Yes, today is Sunday, September 30th, and it is the day before the first day of Week 28!! Why is tomorrow so special? Well, because almost 10 weeks ago, we never thought we would get to be in the place that we are today which is the actual chance to have at least one of our babies! So, tomorrow, October 1st, marks Week 28---one of the biggest goals--if not THE biggest goals that we needed to accomplish! Tomorrow marks the day that we have "won" the game--but will still have plenty of time on the clock to keep adding points to our score!
Ok, let us take you back to a few appointments to catch you up. We went to the doctor during Week 26--Thursday, September 20th. We were expecting a perfect appointment like our others, but we got a little discouraging news. Miller's fluids had dropped down significantly enough to cause concern. However, there was nothing that we could do. He had to do it all on his own. Well, he must have felt his mommy worry--because between Dr. Berry and Dr. Uribe's office--he went from a 4 to an 8 to a 15 in his fluid level. Dr. Uribe and Julie said that when they do sonograms, it is just a quick snap shot and a times, they may reflect the lower levels.
Well, we had to go back in to see Dr. Berry last week to double check on our little guy and make sure all things were ok with him. In the meantime, between Week 26 and Week 27---Miller decided that he wanted to see his Aunt Julie--thus gave us another minor scare. Sweet Julie came and picked me up on Saturday to take me to the doctor's office and make sure all things were fine, and of course, they were!
Next, we had to go back this past Thursday to double check Miller's levels again. It was a quick appointment because all things were fine and his fluids were at a 14. (Normal range is 8 to 24) So back to normal---and also learned that we get to take another round of steroid shots on Monday and Tuesday---then again when we make it to week 32. These shots do inflict more pain than most--but to get to week 28 is a miracle and all miracles seem to come after experiencing some type of pain.
So, that brings you up to now.....all is good. No, all is great for the Delo household. Tomorrow is the offical day that we "win the game" but we still need to keep playing the "big game" until there is no more time on the clock. We just want to add more points to insure that the game is won by the biggest margin possible to give Miller the best chance possible to live a full and happy life!
Though Dana is getting tired of being on bedrest, we know we only have 8 weeks more to go before we get to hold our Miracle Miller. In the scheme of things--8 weeks will be easier than the last 10. We are just so blessed to get where we are--thus it makes it that much easier too!
As always--thank you for your continued support and prayers! We could have never gotten this far without each and everyone of you--our friends, family and our new found friends we may never get a chance to meet.
Peace and Love to all!
Dana, Matt and Miracle Miller
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Kindness of Strangers
Week 25 and 6 days---and still going strong thanks to the kindess of strangers. We keep looking towards our next goal of 28 weeks and it seems so far away from today. However, when you look back--7 weeks ago seems like an eternity and we were just praying to get where we currently are. We are truly blessed.
When we look back, we see so many acts of kindess from family, friends and from those we have never met. It is the kindess of strangers that is truly amazing gifts from God. Some of these strangers have come into our lives just at the "right time." We know that we have new friends that have already taught us how to be more loving and selfless just as they are.
Though they truly weren't the complete definition of "strangers", our friends, the People's have become just that---good friends that we will have in our lives for as long as they can stand us. They have shown us that miracles do happen as we have learned with their little boy---Miller. (Yes--their little boy was born at 27 weeks and I believe that he went home right before we lost Lawton.) Soon after they learned of our situation--both Danny and Stephanie contacted us to let us know that they were praying for us. Their heartfelt kindness and compassion, as well as their empathy has helped us especially since they had just experienced the stress of what we were facing.
Well, we are happy to report that their Miller is now 11 pounds big and still growing like a champ! We are now thinking that strength, courage and hope must be the "definition" of the name Miller--because we have a great role model in Miller Lee Peoples. We look forward to introducing the boys to each other one day soon (not too soon b/c Miller DeLo still has lots of growing to do.)
As for a true "stranger", by definition, that has reached out to us recently was a girl that has experienced the exact same situation as we are experiencing. Her name is Carol and we will just keep it at that to respect her privacy. Our paths crossed when a friend of ours, Christy, told us about her friend Jessica's sister-in-law who had the same "story" as ours--or so she thought. Christy sent us the link to Carol's blog--and I read it---and sure enough, it was as if we had found a needle in the haystack--her situation was identical to ours with the exception that she was expecting twin girls. Another needle in the haystack--she was 1 of the other 2 women in which Dr.Berry had performed the emergent cerclage on. (I am #3.) I am happy to report that she had her daughter Sophia during week 31 1/2 and Miss Sophia only had to spend 3 1/2 weeks in the hospital. This week, sweet Carol brought her daughter over to our house to meet us. It was an amazing experience to hold little Sophia and feel the renewed hope/strength that bed rest can sap out of you at times. This little girl (and her sweet mom) did so much for our spirits in their short visit. Thank you so much to Carol and Sophia! Today, she is 12 weeks old and weighs a little over 8 pounds. A true miracle!
Other moments of enlightenment and truth came in the from another "stranger" who is Randy from Promiseland Church. I remember Susie, my sister-in-law, telling me that Robin (Susie's sister) was going to send her pastor to come by and see me. Robin had told him about our situation and he wanted to see what he could do to help.
Randy did come by the hospital on the first day and I talked with him briefly. I honestly don’t know what I told him and I can’t tell you what he told me verbatim—but I can tell you that he came at a time when I was at the lowest place I had ever been before in my life. I kept praying to God to ask him for some comfort---and then God sent me Randy who had the most compassionate presence about him. I remember feeling so loved and cared for by someone I had never met before. I remember that he was a beacon of light in a very dark time of my life. I felt comforted that he came by to see me and that he offered his prayers for my babies and me.
I vaguely recall that he did come by again on the day that Lawton was taken from me physically and the same day that God gave Miller the courage and strength to continue the fight. I didn’t see Randy that day because it was too soon after my surgery and I was rather incoherent. However, Randy did speak with my family and said that he was going to continue to keep us in his prayers. Soon after Randy had been there “that day” and after it had registered in my mind that he had been there, I realized that he had shown me the comfort and strength of God’s love through his prayers. I was overwhelmed with this incredible calming feeling in a very volatile situation. I attribute this to many factors but the one underlying factor that has most moved me is the power of prayer—especially from strangers and my new-found friend, Randy.
Soon after my family had met Randy….Susie, my brother and his family went to Promiseland. As they were sitting there, they heard our name being included in the prayer list for that day. My brother quickly called me after church and told me about this. Matt and I were so touched that we were being included in the congregation’s prayers.
Each day since then, we keep hearing about more people praying for us—people we have never met—people who had heard about our need for prayer through their family, friends and the internet. We have been mentioned in several churches on Sundays--which is a true comfort to us. It is amazing to see God’s love in all aspects of life! It is truly one of many miracles we have seen. It is incredible to know that God always loves us and is always with us no matter what we may be facing in life. It is amazing to see the kindess of strangers.
Tomorrow starts Week 26 and we will have our doctors' appointments on Thursday-September 20th. We know that we are going to get some great news about how big Miller is growing! We can't believe that in a few short weeks--10 or a little less--that we are going to hold our Miracle in our arms! All of the prayers of ours, our family, our friends and our new friends who were once "strangers" are going to come true! We are truly, truly blessed in so many ways!
Peace and love to you all!
Dana, Matt and MM
When we look back, we see so many acts of kindess from family, friends and from those we have never met. It is the kindess of strangers that is truly amazing gifts from God. Some of these strangers have come into our lives just at the "right time." We know that we have new friends that have already taught us how to be more loving and selfless just as they are.
Though they truly weren't the complete definition of "strangers", our friends, the People's have become just that---good friends that we will have in our lives for as long as they can stand us. They have shown us that miracles do happen as we have learned with their little boy---Miller. (Yes--their little boy was born at 27 weeks and I believe that he went home right before we lost Lawton.) Soon after they learned of our situation--both Danny and Stephanie contacted us to let us know that they were praying for us. Their heartfelt kindness and compassion, as well as their empathy has helped us especially since they had just experienced the stress of what we were facing.
Well, we are happy to report that their Miller is now 11 pounds big and still growing like a champ! We are now thinking that strength, courage and hope must be the "definition" of the name Miller--because we have a great role model in Miller Lee Peoples. We look forward to introducing the boys to each other one day soon (not too soon b/c Miller DeLo still has lots of growing to do.)
As for a true "stranger", by definition, that has reached out to us recently was a girl that has experienced the exact same situation as we are experiencing. Her name is Carol and we will just keep it at that to respect her privacy. Our paths crossed when a friend of ours, Christy, told us about her friend Jessica's sister-in-law who had the same "story" as ours--or so she thought. Christy sent us the link to Carol's blog--and I read it---and sure enough, it was as if we had found a needle in the haystack--her situation was identical to ours with the exception that she was expecting twin girls. Another needle in the haystack--she was 1 of the other 2 women in which Dr.Berry had performed the emergent cerclage on. (I am #3.) I am happy to report that she had her daughter Sophia during week 31 1/2 and Miss Sophia only had to spend 3 1/2 weeks in the hospital. This week, sweet Carol brought her daughter over to our house to meet us. It was an amazing experience to hold little Sophia and feel the renewed hope/strength that bed rest can sap out of you at times. This little girl (and her sweet mom) did so much for our spirits in their short visit. Thank you so much to Carol and Sophia! Today, she is 12 weeks old and weighs a little over 8 pounds. A true miracle!
Other moments of enlightenment and truth came in the from another "stranger" who is Randy from Promiseland Church. I remember Susie, my sister-in-law, telling me that Robin (Susie's sister) was going to send her pastor to come by and see me. Robin had told him about our situation and he wanted to see what he could do to help.
Randy did come by the hospital on the first day and I talked with him briefly. I honestly don’t know what I told him and I can’t tell you what he told me verbatim—but I can tell you that he came at a time when I was at the lowest place I had ever been before in my life. I kept praying to God to ask him for some comfort---and then God sent me Randy who had the most compassionate presence about him. I remember feeling so loved and cared for by someone I had never met before. I remember that he was a beacon of light in a very dark time of my life. I felt comforted that he came by to see me and that he offered his prayers for my babies and me.
I vaguely recall that he did come by again on the day that Lawton was taken from me physically and the same day that God gave Miller the courage and strength to continue the fight. I didn’t see Randy that day because it was too soon after my surgery and I was rather incoherent. However, Randy did speak with my family and said that he was going to continue to keep us in his prayers. Soon after Randy had been there “that day” and after it had registered in my mind that he had been there, I realized that he had shown me the comfort and strength of God’s love through his prayers. I was overwhelmed with this incredible calming feeling in a very volatile situation. I attribute this to many factors but the one underlying factor that has most moved me is the power of prayer—especially from strangers and my new-found friend, Randy.
Soon after my family had met Randy….Susie, my brother and his family went to Promiseland. As they were sitting there, they heard our name being included in the prayer list for that day. My brother quickly called me after church and told me about this. Matt and I were so touched that we were being included in the congregation’s prayers.
Each day since then, we keep hearing about more people praying for us—people we have never met—people who had heard about our need for prayer through their family, friends and the internet. We have been mentioned in several churches on Sundays--which is a true comfort to us. It is amazing to see God’s love in all aspects of life! It is truly one of many miracles we have seen. It is incredible to know that God always loves us and is always with us no matter what we may be facing in life. It is amazing to see the kindess of strangers.
Tomorrow starts Week 26 and we will have our doctors' appointments on Thursday-September 20th. We know that we are going to get some great news about how big Miller is growing! We can't believe that in a few short weeks--10 or a little less--that we are going to hold our Miracle in our arms! All of the prayers of ours, our family, our friends and our new friends who were once "strangers" are going to come true! We are truly, truly blessed in so many ways!
Peace and love to you all!
Dana, Matt and MM
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Team Miracle Miller vs. the Other Guys
Currently, it is the end of the 3rd quarter and Team MM has finally pulled ahead and looking to post a win with only 1 more quarter to go. As of Tuesday when we went to the doctors' offices, we were at 24 weeks and 1 day. Dr. Berry and Dr. Uribe were very pleased with what they saw! Here are a few stats:
- Miller weighs approximately 1 pound and 7 ounces
- He is the size of a small loaf of bread from head to butt
- His fluid levels (the amniotic fluids) were 18.4 and the doctors want it be between 6 and 24.
- Once again, we heard--looks like a normal, singleton pregnancy. (ain't nothing normal about this pregnancy.)
- His heartbeat ranged from 155-161
- He still likes to get his picture taken and always starts with a "flash" of his privates to the camera first. (pretty funny)
So, after the initial appointment with Dr. Berry--it was suggested that we go on a steroid plan which involves 2 intramuscular shots. After we had taken (read: me/Dana) so many fertility shots to even get pregnant and to be where we are today---we thought it would be fairly easy to take. Matt was trying to convince the nurse to let him give it to me! (Thanks honey--but no thanks!) This shot was quite different because it was HUGE, burned like no other thing I have experienced (so far), and it lasted forever. I guess it seemed like it lasted forever because Matt was doing a "play by play" for me--such as "the needle is huge...is that a 18 gauge needle? and ok, honey--we are almost 1/2 done. It was funny though at the end of the first shot yesterday..and I had to go back in today for the second round. My poor brother had to take me today so I made him come in and let me squeeze his hand while I was getting the shot. I promised to not squeeze his hand so hard as to ruin his golf game. :)
As a refresher for you--these steroid shots will help Miller develop his lungs and membranes in his brain quicker. It will put him ahead by 2 weeks! This is huge for a premie if he decides to come before 36 weeks. So our next goal is to get the little guy to week 28--where his chances of survival without any major complications goes up by 50%! So, once we hit week 28, that will be the middle of the 4th quarter--and Team Miracle Miller will be winning the game without doubt. If we make it to week 34, then we are pounding our opponents--and by week 36, it will be a slaughter of a game with Team Miracle Miller beating the odds/competition decisively and by a HUGE margin! :)
During this whole experience/football game, we have experienced ups/downs, good/bad, positive/negative, sadness/rejoice, and every other emotion that can be felt. I surely thought we had felt them all by now--but after seeing the doctors yesterday--I was feeling that they just told me that I was pregnant for the first time again. I felt a true sense of "inspiration" and "hope" again! It was an incredible feeling but as strange as it sounds--I also found myself with a rather high anxiety level knowing that our child will be here soon. Anxiety because I find myself questioning if I am going to be a good mom (no doubt that Matt will be a GREAT dad), what do I do when he cries, how do I change a diaper properly and everything else that a first time mom questions prior to giving birth. Not too many get to experience the wonderful feelings that you get when you hear that after you have tried for so long to get pregnant--that you actually are--then to have that same great "you are truly pregnant" feelings re-occur again, it is truly a miracle. (Hard to explain this to men--but I am sure the women understand it).
We have been blessed with so many things throughout our pregnancy: getting pregnant (finally), blessed with twins, Baby Lawton becoming our angel in Heaven, MM being tough enough to fight it out to week 24 (and beyond), feeling truly pregnant again and realizing that our goal is within our reach.
Though the game is not over yet, the players are all healthy, tough and playing their little hearts out, the family and friends are cheering/praying for us so loudly that we are constantly inspired and strengthened more to win this game!
Peace and Love to all--
Dana, Matt and Miracle Miller
Monday, September 3, 2007
Happy "Non-Labor" Day
Today is Monday, September 3rd. Matt and I have decided to rename this holiday as "non-Labor" Day in honor of our little Miracle Miller! Today is also week 24---one of our many goals to hit...and we are all so happy to be here, though it was not without a few uneasy moments.
Sunday proved to be a more difficult day than others--mainly because I was having a few contractions more so than I had been having in the past. Well, Dr. Delorenzo (Matt) figured out that I had not been drinking enough water--thus this tends to increase the contractions. I guess this is Miller's way of telling me that he is very thirsty and to drink more. He obviously is working up a sweat by all of the moving and kicking he has been doing. (It is the greatest feeling I have ever experienced too) By the end of the day, I was doing great!
So, with this said...Happy "Non-Labor" Day to everyone! We hope that you get a chance to spend it with the people you love! We will be adding another blog update tomorrow because we get to go see Dr.Berry and Dr. Uribe--(my 2nd time out of the house since I have been home.) We know that they will be pleased with our progress!
Peace and love to you all!
Dana, Matt and MM
Sunday proved to be a more difficult day than others--mainly because I was having a few contractions more so than I had been having in the past. Well, Dr. Delorenzo (Matt) figured out that I had not been drinking enough water--thus this tends to increase the contractions. I guess this is Miller's way of telling me that he is very thirsty and to drink more. He obviously is working up a sweat by all of the moving and kicking he has been doing. (It is the greatest feeling I have ever experienced too) By the end of the day, I was doing great!
So, with this said...Happy "Non-Labor" Day to everyone! We hope that you get a chance to spend it with the people you love! We will be adding another blog update tomorrow because we get to go see Dr.Berry and Dr. Uribe--(my 2nd time out of the house since I have been home.) We know that they will be pleased with our progress!
Peace and love to you all!
Dana, Matt and MM
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)