New digs (big crib) now

Our favorite paci

Yanked out our ng tube

Baby micah first mavs game

Tommy's new hair cut

Paci Experiment

Tonight (Monday Night) I brought in paci's of all shapes and sizes.  (Ok just 2-3 different kinds)  I did this so I could try to find a paci that William preferred more than the soothie type that the hospital has, as he doesn't like even letting that paci in his mouth.  While I don't know if he sucked on it as it's hard to tell unless it's your finger and you can specifically feel him sucking, but he did let and allow the Ortho Style paci in his mouth.  He even held it in for a while, and possibly took a few sucks of it.  he also did some routing for the paci when I rubbed it on his lips this evening.  The night nurse said that he sucked on the day nurse's finger today.  Yeh! He's letting someone other than mom see him in action!  

We still need continued improvement and a stronger gag, also we need coordinated movement of the food to the back of the mouth to swallow.  And if we want to be ambitious and avoid the g-tube surgery then we also need to quickly start nippling all of our feedings.

The Speech therapist postponed Monday's 2pm appt to Tuesday, so I'll be meeting with her at 2pm Tuesday. Some topics for discussion are smaller feedings before oral stimulation to encourage him to be hungry and try, as Saturday's sucking for 10 minutes was on a feeding that was an hour late.  Maybe give him the same quantity of food at 6 feedings instead of 8.  Maybe do a smaller feeding 40cc before working with him to take a bottle.  Another topic is letting him nipple, or attempt to nipple his feeding, also possibly after a smaller feeding prior.   

Also, I do read the comments religiously, so if you have questions you want answered feel free to post a question in the comments, or feel free to email me directly too.  

Medication Levels

The doctor did check the medication levels on William and they are within range, and at the low end.  I told the doctor what I had seen, and he told me how to tell if it's a seizure, so next time I'll be looking for that.

Oh and today we are 5# 13 oz.

William Progress 2 Steps Forward 1 Step Back

Saturday when I was visiting for the 2pm feeding (ok I was late and so was the feeding), it really happened at 3pm, but William sucked on my finger for a good 10 minutes.  The best length of sucking he'd done so far.  Usually all I get is one or two sucks here and there.   

Also I got the chance to speak with the surgeon that's on-call this week.  He was younger and had much better bed-side manner than the previous surgeon.  He explained to me why he likes to wait (if they can, and in Williams case they can) till babies are 3000 grams (6 lbs 9 oz).  He's seen babies have much better outcomes, and less likely for the nissen part of the procedure to come un-done if we wait till 3000 grams.  Also he even said with the progress that William is making we will need to re-evaluate him when he gets to that weight because he may not need the procedure any longer.  His gag is becoming more and more regular, and the doctor even told me Sunday when I was visiting that he saw a gag every time he tried, that it was a medium gag, but that there was a gag.  So for now the surgeon said he was going to put down the scalpel and back away from the baby.  

In other news I noticed some jitteriness on Saturday while visiting that I hadn't seen previously, in various parts of his body, especially the eyes, and it's unclear to me if this was normal newborn immature nervous system, or if it was seizure activity, so since I was told he's on the lowest dose of the phenobarbital for his weight and he's grown, it's possible his levels are too low, so I asked the doctors to check this, and they plan to check the levels Monday am. I didn't see any of the same jitteriness on Sunday though, so that's good, but I'm still glad they are checking the levels.  

Keep praying for William to make improvement!

Lydia, Tommy and Micah and Rob in the background

William's first outfit

It fits in the length but i'm so skinny

William Gagged tonight by accident

Today(yesterday) I went and met with the occupational therapist (OT) at 11am again and the Speech therapist (ST) at 2pm.  The OT showed me the exercises she does to help William's range of motion.  She showed me some of the same things as last time, and also noticed he was getting a flat spot on one side of his head, so she re-arranged his bed and moved him around so he would work on strengthening the muscles on the other side too.  Also the OT said she was seeing more of his startle reflexes and a few others too (but I don't remember the exact ones.)

The ST sat behind me and told me how to play with his mouth and work on getting him to curl his tongue around  the finger.  She also brought a nuk thingy with bumps on it almost like a baby tooth brush, or dog chew toy.  She also said I could use drops of breast milk on my finger or object I was putting in his mouth to encourage him to suck, and for him to allow the object in his mouth.  He didn't like the nuk much, but gave several sucks to my finger, some week and others pretty strong.  

I went back this evening at 11 pm feeding to work with him some more.  He was wide awake, but didn't want to allow much in his mouth and was more easily over stimulated.  Over-stimulated for him is breathing a little funny, hiccups, looking away, a look of fright in his eyes.  When I work with him on his mouth stuff I usually try (hard) to avoid gagging him as I don't want him to associate unpleasant sensations in the mouth with eating as I usually try to do oral stimulation around a feeding.  Well this evening I was doing the normal things I do with a finger gently massaging the inside of his mouth and when I first inserted my finger in his mouth he gagged on my finger, and it wasn't that far, and as I said I try to avoid doing that.  I'm encouraged that he gagged for me even unintended.  Little baby steps of progress today were both the sucking on the finger more than I'd seen in the past and the gagging.  The speech therapist said she saw more of his stress signs today, so since she now knows his "pain" indicators she's going to try the unit on his neck that electronically stimulates the tongue on Monday.  So Monday I need to go up to the hospital around 2pm, and could really use someone that day to watch Tommy and Micah at that time (1:30PM -3:30PM)  Email/post a comment if you can help at that time (my house would be best as Tommy NEEDS his nap about that same time).  Thanks!

Cranial Sacral Therapist and surgery delayed.....

I spoke to the doctor at the hospital regarding the scheduling of the g-tube surgery.  He said that he wants William to be 3,000 grams or more before doing the surgery.  Babies who are above that weight have a lesser chance of complications. Basically, that means he needs to gain just over a pound.  He was born at 4 lbs, 10 ounces, is presently about 5 lbs, 8 ounces, and 3000 grams is approximately 6 lbs, 9 ounces.  In order to help him gain weight faster, the doctors have suggested boosting the calorie content of the breastmilk.  I'll be boasting the calorie content of the breast milk by pumping more hindmilk into the bottles that I'm giving the hospital.

Though this means that this could mean a delay in getting William home; I have consulted with a cranial sacral therapist--the one that worked with the conjoined Egyptian twins, and she seems to think from what I described, that he will be able to work with William and get enough improvement that they can avoid the fundo part of the surgery.  The only problem is that this therapist does not have privileges at this hospital, so he has agreed to go with Lydia as a "visitor" possibly next friday, they will let me know for sure on Tuesday to sort of evaluate him and show her some helpful exercises and therapies to do with him.  The therapist said he is also going to send William's doctors some research, and the doctors have said that they're willing to look at it.  While visiting me/william as a visitor of course they can't lay a hand on him because they don't have privileges, but hopefully they can show me somethings that will really help him.

As for feedings, he is presently getting 52 (or 55?) cc's through the NG tube every three hours, and in the next 12 hours, that will be increased to 60 cc's (this happened last night at 2am sorry I'm just now posting this), which is approximately 2 ounces.  

Not much news

Talked to the doctor today, they didn't touch base with the Surgeon today (ok yesterday), but plan to tomorrow (today) first thing. 

I called tonight to check on William as Rob was just to tired to watch Micah, so I couldn't go up there this evening.  The nurse said he was so awake and moving and looking around from about 8pm till about 11:30pm and then crashed hard.   

PS/Needs: 

If anyone can help watch Micah while I visit William in the evenings from about 9pm - Midnight it would be greatly appreciated (Robs back working and needs his sleep).  

Also, I need to start visiting during the day when they OT (occupational therapist) and ST (speech therapist) are working with him, so I can learn the exercises, and how I can help him.  This would involve watching both Micah and Tommy so I can go to the hospital, and needs to be between 8am and 4pm (usually only for ~2 hours with some flexibility when it's scheduled)  Would be good for it to be from 7:30-9:30 or 10:30-12:30 or 1:30-3:30 (not all of those), just one a day and would be good if it could be the same one each day.  Let me know if you can help with one of these on a regular basis (till William goes home in 1-3 weeks) or even a one time basis.

Also, things are still very stressful dealing with still having a baby in the NICU, and I'm so thankful for the meals that have been provided for our family already they have been such a blessing already.  If you feel called to provide a meal for us we certainly wouldn't turn it down.  The need will probably be greater when William comes home as we adjust to having him home, but it certainly wouldn't be unwelcome now with all the back and forth visiting we are doing.  

Meeting with Doctors & Swallow Study

The meeting with the doctors was pretty uneventful.  Most of the information discussed was not new to me as I've been meeting with the doctors daily and discussing Williams condition with them.  This was a chance for Rob and his mom and brother to hear what's going on so we can be sure we are all on the same page for the surgery.  Also, Rob hasn't been able to be at the hospital to see William so it was a chance for him to hear the update on what's going on with his care first hand as he's only been able to hear from me.   What I hadn't shared on the blog previously is the doctor really feels that cognitive/upper brain function is not affected long term, and that intellectually he feels very optimistic about William, that his movement and tone are much better.  What he said is affected is the basal ganglia function of the brain, or more specifically what's involved with sucking and swallowing.  This is the only location where the recovery is slower.  So for William to come home safely sooner he will have the G-Tube surgery with the Nissen.  They will schedule the surgery hopefully for Thursday or Friday this week, but it's dependent on the Surgeon, OR and Anesthesiologist.  William will then be able to go home approximately 2-3 weeks following the surgery (optimistically 1-2 weeks).   

Swallow Study - 

The swallow study was done, and showed several things we knew already.  He had a poor suck (we knew this).  He also had poor movement of the liquid to the back of his mouth.  He did get some up in his nose, and he also swallowed some, and didn't aspirate, but they only gave him 2 cc of fluid (60 cc in 2 oz), so he could have aspirated if they gave him larger quantities of fluid, there's no way to tell.  This gives us a base line for next time, and allows us to see he is swallowing saliva as we suspected.  

I'm encouraged to see him routing slightly more, and also trying to shift his head/body toward the breast.  He even opened his mouth this evening when I moved my finger closer, so hopefully Lord willing he will continue to improve in this directly.  

Thanks for your prayers!  It is really encouraging to me to see the comments on the blog and know you are reading, and praying.  

Here's a verse that a friend of mine shared with me at my shower that's been encouraging to me recently:

Psalms 71:6  For Thou are my mode; O Lord God, Thou art my confidence from my birth;  Thou art He who took me from my mother's womb;  My praise is continually of The.

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Tomorrow 9am = Today

BTW Tomorrow 9am in the previous post = today (I hadn't been to bed yet)..

Long overdue update.

Tommy is loving being a big brother.  He wants to "hold the baby" all the time, and he also gives tons of kisses.  Also Tommy is working on getting his room re-done to move the toys out of the room, and have the closet and dressers re-organized to accommodate the clothing of 3 boys.  Toys are moving to other rooms in the house as Tommy is moving to a big boy bed.  He had been in the play pen before now as it helped him remember that it was bed/nap time, but he has now started to climb in and out so he's now transitioned to a big boy bed.  

Micah has been home from the hospital for 2 weeks now and gained one pound in the first week. He's not due to return to the pediatrician till his 2 month checkup.  Scheduled for May 12th. Currently he's doing a lot of eating and sleeping and growing, all things a baby should be doing. Micah is nursing well, and sleeping through the night 4-5 hours at a time.

Lydia (me), I went to Lonestar baby today and bought 2 car-seats we will use these for Tommy and Micah, and they are smaller and will allow 3 car-seats across the back seat of the car.  Lydia is pumping milk for William and has a freezer full at home and the hospital has plenty too. Lydia called today and made appts for Tommy's 2 year checkup and also for William and Micah's 2 month checkups.  

Ok now for the update everyone's been looking for (William Josiah), and part of the reason we haven't had an update in a while.  It's hard to process the information when your told your child needs to have surgery.  Luckly nothing is urgently needed, so we've have had time to be angry and mad, and deal (you know all the stages of normal grief) with the fact that William will be home sooner rather than later by getting this surgery.  (Hopefully max 2 weeks, and he will be home.)  We were told last week that they wouldn't do the swallow study it's too dangerous, and that they recommended a G-Tube and Nissen Fundoplication.  The G-Tube is to feed him, and the Nissen, is to prevent him from refluxing his food, and then asperating on the reflux.  We realize the G-Tube is necessary, but are hoping to avoid the Nissen if possible, but probably not, but we've asked the doctors this week if they will do a swallow study just to verify that it is necessary, and they've agreed.  The swallow study will be tomorrow.  Based on the results from the swallow study they will proceed with the needed surgery(ies), and it will be scheduled depending on the availability of an OR/Anesthesiologist, and Surgeon.  We have a meeting with the doctors and others from the hospital to ask our questions tomorrow at 9am. I'm sure I've forgotten to explain things as I'm not posting this when the news was fresh for me, so if you feel I've left something off please feel free to ask questions and I'll answer with more details.

In other news on William:  He is doing well in his own crib and is maintaining his temperature great, and moving around more and more each day.  His muscle tone is now recovering to that of a newborn and we expect it to continue.  He is also coughing and gaging more frequently, along with sneezes too.  He's also having periods of being very wide awake and alert.  He makes good eye contact and also seems to track somethings.  His movements are looking closer and closer to those of his brother Micah, and he's improving daily.  Also today he's graduated to only having the chest probes to track breathing and heart rate, the foot probe for heart beat and O2 saturation has been removed!  Yeh! One less wire.  He's currently being fed 52 cc every 3 hours (a little less than 2 oz).    I think that's about it, I'll post more later as I need to get to bed for our meeting in the am.

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William and mommy

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Laying on mommy lifting his head!

William awake

Williams bed

William kanga care

Tommy playing with phone at nicu

Micah sleeping

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Occupational Therapist/Speech Therapist

Today (ok yesterday now) morning I met with the occupational therapist, and she showed me how to stretch areas that are tight on him, so they loosen up, and don't remain stiff, some of the same movements my chiro had suggested to encourage the brain pathways to fire on the different sides of the body.  He was a lot better than the last time she saw him with his range of motion (she had stopped by about a week prior), so it's good to have someone on this week that has really seen him improve.  For the grandparents and those who can visit him, what we should be doing is moving the legs and arms at all joints, in all directions to encourage him to flex them, and move them.  Then also hold him in a sitting/upright position and encourage him to flex head forward and back (so he builds muscle tone in his neck).  His neck is one of the floppiest parts, but that's partly because he's so skinny.  She would tickle his tummy to get him to flex the head forward and then reverse and tickle the back.  (One of the great things about baby wearing when I get him home is that it "counts" as Tummy time, so it will also encourage the neck muscles too.)   The occupational therapist will be working with him Monday Wed and Friday usually, in addition to when we are up there we should work with him also.  

Ok as we were finishing up the Speech Therapist came by (she will be working with him 5 days a week Mon-Friday.)  Speech Therapist is responsible for helping with feeding issues and working with him to take a bottle or nurse.  She tried 3 times while I was there to get a gag and did get one really good gag that I saw, but you also have to think that gagging isn't very fun, and I know if someone were constantly cramming a finger down his throat it wouldn't be very enjoyable to have anything in his mouth.  (seems like they are doing this at least 3-4 times a day (nurse, doctor, and therapist)  So then she worked with him with both her finger and paci to get him to curl his tongue around the paci/finger, as he would need to do to take a bottle paci.  I held him after he was done and we didn't do any more with the paci as he was pooped out after all this stimulation and he was also cold.  

Nana came by to hold him while I took a break to pump/feed micah and grab a bite to eat.  

He wan't too receptive to the paci the rest of the afternoon, but I warned him I would be back later tonight and we would work on the paci again.  Which we did this evening, he did great this evening, he held it in his mouth (ok didn't push it out) and seemed to rather enjoy it as I just massaged his mouth with it while he had his feeding and rested on my chest.  Then we worked with all his stretches, he was very loose this evening, and moving even more.  Then I worked with him with a gloved hand so I could tell if he was sucking on the paci at all, and it definitely seemed like he had a week suck, or at a minimum was wrapping his tongue around the finger.  His tongue was still positioned back in the back of this mouth (behind the gums) so we've got a ways to go before he can nurse.  I know from experience with Tommy that the tongue behind the gums doesn't work for nursing and HURTS.  But it would be great if he can start sucking very quickly so he can do a swallow study and start taking a bottle. 

The same doctor today was still telling me that ng tube was dangerous for him, and that he would need a g-tube, and that the swallow study would be dangerous for him too.  And her main reasoning is because he doesn't gag every time they cram the finger down his throat.  I'm still really hoping as I'm seeing lots of progress this past 2 days.  So please keep praying the doctors who spend 5 min with him will see it also, and that William will perform to their requests.

Feeling a little better visiting tonight

At my night time visit william couched, sneezed (things the dr said he wasn't doing and because he wasn't doing a NG tube wouldn't be safe to go home with) and kept the paci in his mouth most of the time. (Ok he didn't really suck it. But keeping it in is a good thing) Also with the paci in his mouth his o2 stats were up closer to 100% ranging from 97 to 100 for the first time. Usually they've been 92-96. Also he's been maintaining his temp for close to 24 hours now. Last night when I left I asked them to try him in a crib again. They did and he's been doing well. Just wish the drs would see progress mom sees.

Not sure how to put this...

Today seemed to be nothing but bad news.  And I'm really not sure if it was just different doctors, or if it was bad news.  

First the NICU doctor questioned my hepatitis B status, which I though had already been confirmed during my hospital stay immediately following the birth.  I have already signed a release for the doctor to send the information to the hospital, but apparently making it in my chart doesn't automatically make it in my babies chart.  So I've been given instructions to contact my doctor again and have him fax the information to the hospital.  

2nd the NICU doctor said there was no gag/ or not enough to proceed with a swallow test as had been planned for Friday and that we need to consider G-Tube insertion.  And that she wasn't seeing any of the progress the other doctors had seen the previous week.  She's a different doctor than we had been seeing the previous weeks.  Also Tuesday is when the hospital has discharge planning (for all patients).  She was also not willing to consider training for NG tube placement for us so we could place the NG tube, and go home with NG tube to see if we could recover better at home first with the NG tube.  (G-Tube placement would require another 3-4 weeks stay for placement healing and training to take place.)  She did mention that we would have to have a joint meeting to discuss the options.   This is very discouraging to me, and will continue to discuss it further with her and the other doctors in the practice, as well as the GI doctor, and other therapists we will be seeing.  She did mention that we would be seeing an occupational therapist that will give us range of motion exercises to do with him when we visit and at home.  Also, we will be meeting with a speech and language therapist (as they are the ones that deal with feeding issues).  

3rd I met with the neurologist about the EEG.  I'm not sure I remember everything, but I'll give it my best shot.  I didn't as many questions as I was feeling a little overwhelmed with everything already.  The EEG showed little communication between the right and left sides of the brain, and no seizure activity, but lots of "angry" activity.  He doesn't recommend another EEG at least for a few months, and he recommends continuing the medicine for a few months.  He mentioned we may have cerebral palsy, but to what degree we won't know for a while.  Again this was a different neurologist and I couldn't think of any questions to ask at the time.

EEG/MRI Monday

Yesterday we had another EEG and a MRI.  We have the results from the MRI, but not the EEG the results from the EEG aren't expected till Tuesday evening at the latest.  The MRI was more of a baseline and really gives us no new information.   They said it showed a clot (not sure where or what exactly that means) but the clot wasn't causing problems is what I was told, and it also showed some areas that were affected as we are seeing in the clinical picture, and the good news is there was nothing more that it showed, no swelling, nothing we didn't expect to see.   

Micah is doing great at home, he's being loved on by his big brother a lot!  Tommy is wanting to hold Micah a lot, so daddy helps him hold him.  I hope to be uploading new pictures soon.  

William Cried

Sad but positive news.  Rob went up to the hospital earlier today and the nurse told him while he was there that for the first time William cried during a diaper change.  This is good because he hasn't done that before.  I was up there this evening, and Doctor West stopped by and mentioned him crying also.  Also while I was holding him his fists weren't clenched for one of the first times, the doctor mentioned in passing the other day that him holding his fists clenched all the time can be a sign of neurological trauma.  Please keep praying for him. We want to continue to see these baby steps forward.  Also the tests that are planned for the coming week include another EEG (probably on Monday) with an MRI, and a swallow study.  We would like to see no seizure activity on the EEG so we can come off of the medicine he is on (Lord willing).  

As you can see from the pictures below, we're trying to also stimulate his brain by bringing my IPod up to the hospital and having him listen to classical music while we hold him.  You can tell he can hear it because when the fast parts of the music come on his heart rate increases.  What can I say we're trying everything.

I also wanted to say thanks to everyone that's praying.  Please continue to pray.  We've been/feel so blessed by your prayers and concerns for our family.  Also, please feel free to comment on this blog and let us know you are praying for us.  I can see there are those of you watching as my hit count has increased from two weeks ago 6 a day to about 125 a day this past week.  We are so blessed that you are concerned for our family!

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Music Therapy

Update on William and Micah

Sorry it's been a while since an update.

Micah Joe was able to come home Tuesday Afternoon, and we've hardly set him down since having him home.

Wednesday - We had an appt with the neurologist that evening at Williams bed side, and the neurologist didn't tell us much that we didn't already know. He's doing as well as can be expected for the assault he took with not breathing. Basically we don't know when or if and that William is the boss, and we're all along for the ride.

Thursday - I had a Psyc Evaluation in the AM that was 5 min with a counselor who asked a little of the details, and then 4+ hours of paperwork. In the paperwork was about 1000 questions asking in a variety of ways do I abuse alcohol, drugs, beat my children, or am I suicidal. Also several phycological profile quizes including myer's brigs personality questionaire.

Friday - Early am (12am) after we went home thursday night I headed up to the hospital by myself so I could see William. He was wide awake the whole time I only intended to stay about an hour, but I just couldn't leave him so wide awake. He was looking at me, the lights behind me, my cel phone light as I took several pictures (below) with my cel phone. He even had the cutest squeeky hiccups. I didn't leave till close to 2:30am. Micah stayed with daddy, and then Daddy had to call because the Mommy's gone radar went off and daddy had to fix Micah a bottle. I also had the chance to chat with my chiropractor on the phone about Williams condition, and we evaluated a weekness on the Right side of his body, so she had me exercise things on that side of the body (move his toes, ancle, knee, hip, fingers, wrist, elbow, shoulder) to encourage the nerves on that side to fire. (What can I say, we're trying everything.) It seemed to help with his routing reflex slightly.

Friday afternoon I had a friend from church bring us a wonderful dinner and take me up to the NICU so I could see William again, and she held Micah so he would have access to Mommy if he needed to eat. While I was up there I had a chance to speak to the doctor and see if there was anything new. The doctor said he was defiantly more movement and activity. And that he also thought he felt a gag this morning when he checked him. YEH!!! PRAISE BE TO GOD!!! We are jumping for joy at this news. So this means that they will need to do a swallow study (x-ray with radioactive stuff to make sure if he swallows stuff it goes into his tummy and not his lungs). Also the plans for this coming week include doing another EEG test, and also an MRI. We've requested that the MRI be done by strapping him down and not with sedation as we would like to avoid anesthesia/sedation drugs if at all possible. The DR said he would check with the radiologist to see if this is at all possible. Also as I was leaving I tried the paci with William and he gave it a slight suck, which is huge progress as before he wouldn't even close his mouth around it. Please continue to pray that he will continue to make progress to sucking and swallowing.

Micah Nursing Kisses for Daddy's Nose

Kissing Daddy's Nose

William Pictures

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William so Wide awake in his incubator

Summary of the birth of my Twins

I had them at home and we transported because the first twin did not start breathing immediately.

The first twin (William Josiah 4 lbs 10oz 18.5 inches long) was born not breathing, so we called 911.  While giving William CPR I got the urge to push again.  All I could think was please God don't let this be the placenta because he still needs to be attached.  I pushed and the 2nd twin (MIcah Joe 7lbs 1oz 19 inches long) was born crying.  The paramedics arrived shortly and cut the cord and began working on William.  He was transported in the first ambulance, and Micah was transported on my chest in a second ambulance because he was grunting (but still a bright pink). 

William was on a respirator over night the first night, graduated to a nasal candulum, and is now breathing on his own.  He's had a few episodes of apnea.  He is now gaining weight and holding his own heat.  He is in a crib in the NICU still, and is getting tube feedings of only mommys milk because he has no gag reflux.  But the good news is he's swallowing his spit, so there's hope.  He had and EEG today (Monday), and a CT Scan.  The CT scan was normal except for a small Subdural Hemorrhage, we don't have the results of the EEG yet (takes about 24 hrs.)  The subdural hemorrhage is outside the brain, and not causing any trouble. If there is no seizure activity on the EEG then we can remove him from the Phenobarbital that he is on to prevent seizures and rest the brain.  They really expect for him to be more active and make progress towards the sucking/gag reflux or they will be talking about G-Tube insertion.  So please be praying that coming off the Phenobarbital will allow him to make the progress they are looking for and that we don't have to consider a G-Tube.  

Micah was on a CPAP overnight, and has been breathing room air on his own since that morning. He was treated for a collapse lung.  Micah is nursing well.  He was treated for Jaundice and could possibly go home in the morning. 

Williams condition is likely due to IUGR because his portion of the placenta was very small.  The doctor thinks they are identical twins, but it will take genetic testing to confirm, which would require too much blood at this point.

William gets a CT Scan

Setting up for CT Scan

William getting setup for the EEG

Setting up for the EEG

Update for Boys Today

Micah may be cleared medically to come home on Monday or Tuesday.  His remaining issues: Jaundice and, still slightly loosing weight, other wise he's good.  Also today he was moved to the newborn nursery and out of NICU, called the Baby Steps Nursery, still manned by NICU staff, but a lot quieter, and only 2 babies and a window where siblings can see.  

William, he's still getting tube feeds, the full feeding of 37 cc's, he's now off of IV nutrition and fluids, he's still on fenababarall (anti seizure) via IV, to rest the brain, pending no-seizure activity on the EEG tomorrow.  They will also do an MRI, CT Scan or Sonogram again tomorrow.  He's gained 3 oz, and seems to be doing better each day.  He had another apnea episode today :(.  So we're really hoping he'll have the EEG tomorrow and the Neurologist will read the EEG Right away.  

Hi Brother William!

IMG_5992.JPG, originally uploaded by conradzone.

I was worried about you, it's so good to see you! :)

(Micah looking at William)

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"

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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.

Daddy and Micah

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Baby William and Mommy and Daddy!

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Tommy Meets Micah

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The nurse brought Micah to the window so Tommy could meet him today!

Fw: Baby pics

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Happy 2nd Birthday Tommy!!

Voting

Yes Tommy helped Daddy Vote and got a sticker on the nose for doing so. 

Tommy with Snow Man (little blurry)

I just felt the coolest thing!

I put my hand on my belly just becasue it's so big that's the only place really to rest my hand, and I cold feel my belly going up and down like it was breathing.  In case you don't know what that feeling would be, I held my breath and it wasn't me.  My baby was practicing breathing!!  A healthy full term baby will practice breathing while still in the mother womb.  It's something they check for when they do a BPP (Bio Physical Profile) Sonogram late in pregnancy.  I never knew you could possibly feel that from the outside, but I'm positive that's what it was.  I remember them checking if Tommy was practicing breathing in the sono we had on him on his birthday. 

Sign Language for Babies on GMT

Tommy on TV

We were on tv!!! He did great!  He signed Dangerous and Blueberry.

Here's the link to the paper story:

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/gmt/schedule/stories/wfaa02272008_mj_gmtwednesday.c29812.html

I'll post the video when I figure out how to get it on the computer.  I may be pointing my web cam at the tv to capture it...hehe....

Henna Belly!

Lydia.JPG, originally uploaded by conradzone.

Play-group

Today we hosted our local MOMs Club Wed Play-group.  I kinda dread hosting it sometimes because Tommy can get really clingy and nervous/acting out because he has people invading our house.  At the beginning he kept opening the front door and running out.  Then he kept trying to steal everybody's snacks.  Then after about an hour and a few time outs (there's one girl he loves to hear scream so he bats at her face trying to make her scream).  He finally warmed up to everyone and was sad to see everyone leave.  

Tommy's going to be on TV

We did a baby ASL class for him to help us communicate better before he could talk, and it's even helpful understanding him when he says stuff now that's hard to understand.  Tommy's Sign Teacher is doing a news article and we've been asked to help demonstrate a child doing signs.  I believe it will be on Channel 8 on the 9 am segment, on Wednesday Feb 27th.  I'll update more as/if I know more.

Tommy Horse Back Riding

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Yeh he was about as excited about horse back riding as he looks in that picture.

The Farm

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End of Jan we went out to my aunt's farm and rode a horse for the first time.

Preggo Hormones BEWARE!!!!

Ok I find myself avoiding boards, lurking/just reading, and not posting much because it seems I have an uncanny nak right now for pissing people off....Guess the hormones are getting to me....hope I haven't pissed anyone else off either....so accept my appologies if I have...   course that seems especially true where I do choose to post...(like my blogs...) so continue to read at your own risk....

Shower/Mother's Blessing

I'm having a shower/Mother's Blessing Celebration Sunday the 24th, and If you want to go just let me know I'll send you the details.  I'm also having HENA done on my belly that day a little before the official shower.  I believe I emailed most people, but I'm sure I forgot someone, it wasn't on purpose.  

Ok here's the details, if you need my address let me know!:

Below is the invite my sister did up, and I can't find everybody's snail mail address, so you're getting and e-email invite.  I hope you can come!

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What is a mother's blessing? (or also referred to as a blessing way.)

A Mother Blessing is a celebration for a new life. It can be used by anyone, expecting a baby, adopting a baby, or just in need of a celebration of life in general. This can be looked at as an alternate form of a baby shower.

Unlike your typical baby shower, there is no commercial gift giving emphasis. The guests are invited to spend time with the mother-to-be. The tone of the Mother Blessing is much more positive . It is a time to celebrate and rejoice in new life.

 

What do I bring to a Mother Blessing ?

We will have a candle lighting, so bring  a positive thought in mind or well wish for the mother-to-be. Also, we will be making a necklace for the mother-to-be to have with her during labor. So, bring a bead with a special meaning for Lydia. (Be prepared to describe it's particular meaning.) And most importantly bring yourself! We can't wait to see you there!

Don't Forget:

**Call Lydia & let her know you'll be there.**

For

 Lydia Conrad

February 24th, 2008

Time: 2:30 to 4:30pm

Host: Rachel Rubio (sister)

I've been reading a great book

How to Raise a Healthy Kid in Spite of Your Doctor.

I'm really enjoying this book and how much confidence it gives you in raising your kid, and knowing that they will get sick and that you don't need to consult a doctor unless your kid is really sick, and it tells you how to know when they are really sick for seeing the doctor. And it's even written by a 30 year pediatrician from his experience. The main point behind "in spite of" is that doctors don't know how to keep people who aren't sick heathy as some tests can make kids sick, so you shouldn't see the doctor unless you are injured or really sick.

On that same note I'm exploring finding a new pediatrician. I'm interviewing a new pediatrician on March 5th. She's Dr Bain in Frisco. Here's a link to her web site: Healthy Kids Pediatrics

Nana and Papa in Down Town Dallas

Tommy Head Banging

Tommy Sticker

Dear Baby

I can tell you are different from you older brother already and you aren't even here yet. I hope I don't compare you too much. You are flipping all over the place, and that type of movement is so new to me. You seem to like being breech some too as I've been feeling hiccups up high a bunch. I wonder if you will like upside down as much as your brother. You don't seem to like it very much now. And your brother still likes it. I still hope you will settle head down; at least for birth. I'm really nervous about being a mom again. I hope I love you as much as I love your older brother. Because I sure love him a bunch. It's hard to imagine I didn't even know him a short two years ago. I can't wait to see what you are like and get to know you better.

Love
Mom

Clarification on Due Dates

I did not mean to offend and I apologize if my tone was offensive. I guess I am more sensitive about this issue than I realized.

 

To me it isn't about being secretive or not being joyous. Because I am very joyous about this pregnancy and I want to talk about it and laugh about it. I was really trying to explain that I have not been given a specific "due date" as its traditionally referred to. Instead, I have a "guess month" and I was only trying to say that not having a "due date" doesn't stress me out.
As I said before -- is that modern evidence doesn't support a target due date, it is just an estimate. And I am going to relax and let this baby come when it comes -- so for me that means having a due month rather than a due date. Does this make sense? This also means it will be discouraging to me to hear in late April -- when is this baby coming? This baby is late! I really hope you can support me in this because your support is important. Did you have people ask you questions like this when you were pregnant? How did you find it easiest to respond? I find it frustrating to hear questions like this and haven't quite figured out the best way to respond yet.

 

I am so excited about this pregnancy -- everything about it.  I am enjoying being pregnant and all the changes that come with it.  I even like the preparations for labor and am excited about what will come after labor.    For some people, it may sounds weird, but I love being pregnant.  I love all of it.  So I think that when asked if I am ready to be done with it or what I hate most -- it kind of surprises me and I can come off harsh.  But truthfully, when I hear comments like that it is discouraging to me and I really really want to stay positive and to keep this enjoyment.  

I love to focus on the positive aspects of the pregnancy, labor and the birth.

Guess Date/Due Date

I don't have ONE due date, and no I wasn't/and am not being difficult.  This baby can come any time in March or April, depending on how long HE OR SHE chooses to bake.   There is no time limit on that at all.  And I will not tolerate people saying they baby's not here YET in the middle of April, because any time the whole month of April is still fine for baby to come. 

Averages say closer to the middle of that time period, but we don't know what my average was/is because my first baby was induced and not ready to come when he did come, as evidence by the vernix on his skin and his trouble breastfeeding.

So there is not a "Due Date", but more a Guess Month April 2008. 

The standard Due Dates assigned by doctors/modern obstetrics are part of modern obstetrics that sets people up for failure and emotional turmoil, over the I'm already due and I'm "LATE", NO if you are LATE then your baby just needed longer to bake than other babies and only your baby will know when the best time is.  And the baby will arrive right on time for your/my baby.  No one likes to be LATE.  And babies aren't LATE they arrive when they are ready, and I trust that my baby will arrive when He or She is ready and not before, and not after!

New Hair

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GO OHIO STATE!!!

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Merry Christmas All

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Howdy, You should be getting christmas cards soon, as soon as I can get them sent out that is. Hope you have a Merry Christmas.

It's a Boy?!

Or so the lady at Whole Foods declared:

Someone walked up to me at Whole Foods today and told me I was having another boy. It was this sweet asian lady. First time I've ever had that happen.

No we're not finding out and we don't know. I don't have a feeling either way, but that seems to be the question I'm always asked. I'd really love either of course. Of course if it's a boy this poor baby doesn't have a name yet.

Xmas Party

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Here's our before picture as we were leaving for the xmas party.

My Early Xmas Present

My wonderful husband gave me my xmas present a little early tonight.  Tonight we had my company xmas party where it's my one time of the year to get really dressed up, so while I was getting ready, rob brings me a box of ear rings and give it to me.  It's beautiful diamond ear rings!  I was instantly stunned speechless. I just love them they are so wonderful.  

Thank you Rob!!!  The went perfectly for the evening....despite everything else....

 

Rob's Appt Yesterday

Rob had his appt yesterday to discuss his shot, they said they will call his insurance first, and then him to hopefully schedule it sometime next week.  The appt was only about 5 mins.  I hope they get it taken care of soon!

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