Brantley Zachary Miller

Welcome to our CaringBridge website.  It was suggested to me today that this might be a great way to keep everyone in the loop about Brantley's journey.    I talked to Allison and she agreed.  We are going to post updates and pictures  to keep family and friends updated in one place.  


On February 20, 2018, Allison and Jake had an appointment to find out whether they were team blue or team pink!!  Snow was expected and their appointment was changed from afternoon to morning.  We were all so excited to see the ultrasound and hope that they would cave and tell us which team 
WON!   On this snowy day in February they would learn that their bundle of joy would have some obstacles and hurdles to overcome.   Her ultrasound showed signs of a baby with Down Syndrome.    From that moment, they knew their lives would be full of challenges.  I was proud of the way both of them took the news.   The two comments that stand out the most from that day are - Jake saying "it is what it is" and Allie told me when we got home "mom, he will always be a happy baby"    Oh - in case you didn't catch it - TEAM BLUE WON!  


To add to the diagnosis of Down Syndrome - Brantley had a heart condition consistent with DS.  We were told that surgery would imminent within 3 months of his birth.  The days and weeks to follow consisted of ultrasounds; genetic counseling; visits to AI for several fetal echocardiograms and fetal MRI.  Fast forward - as the months went on it was suggested that Baby Brantley may have to have an additional heart issues that would likely require surgery immediately after birth.  The Team from AI; Team from Christiana NICU, and all of the doctors, nurses and hospital staff would be on "speed dial" at the time of delivery.


Allison and Jake were given a due of August 5, 2018.  Well Brantley had other plans.  On Tuesday, July 17, 2018 @ 1:26 pm weighing in at 5 lbs 8 oz, Allison and Jake had the most beautiful baby boy.  As was expected, all the teams involved were there ready and waiting to whisk this little peanut off to AI to be sure that he would have the best care possible. 


It seems that this little peanut has other plans.  Allison and Jake were given news today (7/19/18)  that the medication that was administered through IV while still at Christiana would be stopped.  It appears after a post echocardiogram, that the narrowing they thought would require immediate surgery, may not be as detriment as they thought.  They continuing to monitor him in the CICU and if all goes well, it is very possible that Allison and Jake can take Brantley home.  They will still need to return in the very near future for surgery on the AV Canal Defect.  


This is not where Brantley's story ends.  


Please visit frequently as we will hopefully be posting daily.   We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement.  Keep the prayers coming.  Thank you for visiting.