4/13/10
Yesterday was Cade and Camdyn's 1 week birthday. I remember watching the clock at 9:01 and 9:02 and thinking they have made it their first week. They have several more to go in the NICU, but we are celebrating this first milestone.
We heard really great news on Cade and Camdyn last night. The grade one head bleed that he had has not gotten any worse and looks slightly better. So, that means it is stopping. This was a great relief. The neo-natologists expressed how much better off Cade is now than when he first saw him the first night after delivery. So, he is progressing in the right direction. Camdyn still shows no signs of any head bleeds. The doctor told us that although it still can happen, they are at a significantly lower risk for future head bleeds now. This was a great relief to hear.
Both babies are still struggling with the PDA valve being open. They both get tests tomorrow morning to see if the valve is trying to close on its own or if it is still open. We are praying that it will close on its own. If not, they can do a surgery to close it. That would be the next step. They really have to get the valve closed to start making more progress with lowering the ventilator settings and oxygen needs as well as to start feedings.
I have been able to touch both Camdyn and Cade now without gloves. It feels so incredible to hold their tiny fingers around my finger. Their whole hand fits around my fingernail. They have the most precious little fingers and toes you have ever seen. Camdyn is constantly trying to wiggle her feet out of the little nest they have created for her. Cade is much more laid back. I can't wait until the day that they are strong enough for me to hold them, and I can't wait to hear them cry for the first time.
Although this has been and will continue to be a long road full of joy and tears, it is definitely teaching me not to take anything for granted. I think back to the time we brought Brenna home from the hospital. We would "argue" about who was going to get up with her. Now, I think I would give anything to be able to wake up at any hour of the night or day, reach down into their cribs, pick them up, nurse them, hug them, and kiss them. When you are only able to touch their fingers at certain times, you really would give anything to just be able to hold them in your arms. I've realized just how many things we take for granted. If any of you have babies at home, try to be grateful when they are screaming at the top of the lungs in the middle of the night that they are able to scream at the top of their lungs. Just for a second, think about how healthy their lungs are and thank God. Then you can go back to feeling overwhelmed with a newborn. As we cross one bridge after another, I thank God for each little miracle and for the beautiful miracle babies he has given us.
Please continue to pray for Camdyn and Cade as they now deal with their PDA valves. We ask God for continued strength and healing for our sweet babies.
Our blog tells the miraculous story of our 24 week twins, Camdyn and Cade, and their big sister Brenna - the struggles, the challenges, and the many joys!
4 comments:
Michelle You may or may not know me... I am Kandice Bartek Spoelstra (Tami Malina's Sister) I had twins in June 2006 they were born at 26 wks and I too was in the NICU but in Texas Children's Hospital, in Houston. My daughter is now almost 4 and having no problems. My son went home to heaven at 5 days but I have a great understanding now that "God works in Mysterious ways" I am praying for your family, if anyone knows what your goin thru its our family. May GOD bless your family and may you hold your children for many years to come. If you ever need to vent or just chat you can email me @ knmspoelstra@hotmail.com.
Michelle and Jimmy - Kathy forwarded your blog to the Shared Ministry Office. What a great way to be able to keep up with how things are progressing. I am so glad to hear how things are going right now. The NICU can be quite the roller coaster of rides. We have you on our prayer list here in Fayette County - all four churches are with you and your family in prayer. Hang in there! Liked reading about your "date" and hope that you all have another planned. Am wondering if you made contact with the Parent Support Group yet in the NICU...or if they have contacted you. Let me know how I or we (Shared Lutheran Ministry) can be of help to you. Be sure that you take time for yourself as you heal from surgery...
As I read your blog, this text came to mind:
"I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last you have revived your concern for me, but had no opportunity to show it. Not that I am referring to being in need; for I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:10-13)
Pastor Karen
Michelle & Jimmy - my mom has been sending me the updates on your little ones, you all are in our prayers. Our youngest daughter spent a week in the NICU (Seton) with Pulmonary Valve Stenosis and we were freaking out. But as I looked around the NICU at all the other babies that were so much worse off than my child, who was 7 pounds, I realized how blessed we truly were. Then my niece and nephew were born at 26 weeks, and the family was back in the NICU. Family is what helped me with mine and my sister with hers. I pray the babies grow strong and that your family is united. Lean on each other, talk and share your feelings, that's gonna be a BIG help and if you need someone whose been through it, my little sister (Kandice) and will always be there to lend an ear, that's just the way she is! God bless! ~Tami (Malina) Cooper
"Although this has been and will continue to be a long road full of joy and tears, it is definitely teaching me not to take anything for granted. I think back to the time we brought Brenna home from the hospital. We would "argue" about who was going to get up with her. Now, I think I would give anything to be able to wake up at any hour of the night or day, reach down into their cribs, pick them up, nurse them, hug them, and kiss them. When you are only able to touch their fingers at certain times, you really would give anything to just be able to hold them in your arms. I've realized just how many things we take for granted. If any of you have babies at home, try to be grateful when they are screaming at the top of the lungs in the middle of the night that they are able to scream at the top of their lungs. Just for a second, think about how healthy their lungs are and thank God. Then you can go back to feeling overwhelmed with a newborn. As we cross one bridge after another, I thank God for each little miracle and for the beautiful miracle babies he has given us."
- This was so important for this new mommy to hear. I have forwarded your message to all of my mommy friends...your advice will be cherished! We love you!
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