A year we will never forget

What a year we've had. Ricky and I literally started the year off with huge goals that we hoped we could accomplish. I sit here amazed at the year we've had and how quickly this year has gone. February 1st we found out we were pregnant. February 8th was Ricky's 29th birthday and the day we found out we were having twins. We were so excited but Ricky told the doctor there were three babies in there... the doctor assured Ricky there were only two. February 15th I went to the doctor by myself after assuring Ricky he didn't need to go because it was just a follow up. That day I found out Ricky was right, we were having Triplets! The rest of the pregnancy would challenge us, open our eyes to what really matters and make us stronger as a couple and individuals. After planning a funeral for our baby, we would learn baby B was a girl and she had a chance. Two weeks later, I was in the hospital and doctors were trying to keep me pregnant. That Thursday my body said no more. I remember being really sick and calling Ricky to come be with me at the hospital. I was not sure why I was so sick but something was off. That day I remember being in and out of it. I slept a lot. My doctor came in and said I would have to deliver that day. I remember begging her to please do something but she said that the babies needed a mother and she would have to deliver to save all four of our lives. I remember being in a lot of pain before I was wheeled to the OR. Once there I was really scared to get an epidural but I did it. They almost forgot to bring Ricky in. Once the doctor started, I remember being very weak and exhausted. I will never forget how terrified Ricky was. He didn't have to say anything it was all over his face. Thursday, July 1, 2010 at 9:11 pm our babies were born, all in the same minute. Brody Gerald, Gracie Ann and Madilynn Faith. Brody was the only one that cried. We didn't get to see them. There was a small army of doctors and nurses in the OR. Once wheeled to the recovery, they wheeled each baby to me in the life support transporters. The staff were trying to let me spend a minute or so to look at each baby but it hit me how small and critical they were so I just kept saying next, next. to get them in the NICU and stable. Up to that point, I thought we had been on an emotional roller coaster. I would realize very soon we hadn't been through anything. The next five and a half months would teach us valuable life lessons. Our faith would be tested, our family relationships would be tested, and we would see just how strong our kids are and how mighty our God is.
This year we became parents, celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary, and accepted Ricky's job promotion that will move us to PA. It has been a year of life changing events to say the least.
Ricky and I are so in love with our God, each other, our kids and our life. Our hope is for God to continue to work through our babies to show the world His mercy and love to all that meet us. The only reason we have three beautiful healthy babies is because of Him and His miracles.
As we end 2010 with our move days away, we know we will miss our family and friends dearly but we know that 2011 will be a fulfilling year full of irreplaceable memories, and miracles. We wish you all a happy 2011 and may you accomplish all your goals, be healthy and thankful for all you have. We challenge you to let God control your destiny and pave your path. We would love to see and hear what He is doing for you all.
We thank you all for the prayers and ask that you please continue those prayers. We have a long journey ahead full of doctor appointments, test, therapy, etc. and we know prayer works and has been the Miracle Grow for the triplets.
Love,

The Patton Family
Ricky & Krista
Brody, Gracie & Madi

Merry Christmas! Love, The Patton Family

What's on my mind...

Be Inspired...
On one of my many trips to my OB/GYN while pregnant, I looked at all the baby photos in their hall to get photo ideas. I came across one and it was too cool saying follow us as we grow and list their blog. There were many pictures of two kids, a boy and a girl. At this time, I thought we would only have 2 surviving children. Anyway, I went home and checked out their blog. I was so inspired. Two kids born 17 weeks early, blind with many other challenges but successful with two parents that were amazing. I could relate to them. They seemed young, hip, loved Pottery Barn, etc. but they do every single thing possible for these kids. This includes daily trips to Texas Children's Hospital. They told those doctors their kids would prove them wrong and the great news is they have!! I just feel like we have a lot of the same challenges but they have more so it also made me realize how lucky we are. It feels nice to know that I'm not the only "difficult" mom. If they can do it with as many obstacles they have, I sure as heck can get through this phase tired and unshowered and appreciate my situation every single day.
Missing my peeps already...
My Aunt Melinda came to visit today. I love her! She is my dad's favorite "sister" (they are actually cousins). She is such an amazing person. My brother and his girls aka my girls came over. They had not seen each other in 6 years. Jennifer, the sister I've never had joined in later that afternoon. It was an amazing day. As our visit was coming to an end, I stepped back went into the kitchen to wash bottles (story of my life) and it hit me... I'm really going to miss my people.. My Meme & Papa, my Aunt Melinda & Uncle Bobby, John & Jennifer and my girls Brooke and Kelsey. Then there are my friends and neighbors and the comfort of this house and neighborhood. I'm leaving. We are leaving. I know this isn't goodbye forever but my Meme is basically my mom and being around my Aunt Melinda and John is the closest to my dad I can get. Its weird I know but I really miss my dad and I cherish being around people that loved him as much as I did.
Bright future ahead:
You have to sacrifice in order to get what you want and to where you want to be. You don't just wake up one day and have it all. I know, we know this is such a great move. The fact that Ricky has only been with this company 2 years and is given this opportunity is amazing. But just so you all know, as excited as we are, we will miss you, our peeps dearly.
I hope you all have an amazing Christmas!
I love "all y'all" (in my best Texas voice because this girl here was born in Waxahachie, Texas) LOL Tammy :o)

Krista

Update on babies at home

Hey my blog readers! Hope everyone is doing great and ready for Christmas.

This week has actually been pretty slow. We don't have any appointments this week or next. That is unheard of for us.
Brody is adjusting to life at home. He is such a sweet little guy. We continue to struggle with bottle feeds. At this point, he isn't even finishing 1 bottle. We are also trying to get to know him better with his breathing requirements and lung issues. It is hard to know what this cough means or that choke means but just like the girls, we will learn. He is such a big boy and he honestly looks like a toddler. Ricky and I are so amazed at how big he is. And his gorgeous blue eyes and handsome grin.... melts your heart ever time. He loves to talk and kick his legs which makes his respiratory monitor go off like crazy. He loves to swing but what he really loves is to be held and snuggled with. Ricky and I had all the babies in our bed over the weekend and we were all happy as can be just hanging out. That is what life is all about!
Gracie is doing good. We have two more weeks until her cast is off. I will be excited so she can move that foot better. The cast is so heavy it is hard for her to but when she is mad she slams that thing up and down on the floor. Honestly though, it does not even phase her that she has that cast. That is Gracie, she is so strong. This little girl's smile is amazing. It literally is like she has a light bulb on her face when she smiles. We are still working with her being able to hold her head up and tummy time. We hope OT will be able to make big progress with her in the next couple months.
Madilynn got a perfect report card from the Pediatrician. She is in perfect health and is growing appropriately. She smiles and laughs all the time and gives herself away every time she needs a nap. She has a certain whine when she is tired. Yesterday morning Ricky woke me up and told me to go see Madi playing. She was in her crib, had turned herself around to face the wall and was kicking her bumper in her crib and laughing every single time. It was so awesome. She continues to love bath time and cries for at least 30 minutes when she gets out. These are big tears and a real loud cry. Ricky couldn't believe she really did that until he came home and witnessed it. She is holding her head up so good. Ricky told her she couldn't start crawling for several more months. We are for sure not ready for that.
Life is really great. Some mean things happened over the weekend by some horrible people but we will not let that stop our happiness and the happiness of our family. I guess when these people see they really don't affect us they will leave our lives for good. We have some awesome people in our lives that have helped us so much this past year. You know who you are and we appreciate and love you very much. We just want to surround ourselves and our kids around positive people that love everyone of us unconditionally. We've found it in our group of supporters. Your family does not have to be your actual mom or dad it could be a Meme that is amazing, an aunt that is loving, a brother or sister in law that make things right. So, that is what we are focused on. We might not have moms and dads or all our grandparents but the people we do have will fill the spots we need and the people we do have in our lives love our babies like they were their own. That is special and we are so lucky to have these people. These are the people we will miss and this is what makes PA difficult.
God has paved our path and we will continue to follow what He has set for us. If you follow Him you will not get lost and your life will be so rewarding. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas with your family, whoever that might be.

Love,

Krista & Ricky
Brody, Gracie & Madi

Best Christmas presents EVER!

Christmas came early for Ricky and I, in July.

We finally got a Christmas tree. It is the smallest tree we've ever had but it is the best because it is the babies' tree. They love the lights. I wish we could have gotten one sooner so they could enjoy it longer but that is ok. I think I might actually keep this tree up until the New Year (usually it comes down Christmas day). The girls are looking at their daddy. Not sure why he was to the side but either way, I love Gracie's smile in this picture. Brody was sound asleep and would not wake up for anything. Oh well. I have another one where the girls were moving their arms around and rested them on Brody's tummy. It is really sweet.

Krista

Cool stuff and funnies about PA:

Christmas Tree Capital of the World

In 1859, Edwin Drake drilled the world's first oil well in Titusville, Pennsylvania

You own only three spices: salt, pepper and Heinz ketchup.

You refer to Pennsylvania as "PA"

You prefer Hershey's Chocolate to Godiva.


We've decided that Ricky will accept the offer in PA. We are working towards relocating by mid January. We are really excited about the move but nervous too. This is a huge opportunity for Ricky and I couldn't be more proud for him.

Krista



What a perfect song...

Bob Marley - I Can See Clearly Now


I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Oh yes I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day

Look all around, there's nothin' but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin' but blue skies

I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is the rainbow I've been prayin' for
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day
It's gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day


This song just popped in my head and I couldn't stop sing the chorus so I looked up the lyrics and oh my, my how fitting this song is. I hope you all get this song stuck in your head and you have a bright, bright, bright sun shiny day :)

Krista

Pedi appointment

Madi, Brody, Gracie

Precious Cargo...

What a beautiful site!

I am so happy and thankful that the NICU chapter is behind us. It has been a long road full of many ups and a lot of downs. I'm so happy. I've been torn for so long because I've not had all of my babies with me but not anymore! They are home, healthy and happy. What a BL3SSING! This will be the best Christmas ever and truly defines what Christmas is all about. I don't care about things because things don't matter. What matters are these 3 beautiful children.
We are starting to write a new chapter in our lives as life happens. One that will be full of many laughs, a few tears, and a lot of achievements. They amaze me more everyday and I'm so thankful we are able to share these babies with the few people we have in our lives. Out of town family, get yourselves down here soon :)
Ricky is counting down the seconds until he is back tomorrow. I could not imagine the feeling. He told me to watch for a delivery today for the babies. He won't tell me what it is but I'm sure the babies will love it. I can't wait for us to pick him up tomorrow. He has sacrificed a lot to better our family this past month and I'm very proud of him. He is a great provider for our family and an even better daddy and husband.

Happy Holidays. Turn some Christmas music on and dance around the house, the babies are HOME!

Love,

Krista

*We would love visitors. Please make sure you have your Flu shot and have not been sick or feeling sick within 48 hours. If you would like to visit, contact me or Ricky.

There is another post under this one. I will be posting a lot more pictures as I find the time. Two is easy but Three is CrAzY but great!!

Brody's big day!!!

Brody,

You are 5.5 months old today. This is such a big day because you are HOME! It was time for you to come home. You were ready and we sure have been ready.
You are such a laid back little man. Your personality seems to be a lot like your daddy's. Don't worry, the girls and I will break you in very slowly :)
I am so proud to be your mommy. You have taught me a lot and have helped my faith grow stronger. You have made me realize who is really in charge and controls our destiny. Brody, it is because of God you are here with us today. You were really sick for a long time but God heard our cries and plead and He let us keep you to love in our home. We have a long road ahead and I'm not sure what mountains we will climb but I know you can do it. You can do anything you set your mind to. I will spend the rest of my life making everything up to you and I promise I will never stop loving you. You are amazing and a miracle. I will make sure you have everything you need and deserve. I'm one determined momma!

This will always be my cheer for you.... ALWAYS!
"There is something you must always remember: you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."   Christopher Robin to Pooh  (Momma to Brody)
You have proved this true so many times.

I love you,

Mommy

BRODY IS HOME! MY LITTLE BOY IS HOME!

Full schedule this week....

Today Gracie had two appointments. First stop was to the Pediatric Surgeon, Dr. Bloss. We love him! He was following up on her cyst. He said we should not be concerned because it is so small and it will go away by itself. He picked her up and gave her a smooch on her head. Dr. Bloss did the trip's heart surgery when they were days old and also Brody's gut surgery. He is an amazing surgeon.
We then made our way to the Med Center for Gracie's swallow function. Great progress, she did not aspirate into her airways with the preemie nipple. This means we do not have to spend $1,000 in January for thickener. She is not ready for a regular nipple but that is ok. She is so smart! She trained herself to take small sucks so she wouldn't put herself in danger. The Speech Pathologist was impressed. More proof that she is one special little girl.
Tomorrow Gracie will have her surgery to release the tendon. I feel a lot more comfortable going into it this time. Once done, she will be put in her last cast.
Wednesday is a really big day... Brody will be released from the hospital! Both girls have ultrasounds and Gracie has a Urology appointment but after that I will get my big boy!!
Thursday we have a Pedi appointment for all three.
Friday, Ricky comes home!!!!!
We have a very busy week ahead. Hope everyone is getting ready for Christmas. We will be officially ready to go by the weekend.

Krista

Bright future ahead...

Yesterday was a very informative day. Brody has his MRI and the girls had appointments.
We found a new Orthopedic and I really, really like her. The doctor listened to all my concerns and explained what is going on and what we are facing. She also did an x ray of her spine and wants me to get a copy of the ultrasound that was just done of her pelvis. Gracie does not have scoliosis. She does have a slight curvature but it is very little and not enough to have a scoliosis diagnosis. Her elbows are ok but one of her arms is slightly longer than the other. She also thought her arms were a little shorter than they should be. Her neck will be okay but we need to continue to work with it. Her club foot that is currently in a cast was addressed as well. She agrees with the other doctor that she is ready for the tendon to be cut. She usually takes kids to the OR for the procedure but given Gracie's medical history we both agree that wouldn't be best for her so, the procedure will be done in office next week. She will be cast afterwards and will wear that cast for 3 weeks. Now for the fun part we had NO CLUE about.... when we go to have that cast removed, we have to go have Gracie fitted for braces for her legs and special shoes that she will have to wear for 4 YEARS! The braces are connected by a metal bar. Basically, she will have a metal bar connected from one foot to the other. Ricky and I hate this for her. Crawling and walking will be that much more of a challenge. One thing I do know is Gracie can handle it. I don't think the other two would be able to but she can. She is such a fighter and has such determination. I asked the doctor if she would be able to walk normal when she is finally able to get rid of the braces and the doctor is very confident she can. She will also be able to be a ballerina if she wants. These issue won't stop her- if anything it would be her brain bleed but since it is a grade 1 we don't have a lot to worry about.
Our next stop was the girls ROP appointment. We have really awesome news... both girls do NOT need to go back to the doctor unless our Pedi feels concerned later down the road AND neither one of the girls need glasses! We wouldn't care if they did need them but this is such a huge victory. A couple of months ago we were so scared for all of their sight. Proof again we have a mighty, loving God!
On our way home, I got a call from the Neonatologist regarding Brody's MRI. Of course it showed that Brody has grade 3 brain bleeds on both sides but the good news is the ventricles are not growing meaning the bleed is resolving. The doctor said it looks good and we shouldn't worry about major mental challenges. Ricky and I feel he will be fine. If he is a slow learner- so what!
Brody is now in the hospital trying to get feeds better. There are some concerns I told the staff about. It seems like Brody is in a lot of pain when feeding and the nurses were forcing him to eat. I got just a little upset about that... ok, maybe really upset but the good news is it is being addressed. The doctor agrees with me that Brody is in pain so we are trying some different medications. I told the doctor I would like to get things fixed because I know I can not force pain on him at home so if he started fighting the bottles I would tube everything. I'm not sure when Brody will be home but I know it will be soon.
In other good news, I found the kiddo's Christmas stockings! Whoo Hoo!! They are being shipped to me now. I've also decided to get a Christmas tree so I think I will do that this weekend.
In other really great news, Ricky is doing awesome in PA. The management really likes him and is very impressed with some things Ricky is getting into place up there. Ricky found out yesterday if he accepts the position he will have an office... imagine that Ricky finally getting an office job :) I screamed "YES! You can have pictures of the babies on your desk!" It is really cold there. The wind chill was -1. I can't imagine what that feels like. WOW!

Please keep praying for us. God has really worked miracles in our lives.

Krista

me and my BIG boy!

The girls are no where near this big. It is so awesome! He has already outgrown 0-3 months clothes and is now wearing 3-6 months!! Brody had his MRI today. We are eagerly awaiting the results. I met with the doctor today and there are some concerns with Brody's brain bleed so the test results can't come fast enough. I will update when we know more.

Krista

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

The girls and I are feeling much better after being sick for 3 days. I'm happy Brody did not come home because he can not get sick. I will see him on Monday when my medication has been working for several days and the girls are well too.
Brody will be getting an MRI of his brain this week. He has to be sedated for this test so he stays still. The doctor said he hopes to have him home a couple days after the MRI. We both want to make sure the medication is totally out of his system before he comes home. A Neuro Surgeon will follow Brody since he has a brain bleed. Women's Hospital did not do an MRI on Gracie so I need to look into getting her in front of a Neuro Surgeon too. Brody is struggling to bottle feed. He was on 5 bottles but now on 4 and not finishing those. We aren't sure why he isn't finishing them but I've been trained on tube feeds and actually placed his NG tube a couple weeks ago. My hope is for me to be able to work with him as well as OT when they start coming out to see him.
We missed a ton of appointments on Friday. I hate that but I was far too sick to be out. Meme was going to go with me but it still takes a lot out of me when I'm 100% so I knew I couldn't do it. Now I've got to reschedule all the appointments. Gracie has an Orthopedic appointment on Tuesday with a new Orthopedic Surgeon. I want a second opinion as well as everyone close to us. Madi continues to do well. She is talking a lot now and smiling and laughing. It is so awesome!
Hope everyone is doing great. I'm very ready for Ricky to be home. We are half way there! He said it was 14 degrees today and it has been snowing. I wish we were there. Monday will be a BIG day for him.

Krista

SIKE.....

Brody is not coming home yet. I had him moved to a hospital closer to the house. I met with the team at the new hospital and we all hope to have him home within a week or so. I'm so excited that he is closer to home and not an hour away.
PA is going good for Ricky. He is really busy up there but likes it. It should snow again this week. The temperatures have been in the twenties there.

KP

Got to go with your gut....

Gracie did not have her surgery today. I had such a bad feeling about it and even after we decided to have her awake during the procedure we still did not have an good feeling. Things just work out the way they need to and God gives us signs every time we ask. We did go to the doctor today but once we got there, we were told the doctor would be over an hour late. The babies can't sit in a waiting room that long so we left. The Pedi is working on finding us another Orthopedic.
Brody will be home on Wednesday!!!

Krista

Great week ahead!!

Christmas is quickly approaching! Bless everyone that battled the stores this weekend. I have never done that and I don't think I'm missing much :) I did buy a couple of things online, in the warmth of my home and the comfort of my jammies :)
The babies are doing good. Gracie hates baths. Seriously, she does not like them one bit. I think it will be a little better when her cast is off and she can actually be in water instead of a sponge bath. She gets so mad and turns maroon and purple and screams... yes, she does scream, you just don't hear it. She even hates lotion! I ask her every bath if she is my child because we couldn't be more opposite in this area :) However, I do know she is for sure mine with her little attitude :)
Madi is doing good. She LOVES baths. She could "swim" all day long. She starts crying when you take her out and dry her off. So funny. I wonder how Brody will do.
Tomorrow is Gracie's big day. I'm dreading it. I would love to wake up and it be Tuesday. Please don't forget to say a prayer for her.
Ricky is doing great in PA. It snowed there. He has been looking for houses. I'm kind of thinking about living in a high rise in Pittsburgh. It would be something totally different than we are use to. Although, they have an estate for rent that is fully furnished near his job. That would be totally awesome. We will have to see. We hope to have the offer package this week.
This is such a big week for us. I'm so excited to have Brody home. It will be so awesome!!

Krista

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."

So, Ricky and I have made a promise to each other to NEVER EVER spend a holiday apart. We are so excited for Christmas!
Speaking of Christmas, I am looking for really nice stockings for the kids. I want these to last forever not just a couple of seasons. I hope I can find them in time.
Brody is now on 5 bottles. I hope, once home, he won't be on tube feeds for too long.
It feels like Sunday but it is only Thursday. I can't wait until next week and for sure can't wait for Monday to pass. It will be so awesome to have all the babies together! And I can't wait to get pictures done!! The babies will be 5 months old on December 1st. Time goes so fast. Having children reminds me of this daily so I always try to live in the moment because I know we won't have this time again. It is almost time for me to start planning their 1st birthday for crying out loud! Yes, it will be a HUGE event... as if you didn't already know :)
Take care and I will check in soon! Please remember Gracie in your prayers on Monday.

Krista
Awesome quote by Erma Bombeck.

Gracie- Surgery Monday

Gracie will be having surgery on Monday to help her foot. We had to make the difficult decision to have her awake and the area numbed as best they can. We feel like putting her on the ventilator would be too risky given her medical history. The doctor will give her a shot in the back of her heel and cut the tendon so it will release. They will put her back in a cast after this. Depending on how well she is doing, will determine how well they can cast her. This should be the last cast. This is very difficult for us because she will be in pain. We feel like she has been through so much and I really hate that she has to continue to go through these things. She is so brave and strong. Every week when they cut her cast off she just holds my hand and squeezes, never cries. I wish  I had a little of the strength she has.
Ricky is in PA so he will not be here for the procedure. This is very difficult for him as well. We didn't know about this surgery until he had committed to going to PA. We also didn't know Brody would be home while he is away either.
I heard something on the radio about not looking at what you don't have but what you do have. This is so true. Often times it is hard to not get caught up in the lack of support from Ricky's family and their meanness but if we stop and focus on the love and support we do have from our real family and friends, it is overwhelming. Somethings will never change or be fixed so instead of being upset about those things, we will strive to redirect those thoughts towards good. At the end of the day, the babies won't miss what they don't know.
Thanksgiving is a time to stop and realize you have a lot to be thankful for. Ricky and I realize just how blessed we are. We are working everyday to create memories that will last a lifetime. Next year will be great but this year has been wonderful too. Not at all what we had planned but that is the beauty of life.
Thanksgiving was my dad's favorite holiday. Every year I think about all the memories I had with him and our family. I hope everyone has a wonderful day filled with love. Please stop and realize you have a lot to be thankful for- all because of GOD.

Krista

Plans....

BRODY IS COMING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Next week is the big week! We are pushing for Monday but not sure that all the test results will be in due to the holidays. He will be coming home on tube feeds. We are currently on 4 bottles per day and he is doing great with those. I've requested him home for several reason but the main two are because it is very hard to get to the hospital since Ricky is gone and he needs to be home interacting with his sisters and not laying in a hospital bed. He is 11 pounds 10 ounces and 22 inches long! He is a toddler :) The hospital is ordering a home nurse for him. This will help me a lot. Like the girls, he will go home on oxygen and the apnea monitor. Let the holidays begin!!!  Ricky is very disappointed that he will not be here. He would have never left town if we would have known Brody would be home so soon.
Speaking of Ricky, PA is going great. His job is getting a offer package together for him. We will make our decision based on a couple of things but that package will be the main decision maker.
The girls had to get their RSV shot yesterday. It was horrible! They both weigh the same, 9 pounds 10 ounces!! In other great news, the girls have one more ROP appointment, their eyes are doing great!! We are so lucky that all three have their vision and hearing. Being born so early a lot are not as fortunate.
It is such an amazing feeling to know there is an end to the hospital journey. It has been such a long, hard road. Our eyes have been opened to a lot. God's grace is so beautiful. I don't understand how Ricky and I are so lucky to have these babies but I know that we are very blessed.

Krista

Let the countdown begin!

Hello!

Ricky left for PA yesterday. It was hard to see him go, this will be the longest we've ever been apart. Tomorrow we will be married 5 years. We've accomplished a lot in 5 years and have grown a lot. I'm excited for the next 5! He said PA is really nice. He is staying in a town that is up to date, 35 minutes from the job. The town where the shop is in is nice but country. It  should snow there tonight.
Brody is doing great! He finished both of his bottles last night. I'm waiting to hear if they are going to increase to 3 today. He is 11 pounds .06 ounces!
The girls are growing and playing. We have a very busy day with appointments tomorrow. We have to leave here by 7:30 am and won't be home until 5 pm or later. It is getting better though. Once the specialist have seen them, they will say either we don't need to go back or come back in X amount of time. So, it won't always be like this.
I'm getting ready for Thanksgiving. It would be awesome if Brody was home but I think that is pushing it a little too fast. Maybe the day after :)
On a side note, I do take a lot of pictures, everyday actually but I'm usually too tired to load them and post them to the blog. Sorry, I will work on adding more pictures!! See below because I did add some today!!

Krista

Brody holding his binkie

The girls at the Pedi. Madi is on the left and Gracie on the right

Brody's first bottle!

Brody had his first bottle today. He took all 90 mls in 25 minutes! Go Brody Go!! OT recommended increasing to 2 bottles tomorrow. I will be there at 11am for his bottle so I can learn how to feed him. All the babies feed differently. This is a huge step forward to coming home. Once he is on 8 bottles he can come home. The doctors and nurses were really shocked and impressed that he did so well, they were not expecting it. His voice is getting louder and louder by the day as the hoarsness goes away. We were able to play today.
The girls went to the pedi today. We had a good visit. The girls are getting closer to being on the growth charts. I did get clarification on what things the babies should be doing at this age. The babies are 4.5 months old but if they were term, they would only be 1 month 4 days old. So, their bodies are doing things a one month old would do. Teeth and things won't come in until their gestation age has hit... hope that makes sense. We are spreading Madi's medication dosage out to see if we can eventually discontinue it. The pedi is very pleased with her body tone and how alert she is... I did ask if it was ok that she sleeps so much and he said it was and the numbers show she has grown and is growing so much. She was wide awake during the appointment. With Gracie's stuff, we are waiting to see what the Pulmonologist says since she will determine what medications to keep and get rid of. Her growth is great. I was able to schedule the OCRG (sleep study) for Gracie on Friday to see if we can get rid of the oxygen. When we wake up during the night and in the morning, Gracie has pulled her prongs out but looks great. Madi was doing the same things right before they decided to get rid of hers so I hope it will be the same for Gracie.  I'm not sure if I updated about Gracie's possible surgery. She is currently being casted weekly but before the last cast, she may need surgery to release the tendon. We were not aware of that until last Friday. This will be during Ricky's trip. She is being such a champ with that cast.
It would be so cool to have Brody home for Thanksgiving! It could happen :) and I want him home so bad but I do know that Ricky would hate to miss it. Then I would have my babies home but not the hubby... proof you really can't plan life :)

Krista

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Today is a fun day for me and the girls. My friends and Meme will come over for a baby shower! The girls are dressed so stinkin cute! I'm sure I will post pictures at some point.
I went to see my boy last night. I can not accurately describe how amazing it is to bath him by myself and pick him up out of his crib by myself. Before, we had to be super careful when holding him so he wouldn't extubate but now that he is on cannula, it is much easier and less stressful. For the first time, I look at Brody and see a healthy baby boy. I held him for a while and bounced him on my knee, let him put weight on his feet and legs but he started to fuss a little because he was getting tired so in went the binkie and we rocked until he was asleep. So awesome. He loves the binkie just like the girls but most of all, he loves to hear himself. He cries a lot but not really a cry, I think that is all the "talking" he knows how to do yet. The doctors have been able to wean his oxygen requirements twice since Thursday and even with the changes his saturation are still staying at 100% the lowest it has been is 96%. This is just amazing. I know a lot of people won't get how big this is so just know it is huge!
The girls are getting sassier by the minute, both of them. Ricky started to call Madi KJ, I didn't know what the heck he was talking about so he informed me it was Krista Jr. Whatever. Gracie wants what she wants and now. She has no time to wait on you. They are so funny and a hand full :)
We've got a couple of appointments this week. Monday the girls will go for their 4 month check up, Wednesday ECI will be out to do therapy with the girls, Friday Gracie has Pulmonary, Dermatology, and her recast so we will be very busy that day.... I just realized we had all that on Friday.... Geez! And let us not forget Ricky leaves on Wednesday to PA for the next 3.0. D.A.Y.S.....
I hope everyone has a great week. Please keep praying for us.

Krista

We are praying for:
Gracie's paralyzed vocal cord
Brody's bottle feeds (hope to start this week)
Madi's reflux
Ricky while away

The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender

Brody,
You are off the ventilator! I am so proud of you! You have climbed Mt. Everest and have such stamina. You have your voice back already and look shocked when you hear yourself. I'm so excited to hear that sweet voice of yours and I can't wait until you say your first word.... momma (don't tell your daddy). You are ready to be home and I am so ready for you to be home. Our next challenge will be bottle feeding but I know you will do great. You are so amazing and a true miracle. Keep amazing me little boy and I promise I will spend the rest of my life making this up to you.

I love you with all that I am.  Mommy


Hi y'all! Our little boy is off the vent! We are such proud parents of this little boy. This is a picture of him an hour after extubating. The tube he has in his mouth is his feeding tube which will end up being an NG (nose) tube very soon. The tape protects his face from the cannula as well as holds his feeding tube in place.... anyway, meet our sweet little boy Brody! He cries! and I can hear it!!!! I've not heard his cry since July 1 so this is such a gift for me. Please continue to keep him in your prayers since the next 72 hours will be crucial.
We took Gracie to see the ENT today. Good news is even if the vocal cord stays paralyzed the other one will adapt and she WILL be able to TALK! If the cord does not heal, she will need surgery when she is a teenager to correct the problem. Also, if it does not heal her voice will be very raspy. We will follow up with the ENT again in April.
Both the girls had their ROP appointment today. These appointments are horrible. The doctor clamps their eyes open with metal clips and takes a metal stick and pokes around on their eyes. They scream and I can't watch. Anyway, both the girls eyes are looking great but they are not out of the woods yet and we will go back in 2 weeks.
Overall, we had such an amazing day with a lot of accomplishments. Tomorrow we go back to the medical center for Gracie's recast, week2, download the apnea monitor, and blood draw for both girls... boo!

Thank you to everyone who has supported us, prayed for us, and loved us unconditionally. We know who our family and friends are and could not go through this without you all. We love you! 
Please continue to pray for our babies as well as Ricky and I.

BL3SSED,

Krista
(quote by Vince Lombardi)

"For I know the plans I have I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

Hope everyone is doing good.... we are!

Tomorrow we have Gracie's appointment with the ENT. I'm very ready for this appointment because I want more information about her paralyzed vocal cord. After that appointment, the girls have their ROP follow up. We have to leave the house at 7 am so I can get to the hospital (where Brody's at) to be there when they EXTUBATE him off the ventilator!!!!! The doctors asked if I wanted to be there and of course I do! I just hope we have enough time to celebrate with him and get to the ENT by 8:45... Where there is a will there is a way, right?
I'm so excited about Brody. I just hope he does well and can handle being on nasal cannula. To put this in perspective, we went from being on the ventilator for 18 weeks to ET CPAP for 3 days and is going on cannula. Cannula is nothing at all. I mean it really gives very little oxygen. It will be a challenge but he can do anything, I know that. He is so stinkin cute. I just wish everyone could meet him. He is almost 11 pounds! Just such a little chunk. Oh and he has a voice!! I've not heard his voice since July 1st (he was the only baby that cried when delivered) so I'm so excited to hear him CRY. Since Ricky will be leaving next Wednesday I made sure there was no chance Brody would come home while he is gone and there isn't. Bottle feeding is the next challenge we will go through with Mr. Brody but who cares.... he is getting off the VENT!!! Oh and I told the nurses I wanted to b.u.r.n the vent in the unit but I don't think they will let me.... darn.
The girls have been such a hand full! Oh my gosh... I'm so exhausted, you have no idea. They are both little divas. They just cry, cry, cry unless they have Mr. Binks aka pacifier. I think I might just go crazy this week. If not this week for sure next week when I've done this alone 24/7. I might weigh 20 pounds when Ricky gets back LOL (laugh out loud for those who don't know) Fine by me. Oh and another little tid bit... car seats with babies in them are heavy. You wouldn't think they aren't but they are. Add monitors and oxygen and you've got yourself a good e.x.h.a.u.s.t.i.n.g workout.

Prayer list
Brody's extubation
Gracie's ENT appointment
Girl's ROP appointment
Strength
Energy

Wish list
sleep
the girls to stop crying


Make it a great day!

Krista

PA and the next 30 days

Ricky is leaving next Wednesday, the 17th, for PA. He will be gone until December 17th. 30 days. I'm still digesting that. PA is where one of the job offers is. They need help and it will be a good time for him to see if he likes it up there and if we could really live there. He is going to freeze up there. He will be missing our 5 year wedding anniversary and Thanksgiving. It is okay though because Brody isn't home so we were not celebrating Thanksgiving anyway and we will celebrate big on our 10 year anniversary (I hope to Paris or somewhere cool) So, during this time away I will be recruiting my family and friends. I've got a calendar going of who can ride with me what day so I can see Brody.
Speaking of my big boy, he is OFF OF PRESSURE SUPPORT! He is now on ET C PAP and the goal is to have him off the vent officially by Thursday if he continues to do good. Go Brody Grow! We are so excited about this. It is so close... like waiting to open gifts on Christmas morning.
The girls are eating like crazy! Madi plays with her tongue more and more these days. The little faces she makes is so funny. She is also doing better holding her head up although, she hates to exercise.
Gracie is still struggling to eat. She threw up her entire bottle tonight. I hope she does not have to be tubed again. She is so alert and stares at angles all day. I really think she is staring at angles by the way. She is tolerating her cast better. We will go back at the end of the week for round 2.
In other news, we sold the truck today and made a little money on it. So happy for it to be gone, one less thing on the to do list.

Krista

It kills you to see them grow up. But I guess it would kill you quicker if they didn't.

Another weekend has come and gone in a flash. We had a good day Saturday with my family. Madi actually stayed wide awake for about 2 hours and Gracie slept. I think Gracie was feeling bad with her cast.
About the time change.... Let me just say when you have babies on a strict 3 hour feeding, you don't have time to figure out the "adjustment" for feeds. Last night was hard and we are still adjusting today.
Today I got a pedicure and spent a long time with Brody. I was actually gone from 11:30-5:00! It was amazing to be out! I never thought the day would come when a pedicure would be a luxury.
Brody is doing good. He is now 10 pounds 4 ounces and can no longer where newborn clothes. I was a little sad about that until I realized his entire dresser was full of 0-3 month clothes. I'm now excited about all his new outfits. I held him today and am really excited about how well he tracks things. He tracks my movements, toys, mobile, etc. He actually does this better than the girls... GO BRODY!
The babies are starting to smile and laugh more. It is really awesome. I'm not sure if this is what newborns do or 4 month olds but either way it is so cool.
This week is another busy week but not so bad. We sold Ricky's truck so we have to handle that tomorrow. The girls have their ROP follow up on Thursday and Ricky has his Orthodontic appointment. I will schedule Gracie's 2nd cast for Friday. I do have a million appointments to make and a ton of follow up calls. I would rather have more "home" work to do than outside the home. The girls do great traveling but it is exhausting for them (and me too).
5 weeks until Christmas AKA 5 weeks until my little man is HOME!!!

Krista
(quote by Barbara Kingsolver, Animal Dreams)

Doctor visits

What a day!

Our first appointment was at 8:30 today but traffic was terrible so we arrived at 9. I really like the Dermatologist. She is very nice and knowledgeable. She does not think the bump on Gracie's head is a hemangioma but a fat deposit. Also, the hemangioma on her tummy will get better as she grows. We hope by the time Gracie is 4 it will be gone or next to nothing. These issues happen to be because she is a girl, triplet, and preemie. We did luck out because usually hemangiomas are on the face.
In between dermatology and orthopedic, we stop to visit Brody. Meme hasn't seen him in a while so it was good she was able to. The blood gas they did this morning didn't look as bad as the one yesterday but it was not the best. They did not make any vent changes and will repeat the blood gas in the morning. He is 9 lbs 15 oz.
The orthopedic appointment was a little odd. The doctor has ZERO bedside manner. Gracie did get her cast. She did very well and did not seem to be in any pain. She kept tooting on him :o) She will need to go back once a week for at least 6 weeks to have the cast changed. We talked briefly about the other issues but at this time, he does not feel we should do anything.
Madi did great. Went along for the ride. So many funny things happen during these ventures. I mean sometimes it is a scary situation but it turns out to be something to laugh about. I guess that is key... keep laughing.
I'm just taking it one day at a time over here and enjoy life's little moments.

Have a great weekend!

Krista

take one step forward and 10 back

Gather the troops its time for some serious praying...

Brody may be getting sick. They have taken some cultures from his vent tube and will know something within 48 hours. His x ray did not look good today so no vent changes were made. There is a new doctor on the case and she had no clue what I was talking about when I asked what the group decided as far a pressure support yesterday. Disappointed and aggravated would be putting it lightly. My response to all of this was the ventilator is doing more harm than good. I fell 100% about that. The tube has been down so long that germs form and colonize. He is on such little support, I just wish we had a doctor that would take a chance and challenge him. This doctor now wants to go all the way to 0 on pressure support then wean the peep. Pressure support wouldn't be gone until next week if we are lucky. I just don't understand how they can think that having a 4 month old baby on the vent is okay. I think a lot of careless judgements have been made and too many careless errors to count. I stressed the importance of seeing an end to the vent and the end coming sooner rather than later. I'm so over it. I just want to transfer him out of there so bad. This is a prime example of how rotating doctors screws everything up.
On a better note, ECI came out to enroll Gracie in their program. The therapist will be out in two weeks to start working with her.

Krista

"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things" Jeremiah 33:3

Its already Wednesday! I thought I just updated everyone yesterday... anyway, great news on Brody's eyes. His eyes are doing so great that he will not need another eye exam for 3 MONTHS! That is HUGE! The doctor said he did not need glasses right now. I wish I could explain to everyone how scared I was about his eyes. I've begged God for a lot these past almost 17 weeks. I've begged God to please not take Brody from us just days old, again several times with his lungs, I've begged God to let me give birth to Gracie alive, let me raise her, get her past deadly intestinal infection and Brody to be able to see. God has blessed me so much by allowing all of these request. It is so amazing y'all. Ask and you shall receive has never been more true.
I'm currently very hopeful that Gracie's vocal cords will heal and she will be vocal. She was once vocal but they damaged it the last time she was intubaited. It is hard for her to cry and me not be able to hear the different types of cries to see what is wrong. Is she crying because she is hungry, tummy hurts, just mad, etc. I'm still adjusting to caring for her and learning how to give her the best care. I'm looking forward to finding out more about the cords.
Madilynn is doing good. Her belly button is sticking out really far. Remember, she has the hernia from birth. The Pedi said it will get worse before it is better. The good news is it does not hurt her. I just worry about it because it really sticks way out. Her reflux has good days and bad. You never know what your going to get. She has recently discovered her tongue. She likes to stick it out and make different shapes with her mouth. She has a lot of head control and it seems to get better daily. She still sleeps all day. I think I'm going to call it hibernating :o)
I'm having a baby shower next Sunday. I'm really excited about it. I've started trying to fill out their baby books but their entrance into this world does not "fit" the book. I just do the best I can but this blog will be their book. I think it is more detailed than any book could ever be.
Christmas is 6 weeks away. I'm not counting down because I'm ready to decorate but because I'm ready to have my boy home. Then life will be a different type of crazy.
Everyone sleep an extra 30 minutes for me.

Krista

Children reinvent your world for you

We have a plan for Brody this week!
His blood gas looked good this morning along with his Monday labs. They are going to get an x ray tomorrow of his lungs. The group of doctors meet on Wednesday and this Wednesday, they are going to decide as a group if they are going to wean the pressure support to 0 or if they will discontinue at 3. He is currently on a rate of 3. Once he is off the pressure support, it is considered C Pap but ET C Pap instead of nasal C Pap. Once they decide the route, the next step will be to wean his peep down to 3. They will lower by 1 each time there is a change. So, when we have met these goals, he will go to nasal cannual! I hope they will just say to DC (discontinue) the pressure support on Thursday and wean his peep to 4 as well so we can be off the vent by next week but I'm not sure.
I did talk to the insurance company about getting a private nurse and that is one of the only exclusions Halliburton's plan has. However, they think we will be able to get a skilled nurse for 140 visits per year. The lady is calling me back tomorrow. Fingers crossed!
The girls had a normal day today. It is suppose to rain tomorrow. That sucks because we have shots tomorrow so I hope it will hold off until the after noon.

Please keep praying for us.

Krista

girls in their Bumbo chairs

"I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin (with lyrics)

Happy Halloween!

Gracie was so awake and alert for her pictures. Ricky and I both took a bunch. It was so funny because I had my camera and iPhone and Ricky had his iPhone too.

I went to visit Brody on Saturday night and gave him a bath and put him in his little outfit a couple of hours early.  

This picture explains Madi. The girl sleeps all day and night. She is awake about 2 hours total per day!  Anyway, she really didn't care how we wanted to take her picture.

We had a lot of fun. Cousins came over and trick or treated on our street. Our street had a grill out with chili dogs and frito pie. This was the first time everyone got to meet the girls (from a distance). The night was great except we were really missing Brody. Next year will be awesome!

Speaking of Brody, they lowered his pressure support to 3!  This is great news. They are planning to wean this down to 0 and lower the peep down to 4 before they extubate him. I hope that we can make great progress this week. They finally lowered his calories in 22 (the girls are on the same). Really happy about this because he has gained too much weight too fast. His head ultrasound showed no new brain bleeds and that it is resolving still. Great news on that! I really feel that he is mentally all there. He interacts just like Madi and Gracie do. He will have his follow up eye exam on Tuesday and I am still waiting for the results from his renal (kidneys) ultrasound.

We have an extremely busy week here. Monday I have a TON of phone calls to make. The most important phone call will be to the health insurance company. I read somewhere that babies at home on oxygen get a home nurse standard across the board but health insurance companies don't volunteer a nurse, you have to ask for one. Guess what I will be asking for??? Tuesday the girls have their 4 month shots... YUCK! I hate it. Wednesday we will be recovering from shots. Thursday ECI (Early Childhood Intervention) is coming out to evaluate Gracie to see what services she qualifies for. Friday Gracie has an Orthopedic and Dermatology appointment. On top of all of this stuff, Ricky is on call all week which means very long hours during the week and having to work on the weekend. I might have a HUGE meltdown on Friday so check back on Saturday.

Goals for this week:

Brody vent changes

Home nurse for Gracie

Gracie's foot cast

Make it thru the week

Keep us in your prayers... we sure need them.

Krista

Hi AJ & UD thanks for emailing and checking in on us. I wish y'all lived closer. 

Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about

I had this quote on my desk when I worked. Everyday for 3 years this quote meant never give up on being a mom. Conclusion: Surround yourself with goals and encouragement.

My lil man and I had a date last night. I held all 9 pounds 5 ounces of him in my arms. I gave him a kiss on his head and he turned his face towards me to snuggle. He is so awesome and such a Mommy's boy. I love it! He actually does not like people. People have done mean things that have hurt him for his 17 weeks of life so everyone has been trying to work with him by holding him and talking to him so he is more acceptable to people. I don't have that problem with him though :) He is so stinking cute! Seriously he is and I'm not the only one that thinks that... his nurses are pretty smitten over him too!
His crib is adorned with his "Home by Christmas" and our cheer for him Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." and they are actually facing him!
So some bad news... they couldn't make any vent changes Monday because his lung capacity was small so they repeated the x ray today to see if they could make changes but they can't. His lungs are "wet" very hazy. This could be all the extra fluid, he gained 6 ounces in one night. They are going to monitor it and see if they need to give him an extra dose of diuretic. This is a disappointment. One entire week with no changes = one extra week in the hospital. So, I'm asking everyone to cheer on Brody and start begging God to please heal his lungs and get him home so him and his mom can snuggle every. single. day!
The girls are doing good. Madi sleeps all. day. long and Gracie is W.I.D.E. awake. all. day. long! So funny how they are so opposite.

Keep praying for the babes because why? Prayer is the MIRACLE GROW for the babies!!

Krista
(quote: author unknown)

Always kiss your children goodnight - even if they're already asleep

The girls had their ROP follow up today. Thank God for Meme again because she went with us and helped a lot. Gracie finished her bottle for her Meme and even burped a couple of times!! Guess Meme is now a pro ;) Gracie's eyes are getting better but not totally out of the woods yet. We aren't worried but can't totally relax yet. Madi's eyes are getting better too but again not out of the woods yet. The BEST news is Brody's laser eye surgery has done great and all the things they hope the surgery would help has!
Random: They should make parking garages and spaces bigger for Suburbans.
Ricky went to see Brody tonight. I sent a new sign: Home by Christmas! I also insisted that the sign face him. The first one (Home by Thanksgiving) I put up facing him but someone turned it to face the nurses... Hello??? Brody needs to see what his goal is daily. I have so many awesome ideas for Christmas photos. I can't wait! If we can't get the Christmas cards done and out before Christmas then we will do  Happy New Year cards. I think I'm going to get the girls pictures made soon while they are still newborn size. I feel kind of bad leaving Brody out but I can't do anything about it.
The girls have been really upset tonight both of them. I think with the eye exam and travel, it wears them out and makes them not feel well. I hope tomorrow is much better and the good thing is we don't have any other appointments this week so we can all recover. I think Ricky will like if I can do some laundry so he can stop wearing my socks. Thank goodness he has a ton of underwear because I asked him if those were next. By the way, he said No, no matter what he won't do that. LOL (laugh out loud) I'm sure he really wants me sharing that on our blog.
There are so many first coming up, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. and I'm so excited but I feel like we shouldn't celebrate these events until we have Brody with us. I just don't want to leave him out. It is a really hard situation and no one will understand because you don't have two at home and one in the hospital. So, we will have the girls in a little Halloween shirt but I think the first official holidays will be next year. I'm very big on things being equal and fair and this is the only way I know to do that.
I love this blog because a year from now I can look back and see the things I was struggling with or that was bothering me and they won't matter then. Luckily, I know there is an end to a lot of these struggles but I know we will always be facing something. That is just life :)
I was thinking today about this time last year. I was in New York for work and fun. It was such an amazing trip. What a difference a year makes. Wouldn't trade last year and wouldn't trade today. I'm one lucky person.
I never really update on Ricky. I don't mean to not, just don't. He is doing good. very tired and working a lot. They are  short on help at work so that makes days even longer. Looking at some options within the company will know more by end of year. He loves coming home to his girls. Madi knows him and just stares at him. Gracie is still getting to know us at home but she loves when he holds her. The routine is suppose to be as soon as he hits the door, go to the shower but he always has to look at them first. He can't stand to have them upset and does not think a baby should cry. Is he crazy? We are blessed to have him and the girls and Brody are so loved by him.
Well time for 2 am feed. Will post again soon.

Krista
(quote from H. Jackson Brown, Jr)

Sanctus Real - Lead Me

I look around and see my wonderful life

Almost perfect from the outside

In picture frames I see my beautiful wife

Always smiling

But on the inside, I can hear her saying...


“Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, what about us?


Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone”


I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes

They're just children from the outside

I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine

They're independent

But on the inside, I can hear them saying...


“Lead me with strong hands

Stand up when I can't

Don't leave me hungry for love

Chasing dreams, but what about us?


Show me you're willing to fight

That I'm still the love of your life

I know we call this our home

But I still feel alone”


So Father, give me the strength

To be everything I'm called to be

Oh, Father, show me the way

To lead them

Won't You lead me?


To lead them with strong hands

To stand up when they can't

Don't want to leave them hungry for love,

Chasing things that I could give up


I'll show them I'm willing to fight

And give them the best of my life

So we can call this our home

Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone


Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

'While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about."

This is the sweetest thing ever and really shows who Gracie is. Any time we lay the girls next to each other, Gracie snuggles up to Madi and holds her just like in the picture. It is so sweet. (Gracie is not that much shorter just the way she is laying) Life at home with the girls is hard. I'm not going to lie. It is a real challenge right now. It is very rewarding though for moments just like in the picture.

Friday Meme spent the day with us and helped me take the girls to the doctor. Thank God for Meme because I wouldn't have made it through the trip without her. Gracie weighs 8 pounds 1 ounce and Madi is 7 pounds 8 ounces. Madi got her RSV shot and Gracie met the doctor. We will go back to the Pedi November 2 for 4 month shots. Can you believe they will already be 4 months old on November 1?? They are growing up too fast for this momma.

Brody is doing great. I was able to visit him tonight. He is so much longer than the girls. He is weighing 8 pounds 13 ounces. His eyes are grey and his hair is brownish blond. Such a little cutie. They weaned his vent today and he is doing great with the changes. Can't wait until we get rid of the vent for good.

Time for our 2 am feed. Gotta go!

Krista

(quote anonymous)

Welcome HOME Gracie Ann!

Gracie Ann today was your day! We didn't think you were going to be able to come home today due to bottle feeds but you proved everyone just how strong you are. We didn't get home until 10 tonight and by the time mommy and daddy finally ate for the first time and got unpacked it was 11. Bottles, diaper changes, and medication followed. All that could matter less because  you are home.
I've been staring at you in amazement tonight. You have beat all odds that were set way early in your life. I never thought this day would come because I didn't think we had a chance of meeting you. I love that we were all wrong. I went through a lot of sadness and shed a lot of tears during my pregnancy because I had to plan some really bad things but God lead the way and I'm so thankful He allowed me to have you here with us. You have amazed me with your strength and determination to be here. You have had a lot of bad things happen in your short life but it has never stopped you. Gracie I think God gave me you so you could teach me how to be a better stronger person. You are the definition of a miracle. We have a lot of hurdles to over come but out of the trio I know you can handle it. We did our therapy today, stretching out your little body. You pointed your toes just like a little ballerina. Gracie be a ballerina if you want, be anything you want to be and whatever it is, I know you will be great at it. I love you and I am so blessed to have you teaching me life lessons.

Love,

Mommy

Amazing Pedi

I'm so happy with our Pediatrician. He is truly amazing and is on top of stuff. He personally calls me, unheard of I know, to check on how Madi is doing, how meds are doing, test needing to be done, test results, etc. He has her file on his desk that he reviews every so many days. This is just great! I'm so excited to have him for the babes.
We are still planning on Gracie coming home tomorrow but she has to either stay the same weight or gain tonight in order for them to release her. Since she can only take 70-75 mls of formula they increased the calories to 24 (it was 22). "Normal" term  babies are on 20 calorie formula Brody is at 26. Anyway, tomorrow looks to be very busy. I'm so excited! Can't wait because she will be home and I can spend time with her all day but I can also spend more quality time with Brody too. It is hard getting there so late at night and having to see both of them. I can't hold them a lot because of the unit hours and if they are sleeping so this will be good.
We have moved Brody's  goal back to HOME BY CHRISTMAS! This is very hard for me. THE BOY HAS TO BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS! He is almost 9 pounds. I hate the fact that he is growing up at the hospital. Breaks my heart for him. I know he needs to be there until he is ready but he also needs to be home. Not because of me but for him. It is not normal to live in the hospital away from your family. Sometimes I feel like he doesn't even know who I am. Why would he really? I can only go every other day, it is always late at night, he is usually not awake, so why would he know me? Really makes me sad.
Moving on..... Still waiting to find out about where Ricky's job will lead us.......... Really ready to know :o)

Krista

Thursday should be the day!

Gracie should be home on Thursday unless something crazy happens. They delivered her oxygen and apnea monitor today. In other oxygen news, Madi no longer requires oxygen! They also discontinued one medication, Caffeine and if we are doing every other day on one for one week. If she does well, we will dc it along with 2 more! WHOO HOO! This is great timing since Gracie will be on a lot of medications. It makes things very manageable. I'm confident I can take care of these babies without help ;o)
I got the girls really cute Halloween outfits and Brody too. I can't wait for them to wear them. I haven't got any updates on Brody yet but tonight is my turn to go to the hospital so I will be updated then.
Tomorrow Madi has her ROP appointment. I'm so thankful to have a great medical center close by but it is really a long drive with a small baby. It throws her feeding schedule and our day off track. Oh well, I hope this will be our last visit. Fingers crossed!

Krista

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.”

I've been trying to get Madi to understand she is not an only child all day today. Has not gone over so well. She has to learn how to sleep on her back and in her bassinet or crib. Have I ever mentioned the child only sleeps on mine or Ricky's chest? We are the only ones to blame, we know so you don't have to say it. She also is not use to crying. If she makes a sound she is picked up again, we know. So today she has learned how to calm herself. It has been noisy here :o)
Gracie is  coming home!! The OCRG (sleep study) test will be done tonight, she had her Echo, and will have her car seat test after the OCRG. Looks like Wednesday or Thursday for her homecoming. She is on continuous 1/8 of oxygen. They will know if she can stay at that rate or need to go up for feeds. Oh and she can hear. I already knew that but we have the test to prove it. I'm keeping all of the proof for all the babies to use to my advantage in several years ;o) I'm so excited!! but it is very bittersweet because of Mr. Brody.
Talked to the doctor regarding moving Brody to TCH. She totally understood our concerns about careless errors. She would love for him to stay there because the group has a history with him but understands if we want to move him. She suggested that if anything is out of sorts when we are there to address it immediately instead of letting it build up then it being too late. I don't really have a problem with that. Every time I see something off I call it right away, you just have to in this situation. I'm not sure what we will decide to do. Now that Gracie is moving, the only ties we will have is Brody's primary nurses. This doctor seems to think we have another week and a half at least with him on the vent. I don't understand this since he is getting very little support but I'm no doctor. She only had him today and one of our favs will have him for the remainder of the week starting tomorrow. We shall see what he thinks. They did order him a bounce chair to help with development. I'm excited and scared since he is still intubaited.
It is going to be a crazy busy week.
We have to: train with OT regarding Gracie's range of motion, bottle feed, have home oxygen and apnea monitor delivered, have car seat installed, have medications filled and pick up (down town, bummer), Madi's ROP apt on Wednesday, Gracie's Pedi apt on Friday, and Madi's RSV shot on Friday too.  Has anyone figured out how to clone us yet??? Oh and I forgot... Ricky's on call this week :o(    BOOOOOOO!

Krista

(quote from Ashley Smith)

Oh, YES we do!

 Brody is now 8 pounds!                
I celebrate each ounce these babies gain. It is so amazing where they
are now and where they started. I will find out tomorrow if we are transferring him to Texas Children's Hospital. We have had some careless errors that have caused some set backs for him. Someone (no one knows who) let his tape come off and his vent tube went to far in his chest, this caused one lung to get too much oxygen (the other one could have collapsed) and when they finally realized it, the damage was done. They had to increase his oxygen from the upper 20s to mid 40s. This is a huge increase. It has taken him 48 hours to recover from something that was 100% preventable. It is extremely difficult for me to accept these errors. Our insurance has paid out over $7 million dollars to the hospital so the least they can do is make sure my babies are 100% safe at all times. We feel that since they have been there so long, they are not getting the best treatment/ not top priority. It is aggravating especially when Brody is working so hard to get better. He deserves better. Wish us luck because I'm sure the conversation isn't going to go over well.... just a feeling I have.
Gracie is on her way out the door. I took her car seat to the hospital today so when they order the car seat test its there. She has changed so much! Her hair is at least 2 inches long all over! She is just precious. Bottle feeding is going so well. She is finishing feeds within 15-20 minutes! That is awesome considering her paralyzed vocal cord. The other amazing news is her voice is starting to come back. It is a very soft voice but if you listen closely you can hear it. She is having an echocardiogram tomorrow and as far as I know, she will just need the sleep study and car seat test in order for her to come home.
Madi is having a lot of issues with reflux. I've had to suction her a couple of times. She hates it and so do I. Her apnea monitor has been going off a lot. She is breathing but not deep enough. Also, it seems to be worse when she is on her tummy because she gets to comfortable.
I know its really weird but I can't wait to get Gracie's car seat base installed next to Madi's Then we will just have Brody to bring home. The NICU is actually going to accommodate us (first time ever) and allow us to bring Madi for Gracie's discharge since we don't have anyone to watch Madi. Not that no one would but we aren't comfortable and others wouldn't be either with Madi's monitor and choking issues. Plus, we are a family and it should be a family event. This means Madi and Gracie will come along to bring Brody home too! Madi has her ROP appointment this week. I'm hoping this is the last one... fingers crossed.

I looked at some pictures of my dad today. I wish he were here. I can't imagine what he would think of these babies. It has been over 6 years and I still think about him daily and miss him so much. He always had crazy nick names for people. I wonder what he would call Brody, Gracie, and Madi ???

Hope everyone has a great week. It looks like this will be a wonderful week for us. It would be the sprinkles on the cake if we find out about Ricky's job ;o)

Krista

Some people dream of miracles, I hold them in my arms

We have had a very eventful week. First things first, we now have three 7 pounders. Gracie is 7.3, Madi 7.5, Brody 7.10!  Brody should be off the vent early next week. They have been able to wean settings all week. Gracie is on 6 bottles. We were expecting her home by the end of next week but not sure now. Madi had her sleep study today. We will know on Monday if we can get rid of oxygen.

Madi is now screaming (I'm not giving her 100% attention) Gotta go!

Have a great weekend!

Krista

PS. Madi, you are not an only child love :)

Early morning photo shoot

If she wasn't so stinkin cute we wouldn't have to have early morning photo shoots but she is so there.

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”

I've had a lot of thinking time and I've come up with several conclusions. One: STOP TRYING to make things/ relationships work with people who don't give a damn. Two: LET IT GO and don't look back. Now the work for me will be FORGIVENESS which is my biggest weakness. The conclusion is I'm grown, I'm an adult so is Ricky and we should never try to please others or stop our lives when people decide they want to be in our lives.  Every year I've dreaded the holidays well, every year for the past 7 years. Not anymore. We are in a new chapter in life and it is all about our family; me, Ricky, Brody, Gracie, Madilynn and whoever is full of love and support. So there you have it.

Life is crazy folks but I couldn't imagine it any other way.

Our babies are great, growing more everyday. They amaze me more everyday and they make me stop and look at the BIG picture everyday. What is important today and what is the best choice I can make for them today. The reality is Brody will most likely not be ready to come home for Thanksgiving. I do have choices. I can either have him home on tube feeds or keep him in the hospital until he is on full feeds. I can either be selfish or give him time. Anyone close to me knows how bad I want these babies home, together for the holidays. Being a mother means putting babies' needs before my wants. Who knows, I might not be faced with this, we have 7 weeks but the doctor had that conversation with me today. Gracie will be home within two weeks, I got the official word today.

Krista
Quote from Dr. Seuss

HAPPY TUESDAY TO US!

Gracie will be home no latter than two weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

She is now up to 5 bottles per day! Her swallow function was a lot better than the first one so they were able to decrease the thickener. Once she is on full feeds (8 bottles), they will do her sleep study and car seat test. I'm certain she will come home on the apnea monitor and oxygen.

No huge changes with Brody. We are waiting for the vent changes tomorrow. No huge changes with Madi other than she has thrown a tantrum most of today and is now in HER bed asleep.

I'm am selling everything in our house except the babies' stuff and our bed. We have wwwaaaayyyy tooooo much STUFF and not enough room for it. So, if you are looking for anything for your house, ask me because I probably have it for sale  :o)   Oh and to top that off, Ricky's truck is 4 sale too!! Too much stuff too many cars = story of our lives.

Krista

HAPPY MONDAY TO US!

Our AC is FIXED! WHOO HOO!!! And the best part.... it didn't cost much at all!

Gracie is now up to 4 bottles per day! They are doing her swallow function tomorrow to see if they can increase again and if they can decrease the thickener they are adding to her formula. The other wonderful news is OT has been coming in to work with her, stretching her hips, legs, neck, and feet. Today, OT was able to stretch her clubbed foot to the correct position! THIS IS MAJOR! THIS IS AWESOME! What this mean is when they go to cast it, they will be able to start much more ahead of the game. Gracie never stops amazing me. Oh my goodness and her hair. She has so much hair and it is wild child hair. She is so perfect.
Brody got his PIC line out today! WHOO HOO no more IVs! This means he is now on full feeds. They did his blood gas and x ray today. His levels look great and his lungs are looking better. They did not wean his pressure support only because they changed his diuretic from IV to PO (which means by mouth) they want to give him a couple of days to adjust to that. They plan to wean his pressure support to 6 on Wednesday.
Madi was pretty miserable all day today because it was HOT in the house. It actually got to 86 degrees in here. Yuck. Anyway, the Pedi called and weaned her off one of her medications! We are now down to 6! That is awesome!

Goals I would love to see this week:
Gracie on full feeds by Sunday.... it could happen
Brody weaned off the vent
Madi to get her appointment with the Pulmonologist (gggrrrrrr on that, they still have not called us)

I promise to post pictures soon. We take pictures every day but I've been to lazy to email them and upload them to the blog.

Krista

This week

Our AC at home is broken... BOO! Madi is sleeping in just a diaper tonight and she is pretty miserable as are we.

Today was my actual 40 week due date. Even if my body wouldn't have failed me, I wouldn't have been able to carry triplets to term but this due date is important when gauging the trips development.

This week will be busy like every week. ECI is coming out today to work with Madi. She has recently decided to stare in amazement at her toys. I can't wait until she is reaching for them.
Brody is interacting more and staying awake more. He did great when I held him Sunday. One of his favorite nurses, Jessica played with him most of the Sunday. I think Jessica is going to be Aunt Jessica to Brody. He loves her and she loves him. He has such long hair! He is doing so well with his breathing and lung issues. I really think that he will be off the vent this week. Fingers crossed everyone.
Gracie is now 6 pounds 14.1 ounces! WOW! That was a huge weight gain. She finished all three of her bottles today with none needing to be tubed! Go Gracie GO! She wants to come home.

Hope everyone has a great week. This week brings us mid October, already! I wish this month would drag by so Brody has more time to get well and come home for Thanksgiving. I think I'm going to share my wish with the doctors... maybe there is some magic potion they can give him :o)

Krista

We are 100 DAYS OLD today!!!

Madi is talking in this picture... "Do I look cute or what"

My BIG man!

Gracie is this alert all the time!