Hi all,

This is a new thread. Here are the most recent posts from the last one. I hope I got it all!

JenniferMR Re: Hullaballoooooo

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Hey girls!

KC - I'm sorry that you all were sick - this time of year sucks! Lauren had the treatments in the hospital around the clock and they really helped her too. I'm completely back to normal now, thank goodness! I ended up having to have a classical incision which means that the outside incision is the normal low/horizontal one, but the inside one on my uterus is vertical, because of the position of my placenta and they didn't want to risk cutting through it because that would cause significant bleeding. Anyway, because of that, I am not allowed to get pregnant for at least 12 months, preferable 18, so I'm having an IUD placed in a couple weeks. She also told me that my chances of this happening again are about 15%, higher than normal due to the type of incision I had . We'll cross that bridge when we get to it I suppose but right now the thought of that scares me to death, especially with the risk of accreta and all that other fun stuff.

KC II - The feeding thing is a whole other story! I can't remember if I talked about this before, so forgive me if I'm repeating myself. Since she was so little, she just couldn't latch on in the NICU even with daily help from the LC, so we started the nipple shield, and even then, she couldn't get enough from me, so we had to follow up with a bottle of EBM, and that has to be fortified with formula to increase the calories (still doing this). So, I then have to pump after this. Because of the shield thing being a pain, I mostly fed her by bottle, but on Tuesday, I made a real effort to try to get her to nurse without the shield and low and behold, she did it! She still didn't stay on long enough to get a full meal, and my pedi really wants her to get mostly the fortified BM from the bottle, so I haven't really pushed her to get her full meals by nursing, but I'm very excited that we're making progress! I hope that once my pedi says that we don't have to fortify the BM anymore that I can transition to exclusively breastfeeding with occasional pumping so Brad can help out too. Right now, the process takes almost 2 hours when I nurse first, then bottle, then I have to hold her upright for 30 minutes due to reflux issues, then pump - so it's definitely triple the work, but I'm sticking with it because I know that it is what is best for her, especially this time of the year and with her being a preemie. Right now, my supply is ok, but I'm just barely ahead of her, but I'm hoping that with the increased nursing that it will improve because when she starts eating more, I won't be able to keep up with her with my supply as it is.

So, that's my super long story!

Heather - Sorry that Landry had the crud too! They say that it's really only really bad for babies under 6 months of age which is fortunate for him. It was not fun at all with little Lauren, but she is healthy now, and we just need to keep her that way! I would be wanting to spray people down with Lysol too though they probably wouldn't appreciate it very much! Sorry that work is so busy, but I'm glad that it is going well.

Well, it's time to go feed Lauren, so I'm off. Lauren's 2 month checkup is tomorrow so I'm very anxious to see how big she is getting! She's out of newborn and into her 0-3 month clothes - that happened so fast! Have a nice weekend everyone!

From Heather
Jenn-I hope Lauren's check up gets an a-okay rating from the doc. We had a nebulizer too for the RSV but I have to say that it helped a TON. We had just cough syrup albuterol but it wasn't working near as well as the breathing treatment in the office so we called the doc and he called in an Rx for the nebulizer. In fact, DH used it today for himself because he has bronchtits and our doc told him to use it 3 times a day. The only down side was that Landry gets really hyper after the nebulizer....it makes me feel for those moms of hyper kiddos! At least he is okay now and not needing one but for a few days I would brace myself for that hour or so after the treatment when he was a little wild child and did NOT want to take a nap!

KC-You know, the crus is just everywhere. We are having a bad flu season and there is one strain of the flu that the vaccine doesn't block and it can put you in bed for 7-10 days with throwing up and all sorts of fun. I have a sinus infection now but have some meds and hope to be good as new in a few days.

I was wondering about Karen the other day too. I hope all is well!

No word from Molly--I think she leaves tomorrow for the long flight, I think it takes 2 days!

I am sure y'all have heard that the Ags have a new president...Dr. Elsa murano...first woman and hispanic. you know what that means???? LOTS of changes going on! The dust is starting to settle so we will see how it all goes.

I am basically only doing one job now, I just take care of the VIPs at the hotel but otherwise doing my new job. I find it really fullfilling and am happy that I made the move.

Well, my little boy is yelling MOMMY from his gate in the living room. Must be time for bedtime stories!

Take Care,
H

From KC
Jenn- I understand being scared to death of the whole getting pg thing again. Especially with the chances of eccreta! YIKES! I had wondered if they were going to do my incision like that too. Somehow they were able to do it full horizontally. I guess maybe mine was more up the back.

Jenn II- I'm glad Lauren is making progress on BFing! Yeah for you for sticking it out! Most people would have given it up. I sure hope you get the go ahead on not fortifying BM anymore. I know how big a pain it is to nurse, feed and pump. It really drags you down. Maybe you can at least go to only fortifying a bottle or 2 a day. How are you holding up through all of this? Are you doing OK? I don't think I told all of you, but it got to be too much for me. I've been seeing a therapist for PPD since October. I feel so much better now. I wish I had done it sooner.

Heather- I'm glad you are down to 1 1/2 jobs! I'm sure that is a huge relief for you. What does everyone think of Moreno?

We're going to have a pretty busy weekend. We are going to a horse pull tonight at the fairgrounds, church on Sunday, and a Super Bowl party for at least a little while Sunday night. Anyone else have plans?

From H
Hello---

Jenn--I meant to tell you good for you for sticking it out with the bf-ing....but also, don't let it kill you! I just never quite produced enough for Landry so we always had to supplement, but I was okay with that because I went into it with no expectations. I did like that it saved me some moolah in buying formula!

Karen-I am glad you are doing better from the PPD, you looked it in the eye and took charge and got help and that says something for you. I know that it can be crippling if you let it, so good for you for taking the bull by the horns!

As far as Murano....I don't know...lots of changes....the verdict is still out!

Gotta run!
H

From Dona
Remember me??? LOL.

I've been reading when I can, things are still crazy over here.

I'm still at Bombay until next Friday. Every 2-3 weeks they've asked me to stay on and help close out, so that's been nice. But I got a job offer in Granbury (YAY!) on Tuesday so I made my official last day next Friday. It's sad to go, but I'll be only 5-6 minutes from home AND daycare!!!

Logan's been sick for about 2 months. He goes in next Thursday for his 3rd set of tubes and to get his adenoids removed. Makes me sad. Poor guy.

Kaelin is doing great. She's my "helper".

Anyhoo, not much else going on. Once I get settled at my new job I'll give y'all my new email address there. I think y'all have my home email?? If not, you can still email me at Bombay and I'll send it to you.

From H
DONA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, I miss you! I am so glad to hear from you! I need your home email, I think I only have the bombay one! You can just pm from this page if you want or just email it to me.

Poor Logan, he must be miserable! I would love to see pictures of the kids.

I am SO GLAD you got a new job, I hope its fab. And it will be so great to be so close to your kids and home...and what a blessing to still be working until the new one starts, that is great.

Does Keith still like his job?

Its so good to hear from you!

From Laura
Hi Y'all! Figured I'd drop in and say hello.

Jen- Congrats on little Lauren. I'm sorry you've had to fight RSV. Did they consider doing the RSV injections? I know she got it so quickly that they may not have even had that discussion with you. Nathan had the RSV shots and I'm so grateful (insurance paid 2,000 per MONTH for those shots!).

KC- I'm sorry you've been battled PPD. I think I've told you some of the issues I've battled (I think I havfe....maybe not). Pregnancy sure does change a person's chemistry. I'm glad that you've been brave enough to face it head-on and get the help for it. I'm on Lexapro and it's helped a whole lot. I still get overwhelmed, but it's not like it was before. In fact, it's amazing that I actually lived that way. I'm sure you probably know what I'm talking about.

Heather- That's crazy about Molly moving while being really preggo! I saw Meg to other day. I'm so happy for her and her little family.

Dona- I can't believe you are on to the 3rd set of tubes for Logan. Geez! Does he have reoccuring ear infections? Or...how do they decide to do tubes again? Both my kids have tubes. Natalie had a pretty rough ear infection and popped her ear drum, even with the tubes. I didn't know that they'd still be able to pop an ear drum with tubes! Poor Logan!

Me.... Well, my big update is that I'm not teaching anymore. I don't think I'll ever return to teaching fulltime. I'm teaching English classes to a bunch of really wonderful Spanish speaking folks. Nearly all of them are Mexican, but I have a Guatemalan in there too. It's a nice job and it's only 4 hours a week. Otherwise, I'm home with the kids!

Here's another big endeavor of mine: Family to Family Children's Consignment-Index

I've started a twice a year children's consignment sale. I held a trial one at my house in the Fall and it was waaaay too large for my yard! This one is at The Brazos Center and we are up to 64 consignors. It's going well, I think.

My other big update is that Natalie and Nathan fight like crazy. Nathan hits Natalie. Natalie whacks him right back! The hit, kick, bite. WHERE DID THEY GET THIS FROM? *MY* kids were supposed to be so sweet

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Hello all--

Anyone have anything fun planned for Valentines? I hope people can start posting again so we can keep this group going, I have missed everyone!

I have a question for you all who have had kiddos....is the sex better now than before kids, better before kids, or no change. Just curious?

For me, I think its better but I also think I may be in the minority. Also, don't they say that women hit their "sexual prime" mid thirties? Is that correct?



H

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Hello! It is nice to see that our little group is getting more active, just when I have very little time to post!

KC - I'm sorry that you had to deal with PPD, but I'm very glad that you are doing much better and got the help that you needed. I surprisingly haven't had any issues with it. My OB was really worried about it though with all that I went through and then having a baby in the NICU, and gave me a prescription for anti-depressants before she even discharged me from the hospital but I ended up never taking them. When did you realize that you had a problem? Did it happen later or right away? How is the job search going?

Dona - Hello stranger! Congrats on the job in Granbury! That will be fantastic being so close to home. We need some new pics of the kids! How old are they now?

Laura - Congrats on the job change! I hope you are loving being a SAHM! I am definitely enjoying it! Lauren didn't get the synagis shots because our insurance wouldn't cover them because she was in that gest age "gray area" and we didn't have any of the risk factors like going to daycare, having other children in the house, etc. So, instead, our insurance company got to foot a $50,000 bill. After she got sick, we ended up fighting with them to get the shots for the remainder of the season and they finally granted it, so she had her first one last week. I'm sure that it is too little too late, but at least I can breathe a bit easier knowing that if she were to get it again, it would be a much more mild case.

Heather - What is this sex that you speak of? I talk to Kat and she is in full blast adoption mode. They are pursuing domestic adoption and things seem to be happening very quickly for them! They are talking to a birthmom right now who is due in May and she is only looking at them. I'm sure they would love some prayers that this works out for them. I'm interested in hearing from Karen too!

We're doing fine here, just busy, busy! Lauren's 2 month appt went well, and she was up to 8lb5oz and in the 5% for weight and 8% for height! The pedi didn't want to give her all the vaccines at once, so he gave her half then and we went this morning for the other half. We're still fortifying the BM, but have a weight check at 3 months and then we can hopefully stop that at every feeding. She seems to be chunking up, getting little rolls on her thighs! I love it! I can hear her stirring, so I'd better sign off.

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Jennifer 31 Brad 32

TTC #1 since 8/04

Miscarriage/D&C - 8/05

IVF #1 - BFP!! Our precious baby girl arrived 6 1/2 weeks early and came home after 16 days in the NICU!

Jenn-Its so great to hear that you are so happy and that Lauren is doing better. Landry is always in the lower percentiles but his clothes are always right on target with size, he was wearing 18months clothes at 18 months, etc....

Tell Kat we are praying for her! I would still love to hear her adoption updates and such. We started that route at one point in our lives so I am familiar with the processes. I hope she gets her baby soon!

Talk to you later!

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TGIF all---Any weekend plans?

We are heading to Waco for Ava's 3 year b-day! Wow, its been 3 years???

How is everyone?

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Hiya! I'm sorry I was MIA for a bit. Things have been a bit crazy around here. We went through another round of sick kids. Kian ended up with pneumonia. We went though a week of breathing treatments with him. The worst was holding him down in the middle of the night with him saying "no, mommy". That was horrible! By the end of the week, he was holding the mask himself and I could leave the room. What a relief that was! Now we're battling pink eye yet again. *sigh*

Jenn- I knew I had problems before Dani was ever born. It got worse when I went back to work. I looked for excuses to stay home and sleep. I would go through breif periods of being better and think I could beat it, and then I would get worse again. Finally Todd and I talked about it and decided it was time to do something different. I wanted to give just therapy a try without any drugs. Luckily it has helped tremendously. I have gone from seeing her every week to every third week. Things are still stressful, but I'm feeling like myself again.

Heather- I think sex is better now when we actually get around to it. Right after Kian was born, I would have given a different answer. being healed enough to partake or to enjoy are apparently 2 different things for me. Todd is incredibly jealous of our sitter who is getting some 4 times a week! How the heck? I can't believe Ava is 3! Have we really known each other that long?

Dona- I'm glad things are looking up for you! How is the new job? I bet it makes a huge difference in your world to not have to drive into FW!

Laura- I'm glad you have gotten out of classroom teaching. I can't imagine what it is like to try to teach a roomfull of teenagers these days. Did you find it tough to admit you needed help? I did, but I would have done it so much sooner if given the chance.

Kris- Kris is doing OK. They aren't doing anything about babies at the moment. Her dog business has taken off like you wouldn't believe. She normally has a litter completely sold before it is even born. I know they plan on doing something babywise soon, but I don't know what.

Me- I have made no progress on searching for jobs what-so-ever. I couldn't get anything like that done for awhile because it was all I could do to keep up with the have-to's with sick kids. We're trying hard to figure out whether we should move now, or hang out here longer. There are so many pro/cons on each side, we're having a really hard time figuring it out. I wish there was a big sign pointing 'this way", but I haven't seen one yet. We'll probably apply in both areas, but I'm not even sure which direction we are leaning at the moment. Todd has a standing offer at A&M that is pretty good, but he really wants to get away from the university scene. He's just having no luck at all breaking into industry. I guess we'll just keep praying until we find our way.

My sister who is pg is on modified bed rest. She is having blood pressure problems, but not pre-E. They've gotten it under control for now, but plan to induce at 38wks. That is at the end of March. Did I tell ya'll that Todd's brother is having another? His youngest is 11, and his wife is 40! They just found out it is a boy which is awesome because their older 2 are girls. Too cool!

I think we all need to endeavor to post new pics. It's been awhile since we've seen any pics of everyone's babies!

I wrote this big long post, and it got lost!! UGH!

Anyway... I'm sorry I've been MIA. We went through another round of sick kids. Kian ended up with pneumonia. We had to hold him down in the middle of the night once to give him the stupid nebulizer treatment. It was horrible! Most nights I could sneak in there and do it without him waking up, which was great. By the end of the week, I could leave them room with him holding his own mask. What a relief that was.

Jenn- Any progress on stopping the supplementing? I really admire you for sticking with the bfing while supplementing. That is super hard. I have an IUD, too. It's so nice to not have to worry about that!

I realized I was having a tough time before Dani was ever born. After she came, I would have ups and downs, and I would always think I could get on top of it if this or after that. When I went back to work, it got worse. I would look for excuses to stay home. Todd and I talked about it one night and decided it was time to do something about it. I just really wasn't myself. I didn't really enjoy anything, and was overwelmed by everything. Todd said I would flit (his word, no mine) around the house frantically working, but not getting anything done. I am so much better now. I can truelly have fun with the kids without worrying about the house not being clean, and I'm tackling one project at a time and getting things done. It is a huge difference.

Heather- I would say sex is better now. I would have said the opposite just after Kian. There was a big difference between being healed enough to participate or to enjoy for me. Now it's just a matter of finding the time and not falling asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow! I can't believe Ava is 3! Have we really been writing each other that long?

Dona- It's so great to hear from you! I'm glad you found something in town. I'm sure that relieves a lot of stress for you. Where are you working at?

Laura- I don't know how you worked in a highschool at all. I can't imagine trying to teach a room full of teenagers these days. Did you find it hard to admit you needed some help dealing with things? I sure wish I had done it sooner. I think I would remember a lot more from that period if I had.

Karen and Molly- We miss you two!

Kris is doing OK. They aren't really working on the baby thing at the moment. Her dog business has taken off like you wouldn't believe. She basically has a litter sold before they are even born. I think they are going to start working on baby making soon, but I don't know what the plan of attack is.

Me- I haven't really made any progress on the job thing. It was nearly impossible while the kids were sick. All I could get done was the have-to's. Now we're trying to figure out if we are staying here or moving. Todd has a standing offer at A&M, but he is trying to get away from the university scene. Hopefully we will find the sign that says "this way" soon.

My sister is on modified bed rest. She is having bp problems, but no other signs of pre-e. It is under control at the moment, but her doc wants to induce at 38wks which is the end of March. Have I told you about Todd's SIL being pg? She is 40 and thier youngest is 10! She is due around July 4. They are having a boy which is awesome since they have 2 girls. Talk about excited!

I think we should all (me too) endeavor to post new pics of our babies. It's been a long time since we've seen most of them!

Off to pump!

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Karen & Todd

Howdy all--I am so MIA! We have Shepherd Smith with FOX News here broadcasting from the Flag Room today and for the last 2 days...its been hectic but interesting and entertaining. You can watch us at 2p and 6p central time but today they will be breaking in and broadcasting from 2p-11p watching the primaries....pretty interesting!

I will work tonight until probably 2am and then be back at 8am...will check in later!

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My sister had to have an emergency C yesterday at 34 weeks. She went in for a regular Dr appt, and her blood pressure was way up. They didn't even wait for her dh to make it to BCS from Austin. She had a boy, and they are both doing OK. He was 4lbs 3oz and 17 3/4". Her bp is down, and she seems to be doing pretty well. The baby is in the NICU at the med. He is on oxygen and is in an incubator, but he is breathing on his own. She only got to see him for a moment before they took him away. Last I talked to my mom, they hadn't tried to feed him yet. She was supposed to pump, and they were going to try to give him a bottle this morning. Please remember them in your prayers today. Her name is Rheadon and the baby has yet to be named since she hasn't seen him yet. Thanks a million. I'll keep you posted!

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Karen & Todd

Oh KC---I hope Rheadon and baby are doing better each moment! My bp was dangerously high while I was in labor so its probably better that she didn't have more strain on her body. Did they put her on the Magnesium Sulfate stuff? I could eat anything for a day and a half or something.

They are in my prayers!

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Mom and baby are doing pretty good. He is in an incubator, on O2 and a feeding tube. He is breathing on his own. She has started pumping, but I don't think they have given him any of her milk yet. Her blood pressure is still high, but out of the immediate danger zone. He is easily overstimulated. So she hasn't been allowed to hold him, and they put a mask over his eyes to block the light. They're hanging in there for now. We're just waiting for him to grow and get strong.

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Karen & Todd

KC-Being this far away must be driving you insane. Is there anything I can do from here?

I am glad they are holding strong!

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Thanks, Heather! It is driving me insane. I've spent most of my day trying to look for cheap flights for the weekend. I'm not having much luck. We may need to borrow a infant carseat. Obviously, he's not going anywhere very quickly. Todd's parents are supposed to come get my seat when they visit us and take it to my sister. They'll be here this weekend and should be headed back next weekend. I thought they would have been here end of January/beginning of Feb, but they were building her a cradle like mine. Todd's dad has a way of dragging his feet on these projects, so it just now got done. They brought us Kian's cradle just a week or two before Kian was born, and he was nearly 2 weeks late! GRR! Thanks again for the offer. I'll let you know!

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Karen & Todd

I have my infant car seat and know exactly where it is, just let me know if she needs it! I also have a changing pad and sleep positioner if she wants those.

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Thanks, Heather. I'll check with her and see what she needs.

They put the baby on a C-pak(?) because he wasn't breathing in deeply enough. They said premature white males are really bad about that. He responded so well so quickly that they think he may be on it for only 24h. Other than that, he is doing great. They started giving him Rheadon's milk yesterday 10cc at a time. They are going to up that to 15cc today. He has learned how to pull his feeding tube out, so they have to run it down him each time. The doc switched Rheadon's meds. The new one seems to be controlling her bp much better now. Things are looking pretty good, but he's going to be in there awhile. Thanks for all of your prayers!

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Karen & Todd

Keep us informed! I will remember them in my prayers. I am glad they are both doing better!

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Hey guys, sorry for disappearing again, but it is hard to find the time to just relax in front of the computer these days!

KC - I'm sorry to hear that your nephew was born prematurely, but he'll be just fine. Lauren was born at 33 1/2 weeks and only spent 16 days in the NICU. She was on CPAP too for about 24 hours and then just switched to a regular nasal canulla for another 3 days or so. The main obstacles that he will have will be learning to eat by mouth, and just gaining the stamina to do it because eating is very strenuous for little ones. Lauren was released as soon as she went 2 solid days of all 8 feedings by mouth. If he struggles with apneas and bradys he will be in there until he goes a certain amount of time without any and I think those rules vary by NICU. Ours said 5 days without any and she was evicted, lol. She happened to go 5 days without any and took all her feedings by mouth at the same time - they say that it usually happens that way, that they suddenly just turn the corner and next thing you know your baby is coming home! White boys do tend to be on their own time schedules, so he may be in there for a month or he may be in there just a week, it just depends on him. There was a little guy in the NICU with us born at 34 weeks and he was a great eater, but what kept him in the NICU for 32 days were the bradys, but they just suddenly stopped completely and he was fine. You can share that info with your sis and hopefully it will help her feel better about everything. It is really hard to see your tiny little baby hooked up to so many tubes and wires, but gradually things will come off and then it will all be a distant memory.

I know that the high bp is very unpleasant and scary, so I hope that she is doing better. The good news is that it probably bought her some extra time in the hospital to stay with the LO. I was in no hurry to leave the hospital at all and my OB let me stay 4 nights which I was so grateful for. It was so nice to be able to just walk down the hall in the middle of the night when I was up for pumping and say hello.

Keep us updated and I hope you get to go down for a visit!

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Jennifer 31 Brad 32

TTC #1 since 8/04

Miscarriage/D&C - 8/05

IVF #1 - BFP!! Our precious baby girl arrived 6 1/2 weeks early and came home after 16 days in the NICU!

Hi all--Its Spring Break here so its quiet but still lots to do work wise! We get off Thursday and Friday and Friday I leave for my retreat with my sisters...should be tons of fun, I can't wait!

Gotta run!
H

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Thanks for the info, Jenn. I'll be sure to pass it on. The docs and nurses haven't said anything about apnea or brady. I take that to mean he doesn't have a problem with them. What do you think?

I did get to go down there. I left Fri, spent the night in Philly airport, got there Sat. I was supposed to fly back on Mon, and didn't get on the plane because my flight got delayed and was going to make my conection tight again. Not wanting to spend another night in an airport, I flew back yesterday instead. To spare you all the details, don't fly USAirways. They aren't worth whatever you may save.

The baby did turn the corner long about Saturday. He spent about 36 hours on the CPAP, and then another 48 on oxygen. We got to hold him on Sunday, and he was moved to a regular bed on Monday. He is breastfeeding some now. Yesterday was his first day of mostly bfing. He went backwards in weight a bit with that. He still has only dropped 4 oz. Now he just needs to nurse every time and gain weight steadily. He kept pulling all the stuff off his face, so they had to tape it all down. He didn't even look like a baby when I first saw him. I know too many of you know what I am talking about. He is beautiful now. I would attach pics, but my stupid camera battery died. Rheadon is doing fantastic recovery-wise. You wouldn't even know she had had a C just a week ago looking at her. She's on meds, but her bp is under control. It's been really hard on both of them watching poor Jace go through this, but it helped them tremendously to get to hold him and see his face without all the tubes running everywhere. Hopefully they will get to go home soon!

Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. It means a lot to me knowing I can turn to all of your anytime!

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Karen & Todd