We're home!

WE ARE HOME!!

November 4, 2012- April 17, 2013: 5 months, 2 weeks {166 days}
November 28, 2012- April 17, 2013: 4 months, 3 weeks {142 days} 

Angela (our surrogate) was admitted on Nov. 4 and I went to live with her, in the hospital; 24 days later, Caroline & Savannah Blake, were born. They were 28 weeks gestation and weighed 2 lbs, 5 oz & 1 lb, 11 oz, respectively. At 7 days of life, Caroline was diagnosed with a grade 3 brain hemorrhage. After two brain surgeries, she is developing along side her sister and is doing amazing. After struggling with eating, both girls received g-tubes (feeding tubes) on April 5th. 

We live in Dayton, Ohio & the girls were born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-- my husband, Greg, worked while I stayed with our girls in the nicu. On January 7th, they were transferred "closer to home" in Columbus, Ohio, about an hour from Dayton. Greg visited me and our girls on Fridays (after work) & Sundays. 

On January 8th, Greg was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. He goes to dialysis 3x a week for 5 hours at a time. Last week, we learned that he has a blood disorder which prohibits him from continuing hemo (blood)-dyalysis. On May 2nd, he will have surgery for a home-dialysis catheter to be placed. The home dialysis will require him to stay connected to the machine anywhere from 9-12 hrs. Unfortunately, while connected, he is unable to move around. He will most likely complete his dialysis while he sleeps but since he works first shift (6:30-3:30), he may have to start his treatment as early as 4:30 pm, everyday. *he hopes to find out more at tomorrow's dialysis*

We have been to 4 different NICUs, 3 different hospitals, and 7 different hospital rooms. But, that's all behind us now; our girls are healthy, happy, and awe-inspiring. We are home & can finally be together as a family!!! 

To say that the last five months have been life changing is an understatement. I have learned that there is more to life than myself: as parents, it's our responsibility to teach the world to our kids. I was born to be a mother & a wife; it's all I've ever wanted to do. I've been blessed with the most amazing family anyone could pray/wish/hope for. The past five months have deepened my marriage, strengthened my faith, brought me closer to friends & family, and awakened a sense of purpose in my life.

G-tube kiddos

Caroline & Blake had g-tubes placed last Friday. If you haven't already, please read, momma's rant, which explains the trouble our girls have with eating. Because of these issues, everyone felt g-tubes were necessary. 

Outsiders, & [maybe] other NICU parents, are unclear about what a g-tube is and how it works. A g-tube (gastronomy tube) is a flexible tube that is surgically inserted through the abdomen and delivers nutrition directly into the stomach.

I understand family & friends being uncertain about visiting the girls because of their g-tubes. It's important to know that our girls are not sick. The g-tubes were placed because of a developmental, not medical, problem. Once discharged, our girls will require no medical attention aside from regularly scheduled pediatric/neurology appointments & developmental clinics. Nevertheless, we will never ask anyone without proper training to operate the pump, or do anything associated with the girls' g-tubes and/or their feeding. 

When our girls are home, and settled, we are more than happy to have visitors! Please don't hesitate to tell us if the g-tubes make you uncomfortable; it's easy to schedule visiting hours when the girls are not eating. During those times (which is most of the day), the g-tube lies against their skin, inside the onesie, and out of the way.