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
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
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
Brody will be home on Wednesday!!!
Krista
Sunday, November 28, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 25, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 18, 2010
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
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
Monday, November 15, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 14, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender
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)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
"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
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
Monday, November 8, 2010
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
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
Sunday, November 7, 2010
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)
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)
Friday, November 5, 2010
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
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
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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
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
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
Monday, November 1, 2010
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
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
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