Molly's 1 Year Post NICU

Well, we made it one year! So much has changed and although Molly's growth in her size has not been stellar, her physical and cognitive development has amazed her doctors, her therapists, and all the people who know her story! She came to us weighing just 15 oz., spent 7 1/2 months in the hospital, and finally came home to her family on October 29th, 2007. She weighed just over 8 lbs, did little more than smile and suck her pacifier. She was on oxygen, a feeding tube, and spent most of her day propped up on a wedge. I remember worrying that I wouldn't hear her cry in the night. Now, I sometimes long for those quiet days :-)

Homecoming Day!

One year later......

Today, she's averaging 14 lbs, depending on her eating habits for the day, she's pulling to knees, crawling on all fours, communicating with sounds and sign language, and doing her best to keep up with, if not surpass, her triplet siblings! We could not be prouder of our little miracle!

Here is a look at her first 19 months.

Play Time

Here is what my kids have been up to lately....

They love having Megan take them for rides on the mat.

Hailey, the true girlie girl that she is, always enjoys playing with shoes. Even Megan's boots!

For her "S" homework, Megan had to practice Sewing and Stitching.

Trying on hats is one of Hailey's other favorite past times. She especially loves this one because it covers her whole face and is perfect for "Peek a Boo."

These two discovered their reflections in the window. That made for some entertainment on my part :-)

My kids have certainly been busier than what you see here, but I can't always capture it on film!

Till next time.....

Playing with Pumpkins

Last week the triplets' teacher, Candy, brought over a pumpkin for them to play with. At first, Andrew was very hesitant, but he soon warmed up to the fun. Hailey pretty much dug right in, while Molly enjoyed feeling the different textures. She even attempted a taste, but quickly put that idea to rest! Here a few pictures of the fun!

The all three got to try taking the lid off and putting it back on.

As always, the contents landed on Molly's face :-)

Molly held this position for a good 7-8 minutes, doing everything she could to keep the pumpkin off her foot!

As I said, it took Andrew awhile to warm up, but eventually he gave it a try.

I think if we cut the top wide enough, Molly might just fit inside this pumpkin :-)

They got to play around with some spoons, pretending to stir and scoop the inside.

Molly enjoyed the new textures, but definitely remained cautious when feeling!

Hmm, let me take a closer look mom!

Hailey is always up for a new experience, as long as she's able to go about at it on her own terms :-)

They definitely enjoyed this pumpkin experience and I had a great time watching them explore and learn about this big, round orange thing!

Busy Weekend

This past Saturday was a busy one, but filled with lots of fun. Tim had the day off, so Megan and I took off in the morning to watch her cousin Jake's football game, followed by breakfast with my mom, stepdad, sister, and brother-in-law. After breakfast we headed to Megan's soccer game, where I'm so thrilled to share that she scored her very first goal! Way to go Megan :-) Later that afternoon, we had Tim's family over for a family get together before the triplets and I go into hiding during cold and flu season1 Overall, it was a great day and I'm very thankful for the time I had with Megan. Here are some pictures of our day.

Football Fun

Jake has had a great year in football, playing both defense and offense. During this particular game, he scored 3 out of the 5 touchdowns for his team! Go Jake!

Nice Tackle!

On his way to the end zone!

Touchdown!

Celebrating the Win

Soccer Star

She takes the ball....

heads down the field....

aims for the goal....

and in it goes!


I'd say she's pretty proud of herself!

McCann Dinner
(See Slideshow)

McCann dinner

A Mother's Tribute

I found this on another blog and am probably breaking some copy rule, but it was so touching I had to share it. Enjoy!

***When I was young, I'd often say,I'd like to be a mom someday.

While playing with my baby doll,I thought that job's not hard at all
I'd have a baby, maybe two,a girl in pink...a boy in blue.
Well I grew up and sure enough,I'm now a mom and gosh it's tough
The baby that was sent to me,was born with disabilities.
At first I'm frightened through and through,there's much to learn to care for you
This wasn't in my plans at all,when I was young and played with dolls.
Your mind and body were so weak,you might not ever walk or speak.
So much special care required,I'm often scared and often tired.
As months and years go slowly by,I smile a lot but sometimes cry.
To watch you grow and not complain,though you endure your share of pain.
Oh, how I'd hold you and I'd pray,that you'd be healed and whole someday.
But then one day I realized, as I gazed into your loving eyes.
That I had learned so much from you,determination...courage too.
A love so unconditional,it floods my soul and always will.
I'm proud to say I gave you birth,for you're an angel here on earth.

Maris Farms

Hmmm, have you ever attempted the pumpkin patch with triplets? Intersting, to say the least. I tried my best to get a good picture of the four of them with the pumpkins, but it wasn't gonna happen. I guess we have to go back. We did get some pictures of Megan enjoying herself on the fun activities they have for kids and few good ones of the little kids.

Overall, it was a good trip. It was the first Sunday Tim has been off in over a month, so it was nice to spend some family time together. I forgot what it was like to have 4 kids with two parents! A bit less hectic for sure :-)

Future Entomologists

Well, it seems I have a couple of bug lovers in the family!

Hailey especially would not leave this poor little guy alone.

She kept trying to touch it, but it would scatter away too quickly.

Once Molly figured out what Hailey was doing, she of course had to join in.

She actually picked the darn thing up! Leave it to Molly :-)

The torture didn't last too much longer, but I can't say this creature faired too well. Now if I could just get them to catch those pesky flies.....

Where oh Where???

It seems that someone has confiscated my sweet angel and replaced him with this vocally opinionated, curiously busy little boy!

This face says it all...."I know you said hands off mom, but I'm going to open the dishwasher anyway :-)"

Good news, Good news, and Good news....

Well, Molly had her follow up appointment at Children's yesterday. I have to say, I didn't realize how much I was dreading it until it was over. As you know, her weight gain was a major concern the last time we were in, but I'm happy to report that things have improved.

Good news #1-Molly now weights 14.2 lbs. That's an average gain of 9 grams a day since July, and apparently for a 1 year old, that's on the high end. Of course, Molly is nowhere near a 1 year old, but her activity level is quickly approaching that of one, so it's expected that her weight gain would slow down. However, her linear growth was great!

Good news #2-Her lungs sounded as clear as could be and her work of breathing was minimal.

Good news #3-Both her pulmonologist and the nutritionist were satisfied with her progress and for now, we've dodged the g-tube again!

So, after a night of no sleep, compliments of Andrew, I went in expecting the worst but walked away very pleased and like a load had been lifted on my shoulders. Our next appointment will be in January, unless she takes a turn for the worse! But, I'm confident that won't happen! I was also relieved to hear the doc. share the same perspective I have when it comes to Molly...as long as she is progressing, she's doing well!

After our appointment, we stopped off at the NICU and visited some of our friends. Here are some pictures.....

Cutest girl ever.....

Hmm, looks like Molly is up to her old tricks!

Heidi and Chrissy getting their Molly loves...

Is she going after Chrissy's nose, or eye???

Uh oh...visit's over!

Chrissy, Heidi, Lisa, and the rest of the gang....it was great seeing you! We'll come again soon!

Just for Fun

Here are just a few pictures of what the kiddos have been up to lately :-)

Petition for Preemies

The March of Dimes is running a campaign to increase federal awareness and support for pregnant women and premature babies. Please click on the link below and sign the petition to join in their efforts! This is a cause close to our hearts and to those of other families we know.

Thank you :-)

http://www.marchofdimes.com/pad/petition/index.aspx?a=1&z=1