Hello everyone...as most of you know I am the mother of a son who was just released from prison, however, the twist to the story is I found out in September I was pregnant again! After 18yrs!!! My husband and I were delighted! However, little Edmund Dayton D. Jr. was in a hurry to arrive. His due date was June 1st...but he made his grand enterance on Sunday Feb. 27th at 7:18am, weighing in at just 2lbs. 7oz. He is currently in the NICU unit at Forsyth Hospital in Winston Salem, NC, and is doing wonderful!! The dr. say there is no reason for concern (thank God for modern medicine) and that the only obstacle at this point that he will need to overcome is weight gain. We should be able to bring him home in 4-6 weeks. He is not on any medication and is breathing on his own. Any prayers/thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Of course we were not prepared for this little preemie baby and are going crazy trying to organize everything (which is easy since we really don't have anything!! LOL) As soon as I figure out how to post a picture I will do so...
Thank you all for your support and friendship...it means the world to our family!
Your friend
Lisa

Welcome to PTO Edmund Dayton D. Jr.

Congratulations mom and dad.....on both.

I am so happy he is doing so well. Much love and prayers!! How's Tony and his sister handling all this??? Are they proud as well???

Congrats! :) Welcome lil Edmund! =)

My thoughts and prayers are with you! Good luck!

awwwwww CONGRATULATIONS! I am due June 24th and don't know what I would do if he decided to come early! WOW! Good Luck with everything!

Just couldn't read your post without diving in to say brilliant news on you becoming a Mum again. I think your son will go great guns...not being ventilated, not needing CPAP and not even on oxygen ~ oh let's face it, he's just a show-off that's all! :thumbsup:

Yes my baby girl was due on September 20th and I had her on June 14th so bang on 26 weeks gestation. She was born 1lb 1oz and was just 24cm long. That was 8 months ago and as we speak is a picture of health weighing in at 16lbs, a porker!!

Anyway just wanting to reassure you that your bublet will be fine and although it's a rough journey for all involved when you get him home it will be like he's been by your side forever.


To take care and get some deposits in your sleep bank whilst he's still in NICU as Lord knows some hefty withdrawals will be done in about 8 weeks time when Master comes home. :p


Dani

Congratulations Lisa!!! I am so thrilled to hear the wonderful news about Edmund's birth-keeping Edmund and the whole family in my thoughts and prayers and can't wait to see a photo!

thanks everyone...on my way to the hospital now....will update everyone as much as I can....does anyone know how to post a pic????
Lisa

Congratulations! And welcome to PTO!

Preemie babies are hard- I had two! My twins were 2 months early but weighed in very well at 4.8 and 5.3! But still it was hard for them. They still live with some of the obstacles like lungs, and I just found out yesterday eye site!
Good luck to you and your little blessing! I know how it feels! I hope all goes well!
Kim

Good morning everyone...Little Eddie had a slight set back yesterday and was having a hard time breathing, so they put him back on a ventilaor. They took an xray of his lungs which showed some fluid build up and started antibiotics to ward off any infection. His tests all came back normal so they are thinking it's a viral infection which will just have to run it's course. He's so little weighing 2lbs. 5oz. yesterday, please pray for him....and us....
Thanks...
Your friend
Lisa

The prayers are here for you all. Congrats on the little Eddie!

Congrats to you and you family! Positive thoughts being sent your way....

Deb

Quick update...just came from the hospital after being there since around 8am...dr. says little eddie is doing well...there is a valve that is inbetween his lungs, that when you are pregnant, that valve has to stay open to allow blood to flow, when the baby is born that valve is suppose to close, little eddie's has not closed, they are going to give him medicine to hopefully close it, dr. said it works in 90% of babies, the other 10% have to have it surgically corrected...but we are hoping the medication will work and surgery won't have to be an option...again, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers....
thanks
Lisa

Congrats! Sending good thoughts to you and the new little one :)

Congratulations tonysmom!

Prayers coming your way for the new bundle of joy.. :grouphug:

Congtratulations on little Eddie's birth. I am saying a prayer that he will be just fine and I am sure he will be. Can't wait to see pictures!

Congratulations on your new baby boy! We will keep little Eddie and family in our prayers.

Lisa,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and this new baby!!

I want to offer you a story. My sister was born at about 27 weeks, she weighed a little off over 2 pounds, dropped down to one pound. My dad could hold her in his hands. SHe was so very tiny. This was in 1984. She is 20 yrs old and has been married for a little over one year. SHe graduated with honors. Has no medica/mental disabilites. The Lord watches over these little ones.

Take care of yourself.
ONE

One, thank you for the inspirational story about your sister. Those really do give us hope!! Little Eddie is doing really well today. He decided to remove his breathing tube on his own! So they put him back on the CPAP instead of incubating him again. That was earlier today and he is doing well on the CPAP, and they don't think the breathing tube will be necessary for now. His temp. has been a little instable, but doc says that is to be expected. However, his color is good and his vitals are great. Thanks for all your loving thoughts/prayers and wishes..I'm sure we will all do just great!! How could we not with all the loving support we get??
Thanks again,
Lisa

What a beautiful gift! Prayers being sent little Eddie's way (and your whole family too of course)!

Congratulations On Your Baby Boy, Prays And Happy Thoughts Are Sent You Way For You And The Family.

Congrat! Mom&Dad and may God Bless you and yours.

Thanks you guys..you know PTO has become such a huge part of my life...without all your support the last two years would have been impossible...now with tony home and the baby here, I feel as if I have a real "family"...it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you all so much for your prayers...the next month or two are going to be rough, but I know I'll make it with such good people surrounding us...
Lisa

I am glad things are going well for Little Eddie. Remember we are always here for you. BTW--check with Wal Mart (ours is a super Walmart) they often sell premie clothes.

ONE

I'm glad to hear your baby is doing good!My grandson weighed 4 lbs when born and we just had to wait for him to gain weight,he turned yellow as a punkin one day,but the billilight fixed that in short time.He is 2 years old now and ya'd never know he was a wittle bitty baby when born.

cooly

Congratulations on your baby boy! My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. You can bet God is watching over your son and I am sure everything will be fine. It won't be long before he will be home, growing up healthy and happy.:)

Quick update...the meds they put the baby on to close that valve appear to be working. His xrays this morning showed signs of improvement!! They will do another echogram on Monday to check the valve. But the dr. said if the xrays are showing improvement after just two doses of meds thats a great sign. I was able to take him out for about an hour today and just hold him...it was wonderful! All his vitals are still strong and he is opening his eyes! Thanks again for all your prayers...I can feel them from here!!
Lisa

Aww Congrats!!!! I too will pray that everything goes well.... Glad to hear we have a new PTO baby :)

Congratulations on your little one. My prayers are going up for your family and especially little Eddie. Keep us updated for sure, and just remember we are here for you. :)

Tonysmom and daddy....A new little baby...How wonderful...congrats and you are all in my prayers...God gave you two gifts your son is home and your baby will be home before you know it...Have a blessed life and many happy days to come....

Lisa...Congratulations on little Edmund. I will keep him in my prayers.

Melissa

Congratulations, Saying prayers for the sweet little baby

CONGRATULATIONS
On your new arrival Edmund Dayton D. Jr.
Wishing you and your family all the best

Keep on fighting lil Edmund, you'll soon be
running around with mummy chasing after you
for eating all of the chocolate in the house

Hi everyone...just came back from the hospital, Little Eddie is doing wonderful!! All I can keep thinking is "the power of prayer"...he had a wonderful day today, everything went right. The xray tonight showed more improvement in his lungs (which means hopefully the meds are working to close that valve.) The echo will be done tomorrow and I will let you all know as soon as I know....
Thanks so much
Lisa

My prayers are with you. Congrats!

I just wanted to say congrats on the new addition to your family!!! You have such a positive attitude towards all of this...it is truely wonderful! You and your family are in my thoughts. I hope everything continues to go well!!!!! Good luck with the echo tomorrow! You are really an inspiration...keep your head up. Hugs:p
-Jackie

Congratulations! My nephew was also a premie and I was scared to death when I saw how small he was.. my kids were all well- done, one overcooked!! :p Make sure you get plenty of rest yourself! My thoughts and prayers are with you!

OH wow....congrats honey....
My son was also in the NICU at Forsyth Medical Center....There are some really wonderful doctors there, and I am sure your son is in good hands...my son was 3 months preemie, and was only on this earth for 2 days, but for the time he was here, those doctors and nurses took good care of him....
I cant wait to see pics of your little man!
~Katie

Thanks again everyone...keeping our fingers crossed and sending up big prayers today for good results on the echo....I'll post results as soon as I get home tonight. It's amazing how reading these posts keep me going when I don't think I can "go" anymore. It's really hard not having any family, other then my husband and my children. I always imagined sharing the birth of my children with my parents (who both passed away several years ago), having the support only parents/grandparents can give...not having that is hard, emotionally. Having my children grow up without grandparents is even harder...but getting the support, comfort and friendship I have found here, helps to fill that void...i don't know if you all will ever know just how much it has helped me....
Love
Lisa

aweeeeeeee a baby suprise after 18 yrs wonderful; god will see this little man through; he sounds like a fighter; hes already a winner as hes a bonified member of pto; as chevy would say whoo hoo; bye the way anyone heard from her? i miss her posts; well take care of mom and dad cause soon you wont get a full nights sleep and god bless youall love and prayers albajo

Welcome to the family Edmund Dayton D. Jr.

Congrats mom and dad..Ill be praying for him.

My son was born 5 weeks early only 4 pounds 6 oz..now he is 5 years old stands 4 foot and 50 pounds. <im only 4'11, yes, im short>

Hi everyone...just a quick update before I head back to the hospital.. the medicine they are giving little eddie to close the PDA valve is working so we are not having to consider the surgery option. (as of today). So keep praying and crossing your fingers! Today he is doing very well...stats are all good, vitals are wonderful and he's breathing on his own still with no help...his personality is starting to show!!! He's such a beautiful little baby, but then again, I'm pretty partial!! Thanks again to all of you.
Love
Lisa

Just letting you know that I'm lurking and enjoying following Eddie's progress. Reckon he's going great to be extubated and onto CPAP.......think my daughters nose has *just* recovered from that CPAP ~ nagged them for 58 days to get it off her!

Super weight gain and thrilled that valve is sealing with the meds. They sure can take a while to regulate their own body temperature but early doors like this as least the huidicrib can do that for him. I used to call my daughters humidicrib "her perspex womb" as quite simply put, that's what it is. It's all about tricking them into thinking that they are indeed still inside us cooking and this is when they thrive.....it's one of the main reasons (in Oz anyway) they don't let you handle the baby too much.

You keep reporting in though as you have a loyal following here. I wish you well through your NICU journey and when you come out the other side intact you'll be able to look back and go "Pfffft, what was I worried about?" but I know you sure can't say that right now. :(

Chin Up and cyber kisses coming across the oceans from my little premmie girl to your little premmie boy...

Dani

Hi everyone...just wanted to update you on how little eddie is doing. I'm sorry i haven't gotten on sooner to let you all know what is going on, but we are spending every possible minute we can at the hospital. Today they transfered him to Brenner's Childrens hospital in Winston Salem, NC. He is going to have to have surgery to close the PDA valve that is still open in his heart. The dr. said this is a very common procedure in preemies and of course there are risks, afterall it is surgery on his heart. However, the risk lies only in the surgery itself. It only takes a few minutes to close the valve. The whole surgery thing has me freaked out....they will know for sure if he will need the surgery if he doesn't tolerate his feedings...they have just started them back at 1cc every 8 hours, and so far he is digesting everything they are giving him. Which the dr. says is a good sign. The reason they transfered him to another hospital is Forsyth Hospital does not perform this surgery...and they wanted him at Brenners' incase the need arose for the surgery there wouldn't be a wait in getting him there. Please continue to pray for him...he is back up to his birth weight 2lbs. 7oz. I just know he is going to be alright, even if he has to have this surgery....but please keep us in your prayer....thanks again.
Lisa

Lisa,
I have been thinking about you and your family. Ya'll are in my prayers! I know things are gonna go well, I just feel it. BTW how is Tony handling all of this?

ONE
((I cant wait to see pics)))

Lisa- I can imagine how you must be feeling right now but I am sure everything will turn out just fine. You and little Eddie are in my thoughts and prayers- please keep us posted!

Congratulation's on your new baby boy!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi everyone...well the drs. are not in any hurry to do this surgery, which is fine with me! They want to see if the valve will close on it's own, and since little eddie is breathing on his own and at this point is tolerating his feedings, they are hopeful the valve will close, it will all depend on the baby. So at this point they are just monitoring his progress. Thank you all so much for your prayers and thoughts...you will never know how much it means to us...BTW...tony is doing the whole big brother thing perfectly! He is crazy about this baby, as we all are...but there is already a special bond between him and little eddie...it's precious to see this "hard ex-con" who nothing ever bothered, who never really showed a lot of emotions, to look at this little two pound baby and just cry....miracles never stop do they??
Love
Lisa

Lisa,
I am glad things are going well. Tony crying--wow! Your family continues to be in my prayers.

Take care
ONE

Ok...I'm trying to attach little eddie's picture...hopefully it will work....
Dr. says it looks as if they will do this PDA surgery on Tuesday afternoon...I'm really nervous, but the dr. says its a simple procedure...yeah simple...wonder if he would say that if it were his two week old baby on that operating table!! Big prayers for little eddie...thanks everyone!
lisa

He is precious! Looks like he's sipping out of a straw! My prayers are with you and him ans all your family. You have been so blessed!

Oh he is precious.. I will be praying for the little guy.. He is a Sweet Miracle!

He's Beautiful! Everything will be fine sweetheart. No more Worries!!!!! Thanks for sharing your beautiful son with us!!!!

good morning everyone....they will do the echo this morning and let us know if the surgery will be done tomorrow...if it's done tomorrow it will be in the afternoon, i will keep you all posted. Thanks so much for your prayers...we sure need them!
Love
Lisa

Little Eddie is beautiful. He is gonna do fine with this surgery. Prayers are with you and your family.

ONE

Thank-you for sharing the photo of Eddie-he is such a sweetheart. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers .

hi everyone...well, little eddie is going to have his PDA surgery tomorrow (tues) at around 1:30pm. Of course I'm out of my mind at the moment...but I just know everything will be alright...it has to be. Here's pictures of my two boys...(for those of you who would like to put a face to tony!)
Love
Lisa

They are so adorable Ill be praying for your lil baby everything will be okay *hugs*

AWW...my thoughts are w/ you and Little Eddie!!!! Those are adorable pics! Thanks for sharing. I wish you the very best...it will be fine. Hugs:p
-Jackie

Great pictures! Thank you for sharing.

cooly

Well, as expected they have rescheduled little eddie's surgery for tomorrow (wed) due to an emergancy that came in today. However, I'm at the hospital now and he is resting comfortabley. Just wanted you all to know....of course his big brother Tony is here also, and refuses to leave his side until he is "out of the woods". I am truly blessed. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts...
Love
Lisa

I thank God that Tony is there for you and Eddie. Good Luck and my prayers are with you.

Hi everyone...well little eddie had his surgery at 7am this morning (wed) and is still resting comfortabley. The dr. said that he will probably just sleep until tomorrow since they had to give him more sedation then they origionally thought b/c his "central line" had to be taken out and they had to use a regular IV. But he looks great and came thru the surgery with flying colors. Drs. have no concerns or worries. He will probably be transfered back to Forsyth hospital in the next day or two. They have a breathing tube in him right now and hopefully will take that out also in the next day or two. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.
Thanks
Lisa

Awwww....poor 'lil thang. You are definitely in my prayers!! What an awesome big bro little eddie has!!! YOU GO TONY!!! Good name = good man!! I love that name, "Tony".....ha ha ha!! May God's grace be with your family!!

Love in Christ,
Megan

I am so glad that surgery went well. You are always in my prayers.

ONE

Lisa- What a relief that is over with-before you know it he will be home with his family and you will finally be able to relax a bit.Sending him lots and lots of prayers,hugs and good wishes :)

I'm really glad that prayers are being answered. We will keep praying for you and your little blessing.

Hello....little eddie is coming out of the anasthesia really well. He is currently on the vent but is being weened off slowly. He is on Fentinol to relieve pain, and hopefully he will be completely off the vent by tomorrow. He is obviously a little agitated and a little uncomfortable, but all in all is doing wonderful...
Yes, prayers are being answered...thank you so much for all of yours...
lisa

I don't know you but I read this thread and just wanted to add my congratulations. That baby is going to be fine, God didn't give you such a precious bundle after 18 years to take him back now. He has a purpose.
I can see the bond Tony has in the pic where he is looking at the camera. Encourage that bond. He is going to protect that little one from everybody and everything.

You need to relax and get rested for those 2:00 am feedings, a good time to catch up on the lullabyes and getting his nursery ready. Newborns are the closest we can come to heaven because they are so recently from there.

Cherish those boys, I'm happy for you.

Little eddie is doing WONDERFUL!! He is completely off the ventilator, breathing on his own, no CPAP or nasal canula or anything. The only tube he has in right now is his feeding tube, which they hope to ween him off of in the next day or two and start giving him a bottle. He is slowly being weened off the IV also, since the only things he is getting thru the IV is nutrients, and he is eating again, so they can possibly stop the IV soon too. He was awake and alert most of the day yesterday and of course I held him for hours and hours until the nurses had to do their assessments or I had to use the bathroom! He is such a great little baby...and I agree with Demi...they are the closest thing to heaven we can find...he is such a blessing to us...thanks again for all of your prayers...
Love
Lisa

Lisa- Such great news that Eddie is doing so well :)! Keeping you all in my thoughts and keep us posted.

WOW! more prayers being answered. Hang in there Lisa. When all this is over you can have your break down and enjoy your precious little doll. Maybe now you all can settle down to being a real family and do all the things you've been dreaming off since before Tony came home. God Bless you all.

I am glad he is progressing!! Soon he will be home and your family will be complete.

Give him a kiss from all of us at PTO!

ONE

I'm farely new here and so tonite was the first time I've ever came across your thread. As I sat hear reading from start till now, several times I just wanted to cry!! Cry for happiness, concern, improvements, pictures and so on. It's amazing how certain little things can touch one so hard!! I had a friend who delivered at 22 weeks, was told that no way possible would her baby boy live. I'm proud to say he's been with us for almost 2 years now and couldn't be doing better!! Thank you so much for sharing your story and keeping us updated. I never had a clue as to how many people I came in contact with here on PTO really, really needed my prayers. Mines with you tonite and tomorrow and the next day and the next day...........Keep us updated and stay strong. As for Tony, what a great big brother to stand by lil' one's side. That's awesome.

You know...I've gone back and reread the posts since I became a member here on PTO...and I can't believe how far my family has come over the past year and a half...it is so amazing. Blakes Girl....I agree so much with the people who need our prayers...since becoming a member here I have a new found respect for the power of prayer....since becoming a mom to a preemie, and a mom to a son who has been a part of the "system" who has had some sort of "revelation" I can't begin to express in words what prayer has done for me and my family and all the other families out there. I don't know if I was always "religious", but I now know without a doubt that I have found a new "spirituality" that I didn't know I had, and I owe that to my PTO family, my 20yr. old son, my new baby boy and of course my husband....
OK...now for the update on little eddie..I just came home from the hospital, after giving him a bath, cuddling with him for hours and telling him stories, I am happy to tell you that he is doing EXCELLENT!!! He has gained 3oz. since yesterday, they have upped his feedings to 4cc's every 3hours and he is tolerating them just fine. He is such a content little baby, loves to be held and talked to. He'll lay in my arms for hours and just look at me...it is the best feeling I've ever had (didn't I say that when Tony was released from prison early??? :) I am so blessed tonight...thank you all so much for everything I have learned here, every journey I have been on, every prayer each of you have sent my way....thank you thank you thank you..
Lisa

Aww...Lisa I just wanted to say that I am SOO happy that Little Eddie is doing EXCELLENT!! I hope that God continues to bless you and your family...I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts. I wish you the very best! Hugs:p
-Jackie

He sounds like he's going great guns which is stupendious. This is a poem a girlfriend sent me when I had my little one at 26 weeks.....I've come out the other side with a mega-healthy little 9 month old now, and I'm sure you too will be rewarded with the same.


The Special Mother
Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year thousands of mothers will give birth to a premature baby. Did you ever wonder how mothers of preemies are chosen?

Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

“Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew.
“Forest, Majorie, daughter. Patron saint, Ceceila.
“Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint... give her Gerard. He’s used to profanity.

Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, “Give her a premature baby.”
The angel is curious. “Why this one, God? She’s so happy.”

“Exactly, “ smiles God. “Could I give a premature baby a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel.”

“But does she have patience?” asks the angel.
“I don’t want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she’ll handle it.

“I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence that are so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I’m going to give her has his own world. She has to make it live in her world and that’s not going to be easy.”

“But, Lord, I don’t think she even believes in you.”
God smiles, “No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness.”

The angel gasps, “Selfishness? Is that a virtue?”
God nods. “If she can’t separate herself from the child occasionally, she’ll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child who comes in a less than perfect way. She doesn’t realize it yet, but she is to be envied.

“She will never take for granted a spoken word. She will never consider a step ordinary. When her child says ‘Mommy’ for the first time, she will be witness to a miracle and know it. When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations.

“I will permit her to see clearly the things I see - ignorance, cruelty, prejudice - and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side.”

“And what about her patron saint?” asks the angel, the pen poised in mid-air.

God smiles. “A mirror will suffice.”


-Adapted from
Erma Bombeck
Motherhood The Second Oldest Profession


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Take Care and keep those photos coming!!

Dani from Sydney! xxx

dani, wow, that made me cry! (although everything makes me cry nowadays!) Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I've printed it out and am taking it to the hospital to hang on eddie's bed. They moved eddie to the intermediate nursary now (he's a big boy!) He is still doing wonderful and making great progress. He is truly my little fighter. I'll keep you all updated and get the rest of the pictures scanned in the next day or two and post them. Thanks so much.
Lisa

Ok..i'm trying to download some pictures of little eddie smiling! These were taken just before his surgery last week, he still had all his tubes and stuff, now he only has his breathing tube and one IV. I hope you like them.
Lisa

Lovin' those pics and majorly taking me for a walk down memory lane. Glad you liked that poem and I way hear you on the "I cry at everything" comment, us Mum's are hopeless hey?

Sending mega-positive vibes over the ocean and it really does sound like he's going great guns. Keep those pics rolling in as he's just utterly divine!

Popped in a couple of my Miss Mackenzie to show you just how quickly they come on. First pic was Day 2 and second pic was her at 8 months (actual) ~ now I want to know where the last 8 months have gone?! LOL She's sure come a long way from 1lb 1oz as will your little Eddie.


Take Care,

Dani

Congrats :yay: ! I am sure your baby will be home in no time... :D My prayers are with you all!

Dani....WHAT A LITTLE HEART BREAKER!!! She is beautiful!!! I can't wait for eddie to come home! He's doing wonderful today. I spent twelve hours at the hospital today, came home to clean up a little, eat some dinner, change clothes and I'll go back in a little while. I just love when he looks at me. I'll keep you all posted. Love you all tons.
Lisa

I am so happy little Eddie is doing so well. He will be home in no time. And Dani, your baby is beautiful. Those little ones catch up so fast!

Glad you had a good stint at the hospital with your boy, keeps you sane hey? Was just wondering.....I would like to post a little gift from my Mackenzie to your Eddie ~ would that be OK? How long do you anticipate him being in hospital for as I'll just send it to the NICU dept. at the hospital he's being cared for by marked to his attention, I'm sure they would just leave it by his cot for collection???

Anyway glad you're enjoying your time with him as some days you think it's the best thing you ever did just staying there for hours on end and other days you are just so over it all aren't you and wind up in knots all too easily.

Sending those positive vibes Eddie's way and you tell him to keep chubbing up and making his Mama & Papa & Big Brother happy as that's the name of the game most definitely. What is he weighing now? Are you pumping for him or is he on TPN? I remember being sooooooooooooo wrapped when my daughter was on all suck feeds so I could give that wretched pump back to the damn hire place - was sick to bloomin' death of the wretched thing. Grrrrrrrrrr.

You make sure you look after you through all of this though won't you? All too easy to worry about all your boys and put yourself in Number 4 spot and that's not on. Without you in tip-top health you in turn won't be able to care for all of them (specifically Eddie) and then you'll kick yourself for letting yourself get too run down. Just take time to pull back and ensure you are eating right and all that boring old tosh, you'll feel all the better for it even though you won't feel like being all diciplined about it all.

Can't wait for another update and pm me should you wish to chat off the boards won't you? I have a bunch of cyber-girlfriends I leant on ENORMOUSLY with my little one in NICU for 4 months and I couldn't have done it without them, I felt like such a daft fool all the time as I never knew what was going on or more to the point understand what was happening ~ they sure did! Phew!


Best fly - bedtime down this neck of the woods......no doubt you're heading into the hospital by now so please take care and give that darling boy of yours a kiss from his friend Mackenzie DownUnder k?


Dani

Great pics-thanks for sharing. In the last pic he looks like a little man laying there smiling at the camera!! Isnt GOD wonderful?

Sending lots of prayers to you and your family.
ONE

Thank you all so much for your continuted prayers and thoughts. Dani...yes, it would be fine to send something to Eddie, however we're not sure how long he will be in the hospital, so I'll pm you my address. Things are a little hectic as I am off to pick up Tony's best friend from the airport, he's coming home from Iraq after being there for almost two years. so i will write more tomorrow!! Happy Easter everyone!!

Hello again!! Well little eddie is up to 2lbs 12.5oz!! He is coming off all his IV stuff tonight and they have fortified his breast milk and he is taking 22cc's every 3 hours. He had his picture taken with the easter bunny at the hospital and as soon as I can get it scanned tomorrow I will post it!! It's so cute! Someone at the hospital left me a bag of preemie clothes tonight, along with a little blanket and a note signed "a friend". Lord knows I needed them!! Preemie clothes are so hard to find (and even if I could find them money is so tight right now!!!) Prayers are being answered in abundance...I know I sound like a broken record, but thank you for all the prayers and thoughts you are all sending our way!!
Yes Dani, at this point he is not nipple feeding yet, and they are just feeding him thru the feeding tube, so I am pumping...and I too hate that blasted pump!! A friend of mine did buy me a portable electric one to take to work with me, which has been a God-send!! I spent most of the day at the hospital today, and I did come home and take a nap, which was desperately needed...but of course woke up and went right back, just so I could hold him and snuggle him for a few hours....it is the highlight of my days.
We're still not sure how long he will be in the hospital for, we are shooting for May 1st...and if it's before that it will be a nice surprise! He is doing so good. I'll keep you all updated. I truly love you guys...you have been a source of strength for me during this time, and of course the time my son TOny was incarcerated....(he is doing wonderful also!!)
Lisa

congrats on eddie and good luck. i have had 2 nephews and 1 neice born premmie and they did really good. all 4 of my kids were big. prayers goin out to you and your family

Lisa,
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking about you and your family. I hope things are going well.

Take care
ONE

Congratulations Lisa!!! Welcome to PTO Lil one

Whew...I apologize for being so late in updating everyone...everything is happening so quickly that my head is spinning! First off let me say that Tony (my oldest who was released from prison in January) is doing WONDERFUL, still working full time, spending time with his baby brother and trying to keep his sister out of trouble (which is a full time job in itself!). The baby is progressing as expected. He now weighs 3lbs. 6.7 oz and is taking 1oz of breast milk every other feeding. (still getting every other feeding thru his feeding tube.) He should be able to move into a regular crib in the next couple of days and the drs. think he should be home by the end of the month. He has had no setbacks in the last couple of weeks, and is steadily gaining weight and making good progress. I want to thank all of you who sent prayers, wishes (and even gifts!!). Not one of them went unheard (or unused!!!) You guys are the best.
Love
Lisa

LIsa,
I have been so worried about you!!! I am glad things are progressing- and his weight is wonderful!!!!

Keep us updated and we would love more pics!!

ONE

Hi everyone! Well Eddie Jr. is weighing in today at 3lbs. 10oz. and is finally taking all his feedings from a bottle (NO MORE FEEDING TUBE!!) They will move him to an open crib (out of the isolette) in the next day or two. Then we are home free...looks like once they move him to a crib, it'll be about a week before he comes home!!! He is growing by leaps and bounds, and is doing just wonderful. Everyone else is doing wonderful also...including his big brother tony!! Love to you all...
Lisa

Lisa,

Little Eddie is downright edible ! lol

There is a magic about babies that bring out your fiercest protective streak. the way their eyes cross and they can't lift their heads, and that smell, they have all the power in the world in their helplessness. I was happy to read big brother is still bonding with him.

I'm also glad he has stuck at his job. It isn't where he has been but where he is going and it looks like he is going to be alright. Now, DO get some rest and try to be in the best physical and mental shape possible for this little man's homecoming. I remember the middle of the night feedings. I went in the kitchen to make the bottle one night and I was still half asleep. I didn't realize what I was doing until I saw I had just put two scoops of enfamil in the coffee filter basket. lol

Lisa,
I am glad things are going well. I cant wait to hear about all the late night-early morning feedings you are doing!!! Post us some new pics when he gets into his "big boy bed".

God is Good!

ONE

Hi everyone...these pictures were taken on Wed. when Eddie had his feeding tube removed. He's weighing in at 3lbs. 13oz tonight. Talk to you all soon!
Lisa

Im glad everything went well. Give him a hug for me. :) Congrats :)

OMG!!! He's beautiful!!! :D What a precious little boy!!!

what a wonderful gift from god; hes just awesome love an prayers albajo

Hi everyone...well we've had our first major setback...Eddie jr. was scheduled to come home on thursday but now that has been changed. He was eating at 3am and his heartrate dropped to in the 50's (normal is between 100-200). It is possible that he was having some reflux at the time but better safe then sorry....so he is going to be in the hospital for at least another week. However, he is up to 4lbs. 1oz as of today and maintaing his body temp. Thank you for all your continued prayers and thoughts. They are all appreciated..
Love
Lisa

Hi everyone...well we've had our first major setback...Eddie jr. was scheduled to come home on thursday but now that has been changed. He was eating at 3am and his heartrate dropped to in the 50's (normal is between 100-200). It is possible that he was having some reflux at the time but better safe then sorry....so he is going to be in the hospital for at least another week. However, he is up to 4lbs. 1oz as of today and maintaing his body temp. Thank you for all your continued prayers and thoughts. They are all appreciated..
Love
Lisa



Lisa,

I was wondering how little Eddie is doing now.

Hi everyone....well...Little Eddie is home now! He was discharged on wed. afternoon, and is doing fabulous! He weighs almost 5lbs. and is eating like a champ. That first night home I sure did miss those nurses!!! He wakes up every two-three hours to eat play and poop...not necessarily in that order! But I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family to help me out. Because lord knows I couldn't do this by myself...ok...well maybe...but it sure is nice to have the help. Thanks for checking in...I'll post new pictures soon...love you guys.
Love
Lisa

Now your family is complete! I am glad things are going well.

Take care
ONE

Wonderful news Lisa- can't wait to see the photos- sending big, big hug to Eddie!

Thanks for the updae. Sounds Great!

I wish they could stay that size longer - so precious!! Enjoy every minute . I'm happy for you and your whole family. Maybe the worst is behind you all.

Well as you can imagine, we've been very busy....everything is wonderful....wanted to post a few pictures from last week...he weighs almost 6lbs now
love
lisa

OH my goodness, He is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute. (((((((((hugs)))))))))))))) Good luck with him.

Thanks Donald & Tammy! We think he's pretty cute too! Ok...now that I have a few minutes to spare (they are very rare right now!) I want to thank all of you for your continued prayers and support thru this time in our lives...you were all there for me when Tony was locked up, when he got out, when his friends got in trouble, when he got in trouble...now you have been there for me thru the birth of my premature baby who had been in the hospital for two months, finally came home and is now doing wonderful...now both my sons are home and thriving...and I owe my sanity to you guys...without you I wouldn't have been as strong as I was...thank you all so much, from the bottom of my heart...my boys thank you too...I love you guys.
Love
Lisa

Hes beautiful!! And growing!!!! I pray that things continue to go well for you and your family.

Take care and never forget us who are still waiting.....
ONE

One...how could i ever forget those of you who are still waiting? I would still be waiting if it wasn't for the guidance, advice and insight I got from this site...I will be forever indebted...and forever a part of....and always praying for those still waiting...
Love
Lisa

Hello everyone!! Just a quick note to let you all know that Eddie Jr. is up to 12lbs. now, and will be 6 months old on the 27th of August! It's been a struggle, but only positiveness lies ahead!! He has learned to roll over and giggle and smile and the drs. say he is perfect. There is nothing at all wrong with him!! He's my little angel! I'll get some more pictures downloaded asap. Thank you all for still asking about him. Love, prayers, kisses & hugs to all.
Lisa