Kenley Brennan Kenley Rae Brennan

On 03/15/18 at 7:44 PM we welcomed Kenley Rae Brennan into the world and our lives changed forever. Weighing just 2 lbs 9 oz and measuring 12.6” she came to meet us at 29 weeks and 3 days of development. She is without a doubt the single most beautiful person I have ever laid eyes on and she captured our hearts from the very first moment we saw her.


After a successful C-section delivery which Ashlyn endured with the utmost bravery and grace, the doctors and nurses on staff here at Presbyterian St. Luke’s in Denver immediately went to work giving our precious little girl the best attention she could receive in order to give her the highest chances possible of remaining healthy and transitioning to her new life outside of the womb. Despite knowing this, standing back and watching as they worked on her was easily the most difficult and heart-wrenching experience I have ever had to endure.


Our path from the operating room through the next 24 hours has brought about a whole host of thoughts, emotions, and experiences that we never expected to have and that have tested us to the very cores of our beings. We have cried more than we thought possible and we have a very long, difficult journey ahead of us, but we are remaining steadfastly positive and tackling one goal and each small victory at a time. We have learned so much already about her and about ourselves, and we look forward to the days to come with her, no matter how challenging they may be.


The outpouring of love and support from our extended network has been tremendously helpful and at times almost overwhelming. We are keeping up with everyone as best as we can but appreciate everyone respecting our needs and ask for understanding when we’re not able to respond or fulfill all of the requests for attention coming our way. That being said we are so immensely grateful for all of the kind words, messages, prayers, and gifts of encouragement and love that have been expressed to us and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them, so please continue to keep them coming. Your love and prayers have been working and I can guarantee that Kenley can sense all of this love and affection being directed her way, and Ashlyn and I certainly appreciate it too. We are a team of three now and we support one another through this uncertain path but our family and friends have been the wind in our sails.


Kenley is a gift to us and she is so incredibly strong and beautiful and we cherish every moment we get with her. Everyone who has had the privilege of visiting her has remarked on just how beautiful and amazing she is despite her diminutive size. I never imagined I would look forward to changing a diaper this much but I wouldn’t miss the chance to touch her for the world. Our visitations have been limited as she is fighting the fight of her life but she impresses us with every new development and we are confident she will continue to grow and win her own battles and be the incredible baby girl that we already know she is. She responds to our voices and our touch and seems to be calmed by our presence when we’re able to be with her.


The staff at St. Luke’s and particularly the NICU nurses overseeing her are our heroes. Our family and friends are our rock. While there are too many names to mention we love you all so, so very much. We look forward to sharing more of the joy that is Kenley Rae with you all in the days and weeks to come. On behalf of Ashlyn and Kenley and myself - thank you for being a part of our lives and sharing in our special journey. Much love and gratitude from our new family to yours.