Where's my Grammie when I need her?
Only got a couple pics of Mila, she was busy nursing with Mommy most of the time Papa was there.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Papa and his girls 2-28-2010
Sunday Grammie was sick but that didn't stop Papa from visiting his girls! He arrived just in time to hold Ella as she was getting her tube feed.
Where's my Grammie when I need her?
Only got a couple pics of Mila, she was busy nursing with Mommy most of the time Papa was there.
Where's my Grammie when I need her?
Only got a couple pics of Mila, she was busy nursing with Mommy most of the time Papa was there.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Little Angels update
Sorry I haven't updated in a few days, we haven't seen the girls since Tuesday but get progress reports each day. It's difficult not to see them but we will definitely do whatever is best for our little angels! We were hoping to see them this weekend, then I came down with a nasty, deep in the chest cough. Don't really feel too bad (until I start coughing) but am sticking close to home, and have pulled out the whole arsenal of meds and increased my vitamins in hopes of getting well as quickly as possible. (And praying fervently Ron does not catch it!)
Ella and Mila need to be trained to accomplish all the things they would have already developed in utero for full term gestation. One major area the girls are working really hard on is feeding. Babies usually develop the sucking instinct in utero in the 34-36 week timeframe, but they are having to learn this in the outside world. Mila is doing well on nursing, but Ella is being a little slower at catching on (although when Ryan was doing "kangaroo care" with her she was rooting around!) Ella has done fairly well on the bottle and Mila goes at it like gangbusters for the first 5 minutes, then she's totally worn out! They keep telling her she needs to be the tortoise, not the hare ~ slow and steady wins the race!
A couple of days ago they advanced to every other feed being by bottle or breast which takes all their energy. They are only allowed to nurse or take bottle for about 20 minutes then they supplement with tube feed. They don't want them burning more calories than they are taking in.
They tend to get over-stimulated very easily and the doctors are obviously very cautious. They've been told they are to limit visitors to just the grandparents, (but have been able to allow their only Uncle Aaron to meet them). Unfortunately, the no visitor rule will be for a while yet.
Thursday night Ryan and Stacee were able to give Mila her first bath. She wasn't too keen on it, until they were finished and had her wrapped in a warm towel. They then washed her hair which she really enjoyed.
Ella had a difficult time regulating her temperature so she was moved back into the warmer early in the week. However, she is now doing better and I believe she is now maintaining on her own. Mila is regulating her temp well and was moved to a crib (after she was able to get off phototherapy which was either Wednesday or Thursday. )
Both girls were having trouble with spitting up alot but we were happy to hear that so far today (up to around 3PM) they had not spit up at all...Way to go girls!
Since no one knows how long Mila and Ella will be in the hospital, Ryan has gone back to work (he'll take a couple of weeks off once the girls come home) He and Stacee are trying to establish a routine. Right now, Ryan takes Stacee up to the hospital on his way to work and they both go in for their 8AM feed. They say typically when they go in Mila is lying awake, quietly looking around. But, Miss Ella likes to sleep in and be up at night. Early bird and night owl??? HMMMMM....
Ella has gained a little of her birth weight back, now up to 4 lb 4 oz.; Mila is still at 4 lb 2 oz.
They are doing so well, but still have quite a ways to go. They remain in the highest level of care (4) in the NICU with a nurse ratio of 1:2. They may progress to level 3 soon, however they have to have space available and the other levels of the NICU have been full ever since they arrived. Ryan and Stacee don't mind if they stay there; once they move on the ratio of babies to nurse increases.
Stacee's mom will return to Florida on Wednesday, with plans to come back and help out after the girls come home. So thankful her schedule is flexible; allowing her the time to come whenever she is needed (or just wants to come spend time with her girls!)
I've been asked by several people when they will come home. Good question! It's not so much a specific time but a matter of accomplishment. Three things they specifically must be able to do:
1. consistently regulate body temperature on their own
2. breathe unassisted
3. eat unassisted
They are doing pretty well on the first two. The Neonatologist says the biggest factor now is "gain and grow".
We have much to be thankful for! Nine of which, I have to tell you, are the GREATEST coworkers/friends anyone could ever have. They are an incredible blessing to me, as well as my entire family, in so many ways; and, I confess, are probably the reason I've been able to stay semi-sane throughout our crazy life. On Friday they surprised me with a "Grammie" shower. They gifted me with all the things a Grammie needs: picture frames, brag book, toys, etc, AND a CAMERA!!! Now I won't have to rely on others for pictures of my little sweeties! Thanks girls! Your infinite encouragement, support and generosity humble me. I'll steal a line from MT and say "Lovin' what I do" (and will add) "and who I'm blessed to do it with!"
There's probably more I need to share or possibly some misinformation due to the fact I'm heavily medicated, but you'll have to give me a break. And I don't have any new pictures of Ella and/or Mila but I will attach a couple from my Grammie shower!
Much love,
Christie
PS: Big praise: cultures came back negative. Thank you, Father!!!
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty."
Rev 15:3
Ella and Mila need to be trained to accomplish all the things they would have already developed in utero for full term gestation. One major area the girls are working really hard on is feeding. Babies usually develop the sucking instinct in utero in the 34-36 week timeframe, but they are having to learn this in the outside world. Mila is doing well on nursing, but Ella is being a little slower at catching on (although when Ryan was doing "kangaroo care" with her she was rooting around!) Ella has done fairly well on the bottle and Mila goes at it like gangbusters for the first 5 minutes, then she's totally worn out! They keep telling her she needs to be the tortoise, not the hare ~ slow and steady wins the race!
A couple of days ago they advanced to every other feed being by bottle or breast which takes all their energy. They are only allowed to nurse or take bottle for about 20 minutes then they supplement with tube feed. They don't want them burning more calories than they are taking in.
They tend to get over-stimulated very easily and the doctors are obviously very cautious. They've been told they are to limit visitors to just the grandparents, (but have been able to allow their only Uncle Aaron to meet them). Unfortunately, the no visitor rule will be for a while yet.
Thursday night Ryan and Stacee were able to give Mila her first bath. She wasn't too keen on it, until they were finished and had her wrapped in a warm towel. They then washed her hair which she really enjoyed.
Ella had a difficult time regulating her temperature so she was moved back into the warmer early in the week. However, she is now doing better and I believe she is now maintaining on her own. Mila is regulating her temp well and was moved to a crib (after she was able to get off phototherapy which was either Wednesday or Thursday. )
Both girls were having trouble with spitting up alot but we were happy to hear that so far today (up to around 3PM) they had not spit up at all...Way to go girls!
Since no one knows how long Mila and Ella will be in the hospital, Ryan has gone back to work (he'll take a couple of weeks off once the girls come home) He and Stacee are trying to establish a routine. Right now, Ryan takes Stacee up to the hospital on his way to work and they both go in for their 8AM feed. They say typically when they go in Mila is lying awake, quietly looking around. But, Miss Ella likes to sleep in and be up at night. Early bird and night owl??? HMMMMM....
Ella has gained a little of her birth weight back, now up to 4 lb 4 oz.; Mila is still at 4 lb 2 oz.
They are doing so well, but still have quite a ways to go. They remain in the highest level of care (4) in the NICU with a nurse ratio of 1:2. They may progress to level 3 soon, however they have to have space available and the other levels of the NICU have been full ever since they arrived. Ryan and Stacee don't mind if they stay there; once they move on the ratio of babies to nurse increases.
Stacee's mom will return to Florida on Wednesday, with plans to come back and help out after the girls come home. So thankful her schedule is flexible; allowing her the time to come whenever she is needed (or just wants to come spend time with her girls!)
I've been asked by several people when they will come home. Good question! It's not so much a specific time but a matter of accomplishment. Three things they specifically must be able to do:
1. consistently regulate body temperature on their own
2. breathe unassisted
3. eat unassisted
They are doing pretty well on the first two. The Neonatologist says the biggest factor now is "gain and grow".
We have much to be thankful for! Nine of which, I have to tell you, are the GREATEST coworkers/friends anyone could ever have. They are an incredible blessing to me, as well as my entire family, in so many ways; and, I confess, are probably the reason I've been able to stay semi-sane throughout our crazy life. On Friday they surprised me with a "Grammie" shower. They gifted me with all the things a Grammie needs: picture frames, brag book, toys, etc, AND a CAMERA!!! Now I won't have to rely on others for pictures of my little sweeties! Thanks girls! Your infinite encouragement, support and generosity humble me. I'll steal a line from MT and say "Lovin' what I do" (and will add) "and who I'm blessed to do it with!"
There's probably more I need to share or possibly some misinformation due to the fact I'm heavily medicated, but you'll have to give me a break. And I don't have any new pictures of Ella and/or Mila but I will attach a couple from my Grammie shower!
Much love,
Christie
PS: Big praise: cultures came back negative. Thank you, Father!!!
"Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty."
Rev 15:3
Thursday, February 25, 2010
One Week
Happy 1 week birthday Mila Maree and Ella Renee! Grammie & Papa love you!!!!
Never get tired of looking at our sweet baby girls!
Never get tired of looking at our sweet baby girls!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Not double the trouble, twice the blessing!
Ella's hospital stats
Mila's hospital stats
This is actually Tuesday night's update. I was waiting on pictures before sending!
Today seemed to be a good one for Stacee, Ryan and the girls; even though it was hard for Mommy and Daddy to be away from the hospital. They spent time with the girls until early afternoon, went back at 6 for a support group for parent's of babies in NICU and then stayed for the next visitation time, which began at 8PM, where they were able to participate in feedings.
Mommy & Daddy at Ella's incubator
Mommy & Daddy at Mila's isolette
Ella in icubator
Ryan fed Ella her very first bottle and she did great! She took about 1/2 of it within the alloted timeframe, and then they gave her the rest through her NG tube. They don't want them burning more calories trying to feed than they are actually taking in so limit the time they can try to feed.
Daddy feeding Ella her first bottle
Ella likes her bottle!
Ella Renee
Enough with the pictures, let's get back to that bottle!
Mila's first time to be introduced to nursing went well. But after all the stimulation she was ready to be left alone for the rest of the evening. After her feeding tonight, Mila was laying on her tummy. She got agitated and picked her head completely up off the bed and turned it to the other side. She then got her little feet up underneath her and picked her bum up in the air several times until she got comfy. It was hilarious to watch!
Mila Maree
Mila's precious long skinny feet
Grammie with Mila
Papa with Mila
Mila in comparison to Papa's hand
Evidently we've got a couple of strong little girls. The nurses said that after the picture was taken yesterday of the two girls in the same bed, Ella proceeded to roll herself over away from Mila!
Please continue to pray Stacee (and Ryan) will get some much-needed rest and that our angels will feed and grow to be healthy, happy little girls. Can't wait to be able to get our hands on them!
Mila's hospital stats
This is actually Tuesday night's update. I was waiting on pictures before sending!
Today seemed to be a good one for Stacee, Ryan and the girls; even though it was hard for Mommy and Daddy to be away from the hospital. They spent time with the girls until early afternoon, went back at 6 for a support group for parent's of babies in NICU and then stayed for the next visitation time, which began at 8PM, where they were able to participate in feedings.
Mommy & Daddy at Ella's incubator
Mommy & Daddy at Mila's isolette
Ella in icubator
Ryan fed Ella her very first bottle and she did great! She took about 1/2 of it within the alloted timeframe, and then they gave her the rest through her NG tube. They don't want them burning more calories trying to feed than they are actually taking in so limit the time they can try to feed.
Daddy feeding Ella her first bottle
Ella likes her bottle!
Ella Renee
Enough with the pictures, let's get back to that bottle!
Mila's first time to be introduced to nursing went well. But after all the stimulation she was ready to be left alone for the rest of the evening. After her feeding tonight, Mila was laying on her tummy. She got agitated and picked her head completely up off the bed and turned it to the other side. She then got her little feet up underneath her and picked her bum up in the air several times until she got comfy. It was hilarious to watch!
Mila Maree
Mila's precious long skinny feet
Grammie with Mila
Papa with Mila
Mila in comparison to Papa's hand
Evidently we've got a couple of strong little girls. The nurses said that after the picture was taken yesterday of the two girls in the same bed, Ella proceeded to roll herself over away from Mila!
Please continue to pray Stacee (and Ryan) will get some much-needed rest and that our angels will feed and grow to be healthy, happy little girls. Can't wait to be able to get our hands on them!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Please pray for our little sweethearts
Yesterday they moved Mila into the same NICU room as Ella, which makes it so much easier for Ryan and Stacee to visit back and forth between the two. Unfortunately, last night they found out one of the other babies in their room has an infection. Everyone now has to gear up in gowns, gloves, etc. They've done cultures on Ella and Mila to see if it has spread to them.
Please pray they don't catch this bugaboo (or any others for that matter!) Any infection can turn serious very quickly in a preemie, and we certainly don't want their progress hindered in any way. And while you're praying, also lift up this little one who has the infection.
On a good note, Ella's bilirubin is down to 7.5, therefore she has been taken off of phototherapy. Though Mila's is only slightly elevated, she remains on phototherapy, and (from what I understand) seems to enjoy soaking up the rays. Ryan said he got a cute picture of her lying on her back, arms stretched above her head with her little eye protectors on looking like she's sunbathing! Gonna be a bathing beauty just like her Mommy!
NICU doctor has written orders for both girls to be introduced to breastfeeding and/or bottle two times each day. Moving in the right direction!
Thanks for your prayer support! Our family appreciates you oh so much!!!
Christie
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything." Phil 4:6 NLT
Please pray they don't catch this bugaboo (or any others for that matter!) Any infection can turn serious very quickly in a preemie, and we certainly don't want their progress hindered in any way. And while you're praying, also lift up this little one who has the infection.
On a good note, Ella's bilirubin is down to 7.5, therefore she has been taken off of phototherapy. Though Mila's is only slightly elevated, she remains on phototherapy, and (from what I understand) seems to enjoy soaking up the rays. Ryan said he got a cute picture of her lying on her back, arms stretched above her head with her little eye protectors on looking like she's sunbathing! Gonna be a bathing beauty just like her Mommy!
NICU doctor has written orders for both girls to be introduced to breastfeeding and/or bottle two times each day. Moving in the right direction!
Thanks for your prayer support! Our family appreciates you oh so much!!!
Christie
"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything." Phil 4:6 NLT
Monday, February 22, 2010
Melt my heart pictures!!!
Meet the new family! Ryan, Stacee, Ella (in back/top), Mila
Our little angels!!! Mila on top, Ella on bottom
Our little angels!!! Mila on top, Ella on bottom
update on Ella and Mila
Our sweet girls have had alot going on today.
Both girls have been placed under continuous photo-therapy for jaundice; their little livers aren't quite able to keep up yet, which is not unusual for preemies.
Little Ella in phototherapy
Little Mila in phototherapy
They have also both dropped down to 4 lb 2 oz, nothing to worry about...weight loss is expected in newborns.
Ella had her IV removed...hooray!!! She is down to having NG tube (feeding tube through nose), heart monitor and pulse oximeter.
Mila had her CPAP removed today, I'm sure she feels so much more comfortable without that obtrusive thing on her face. And not to be outdone by her sister, she also may have her IV removed soon, possibly as early as tonight. As of this writing she is down to just having her feeding tube (her's was through mouth down throat as of yesterday, assuming it's still the same), IV, pulse ox and heart monitor.
Please pray for Stacee and Ryan; Stacee is being released tonight. She has to be out of her room by midnight; they were hoping she'd be there one more night but insurance rules. They are broken-hearted to have to leave their sweet girls. I'm sure it will be difficult for her to get good rest as they travel back and forth to the hospital to spend as much time as they possibly can with Mila and Ella.
Attached pictures are a little difficult to see; trying to keep the masses happy by sending any pictures we receive.
Thanks for your faithfulness.
Christie
Both girls have been placed under continuous photo-therapy for jaundice; their little livers aren't quite able to keep up yet, which is not unusual for preemies.
Little Ella in phototherapy
Little Mila in phototherapy
They have also both dropped down to 4 lb 2 oz, nothing to worry about...weight loss is expected in newborns.
Ella had her IV removed...hooray!!! She is down to having NG tube (feeding tube through nose), heart monitor and pulse oximeter.
Mila had her CPAP removed today, I'm sure she feels so much more comfortable without that obtrusive thing on her face. And not to be outdone by her sister, she also may have her IV removed soon, possibly as early as tonight. As of this writing she is down to just having her feeding tube (her's was through mouth down throat as of yesterday, assuming it's still the same), IV, pulse ox and heart monitor.
Please pray for Stacee and Ryan; Stacee is being released tonight. She has to be out of her room by midnight; they were hoping she'd be there one more night but insurance rules. They are broken-hearted to have to leave their sweet girls. I'm sure it will be difficult for her to get good rest as they travel back and forth to the hospital to spend as much time as they possibly can with Mila and Ella.
Attached pictures are a little difficult to see; trying to keep the masses happy by sending any pictures we receive.
Thanks for your faithfulness.
Christie
Sunday, February 21, 2010
catching up
I hate to think that when the Ron Nordell family comes to mind, you might think high-maintenance. But I confess, we do tend to do things in dramatic ways, don't we? In keeping with the tradition, our little girls certainly made a dramatic grand entrance late Thursday. What can I say?
It's been a very busy few days! Stacee's mom arrived safe and sound Friday morning. I know it's been so good for Stacee to have her Mom here. Everybody needs/wants their Mom at a time like this! And she has been so helpful in so many ways.
After our quite late night/early morning Thursday/Friday, we were beat. However, we got up early to make the trip to Presby for PICC line change. A tedious, time-consuming procedure but thankfully, no problems encountered. After grabbing a very late lunch, we headed to Harris, arriving just in time for shift change, therefore had to wait until 8PM to see our girls.
When we were able to get in to see them, we were happily surprised to see both girls had been taken off CPAP. It was wonderful to see their sweet little faces.
Saturday, we were only able to have a short visit. Ron stayed home and slept 'til noon...he really needed to catch up on some rest; while I went for a visit. Then Ron went up while I stayed home to prepare food for a big Gregory family (my side) get together. It was fun to share stories of our girls with everyone, along with the few pictures Aaron had on his phone; at the moment, we don't own a working camera! What kind of grandparents are we??? Mila and Ella are the first grandbabies on both sides of the family, as well as the first great-grandbabies on Stacee's side and my side of Ryan's family.
While Ryan and I were with Ella Saturday, they had to change her IV. Needless to say, she was not a happy camper! Her little cry sounded like a kitten! They put some sugar water on her paci to try to soothe her while they worked on her; which she loved, but she continued squealing while sucking...sad, but quite cute, as well.
Mila was having spells of apnea (poor little thing kept forgetting to breathe) so they had to put her back on CPAP. Necessary, but she was none too happy with that.
Today both have elevated bilirubin levels and are being watched for jaundice. Ella has also been having episodes where her sats have dropped and heart rate has elevated, especially when she gets all snuggled in with Mommy or Daddy. She gets too comfy and neglects breathing well therefore oxygen saturation drops. Ella was a little stinker and pulled out her NG tube twice today! She's also been upgraded from a warming bed to an enclosed isolette.
Mila is still on CPAP, which she really doesn't like. They keep it attached to her little head cap and she keeps shimmying down out of the cap which defeats the CPAP purpose; so they are constantly having to mess with her. This little doll prefers to sleep, however she can let out some lusty crying when she's unhappy.
They both have dark hair, long, long fingers and long skinny legs! Maybe they'll play their great, great Mamo's piano one day? Or follow in their Daddy's footsteps and be a runner? Who knows, but it sure will be fun watching them grow and develop their own personalities!
Stacee is doing well and is becoming a pumping machine. It's so good for the girls to be able to get Mommy's milk. I know she and Ryan are both VERY TIRED but are in love with their sweet girls and want to spend every minute they can with them.
Ryan and Stacee have been able to hold each of the girls alot, as well as do "kangaroo care" (skin to skin contact). They have been able to hold them during feeding (through feeding tube) and have been working on getting them to suck on a pacifier while being fed so they will associate sucking with full tummy; Mila's not too fond of the paci where Ella likes it but is having a hard time remembering to breathe when she sucks....there's just so much for an itty bitty girl to remember!!!
Ron and I went to see his parents after our visit this afternoon and were able to show them pictures of their newest great-grandbabies; making numbers 9 and 10; bringing the Nordell clan to a total of 42!
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but haven't caught up on my sleep yet! Please keep praying for our sweet little angels. That they will continue to grow and develop in a timely manner so they may to be able to go home as soon as possible. I think Stacee may be discharged Monday or Tuesday and it will be very hard for both of them to be away from their babies.
Much love, Christie
It's been a very busy few days! Stacee's mom arrived safe and sound Friday morning. I know it's been so good for Stacee to have her Mom here. Everybody needs/wants their Mom at a time like this! And she has been so helpful in so many ways.
After our quite late night/early morning Thursday/Friday, we were beat. However, we got up early to make the trip to Presby for PICC line change. A tedious, time-consuming procedure but thankfully, no problems encountered. After grabbing a very late lunch, we headed to Harris, arriving just in time for shift change, therefore had to wait until 8PM to see our girls.
When we were able to get in to see them, we were happily surprised to see both girls had been taken off CPAP. It was wonderful to see their sweet little faces.
Saturday, we were only able to have a short visit. Ron stayed home and slept 'til noon...he really needed to catch up on some rest; while I went for a visit. Then Ron went up while I stayed home to prepare food for a big Gregory family (my side) get together. It was fun to share stories of our girls with everyone, along with the few pictures Aaron had on his phone; at the moment, we don't own a working camera! What kind of grandparents are we??? Mila and Ella are the first grandbabies on both sides of the family, as well as the first great-grandbabies on Stacee's side and my side of Ryan's family.
While Ryan and I were with Ella Saturday, they had to change her IV. Needless to say, she was not a happy camper! Her little cry sounded like a kitten! They put some sugar water on her paci to try to soothe her while they worked on her; which she loved, but she continued squealing while sucking...sad, but quite cute, as well.
Mila was having spells of apnea (poor little thing kept forgetting to breathe) so they had to put her back on CPAP. Necessary, but she was none too happy with that.
Today both have elevated bilirubin levels and are being watched for jaundice. Ella has also been having episodes where her sats have dropped and heart rate has elevated, especially when she gets all snuggled in with Mommy or Daddy. She gets too comfy and neglects breathing well therefore oxygen saturation drops. Ella was a little stinker and pulled out her NG tube twice today! She's also been upgraded from a warming bed to an enclosed isolette.
Mila is still on CPAP, which she really doesn't like. They keep it attached to her little head cap and she keeps shimmying down out of the cap which defeats the CPAP purpose; so they are constantly having to mess with her. This little doll prefers to sleep, however she can let out some lusty crying when she's unhappy.
They both have dark hair, long, long fingers and long skinny legs! Maybe they'll play their great, great Mamo's piano one day? Or follow in their Daddy's footsteps and be a runner? Who knows, but it sure will be fun watching them grow and develop their own personalities!
Stacee is doing well and is becoming a pumping machine. It's so good for the girls to be able to get Mommy's milk. I know she and Ryan are both VERY TIRED but are in love with their sweet girls and want to spend every minute they can with them.
Ryan and Stacee have been able to hold each of the girls alot, as well as do "kangaroo care" (skin to skin contact). They have been able to hold them during feeding (through feeding tube) and have been working on getting them to suck on a pacifier while being fed so they will associate sucking with full tummy; Mila's not too fond of the paci where Ella likes it but is having a hard time remembering to breathe when she sucks....there's just so much for an itty bitty girl to remember!!!
Ron and I went to see his parents after our visit this afternoon and were able to show them pictures of their newest great-grandbabies; making numbers 9 and 10; bringing the Nordell clan to a total of 42!
I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but haven't caught up on my sleep yet! Please keep praying for our sweet little angels. That they will continue to grow and develop in a timely manner so they may to be able to go home as soon as possible. I think Stacee may be discharged Monday or Tuesday and it will be very hard for both of them to be away from their babies.
Much love, Christie
Friday, February 19, 2010
Pictures of our angels!
Daddy suitin' up for the big event!
Mommy and Daddy headed to recovery
Mila Maree
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Happy Birthday, Ella Renee!
Daddy's first time to hold Mila
I could go on and on about how precious they are, but the pictures speak for themselves!
Mommy and Daddy headed to recovery
Mila Maree
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Happy Birthday, Ella Renee!
Daddy's first time to hold Mila
I could go on and on about how precious they are, but the pictures speak for themselves!
Happy Birthday Ella and Mila!!!
We have babies!!!
Our sweet girls have arrived! Little Miss Ella Renee decided she was tired of hanging out in utero and was ready to meet her Mommy and Daddy. Stacee's water broke (just Ella's sac) Thursday evening as we were sitting at their dinner table at 8PM. After gathering packed bags, camera, video camera, phones, etc. they headed to Harris. Thankfully, Stacee's OB was there and upon examination already felt "body parts"; sonogram confirmed it was time to welcome our girls. Stacee was immediately prepped for C-section, Ryan was suited up and off they went.
Vital Stats are:
Ella Renee born at 11:15PM weighing 4 lbs 5 oz; 18 1/2 inches long
Mila Maree born at 11:17PM weighing 4 lbs 9 oz; 18 inches long
Both of our little angels are doing well for being 6 1/2 weeks premature. They are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with IV's, feeding tubes, heart monitors and on CPAP (for breathing support). It is estimated they won't go home until around their official due date (April 4).
They both came out pink with APGAR scores of:
Ella 8.9
Mila 9.9
Mila came out screaming (I think she was not too happy her sister was so anxious to leave their snug little home); while Ella took a second to cry, but cry she did! The NICU nurse said Ella has had her eyes open, looking around, checking out the "outside world" and moving arms and legs quite a bit. While Mila just wants to sleep! She's barely peeped an eye open.
OB was very pleased with how things went and Neonatologist said they are not necessarily sick...just need time to continue to develop and grow. They will be very limited on contact (no visitors for a while; and being in NICU there aren't the windows where you can stand outside and see them). They are in NICU 4 which is the most intensive; but as they progress and develop they will move down the hall until finally rooming in -- where Ryan and Stacee will have to stay the night with them in the hospital doing all of their care to prove they are capable of taking care of them at home.
Unfortunately, after getting one picture of Ella, their camera died so I have no pictures to share as yet but will get some posted as soon as I get some.
I'm sure we'll have more to report later; I have not spoken with the new Mommy and Daddy yet this morning and we will be at Presbyterian all day for "maintenance" of Ron's PICC.
Please pray for our sweet girls, (as well as Stacee and Ryan), as often happens preemies may develop some critical issues before they develop fully. And for Stacee's mom (Diane) as she arrives this morning...I know it was VERY HARD for her not to be here with her one and only baby girl as she had her babies. And Stacee is ready to see her Momma!
Please forgive any typos or misinformation...we arrived home at 3:30 and I'm one tired girl!
Much love!
Christie and Ron
Nana/Grammie/Hey You (not sure yet!) and Papa
Our sweet girls have arrived! Little Miss Ella Renee decided she was tired of hanging out in utero and was ready to meet her Mommy and Daddy. Stacee's water broke (just Ella's sac) Thursday evening as we were sitting at their dinner table at 8PM. After gathering packed bags, camera, video camera, phones, etc. they headed to Harris. Thankfully, Stacee's OB was there and upon examination already felt "body parts"; sonogram confirmed it was time to welcome our girls. Stacee was immediately prepped for C-section, Ryan was suited up and off they went.
Vital Stats are:
Ella Renee born at 11:15PM weighing 4 lbs 5 oz; 18 1/2 inches long
Mila Maree born at 11:17PM weighing 4 lbs 9 oz; 18 inches long
Both of our little angels are doing well for being 6 1/2 weeks premature. They are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with IV's, feeding tubes, heart monitors and on CPAP (for breathing support). It is estimated they won't go home until around their official due date (April 4).
They both came out pink with APGAR scores of:
Ella 8.9
Mila 9.9
Mila came out screaming (I think she was not too happy her sister was so anxious to leave their snug little home); while Ella took a second to cry, but cry she did! The NICU nurse said Ella has had her eyes open, looking around, checking out the "outside world" and moving arms and legs quite a bit. While Mila just wants to sleep! She's barely peeped an eye open.
OB was very pleased with how things went and Neonatologist said they are not necessarily sick...just need time to continue to develop and grow. They will be very limited on contact (no visitors for a while; and being in NICU there aren't the windows where you can stand outside and see them). They are in NICU 4 which is the most intensive; but as they progress and develop they will move down the hall until finally rooming in -- where Ryan and Stacee will have to stay the night with them in the hospital doing all of their care to prove they are capable of taking care of them at home.
Unfortunately, after getting one picture of Ella, their camera died so I have no pictures to share as yet but will get some posted as soon as I get some.
I'm sure we'll have more to report later; I have not spoken with the new Mommy and Daddy yet this morning and we will be at Presbyterian all day for "maintenance" of Ron's PICC.
Please pray for our sweet girls, (as well as Stacee and Ryan), as often happens preemies may develop some critical issues before they develop fully. And for Stacee's mom (Diane) as she arrives this morning...I know it was VERY HARD for her not to be here with her one and only baby girl as she had her babies. And Stacee is ready to see her Momma!
Please forgive any typos or misinformation...we arrived home at 3:30 and I'm one tired girl!
Much love!
Christie and Ron
Nana/Grammie/Hey You (not sure yet!) and Papa
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Long overdue!!
Sorry it's been so long since I updated...Ron's been sick, which keeps me on "high alert".
Jan 29th, Ron came down with bronchitis. Thankfully, it was caught early and we were able to treat him at home...keeping that no hospital streak going! WOO HOOO!!! We were also concerned about Stacee since we had been around them a good deal that week, including the night before Ron spiked a fever. Praise God she has not shown any signs of illness. Stacee is now at 32 weeks and doing well. Being off of work and on partial bedrest has really helped. They have a website if you'd like to check them out: www.nordellfamily.shutterfly.com
Back to Ron, as I said, we caught the bronchitis early, keeping it from developing into anything else. However, he's overall felt like crud. He has also been having a great deal of digestive issues (more-so than usual).
It seems to go in cycles like this; he'll do fairly well for a few weeks, maybe even months, at a time--and then there will be several weeks/months that are just BAD where he feels he is fighting off yakking all day, every day. It seems everything constantly backs up and sit's in his esophagus ready to come up at the slightest provocation. We haven't been able to determine a rhyme or reason to it.
I often wonder if the stress of school exacerbates things. He enjoys the classes and needs something that gives him a purpose and keeps his mind engaged; on the other hand, school is really hard for him...it's been over 30 years since he had to study and it tends to bring on alot of stress and frustration while making him even more tired.
As you can imagine, this roller coaster is very much affecting his mood. It's a catch 22...down when he has nothing to do; or down when he's so worn out from school and studying that he finally gets sick and can't do anything.
Our life is not all gloom and doom...we try to encourage Ron to get out some and he's making an effort to step out in faith and try to do a little. He attended the men's breakfast at our church in January; a few weeks ago he and Aaron went to a Mavericks game and we've had a couple of birthday celebrations (Stacee, Jan 25 and Aaron, Feb 4). He has thoroughly enjoyed each of these events but is one tired pup afterwards; and always ends up yakking, ugh. He had talked about wanting to try to start going to both church service and Sunday morning bible study; but with the setback he's had, we've not even made it to church service the last few weeks.
More to share, but I'll save it for another time, this e-mail could easily become a novel!
Thanks for standing in the gap and praying us through these difficult times.
Christie
"I have learned that pain can isolate us and cause us to feel alone in our journey, even when we have those around us who care. But a word from the Lord companions us as nothing else can...because it goes into the very marrow of our existence.
I'm surprised at how small my vision is for God. I've walked and talked with Him for years, and yet I'm still startled by His generosity and jolted by His desire to know us and be known by us. To remind us of that, He has dispersed light to give us insight, direction, protection and hope that we might consider Him and His glorious ways."
from Catching Fireflies by Patsy Clairmont
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others" 2 Cor1:4
"Delight yourself in the Almighty and look up to God...pray to Him and He will hear you" Job 22:22
Jan 29th, Ron came down with bronchitis. Thankfully, it was caught early and we were able to treat him at home...keeping that no hospital streak going! WOO HOOO!!! We were also concerned about Stacee since we had been around them a good deal that week, including the night before Ron spiked a fever. Praise God she has not shown any signs of illness. Stacee is now at 32 weeks and doing well. Being off of work and on partial bedrest has really helped. They have a website if you'd like to check them out: www.nordellfamily.shutterfly.com
Back to Ron, as I said, we caught the bronchitis early, keeping it from developing into anything else. However, he's overall felt like crud. He has also been having a great deal of digestive issues (more-so than usual).
It seems to go in cycles like this; he'll do fairly well for a few weeks, maybe even months, at a time--and then there will be several weeks/months that are just BAD where he feels he is fighting off yakking all day, every day. It seems everything constantly backs up and sit's in his esophagus ready to come up at the slightest provocation. We haven't been able to determine a rhyme or reason to it.
I often wonder if the stress of school exacerbates things. He enjoys the classes and needs something that gives him a purpose and keeps his mind engaged; on the other hand, school is really hard for him...it's been over 30 years since he had to study and it tends to bring on alot of stress and frustration while making him even more tired.
As you can imagine, this roller coaster is very much affecting his mood. It's a catch 22...down when he has nothing to do; or down when he's so worn out from school and studying that he finally gets sick and can't do anything.
Our life is not all gloom and doom...we try to encourage Ron to get out some and he's making an effort to step out in faith and try to do a little. He attended the men's breakfast at our church in January; a few weeks ago he and Aaron went to a Mavericks game and we've had a couple of birthday celebrations (Stacee, Jan 25 and Aaron, Feb 4). He has thoroughly enjoyed each of these events but is one tired pup afterwards; and always ends up yakking, ugh. He had talked about wanting to try to start going to both church service and Sunday morning bible study; but with the setback he's had, we've not even made it to church service the last few weeks.
More to share, but I'll save it for another time, this e-mail could easily become a novel!
Thanks for standing in the gap and praying us through these difficult times.
Christie
"I have learned that pain can isolate us and cause us to feel alone in our journey, even when we have those around us who care. But a word from the Lord companions us as nothing else can...because it goes into the very marrow of our existence.
I'm surprised at how small my vision is for God. I've walked and talked with Him for years, and yet I'm still startled by His generosity and jolted by His desire to know us and be known by us. To remind us of that, He has dispersed light to give us insight, direction, protection and hope that we might consider Him and His glorious ways."
from Catching Fireflies by Patsy Clairmont
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others" 2 Cor1:4
"Delight yourself in the Almighty and look up to God...pray to Him and He will hear you" Job 22:22
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