.  We decided to write down some things we are thankful for and why on an index card.  After that we would share what we wrote down and put it in a keepsake box so we could go back and read them every once in a while.  When Brooke gets older we will write her card for her until she can do it herself.  We really want to make sure that we don’t get caught up in all the food that we don’t acknowledge all that we have to be thankful for. 

 

So, one thing that I wrote on my card is that I’m so thankful for my daughter.  I absolutely loved being pregnant knowing that a miracle was inside me and could hear both Casey and I when we talked to her.  I will never forget being in the hospital and getting to meet her for the first time.  This definitely has been an eventful year all centered around Brooke.  From finding out we were going to have her in January to playing with her this morning and watching her beautiful smile light up her face - it has been amazing!  I’m thankful that the pregnancy went so smooth and the delivery was easier than I thought it was going to be.  I’m thankful that we had such a great nurse that stayed in our room the whole time and a great doctor that was able to extract so many stem cells (more on that later).  I’m thankful that Brooke is such a healthy baby that has brought so much joy to everyone, especially Casey and me.  This is just a small list of the things I’m thankful for about Brooke.  Casey and I have so much more that we are thankful for.  We are truly blessed!

Bragging on Our Daughter

I keep saying how Brooke is such a good baby and she is!  Our tough little cookie had to get her 2 month shots (almost two weeks ago now).  The nurse came in with three shots.  I didn’t think I would be able to handle it.  The nurse gave her the first one, then the next and finally the last.  Brooke was screaming her head off!  After she got some band-aids and I picked her up, she stopped crying.  She did great the rest of the day too!  I ended up giving her a dose of Tylenol because she was a little fussy, but I was just so proud that she did so good! 

Time for Teeth?

Lately Brooke has been sucking on her hand (she doesn’t like her thumb), sucking on our shoulders when we hold her, and sucking on whatever else she can.  She also has been drooling and getting a little fussy.  I know it’s early for her to get some teeth, but it seems like all the signs are there.  The other night Casey started feeling around and I think she’s getting her two front teeth!  It still might be a while until they actually come in, but they’re there! 

 

She’s growing up just so fast!!!

Our Little Fish!

Brooke LOVES bath time!  Lately we have been putting her in the tub with a few inches of water.  We lay her down on a towel and she starts kicking her feet!  Last night she even started moving her body around a lot like she was swimming.  She will lay in there for a long time just happy as can be.  J 

 

Just like her daddy…lovin’ the water…

Brooke is...

Sleeping through the night now!!!  Well, at least it has been that way for the past two nights!  We put her to sleep around 11:30pm and she has been waking up around 7:00am.  She’s such a good baby!!!  I can’t believe she’s going to be 11 weeks tomorrow! 

 

Following in daddy's footsteps...

New Video!

Brooke Update

When Brooke was born, the nurse said she was a strong baby. At two days old she was able to lift her head and move it side to side. She couldn't maintain this but the ability was there. We have lately noticed she can lift her chest and head up when on her stomach and look around. She is able to somewhat follow us with her eyes when we move around the room.

Brooke has her first appointment this Friday with Humble Pediatrics, we pray all is well.

"If we can love a baby this much, I can only imagine the love God has for us"

Photos By: Steph Dacus

More pictures of Our Baby

Multimedia message

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Wakin up!

More info from momma....

Brooke is here!!! I am the proudest momma ever! I can't explain the feeling that came over me as soon as they put Brooke on my stomach. It was the most amazing thing to have our baby right there. Being pregnant with her was so much fun, constantly feeling her move around letting me know she's doing good in there was so comforting for me. But, now with her here on my lap, just watching her sleep is the best thing I can be doing...I love her so much! Casey and I have been so blessed!

Back to sleep again

What up papa?

Update (Brooke)

We are having to stay another night in the hospital. Mom and baby are doing great! We are loving this hospital and the delivery nurse was outstanding! Steph went into labor around 11am and delivery was @ 7:10pm. Brooke was born naturally and healty. We will try and keep this blog updated more as the day goes on! Thank you everyone for your texts, emails, calls and prayers!

BABY BROOKE EMMA HENSLEY!

More pics of Brooke's room

Here is a picture of the Intro to a song I wrote for Brooke

Another pic of Brooke's Rm

Brooke is on her way!!!

I'm at 1 cm right now and getting ready for Brooke to get here! I had been a little disappointed at the last few doctor's appointments, but yesterday I got the news I wanted to hear! The doctor said I was moving forward and Brooke should be here soon! I can't believe it! Casey and I are so excited!!! We can't wait to hold our little girl! I also got another ultrasound yesterday. Brooke is currently 7 lbs. and 19 1/2''. Pretty good size baby! She has pinchable cheeks and looks so much like her daddy! We love you Brooke!!!

BROOKE!

SHES ALMOST HERE!!!!! DADDY'S A LITTLE EXCITED!!

Funny Cat

A little too much catnip for her...

It's Getting Closer...

Well I went to another appointment.  I was expecting the doctor to say that I’m a little closer to getting to meet Brooke, but he said it’s going to be another 2-3 weeks!  I know what you’re thinking…that’s what he said last week!  To be honest, I was a little disappointed, but I know it’s for the best.  I’m just so excited to get to actually see her and hold her!  C’mon Brooke!!!

House Updates

Well we finally decided to update some rooms in our house.

First is our Bedroom


Next is our Breakfast Area


Our Dining Room - It's not finished

Stem Cell Research pt 2

Because Brooke might be coming early, we did another post with the same following information. We are trying to get up enough money so we can do cord blood banking to help with Steph's M.S. Please read below for more updates and thank you to all who have already contributed! We will have a list up soon on the site to show our appreciation to all who have donated!

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CBR, CLICK HERE!

In a recent post, I talked about Cord Blood banking and Stem Cell Research for Multiple Sclerosis patients. Stem Cell research has been proven to regenerate damaged or ruined cells for the human body. This type of study is being done for people with M.S. We are planning on saving the Cord Blood Cell from baby Brooke for future studies that could result in helping my wife, Steph, with her M.S. The total cost for this procedure is going to be around $2000 to get it started. The total amount over an 18 yr span will add up around $5000. If you or anyone would like to donate to this storage, please click the DONATE button below.

PLEASE NOTE: This donation is only going to the support of Stephanie Hensley and the storage of our baby's cord blood, the donation does not get handed in to any organization.

To make a donation, please click the Donate button below!





We thank all of you who support Stephanie and I in our search for a cure. JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

To learn more about Stem Cell Research and Cord Blood, please CLICK HERE!

Exciting News!!!

I had another appointment today. I was just expecting to see the doctor for a few minutes like usual, tell him I'm feeling ok, and schedule another appointment for 2 weeks. Not so much the case! My due date isn't supposed to be for another 5 weeks, but he said he thinks it will only be another 2-3! And if I haven't gone into labor by then he will induce me. I can't believe we are going to meet Brooke early! I couldn't be more excited! My next appointment in in a week so check back to see what my doctor tells me then!

Love,
Brooke's Mommy

Another Appointment

This past Monday I had another appointment with my doctor.  It was just another check up and it went well.  I got my stomach measured again to make sure that Brooke is growing.  I guess they have to have actual data documented because it’s very obvious that my stomach is getting bigger!  J  Brooke’s heartbeat was at 146 bpm which is a little slower that last time, but that’s normal.  That just confirms that she’s getting bigger and running out of room to go crazy in my belly.  She still is moving a lot, though.  How cool is the video that Casey posted?  It’s the coolest feeling when she starts dancing in there!  Anyway, baby Brooke and I are doing really well.  And those times when I’m really tired or hurting from her kicking my ribs, Daddy is there taking care of us!  He makes me dinner, rubs my back or whatever else I demand…I mean, ask…just kidding!  He’s the best husband and I love him!

Brooke Kicking

This is a video of Brooke Kicking

NEW Pictures of the baby bed

Here is Brooke's bed all put together for the most part!

The butterfly wings are where our little angel will lay her pretty head!

OUR BABY FURNITURE!

Crib and Changing Table / Dresser

Brooke's CRIB!

Dresser / Changing table!

FIRST VIDEO OF BROOKE!!!

Click Play to see the first video of Baby Brooke!

New Brooke Pictures!

Baby Brooke - Eyes closed, resting her chin on her hands...

LOOK CLOSELY - SHE IS GIVING US A THUMBS UP!!
WHOOP! DATS OUR GIRL!

Dr. Visit update 2

We just got done at the Dr. Office - Brooke is 3 pounds 12 ounces and about 16 inches or so. He thinks she will be around 7lbs when she is born and around 20 inches! He says she is a healthy baby, all is going well so far! Videos clips will be posted next!

At doctor - visit 1

Waiting to see Dr. and ultrasound so we can video it!!! Will do another post soon!!!!

Stem Cell Research for Steph

In a recent post, I talked about Cord Blood banking and Stem Cell Research for Multiple Sclerosis patients. Stem Cell research has been proven to regenerate damaged or ruined cells for the human body. This type of study is being done for people with M.S. We are planning on saving the Cord Blood Cell from baby Brooke for future studies that could result in helping my wife, Steph, with her M.S. The total cost for this procedure is going to be around $2000 to get it started. The total amount over an 18 yr span will add up around $5000. If you or anyone would like to donate to this storage, please click the DONATE button below.

PLEASE NOTE: This donation is only going to the support of Stephanie Hensley and the storage of our baby's cord blood, the donation does not get handed in to any organization.

To make a donation, please click the Donate button below!



We thank all of you who support Stephanie and I in our search for a cure. JOIN THE MOVEMENT!

To learn more about Stem Cell Research and Cord Blood, please CLICK HERE!

More on Brooke's Room...

We finished the second color tonight! I absolutely love it! I normally wouldn't have picked out purples (I'm usually drawn to the bright yellows and pinks), but I think it's perfect! Daddy's got good taste (he picked out the bedding). I can't wait to start putting more stuff up on the walls. Keep checking for updates on Brooke's room!

I guess I should also mention that we are going to put up a chair railing so you won't see where the two colors come together!

BROOKE'S ROOM

Well, we have begun the adventure of Brooke's Room. This is going to be the coolest room. Of course, we have to get the base colors in, then the cool things begin. We will post pictures when we are done but for now... Here are some beginning previews:

Daisy, excited to have a new baby sister!

Fun - :-)

Today was a productive day. My dad and I went to my old house, which is being rented, and tore out the room that was in the garage. It was a very HOT day. As always, we seem to work pretty well and the work didn't take long as expected. We were able to move a door, electric, close off A/C and finish up in a few hours. It was too hot to be doing the work but hey, we have renters who are hopefully doing the lease to own option.

Steph stayed at the house and got tons of work done at the house (my awesome wife).

Next -- we paint Brooke's room -- More pics of prego momma and Brooke's room to come.

The Results Are In...

I just got a call from Becky, Dr. Kirshon’s nurse.  She called to say that my glucose tests came back ok!  I’m on the higher side of the limit, but she said it was no big deal.  She suggested that I just watch eating carbs and sugar at the same time.  She also said that I’m not anemic.  Whoohoo!  More good news!

 

I’m so thankful that everything in this pregnancy is going so well!  God is so great!  I love feeling Brooke move all around, but I can’t wait to hold her!  Only 75 more days!

 

Oh, one more cool thing…Last night Casey and I got to see my stomach do “the wave”!!!  I’m not sure what Brooke was doing, but it was so much fun to watch her!

Mommy at 29 Weeks!

7th Appointment

I’m 29 weeks today!  I can’t believe how close it’s getting.  Just 77 more days!  I’m so excited!  I know Casey is too.  I love it when he rubs my belly and talks to Brooke.  It’s so cute!  So, yesterday I went to the doctor again.  It was just another appointment like the last few have been where we listen to Brooke’s heartbeat (156 bpm) and I talk to the doctor for a second.  He felt my tummy and said that “the baby seems to be growing nicely.”  This time I also had to gulp down 10 oz. of this sugar water and get my blood drawn an hour later.  Hopefully the results of that test will come back ok.    I’ve gained a total of 25 pounds now and with 11 more weeks to go I think I’m going to break out of the healthy weight gain category.  Oh well!  After he told me that he wanted to see me back in 2 weeks I said “to do another ultrasound???”  He just smiled and said “that sounds like a great idea!”  That was the most exciting part of the whole appointment!  So, July 20^th Casey and I will get to see our little angel!  This time we are going to bring our video camera and tape the ultrasound so everyone can see it!  I think I need to start a countdown for this too!  J

Love,

Brooke’s Mommy

Putting Baby Equipment together

So, I have began the arduous adventure of trying to put together some baby equipment. What are these manufactuers thinking? Of all the things I have effortlessly put together, this has by far been the worst. :-)

Finished Product!

CRUZAN Restaurant in Humble Tx

I have been in the states going on 10 yrs now. Of the 10 years, I have been back home to St. Croix, USVI one time! I know, I know...

I have been blessed by people here in Humble, Texas who know how to make certain foods like Roti, double and calaloo.

Recently a restaurant opened close to me called, Anani's Caribbean Creations. The owner is from St. Croix! Yep, here in Humble, Texas. I now have Pate, Johnny Cake, Ox Tail, Roti, Fungi and my malt drinks. The owners name is: Sheryl James, a wonderful Christian lady.

Here is an article: Anani's Caribbean Creations

Picture of Pates and Malt.