3 Months

Owen and Emmett are three months old today. I, for one, can hardly come to grips with this fact. They each weigh more now than they did together when they were born! (At birth they weighed 11lbs. 15.1oz Currently Owen weighs 12 lbs 11oz and Emmett weighs 12lbs 5oz!). They have come so far In terms of growth and recovery, and yet we still have much more progress to make before getting to go home!

Today is a big day - for their 3 month birthday, they are getting tracheostomies. Now, I know that many of you are thinking, "What?! Tracheostomies?! What terrible birthday presents!!" and believe me, I had my doubts as well. But after a lot of questions and counseling regarding trachs, I believe that this is a good move for several reasons. The biggest advantage is that their airway will be secure and they can't self-extubate themselves anymore. We won't have anymore close calls due to breathing issues, (hopefully). The trachs won't necessarily be permanent, but they are long term and will be used until they don't need them anymore. The second major advantage is that they will be more mobile - they will be able to get out of bed more often, I will be able to hold them more often, they can sit in a bouncy seat (which will be on order soon!), and the ot/pt's can work with them and play with them more. The third reason that trachs are good for them is because they will be a lot more confortable, which will make them happy, and me happy! It will be one less tube in their little mouths. So. Hooray for trachs!! The only downside is that it is another procedure, and another trip to the OR.

As for Emmett's hand/wrist (it was not moving as of last week), he had a neurology consult, and they believe that he has a compressed nerve in his neck secondary to his scoliosis. The plan is to splint his little arm, allow the nerve to rest for 2-3 weeks, then reasses. The idea is that the nerve will heal and motor control will return. I'm not sure what the plan will be if this plan doesn't work.

As for Owen, he currently has a fistula in the mesh on his belly that is causing issues with the wound vac. The wound vac has been removed and has a covering called Montgomery straps. It is basically a layer of wound dressing covered by what looks like a corset that laces up the front. The sides of the strap tape to the sides of his belly and holds the dressing underneath in place. The idea is that this will allow the fistula to heal, which will allow the wound to heal. he is making very slow, steady progress.

Neither of them are ready to start feedings yet. They are still healing those little digestive tracts, but they are hanging in there.

In the meantime, Ethan and I have been decorating our apartment for the Halloween holiday, and it has been great fun. The only thing we have left to do is carve a pumpkin and go trick-or-treating with Liam.

One last thing. I sent the orders for shirts in this morning. We were waiting on a few sized from a few people. Be on the lookout for shirts in the next 10-ish business days!

Until then, please continue to pray for my little guys. They still (and will always) need the love and protection of the Almighty God.

In addition, please pray for any momma's out there who have hurting hearts for their babies. There are so many.

May God's comfort overwhelm you today.

3 good things:

1. Rainy days

2. A momma/family who volunteers to help out without being asked.

3. Having a husband with a huge loving heart.