Hi, everyone!
Nicholas flew back to Vermont today. He still has his daily struggles but is recovering well!
Katie has had a little set back. They discovered that she has some kind of infection. It could be fungal or viral. They have to run some tests, and the results won't be available for a few days. In the meantime they've put her back on the vent to help her breathe. The way Sarah described it is that her little body just can't do everything at once. It's hard for her to fight an infection, breathe on her own, and do all of the other things that seem easy but are actually tough chores for her little body, like eat, digest, etc. We've seen so much strength in this little girl and know that she will continue to pull through. Nicholas and Anna will show her how, I'm sure!
Anna is doing great. She's still on C-PAP and eating well. Sarah says she has the cutest, fat, little cheeks! I can't wait to see them! As soon as I have new pics, I'll post them.
Sarah is without internet right now, so I'll continue to update as I hear anything new. We're going to try to meet up with Sarah and Louie this week for dinner, and I'll be sure to get lots of new info!
Love to you all,
Gretch
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Update
I heard from Sarah this afternoon. Nicholas, in general, is recovering well. He goes through typical ups and downs but overall is doing okay. They feel he's stable enough to come back to VT and was supposed to today, but due to the weather, they delayed the trip. Now he's scheduled to come back on Monday.
Love,
Gretch
Love,
Gretch
Friday, November 27, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
We're all so thankful that all 3 babies are doing well! Nicholas is recovering just fine from his surgery. I'll check in with Sarah today and update with any new info.
Love,
Gretchin
We're all so thankful that all 3 babies are doing well! Nicholas is recovering just fine from his surgery. I'll check in with Sarah today and update with any new info.
Love,
Gretchin
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Nicholas in Surgery
- 9:53 - Nicholas is out of surgery! He did well. The doctor says he's a "good boy." :-) The entire surgery took 15 minutes and went well. He'll be in the operating room for another hour recovering. Then he'll go back to the NICU. Sarah says they'll be home in VT within 4 days. Again, the doctor said that this was a needed surgery. They expect that this will help the blood get to where it needs to go in his system so that he can keep getting better!
- 9:14 - They just made the incision. Praying that his surgery goes as quickly and easily as the girls'.
- 8:55am - Just got a call from Sarah - She says Nicholas is being stabilized and prepped for surgery.
- Nicholas went into surgery at 8:20 this morning. Sarah will keep me posted, and I'll let you all know as soon as I have more information.
Love,
Gretchin
Monday, November 23, 2009
Boston x 3
Off we go again...
Nicholas is headed to Boston. He will be flown to Boston tomorrow and hopefully have Surgery on Wednesday. Boston is aware of Nicholas's belly issues and current fungal infection and feel that it is okay to have surgery. I am so nervous but he is not eating and drops much needed weight everyday-they really can't feed him if his PDA is open so much. So off we go for the next few days.
Louie will stay back in Vermont with Anna and Katie, who are doing very good breathing on their own with CPAP. Oh yeah-Anna was put on the CPAP machine on Sunday. I am so happy with their incredible progress and pray that they will continue to head in such a great direction. We are staying very positive since these great accomplishments can change at any moment!!! We are very proud of Anna since she is still the smallest and has had the hardest time since birth.
Anna, Katie, and Nicholas show us everyday how strong they really are! Our little (really little) fighters.
So I will leave tomorrow after they pick up Nicholas and hopefully return over the weekend if all goes well with his surgery and recovery. My mother is able to come with me again so that will be nice. I will have Gretchin update everyone while I am gone with Nicholas.
We hope all is well with you and your families. Have a great Thanksgiving.
God Bless and be well!!!
Love;
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
Nicholas is headed to Boston. He will be flown to Boston tomorrow and hopefully have Surgery on Wednesday. Boston is aware of Nicholas's belly issues and current fungal infection and feel that it is okay to have surgery. I am so nervous but he is not eating and drops much needed weight everyday-they really can't feed him if his PDA is open so much. So off we go for the next few days.
Louie will stay back in Vermont with Anna and Katie, who are doing very good breathing on their own with CPAP. Oh yeah-Anna was put on the CPAP machine on Sunday. I am so happy with their incredible progress and pray that they will continue to head in such a great direction. We are staying very positive since these great accomplishments can change at any moment!!! We are very proud of Anna since she is still the smallest and has had the hardest time since birth.
Anna, Katie, and Nicholas show us everyday how strong they really are! Our little (really little) fighters.
So I will leave tomorrow after they pick up Nicholas and hopefully return over the weekend if all goes well with his surgery and recovery. My mother is able to come with me again so that will be nice. I will have Gretchin update everyone while I am gone with Nicholas.
We hope all is well with you and your families. Have a great Thanksgiving.
God Bless and be well!!!
Love;
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
Mommy Gives Anna First Shampoo!
Mommy Getting Direction on How to Shampoo Anna's Hair - Listen For Anna's Soft Cry!
New Pictures!
Daddy and Nicholas Sleepy - Snuggle Time Before Nicholas's Trip to Boston
Mommy, Katie, and Anna - First Time Holding Both at the Same Time
Anna - Believe it or not, she's softly laughing as Mommy brushes her hair after her shampoo.
Nicholas - 1 Month Old
Anna - 1 Month Old - Quick Pic Without CPAP
Katie Grinning - Quick Pic Without CPAP On - 1 Month Old
Mommy, Katie, and Anna - First Time Holding Both at the Same Time
Anna - Believe it or not, she's softly laughing as Mommy brushes her hair after her shampoo.
Nicholas - 1 Month Old
Anna - 1 Month Old - Quick Pic Without CPAP
Katie Grinning - Quick Pic Without CPAP On - 1 Month Old
Friday, November 20, 2009
More Changes...
Hmmm where do I start?
OK, Anna is back in Burlington and doing fine! Katie is still going strong on CPAP and continues to breathe on her own. Nicholas is NOT in Boston.
This morning when I got to the NICU one of the Neonatal Nurse Practioners approached me after receiving a call from the lab. Nicholas's blood culture from earlier in the week has started to grow a fungus. Most of these infections are rare and can be caused from central IV lines that are used for lots of fluids and nutrition. Bacteria can grow inside of the line and be pushed into the bloodstream. As of right now they believe they have figured out what has been causing all of his earlier in the week sickness by getting this result back this morning, so until he is now better from this infection he is still off feeds, getting another kind of antibiotic, and not going to have any surgery until 48hrs after discontinuation of treatment, probably 7-10 days from today. But as you can see things change real fast and who knows when he will end up in Boston, he does need to go though and by the way it sounds he needs the repair as soon as possible. Considering the new situation I think he looks good and his nurses say he has improved throughout the week, but this infection is slow to manifest.
So at 11:00am they cancelled Nicholas's trip and Surgery, flew Anna home and Louie was alone in Boston-Ricky went home yesterday as planned, Louie stayed since we thought Nicholas was going to sent on the return flight, and Grandpa Tony was leaving after work today to be with Louie in Boston. We cancelled all of that and I called Brittany so I had someone to go to Boston with to pick up Louie-Wow what a crazy day!
I would like to thank over and over again Ricky for going with his brother to Boston and being their to support him for Anna's surgery.
I would also like to thank Brittany for dropping everything at 11:30am today, picking me up in Vermont and driving to Boston to get Louie.
I hope you all have a great weekend and we will keep you updated on our precious children.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
OK, Anna is back in Burlington and doing fine! Katie is still going strong on CPAP and continues to breathe on her own. Nicholas is NOT in Boston.
This morning when I got to the NICU one of the Neonatal Nurse Practioners approached me after receiving a call from the lab. Nicholas's blood culture from earlier in the week has started to grow a fungus. Most of these infections are rare and can be caused from central IV lines that are used for lots of fluids and nutrition. Bacteria can grow inside of the line and be pushed into the bloodstream. As of right now they believe they have figured out what has been causing all of his earlier in the week sickness by getting this result back this morning, so until he is now better from this infection he is still off feeds, getting another kind of antibiotic, and not going to have any surgery until 48hrs after discontinuation of treatment, probably 7-10 days from today. But as you can see things change real fast and who knows when he will end up in Boston, he does need to go though and by the way it sounds he needs the repair as soon as possible. Considering the new situation I think he looks good and his nurses say he has improved throughout the week, but this infection is slow to manifest.
So at 11:00am they cancelled Nicholas's trip and Surgery, flew Anna home and Louie was alone in Boston-Ricky went home yesterday as planned, Louie stayed since we thought Nicholas was going to sent on the return flight, and Grandpa Tony was leaving after work today to be with Louie in Boston. We cancelled all of that and I called Brittany so I had someone to go to Boston with to pick up Louie-Wow what a crazy day!
I would like to thank over and over again Ricky for going with his brother to Boston and being their to support him for Anna's surgery.
I would also like to thank Brittany for dropping everything at 11:30am today, picking me up in Vermont and driving to Boston to get Louie.
I hope you all have a great weekend and we will keep you updated on our precious children.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Quick Boston Update
Nicholas is going to Boston on Saturday, was going to go tomorrow, but a rainstorm has delayed the flight crew. Louie is not coming home right away. He'll stay in Boston until Nicholas has his surgery. They're going to fly Anna back to Burlington and bring Nicholas to Boston on the return flight. We'll let you know as more develops in Boston.
As seen in the photo, Katie was put on C-PAP. It's a machine that forces oxygen in through her nose. They are required to breathe on their own with some mild support. They must do all the work. She has been on it since noon today. Premature babies can breathe on C-PAP for 1 hour, 24 hours, 3 days, or can stay on it until they don't need extra breathing support-which is the goal.
When I left this evening, she was still doing okay, but they told me don't be surprised if I come in tomorrow and she's back on the vent. But overall she's a strong girl and doing good.
Anna is doing just fine and is ready to come home. She has shown great improvement since her surgery. We are very pleased.
NEW PICS below thanks to Gretchin.
Have a good night to everyone. God bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
As seen in the photo, Katie was put on C-PAP. It's a machine that forces oxygen in through her nose. They are required to breathe on their own with some mild support. They must do all the work. She has been on it since noon today. Premature babies can breathe on C-PAP for 1 hour, 24 hours, 3 days, or can stay on it until they don't need extra breathing support-which is the goal.
When I left this evening, she was still doing okay, but they told me don't be surprised if I come in tomorrow and she's back on the vent. But overall she's a strong girl and doing good.
Anna is doing just fine and is ready to come home. She has shown great improvement since her surgery. We are very pleased.
NEW PICS below thanks to Gretchin.
Have a good night to everyone. God bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
More Pics!
Today - Katie's New Headgear (C-PAP) Believe it or not, this is a good thing! First attempt to get her off the vent. She is breathing on her own for now!
Anna - Nov. 16th - Right before Boston
Nicholas - Nov. 16th - Inbetween vent changes
Katie - Nov. 16th
Anna - Nov. 16th - Right before Boston
Nicholas - Nov. 16th - Inbetween vent changes
Katie - Nov. 16th
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hello Everyone...
Anna is still recovering in Boston, she had to be put on a different type of ventilator this morning to help expand her lungs better, and ease breathing. As of 6:00pm she was doing very good and if she continues in this direction they will consider getting her home on Friday.
Nicholas is still getting antibiotics for his bowel infection he has 2 more days to go-they may consider feeding him on Friday after they discontinue the antibiotics to see how his belly tolerates feeds again. He also has a hernia that is being monitored-that will be repaired before he goes home unless it gets worse sooner, it is common for small babies to get hernias and the staff is not concerned at this point because he has more "serious clinical issues" to deal with.
Boston was discussed today, the NICU team feels that if they can stabilize the bowel infection, fluid in his lungs and try to get him fed they will send him to Boston next. He over the last few days has pretty much proven to the doctors that he needs to get his PDA repaired also. The doctors know that he needs the surgery but they don't want to send a sick baby for surgery so I don't know when he will go, they mentioned the possibility of having him go on the return flight to Boston when Anna returns to Fletcher Allen but that depends on his progress with current concerns.
Katie is getting her food increased each day and is doing well, her nurses tell me that when it is time to eat she lets everybody know-it's true I have seen it. Katie gets very aggitated every 3 hours so when its time to eat she needs to eat!!! Katie is overall doing well, she of course has daily obstacles but she is hangin on just fine. My children want to be here as much as we want them here!!!
New pics coming soon...
I hope you are all doing good and have a great night.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
Nicholas is still getting antibiotics for his bowel infection he has 2 more days to go-they may consider feeding him on Friday after they discontinue the antibiotics to see how his belly tolerates feeds again. He also has a hernia that is being monitored-that will be repaired before he goes home unless it gets worse sooner, it is common for small babies to get hernias and the staff is not concerned at this point because he has more "serious clinical issues" to deal with.
Boston was discussed today, the NICU team feels that if they can stabilize the bowel infection, fluid in his lungs and try to get him fed they will send him to Boston next. He over the last few days has pretty much proven to the doctors that he needs to get his PDA repaired also. The doctors know that he needs the surgery but they don't want to send a sick baby for surgery so I don't know when he will go, they mentioned the possibility of having him go on the return flight to Boston when Anna returns to Fletcher Allen but that depends on his progress with current concerns.
Katie is getting her food increased each day and is doing well, her nurses tell me that when it is time to eat she lets everybody know-it's true I have seen it. Katie gets very aggitated every 3 hours so when its time to eat she needs to eat!!! Katie is overall doing well, she of course has daily obstacles but she is hangin on just fine. My children want to be here as much as we want them here!!!
New pics coming soon...
I hope you are all doing good and have a great night.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie, and Nicholas
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Anna Out of Surgery
Anna's surgery only took 11 minutes. With prep time it was only 50 minutes.
The procedure went well, and she's recovering in the NICU.
Her blood pressure is already stabilized and better, so she's doing really well.
The surgeon also said that the procedure definitely needed to be done.
She'll still need a few days to recover, so Sarah is anticipating that she'll be back on Friday.
Love,
Gretchin (thru Sarah!)
The procedure went well, and she's recovering in the NICU.
Her blood pressure is already stabilized and better, so she's doing really well.
The surgeon also said that the procedure definitely needed to be done.
She'll still need a few days to recover, so Sarah is anticipating that she'll be back on Friday.
Love,
Gretchin (thru Sarah!)
Boston Update
Anna made it safely to Boston yesterday! The flight team arrived at 1:00pm, got Anna ready and they left at 1:40pm. I thought it may be a touch easier watching the flight team get Anna ready and then take her since only about 10 days ago I went through this with Katie but it wasn't.
I am happy to report that she is on the surgery schedule today and we believe she will have her the procedure in the morning at some point. She had a good night and so far today is stable, I called at 7:30am to get the report from her nurse. I will keep you updated as I find out details-Louie is with her and he will update me throughout the day.
God Bless and be well...
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
I am happy to report that she is on the surgery schedule today and we believe she will have her the procedure in the morning at some point. She had a good night and so far today is stable, I called at 7:30am to get the report from her nurse. I will keep you updated as I find out details-Louie is with her and he will update me throughout the day.
God Bless and be well...
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Changes
Hi everyone...
Anna's Boston trip was postponed today and they plan on flying her tomorrow (11/16/09.) There was no room for Anna on the surgical schedule so instead of making her wait in Boston they will pick her up tomorrow at some point and maybe get her on Tuesday's schedule-a lot of waiting. Overall though at this point Anna is doing good and remains stable.
Katie has been doing well also they are everyday increasing her feedings and as long as she gains weight and has no "clinical issues" they are planning on removing her ventilator tubes late next week, this can all change though daily. Katie looks very good and moves around quite a bit throughout the day-which is a good sign.
Now Nicholas... Well yesterday the doctors took an X-Ray of his chest and abdomen due to increased alarms throughout the last 3 days-alarms meaning that he is aggitated, irregularities in heart rhythm or breathing irregularities. X-ray showed some hazy appearance around his belly and bowel so they stopped his feeding and immediately put him on antibiotics to stop any infection that may be starting. This morning after repeat x-ray they believe that he has a bowel infection and may have responded to the antibiotics and they will continue this treatment over the next 7 days and continue to hold all feeds to keep the bowel quiet. This infection can come on over a few days, can be hard to diagnose , and is very serious so he is being monitored very closely. We are not able to hold him so that is very hard-I feel so helpless I just talk to him and tell him how much we love him. He does look good though and on examination has not had a "puffy belly," that is promising.
The stress and worry is overwhelming, everyday is exactly how the staff describes it to us, "a rollercoaster ride" for sure!!! So Louie will head to Boston tomorrow as planned so far and I will stay back with Nicholas and Katie. Nicholas's trip to Boston is postponed until his X-rays are normal and he is better. That is all the news I have to give, I hope everyone is doing well and we send our love to all of you. Thank you again for all the prayers, warm wishes, food, and gifts we still have such a long road ahead and appreciate all the help and support given.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
Anna's Boston trip was postponed today and they plan on flying her tomorrow (11/16/09.) There was no room for Anna on the surgical schedule so instead of making her wait in Boston they will pick her up tomorrow at some point and maybe get her on Tuesday's schedule-a lot of waiting. Overall though at this point Anna is doing good and remains stable.
Katie has been doing well also they are everyday increasing her feedings and as long as she gains weight and has no "clinical issues" they are planning on removing her ventilator tubes late next week, this can all change though daily. Katie looks very good and moves around quite a bit throughout the day-which is a good sign.
Now Nicholas... Well yesterday the doctors took an X-Ray of his chest and abdomen due to increased alarms throughout the last 3 days-alarms meaning that he is aggitated, irregularities in heart rhythm or breathing irregularities. X-ray showed some hazy appearance around his belly and bowel so they stopped his feeding and immediately put him on antibiotics to stop any infection that may be starting. This morning after repeat x-ray they believe that he has a bowel infection and may have responded to the antibiotics and they will continue this treatment over the next 7 days and continue to hold all feeds to keep the bowel quiet. This infection can come on over a few days, can be hard to diagnose , and is very serious so he is being monitored very closely. We are not able to hold him so that is very hard-I feel so helpless I just talk to him and tell him how much we love him. He does look good though and on examination has not had a "puffy belly," that is promising.
The stress and worry is overwhelming, everyday is exactly how the staff describes it to us, "a rollercoaster ride" for sure!!! So Louie will head to Boston tomorrow as planned so far and I will stay back with Nicholas and Katie. Nicholas's trip to Boston is postponed until his X-rays are normal and he is better. That is all the news I have to give, I hope everyone is doing well and we send our love to all of you. Thank you again for all the prayers, warm wishes, food, and gifts we still have such a long road ahead and appreciate all the help and support given.
God Bless and be well.
Love,
Sarah, Louie, Anna, Katie and Nicholas
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)