Most of you have probably seen this email come around lately - sorry if it's a repeat. It just struck me today and figured I would share it with everyone. I love you all!!! Be good to each other and remember the true meaning of FAMILY.
F A M I L Y
I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.
He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."
We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.
But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.
Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.
When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.
He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.
While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,
"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.
Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.
Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.
He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."
By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.
I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.
"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.
I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."
I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."
I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."
FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives.
And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind the story?
Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Mommy got to feed the boys!
Today was my first shot at feeding my boys - what a special day! Here are some pictures of our first "bottling" together.
Mommy & JD
Mommy & Cole
Lots of great strides today. Wednesday is "re-write" day in NICU which means that the nurses re-write orders for the upcoming week with regard to feedings, meds etc. They try to stick with a plan for a week or so and tweak it throughout the week as needed. It just gives them a baseline plan for each baby for a given week.
The following changes were made today - all of which are getting them closer to coming home!!! They both had their 2nd eye exam today which showed great results. Their eyes look good and there are no issues to be concerned about at this time.
JD - They changed his lasix (for fluid retention) to Dyerell which is a different diuretic which should work better and be less strenuous on the kidneys. He has moved to compressed feeds (no more continuous feeds) and will be fed every 3 hours, over a period of 2 hours at a time. In other words, the tube is still in and every 3 hours, they feed him either via tube or bottle. The bottles alternate with every other feed and when he gets the bottle, he's allowed to eat as much as he wants, as long as he eats a minimum (I forget what that number is but the max is 38 cc's). We're hoping he'll just chow down on his bottles! JD also had his oxygen monitor (pulse ox) removed since he was not having any episodes. We're hopeful that this will last and he will continue to not need it. The best part of that is that the monitor doesn't ding any more - big smiles for that!
Cole - they pulled his NJ tube today which was the tube in his upper intestine. Now he just has his stomach tube and all of his feeds are back to going into his belly. This is HUGE for him! So far, both boys reflux has not gotten any worse so with the prevacid that they are on, it appears to be controlled for now. They both are holding down their feedings and don't seem uncomfortable at all. Cole is still on continuous feeds, changed every 3 hours. Every 6 hours he will get a bottle of 9cc's. They increased his feedings today from 8cc's per hour to 9cc's per hour.
Both boys had their regular meds increased since they have gained weight. Cole is now 3lb, 5 oz and JD is 4lb, 6 oz.
That's about it for updates. Here's a cute photo of JD from Grammy's "photo shoot" this afternoon!
Mommy & JD
Mommy & Cole
Lots of great strides today. Wednesday is "re-write" day in NICU which means that the nurses re-write orders for the upcoming week with regard to feedings, meds etc. They try to stick with a plan for a week or so and tweak it throughout the week as needed. It just gives them a baseline plan for each baby for a given week.
The following changes were made today - all of which are getting them closer to coming home!!! They both had their 2nd eye exam today which showed great results. Their eyes look good and there are no issues to be concerned about at this time.
JD - They changed his lasix (for fluid retention) to Dyerell which is a different diuretic which should work better and be less strenuous on the kidneys. He has moved to compressed feeds (no more continuous feeds) and will be fed every 3 hours, over a period of 2 hours at a time. In other words, the tube is still in and every 3 hours, they feed him either via tube or bottle. The bottles alternate with every other feed and when he gets the bottle, he's allowed to eat as much as he wants, as long as he eats a minimum (I forget what that number is but the max is 38 cc's). We're hoping he'll just chow down on his bottles! JD also had his oxygen monitor (pulse ox) removed since he was not having any episodes. We're hopeful that this will last and he will continue to not need it. The best part of that is that the monitor doesn't ding any more - big smiles for that!
Cole - they pulled his NJ tube today which was the tube in his upper intestine. Now he just has his stomach tube and all of his feeds are back to going into his belly. This is HUGE for him! So far, both boys reflux has not gotten any worse so with the prevacid that they are on, it appears to be controlled for now. They both are holding down their feedings and don't seem uncomfortable at all. Cole is still on continuous feeds, changed every 3 hours. Every 6 hours he will get a bottle of 9cc's. They increased his feedings today from 8cc's per hour to 9cc's per hour.
Both boys had their regular meds increased since they have gained weight. Cole is now 3lb, 5 oz and JD is 4lb, 6 oz.
That's about it for updates. Here's a cute photo of JD from Grammy's "photo shoot" this afternoon!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Gramma's Visit!
This photo is long overdue - the earlier photos are on a disposable camera somewhere that I cannot locate so here's a new one!
Gramma and JD spend some quality time!
(I'm not sure who is happier here!)
Both boys did very well again today with their bottle feeds. They are both gaining weight and coming right along. We actually went to our "discharge class" tonight which prepares us for coming home. Well, sorta. They go over all of the preemie basics, infant CPR etc. It was very helpful - yet very scary! We're not making any predictions yet but we're a week or two away from JD's homecoming I think.
Cole is a little behind him and has a few more hurdles to conquer. But hopefully he won't be far behind. Although it will be hard to be in both places at once with one home and one not, I would rather someone be home so we'll take it. We'll do our best and hopefully it won't be too long before we're all together at home.
Gramma and JD spend some quality time!
(I'm not sure who is happier here!)
Both boys did very well again today with their bottle feeds. They are both gaining weight and coming right along. We actually went to our "discharge class" tonight which prepares us for coming home. Well, sorta. They go over all of the preemie basics, infant CPR etc. It was very helpful - yet very scary! We're not making any predictions yet but we're a week or two away from JD's homecoming I think.
Cole is a little behind him and has a few more hurdles to conquer. But hopefully he won't be far behind. Although it will be hard to be in both places at once with one home and one not, I would rather someone be home so we'll take it. We'll do our best and hopefully it won't be too long before we're all together at home.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Hope this works...
Here's my attempt at posting video's...
Cole's First Bottle Feed
JD's First Bottle Feed
Cole's First Bottle Feed
JD's First Bottle Feed
It's a BIG day!
What a milestone! The boys both took their bottles like champs today! It was like they had been taking bottles forever. Both of them knew just what to do and they did great. Cole had about 10 cc's and JD had 11 cc's. That is just about a 3rd of an ounce which doesn't sound like much but for them, it's a lot. They are going to have two bottle feeds per day for the next day or two and assuming that they do well with them, they will increase accordingly. They will have their feeding tubes to supplement until they get a little better at it, then they will pull their tubes out and see how they do. We are so proud of them. Here are a few pictures. I took video of both of them as well - if I can figure out how to load video, I will add them as well.
It's a banner day on their 7 Week birthday!!!
Cole's First Bottle
JD's First Bottle
Cole Sleeping with a full belly!
JD Sleeping with a full belly!
It's a banner day on their 7 Week birthday!!!
Cole's First Bottle
JD's First Bottle
Cole Sleeping with a full belly!
JD Sleeping with a full belly!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Overwhelmed with Gratitude
Just a quick post for those of you who might check the blog tonight. The boys are doing well today - not much new to report. Still thinking we might try bottles tomorrow but won't know for sure until morning. They are holding steady on weight as of last night so hoping for a small gain tonight!
What a day today. It's been so emotional and I am overwhelmed at the generosity and love that so many people gave today. I truly am. Those of you who were at my shower, it was an amazing day and it far exceeded what I would have ever dreamed for my baby shower. To the gracious hosts and all of the helpers (I know who you are!), thanks for making me feel so special and for making everything so perfect. And for those of you who traveled from afar (the farthest is LA!), I will never forget that you were there and it means the world to me that you took the time away from your busy lives and family to come, especially on a Sunday. My only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time with each of you. It went much to quickly, as always. By the way, how good were those cookie favors? They are awesome - thank goodness I got all of the extras! Yummm!
The pile of gifts in my living room is like Mount Everest. I'm still debating the best way to tackle it and get everything put in it's place. What a FUN task! And one that we have waited so long for - and I can't wait to dig in. Rest assured, I told those two lucky little boys of the outpouring of love for them; and about all of the fun things that they have waiting for them here when they get to come home. They will never want for anything - they are so spoiled already.
Special Mom's out there, don't forget to light your candle tonight at 7pm. And if you forget at 7, any time will do. Just remember those little angels and know that you all are in my thoughts this evening.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of our loved ones, friends and family. What a special group of people you are. This is truly a day I will never, ever forget!
What a day today. It's been so emotional and I am overwhelmed at the generosity and love that so many people gave today. I truly am. Those of you who were at my shower, it was an amazing day and it far exceeded what I would have ever dreamed for my baby shower. To the gracious hosts and all of the helpers (I know who you are!), thanks for making me feel so special and for making everything so perfect. And for those of you who traveled from afar (the farthest is LA!), I will never forget that you were there and it means the world to me that you took the time away from your busy lives and family to come, especially on a Sunday. My only regret is that I didn't get to spend more time with each of you. It went much to quickly, as always. By the way, how good were those cookie favors? They are awesome - thank goodness I got all of the extras! Yummm!
The pile of gifts in my living room is like Mount Everest. I'm still debating the best way to tackle it and get everything put in it's place. What a FUN task! And one that we have waited so long for - and I can't wait to dig in. Rest assured, I told those two lucky little boys of the outpouring of love for them; and about all of the fun things that they have waiting for them here when they get to come home. They will never want for anything - they are so spoiled already.
Special Mom's out there, don't forget to light your candle tonight at 7pm. And if you forget at 7, any time will do. Just remember those little angels and know that you all are in my thoughts this evening.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of our loved ones, friends and family. What a special group of people you are. This is truly a day I will never, ever forget!
Friday, October 13, 2006
Message from JD & Cole
Hello, JD & Cole here. Just a quick update for all of you "Licameli Boy fans". We're trying our best to get out of here as soon as possible. We hear that our beds are all ready at home and we're anxious to get there.
Hate to brag too much but we're getting pretty hefty these days. I, Cole, am a bit over THREE pounds now! And my LITTLE brother JD (I was born 10 seconds before him so I am actually oldest) just turned FOUR pounds last night. So, as you can see, I'm a bit behind him weight wise but don't worry, I'll catch up.
Rumor has it that we're going to get to start "nippling" this weekend. Hmmm, sounds interesting huh? So, we'll see if we've come far enough by Sunday to try a bottle. Mommy really would like for them to wait on that since she has her baby shower on Sunday and she really wants to be here for that. We're sure she just wants to take more pictures - as if she hasn't taken enough! That flash kills our eyes - and she wonders why half of the photos have our eyes shut? Go figure.
We got to read books today with Mommy for a while. We love books. We read the big brown bear book about 10 times today. We think Mommy needs to bring in a new book for us!
I, JD, got my NJ tube out today and they replaced it with a tube into my belly. Thank goodness! Now, I just have to figure out how to stop refluxing when that food goes directly into my belly again. They told me before that I just needed to grow a little more and my reflux would get better. We'll see if they were right won't we!
That's about it for today. We're pooped so we better go sleep some more. Until tomorrow...oh, and by the way, thanks for all of your gifts and fun toys that you've dropped at our parents over the last several months. We can't wait to get home and see everything - we've heard all about it!
Hate to brag too much but we're getting pretty hefty these days. I, Cole, am a bit over THREE pounds now! And my LITTLE brother JD (I was born 10 seconds before him so I am actually oldest) just turned FOUR pounds last night. So, as you can see, I'm a bit behind him weight wise but don't worry, I'll catch up.
Rumor has it that we're going to get to start "nippling" this weekend. Hmmm, sounds interesting huh? So, we'll see if we've come far enough by Sunday to try a bottle. Mommy really would like for them to wait on that since she has her baby shower on Sunday and she really wants to be here for that. We're sure she just wants to take more pictures - as if she hasn't taken enough! That flash kills our eyes - and she wonders why half of the photos have our eyes shut? Go figure.
We got to read books today with Mommy for a while. We love books. We read the big brown bear book about 10 times today. We think Mommy needs to bring in a new book for us!
I, JD, got my NJ tube out today and they replaced it with a tube into my belly. Thank goodness! Now, I just have to figure out how to stop refluxing when that food goes directly into my belly again. They told me before that I just needed to grow a little more and my reflux would get better. We'll see if they were right won't we!
That's about it for today. We're pooped so we better go sleep some more. Until tomorrow...oh, and by the way, thanks for all of your gifts and fun toys that you've dropped at our parents over the last several months. We can't wait to get home and see everything - we've heard all about it!
Babies in Heaven
For some reason I've got writers block. Not that I'm a prolific writer, it's just that I don't think I have ever been at a loss for words. It's because I have so many emotions running through my head that I can't seem to put it all into words. Here goes.
It's a big weekend. For a few reasons.
The biggest reason is that my baby shower is Sunday. I've waited and imagined this day for a long time. And somehow now that it is here, I don't feel worthy. Two of my best girlfriends have poured their energy into making this the perfect day for me and my family; and it was planned a long time ago. The original date was going to be July 2 - and I was hospitalized at that time; so it was postponed indefinitely. All of that energy for not. Over the last few months, they have been so patient in waiting to determine with me when the most appropriate time would be. It was hard to accept that the boys were really here and might be coming home, and the shower might really happen. It was hard to believe that they were really mine. It's hard to explain that feeling because normally new Mom's would be dying to have their shower. After all that we went through, I was so scared to plan it again for fear that something would happen a second time. We finally decided on a date and it's here. WOW.
I can't help but think that I don't want anyone to be obligated to do any more for us than they have already done. Over the last several months, the outpouring of love, support, prayers and generosity have been overwhelming. And the fact that everyone is gathering this weekend on our behalf is just amazing; and we are so grateful. Not that friendship and support requires "re-payment" but I just can't imagine how I can ever show everyone how much I appreciate all of this hoopla. Especially my girls, Lauri and Denise for the patience and love that they have shown throughout this ordeal to make this one of the most special days of my life. I'm forever indebted.
The other reason that this weekend is big is because on the very same day as my baby shower, falls "Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day". It's an official national holiday. What a celebration for C. & I, and our angels. It's the perfect day to honor my latest loss, Calvin, since he will be showered with gifts along with his brothers. I am happy that such a wonderful long awaited occasion of my baby shower falls on this day that could otherwise be laden with sadness. It's a day to celebrate all of our children, those who are here with us and those who went to heaven early. And I will be honored to spend the day together with you gals who are with me celebrating, and have also lost babies. It's amazing how many women lose babies along the way and we never even know about their losses.
There is a national push to recognize this special day so that awareness of Infant Loss is heightened and people realize how important it is to remember those little babies that have not stayed on earth.
www.october15th.com
Everyone is invited to light a candle on Sunday, 10/15/06 at 7:00 pm, in ALL time zones, ALL over the world. If everyone lights a candle at 7pm and keeps it burning for at least one hour, there will be a wave of light over the entire world on October 15th to honor this special day - Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day".
I am looking forward to Sunday so much - it's going to be such a special day. Although I will be emotional, it's all healthy, healing emotion. And I cannot thank everyone enough for all that you have given to us; emotionally, spiritually & physically. Although this experience has been a long road for us, the blessings certainly outweigh the hardships. The blessings are endless and keep coming as the days go on. How did we ever get so lucky? Sunday will truly be a special occasion for me, and for many others. Let's make it a celebration for all of the babies we love so much - those that are here, and those that are watching from above.
It's a big weekend. For a few reasons.
The biggest reason is that my baby shower is Sunday. I've waited and imagined this day for a long time. And somehow now that it is here, I don't feel worthy. Two of my best girlfriends have poured their energy into making this the perfect day for me and my family; and it was planned a long time ago. The original date was going to be July 2 - and I was hospitalized at that time; so it was postponed indefinitely. All of that energy for not. Over the last few months, they have been so patient in waiting to determine with me when the most appropriate time would be. It was hard to accept that the boys were really here and might be coming home, and the shower might really happen. It was hard to believe that they were really mine. It's hard to explain that feeling because normally new Mom's would be dying to have their shower. After all that we went through, I was so scared to plan it again for fear that something would happen a second time. We finally decided on a date and it's here. WOW.
I can't help but think that I don't want anyone to be obligated to do any more for us than they have already done. Over the last several months, the outpouring of love, support, prayers and generosity have been overwhelming. And the fact that everyone is gathering this weekend on our behalf is just amazing; and we are so grateful. Not that friendship and support requires "re-payment" but I just can't imagine how I can ever show everyone how much I appreciate all of this hoopla. Especially my girls, Lauri and Denise for the patience and love that they have shown throughout this ordeal to make this one of the most special days of my life. I'm forever indebted.
The other reason that this weekend is big is because on the very same day as my baby shower, falls "Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day". It's an official national holiday. What a celebration for C. & I, and our angels. It's the perfect day to honor my latest loss, Calvin, since he will be showered with gifts along with his brothers. I am happy that such a wonderful long awaited occasion of my baby shower falls on this day that could otherwise be laden with sadness. It's a day to celebrate all of our children, those who are here with us and those who went to heaven early. And I will be honored to spend the day together with you gals who are with me celebrating, and have also lost babies. It's amazing how many women lose babies along the way and we never even know about their losses.
There is a national push to recognize this special day so that awareness of Infant Loss is heightened and people realize how important it is to remember those little babies that have not stayed on earth.
www.october15th.com
Everyone is invited to light a candle on Sunday, 10/15/06 at 7:00 pm, in ALL time zones, ALL over the world. If everyone lights a candle at 7pm and keeps it burning for at least one hour, there will be a wave of light over the entire world on October 15th to honor this special day - Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day".
I am looking forward to Sunday so much - it's going to be such a special day. Although I will be emotional, it's all healthy, healing emotion. And I cannot thank everyone enough for all that you have given to us; emotionally, spiritually & physically. Although this experience has been a long road for us, the blessings certainly outweigh the hardships. The blessings are endless and keep coming as the days go on. How did we ever get so lucky? Sunday will truly be a special occasion for me, and for many others. Let's make it a celebration for all of the babies we love so much - those that are here, and those that are watching from above.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
From one week to six weeks...
One Week old!
Six Weeks Old!
These photos speak for themselves.
The boys are doing very well today - lots of sleeping and pooping! No changes today, which is a good thing. Bottle feeds are pushed to Sunday; hope I can be there for their first try at the bottle. That will be a kodak moment for sure. We are getting more time to hold the babies as they get older - they are much more tolerant of being stirred and they don't tire quite as easily.
The photo below is the front view from today's photo shoot. This was the first time we have been able to see them side by side like this. Any resemblance to each other? They have loved being in the same bed today ~ they certainly can sense each other's presence. They were very content and quiet all day long. The nurses were very impressed!
Six Weeks Old!
These photos speak for themselves.
The boys are doing very well today - lots of sleeping and pooping! No changes today, which is a good thing. Bottle feeds are pushed to Sunday; hope I can be there for their first try at the bottle. That will be a kodak moment for sure. We are getting more time to hold the babies as they get older - they are much more tolerant of being stirred and they don't tire quite as easily.
The photo below is the front view from today's photo shoot. This was the first time we have been able to see them side by side like this. Any resemblance to each other? They have loved being in the same bed today ~ they certainly can sense each other's presence. They were very content and quiet all day long. The nurses were very impressed!
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