Sunday, April 25, 2010
Four Generations
The boys got to meet their Great Grandmother, (aka Maw) and their Great Aunt Carol today. Maw and Carol were so excited...the nurses let them come in and rock the boys. They never imagined they would be able to hold them.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Three Weeks Old
Today marks the boys THREE WEEK "Birthday" and I just realized that I have not updated since their birth. It's been pretty busy around here and they haven't even been released from the hospital yet. Jason spends most of his days working on the house...trying to get finished up before the boys come home. I have been trying to pump as much as possible and making daily trips to Victoria to check on the boys and make my "milk delivery."
This has been a roller coaster of a ride. (As far as the day to day health.) We get daily updates on the boys...sometimes I call first and talk to a nurse or the Dr. calls me after making rounds. For the most part, the boys have overcome the lung issues. Bode has been off of oxygen for over a week and a half. The other two have been off and on. Right now, they are both getting a little extra help..maybe 22-23% (room air is 21%.) All boys are getting over 30ml feedings every 3 hours. This week they have started bottle feeds and I nursed Greyson on Tuesday. They have done awesome with the feedings. They have to learn to suck, swallow and breath all at the same time. They have pretty much mastered that...they just need to work at it a little more. It really poops them out; it's so much harder than just laying there and getting fed thru the tube. All three have hit the 4 pound mark and have graduated from the isolates to their own "cribs." They are holding a good body temp and all are getting to wear clothes now. Yay!
There is no firm date on when the boys come home but the Dr. says it's looking like another two weeks. That will put them at 35-36 weeks (gestation age) and that is about when she estimated originally that they may come home. It is hard to believe that they will be over a month old when I actually get to bring them home. But hey..whatever it takes to get them healthy!
Big Brother Peyton has not been too sure of the boys. He has only been able to look at them thru the windows and for the most part, they have been covered in wires, etc. This week though, Bode was being weighed and he was wire free so the nurse brought him right up to the window to give Peyton a better view. Bode was bright eyed and bushy-tailed at the time. You should have seen the grin on Peyton's face...PRICELESS! The next morning, he woke "Gran" saying, "I want to go see my Brothers." So cute!
I'm going to attach the most recent pictures. I couldn't get a good shot of Greyson without getting right up in his face (which caused him to look bug eyed) because he was in a different bed than they other two. I hope to get some better pictures now that they are in "cribs."
Thanks for all the wells wishes. Please continue to pray for their good health and improvement.
This has been a roller coaster of a ride. (As far as the day to day health.) We get daily updates on the boys...sometimes I call first and talk to a nurse or the Dr. calls me after making rounds. For the most part, the boys have overcome the lung issues. Bode has been off of oxygen for over a week and a half. The other two have been off and on. Right now, they are both getting a little extra help..maybe 22-23% (room air is 21%.) All boys are getting over 30ml feedings every 3 hours. This week they have started bottle feeds and I nursed Greyson on Tuesday. They have done awesome with the feedings. They have to learn to suck, swallow and breath all at the same time. They have pretty much mastered that...they just need to work at it a little more. It really poops them out; it's so much harder than just laying there and getting fed thru the tube. All three have hit the 4 pound mark and have graduated from the isolates to their own "cribs." They are holding a good body temp and all are getting to wear clothes now. Yay!
There is no firm date on when the boys come home but the Dr. says it's looking like another two weeks. That will put them at 35-36 weeks (gestation age) and that is about when she estimated originally that they may come home. It is hard to believe that they will be over a month old when I actually get to bring them home. But hey..whatever it takes to get them healthy!
Big Brother Peyton has not been too sure of the boys. He has only been able to look at them thru the windows and for the most part, they have been covered in wires, etc. This week though, Bode was being weighed and he was wire free so the nurse brought him right up to the window to give Peyton a better view. Bode was bright eyed and bushy-tailed at the time. You should have seen the grin on Peyton's face...PRICELESS! The next morning, he woke "Gran" saying, "I want to go see my Brothers." So cute!
I'm going to attach the most recent pictures. I couldn't get a good shot of Greyson without getting right up in his face (which caused him to look bug eyed) because he was in a different bed than they other two. I hope to get some better pictures now that they are in "cribs."
Thanks for all the wells wishes. Please continue to pray for their good health and improvement.
Cooper West
Greyson Reid
Bode Frank
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Happy Birthday Cooper, Greyson & Bode!
After a long 5 day stay on the hospital, and an unsuccessful attempt to stop the contractions and cervix dilation, the boys made their debut on Friday, April 2, 2010 at 5:12pm & 5:13pm.
Welcome to the world...
COOPER WEST MCCARRELL
Weight: 3lbs 14.6oz
Length: 16 1/4 inches
Weight: 3lbs 14.6oz
Length: 16 1/4 inches
GREYSON REID
Weight: 3lbs 13oz
Length: 15 1/2 inches
BODE FRANK
Weight: 4lbs 1oz
Length: 16 inches
Weight: 4lbs 1oz
Length: 16 inches
Yes, they arrived way earlier than I ever planned. In my mind, I was pretty determined to make it to 36 weeks...or at least 34 weeks. But...my body had other plans. I went for my 31 week visit with Dr. Gonzales on Monday, March 29th. She found that I was dilated to 2cm and sent me over to the hospital for observation. I was set up on monitors and found that I was having a few small contractions here and there. The first step was to hook me up to fluids as I was a little bit dehydrated and that was probably causing some contractions. By Wednesday, I was feeling pretty good and was hoping to make it home for at least Easter Sunday. But...Thursday morning I woke up having a little stronger contractions which they stopped with meds. Then, Friday morning I again woke up to contractions, these were painful though. They used meds again to stop contractions but Dr. Gonzalez had decided to start me on magnesium around 1:30 that afternoon to hold my contractions off thru the weekend as she was going to be out of town. By 2pm, I felt pretty good so I asked if we had to start the mag. (only because they warned me that it would be most miserable and I'd be catheterized and bed ridden for several days.) She decided that if there was no cervical change, then we could go without the mag. Buuuut...I was dilated to 4cm so we got set up right away. The process of starting a new IV, putting the catheter in, getting all boys on the monitors was pretty miserable...then I started having (painful & consistent) contractions again. They checked me and I had dialed to 5cm. This is when things got WILD. Within minutes, Jason was dressed in his scrubs, I was being set up with another IV and we were out the door to the OR. There was like 15-20 people in the room; a "team" for each boy, the Neonatal Dr., several nurses for me, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Hicks assisting Dr. Gonazles. It was crazy!
It only look two minutes to get the boys out and they were rushed to the NICU. All boys were put on machines to help their breathing as they have underdeveloped lungs. (Which is expected for babies born at 31 weeks.)
Cooper has had the most trouble so far. He had small hole in his lung develop on Easter Sunday morning which required a chest tube. They also put him on the ventilator, not out of necessity but to allow him to rest better. As of today (4/8/10,) the tube and vent have been removed because the hole has closed. He is still being monitored closely and will soon start on feedings (of my breastmilk via tube) like his brothers. He is still requirement more help breathing than Greyson and Bode but we suspect that will change with time. The nurses think he will be the dramatic one.
Greyson is trucking right along. He is getting less help from the breathing machines and getting his feedings increased daily. The nurses have tagged him as the "whinny" one. He HATES to have a dirty diaper...even if it's just slightly damp. I can't tell just yet if Cooper and Greyson look identical because they are still a little thin and have all those tubes, etc attached. I am so curious about that!
Bode is the showoff! He is doing awesome so far. He is getting the least amount of help breathing..it gets better daily. (Fingers crossed that it will continue!) We got to hold him first...he's the snuggle bug. The only issue he has is a little sleep apnea and they are using caffeine to correct that. He sometimes gets a little too comfortable and forgets to breath. Eek!
The Doctors estimate that the boys will have to stay in the hospital for at least a month. I can't tell you how hard it was to leave them there when I got discharged on Monday. Ugh...it really is a terrible feeling. I spend my days pumping every 2-3 hours and trying to get some rest. As of right now, I can't drive yet but I try to make it to the hospital at least once a day to visit. I hope to keep this updated on the boys progress. (at least weekly) More pics to follow!!!
Please keep my precious boys in your prayers!
It only look two minutes to get the boys out and they were rushed to the NICU. All boys were put on machines to help their breathing as they have underdeveloped lungs. (Which is expected for babies born at 31 weeks.)
Cooper has had the most trouble so far. He had small hole in his lung develop on Easter Sunday morning which required a chest tube. They also put him on the ventilator, not out of necessity but to allow him to rest better. As of today (4/8/10,) the tube and vent have been removed because the hole has closed. He is still being monitored closely and will soon start on feedings (of my breastmilk via tube) like his brothers. He is still requirement more help breathing than Greyson and Bode but we suspect that will change with time. The nurses think he will be the dramatic one.
Greyson is trucking right along. He is getting less help from the breathing machines and getting his feedings increased daily. The nurses have tagged him as the "whinny" one. He HATES to have a dirty diaper...even if it's just slightly damp. I can't tell just yet if Cooper and Greyson look identical because they are still a little thin and have all those tubes, etc attached. I am so curious about that!
Bode is the showoff! He is doing awesome so far. He is getting the least amount of help breathing..it gets better daily. (Fingers crossed that it will continue!) We got to hold him first...he's the snuggle bug. The only issue he has is a little sleep apnea and they are using caffeine to correct that. He sometimes gets a little too comfortable and forgets to breath. Eek!
The Doctors estimate that the boys will have to stay in the hospital for at least a month. I can't tell you how hard it was to leave them there when I got discharged on Monday. Ugh...it really is a terrible feeling. I spend my days pumping every 2-3 hours and trying to get some rest. As of right now, I can't drive yet but I try to make it to the hospital at least once a day to visit. I hope to keep this updated on the boys progress. (at least weekly) More pics to follow!!!
Please keep my precious boys in your prayers!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
30 Week Update
Had a quick trip to see Dr. Gonzales on Monday...
Everything still looking great! Dr. Gonzales made me promise to be extra good this week as she will be out of town from Wednesday till Sunday. So...I have been staying horizontal for the most part.
This pregnancy has been such a roller coaster. First, we had to worry about losing a baby. Once that risk was passed we had to start worrying about preterm labor. This is ongoing until I actually have them but starting a few months ago I had to worry about my cervical length. Now that I am past 30 weeks, I have to worry about cervical softening and dilation. Ugh...always a worry!
Monday after checking me, she said my cervix was softening (normal) but no dilation. Ultrasound showed that the boys are doing well and had good heart rates. She also said that next week she will schedule my c-section. Most likely it will be set for May 4th. I guess it could change depending on the hospital and neonatal scheduling. That date is right at 36 weeks so WHEN (not IF) I make it that far...it looks as if I will have some good sized boys (6+lbs.) She also said that if they are that size and have no problems, it is likely that they will be released when I do. I guess that is when the real FUN begins. eek!
So far I am not totally miserable...YET. But I know that I am bigger now than I was with Peyton when I went in to have him. I'm pretty sure my belly is growing daily if not hourly. Bode likes to take up residence right under my rib cage which causes me to get out of breath several times a day and I know I have feet kicking me or stretching against me on the right side. Not so comfortable. These days they are either using my insides for a boxing bag or making broad movements. They are almost always in different positions every week at my ultrasounds. I'm certainly not surprised at all that the are "movers and shakers." Following in the footsteps of their older brother for sure.
Several of you have asked how Peyton is taking all this. I think he is in the same boat as we are. It's really hard to imagine and wont seem totally real until they are here. He talks about his brothers often and says he loves them. He can tell you their names if you ask him. I have a feeling that Cooper will never be Cooper...he will be "Coopee." It really is adorable!
31 Week appointment on Monday. Preparing for more good news! (fingers crossed)
Please keep in your prayers that I can hold these boys in till May!
Everything still looking great! Dr. Gonzales made me promise to be extra good this week as she will be out of town from Wednesday till Sunday. So...I have been staying horizontal for the most part.
This pregnancy has been such a roller coaster. First, we had to worry about losing a baby. Once that risk was passed we had to start worrying about preterm labor. This is ongoing until I actually have them but starting a few months ago I had to worry about my cervical length. Now that I am past 30 weeks, I have to worry about cervical softening and dilation. Ugh...always a worry!
Monday after checking me, she said my cervix was softening (normal) but no dilation. Ultrasound showed that the boys are doing well and had good heart rates. She also said that next week she will schedule my c-section. Most likely it will be set for May 4th. I guess it could change depending on the hospital and neonatal scheduling. That date is right at 36 weeks so WHEN (not IF) I make it that far...it looks as if I will have some good sized boys (6+lbs.) She also said that if they are that size and have no problems, it is likely that they will be released when I do. I guess that is when the real FUN begins. eek!
So far I am not totally miserable...YET. But I know that I am bigger now than I was with Peyton when I went in to have him. I'm pretty sure my belly is growing daily if not hourly. Bode likes to take up residence right under my rib cage which causes me to get out of breath several times a day and I know I have feet kicking me or stretching against me on the right side. Not so comfortable. These days they are either using my insides for a boxing bag or making broad movements. They are almost always in different positions every week at my ultrasounds. I'm certainly not surprised at all that the are "movers and shakers." Following in the footsteps of their older brother for sure.
Several of you have asked how Peyton is taking all this. I think he is in the same boat as we are. It's really hard to imagine and wont seem totally real until they are here. He talks about his brothers often and says he loves them. He can tell you their names if you ask him. I have a feeling that Cooper will never be Cooper...he will be "Coopee." It really is adorable!
31 Week appointment on Monday. Preparing for more good news! (fingers crossed)
Please keep in your prayers that I can hold these boys in till May!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
29 Week Update
Just a quick update since I'm really feeling the need to rest after a long morning at the Dr. office.
Last week I had a little bit of negative news...my cervix had shortened considerably (viewed by ultrasound.) After Dr. did a physical exam, she thought that I was in better shape than what showed on the ultrasound. No funneling or dilation either. Soo...I was pretty anxious to see what Dr. Rowe (the specialist) would say this week.
The specialist ultrasound appts are getting worse and worse. Ugh...I get sick almost immediately. For several reasons: the boys are putting a lot of pressure on my stomach/intestines and lungs, also the blood circulation is cut off a bit by laying on my back on the hard table and they press on my belly pretty hard. Ugh...it's pretty darn miserable. The tech had a hard time seeing every leg, organ, etc. just because they are so squished in there now. But...she was able to see the important things..heart, head/brain and bellys etc.
So get this...I am 29 weeks and between the three, I have over 9 pounds of baby in there.
The stats:
Cooper 2lbs, 13oz
Greyson 3lbs, 1oz
Bode 3lbs, 5oz
They think the weights might be slightly off and that they may weigh a little more than the ultrasound show. WOW!
Dr. Rowe also said that I am doing awesome and that it is totally possible for me to make it to 35-36 weeks. If so, he estimates that the boys with weigh 6+ pounds at birth. So...that's my goal...I don't want itty bitty babies. 6 pounds is small enough for me!
Back to Dr. Gonzales next Monday...
Will keep ya updated.
PS: No pics this week...I was too sick to even care about getting a good shot.
Last week I had a little bit of negative news...my cervix had shortened considerably (viewed by ultrasound.) After Dr. did a physical exam, she thought that I was in better shape than what showed on the ultrasound. No funneling or dilation either. Soo...I was pretty anxious to see what Dr. Rowe (the specialist) would say this week.
The specialist ultrasound appts are getting worse and worse. Ugh...I get sick almost immediately. For several reasons: the boys are putting a lot of pressure on my stomach/intestines and lungs, also the blood circulation is cut off a bit by laying on my back on the hard table and they press on my belly pretty hard. Ugh...it's pretty darn miserable. The tech had a hard time seeing every leg, organ, etc. just because they are so squished in there now. But...she was able to see the important things..heart, head/brain and bellys etc.
So get this...I am 29 weeks and between the three, I have over 9 pounds of baby in there.
The stats:
Cooper 2lbs, 13oz
Greyson 3lbs, 1oz
Bode 3lbs, 5oz
They think the weights might be slightly off and that they may weigh a little more than the ultrasound show. WOW!
Dr. Rowe also said that I am doing awesome and that it is totally possible for me to make it to 35-36 weeks. If so, he estimates that the boys with weigh 6+ pounds at birth. So...that's my goal...I don't want itty bitty babies. 6 pounds is small enough for me!
Back to Dr. Gonzales next Monday...
Will keep ya updated.
PS: No pics this week...I was too sick to even care about getting a good shot.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
27 Week Update
Went to my 27 week appointment this morning.
Last week I failed my one hour glucose test so I had to take the three hour test on Monday. It consisted of them taking my blood four times and making me drink twice the amount of that pure liquid sugar - orange punch crap. Ugh! Oh and I also couldn't eat or dink anything after midnight the night before nor the morning of. Results were in today and I PASSED! Yea! No gestational diabetes for me.
They also checked my cervix - which looked awesome! I think it was measuring right at 3 on the 16th of February and now it is back to around 3.6. It doesn't mean that I cant get off of bed rest but it does mean they wont stick me in the hospital. So I am totally fine with that!
The pictures are not that good this week...she said I was "squirmy." I cant lay on that table for very long without getting lightheaded and extremely sick to my stomach. You can see that A & B, aka Cooper West and Greyson Reid have their hands in their mouths. The tech also said they are somewhat in a bob sled position. Guess she watched too much Olympics in the last few weeks. (Greyson is head down again...last few weeks he has been breach.) And "C", Bode Frank...well he just hangs out right under my ribs and enjoys his space.
I will continue to keep you all updated...I have my 28 week appointment next Wednesday and will see the specialist again on March 16th.
Last week I failed my one hour glucose test so I had to take the three hour test on Monday. It consisted of them taking my blood four times and making me drink twice the amount of that pure liquid sugar - orange punch crap. Ugh! Oh and I also couldn't eat or dink anything after midnight the night before nor the morning of. Results were in today and I PASSED! Yea! No gestational diabetes for me.
They also checked my cervix - which looked awesome! I think it was measuring right at 3 on the 16th of February and now it is back to around 3.6. It doesn't mean that I cant get off of bed rest but it does mean they wont stick me in the hospital. So I am totally fine with that!
The pictures are not that good this week...she said I was "squirmy." I cant lay on that table for very long without getting lightheaded and extremely sick to my stomach. You can see that A & B, aka Cooper West and Greyson Reid have their hands in their mouths. The tech also said they are somewhat in a bob sled position. Guess she watched too much Olympics in the last few weeks. (Greyson is head down again...last few weeks he has been breach.) And "C", Bode Frank...well he just hangs out right under my ribs and enjoys his space.
I will continue to keep you all updated...I have my 28 week appointment next Wednesday and will see the specialist again on March 16th.
Cooper West
Greyson Reid
Bode Frank
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