Today's post is dedicated to all expectant mothers!
When April and I married in January of 2006 we immediately began to try and start a family because that was one thing that was very important to us. For some reason, God had other plans and it was not his will for us to get pregnant right away. During our challenges, however, we leaned on our faith and relationship with God as well as our relationship with each other.
In the months leading up to April getting pregnant we would consistently say a prayer for expectant mothers in anticipation of a successful pregnancy and would also pray to Saint Gerard who is the Patron Saint of Expectant Mothers. Once we were pregnant, I found a specific prayer for expectant mothers that we really came to like and which I have provided below. Of course, we did alter it to reflect the fact that we were having twins.
"O Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Your tender Mother, Our Lady of La Leche, who bore You close to her heart during those long months before Your birth, I place my baby and myself entirely in Your Hands. Free me, I beseech You, from useless and consuming worry. Accept the sacrifice of my aches and pains, which I unite to Your sufferings on the Cross. Above all, most merciful and loving Jesus, protect this child You have given to me from all harm, bestowing the health and vigor every baby needs. Implant in my heart and on my lips the words and prayers of Your Mother and mine, our Lovely Lady of La Leche. All this I ask that my child and I may live to praise forever Your Holy Name. Amen."
Every time that this prayer was said, and it was said alot, especially during April's hospital stay I felt that God was protecting April and our children. This is not to say that we never got discouraged or frustrated but we always knew that whatever was happening was bigger than just the two of us and was out of our hands.
Not everyone has a strong faith or a religious background and that is their choice but there is no way that April and I could have made it through our challenges without putting our complete trust and faith in GOD.
Please keep the following expectant mothers and their unborn children in your thoughts and prayers!
Wendy
Meghan
Denise
Allisun
Shannon
Jen
Kym
Janne
Sarah
Allison
Holly
Shieloh
If you know of anyone else that is expecting, feel free to leave their name in the comment section of this post and I will add them to this list.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Five Day Progress Report
Today, Patrick and Savannah are five days old and I am going to review their progress report as of this afternoon.
Patrick, (on the left) now weighs 1 lb 11 ounces for a total weight gain of 4 ounces. Much of this weight gain is attributed to the fluids that he is getting so we are not considering it a true weight gain but it is better than losing. In the good news department, his Jaundice levels have decreased enough to allow the nurses to remove the light from his incubator and he no longer needs to wear those funny looking sunglasses. We are aware that the Jaundice may return and that is OK as long as it remains under control. In the better news department, Patrick also received a brain scan today to determine if there was any bleeding in the brain and that came back completely negative, which is amazing!!!!! GO PATRICK! April and I were somewhat concerned with the possibility of bleeding of the brain with Patrick due to his size but now we do not need to worry about that. The doctor says that if the bleeding does not show up on the first scan that it most likely is a moot issue moving forward. They will, however, perform a follow up scan in a few weeks as a matter of procedure.
At this point, Patrick has not received any formula or milk and he continues to receive all of his nutrients via a feeding tube through his nose. These nutrients consist mostly of electrolytes and sugars along with a combination of about 8 other supplements that I can not name let alone spell. Finally, Patrick has a small vessel near his heart that has not closed as it was supposed to at birth or within the first few days. I am not educated enough to go into any type of detail about this vessel but the doctors are treating it with a three day dose of ibuprofen and are optimistic that this vessel will close itself over the next 7-10 days. Overall, we are very pleased with Patrick's progress up to this point and are looking forward to the day that he begins to feed on formula and milk.
Savannah (on the left) has lost about 1/3 of an ounce and now weighs 2 lb 10 2/3 ounces. She is still experiencing high enough levels of Jaundice to require the photo therapy to be continuously applied, hence, the fancy glasses that she is wearing. Savannah is currently being fed through a feeding tube via her mouth and at this time is receiving all of her nutrients through breast milk alone and her digestive system is working properly so it looks like the doctors will continue to increase the amount of food she receives every few days. Savannah also had a brain scan today and the doctor discovered a Grade 1 bleed in the left side of her brain. Grade 1 is the lowest grade so that is good but it is still an area of concern and something the doctors are going to look at again next week. Bleeding of the brain can result in dysfunctional delays but the doctors say that the majority of premature babies with Grade 1 bleeds turn out fine. April and I were obviously disappointed to hear this news but at the same time we are relived that it is not a Grade 4 or 5. Savannah is a real active sleeper and is always moving her arms and legs which is adorable. Overall, Savannah is doing well and we are pleased with her progress as well.
In the BIG news department, April was able to hold Savannah yesterday for the first time and they were able to spend about 15 minutes together in a true mother/daughter moment. It was a very exciting time for both April and myself.
Finally, for those of you wondering why Patrick always comes first in these updates I wanted to clear the air:) Patrick has always been referred to as Baby A and Savannah as Baby B simply because of their positioning in April's womb and therefore he naturally came first. Also, Patrick is officially the older of the two by one minute so again he comes first. I would like to point out though, that as the moderator of this blog, I do have the authority to make changes that I deem necessary and one day we may switch their names around just to see how it sounds and to keep things interesting.
I hope everyone has a great night and thanks for reading today!
Patrick, (on the left) now weighs 1 lb 11 ounces for a total weight gain of 4 ounces. Much of this weight gain is attributed to the fluids that he is getting so we are not considering it a true weight gain but it is better than losing. In the good news department, his Jaundice levels have decreased enough to allow the nurses to remove the light from his incubator and he no longer needs to wear those funny looking sunglasses. We are aware that the Jaundice may return and that is OK as long as it remains under control. In the better news department, Patrick also received a brain scan today to determine if there was any bleeding in the brain and that came back completely negative, which is amazing!!!!! GO PATRICK! April and I were somewhat concerned with the possibility of bleeding of the brain with Patrick due to his size but now we do not need to worry about that. The doctor says that if the bleeding does not show up on the first scan that it most likely is a moot issue moving forward. They will, however, perform a follow up scan in a few weeks as a matter of procedure.At this point, Patrick has not received any formula or milk and he continues to receive all of his nutrients via a feeding tube through his nose. These nutrients consist mostly of electrolytes and sugars along with a combination of about 8 other supplements that I can not name let alone spell. Finally, Patrick has a small vessel near his heart that has not closed as it was supposed to at birth or within the first few days. I am not educated enough to go into any type of detail about this vessel but the doctors are treating it with a three day dose of ibuprofen and are optimistic that this vessel will close itself over the next 7-10 days. Overall, we are very pleased with Patrick's progress up to this point and are looking forward to the day that he begins to feed on formula and milk.
Savannah (on the left) has lost about 1/3 of an ounce and now weighs 2 lb 10 2/3 ounces. She is still experiencing high enough levels of Jaundice to require the photo therapy to be continuously applied, hence, the fancy glasses that she is wearing. Savannah is currently being fed through a feeding tube via her mouth and at this time is receiving all of her nutrients through breast milk alone and her digestive system is working properly so it looks like the doctors will continue to increase the amount of food she receives every few days. Savannah also had a brain scan today and the doctor discovered a Grade 1 bleed in the left side of her brain. Grade 1 is the lowest grade so that is good but it is still an area of concern and something the doctors are going to look at again next week. Bleeding of the brain can result in dysfunctional delays but the doctors say that the majority of premature babies with Grade 1 bleeds turn out fine. April and I were obviously disappointed to hear this news but at the same time we are relived that it is not a Grade 4 or 5. Savannah is a real active sleeper and is always moving her arms and legs which is adorable. Overall, Savannah is doing well and we are pleased with her progress as well.In the BIG news department, April was able to hold Savannah yesterday for the first time and they were able to spend about 15 minutes together in a true mother/daughter moment. It was a very exciting time for both April and myself.
Finally, for those of you wondering why Patrick always comes first in these updates I wanted to clear the air:) Patrick has always been referred to as Baby A and Savannah as Baby B simply because of their positioning in April's womb and therefore he naturally came first. Also, Patrick is officially the older of the two by one minute so again he comes first. I would like to point out though, that as the moderator of this blog, I do have the authority to make changes that I deem necessary and one day we may switch their names around just to see how it sounds and to keep things interesting.
I hope everyone has a great night and thanks for reading today!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Going Home Is Harder Than We Thought!
April is being discharged today, finally! While this is an exciting moment for us and a long time coming we have also found that it is a very emotional time. Last night we were packing up the majority of our belongings and were discussing how weird it was going to be for April to actually be home in her own room and bed.
For the past 10 weeks, this room and it's four walls decorated in 1980's wallpaper, along with the one window and tiny bathroom have been April's home. She has cried in this room, laughed in this room, prayed in this room, yelled in this room and most importantly fought for her children's life in this room and these are only the things that I saw. Only April and the walls know what else took place in this little room during the middle of the night and in the hours that I could not be here.
Room 325 will forever hold a special place in the Emrich's heart. Initially, this room witnessed a pregnant woman at 21 weeks but soon saw her blossom into a mother with unconditional love for her children and watched as the mother took on the battle of her life and kicked it's ass. This room, plain and simple, witnessed a miracle.
In addition to the room, the staff has been so wonderful and April has built strong relationships and bonds with many of the nurses. It is tough to just walk away from those friendships and think that we will most likely not see these individuals that cared for April and the babies hand and foot for the past 10 weeks. There is an emotional attachment from both sides that is hard to fathom unless you have gone through this ordeal. We plan on keeping the 3rd floor staff aware of Patrick and Savannah's progress as much as possible but know that there will come a day when we show up on the 3rd floor and not recognize any of the nurses. That is life, and in life people move on and change jobs. We know that tomorrow there will most likely be someone new in OUR room that is facing a battle of her own and we can only hope that this individual has the courage, drive and inner strength that April had and walk out of this hospital successful when her time comes.
Finally, today is emotional, because we are leaving our babies behind. Patrick and Savannah must stay here in the NICU to get bigger and stronger. We know that this is the best place for them and that God will continue to take care of them but is still hurts to leave them as we see other parents taking their children home. Our time will come, and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later, but until we have our children home safe with us, our family will not be complete.
We are leaving very soon and after 1,776 hours or 74 days my hero is finally coming home to where she belongs.
Our journey is not over yet, in fact it is just beginning, but the first leg of the journey has been completed and we are excited to see what is ahead in the coming months.
Welcome Home April!
For the past 10 weeks, this room and it's four walls decorated in 1980's wallpaper, along with the one window and tiny bathroom have been April's home. She has cried in this room, laughed in this room, prayed in this room, yelled in this room and most importantly fought for her children's life in this room and these are only the things that I saw. Only April and the walls know what else took place in this little room during the middle of the night and in the hours that I could not be here.
Room 325 will forever hold a special place in the Emrich's heart. Initially, this room witnessed a pregnant woman at 21 weeks but soon saw her blossom into a mother with unconditional love for her children and watched as the mother took on the battle of her life and kicked it's ass. This room, plain and simple, witnessed a miracle.
In addition to the room, the staff has been so wonderful and April has built strong relationships and bonds with many of the nurses. It is tough to just walk away from those friendships and think that we will most likely not see these individuals that cared for April and the babies hand and foot for the past 10 weeks. There is an emotional attachment from both sides that is hard to fathom unless you have gone through this ordeal. We plan on keeping the 3rd floor staff aware of Patrick and Savannah's progress as much as possible but know that there will come a day when we show up on the 3rd floor and not recognize any of the nurses. That is life, and in life people move on and change jobs. We know that tomorrow there will most likely be someone new in OUR room that is facing a battle of her own and we can only hope that this individual has the courage, drive and inner strength that April had and walk out of this hospital successful when her time comes.
Finally, today is emotional, because we are leaving our babies behind. Patrick and Savannah must stay here in the NICU to get bigger and stronger. We know that this is the best place for them and that God will continue to take care of them but is still hurts to leave them as we see other parents taking their children home. Our time will come, and hopefully it will be sooner rather than later, but until we have our children home safe with us, our family will not be complete.
We are leaving very soon and after 1,776 hours or 74 days my hero is finally coming home to where she belongs.
Our journey is not over yet, in fact it is just beginning, but the first leg of the journey has been completed and we are excited to see what is ahead in the coming months.
Welcome Home April!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Happy First Birthday Aidan
Above is Aidan on Halloween dressed as a monkey.Happy Birthday to our nephew Aidan. My brother Chris and his wife Laurie celebrated their first son's FIRST birthday yesterday, November 8, 2008. I tried to get this posted yesterday but somehow the day got away from me.
Aidan is a bundle of joy and has grown so much in the first year. April and I are looking forward to Aidan paving the way and being the leader of the Emrich cousins.
Congratulations to Chris, Laurie & Aidan for a successful and fun first year.
We love you A-Dawg!!!!!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
2 Days Old
Patrick hanging out getting some sun!
Savannah settling down for bed with her night goggles on!Patrick & Savannah are officially 2 days old and are both doing "reasonably well" per the neonatologist. To me, reasonably well means they are doing great considering how early they were born and how little they weigh.
Patrick has gained about an ounce or so but that is mostly fluids that are being injected into him for the nutrients that he needs. He is still breathing on his own which is a huge plus and his blood work is consistently coming back in the normal and acceptable ranges. He has a slight case of Jaundice and that explains the goggles and light. At this time, the Jaundice is not a major concern and is typical for babies his size. Patrick also has a feeding tube in his mouth that goes directly to his stomach which is providing him and will continue to provide him with the nutrients that he needs for the next 3-5 weeks until his sucking mechanism kicks in and he can begin to feed from a bottle. Lastly, this evening they inserted a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC). Believe me, this sounds much worse than it is. The PICC is basically a long term IV and will relieve the nurses from finding a new vein every two days to start a new IV. The PICC will stay inserted for a number of weeks or months or until they release him from the hospital. Moving forward, the PICC will be used to provide any needed fluids and or medicine. Overall, the majority of work that is being done on Patrick is proactive instead of reactive.Savannah also continues to breathe on her own and is quite comfortable. We have learned and heard that she has quite the little voice and the majority of time that we see her, she is sleeping peacefully. She likes to keep her little arms and legs close to her body at all times. Savannah, like Patrick, is also going to have a PICC inserted this evening to allow the nurses to provide any medicine or fluids that are needed. As of this morning (Saturday) she began to receive a very small dose of formula (2CC's) per every 6 hours. This is a good sign because that means that the doctors are confident in her digestive system. She will continue to receive formula until April can provide her with some milk and then it will be a combination of milk and formula. She also has a feeding tube through her nose and this will stay in until she is able to feed from a bottle which is usually around 34 or 35 weeks. As like Patrick, all work being completed on Savannah is proactive.
April and I are both very proud of our two little fighters and they continue to amaze us more every day. The highlight of our day is when we make our trips down to see them and just sit there admiring how cute they are. They both move around frequently while they are sleeping and have both opened their eyes and looked around while we were there. The entire NICU staff has been great and spend a good amount of time answering any questions that we have. As of this writing, there have not been any discussions or timetables set on how long we can expect them to stay in the NICU.
April is doing better today, however, she is dealing with some major muscle atrophy issues. It is very painful for her to stand on her own and walk but she is doing the best that she can. This evening, she took a lap around the 3rd floor with the help of a walker and that is a great beginning. This is going to be a long recovery process for her but I know that she is going to attack the physical therapy just like she attacked the challenge of bed rest. The doctors have stated that she will most likely be released on Monday and she is very excited about that. We will have to plan a little welcome home party for her as it would have been 75 days since she walked out the front door to that fateful OB appointment.
More updates to come in the next few days.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Happy Birthday Patrick & Savannah!!!!
What a glorious day today was! April and I will go into details later bur for now I am proud and honored to announce the birth of Patrick and Savannah early this afternoon.
Patrick Christian Emrich was born at 12:34 PM and weighed in at 1 lb and 7 ounces and measured 12.5 inches long.
Savannah Grace Emrich was born at 12:35 PM and weighed in at 2 lb and 11 ounces and measured 15 inches long.
Patrick and Savannah are both in the NICU resting peacefully and are breathing on their own which is awesome. They do have IV'S hooked up to them through their stomach so they can be fed and have blood drawn when necessary.
April is feeling OK considering all that she has been through over the past 10 weeks. She is looking forward to going outside tomorrow and getting some fresh air.
The next 5-7 days are crucial for the long term health of Patrick and Savannah and we are expecting them to stay in the NICU for a number of weeks if not longer. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
THANK YOU to everyone for all of your unwavering support!!!!
Below are some pictures in the following order:
Patrick shortly after birth.
Patrick in the NICU.
Savannah shortly after birth.
Savannah in the NICU.
Patrick Christian Emrich was born at 12:34 PM and weighed in at 1 lb and 7 ounces and measured 12.5 inches long.
Savannah Grace Emrich was born at 12:35 PM and weighed in at 2 lb and 11 ounces and measured 15 inches long.
Patrick and Savannah are both in the NICU resting peacefully and are breathing on their own which is awesome. They do have IV'S hooked up to them through their stomach so they can be fed and have blood drawn when necessary.
April is feeling OK considering all that she has been through over the past 10 weeks. She is looking forward to going outside tomorrow and getting some fresh air.
The next 5-7 days are crucial for the long term health of Patrick and Savannah and we are expecting them to stay in the NICU for a number of weeks if not longer. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
THANK YOU to everyone for all of your unwavering support!!!!
Below are some pictures in the following order:
Patrick shortly after birth.
Patrick in the NICU.
Savannah shortly after birth.
Savannah in the NICU.
It's Time
I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move. - Matthew 17:20
To all - Thank you for your continued prayers on April and the twin's behalf. As of 11:45 AM today April is on her way for a C-section to deliver the babies. Please keep April, Patrick, and Savannah in your thoughts and prayers and continue to ask for God's hands to work through the doctors during the coming hours, days, and weeks.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6
Please check back for more information as it becomes available.
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth. - Mark 9:23
To all - Thank you for your continued prayers on April and the twin's behalf. As of 11:45 AM today April is on her way for a C-section to deliver the babies. Please keep April, Patrick, and Savannah in your thoughts and prayers and continue to ask for God's hands to work through the doctors during the coming hours, days, and weeks.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. - Deuteronomy 31:6
Please check back for more information as it becomes available.
If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believeth. - Mark 9:23
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
