Milestones and Hurdles

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Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Twins Are Making Strides

Well, since last we posted a lot has happened. The boys turned 1-month old on Friday and as their present... Hayden went on a field trip to be closer to his brother, Ford. Yes, now the boys are on the same row next to each other in the NICU. They had been on different rows and everytime we went from one bedside to the other we would have to change yellow gowns and again wash our hands as to avoid cross-contamination. Well, we still wash our hands a lot, but no more costume changes, walks to another bedside, or guilt that we are with one sweet baby and not the other. This was really good news to me, mommy, at 4am Friday morning when I called because it meant Hayden was stable enough to be moved next to Ford. Now we sit our chairs in between their incubators and only have to turn our heads side to side to see our little miracles... we are all together now and one big family.

Another birthday surprise were 2 sweet signs from our nurses taking care of the boys. One said Happy Birthday Hayden... the other Happy Birthday Ford and will look great in their baby books. Their birthday turned out to be a good day for both boys... Ford was responding great to his Oscillator Ventilator and Hayden was doing great with the conventional ventilator.
Believe it or not, that continued this weekend. We are hoping the boys defy the rules and continue taking only steps forward, but we are prepared and ready to take on the rollercoaster of the NICU... we have some tough twin boys.

This weekend I was able to help give Hayden a bed bath. With the help of his sweet nurse, who is also from Tyler, I washed his hair and his tiny little body. The hair washing and brushing he didn't mind... he was not a big fan of the body washing, but he was a trooper.

While I was doing the washing... Dad "Trey" was with Ford... helping the nurses weigh him, which meant picking him up while the bed scale prepared to weigh him. Good job Daddy. It was a good night on Friday.

My mom and some friends came to see the boys on Saturday, of course, fully sanitizing themselves. It is always nice to have our family come visit because they help keep us strong and do so much for us. My mom also brought me this amazing list from her co-workers at Azalea. Some of them are giving up their favorite things until the boys come home. It is sort of like giving up something for lent. How amazing is that people would do that for our boys.

Sunday Trey's parents and the boys' Aunt Hills came to visit. They were so thrilled to see how the boys were doing. Both Ford and Hayden are down on their Oxygen and their blood gases have been so encouraging. They were also able to see me hold Hayden again and we took even more pictures. We also snapped some of Handsome Ford because we certainly don't want him to feel out of place.

These days Trey and I cherish every good moment, every time we get to change a diaper, take their temperature and hold their tiny little hands. These boys are our world, our every thought and we love them so much. We have also started reading to them. We think they like it so far... we know we do.

Thanks for all of your love and support and we love hearing from you. We hope we have more good news in the days to come and we have faith we will with all of your prayers for Ford and Hayden.

Love-- Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise God! it sounds like you all had a wonderful weekend. I am praying that you all continue to have better days. I pray God keeps pouring out his many blessings on Lil Ford & Hayden. I know they are going to grow up & be soldiers for Christ. I will be looking for more up dates soon! Thank you both for taking the time to keep us all updated on your precious little miracles.Keep your faith,and reach over a give each other a big hug and kiss.

cherhutch said...

DEAREST DANA, TREY AND THOSE BLESSED LITTLE ONES,
I WOUD LIKE FOR YOU TO KOW THAT MY CHURCH AND EVERYONE I COULD POSSIBLY THINK OF IS PRAYING FOR YOU ALL AND THAT GOD GIVE YOU PEACE AND STRENGTH AS YOU GO THROUGH THIS HARD TIME IN YOUR LIFE. MY GRANDDAUGHTER WEIGHTED 2 LBS. WHEN SHE CAME INTO THIS WORLD AND FROM DAY TO DAY WE DID NOT KNOW IF SHE WOULD MAKE IT, BY THE GRACE OF GOD SHE IS NOW A BEAUTIFUL 9 YEAR OLD AND IS A TRUE BLESSING. GOD IS HOLDING ALL OF YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AND HE WILL CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS PLUS ALL THE OTHER THING YOU MAY GO THROUGH IN THIS LIFE. PLEASE REMEMBER WE ALL ARE PRAYING FOR YOU AND OUR FAITH WILL ALSO CARRY YOU WHEN YOU MAY FEEL LIKE YOU CAN'T GO ON,I WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS FOR A LIFE TIME, GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. SINCERILY CHERYL

Jeff & Debra said...

Dana & Trey,
How wonderful to see God's work in these little miracles and this beautiful family? I am so glad you had a good weekend and I know that the upcoming week will be filled with even more small miracles. I pray they continue to get better and I know God will continue to answer our prayers. Just think Dana, it won't be long Clint will be doing a story on YOUR family about the power of prayer! This is just awesome!!! God will carry you through the darkess times of your life, for you will never walk alone. God is always with you and your family Dana and you have even more support, faith and love back here in East Texas!!! We love you and your precious family so much and we can't wait for you to bring them little tikes home!! We will continue to pray for this family as it goes through this small bump in the road. Dana, the offer still stands, if you need ANYTHING do not hesitate to let me know! Tell Ford and Hayden we are all fighting for them too and we love them very much. Take care until next time.

Debra Bunt
Gladewater, Texas

Glenda, saved by grace said...

Good Morning Hughey's,
I have been reading since day 1 and have listened intently as Clint informed us of your high risk pregnancy, and early birth. Ya'll always keep me company as I feed and dress my 20 year old (step) son for school. He has C.P. and can-not do for himself. I married my husband when he (my son, Ricky) was 5 (we have custody)
I watched as God transformed my husband from a bitter father who loved his dear boy, to a man of faith who's favorite scripture verse is:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.
What a great verse.
I am so glad that your little guys are doing so well. Our focus must remain on Christ Jesus and take comfort in the fact that He is in control, and that whatever He does is right.
I look forward to your return to work...I guess that would be selfish of me, because you do need to be with your boys for as long as it takes, but just keep updating us. Ya'll are in our hearts , thoughts, and prayers.
In Him,
Glenda

Unknown said...

Yeah!!! What a great weekend for you guys! The gals here on the Antepartum unit have been asking how much they weigh now! I have posted the website for them so they too can follow! Our Lord is good and faithful! You are always in my Thoughs and prayers. If you ever want a homemade dinner just let me know since we are closed to you guys. Miss you at MCA. In Christ, Nicole

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL NEWS! HOW AWESOME IT IS TO SEE PRAYERS ANSWERED!

HOLD ONTO THEM GUYS! THERE ARE ALREADY A MONTH OLD!

NEXT THEY WILL BE STARTING KINDERGARTEN.

RAISING CHILDERN FLIES BY. THEY GROW UP SO QUICK.

Anonymous said...

Dear Hughey Family,
I am so excited about the great progress the two little fighters are making! Everytime I pass you all's house I pray for those boys. I can't wait to see you walking them in the neighborhood, or playing in the park. May God continue to pour out His blessings!

The mom with the little red head, usually in his red wagon.

Anonymous said...

Trey and Dana,
We are praying for you ALL every day! You are both so brave and strong to share your story with everyone. Your babies couldn't have picked better parents! You are an inspiration to us all. We look forward to the day you can bring the whole family home to Tyler again!
Blessings,
Laura and Robert Wilson

Anonymous said...

We are so happy to hear what a great weekend you had with your sweet boys! We know with each week and each birthday, your family will grow stronger. We think about you all the time and can't wait to share many birthdays with Ford and Hayden. Tell them we said Happy Happy Birthday! We love you!
Abby and Sam

Anonymous said...

so glad to hear the great news! :)

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to see that they are doing so well. They are a true testiment for what God can do with prayers and faith!. I look forward to more updates!!
Dianne
Nurse MCOA Antepartum

Anonymous said...

I am praying for you and your boys. I had a little girl 3 months premature and she weighed 2 pounds and 5 ounces. We had a long road ahead for us but she is now 23 married and a very beautiful young woman.

I know God will take care of your boys and they will be fine. Stay strong and keep your faith in God and he will work his miracle with your sons.
God Bless you. Your story has really been close to my heart. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

Anonymous said...

Dana,Trey,Ford and Hayden,
My son was born at 26 weeks.Taken mistakebly to early by my doctor.He was so tiny like your little ones but he rallied from the very beginning.It is a roller coaster .My son is now 13 and I would stand and fight beside him again today.He is a strong boy with great morals and knows God has his hands on him and still does.Rally on Mom and Dad and when the tough time hits talk to them tell them to pull thru.We pray for all of you and I look forward to seing the blog updates .Take care and God Bless.S.Robinson Tyler Texas

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! You all must be thrilled with the progress the boys are making. We will continue to pray for all of you.

I can hardly wait for your homecoming. That Pickett is looking a little gnarly with his beard.

Hugs,

Pam J.

Anonymous said...

Great, Great News! God has bestowed his grace and mercy on all of you. Jesus said, "I will never forsake you". Not now, not ever! Call upon Him to strengthen your twins and each of you. Dwell on the good news you receive concerning the twins and the rough times will be diminished. I know this personally. Hold fast to each other, you continue to be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Hey guys been checking in to see how things are going from time to time. Keep the faith, things are going to work out. Talk to you two later!

Aaron Paul

Anonymous said...

Hallelulah! I know you are so happy and thankful to have them together so you don't have to run back and forth - that is great. We check the posts regularly. You are all in our prayers! We are so glad the boys are progressing. Let us know if you need anything - Love, Trey J, Sara & Randall

Anonymous said...

Don't you wonder how parents without faith in God are able to face these struggles? Thank God that you know Him and can rely on His strength when you don't have any!
I pray for Ford and Hayden's tiny lungs to get stronger every day, and I pray for strength and comfort you and Trey.

Anonymous said...

I know you have receive many blessings but I just want to say that you have also given many blessings to all of us who are reading and keeping up with you and your precious boys!! I can hardly wait to read your new posts and I believe that God is truly ministering to folks through you guys! I know that God has you in the palm of his hand and will keep you and those angels there always!! Thanks for touching us all!!!

camsmom said...

Dear Dana and Trey,
I was in my 24th week of pregnancy with our son, Cameron, in 2005, when my water suddenly broke. Long story short, despite measures being taken that would hopefully keep me from having to deliver Cameron until at least the 28th week, signs showed that he was in distress on the 26th week, and I was rushed in for a c-section. Of course, I cried and cried, all thru the preparations for my surgery, but I also prayed that a miracle would keep our baby alive. My husband and I told the doctors that whatever it took, and however our son turned out to be physically or otherwise, we wanted him to live.
We were in what the NICU world calls the "Honeymoon Phase" of Cameron's life, when 12 days into his little life, he started going thru the hardest time of his life and ours. This is what's known as part of the "rollercoaster" ride that you and yours will go through in the NICU. I absolutely grew to hate that word- anytime there were extreme changes in Cameron's health, we'd hear, "You've got to remember it's a rollercoaster ride in here."
There was more than one instance of being told that we could lose him at any moment, or that he had had a "touch and go" incidence when we were not there. We only left Cameron's side for a few hours a stretch, during non-visitor hours or when we took what few hours we might take to sleep or eat. So, we do understand just how hard it is for you to even take a few steps away from your boys.
Cameron had been on every type of ventilator possible. We had such fantastic doctors who obviously cared so much, and tried anything and everything to keep our son alive. But,there were many heartbreaking, horrific times of standing to the side while he was "bagged" and brought back to life. One of the worst days, we were told that if he didn't take a turn for the better THAT NIGHT, we needed to face the facts that he would more than likely leave this earth. We had him baptized, after calling a priest in the middle of the night, and he received the rites of healing as well. I'll always believe that it was that act of prayer by so many people that reached far beyond that NICU that saved Cameron's life that night.
My husband and I held hands with the his nurses, and prayed that God's will would be done. Cameron's doctors did anything that they could think of to save our little boy. For some reason, I felt surprisingly numb. I didn't cry as much as I thought I would do, but then I simply could not believe that after years and years of praying to have this child, I could lose him, but we all know that sometimes God has other plans. Some might call it my being in denial, or you could say that I had a strong faith. Maybe it was a little of both.
After an exhausting, sorrow filled night, the next morning we got the call that our son was making a turn for the better. I don't think I've ever felt what it really meant to be blessed until that morning.
Cameron stayed in the NICU for three months. There were more close calls in the NICU after that night, but he was a fighter, and finally came home a couple of weeks before his due date. He had a few health scares after coming home, but is now so healthy, thanks to God and all of his doctors and nurses. He turned 2 years old this past November, and is such a joy. The "magic" age of two years did bring what doctors hoped it would bring- Cameron's lungs are now healed, matured and perfectly fine. He has some speech delays, and is not running yet, because of having knock-knees, which will hopefully change in the near future with therapy. Cameron's daddy and I know that any health issues are so minor, though, compared to what might have been, and feel so very grateful to God and all of his doctors and nurses that our son is alive and well today.
What I would like for you to take from our story is this: Believe in the power of prayer, and also, touch your sons as often as you are able. We saw so many times how a simple touch from me or my husband resulted in a calming affect on Cameron, as well as a positive readout on his monitors. Your children know you, and already feel your love. Talk to them, as well, for the same reasons. Doctors and nurses encouraged these actions, and besides, it can also help to bring you such peace, too.
I hope that your reading this LONG e-mail will be of some comfort to you all. I'm sorry, I think I said it was going to be a short one, but I really want to give you some hope, in any way possible.
Our prayers are with you and your family. Believe!

Christie Freeman
Formerly of Longview, Tx, now of NC

Anonymous said...

We're so thankful that you had a good weekend with your little guys! How precious the moments are! Thank you for continuing to keep us updated on the progress. We continue to pray that God will continue to make Ford & Hayden stronger with each day! May God bless you both...what a wonderful loving support system you are for each other!
Until next time...
B&BRowland

Anonymous said...

tery and dana, i am so glad to hear that you had such a wonderful weekend. please know that we continue to pray for you guys through this stressful time. please remember how much you are all LOVED, Keep on being strong,
Love in Christ
Matt and Ashley

Anonymous said...

Trey, Dana, Ford and Hayden,
It is so wonderful to see you and your little miracle boys.Just want you to know that all of us at Eiche and Mapes think of you and pray for all of you every single day. We know that God is holding all of you in His loving arms. Please hug those handsome little guys for us. We can hardly wait to meet them!

Phyllis Jinright

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful ending to a turbulent 24 hours! I am so excited you got to hold sweet little Ford! He had to be the big end to your day; I knew he would have his dad's flair for the dramatic.
Dana-take care of your self and get better!
Bubba-watch over all 3 of them.
Patton, Uncle John and I are anxiously awaiting the boys' trip home!!
We love you guys and pray for you all.
Love, Heather

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