Molly Update

Well, we got the test results back from the her last labs and chest film. Her bi/carb, which I can only explain as having to do with how well she is ventilating, was 27. 28 is abnormal, so that, combined with a chest film that looked not as clear as the doc wanted, earned us a top spot on the swallow study schedule. However, Children's is booked out over two months so we will be heading to Valley in Renton to complete the test. Fortunately, the gal who administers them at Valley also works part time at Children's and was present at Molly's last test. So, she should have some recollection of her. I mean, who can forget a face like Molly's? We also started her on Pediasure just today to help boost her calories a bit and hopefully result in increased weight gain. She's been struggling a bit to keep her feeds down so I've been reducing the volume and feeding her more frequently. I was also advised to only feed her with a bottle if she is wide awake, so NG only at night. Hopefully, this ugly virus will skadaddle soon and we can start the road back to where she was before. Her weight today was 12 lb. 14 oz, which the doc was happy about since it was up a few ounces from her visit last week. Other than that, nothing else has changed. We have to wait and see what she does weight wise after NG comes back out. I just know that I cannot do that to her anymore. It's heartbreaking to see her look so sad and broken because of the trauma we put her through. When she wasn't as cognitively aware, it was much easier to accept! So, pray for Molly to be strong and grow big!

Thanks everyone :-)

Pantry Play

So, this is what my naughty children do when my back is turned!

Apparently Hailey thinks she is ready for bubble gum! Not likely, as Megan didn't chew gum until she 4, almost 5!
He tries to look innocent!
I definitely have double the trouble here! Wait till Molly gets in the mix! Yikes!

To Those Who Are a Friend

"A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out."
-Anon.

"Friends are treasures."

-Horace Bruns

This are two of the quotes I came across during my search and I really liked them both. Through this chaotic journey that my family has been on, I've had the opportunity to realize what a true friend is.

• When things are rough, a real friend doesn't ask "What can I do?" A real friend just does.
• When things are great, a real friend celebrates with you even if he or she doesn't understand the joy you are feeling.
• When you need help but won't ask, a real friend knows and steps up.
• When things are sad, a real friend doesn't expect you to cry, but sticks around just in case.
• When things are busy, a real friend makes the phone call for you instead of waiting for it to happen.
• And, when you have three medically fragile babies that keep you homebound, a real friend doesn't move on, but instead brings the friendship to you!

Thank you to all who share a real friendship with my family! We are blessed because of you and I pray that in return, you find abundant joy and blessings of your own :-)

The NICU Never Dies

I've come to a realization recently. Although you can take the baby out of the NICU, it seems you cannot take the NICU out of the baby. What do I mean by this? Well, as you know, a long term stay in the hospital with a medically fragile child is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The whole 1 step forward 2 steps back, certainly rings true for preemie life beyond the NICU doors as well. We have had some really great days with Molly as far as eating goes, but following her pulmonology check up this past week, things have gone downhill. I knew her weight gain would be an issue so nothing happened that I wasn't anticipating. However, sitting with the doc, hearing terms such as falling off the charts, chest film, micro-aspirating, and ultimately g-tube, it's disheartening nonetheless. So, we now find ourselves back with the NG, supposedly for night feeds only, but Molly is now fevering, again, and dealing with more teething, so she isn't the least bit interested in feeding. It's frustrating and heartbreaking, but I suppose it's all part of the preemie game, right? On a positive note, she gained 2.5 oz. in two days and now has a new trick. She's been playing around in her feeding seat with her hands, squeezing them open and closed, so I play along and say "Bye Bye....". Well, just last night as her Aunt Tee Tee was leaving, sure enough, she breaks out the "bye bye" hands! It was so amazing! Despite her setbacks and continuous struggles to grow, she remains a happy, content, and fun-loving little girl! Well, that's the update for now. I'll let you know how the chest film goes and in about 2 months, sooner if they can get us an appointment, I'll fill you in on her follow-up swallow study!

One Year Ago, Part 2

Well, once again we celebrate a one year anniversary. This time, it's one year ago today that Andrew joined his immediate family at home. At 7 1/2 lbs., he came home and quickly settled in. He had eyes only for mamma, a smile that melted your heart, and a mind full of ideas on what was to come!

Today, at 20 lbs. of pure love, he still melts your heart with his ear-to-ear smile, has eyes for mamma but also for any pretty girl that looks his way, and he keeps us busy by getting into cupboards, drawers, toilets, you name it! He definitely lives up to his boy status in this family! We feel eternally blessed by his joy and completely challenged by his tantrums, but all in all, he is a light in our world!

We love you Andrew Quinn!

Fun at the Track

For the past 6 weeks or so, Tim and Megan have spent Wednesday evenings participating in the Pierce County Track and Field activities. Megan competed in events such as the standing long jump, softball throw, and the 50 and 100 meter run. She had a lot of fun and learned that working hard can help you improve. It was a great bonding time for daddy and Megan as well.

Megan with our friends' son Zack and daughter Jerica (sp.?)

Zack doing the long jump

Waiting to Run

Look at those feet go!

Third Place finish, her best yet!

Softball Throw

Jerica and the Standing Long Jump

Ooh, smooth Landing!

Nice Running Form, Zack!

This is the third year we've taken part in this activity and it really is a lot of fun. We are looking forward to it returning to Puyallup next summer :-)

Triplets' Party pics

Okay, I'm tired of trying to resize all of the pictures to create a slideshow for the blog. I'm hoping this link will take you to the rest of the pictures from the party. Let me know if it doesn't work :-)
http://s305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/mccannpics/Birthday%20Party/

Feeding Frenzy

Well, whoever sent up prayers, thanks! They're working so far. Yesterday, Molly took 10 or more bites of a banana/pear mixture, plus yogurt, three separate times. This morning, she had 16 bites of squash, and had there been more in the bowl, I'm pretty sure she would have eaten more. She gagged just a few times today but was willing to continue, so I consider that good!

Way to Go Molly!!

New Toys

The little ones got some pretty neat toys for their birthday so I captured a few pics of them playing.

Andrew was the first to enjoy the tunnel they got from Grammy! He bolted right in and hasn't stopped since. Fortunately, it is easy to take out and put away so we have short playtimes with it and then it goes away! Hailey, of course, was reluctant to go in and chose to be a bystander/cheerleader for about two days. Now she goes through it with no problem.

On the other hand, Hailey is pretty sure she's a superstar and is ready to climb her toys.

Apparently, tables are for sitting, not chairs!
Oh look, tears! I guess she wasn't too happy about being corrected. I have to say though, she loves this learning chair they got from Rich, Shellie, and Colton. She plays with it all the time is actually quite skilled at turning the book pages and pushing each crayon one at a time.
Molly has been busy crawling around and practicing eating, so I haven't gotten any pictures of her playing with toys. I will soon though!

Special Visitor

We had our special friend and nurse from the NICU visit us yesterday. It was wonderful to see Heidi and the kids had a great time playing with her. She was so amazing with Molly while she was in the hospital and we love her like she's family! We hope she sticks around to see these little ones grow big!

She helped Molly take down another batch of bananas and pears!

How cute the two of them are!

We owe so much to Heidi and appreciate everything she did for Molly while she was in the NICU! We are very grateful to have her as a friend and blessed that she continues to stay a part of our lives!

Thanks Heidi :-)

Exciting News

Hold on to your hats people, I've got some exciting news. Molly, little tiny 12 1/2 lb. Molly, has a tooth! That's right folks, it's finally happened. Perhaps this is why she hasn't wanted to eat or sleep soundly??? But it doesn't stop there. Now here's the real kicker.....she ARMY CRAWLS! Yes, you read that correctly. Molly is now mobile in a forward motion. Hmm, three babies on the move? Yikes!

....Molly eats her food

This is the way Molly eats her food, eats her food, eats her food.....

Spoon feeding herself sweet potatoes

A pretzel rod

A carrot
Licorice dipped in sweet potatoes
The Picasso of feeding therapy All clean!
I figured it was probably time for a feeding update. After two bouts of illness, we are working hard to get back on track. Unfortunately, she did not eat well both times she was sick, which happened within 6 weeks of each other, so we have some ground to make up. However, she is showing more and more interest in putting things in her mouth. Every toy goes in and most foods that she has control over. Imagine that, Molly wanting to be in control :-) She has even allowed my mom, whom she adores, to feed her strawberry banana yogurt! Last night she let me feed her ice cream and she has taken a liking to sweet potatoes. She will lick them off her fingers and occasionally open for a bite or feed herself. This is progress, but hopefully it will be enough for the docs at Children's to let us continue. Her weight gain is slow, which is concerning, but her ped. feels confident that being sick is a contributing factor. He also feels the alternatives to what we are doing, increasing calories or a g-tube, are not that great so it's worth giving it more time. We shall see! Thank you for keeping Molly and the rest of us in your thoughts and prayers. She has come so far, but she needs to grow faster! Get Fat Molly! How nice to be told that, huh???

Just for Fun

I figured I'd post a few pics just for fun while I pass the time waiting for Molly's next feeding.

Hailey, deep in thought!

The garden before.......

......the garden after!

Soooo Big!

Hailey, enjoying some of Molly's licorice. Apparently with feeding therapy, if one gets it, they all get it!

Hope you enjoyed :-)

The Tooth Fairy

The True Story of the Tooth Fairy

as told by the parent of a teething baby

Once upon a time on a dark, sleepless night, the sounds of teething babies were ringing in parents' ears all around the world. Crying, whining, thrashing about....it was endless. In one particular home, however, something magical happened. Just as another round of bawling began and the mother was heading to the nursery, she spotted a beautiful, angelic looking creature in the corner of her room. She had wings that shimmered in the moonlight and a smile that spread warmth and peace throughout the home. The mother just stood there, staring, unbelieving in what she heard. Nothing.....absolutely nothing. This creature that stood before her was the true tooth fairy. The one who knows that it's not the kids who lose a tooth that need a gift; it's the parents who sacrifce sleep, food, sanity, and the comfort of their own beds in order to console their inconsolable children, that need reprieve. So instead of a coin or treasure that the "other" tooth fairy leaves behind, this one places a spell on teething babies, freeing them from gum pain from age 3 months to 3 years, and grants the parents the one thing in the whole world they want.....peace and quiet during the sleeping hours. Now that's what I call a tooth fairy! May the "true" tooth fairy bless you!

Written by Heather

* For all the parents who love their children enough to go through this teething thing with them, may you find your peace soon :-)

About Face

Hmm, what to do with those pictures you don't really want but just can't get rid of?? Post them on a blog and hope someone laughs :-)

"Hey, what's wrong with this thing?"

"Am I smiling?"

"Mom, he's looking at me again...."

"Look at my tongue!"

Pirate from a previous life???

Molly has a thing with her tongue, I guess!

What can I say? She's a ham!


Pucker Up!

"Oh"

"Yes!"

Say Cheese!

"You talkin' to me?"

Birthday

Well, the party was a success! The weather was beautiful, hot, but better than rain :-) The babies cooperated beforehand and took their two naps, so they managed the excess stimulation pretty well. We had a great time and truly appreciate all of the support and well wishes that came our way. What an honor it is to share this celebration with all of you :-)

Happy Birthday Hailey!

Each baby got their own little cake to dig into.

The Presentation......

The Wind Up......

The Full-On Melt Down!

As you can see, Hailey was not too pleased about her cake. Bless her little soul, she's not much for crowds. Especially ones staring at her waiting to see her devour cake. What's a one year old's party without some tears??? Fortunately, she settled down and enjoyed opening a gift. After one though, she was done!

Happy Birthday Andrew!

I tried to make Andrew's cake as boy as possible with my limited artistic skills.

It looks like he's gearing up to dig in.

Now he looks a little perplexed. Cake certainly doesn't taste like vegetables.

Done! This is Andrew's way of "No More!"

When Andrew first started eating solids, I was sure he would be my "Mikey", but lately he's become a bit on the selective side. I guess cake at the moment is not one of his selections.

When it came to opening presents, he bypassed the packages and went right for the cards. Smart boy :-) We did manage to get him interested long enough to make a few tears.

Happy Birthday Molly!

For some reason, polka dots remind me of Molly. Maybe because she had some really cute polka dot outifts. Plus, they seem to give off a "fun-loving" vibe, just like Molly.

It didn't take her anytime to dig right in!

Of course, digging in for Molly means inspecting, observing, touching, anything but eating :-)

Apparently, she's enjoying this part!

Out of the three, Molly's cake endured the most damage. And it was all done by her! The others had some help.

Molly also had the most fun opening a present. She was delighted at the sound of the paper ripping and the bright colors of what was inside. She will be my party girl!

It was a lot of work getting ready for this shin-dig, and I'd like to thank a few people! Jeff, thanks for helping Tim out with the pressure washing! We both appreciate your friendship! Laurie, thanks for watching the kiddos for me so I could get some cleaning done, and for always keeping me on track :-) What would I do without ya! And thanks to my mom and sisters for pulling the food together and getting my kitchen back in shape afterwards! As much as I'd like to take credit, all I did was answer questions and try to get in the way! We could not have pulled this party off without your efforts. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures Tori! You did a great job, as always :-) Shellie, thank you for the delicious rice! It was enjoyed very much. And thanks to everyone who came or were with us in thought! It's hard to believe that 16 months have gone by since the arrival of these miracles, but we have come to know and appreciate how truly blessed we are!

Here are just a few more pics. I'm putting together an album with Photobucket, but it's taking a long time to go through all the pictures and make sure they are in the right position. As soon as I finish, I will post the link to view that album, and any others I create.....

This girl is always smiling!

Andrew, the charmer!

Molly wants everyone to know that she touched quesadilla to her tongue!

Andrew found Molly's cake to be more interesting!

McCann Family Photo

Allen/Roper Family Photo

The "Party" Cake

Hailey wants to know if the party is over yet and if everyone is gone.....

Well, that's it for now! I have some ideas for upcoming posts! Stay tuned :-)