I look at these little faces every day and know that I have to work through my physical and emotional exhaustion and find the strength
-
Cam standing/taking first steps without holding on : )
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Friday, December 30, 2011
This time last year
We were in Michigan awaiting word if Cameron would be sighted or blind while Brody was in Abington unable to be extubated and having life threatening episodes... Well we've come quite a ways folks. I have had some really bad emotional days lately of frustration, depression and questioning but when I look at where we were a year ago it puts it all into perspective. Our preemie experience will not be one that seems to get better after the first year- surgeries, intense therapies and my answer seeking escapades will continue for quite some time. No matter how tired or beaten down I feel I look at my 20 pounders at less than one year corrected age and know I have to find it in me to fight harder and search further for the unanswered mysteries.... We've gotten them this far and they are fantastic but we still have a lot more work to do.
I look at these little faces every day and know that I have to work through my physical and emotional exhaustion and find the strength
-
Cam standing/taking first steps without holding on : )
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
I look at these little faces every day and know that I have to work through my physical and emotional exhaustion and find the strength
-
Cam standing/taking first steps without holding on : )
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, December 18, 2011
First word... NO
Happy updates:
Cam is crawling up the steps, standing on his own for 10 second intervals and has said a few words... First one-NO!! second word-BALL, while showing us his basketball. He goes in search of the toy we request in a hide and seek like play. He is finally acknowledging and interacting with Brody rather than just stealing his toys... Well he still steals his toys but Brody is starting to fight back.
Brody is getting more comfortable with transition moves and is tolerating different movements much better. He went from screaming and throwing his spoon at me when o presented the idea of baby food a few weeks ago to opening his mouth in anticipation one spoon after another until he finishes off jar after jar. An unimaginable accomplishment from a child we didn't know would ever eat. There is nothing Brody won't be able to do.
Other stuff:
Cams feedings have really been challenging. He is maintaining his weight but just hates to eat... I think he has outgrown his reflux meds so hoping some adjustments will make him more comfortable. We're thinking he also has some sensory integration issues going on as he is always on the move and wasn't liking to get 'dirty' with food so we are seeking extra therapy as well. Baby Bootcamp is in full affect for the winter!
The boys will be one year corrected on 1/11/11. Nothing about daily life is easy but looking at where we came from... They are just the coolest kids ever.
Jump, jump, jump
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Cam is crawling up the steps, standing on his own for 10 second intervals and has said a few words... First one-NO!! second word-BALL, while showing us his basketball. He goes in search of the toy we request in a hide and seek like play. He is finally acknowledging and interacting with Brody rather than just stealing his toys... Well he still steals his toys but Brody is starting to fight back.
Brody is getting more comfortable with transition moves and is tolerating different movements much better. He went from screaming and throwing his spoon at me when o presented the idea of baby food a few weeks ago to opening his mouth in anticipation one spoon after another until he finishes off jar after jar. An unimaginable accomplishment from a child we didn't know would ever eat. There is nothing Brody won't be able to do.
Other stuff:
Cams feedings have really been challenging. He is maintaining his weight but just hates to eat... I think he has outgrown his reflux meds so hoping some adjustments will make him more comfortable. We're thinking he also has some sensory integration issues going on as he is always on the move and wasn't liking to get 'dirty' with food so we are seeking extra therapy as well. Baby Bootcamp is in full affect for the winter!
The boys will be one year corrected on 1/11/11. Nothing about daily life is easy but looking at where we came from... They are just the coolest kids ever.
Jump, jump, jump
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
World Prematurity Day
Today is the first ever World Prematurity Day. I celebrate Brody and Cameron today with overwhelming pride and love. We are so lucky to have them and never for a second take for granted our Two Tough Twins.
Brody James and Cameron Mark Collins were born at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation at 1 pound 7 ounces and 1 pound 8 ounces. They were not due until January 11,2011. We have fought for their lives and vision every day since. They are so very very special and amazing and beautiful in every way.
Our journey has been extra rocky bit we are finally starting to be able to breathe a bit easier and stop and smell the roses a little. Hoping after the winter Brody will get his trach out and Cameron's visiual developments are miraculous.
Brody wearing Bretts wedding ring on his arm.
Brody today
Cameron back in September 2010
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Brody James and Cameron Mark Collins were born at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation at 1 pound 7 ounces and 1 pound 8 ounces. They were not due until January 11,2011. We have fought for their lives and vision every day since. They are so very very special and amazing and beautiful in every way.
Our journey has been extra rocky bit we are finally starting to be able to breathe a bit easier and stop and smell the roses a little. Hoping after the winter Brody will get his trach out and Cameron's visiual developments are miraculous.
Brody wearing Bretts wedding ring on his arm.
Brody today
Cameron back in September 2010
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Monday, November 14, 2011
And I have shingles!
You can imagine the cursing that I would like to write right now. Just praying the kids don't break out in chicken pox!!!!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Back to CHOP
Brody probably has a trach infection... Back to our new second home
Meanwhile-Cam at 2 am
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Meanwhile-Cam at 2 am
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Monday, October 31, 2011
Arent kids supposed to be happy to get dressed for Halloween?
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Sunday, October 30, 2011
Cams such a big
Love. Amazing kid!
Cam LOOKING at Snow for the first time! Tears.
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Cam LOOKING at Snow for the first time! Tears.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Poop on the bed
10pm Cameron Sleeping in my arms on new sheets after waking up writhing in teething pain just like he has every night for the last week and amidst a diaper change turned around and sat his poopy toosh on my crisp linens. Lovely!
Things are getting better with the kids health in general. Brody is on room air most of the day now which is huge. He has never breathed room air in his 13 months of life. His gross motor skills are really coming along and he is getting so strong. Sitting ip by himself but still a little weeble, lotta wobble. He has had some frustrating delays with mechanical malfunctions causing problems for his developmental prepgression (ie ill fitting trachs causing an array of other therapeutic problems) but we are doing our best to work through them. All in all doing awesome. He has two teeth on the bottom in the front that are making him super uncomfy. Tracy ( his daytime nurse/BFF) has introduced him to the peanut butter jelly song... He's obsessed
Just learned that Brody will also need glasses... For very different and much les severe issues than Cameron. He has astigmatism but we will not be getting lenses until he hopefully gets his trach out in the spring. Just what the poor kid needs is more plastic!
Brody taking in a good book
Teaching him how to take what he wants
Cameron doing just that
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Things are getting better with the kids health in general. Brody is on room air most of the day now which is huge. He has never breathed room air in his 13 months of life. His gross motor skills are really coming along and he is getting so strong. Sitting ip by himself but still a little weeble, lotta wobble. He has had some frustrating delays with mechanical malfunctions causing problems for his developmental prepgression (ie ill fitting trachs causing an array of other therapeutic problems) but we are doing our best to work through them. All in all doing awesome. He has two teeth on the bottom in the front that are making him super uncomfy. Tracy ( his daytime nurse/BFF) has introduced him to the peanut butter jelly song... He's obsessed
Just learned that Brody will also need glasses... For very different and much les severe issues than Cameron. He has astigmatism but we will not be getting lenses until he hopefully gets his trach out in the spring. Just what the poor kid needs is more plastic!
Brody taking in a good book
Teaching him how to take what he wants
Cameron doing just that
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Good things
Brody is home from the hospital and on just room air during most of his awake hours! And Cameron has a second tooth and is climbing the stairs! I repeat... Must baby proof immediately.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, October 17, 2011
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