Saturday, March 15, 2008

Update on the Twins


3/14/08 1am
William is doing well. He's breathing room air, and he needs no breathing assistance (the nasal contraption he had). William also had an EEG and they found no seizure activity. He had been shaking and his eyes had been rolling. He'll have another EEG just make sure. They'll do a gag reflex test tomorrow, and if he passes, then he can start to breastfeed. Optimistically, they're hoping he'll be out in 7-10 days. 

Micah is continuing to learn to breastfeed and is in a regular bassinette. He may go home as early as Monday.


I almost forgot to give the official stats:

3/11/08 around 10 pm

William 
4 lbs. 10 oz. 
18"

Micah Joe
7lbs. 1 oz.
19 1/2"
------------------------

Today:
I'm on my way up to the hospital so this will be quick: New pictures on my blog: conradzone.blogspot.com and Flickr account: www.flickr.com/photos/conradzone Micah: New today: he is on Billi lights for the Jaundice it is double yesterdays value, but he is pooping more today the number is 13.6, but this isn't bad and he's only expected to be on these numbers for a day. New yesterday: He's off of all IVs and breastfeeding for all nutrition, my milk is in and he's eating well, and there is plenty for william too. William: New today: some apnea episodes, on Billi lights but values is down from 10 to 6. He's increasing feeds from 10 cc to 5+ every other feed. He's currently at 15 and quickly up to 20. He's also getting iv nutrition, and IV electrolights. Brain scan EEG set for monday, and CT scan too. He needs to be having more movement and a significant increase in brain activity in the EEG, and no sesiure activity so he can come off of the anti convlucant. Minimum 5 more days in the hospital.



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates. My mom put the babies on their church prayer list. I hope thats ok. Im so happy for you guys. I still cant believe you had twins, but I called it. haha. Once everything settles down for you guys, I would love to come see you! Keep sending the updates. I love reading them.

Anonymous said...

loving the updates! ive posted on DAM and diaperswappers about you and the boys - lots of thoughts and prayers for you guys!

Mother of a "Special" Child

When I was young, I'd often say,
I'd like to be a mom someday
While playing with my baby doll,
I thought that job's not hard at all

I'd have a baby, maybe two,
a girl in pink...a boy in blue
Well I grew up and sure enough,
I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough

The baby that was sent to me,
was born with disabilities
At first I'm frightened through and through,
there's much to learn to care for you

This wasn't in my plans at all,
when I was young and played with dolls
Your mind and body were so weak,
you might not ever walk or speak

So much special care required,
I'm often scared and often tired
As months and years go slowly by,
I smile a lot but sometimes cry

To watch you grow and not complain,
though you endure your share of pain
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,
that you'd be healed and whole someday

But I knew that was not to be,
not physically or mentally
And so I taught you best I could,
your progress wasn't very good

But then one day I realized,
as I gazed into your loving eyes
That I had learned so much from you,
determination...courage too

A love so unconditional,
it floods my soul and always will
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,
for you're an angel here on earth.

God Choose a mother for a "Special" child

Most women becaome mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressure and a couple by habit.

This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to profanity."

"Forrest, Marjotie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia."

"Rutledge, Carrie; twins. Patron saint, Matthew."

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But she has patience?" asked the angel.

"I don't want her to have to much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll handle it."

"I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to give her has his own world. She has to make her live in her world and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you." God smiles, "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness." The angel gasps - "selfishness? is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word'. She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle, and will know it!"

"I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side".

And what about her Patron saint? asked the angel, his pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."