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
Monday, December 27, 2010
Friday, December 24, 2010
Thursday, December 23, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
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
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
Monday, December 20, 2010
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
Sunday, December 19, 2010
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
Saturday, December 18, 2010
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
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
Thursday, December 16, 2010
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!!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
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
Monday, December 13, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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
Sunday, December 5, 2010
“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
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
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)