Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Good things

Today was a good day despite Rachel having to get eye surgery in both eyes. Her surgery went well, but we won't know until a week or two if the laser surgery worked and stopped the progression of the ROP. We really do hope that Rachel will have vision in both eyes and that this surgery worked. Haley may have to have the eye surgery as well in the near future. Dr. Coats will check her eyes again tomorrow. We were so happy to get to hold Haley today. The last time we held her was 2 weeks ago before her surgery. We were also so happy that she finally has pooped quite a bit. Haley is getting breast milk and her feeds were increased today. Yeah! The TPN she is getting was also decreased. I was so glad to hear that news. In time she will be off the TPN and getting full feeds of breast milk. Things are continually progressing with Haley and Rachel. Time is passing and they are growing. There have been many good things and many miracles that have happened with our girls. We are so grateful for the good, the blessings and the many special moments we have had with them. Sometimes it's easy to get caught up in the things that go wrong, but its the little miracles and the good things that are the most important. Our beautiful little girls have reached yet another milestone today, they are 34 weeks gestational age. We continue to be amazed with both these beautiful daughters of God. They are our everything, we have so much fun when we are with them. There is nothing quite like it.

Holding Haley after 2 long weeks

18 comments:

  1. What a beautiful picture and wonderful news! I am very happy that both girls are making progress. They are miracles who are here to bring joy to your family. I am sure Rachel's vision will be just fine. This type of surgery is very effective and safe. May God continue to bless your family. Love, Claudia

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  2. I love reading this! What a great update, it is something good to think about before I (hopefully) fall asleep.

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  3. I read daily, don't normally comment, but felt the need to today. My son, former 23 weeker(15.9oz), had to have the eye surgery in both eyes as well and a touch-up eye surgery in the right eye. He is now a 21 month old and seems a little near sighted. When I watch him play I'm always convinced that he sees very well. Just thought I'd let you know that even if they have to have the surgery, they can still see well. Praying for your family always.

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  4. Amanda and Thomas...I want to let you know that you are both a HUGE inspiration to me. I read about yall on the KHOU 11 website. I have followed your blog since the the day all 6 of your angels were born. Not a day goes by that I don't find myself checking up on you guys. Not a day goes by that I dont find the tears streaming by the time I finish your updates. For happiness and sadness, but most of all your faithfulness in the lord. I was raised in the church, but have been inactive for years. You have made me rethink life...my husband is a nonmember so therefore we are not sealed to each other or our two boys. Because of your faith and knowledge...you have strengthened me. When you go to bed each night, do not feel sadness for the babies no longer here on earth...think about all the MANY lives those 4 precious souls have changed! They were brought here for so many reasons, they did receive their bodies, and their missions here may have been too short, but they definately made their mark in this world. They served well and will continue to serve through you. Please keep up the GOOD work, you two (and your little guys and girls) are truly my heros. Thank you for saving me and my family. I can not thank you enough!

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  5. Congrats on 34 weeks! Beautiful picture.

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  6. that is GREAT news!! I love that pic of you...you are definitley glowing..one hot momma!!! Thanks for the updates!

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  7. we have such Wonderous Awe and you continue to receive the tender Mercies from our Father..! so happy to read the girls are having a good day.. so are their parents! we can tell by your beautiful face!!!you are one of my first thoughts in the morning and the last at night - Thank you for the good news!
    love, Erma

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  8. I'm so happy to hear how well Rachel and Haley are doing. Your family is in my prayers.

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  9. Wonderful news and always so great to see photos! Both those girls are on the right track! They just need to keep up all that good work and come home soon :)


    Praying for you always,

    Christina McKinney

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  10. We are so happy to hear all the great news. Step by step. I love this picture of you. You are glowing. :) Much love,

    The Halls (KW1)
    W,E,W & B

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  11. What a beautiful family! You are such loving parents. You are so blessed and the girls are so blessed to have you as their loving, kind, patient parents! It's wonderful to see all of the progress being made. They have come SO far! Praying for their continuing strength and growth!

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  12. Amanda you are very pretty. Happy to hear Haley is pooping well. Love reading your blog and seeing your pics. Thank you

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  13. what an absolutely beautiful mother and baby photo amanda !

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  14. So glad to see things are looking up. And that you both continue to look up. We call these times opportunities for growth, because we know Heavenly Father gives them to us to make us better and stronger children of God. You are both an inspiration, and we are praying for you all!

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  15. Friday - Oct 23 --love to you today, as you say bye for now to Ashlyn. what a hard thing to have to do. i remember when we buried Trudy - Riley said - 'oh all these people can't be here for us" they were. i still weep over it.. love and best blessings wished for you both and Rachel and Haley....

    we will see our little ones again!
    love, Erma

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  16. you look great amanda! so happy to see you holding your girl! i wish i were near you! i will call you soon! love always! -mel

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  17. Haley and Rachel's journeys reminds me so much of my lil' guy that it's uncanny. He, too, had problems with his ostomy at first and I can remember what a relief it was when things started moving properly. I actually blogged that I never realized how happy I would be about poop! :) He's about to have his reversal done within the next week or so, so just know that there's light at the end of that tunnel for Haley.

    Colin also had ROP surgery in both eyes (at 32 weeks) - he just had his very last follow up exam in the NICU this past week and got cleared for six months. ROP surgery is extremely effective when done properly, so chances are Rachel's eyes are going to be fine. We were told that Colin may have some slightly diminished eyesight but usually the surgery straightens everything out and I bet Rachel has a similar experience.

    I know this journey has been a tough one for you guys, but hang in there. It's a long road, but just remember that it ends with having your darling girls with you at home.

    Cathy Chandler
    https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/colinchandler

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  18. Amanda, you look GORGEOUS in this picture!

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