I plan to make the first delivery of books tomorrow night, Thursday December 20th. Today Benson, Grammie and I went to the Edmonds Bookstore. They were generous and gave us a 20% discount on our purchase. We want you to know that we are still accepting donations. I am happy to make more deliveries in the new year.
This Christmas season is drastically diffrent from last year. I am cherishing every moment. Here are some pictures of my family getting in the Christmas spirit.
I remember reading this biblical passage last year during some of our most difficult days. Our hearts go out to the victims and entire community in Newtown, Conneticitcut.
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
Thanks for your support,
Bre and the Boys
December 4, 2012
We have been impressed with the response of those interested in donating books to the UW NICU library. All I can say is THANK YOU! I promise your gifts will give hope.
"Children are made readers on the laps of their parents." Emily Buchwald
We were blessed to have Erik's parents join us for the Thanksgiving celebration. Seeing Grandma Betty read to Benson was a vision of mine while in the hospital. I'm not sure who loved it more.
It's the simple things. I've been looking forward to this day...
Our Story...
On September 11, 2011 our son Benson
Borgen was born almost 4 months early weighing 1 pound 7 ounces. He was
originally due at the end of December and his early birth earned him
the title of a micro preemie. With underdeveloped lungs and other
complications along the way he was hospitalized for over six and a half
months. With an abundance of prayers, love and support we were able to
spend much time with him. The time we spent with him was not the
typical experience most parents of full term babies have. We were unable to hold our son
for his first 28 days of life. He was on a ventilator in an incubator for almost
3 1/2 months. At times we felt helpless. However, from day one our
incredible nurses and doctors encouraged us to speak to our son. We tried to do this as much as possible, in the form of normal conversation and reading to him. Not only did this help with our piece of mind, it helped Benson. In fact
Benson was featured in a KING 5 Children's Health Link supporting a
study that a mother's voice improves a baby's health and development while in the NICU.
We were showered with support and feel it is our turn do something. Our Request...
We would like all NICU families to have the opportunity to read to their babies like we did, so we would like to start a
library at the UW Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. For
the holidays we are purchasing Children's books to seed the library and we ask you to join us. For a majority of families the
NICU is the last place they expect to spend time with their baby. They
enter this foreign place so overwhelmed with medical information and
heartache that trying to get a book is far from on their minds. An
example of a great book that my Aunt Robin gave us to read Benson was
the "The Little Engine that Could." If you choose to participate you
may purchase books or send money. If you know where we live in Edmonds
please feel free to drop off your donations on our front porch.
Otherwise please mail books or checks to the following address. Checks
can be made payable to Breanna Borgen. I plan to purchase books at the
Edmonds Bookshop.
Radwick and Lightle
C/O Breanna Borgen 221 James St. Suite 100 Edmonds, WA 98020
Our son is thriving at home. You can follow his story by checking our blog.
www.togetherathome.blogspot.com
Lovingly,
Bre, Erik and Benson
We are hoping to create a large library for the UW NICU families. Here is aLINK to a document with all of the above information that you can print and post at your place of work. Or email to friends and family. The more donations the merrier.
Below is the video we created in the spring of last year, just after Benson came home for the first time.
We feel extremely thankful on this special holiday. Reflecting on where we were a year ago is almost too much for me to handle at times. I can only take small doses of looking back at the struggles we endured. However I often reread encouraging cards, caringbridge messages, emails, etc and I cannot express how thankful we are for the support we recieved (and still do). Erik and I strongly believe we are at home raising our happy healthy boy because of you. We are deeply grateful for all the love and support that has surrounded us. You are amazing! And so is God!
So much love, Bre and the boys
Pictures of our sweet B
Benson and Auntie Kass
Benson currently has 4 teeth on top and two on the bottom. They are sometimes difficult to get pictures of so here is a good one as they started to come in.
Our neighbor grows pumpkins and kindly offered for Benson to have his own private visit. Benson eventually warmed up to the idea of sitting on a pile of pumpkins. :)
We have so much to be thankful for! xo bre and the boys
Last week Benson had several appointments at SCH. We were extremely pleased with his ophthalmology appointment. He is seeing within the normal range for his age and one eye had improved since his last visit. Benson's pulmonologist couldn't be happier with his progress. Your prayers are working!
Sending prayers and positive thoughts for Benson's oral intake would be greatly appreciated. Please visualize him sitting in his high chair eating yummy food. Thank you!
Enjoy some pictures of Benson in his wagon given by Erik's family for his first birthday.
A very special thanks to Mariana Kajlich for taking these pictures. We couldn't be happier with the results. She was patient, creative and funny! We look forward to her capturing more of Benson in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a similar experience.
I'm a little behind on postings. Benson went on his first roadtrip at the end of August to visit his family in central Oregon. Those pictures will be posted soon. xo bre and the boys
