Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Update on the Girls

As I sit here at 3:00 in the morning on Christmas Eve, I cannot believe what a Christmas miracle we have been given. At times it still doesn't feel quite real until I look at the girls in their incubators (not sure if that is the correct term for them) - then reality hits very quickly. Since they have been born the girls have done pretty well for their gestational age. One of the nurse practitioners told us that they don't realize that they are as premature as they really are. So far I have been able to go and see them three times. I hope to be able to spend lengthier amounts of time with them tomorrow and just sit and talk with them instead of just dropping by for quick updates. Each time we go it seems as if days have gone by because we are filled in on so much that has happened since the last time we visited.



My room was a revolving door yesterday with so many different doctors and hospital personnel yesterday! One particular highlight was that my parents brought Aubrey up to visit (she cannot see the girls because she is too young). She walked in with an "I'm the Big Sister" shirt on and it was precious! We are practicing saying Reagan and Cameron's names so she will be ready when the girls come home! I have to admit that I am glad to be going home to be with Aubrey but am not looking forward to being so far away from the babies. But God has worked things out so beautifully for us so far, so I have to believe that He will do no less for what lies ahead.



As far as particular medical updates on the girls, it all seems like a blur - partly because there is so much that we hear about and partly because I am still so exhausted. Tuesday the girls were having some trouble regulating their blood pressure and as of our last visit, they are doing much better. All blood pressure readings are within normal range and their medication levels are very low (if they are even on any medication for that right now). As far as their breathing, both girls were on a breathing tube yesterday but were doing so well that they wanted to try them on the CPAP machine. Last night when we visited, they had placed Reagan on the machine and she was not doing as well as the staff was hoping for, so they were thinking they may place the breathing tube back in. Cameron has probably been placed on the CPAP tonight but if not, they will probably try her on it today. Currently Cameron's blood levels do not indicate that she is jaundiced but the staff suspects that this will change so they have all the things needed to set up the billi light (not sure if I spelled that right). Cameron's nurse said that her lungs sound 100% better at last check than they did when she first arrived - praise the Lord! Reagan's nurse did not mention jaundice so we will check on that tomorrow. The girls are not in the same room in the NICU together - but their rooms are directly across from one another - which we are very fortunate to have...especially for a woman recooperating from a c-section and trying to walk between the babies.



I just wanted to say thanks again to everyone for all your prayers and sweet gestures during this time for our family. Once again God has truly used all of you to teach Seth and I a lesson in what having a servant's heart means. Words cannot even begin to express how humbled we have been and how thankful we are to have such wonderful people in our lives! Please continue to keep us in your prayers and we will continue to try to keep you posted as we can! Merry Christmas!

7 comments:

  1. Seth & Leslie,

    Merry Christmas, and I hope that you all have a great day today!!! Jennifer and I along with Kerry & Kateleigh are praying that the babies will continue to get stronger each hour of the day. I am glad to hear that "Big Sister" was able to come see you yesterday. Tell Seth if he needs help with the SS class on Sunday to let me know...

    Thanks,

    Kemp J

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  2. Merry Christmas Carter Family! Leslie,you are so strong, your sweet updates make me cry! This is not easy and you are doing a great job. We love you! We would love to help with the new "big sister" if she would like to come and play. We are praying,
    Fred, Kim, Andrew and Amanda

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  3. Leslie and Seth,
    Each day, I look for your updates. Thank you for sharing with us. God is using you in mighty ways at this point. Only He knows the number of lives you are touching through this journey. I can't even fathom how your hours must seem like days and your days like weeks! If possible, please, try to get some rest. You are going to need an extra dose of strength to meet the needs of your three precious daughters. Remember Mark and I are equipped with new stroller, car seat and crib if you need help with Aubrey. We even have toys!
    Mark and I are in continual prayer for you. Leigh Ann

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  4. Hey Leslie, glad to hear you and the girls are doing well. I bet Aubrey is gald her Mommy is coming home. Hope to get to see you soon....Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What a wonderful New Year it will be :)

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  5. Congratulations Leslie, Seth and Aubrey!! I can't believe I didn't know that God had delivered your little ones. I am so happy for all of you and I will continue to keep you in my prayers. WOW! What an amazing Christmas gift! Leslie, I am so proud of you and the strength you have had since day one! I truly admire you and I thank God for watching over you and the girls so closely! I absolutly love the Blog! What an awesome way to share your journey. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask! I'm just a phone call away! May God continue to bless you, lead you, guide you and protect you you each and every day! Merry Christmas!!

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  6. Congratulations Leslie, Seth and Aubrey!! I can't believe I didn't know that God had delivered your little ones. I am so happy for all of you and I will continue to keep you in my prayers. WOW! What an amazing Christmas gift! Leslie, I am so proud of you and the strength you have had since day one! I truly admire you and I thank God for watching over you and the girls so closely! I absolutly love the Blog! What an awesome way to share your journey. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask! I'm just a phone call away! May God continue to bless you, lead you, guide you and protect you you each and every day! Merry Christmas!!

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  7. Thanks for sharing time with the girls today with us! They are both so precious. It is so unreal how tiny they are. Take in every moment of this. I can't even imagine Wyatt that small, but it will be amazing to see what smart & beautiful girls they'll grow up to be!!! If you need to talk to us or ask any thing at all call us. We may not have all the answers but you know we've been there!!! Merry Christmas!!! And give BIG SISTER a hug & kiss for us!!

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