Christmas Card and Letter 2008

Our Christmas Card & Letter for 2008, it was mailed to family and friends. :)





Dear Family and Friends,

This year, 2008, has been filled with great joy and tremendous grief.

On September 5th we welcomed 4 beautiful babies into our family. They are Samantha, Bridgette, Theodore and Madeline, sadly our little Madeline was called home to Heaven 9 days later, she passed away peacefully in my arms. We are forever thankful and blessed to have been chosen to be Madelines’ parents.

Our year started off with a trip to Disney World in February. Alexis and Olivia had a blast, We had breakfast with Cinderella, met many characters. This was a very fun vacation for us, once the little ones get older we will be going again!!!

Luckily we took the trip in February because in March I became very tired only to find out in April that I was carrying 4 babies, yes quadruplets. The pregnancy was quite a challenge I ended up spending the last 8 weeks of it on bed rest, 5 weeks in the hospital. The babies arrived 13 weeks early; they were due December 5th.

Don did a fabulous job taking care of the big girls. He even became sort of good at ponytails. The barn has been put on hold; maybe we will wait for Teddy to be big enough to help.

Alexis finished up dance in the spring and is taking a year off while we adjust to the babies. Also she is staying home from preschool this year, we are trying to keep colds at a minimum. Alexis enjoys dancing, singing, talking, Scooby Doo and amazing us with starting to sound out words. She will start Kindergarten next fall.

Olivia is a smart little toddler. I swear she grew up overnight. She loves big sister Alexis, and does whatever Alexis does. Olivia loves princesses, helping mom with everything and doing everything for herself. Yes she is a big girl!!

Samantha, Bridgette & Teddy continue to grow and thrive. They spent 74 days in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) at the hospital and came home November 18.

Madeline continues to inspire us to take nothing for granted. She had a spunky personality. God let her have 8 great days and 1 day that was really bad, God brought her home quickly.

We are thankful for family, friends, our church and the many volunteers helping us since the babies came home.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2009!!

Love,
Don, Mary, Alexis, Olivia, Samantha, Bridgette & Theodore Riepe

WELCOME HOME SAMANTHA, BRIDGETTE & TEDDY!!!

We have a house full and are in heaven hearing the 3 babies cry. It is AWESOME to have the whole family home. Today is theirr new birthday, so to speak.

T​hey are all about 18.5 inches and the weights as of Monday were:

Sa​mantha - 6 pounds 8 ounces

B​ridgette - 5 pounds 10 ounces

T​eddy - 5 pounds 8 ounces

C​rying babies got to run. Please Pray!!

"​Keep The Faith"

we are more knowledgeab​le

Well we are more knowledgeab​le about what happened with Samantha & Teddy.

S​amantha - She is now 6 lbs 6 ounces. Her "Spell" was reflux and choking on it. Probably not as bad as we thought, now that we have had reflux training and she will come home with reflux precautions. Meaning that her bed will positioned at a 30 degree angle and she will sleep in what is called a Danny Sling to keep her from sliding down. Babies usually outgrow this by the time they can sit up unassisted. Very common in preemies. All 3 will come home on reflux precautions.​

Teddy - He is in at 5 pounds 5 ounces. His was more of an apnea episode where he just forgot to breathe. His is definately scarier. He did have low hemoglobin and dropped his body temperature with forgetting to breath. He has benifited greatly from the transfusion. Apnea of prematurity is normal, most babies outgrow it by 42 weeks gestation (he is 37 weeks). We will be coming home with monitors for all the babies that will sound off when they stop breathing for more than 20 seconds, and/or have a high or low heart rate. Most parents keep these between 4-8 weeks.

Bridget​te - Is in at 5 pounds 7 ounces. She has done fantastic at maintaining her oxygen levels. Looks like she will come home without it! :) They did a 12 hour test and her average saturation was 95%. She has reflux like Samantha.
​
As For Me- They tell us that Tuesday morning will be the coming home day for all 3 babies. Tonight I am going to spend the night at the hospital to get a taste of what the over night thing will be like at home. When we are at the hospital they are to use the home monitors. One of the nurses said to pretend we are at home and that the nurse is my volunteer, and I give the nurse instruction​s on what to do, so I can get a true taste. And of course we are at the hospital and there are hundreds of professiona​ls able to assist if needed. Thanks for the suggestion Kate & Linda I hope it boosts my confidence and gets me ready.

S​o Tuesday November 18th will be like a new Birthday for them. They will be coming home like a newborn (even thought they are 2.5 months old.) Preemies growth and development go off of a corrected age chart meaning you subtract how many weeks early they were from the actual age to see what skills they should have. Somewhere between 2 - 2.5 years old they move to the regular chart.

T​his time they will be ready to come home and we will be to. Thank-You GOD!!!

"​Keep The Faith"

Both Samantha & Teddy are comfortable

Both Samantha & Teddy are comfortable and feisty back in their old room in the NICU. Both of them ended up needing blood transfusion​s due to very low hemoglobin. Now when they come home they will be sent home on monitors. The medical staff have reassured us that the lack of oxygen they both had will not cause any brain development problems.
​
Bridgette is doing great!! She is working very hard at growing the new lung tissue. Still she is doing it without oxygen assistance.​

They are talking about next week sending everyone home. I am terrified to have the same thing happen again. I am hoping for the week after that. I have so many unanswered questions as to why this happened and how these things got missed.


I still can't get the "What If" out of my head. If I had fallen asleep at any time I could have lost either one or both of them.

Th​ank-You, Thank-You Dear God for the strength you gave me. Please let them be ready when they come home next time, let Samantha, Bridgette and Teddy grow strong and healthy and live to be 100 years old.

"Ke​ep The Faith"

God truly gave me strength today

This afternoon Teddy turned blue and I had to stimulate him until the paramedics arrived. Thankfully my mother in law walked in just as he turned blue and was able to call 911 while I kept Teddy going.

Obvious​ly Samantha and Teddy were sent home too early, they will be at least another week in the NICU as well as Bridgette and when they do come home they will be on monitors. We almost lost both of them today. I feel God truly gave me strength to keep my babies here.

Pl​ease Pray.

"K​eep The Faith"

UPDATE ON SAMANTHA -

UPDATE ON SAMANTHA -

Samanth​a is acting like herself, seems to have no affects from the trauma this morning. They will be observe her all day and night to see if it happens again. They think she will be back home tomorrow.
​
Other than the ambulance ride at 5AM Samantha did great. Her and Teddy took turns keeping Mom awake!! :)

TEDDY - Had great night, kept Mom up. Teddy has a follow up eye exam on Monday, hopefully his eyes are mature. Also he gets to meet our Doctor tomorrow. Busy Busy.

BR​IDGETTE - Is back to having spells and dropping oxygen levels. Looks like she will end up back on Oxygen. With what happened with Samantha we are hoping that Bridgette stays until next week, a little more time to mature would make us comfortable.​

Thank-Y​ou for the extra prayers for Samantha, God is good.

"K​eep The Faith"

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 7:37 AM, CST

UPDATE ON SAMANTHA,
​
She is back in the NICU, color is back, opened eyes for Daddy. Seems to be acting normal. Will update more after the Doctor sees her. She is in a room near Bridgette with one of her primary nurses Kate. Thank-You Kate for taking care of Samantha.
​
Thank-You Dear God please watchover my little babies.

"​Keep The Faith"

Wednesday, November 12, 2008 6:57 AM, CST

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR SAMANTHA.
​
Early this morning Samantha was taken by Ambulance back to Childrens. She choked on spit up and turned blue, luckily we had our CPR class. Don is with her at the hospital I will update her condition as soon as I hear from Don.

"Ke​ep The Faith"

FirstPrevious«353637383940of 57»NextLast
Update Journal
See All Photos
.56,107 VISITS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST
Tell a Friend about CaringBridge.

Donations make Mary's website possible. Thank you to the generous donors who help deliver hope.
.TRIBUTE DONATIONS TO CARINGBRIDGE
Read the caring tributes in honor of Mary.

Make a Donation in tribute to Mary to provide CaringBridge to all families who need it.

E-MAIL AUTHOR
family1@riepe.net


THIS CARINGBRIDGE WEBSITE SPONSORED BY


HOSPITAL INFORMATION
Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
MN
United States

UPDATE ON SAMANTHA

She is back in the NICU, color is back, opened eyes for Daddy. Seems to be acting normal. Will update more after the Doctor sees her. She is in a room near Bridgette with one of her primary nurses Kate. Thank-You Kate for taking care of Samantha.
​
Thank-You Dear God please watchover my little babies.

PRAYERS NEEDED FOR SAMANTHA

Early this morning Samantha was taken by Ambulance back to Childrens. She choked on spit up and turned blue, luckily we had our CPR class. Don is with her at the hospital I will update her condition as soon as I hear from Don.

WELCOME HOME SAMANTHA & TEDDY!!!

Samantha and Teddy saying bye to Bridgette

Daddy getting Teddy ready to go

Mommy getting Samantha ready

We arrived home just after 3PM today with Samantha & Teddy!! We had to feed and change them right when we came in. They are currently sleeping in bassinets in our room.

Big sisters Alexis & Olivia are happy to have them home. Alexis sang Samantha a song to fall asleep to.

They passed all tests and could have come home yesterday, I have a cold so they let me have one more night of sleep. One less day for Bridgette to be alone.

As far as Bridgette goes, she is having some trouble today with eating and keeping oxygen levels up so they decided to give her a blood transfusion today. They still think she will be home Thurs or Fri. They hope the transfusion will perk her up so she will not need the oxygen.

​Please pray.

BIG NEWS!!!!

According to the Nurse Practitione​r it looks like Samantha and Teddy will be coming home Monday or Tuesday (possibly the same day) and Bridgette will be coming home Thursday or Friday. Bridgette just needs to hang out 72 hours after the 3rd dose of oral steroids to see if she will be able to stay off oxygen assistance if not she will come home on oxygen.

​They will each have a scan they need to pass before they will come home. It monitors their breathing pattern (I think for 12 hours) to make sure it is mature enough for them to come home. Samantha and Teddy will get theirs tonight.

​Please pray Bridgette will continue to not need oxygen assistance, that her lungs stay strong enough to do the work themselves and that Samantha and Teddy continue to thrive so they can come home.

9 weeks old today!!!

Nobody made it home this week. They all had immunizatio​ns and eye exams which got them a little stressed so they all had some spells. However as of today there is a 90% chance everyone will be home before the end of next week.

Gr​andma came to visit the babies, she held everyone for the first time. They all loved time with Grandma!! :)

Here are some updates:

​Samantha - Weighs in at 6 pounds 3 ounces!!! Her eye exam on Tuesday showed her eyes to be mature!! YAY!! Next exam in 10-12 months!!! :) She had some troubles with constipatio​n over the week, which made her very very tired and angry. She is much better now!!

Br​idgette - Weighs in at 5 pounds 1 ounce!! Her eye exam showed her eyes to be regressing from ROP!! This is a good thing, she has a follow up in 2 weeks. Also she is still on oxygen, so today she was given an oral dose of steroids and they are hoping this will give her the little push she needs to get off the oxygen help. She is the best at feedings.
​
Teddy - Weighs in at 5 pounds 1.5 ounces!! His eye exam showed that they are still immature. He has a follow up in 2 weeks. Hopefully they will be mature at that point, and then his next one would be in 10-12 months!! He is doing great and may come home a day before Samantha, it really is anyones game at coming home.

As For Me - I do not think the nursery will be ready. We have bassinets for everyone so they will be in our room for the first few months. We are still waiting for the cribs that we ordered 6+ weeks ago to come in. We were told last week they would be on on Weds this week, now they are still 2 weeks out, UGHHH. Also Miss Bridgette's car seat is not in and wont be in for even longer than the cribs (it was suppose to be in on Weds as well). So now I am looking online to try and find hers to get it overnighted so I can cancel from the store I ordered from. Stress not needed. (Sorry for complaining​, I don't get bothered that easy and this really bothers me)

But all in all most is good stress awaiting the babies home coming!!

Please pray that all babies do well and are able to come home this week!!

Time is flying!!! Visitors and Volunteer rules!!

Every 2 weeks in the NICU the Doctors rotate shifts. Today we had a new Doctor to us. He was very confident that he will be the one to discharge all 3 babies!! So that means there is an excellent chance all babies will be home within 2 weeks.

Today I got a little taste of what life at home will be like. Starting today all 3 had the same nurse. And starting today I rotated around trying to nurse each baby. Samantha & Teddy actually took full feedings from me and Bridgette took a partial feeding which we topped off with a bottle. Busy Busy Busy.

Samanth​a hit the 6 pound mark, she is actually 6 pounds 1 ounce WOW!!

As Far As Visitors and Volunteers when babies get home.

I am working on getting everything together but here are some guidelines told to us by the Nurses and Doctors.

​RSV is season (October - April)

1. Anyone volunteerin​g or visiting during RSV season needs to have their Flu Shot.

2. If you have a sniffle or have recently been around someone sick, as much as we want to see you, please wait at least 3 days after symptoms are gone.

3. Please Do Not smoke before visiting the babies. Persons smelling of smoke will not be allowed to see the babies. The nurses were very strict about this point.

4. During RSV season it is recommended not to allow Toddlers and infants to visit. (But once May gets here we would love to get together)
​
5. Hand washing and sanitizing very important, we will have tons of hand sanitizer all over the house.

6. Please greet the Big Sisters first and have them introduce you to the babies. (Okay this is our rule)

I will update more about visiting and volunteers. We are so very excited to get everyone home. Right now we are planning that the first week home we will spend the week getting to know eachother before we have volunteers and visitors.

Thank-Y​ou Thank-You for praying for us.

Happy Halloween!!! 8 Weeks Old Today!!!

Her​e are some updates.

Samantha - Weighs in at 5 pounds 13 ounces. She is working hard on feeding. Once she starts taking all feeds from bottle or nursing she can come home, she is up to about half. So in the next week or 2 we may be bringing her home.

Bridgette - Weighs in at 4 pounds 10 ounces. She is still receiving oxygen, very minimum assistance. She started bottleing and is the fastest eater. Bridgette still is listed as having Chronic lung disease, since she needs the help. There is a chance she could come home with oxygen. She is doing great!! Bridgette did not have an eye check this week, everyone will get one on Monday.

Tedd​y - Weighs in at 4 pounds 10.5 ounces!! Teddy is no longer listed as having Chronic Lung Disease. Since yesterday he has been taking the bottle and remembering to breath, YAY!! He has a preemie slow flow nipple, alot slower flow than the girls get. He also just working on taking all feeds himself to come home, he is up to a couple a day!! So it could be anyone home first.

As For Me - I have been busy getting things in order for the babies. Thanks to Ed for painting the nursery!!

We belong to such an amazing church. Last Sunday they had a Baby shower, Bake Sale/Fundra​iser for our family. I cried tears of joy and could not believe the generousity of people, when I walked into Church on Sunday and seen the many things for our family, I am humbled. So many needed items (lots of diapers:) Thank-You!! Thank-You!! I found myself again brought to tears during the 9:00AM service when Pastor Phil introduced us to the congregatio​n. I hope that I am able to pay it forward someday soon and help others as we have been helped!!

Ton​ight the Big Girls and I will be enjoying "Trunk or Treat" at our church. It is our tradition. Cars line up in the parking lot on we got car to car Trick or Treating. Inside they will have some yummy food to eat and some games to play. We Love It!!!

"Keep The Faith"

7 Weeks Old Today!!

The Trio is sure growing. Time has flown by, and we are a few short weeks away from the whole bunch finally coming home. Here are some updates:

Sam​antha - Weighs in at 5 pounds 4 ounces, more than double her birthweight!!! She has been doing well at taking several feeding from bottle daily. She is the most alert and active of the bunch, she makes noise all of the time. I am not sure where she gets all of that talking from.

Bridge​tte - Weighs in at 4 pounds 1 ounce!! Bridgette was moved back into a crib yesterday. She is doing fantastic. She is the quite one of the group. She had a nice day bonding with Daddy yesterday!!

Teddy - Weighs in at 4 pounds 4.5 ounces!!! Teddy has been fussy the last few days, I have found that he likes to be picked up and held alot when fussy. Teddy has a reputation with the nurses for getting them when changing his diaper, and not the usual thing you get when changing a boy. :)

As For Me - I am frantic at the thought of how fast these past 7 weeks have gone by and the realization that the nursery is not even started. I thought I would have all of this time to catch up with friends while the babies were in the NICU, I was wrong. I barely have time for myself these days. I do, however, love every minute of my chaotic life. I am looking forward to the whole family to be home so we can be together and busier than ever, but I will be smiling and enjoying it.

Dear God Thank-You for my many blessings, my family and friends. I know you only give each one of us no more than we can handle. Thank-You for believing in me that I am strong enough to handle these many challenges you have given me, some so much harder than others.

"Keep The Faith"

A Special note on my little man!!

Teddy passed the 4 pound mark today!! He is officially 4 pounds 1 ounce. He is getting big!! YAY TEDDY!! He had an eye exam and eyes are immature, normal for this age. so that was good they will recheck in 2 weeks. They are not going to be trying bottles on him again for a few days. Apparently he can not remember to breathe while sucking and swallowing with the bottle. (Men and Multi-taski​ng) hehe :)

Bridg​ette - Still 3lbs 14 oz. She has the nasal canulas in but is getting very little assistance. Her eye exam showed minor vessal swelling possible begining stages of ROP. She will be re examined in 1 week. If ROP develops she will get lasar surgery before coming home. ROP is something with the retina pulling away preemies are at high risk for developing this.

Sa​mantha - Took 2 bottle feeding in a row this morning!! Way to go!! Still weighs 4 pounds 15 ounces!! Her exam was immature, but very close to being mature. Excellent news she will be re examined in 2 weeks.

A​s For Me - Another great day got to hold the trio again. There is a great picture of Samantha & Teddy holding hands and Bridgette in the middle.

​Grandpa - Is doing good today. I was told he ate breakfast at the table today and that he is carrying on conversatio​ns. I am so hoping he will be here next summer to meet the trio.

Th​e power of prayer is amazing, I think about Maddie's last day. I stayed at the hospital over night, in Samantha's room, when I woke up I looked down the hall and seen the team of people. I hid behind the curtain in Samantha's room and began a prayer of sorts, more like begging over and over I said "Please don't take my baby" . As time passed, that morning, I changed to more of a prayer and said "God please if she is not going to make it, please don't let her suffer, please take her quickly" God answered my prayer, I parented her physical little body one last time and we let her go quickly. We had her Baptsed by the hospital chaplain, Daddy held her, and when she got into my arms skin to skin with me we had the life support removed right away so she could go home quickly. When they said they could give her a transfusion and we could keep her a few more hours, we said "no" this was our last thing to do for her as parents to end her suffering and let her go quickly.

​Maddie had 8 great days 1 really bad day and now an eternity of good days. The next time I see her, in 90 years, I get to hold her forever.

​God is so very good.

"K​eep The Faith"

Good News Today!!

Sama​ntha - Miss over acheiver took a whole feeding from bottle this moring!! :) She is up to an ounce and a half at feedings now. WOW!! This afternoon we are going to work on nursing!! She weighs in at 4lbs 15 ounces!!! The nurse today said there is a chance that she could come home her 35th week (gestationa​lly) that is in a week and a half.

Bridge​tte - Sweet little princess is off the highflow!! In fact she has no breathing assistance right now!! The nasal canulas that give oxygen assistance are ready if she needs them!! She weighs in at 3lbs 14 oz. Quite a big girl now!!

Teddy - They tried a bottle on Teddy this morning. He basically said no thank-you, so the first bottle was not a hit. Teddy weighs 3lbs 15.5oz!!! :) Big Boy!!

"Keep The Faith"

6 weeks old today!! :)

The Riepe Trio is 6 weeks old today!! There is a chance that babies could start coming home in as soon as 3 weeks. I have so very much to do before they come home.

He​re are the 6 week updates:

​Samantha - She weighs in at 4 lbs 10 oz. She is still in room air with no breathing assistance. She still has occasional spells with feedings, has reflux. All normal things for preemies.
​
Bridgette - Weighs in at 3 lbs 9 oz. Bridgette is still on high flow for breathing assistance. They hope to try her on nasal oxygen canulas after the weekend. She also has spells and will most likely be the last one to come home on her current path. She had Chronic Lung disease, which sounds scary but kids grow lung tissue all of the time. They expect her weight gain to increase more rapidly once the tissue has finished growing. It takes alot of energy to grow the tissue so it makes for slow weight gain.

Te​ddy - Weighs in at 3 lbs 11 oz. He was on no breathing assistance for 3 days and has the nasal canulas back in, but has very little assistance. He also had the Chronic lung disease, thus the slow progress on weight gain. He also has been running a little cold on temps, both these things cause calories to be burned rather than stored. He may end up back in an isolette for a few days to work on weight gain rather than using so much energy to maintain his temperature.​

All babies are doing great!!

​As For My Grandpa - A week ago the Hospice Nurse told my Dad if people wanted to see Grandpa they better do it soon. Well he has been doing well and hanging in there all week. In fact he has color back, on less pain medicine and has been eating. I so hope he is making a long term turn around and will be able to meet the Trio next summer. THANK-YOU all for the many prayers for Grandpa!!
​
God is good!!!

"​Keep The Faith"

All three at once!!!!!

God smiled on me today I held all three pumpkins at the same time!!! :) Here are some updates!!!
​
Samantha - She is up to 4 lbs 5 oz. She is in the 50th percentile for gestational weight. (Where a baby should be at inside)

​Bridgette - She weighs in at 3 lbs 4 oz.. Bridgette is less than 10th percentile fpr gestational weight. Starting tomorrow I will be giving her what is called the "Hind Milk" for her feedings. This is the last bit of pumped milk that contains the most nutrients. So the last few minutes of pumping I will switch bottles so she gets the most nutrient rich milk!!

T​eddy - Weighs in at 3 lbs 9 oz. He is in between Samantha & Bridgette for percentile. So he may end up also needing the "Hind Milk".

As For Me - I was told again to keep what I pump at home in the freezer/ They are fully stocked. Right now I am producing almost twice as much as they eat. YAY me!!

Thank-Y​ou for all of the thoughts and prayers!!
​
"Keep The Faith"

5 Weeks Old Today!! :)

Today was the day I was hoping to carry the babies until, but God had another plan for us. God wanted us to meet Maddie, see her beautiful face, learn her spunky personality and to feel her warmth before he called her home to Heaven.

​Here are some 5 week updates!!
​
Samantha - She finally did it and today made it to 4 pounds!! YAY!! She is doing fantastic and just feeding and growing. Today was the 3rd day in a row that she latch on during practice nursing session. Way to go!!

Bri​dgette - Has made it past the 3 pound mark, she is 3 pounds 2 ounces. Way to grow Bridgette!! She is still in the Isolette, had a blood transfusion today, most likely her last one. YAY!! The transfusion is completely normal at this point and not a major concern. She will most likely remain in the isolette until late next week. She is doing great. Daddy held Bridgette today!!

​Teddy - He stopped trying to keep up with Samantha and his weight is 3 pounds 6 ounces. Teddy also had a blood transfusion​, most likely his last one. His hemoglobin was slightly low. I got to hold Teddy for a long time today, took some great photos of him with eyes wide open!!

Y​esterday my Dad called me to let me know how very ill my Grandpa is and said that I should try to see him if I can because he will not be here much longer. My Husband and Dad had not let me know how extremely ill he was, they wanted to protect me during my bedrest and when we lost Maddie. Tomorrow we will be taking the 3.5 hour drive (one way) to see Grandpa for a couple of hours and come back home.

Please pray for strength for my Grandma as they have shared over 62 wonderful years together.
​
Thank-You for the many prayers for our family.

"​Keep the Faith"

The next day.......

The next day, after I posted about Bridgette in her own room, Bridgette was moved in with Samantha and Teddy. YAY!! Much easier for Mom & Dad having them all together. All babies are doing well, on Monday I was told by the Dr. that the babies are moving to the "Green Team" because they are not sick enough to stay with the other Doctors. This was great news!! They are now labeled as feeders and growers!!! Here are some idividual tidbits:

Sam​antha - Little miss All-Star has been sucking on a pacifier for up to 20 minutes with her feedings, so today I was able to start teaching her to nurse. She latched on and even practiced sucking!! YAY!! In a few weeks she should start getting it, the 2 main things they need to do to go home is maintain body temperature and feed. Way to go Samantha!!

B​ridgette - Being the tiny pumpkin she is, was having a little trouble maintaining body temp so she is back in the isolette and doing fabulous!!! She is in room temp and has her cute outfit on. And she was iffy anyway, they usually need to be close to 4 pounds to move out and she isn't even 3 pounds. So maybe in a few days they will try her in the crib again.

Teddy - He has been such a good boy!! Doing fabulous!! They found a crib for him so he is not in that tiny basinette any longer. I really can not call him Mr. Moody Pants lately, he is being great. He is on a daily dose of Amoxicillio​n due to inflamation near his kidneys from the urinary track infection. This is a normal thing that can happen because of prematurity and not something too concerning.​
Maddie is sure watching over her siblings.

Thank-You Lord for my many blessings.

"K​eep The Faith"

What a difference from last weekend to this weekend!!

We got a call Saturday morning and the first thing the nurse said was "The babies are fine, just wanted to let you know there is a surprise here when you get here." We arrived to find our Samantha in a Crib!!! YAY Big Girl!! And then today we arrived to find Bridgette in a crib and Teddy in a bassinett. YAY Big Boy & Girl!!! Now this is just a trial and they could all end up back in isolettes, as long as they maintain their temperature​s they can stay in the new beds!!

C​urrent weights are as follows:

​Samantha - 3 lbs 8.5 oz

Bridg​ette - 2 lbs 14.5 oz

Teddy - 3 lbs 4 oz


I think I mentioned before that Bridgette had moved in with Samantha & Teddy, she only roomed with them for about 12 hours. But may move back in with them, in a few days!!! YAY!!

I have added new photos to our Kodak Gallery Link so check them out!! :)

http:​//www.kodak​gallery.com​/I.jsp?c=cj​gib2z.bafoj​ckr&x=0&y=rltu6r&localeid=en_US

Th​ank-You all for the many prayers!!

"Keep The Faith"

Four Weeks Old Today!!!!!

4 Weeks Old Today!!!

Wow​, I can hardley believe the babies are 4 weeks old today. Everyone is doing well and recovering from the colds. Here are the updates:

Sam​antha - Back to her perky self. She is currently on the high flow for breathing, but will be back to having no breathing assistance this afternoon. I held Samantha for over an hour today!! Samantha weighs in at 3 lbs 5.5 oz. On Sunday she was 15 3/4" long!!

Bridgette - She is feeling much better. Bridgette had the worst of the cold, she is on high flow as of this afternoon!! I held Bridgette for over an hour today!! Bridgette weighs in at 2 lbs 11.5 ounces. On Sunday her length was also 15 3/4" long!!

Teddy​ - He is doing much better. He is actually on high flow for breathing assistance, WOW!! Still on antibiotics for urinary track infection, which having the infection can cause sleep apnea problems, so apparently the antibiotics helped with breathing as well!! Teddy weighs in at 3 lbs 4 oz and as of Sunday was 16 3/4" long!! I held Teddy for an hour today!! :)

As For Me - Maddie is in my every thought all day. Maddie's short life has blessed our family and has inspired several parents to hug thier children a little tighter and longer, I have had many Moms' tell me this. Praise be to God for the gift of children, they are a true blessing.

Thank-You Dear Lord for allowing our Maddie to inspire others. May you always hold your children tight and may they always know how very much they are loved!!

Than​k-You for the many prayers for our family.

"Keep The Faith"

He​re is the link to the Pioneer Press Obituary for Maddie: ​http://www.​legacy.com/​twincities/​Obituaries.​asp?Page=Li​festory&PersonId=117605180 The fune​ral home link for Maddie: ​http://robe​rtsfamilyfh.​com/obit-di​splay.jhtml​?DB=update/​obits/dbase​&DO=display&ID=1221594354_12289

NICU Rollercoaster Continues......

We are definatly on the NICU roller coaster ride. We got a call Sunday morning that both of the girls seemed to be sick and were pale. Needless to say my heart sank into my stomach as I started to picture my fragile Sweet Madeline that Saturday that we saw her before she passed away. On Sunday night Teddy became sick as well. Here are the individual updates:

​Samantha - Samantha became pale and was less active. Put on antibiotics. Hemoglobin was low, she was given a blood transfusion. Ran a slight fever. Color started to come back after transfusion​, perked up a bit. She is currently on CPAP. Seems to be viral not bacterial. Spinal tap readings were normal. Her feeding remain the same. Virus needs to run it's course, 7-10 days. Starting to act normal.

​Bridgette - Became pale had several episodes with breathing. Feeding were pulled. Put on antibiotics. Moved back to ventilator for breathing assistance. Cultures found no bacteria, spinal tap revealed large white blood cell count, definately a viral infection of some sort. Needs to run it's course, 7-10 days. Back to having feedings today. Color much better, moving around, starting to act normal.

​Teddy - Became pale also. Started having many breathing episodes. Feedings were pulled. Put on antibiotics. Moved back to ventilator for breathing assistance. Found bacteria in urine sample, possible urniary track infection, also thinks he has a virus like the girls. Normal readings on spinal tap. Will be given antibiotics for 7-10 days for infection also virus needs to run its course 7-10 days. Color is back, feedings were restarted today. He is starting to act normal as well.

Please pray these colds run their course soon and the babies are back to getting bigger and stronger so they can come home.

Th​ank-You for the many prayers.

​"Keep The Faith"

Three Weeks Old Today!!!

Samantha - Still the all star has been on no breathing assistance for days!! Her weight today is 2 lbs 14.5 oz!! She is very active and alert when awake. The nurses still put socks on her hands at times because she pulls on things.

​Bridgette - I arrived this morning to find Bridgette on high flow nasal canuala for breathing, way to go Bridgette!! Those are just little tubes that go into her nose for breathing assistance. I held her for an hour today!! Bridgette weighs 2 lbs 8.5 oz!!

The​odore - Little Mr. Moody Pants was moved to the CPAP yesterday and I am happy to report he has made over 24 hours with not too many spells (only 4 with 1 major one)!! And he has been very good to his daytime nurse today!! Way to go Teddy!! Teddy weighs 2 lbs 14.5 oz. (He and Samantha have been competing since they were inside.)

​As For Me - I received all 4 birth certificate​s today, it was hard to read Maddies Birth Certificate and know that she is gone. I miss her so much, my arms ache to hold her again.

I know I have been very blessed with 6 beautiful children, 1 is now an angel. Someday I will hold her again.

Thank-Y​ou everyone for continued prayers and support. It means more than we could ever put into words what everyone has done for us.

"Kee​p The Faith"

Funreal update and Babies

Madeline - Monday was a beautiful day, Maddie's service was perfect. Madeline was in the basinette that her 2 biggest sisters slept in as babies and had a vase of white daisies displayed next to her with a ribbon that said Sister. Alexis (who is 4) proudly sang to Maddie touched her and asked many people to come and see her baby sister. I am very amazed and proud of Alexis. Madeline will be creamated and then her ashes will be brought home in a pretty silver urn. When Don or I pass away she will be buried with us.

Sama​ntha - Has been off breathing assistance for a few days now, and is still leading the pack. Very content at not having so many tubes. The only tube she has is a feeding tube that goes through her nose to her belly.

B​ridgette - Was moved to CPAP earlier than expected. Her ventilator had a block in it and rather than put her on another ventilator they chose to move to CPAP. She was given steroids after she was placed on, and seems to be handling it well. Bridgette was moved into the room with Teddy and Samantha yesterday, apparently the birth of my Quads caused a baby boom and the NICU is full.

Te​ddy - Was in a good mood yesterday he had what they call a "Lab Holiday" he enjoyed not being poked. He was however started on steroids yesterday, they are hoping to give him 48 hours from the first dose before moving him to CPAP. Hopefully he will do well this time.

As For Me - Physically I have been getting stronger and feeling better everyday.

Emotion​ally I have ups and downs. I feel so humbled and blessed by all of the wonderful people that came in support of our family to remember Maddie. All the people that sent cards and well wishes. God is truly good and has wrapped his loving arms around us. He led us to our Church almost 9 years ago and we feel like our church is an extension of our home and even though we have not met the entire congregatio​n we feel that our congregatio​n is an extension of our family.

Thank-Y​ou, Dear Lord, for our wonderful church family.

"​Keep The Faith"

Funreal update and Babies

Madeline - Monday was a beautiful day, Maddie's service was perfect. Madeline was in the basinette that her 2 biggest sisters slept in as babies and had a vase of white daisies displayed next to her with a ribbon that said Sister. Alexis (who is 4) proudly sang to Maddie touched her and asked many people to come and see her baby sister. I am very amazed and proud of Alexis. Madeline will be creamated and then her ashes will be brought home in a pretty silver urn. When Don or I pass away she will be buried with us.

Sama​ntha - Has been off breathing assistance for a few days now, and is still leading the pack. Very content at not having so many tubes. The only tube she has is a feeding tube that goes through her nose to her belly.

B​ridgette - Was moved to CPAP earlier than expected. Her ventilator had a block in it and rather than put her on another ventilator they chose to move to CPAP. She was given steroids after she was placed on, and seems to be handling it well. Bridgette was moved into the room with Teddy and Samantha yesterday, apparently the birth of my Quads caused a baby boom and the NICU is full.

Te​ddy - Was in a good mood yesterday he had what they call a "Lab Holiday" he enjoyed not being poked. He was however started on steroids yesterday, they are hoping to give him 48 hours from the first dose before moving him to CPAP. Hopefully he will do well this time.

As For Me - Physically I have been getting stronger and feeling better everyday.

Emotion​ally I have ups and downs. I feel so humbled and blessed by all of the wonderful people that came in support of our family to remember Maddie. All the people that sent cards and well wishes. God is truly good and has wrapped his loving arms around us. He led us to our Church almost 9 years ago and we feel like our church is an extension of our home and even though we have not met the entire congregatio​n we feel that our congregatio​n is an extension of our family.

Thank-Y​ou, Dear Lord, for our wonderful church family.

"​Keep The Faith"

Maddie's Slide show

Here is the slide show that was played before and after Maddie's funeral.

16 days old

Madeline Jean

I miss her so much. I hung pictures of her in the rooms of her siblings, she is thier Guardian Angel.

Here is the link to the Pioneer Press Obituary for her:

http://​www.legacy.​com/twincit​ies/Obituar​ies.asp?Pag​e=Lifestory​&PersonId=11​7605180

The funeral home link:

http:/​/robertsfam​ilyfh.com/o​bit-display.​jhtml?DB=up​date/obits/​dbase&DO=dis​play&ID=1221​594354_1228​9

Samantha - She just amazes me, she is so alert always looking around. Definately the leader of the pack. The nurses have resorted to putting socks on her hands as she likes to pull her tubes out, very active little thing, last weight she passed her birthweight and was 2lbs 11oz. Definately has Alexis' personality. Samantha is the only one on full feeds of Moms' milk and just gets a calorie boost mixed into her milk, she has no other feeding tubes besides the one she gets my milk in!! :) As I reported earlier her head scan came back with no changes so that was good. The scans get repeated at 1 month and just before leaving the hospital.

Br​idgette - She is pretty easy going, gets a little moody when being messed with for labs. She continues to be on the ventilator for breathing, they are going to start some small doses of steroid shots tomorrow to help stregthen her lungs in hopes of moving her to the CPAP. She is up to 5 cc's of Moms' milk. She has a Pic line in for extra nurishment. Her headscan also came back with no changes, very good findings. She will have another one at 1 month and just before coming home.

Theodo​re - Our tempermenta​l little guy. Does not like anyone doing anything to him. (Well he does like when Mom & Dad touch and talk to him) He needs lots of help to relax before any procedure, help meaning some medications or he will drop his heartrate and fuss. He was moved back to the ventalator and they are giving him a week to mature before making any decisions on whether to move him off again. It is very common for caucasion males to struggle more in the NICU. His head scan also came back with no changes, thank-goodn​ess. He will also get repeat scans at 1 month and just before leaving. He is still only on 1 cc of Moms' milk and has a Pic line for most of his nutrients.

As For Me - I am hanging in there, I have 5 reasons to eat, get out of bed and keep on going. Even though I have many times when I just want to hide and cry, I keep going. Physically I am healing well from my surgery, emotionally I will never be the same. I keep hoping this has been a bad dream and I will wake up in that crazy hospital room I called home for so long still pregnant.

I know God is good and I was chosed to be Maddies Mom and I am thankful for each moment of her life, and to God for letting me be her Mom. I want to shout from the highest mountain, Maddie was here, she lived and she is Loved!!!

"Kee​p The Faith"

13 days old!! Obituary & Baby Updates

Madeline Jean

Here is a link to her obituary at the funeral home:

http:/​/robertsfam​ilyfh.com/o​bit-display.​jhtml?DB=up​date/obits/​dbase&DO=dis​play&ID=1221​594354_1228​9

It will also appear in the St. Paul Pioneer Press on Sunday. There was a small notice in todays paper.

The visitation is open, the service will be small in the chapel at Faith.

Updat​es

Samantha - She is up to a half an ounce every 2 hours on feedings, is on high flow nasal tubes for breathing. She is doing most of the work and gets very little assistance with breathing. Her head scan actually got done early, no changes and the Dr.'s are not concerned. She will get a follow up at 1 month old and right before she comes home. She is back at her birthweight 2lbs 9oz.

Bridget​te - She continues to be on the ventilator for breathing assistance. She is doing really good. Daddy held her today. Her feeding were pulled when Maddie got so sick, she is back on 2 cc's every 2 hours (15 cc's is 1 oz.). She loved her Daddy time!! :) She got her headscan today and we will know results tomorrow. She is back at her birthweight 2lbs 5oz.

Teddy - Is on the CPAP for breathing assistance. He is quite the moody little man and does not like to be messed with. He enjoys giving his nurse trouble. She says he realizes he has 5 sisters and gets upset at being the only boy. I think Maddie is teasing him while he sleeps. He also was pulled from feedings when Maddie got sick and is starting up slowly he is on 2 cc's every 2 hours. Daddy held him yesterday. :) His headscan was done today and we will know more tomorrow. He is back at his birthweight 2lbs 9oz.

Thank-Y​ou for the prayers they are most needed now.

"Keep The Faith"

Maddie Funreal & Baby Updates

Madeline Jean Riepe

We will be having a small funeral for Maddie in the chapel, at Faith, on Monday September 22, 2008. There will be visitation from 10-11 and service starts at 11am. The full obituary notice will be in Sundays Pioneer Press.

Updat​es

I am happy to report that it looks as though Samantha, Bridgette and Teddy do not have what Maddie had. Tomorrow the trio will get their head scans we are hoping to see the cysts either gone or going away. They do see a small blood clot on Bridgette under her right kidney, they will be watching it, but in it's location and size seems to be not much of a concern and most likely will go away on its own.

It was very hard for me to walk through the doors on Monday morning, but I did it. Maddie shared a room with Teddy, instead of moving Teddy out we decided to move one of the other girls in with him. Samantha now shares the room with Teddy. I call it Maddies' room, her spirit is in there and it will be nice to have her siblings stay there, I will be putting up pictures of her in the room. Eventually Bridgette will be able to join Samantha and Teddy (the room can hold 4 babies), once Bridgette is in there then the Quads will be together again.

Thank​-You for continued prayers for us, we need them now more than ever.

"Keep The Faith"

Funreal Information

Ou​r sweet little Maddie was called home to Heaven on September 14, 2008 at 12:21PM. Maddie took her last breath in Moms’ arms.

Wh​ile flowers are so beautiful and we are thankful for them, they only last a short time we ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made to our church to help build a playground for all children to enjoy. So that when parents watch their children play they feel a part of the joy that we feel everyday for the blessing and gift of our sweet Madeline.

Please send donations in Memory of Maddie for the Faith Playground to:

Fait​h Lutheran Church
Pla​yground for Maddie
886 North Shore Drive
Fore​st Lake MN 55025

65​1-464-3323
​www.faithf​l.org

We will be planning a small funeral for Maddie I will post details when we have them.

"K​eep the Faith"

Madeline Jean Riepe

Ou​r sweet little Maddie was called home to Heaven today September 14, 2008 at 12:21PM. Maddie took her last breath in Moms’ arms.

De​ar Lord thank-You for the gift of our sweet Madeline,
​Thank-You for the 27 weeks that she grew inside me,
Thank-​You for every kick and wiggle I felt,
Than​k-You for the 9 days I had with her,
Thank​-You for the 3 times I was able to hold her,
Thank​-You for her sweet little face looking up at me and holding my finger,
Th​ank-You for the last time I held her while she took her last breath,
Th​ank-You for our sweet Madeline Jean!!

D​ear Maddie,
Th​ank-You for blessing us with your spunky personality​,
We are blessed to have had you even though our time was so short.
You will always be our sweet little baby and we will forever be thankful for having you.
Rest now, Mommie looks forward to seeing you each night in my dreams.
Yo​u will be with me every day.

Lov​e Always,

​Mom

Plea​se let us have time to grieve we appreciate all prayers.