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.
Thank-You for the many prayers.
"Keep The Faith"
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
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!!
Theodore - 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 certificates 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-You everyone for continued prayers and support. It means more than we could ever put into words what everyone has done for us.
"Keep The Faith"
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!!
Theodore - 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 certificates 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-You everyone for continued prayers and support. It means more than we could ever put into words what everyone has done for us.
"Keep The Faith"
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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.
Samantha - 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.
Bridgette - 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.
Teddy - 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.
Emotionally 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 congregation we feel that our congregation is an extension of our family.
Thank-You, Dear Lord, for our wonderful church family.
"Keep The Faith"
Samantha - 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.
Bridgette - 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.
Teddy - 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.
Emotionally 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 congregation we feel that our congregation is an extension of our family.
Thank-You, 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.
Samantha - 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.
Bridgette - 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.
Teddy - 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.
Emotionally 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 congregation we feel that our congregation is an extension of our family.
Thank-You, Dear Lord, for our wonderful church family.
"Keep The Faith"
Samantha - 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.
Bridgette - 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.
Teddy - 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.
Emotionally 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 congregation we feel that our congregation is an extension of our family.
Thank-You, Dear Lord, for our wonderful church family.
"Keep The Faith"
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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/twincities/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=117605180
The funeral home link:
http://robertsfamilyfh.com/obit-display.jhtml?DB=update/obits/dbase&DO=display&ID=1221594354_12289
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.
Bridgette - 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.
Theodore - Our tempermental 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-goodness. 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!!!
"Keep The Faith"
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/twincities/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=117605180
The funeral home link:
http://robertsfamilyfh.com/obit-display.jhtml?DB=update/obits/dbase&DO=display&ID=1221594354_12289
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.
Bridgette - 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.
Theodore - Our tempermental 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-goodness. 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!!!
"Keep The Faith"
Thursday, September 18, 2008
13 days old!! Obituary & Baby Updates
Madeline Jean
Here is a link to her obituary at the funeral home:
http://robertsfamilyfh.com/obit-display.jhtml?DB=update/obits/dbase&DO=display&ID=1221594354_12289
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.
Updates
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.
Bridgette - 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-You for the prayers they are most needed now.
"Keep The Faith"
Here is a link to her obituary at the funeral home:
http://robertsfamilyfh.com/obit-display.jhtml?DB=update/obits/dbase&DO=display&ID=1221594354_12289
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.
Updates
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.
Bridgette - 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-You for the prayers they are most needed now.
"Keep The Faith"
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
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.
Updates
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"
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.
Updates
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"
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Funreal Information
Our sweet little Maddie was called home to Heaven on September 14, 2008 at 12:21PM. Maddie took her last breath in Moms’ arms.
While 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:
Faith Lutheran Church
Playground for Maddie
886 North Shore Drive
Forest Lake MN 55025
651-464-3323
www.faithfl.org
We will be planning a small funeral for Maddie I will post details when we have them.
"Keep the Faith"
While 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:
Faith Lutheran Church
Playground for Maddie
886 North Shore Drive
Forest Lake MN 55025
651-464-3323
www.faithfl.org
We will be planning a small funeral for Maddie I will post details when we have them.
"Keep the Faith"
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Madeline Jean Riepe
Our sweet little Maddie was called home to Heaven today September 14, 2008 at 12:21PM. Maddie took her last breath in Moms’ arms.
Dear 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,
Thank-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,
Thank-You for the last time I held her while she took her last breath,
Thank-You for our sweet Madeline Jean!!
Dear Maddie,
Thank-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.
You will be with me every day.
Love Always,
Mom
Please let us have time to grieve we appreciate all prayers.
Dear 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,
Thank-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,
Thank-You for the last time I held her while she took her last breath,
Thank-You for our sweet Madeline Jean!!
Dear Maddie,
Thank-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.
You will be with me every day.
Love Always,
Mom
Please let us have time to grieve we appreciate all prayers.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Prayers are needed
Prayers are needed for my little Madeline we received a call last night that she had blood in her stool, and that her colon was swollen. She was started immediately on antibiotics. Usually the antibiotics work, but there is a chance that she could get a hole in her colon, this would require surgery and a bag to be placed outside of her colon, when she gets closer to 4 lbs it would be taken off and she would be sewn back up. Please pray he antibiotics work. She looks so fraile today. I can't help but feel so guilty that I could not stay pregnant longer.
Prayers for Teddy too. They will be x-raying him today to see if he has the same thing. Pray that he does not.
"Keep The Faith"
Prayers for Teddy too. They will be x-raying him today to see if he has the same thing. Pray that he does not.
"Keep The Faith"
Friday, September 12, 2008
1 Week Old!!!
Wow the babies are a week old today, so I thought I would update everyone on weights today. Also now all 4 are getting moms' milk!!! YAY!!
Samantha - Her weight is 1140 grams, approx. 2 lbs 8oz, and she is getting 4cc's of Moms' milk every 2 hours.
Bridgette - Her weight is 1000 grams, approx. 2 lbs 3 oz, she is getting 2cc's of Moms' milk every 2 hours.
Theodore - His weight is 1160 grams, approx. 2 lbs 8.5 oz, he is getting 2 cc's of Mom's milk every 2 hours.
Madeline - Her weight is 740 grams, approx. 1 lb 9 oz, she is getting 3 cc's of Mom's milk every 2 hours.
As For Me - I am starting to feel much better, not as sore, in fact I am taking less and less of the pain meds!! My milk has definately come in, I was told to keep the milk I pump at home there for now, as I have a ton here already. So hopefully I will be able to have enough frozen at home to keep them on Moms' milk for a long time.
Prayers Needed - Samantha, Bridgette and Teddy all had cycts on there brains these are very small and on top so not deep in the tissue, which is a positive sign. The Doctors are hoping to see them either gone or going away at the follow up scan in 1 week. They will also rescan Maddie, she has none so pray it stays that way.
"Keep The Faith"
Samantha - Her weight is 1140 grams, approx. 2 lbs 8oz, and she is getting 4cc's of Moms' milk every 2 hours.
Bridgette - Her weight is 1000 grams, approx. 2 lbs 3 oz, she is getting 2cc's of Moms' milk every 2 hours.
Theodore - His weight is 1160 grams, approx. 2 lbs 8.5 oz, he is getting 2 cc's of Mom's milk every 2 hours.
Madeline - Her weight is 740 grams, approx. 1 lb 9 oz, she is getting 3 cc's of Mom's milk every 2 hours.
As For Me - I am starting to feel much better, not as sore, in fact I am taking less and less of the pain meds!! My milk has definately come in, I was told to keep the milk I pump at home there for now, as I have a ton here already. So hopefully I will be able to have enough frozen at home to keep them on Moms' milk for a long time.
Prayers Needed - Samantha, Bridgette and Teddy all had cycts on there brains these are very small and on top so not deep in the tissue, which is a positive sign. The Doctors are hoping to see them either gone or going away at the follow up scan in 1 week. They will also rescan Maddie, she has none so pray it stays that way.
"Keep The Faith"
Thursday, September 11, 2008
6 Days Old!!
I found a computer at the hospital I can use. All the babies are resting so I thought I would update quickly!!
Samantha, Bridgette and Madeline are all off the Photo Therapy lights. Teddy is back on. Getting back on is common, Samantha was taken off and then put back on, she should be done the other 2 girls may end up back on. Samantha, Teddy and Madeline are all getting Moms' milk. Bridgette may start on it tomorrow. Bridgette continues to have problems breathing so she was put back on the ventalator today. They also think she may have an infection, so they started antibiotics on her.
Please pray for all of the babies to continue to get strong. Extra prayers for Bridgette to strengthen her lungs and that the blood results for infection come back negative.
"Keep The Faith"
Samantha, Bridgette and Madeline are all off the Photo Therapy lights. Teddy is back on. Getting back on is common, Samantha was taken off and then put back on, she should be done the other 2 girls may end up back on. Samantha, Teddy and Madeline are all getting Moms' milk. Bridgette may start on it tomorrow. Bridgette continues to have problems breathing so she was put back on the ventalator today. They also think she may have an infection, so they started antibiotics on her.
Please pray for all of the babies to continue to get strong. Extra prayers for Bridgette to strengthen her lungs and that the blood results for infection come back negative.
"Keep The Faith"
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
5 Days Old!!
I was released from the hospital yesterday. And then spent the evening with Olivia attached to me. The girls were very excited to have Mom home. I was very excited to be home, but also sad to leave without my babies. A quick update on the babies!!
Samantha - She continues to have good progress everyday. She is completely off any breathing assistance, she is still undergoing photo-therapy. Samantha is still receiving feedings through a feeding tube, I am happy to report she is getting Moms' milk!! :)
Bridgette - Thankfully the prayers and medicine has helped and it looks like no heart surgery is needed. Bridgette continues to be the one with the most problems, they found her to have hypertension in her lungs. The nurse said most babies with this are very sick, and she does not have that. At this point they are not too concerned and hope her lungs will continue to improve. She is off the ventilator and back on CPAP, YAY!! Bridgette will not be getting feedings for a few days yet.
Theodore - Has also responded well to the medicine and prayers and it looks like no heart surgery for him either. Teddy may be moving to CPAP tonight and could start receiving Moms' Milk through a feeding tube as early as tomorrow.
Maddie - Still the spunky little fighter, she is back on the gaining weight side, she had gotten down to 1lb 6oz, she is at 1lb 10oz today. Maddie is working hard to catch up to Samantha. She has been receiving feedings since yesterday of Moms' milk. She is on nasal breathing assistance, a step up from CPAP!! YAY!!
As For Me - I am happy to say I have finally been able to hold all of the babies!! I am still very sore and tired, but so pleased with the babies' progress. I am happy to report since yesterday I have been able to supply milk for the babies!! YAY!! It has been busy here with the girls at home and babies at the hospital, so I probably will not update everyday anymore, but will do it as often as possible. I will get new pictures posted in the next few days.
Thank-You for the prayers, please continue praying for the babies to have continued progress.
"Keep The Faith"
Samantha - She continues to have good progress everyday. She is completely off any breathing assistance, she is still undergoing photo-therapy. Samantha is still receiving feedings through a feeding tube, I am happy to report she is getting Moms' milk!! :)
Bridgette - Thankfully the prayers and medicine has helped and it looks like no heart surgery is needed. Bridgette continues to be the one with the most problems, they found her to have hypertension in her lungs. The nurse said most babies with this are very sick, and she does not have that. At this point they are not too concerned and hope her lungs will continue to improve. She is off the ventilator and back on CPAP, YAY!! Bridgette will not be getting feedings for a few days yet.
Theodore - Has also responded well to the medicine and prayers and it looks like no heart surgery for him either. Teddy may be moving to CPAP tonight and could start receiving Moms' Milk through a feeding tube as early as tomorrow.
Maddie - Still the spunky little fighter, she is back on the gaining weight side, she had gotten down to 1lb 6oz, she is at 1lb 10oz today. Maddie is working hard to catch up to Samantha. She has been receiving feedings since yesterday of Moms' milk. She is on nasal breathing assistance, a step up from CPAP!! YAY!!
As For Me - I am happy to say I have finally been able to hold all of the babies!! I am still very sore and tired, but so pleased with the babies' progress. I am happy to report since yesterday I have been able to supply milk for the babies!! YAY!! It has been busy here with the girls at home and babies at the hospital, so I probably will not update everyday anymore, but will do it as often as possible. I will get new pictures posted in the next few days.
Thank-You for the prayers, please continue praying for the babies to have continued progress.
"Keep The Faith"
Monday, September 8, 2008
3 days old!!
I am very blessed to have 6 children. A quick update on the babies.
The doctors found that Bridgette and Teddy have holes in their hearts that did not close. They started them on medicine to hopefully close the holes. Please pray they close with the medicine, otherwise they will need surgery. Bridgette is back on the ventilator.
Samantha & Madeline have small murmurs in thier hearts the Doctors are hopeful that they will just close on thier own with no medicine. Madeline is doing fantastic on the CPAP and has had it lowered several times so she is doing most of the breathing. Samantha continues to amaze everyone she has moved to tubes in her nose for assisted breathing. I also was able to hold Samantha again for an hour tonight.I can hardley wait until I am able to hold all of them. I am adding a new photo of me holding Samantha.
Please pray that Teddy and Bridgette will have strong hearts that respond to the medicine and will not need surgery. Please pray that Samantha and Madeline continue to thrive and have good days.
I am still focused on my Christmas card with 6 healthy kids that I will send out! :)
"Keep The Faith"
The doctors found that Bridgette and Teddy have holes in their hearts that did not close. They started them on medicine to hopefully close the holes. Please pray they close with the medicine, otherwise they will need surgery. Bridgette is back on the ventilator.
Samantha & Madeline have small murmurs in thier hearts the Doctors are hopeful that they will just close on thier own with no medicine. Madeline is doing fantastic on the CPAP and has had it lowered several times so she is doing most of the breathing. Samantha continues to amaze everyone she has moved to tubes in her nose for assisted breathing. I also was able to hold Samantha again for an hour tonight.I can hardley wait until I am able to hold all of them. I am adding a new photo of me holding Samantha.
Please pray that Teddy and Bridgette will have strong hearts that respond to the medicine and will not need surgery. Please pray that Samantha and Madeline continue to thrive and have good days.
I am still focused on my Christmas card with 6 healthy kids that I will send out! :)
"Keep The Faith"
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Big Sisters Meet The Babies!!
Today we decided it was time for Alexis and Olivia to meet the babies. They were both very excited. The nurses lowered the isolates so the girls could peek in at the babies. It was so sweet to see Olivia standing on her tiptoes to get a peek and saying Baby. Alexis sang her own version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to each baby as well as a song she made up for each on the spot, which included the babies’ name. Olivia is apparently very excited to have a brother when she saw Teddy she shouted out “My Teddy” and “I Love You”. Alexis of course included the I love you to each baby in their own song.
There nurses told me that we can bring our own soft flannel receiving blankets in to have them put in the isolates with the babies, they get some from volunteers but do not have many. So we can bring our own and they will bag them up so I can bring them home to wash. So I will be getting a bunch of those when I get home to bring in for the babies. J
Bridgette – Is doing very well today. She actually was kept on the CPAP machine. And is being given caffeine in her IV to help stimulate her breathing; this is very common to be given to preemies. They are doing some test to see if she will be ready to get nourishment through a feeding tube that would go in her nose to her tummy. She is on photo therapy (Billie Ruben Lights) for jaundice.
Teddy – is doing excellent today, his breathing is going much easier. He is still on the ventilator but may move to the CPAP within the next day or two. He also is undergoing photo therapy for jaundice, and may be able to start getting nourishment through a nasal feeding tube. He is still a “Chunky Monkey” and looks very much like Daddy.
Samantha– Is the All-Star of the babies. She is still doing excellent on the CPAP, she was able to start getting nourishment through a feeding tube today. She is thriving. She is also on the photo therapy for jaundice. Also she had a bowel movement this evening, the first of the babies to have one. This is a good thing as the bowel movements help to get the cause of jaundice out of their system.
Madeline – Is doing awesome she has also been moved to a CPAP machine. The nurses say she is a spunky little fighter. She is doing well with her breathing, and may start getting nourishment through nasal feedings as soon as tomorrow. She has been on photo therapy since yesterday for jaundice.
As For Me – I am very sore from the surgery and having a hard time getting around. Part of my tough time with walking has to do with being on 8 weeks of bed rest prior to surgery. My body is very weak, and my incision hurts when I move. I had all of my IV’s removed yesterday morning, and am on oral pain meds, they are not as strong as the IV meds but I did not want the IV in any longer. I will most likely be going home Tuesday or Wednesday, but may have to stay a bit longer, with being on bed rest a total of 8 weeks they may want to keep me in longer.
Thank-You to everyone for letting me have time to heal, I will be ready for phone calls when I get home this week. I’ve been having a lot of emotions since the babies’ arrival. Struggling with pumping milk for them, I have yet to get any, but I guess this is normal when you have preemies and a C-Section. So I try every couple of hours to pump. I see the babies whenever I can, and try to rest, and also pray and cry. It is nice to have this time alone to heal and get to know my babies.
As far as visitors go, we will only be allowing family and our Pastors in to see the babies while they are in the NICU.
I am very excited to start sharing pictures of the babies, however we did not have the cable to hook the camera to the computer again today. I promise there will be pictures very soon.
Thank-You all for your understanding and for your prayers.
“Keep The Faith”
There nurses told me that we can bring our own soft flannel receiving blankets in to have them put in the isolates with the babies, they get some from volunteers but do not have many. So we can bring our own and they will bag them up so I can bring them home to wash. So I will be getting a bunch of those when I get home to bring in for the babies. J
Bridgette – Is doing very well today. She actually was kept on the CPAP machine. And is being given caffeine in her IV to help stimulate her breathing; this is very common to be given to preemies. They are doing some test to see if she will be ready to get nourishment through a feeding tube that would go in her nose to her tummy. She is on photo therapy (Billie Ruben Lights) for jaundice.
Teddy – is doing excellent today, his breathing is going much easier. He is still on the ventilator but may move to the CPAP within the next day or two. He also is undergoing photo therapy for jaundice, and may be able to start getting nourishment through a nasal feeding tube. He is still a “Chunky Monkey” and looks very much like Daddy.
Samantha– Is the All-Star of the babies. She is still doing excellent on the CPAP, she was able to start getting nourishment through a feeding tube today. She is thriving. She is also on the photo therapy for jaundice. Also she had a bowel movement this evening, the first of the babies to have one. This is a good thing as the bowel movements help to get the cause of jaundice out of their system.
Madeline – Is doing awesome she has also been moved to a CPAP machine. The nurses say she is a spunky little fighter. She is doing well with her breathing, and may start getting nourishment through nasal feedings as soon as tomorrow. She has been on photo therapy since yesterday for jaundice.
As For Me – I am very sore from the surgery and having a hard time getting around. Part of my tough time with walking has to do with being on 8 weeks of bed rest prior to surgery. My body is very weak, and my incision hurts when I move. I had all of my IV’s removed yesterday morning, and am on oral pain meds, they are not as strong as the IV meds but I did not want the IV in any longer. I will most likely be going home Tuesday or Wednesday, but may have to stay a bit longer, with being on bed rest a total of 8 weeks they may want to keep me in longer.
Thank-You to everyone for letting me have time to heal, I will be ready for phone calls when I get home this week. I’ve been having a lot of emotions since the babies’ arrival. Struggling with pumping milk for them, I have yet to get any, but I guess this is normal when you have preemies and a C-Section. So I try every couple of hours to pump. I see the babies whenever I can, and try to rest, and also pray and cry. It is nice to have this time alone to heal and get to know my babies.
As far as visitors go, we will only be allowing family and our Pastors in to see the babies while they are in the NICU.
I am very excited to start sharing pictures of the babies, however we did not have the cable to hook the camera to the computer again today. I promise there will be pictures very soon.
Thank-You all for your understanding and for your prayers.
“Keep The Faith”
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Meeting the Babies 1 day old
Bridgette - She is absolutely beautiful, has dark hair, the skin tone of Olivia and looks alot like her big sister Olivia. She has her own room. She seems to have an easy going personality at least what I saw of her today. I was able to reach my hands into her isolette and touch her, she seemed to recognize moms voice and tried to open her eyes and look at me. She started the day out doing very well. She was the first to come off the ventilator and be put on a CPAP machine for breathing, this is a good thing. When I came back for night time visit, she had an episode and stopped breathing completely. I was terrified to learn each baby could have several hundred of these before coming home. It looks like Bridgette will be put back on the ventlator sometime tonight.
Teddy - Our big boy is adorable, he also has dark hair, his skin looks to be darker like Daddy. he looks alot like Bridgette and Olvia. His personality is the same as it was inside, he moves all over the place. He shares a room with Maddie. I was able to reach inside his isolette and touch him, he also recognized Moms voice. Teddy is on a ventilator and is really struggling with the breathing, it was hard to watch him struggle so much, I knew boys have a harder time in the NICU, and have watched stories showing babies on TV, but it is really hard to watch my own baby struggle so much.
Samantha - What a energetic little girl. She was always moving around and kicking Teddy inside, and she still moving around tons. She has dark hair, skintone is more on the fair side, she looks like a mix of Alexis and Olivia. This morning she was quite relaxed and actually layed so sweetly while I touched her head, hands and feet. This evening when I went to see her she graduated from a Ventalator to a CPAP machine for breathing and has been doing quite well. I was able to hold her for over a half an hour, I held in in a position called Kangaroo style. I put her directly on my skin, and she was so relaxed. She was very upset to have to go back into her isolette. I could have held her all night. She is also in her own room.
Madeline - What a fiesty little thing. She is the only one of the 4 to have blond hair, she is a skinny little thing and really looks alot like Alexis.She shares a room with Teddy. Maddie is on a ventilator for breathing. Apparently she lets her nurses know when they are bothering her. She has lost quite a bit of weight, which they say is normal, usually the babies start gaining weight around 1 week old. She has looked content every time I see her and I have touched her head and hands. It just scares me to see how much she has lost in weight.
Other things: I told each of the babies "Mommie is sorry you were born so early, I tried to keep you in me longer. I am sorry you have to struggle so much. You are a Riepe, a fighter you can do it and be just fine. I love you"
The babies will go through many ups and downs and things can change for them in a matter of minutes. All are hooked up to several IV's and other things.
Please pray that this part of their journey has few struggles and that they will come home with Mom and Dad healthy and soon.
"Keep The Faith"
Teddy - Our big boy is adorable, he also has dark hair, his skin looks to be darker like Daddy. he looks alot like Bridgette and Olvia. His personality is the same as it was inside, he moves all over the place. He shares a room with Maddie. I was able to reach inside his isolette and touch him, he also recognized Moms voice. Teddy is on a ventilator and is really struggling with the breathing, it was hard to watch him struggle so much, I knew boys have a harder time in the NICU, and have watched stories showing babies on TV, but it is really hard to watch my own baby struggle so much.
Samantha - What a energetic little girl. She was always moving around and kicking Teddy inside, and she still moving around tons. She has dark hair, skintone is more on the fair side, she looks like a mix of Alexis and Olivia. This morning she was quite relaxed and actually layed so sweetly while I touched her head, hands and feet. This evening when I went to see her she graduated from a Ventalator to a CPAP machine for breathing and has been doing quite well. I was able to hold her for over a half an hour, I held in in a position called Kangaroo style. I put her directly on my skin, and she was so relaxed. She was very upset to have to go back into her isolette. I could have held her all night. She is also in her own room.
Madeline - What a fiesty little thing. She is the only one of the 4 to have blond hair, she is a skinny little thing and really looks alot like Alexis.She shares a room with Teddy. Maddie is on a ventilator for breathing. Apparently she lets her nurses know when they are bothering her. She has lost quite a bit of weight, which they say is normal, usually the babies start gaining weight around 1 week old. She has looked content every time I see her and I have touched her head and hands. It just scares me to see how much she has lost in weight.
Other things: I told each of the babies "Mommie is sorry you were born so early, I tried to keep you in me longer. I am sorry you have to struggle so much. You are a Riepe, a fighter you can do it and be just fine. I love you"
The babies will go through many ups and downs and things can change for them in a matter of minutes. All are hooked up to several IV's and other things.
Please pray that this part of their journey has few struggles and that they will come home with Mom and Dad healthy and soon.
"Keep The Faith"
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Birth Story
The day started out fairly normal. I had just been put on a Terbutaline pump the day before, which was a huge help in stopping contractions that day. I did my normal morning hospital routine, and was hooked up to the contraction monitor. My contractions started to come 7 minutes apart, so I gave myself a bump in Terb med. (That gives the dose of a shot) All seemed well and they slowed down for all of 20 minutes and were back to 6 -7 minutes apart. Again I was told to give a bump in Terb. It seemed to calm them down. An hour and a half later they were back and 5 minutes apart. At this point my Doctor ordered me to be hooked up to Magnesium Sulfate (the Big Gun). The initial dose seemed as though it was working. Then they came back, Doctor checked my cervix and I had started to dialate to 1cm. She upped the Mag. and it did nothing upped it again and still nothing. Checked me and I was at 2cm.
At that point they alerted the NICU to call in the extra staff for the Quads arrival (a total of 12 doctors and nurses just for the babies). I had already called Don to tell him there was a good chance the babies would arrive. He was waiting for his sister to arrive to watch the big girls until Grandma could get there. I called him back to let him know they were definately coming and that he had 1.5 hours until all of the staff would be here and the C-Section would start.
Don arrived at about 7:50PM we were both nervous. I was terrified of the surgery to come. At 8:10PM Baby As' (Bridgette) water broke. I left my room at 8:25 wheeled to the surgery room.
I was given a spinal, this numbed me from my lower chest all the way to my feet. The actual surgery sarted somewhere around 8:40. At 8:53 Samantha made her debut folowed at 8:54 by Bridgette then Teddy and at 8:55 Madeline arrived. The Doctor held each baby up for me to see before he/she was wisked away with his/her team.
Don left and followed the babies and came back to update me on weights and all the stats. He would run back and forth. I will still be in the surgery room for another hour before moving to recovery. Afterbeing in recovery for 1.5 hours I was moved back to my room, I was able to take a quick peek at Bridgette on my way to the room. The other 3 were getting IV's.
I only slept about 3 hours the whole night.
At that point they alerted the NICU to call in the extra staff for the Quads arrival (a total of 12 doctors and nurses just for the babies). I had already called Don to tell him there was a good chance the babies would arrive. He was waiting for his sister to arrive to watch the big girls until Grandma could get there. I called him back to let him know they were definately coming and that he had 1.5 hours until all of the staff would be here and the C-Section would start.
Don arrived at about 7:50PM we were both nervous. I was terrified of the surgery to come. At 8:10PM Baby As' (Bridgette) water broke. I left my room at 8:25 wheeled to the surgery room.
I was given a spinal, this numbed me from my lower chest all the way to my feet. The actual surgery sarted somewhere around 8:40. At 8:53 Samantha made her debut folowed at 8:54 by Bridgette then Teddy and at 8:55 Madeline arrived. The Doctor held each baby up for me to see before he/she was wisked away with his/her team.Don left and followed the babies and came back to update me on weights and all the stats. He would run back and forth. I will still be in the surgery room for another hour before moving to recovery. Afterbeing in recovery for 1.5 hours I was moved back to my room, I was able to take a quick peek at Bridgette on my way to the room. The other 3 were getting IV's.
I only slept about 3 hours the whole night.
The Babies Are Here!!!
The babies arrived today September 5th 2008. In order of arrival:
Baby C - Samantha - 2lbs 9oz - 8:53pm
Babyb A - Bridgette - 2lbs 5oz b- 8:54pm
Baby B - Theodore "Teddy" - 2lbs 9oz - 8:54pm
Baby D- Madeline "Maddie" - 2lb 1oz - 8:55pm
The babies are doing fantastic for 27 weekers. Mom is very sore, but in good spirits.
At this time we request no visitors and no phone calls while Mom is healing over the next few days at the hospital, I will try to be spending as much time as allowed with the babies. I will give more details and keep everyone up to date through this website. Will try to post photos tomorrow.
Please pray for the babies as they have tough road ahead of them. Thank-You all for the prayers, I never would have made 27 weeks without you!!
"Keep The Faith"
Baby C - Samantha - 2lbs 9oz - 8:53pm
Babyb A - Bridgette - 2lbs 5oz b- 8:54pm
Baby B - Theodore "Teddy" - 2lbs 9oz - 8:54pm
Baby D- Madeline "Maddie" - 2lb 1oz - 8:55pm
The babies are doing fantastic for 27 weekers. Mom is very sore, but in good spirits.
At this time we request no visitors and no phone calls while Mom is healing over the next few days at the hospital, I will try to be spending as much time as allowed with the babies. I will give more details and keep everyone up to date through this website. Will try to post photos tomorrow.
Please pray for the babies as they have tough road ahead of them. Thank-You all for the prayers, I never would have made 27 weeks without you!!
"Keep The Faith"
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Only 8 days to go to reach the Doctors Goal!!!
Okay I get it I am sorry to miss a day posting. Yesterday was really uneventful. I was still having lots of contractions, but not as intense as the day before.
Today I got my Terb Pump, it is about twice the size of a pager, I guess they changed styles. I was so relieved to get it, it has been doing a great job of controlling the contractions!!! It makes me feel a little off but in a couple of days I will adjust to it. My favorite thing is tonight will be the first night since I've been here that I wont have soemone wakeing me 3 times during the night for pills!!! :)
Every 4 days I have to switch the injection site. Really it looks to be very easy and not painful at all. The needle is short and it is kind of a quick poke like a finger prick, only hurts way less. Not too bad at all and NO Magnesium Sulfate!!!! YAY!!!
Yesterday I did have a surprse visitor, my friend Carla!!! And today my Mother-In-Law stopped in and brought me Olive Garden for lunch, YUMMY!! Also today my friend Tami stopped by. Thank-You all for stopping by and lifting me up. I did not think I would get any visitors this week as the RNC is just a few blocks away and it is crazy to get here.
I can't wait for tomorrow, my hubby and girls are going to try to come see me!! I miss them soo much. I've been here almost 5 weeks now. There have been tears from the girls missing me and me missing them. It will be nice to be home. But the babies aren't ready yet so I just have to hang in a little longer!!!
"Thank-You Lord for the many blessing I have the wonderful family, friends and people I have not met who pray for me. Please lift them up high today and everyday, let them feel your spirit with them as I feel you with me."
"Keep The Faith"
Today I got my Terb Pump, it is about twice the size of a pager, I guess they changed styles. I was so relieved to get it, it has been doing a great job of controlling the contractions!!! It makes me feel a little off but in a couple of days I will adjust to it. My favorite thing is tonight will be the first night since I've been here that I wont have soemone wakeing me 3 times during the night for pills!!! :)
Every 4 days I have to switch the injection site. Really it looks to be very easy and not painful at all. The needle is short and it is kind of a quick poke like a finger prick, only hurts way less. Not too bad at all and NO Magnesium Sulfate!!!! YAY!!!
Yesterday I did have a surprse visitor, my friend Carla!!! And today my Mother-In-Law stopped in and brought me Olive Garden for lunch, YUMMY!! Also today my friend Tami stopped by. Thank-You all for stopping by and lifting me up. I did not think I would get any visitors this week as the RNC is just a few blocks away and it is crazy to get here.
I can't wait for tomorrow, my hubby and girls are going to try to come see me!! I miss them soo much. I've been here almost 5 weeks now. There have been tears from the girls missing me and me missing them. It will be nice to be home. But the babies aren't ready yet so I just have to hang in a little longer!!!
"Thank-You Lord for the many blessing I have the wonderful family, friends and people I have not met who pray for me. Please lift them up high today and everyday, let them feel your spirit with them as I feel you with me."
"Keep The Faith"
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Only 10 days to go to reach the Doctors Goal!!!
Today my contractions have been pretty steady. A few shots to slow them down, but they are still coming. My stomach muscles ache from the constant contracting. I am happy to report that the contractions themselves are not painful and as of yet are not causing any problems that would seem to put me into labor. The sudden onset of all of these contractions could be caused by a sudden growth spurt in the babies, so it is possible in a few days my body will adjust and go back to the 3-4 an hour I am used to having.
The Doctors agree that it would not be good for me to continue to contract so much, so on Thursday I will be hooked up to a Terb Pump. It will give me a constant dose of terbutaline (much smaller than the shot), and will be set to have bump ups in injections at times when I usually contract more. The devise is the size of a pager and similar to what diabetics wear for insulin injections. I am happy with this solution, very glad it is not Magnesium Sulfate.
My girls are missing mom more and more please say an extra prayer for security and comfort for them.
"Keep The Faith"
The Doctors agree that it would not be good for me to continue to contract so much, so on Thursday I will be hooked up to a Terb Pump. It will give me a constant dose of terbutaline (much smaller than the shot), and will be set to have bump ups in injections at times when I usually contract more. The devise is the size of a pager and similar to what diabetics wear for insulin injections. I am happy with this solution, very glad it is not Magnesium Sulfate.
My girls are missing mom more and more please say an extra prayer for security and comfort for them.
"Keep The Faith"
Monday, September 1, 2008
Only 11 days to go to reach the Doctors Goal!!!
What a couple of days I have had!! The doctors told me 4 weeks ago that in 3 weeks I would probably fail the glucose test and have developed Gestational Diebetes. This is very common in higher order multiples (triplets or more) due to the pancrease not being able to produce enough insulin for all of the placentas. So I had to fast starting at 6PM last night, at 5AM this morning they drew my fasting blood count, then I had to drink a good sized bottle of what tasted like drinking the syrup of a lemon lime soda. Then every hour for 3 hours they drew blood. I finally ate at about 9:15, believe me I was hungry. I am happy to report that I passed the glucose test!!! Just barely but passed and will most likely not have to do it again!! YAY!!
I've been doing good with keeping the harder medicines for contractions away, however the past couple of days I have been having quite a few and having several Terbutaline shots to stop them. One Doctor threatened with Magnesium Sulfate yesterday, then another suggested doubling my dose of oral meds I take to keep them at bay. It seemed to help yesterday, but tonight the contractions are back. So I think I may end up on the bigger meds sooner rather than later.It's okay though, there are people who are on them for quite a while and I still am doing better than some and doing really well for carrying Quads. I am very close to my next goal of 28 weeks, the Doctor said today at 28 weeks I have done 99% of the work and every day after that is a bonus!! I can make it and go farther!!
I had wonderful surprise visitors yesterday. One of my very best friends Debbie her hubby and kids came to see me. They brought a wonderful care package of gifts from the Forest Lake MOMS club!! Lots of items to keep my girls busy when they visit and some special things just for me!! THANK-YOU!!!
I got to see my hubby and girls 3 days in a row and the girls enjoyed the items from my care package today. We had a reall great visit!!
Please give my body the strength to carry these babies to a healthy stage so that thier struggles will be small.
"Keep The Faith"
I've been doing good with keeping the harder medicines for contractions away, however the past couple of days I have been having quite a few and having several Terbutaline shots to stop them. One Doctor threatened with Magnesium Sulfate yesterday, then another suggested doubling my dose of oral meds I take to keep them at bay. It seemed to help yesterday, but tonight the contractions are back. So I think I may end up on the bigger meds sooner rather than later.It's okay though, there are people who are on them for quite a while and I still am doing better than some and doing really well for carrying Quads. I am very close to my next goal of 28 weeks, the Doctor said today at 28 weeks I have done 99% of the work and every day after that is a bonus!! I can make it and go farther!!
I had wonderful surprise visitors yesterday. One of my very best friends Debbie her hubby and kids came to see me. They brought a wonderful care package of gifts from the Forest Lake MOMS club!! Lots of items to keep my girls busy when they visit and some special things just for me!! THANK-YOU!!!
I got to see my hubby and girls 3 days in a row and the girls enjoyed the items from my care package today. We had a reall great visit!!
Please give my body the strength to carry these babies to a healthy stage so that thier struggles will be small.
"Keep The Faith"
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