On February 2, 2012, I went into labor at 23 1/2 weeks. Our sweet Titus passed away shortly after being born. Although his death is so painful, we are often comforted by the impact he had on so many and especially on his brother's life. If you read the previous post, it explains just how brave he was, and how much Titus did in his short life. His brother Asher fought to breathe and live from the moment he came out, and today he's almost 4 days old! Every day is huge blessing!!
The NICU nurses made this announcement for Asher, and it hangs beside his bed. It brings us joy to look at it while we are in there. The nurses are so caring and loving...they have been truly amazing! We also got our first card from Asher that a nurse made, with his picture inside. We are thankful to experience small joys of parenthood like this for the first time! It seems sometimes even simple sweet gestures like that give us a feeling of normalcy.
The nurses also drape a baby blanket made by volunteers over each baby. Asher's is a Noah's Ark theme blanket and the charge nurse told us she picked that out for him because it has animals in two's on it, and Asher will always be a twin. Bryan, the nurse and I all shared a hug and a few tears in that conversation. I'm so thankful for her gentle nature. She hugs us every time she sees us. Titus was born a few minutes before Asher, and his weight was 1 lb 6oz...another evidence of God's grace..he gained more weight despite the challenges of not having fluid. It's painful to see that blanket some days and be reminded that Titus is not with us, but we also never want him too far from our minds, and we want that for Asher as well. They were together in the womb for 23 1/2 weeks, so I'm sure Asher is comforted by this blanket as well and maybe it helps him feel his brother's presence is still close.
We are so thankful that the staff and nurses are so loving! You're in our prayers and we love you!
ReplyDeleteRobin,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me, but I have been praying for you. I gave birth to my 1 lb 8 oz little girl who was due in May, in February of last year. She will be 1 in 2 weeks.:) We spent 73 days in the same NICU as you, and I spent hundreds and hundreds of hours sitting next to that incubator with my finger in her tiny hand. That NICU is amazing and we still stay in touch with several of the wonderful nurses there! Your boys are each amazing miracles in such different ways. Your strength and faith are truly inspiring. Please know that I will continue to lift your family up in prayer.
Robyn,
ReplyDeleteI am Jessica DeFeo's sister. She said that she went to high school with you. Her and Heather Matthews told me about you and your family. Just wanted to tell you that I pray for you every morning. I pray for your sweet baby boy. I keep you all in my thoughts and pray for healing. I know your faith will keep you strong through this.
Sarah DeFeo
Wow, I'm just now linking to your blog from Jana Kitts' fb page. I too had premie twins, born at 28 weeks. I will pray for you all. I know it's so hard, doing the mom thing from afar. You can do it. God is good. Count on your friends for prayer.
ReplyDeleteI am from a little town in West TX and my granddaughter was born at 27 wks and weighed 1 lb 4 oz. She spent 3 mos in the NICU in ABQ. She was in very good health, just needed to grow. She had only been home 2 weeks when she contracted bacterial meningitis and she spent another 2 weeks in the hospital. She recovered well and was home 1 month when we notice her head getting bigger. An ultrasound showed fluid in her brain. She had clogged ducts that carry fluid out of your brain that had scar tissue from the meningitis. She had brain surgery to put in a permanent shunt. She was 6 mos old-3 months adjusted. She is now 9 mos-6 mos adjusted and doing great and weighs 15 lbs 14 oz. She is such a fighter! I am so praying for Asher to continue to do well. He is a beautiful baby! Keep your faith and he will get better with God's grace.
ReplyDelete