Little Update!

I finally called Sarah last night after being on a too-long holiday break!

I got an update on the babies! First of all... Katie and Nicholas are breathing on their OWN! What an accomplishment! Anna was breathing on her own Tuesday, but she had a set back on Tuesday night. She is doing okay now, but the nurses and doctors had to help revive her. I'm sure she'll be back to trying to breathe on her own again soon!

And they all continue to grow! Katie is now 4lb, 5oz! Nicholas is 3lb, 15oz (almost to 4lb!).
I'm a terrible blogger and forgot to get Anna's weight - but I know she's progressing well, and I'll find out soon!

All 3 are having their eye exams, and the doctors do anticipate some problems (common with premies), but most likely they may just have to wear glasses. Nicholas may have to have laser eye surgery to help his vision.

Sarah says there are still daily struggles, but I know I (and I'm sure all of you) just can't help celebrate the progress these three have made over the last few months! Sarah says Nicholas especially is just so happy to be breathing on his own! He's been fighting for this goal since day 1!

I also made sure to remind Sarah that these kids are going to make up for all this down time when they get out of the hospital and to be ready for a wild time at home. Her response: "Well I'm bringing you with me, Gretch!" Haha! I love this beautiful family and can't wait to see them all, happy and at home!

Sarah promises more pics soon. We're planning a dinner date to update again next week!

A wonderful, safe, and Happy New Year to you all! 2010 is sure to be filled with fantastic miracles! To think we've seen the first 3! -Makes me feel so blessed!

Love to you all!
Gretchin

Update

Babies are getting stronger every day! Anna is 3lb. 1oz. Katie is 3lb. 6oz. Nicholas is 3lb. 1oz. They are all now off CPAP and testing 24-hour nasal oxygen only.

They have weekly eye exams which are now a huge part of their progress. Due to the increase and decrease of oxygen throughout the last 2 months, the eye doctors are looking for any signs of retinal damage. So far the results of the eye exams are normal, although they'll continue the exams weekly due to their prematurity. Most of the other hurdles are finding the best ways for the babies to gain weight and continue to grow.

Hopefully if things continue in this direction, we should come home by February. We are praying every day that they continue to do as well as they have been.

It's nice to report good news to you at this time!

When asked what we're doing for the holidays, we reply that we're having our Christmas right here, in the Fletcher Allen NICU. We have everything we need - our 3 beautiful miracles.

Thank you for all the Christmas wishes. We wish you all a wonderful and safe holiday.

We hope you'll enjoy the new pictures below.

God Bless & Be Well

Love,

Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas

Holiday Pics

Anna

Nicholas

Katie and Anna Holding Hands

Anna Smiling

First Christmas Ornament from Grandma and Grandpa Adragna

Happy Daddy - Monumental Day in the NICU - Lots of Onlookers!

Best Day So Far - First Day Wearing Clothes

Happy Momma - Just Realized I Have 3 Kids - Haha!

From Left to Right - Katie, Anna, Nicholas

Merry Christmas!

More Pics!

Nicholas Today (12/14/09) This is his 3 hour trial with nasal oxygen.


Katie and Momma


Anna and Daddy


Daddy and Nicholas Today


View From Above - Nicholas on CPAP


Anna Snuggling


Katie After Her First Bath on 12/13/09


From top to bottom: Nicholas and Anna - Check out the red hair on Nicholas!

A Peek Into Our Daily Life

Video Update from the NICU:

New Pics & Update

Latest Update: All three are now on CPAP together. Nicholas was put on today and hopefully he does well. The kids are doing okay, and all of them have reached the 2-pound mark. Each day is still a struggle, but overall we're all still hanging in there. Enjoy the new pics, and remember no news is good news.

We'd like to send a huge Thank You to all who donated to us through this difficult time. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful people in our life. And again, whether it's a gift of food, money, a hug, phone call, or warm wishes on the blog, nothing goes unnoticed. We genuinely appreciate all that everybody has done for us.

We can't wait for our children to meet all the wonderful family and friends who have been there for us on this journey.

Love to you all. God bless, and be well.

Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas

Pics!!

Anna today - 12/6 - Getting her daily face wash


Anna today with a smile while sleeping


Nicholas's first day on CPAP! Quick pic before putting the system on his face


Nicholas yesterday on Daddy


Nicholas yesterday


Girls on Mom


Katie today! 12/6


Katie today during a face wash


Nicholas in Boston after his surgery. Daddy got him his first firetruck!

Babies Doing Well!

I went up to Burlington last night and had dinner with Sarah. They have a beautiful, little place, and it's close to the hospital.

We had a nice time, and I found out that all babies are doing well! Katie is feeling better and is back on C-PAP. She basically took herself off the vent. That kid is ready to breathe on her own and she won't let anyone tell her otherwise. What a trooper!

Before we left for the evening, Sarah called the NICU, and the report was that all babies were doing "fantastic." That was nice to hear!

I know they have a long way to go, but it is December! I can't wait to see the progress they make by January!

Love,
Gretch