Wednesday, April 7

It's been over a week since our last posting. We hope that you didn't think we forgot about you. It's a crazy busy life that we live. Tara's last day is this Friday, and Kevin's been working on a project that has taken up a lot of time. We've had an enormous amount of help from our moms. They've been working long days, so we can work and visit Andrew.

Andrew is doing good with his trach. He did pull it out late last week, but luckily, the scar tissue had already started to form, and his surgeon happened to be in the NICU visiting another baby. The staff was able to place it back in his throat. He's been weaning off his vent, and his carbon dioxide levels have looked good. The staff started to feed him again, and he's been increasing almost daily. Today, the doctors are testing him on a home vent to see how he does. He's completely off sedation, steroids, and pain relief. He enjoys listening to a CD that we made of us reading books and singing and playing guitar.

Adelaide is doing really well. She's eating a bunch and has a great appetite. She has had some nights of stomach pains, which has kept us up. She's been having trouble going to the bathroom, so we've been trying some home remedies suggested by the doctor. She enjoys her tummy time and is a really sweet baby.

The rooming-in went really good with Mattie. After having one with Adelaide, we were used to the process and got some sleep. It also helps to know that we have the crutch of the monitors. She did have a bad brady episode while Tara was feeding her on Saturday. It scared Tara a bunch. Her first doctor's visit went really well. Kevin had an interesting time getting her there with all the monitors and oxygen. It also took him a few minutes to figure out the stroller. Mattie weighed 6lbs. 10oz., and will be seeing a pulmonologist to make sure her lungs are good.

Praise
Andrew doing so well. The home vent is a step closer to home.
Easter pictures of Adelaide and Mattie (coming soon).
Kevin and Tara celebrating Easter morning at home with a reading of the Easter story (no, not the rabbit story).
Babies eating well.
Mattie being home.
Help from our moms, and family and friends.

Prayer
Andrew would do well on the home vent. His carbon dioxide and oxygen needs would be low.
Adelaide and Mattie would be "regular".
Strength and rest for Tara, Kevin, and our families.
Mattie would wean off her oxygen and stop bradying.