Rerouted

The day we found out we were expecting, we created a road map full of plans; everything on it has since changed. I had recently accepted a new position with the school district, a position I have worked very hard to obtain. Since I have been an exceptional planner my entire life, plans were to start the school year off right after a brief duration of maternity leave. I had already lined up the perfect child care with a former teacher who would only be keeping three babies. Everything changed in June, when Drake and Kennedy decided to meet us earlier than anticipated. We were rerouted...new plan...my maternity leave turned into an extended period, forcing me to take my FMLA benefits. Still, I was set to go back to work as soon as we were able to escape this hospital stay we we are still pushing through today. Gran would spend the weeks in Tyler taking care of the babies, while Brian and I were at work. Then came the big blow...Drake's MRI...rerouted once again. After weighing all of our options, it was with a heavy heart that I resigned my position with the school district. At this point in time I need to focus on our babies, their health, and developmental progress. We don't know where this new road will lead us, but we do know that we are doing what is right for our family.

I've grown accustom to the routine of our days here in Special Care, one seemingly merging into the next. Temperature, diaper change, and working on feedings every 3 hours. This has been our norm for several weeks now; however, today was different. Kennedy has been doing so well at meeting her minimum on feeds that they removed her feeding tube today. Now we get to see her pretty face free of tubes all of the time! They also removed her pulseox ( pulse/oxygen meter) that she has worn on her feet and wrists since day one. Every day, she is getting closer to going home; a reality that both excites and scares us.

Drake is doing better with his feeds but he does not always take his minimum of 50mL. A great deal of this has to do with his reflux which is better but still present. They are talking about trying him on straight emfamil AR tomorrow, as it is heavier and actually thickens in the stomach to help keep it down.

"The only thing constant in life is change itself!"

Pictures:
1) Daddy & Kennedy
2) Drake
3) Kennedy
4) Drake
5) Kennedy
6) Both babies