Milestones and Hurdles

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Sunday, March 2, 2008

AN UPDATE PLUS.... Thoughts from a very proud daddy...

I am adding an update to my husband's post about the boys. If you read it, you know how lucky I am to have him as my husband... and how lucky the boys are to have him as their daddy.
Well, today our little Ford made the leap to the bubble c-pap and off the ventilator. He was fighting the vent the past couple of days so despite not having the best couple of days, our doctor decided to give him a shot at breathing on his own with the help of "continuous positive airway pressure"... the bubble c-pap. It was scary, but exciting. Ford's lungs are not as efficient as Hayden's... so we were just waiting to see what he could do, but having faith the Lord would help him breathe and keep him from going back the ventilator.

He is definitely more comfortable on the bubble c-pap, but it is a little more difficult for him to breathe. If he gets upset, he is sometimes moments away from being bagged. He holds his breath and goes into the ugly cry when he can't get comfortable and then his heart rate slips. Luckily we have avoided getting bagged so far today, but he has had his moments where he was on 100 percent Oxygen. I actually did something to help him today. I held him close to my chest... his chest to mine and instantly his oxygen requirement went down to 75 percent. That's not ideal, but better. I just cried because it felt so good to finally be able to do something for my son... something he responded to! There have been a lot of tears today because I just want him to succeed. I believe God will find a way for his healing, but it's that fear of the unknown and blind faith that is such a test day in and day out. I spend a lot of time in the chapel and with some much needed bible verses. I can honestly say that our faith has never been this strong. There are times I want to say why us, why our babies... but I stay away from the "why me's". I just thank God for blessing us with the most amazing little boys who are fighting hard everyday and showing all of us what miracles are made of.
I just can't put into words what Ford and Hayden mean to us. They are the answer to all of my prayers and what Trey and I have been waiting our entire lives for. I now know what I was put on this earth to do... and it is to be "the boys" mother. It's the best gift and job I could ask for... I want for nothing anymore, except for our boys to be healthy and to come home one day soon. We have faith they will.

I always feel a little awkward asking you all, my friends to pray for our little boys because I know you all have things in your life you need prayers for, but I will ask again for the boys and because I know you all care so much for them. Little Ford needs a prayer that he will thrive on the bubble c-pap and will have better CO2 test results and also that he will calm down, need less oxygen and not need to be bagged. Hayden needs your prayers that he will get to room air on his oxygen so he can bottle feed and breastfeed. I think focused prayers work... they have so far. Thank you for your love and support. Boy, do I have an amazing story to tell Ford and Hayden when they are a little older... about the people who helped change their lives and who have already changed ours. I miss Tyler and our home, but right now Ft. Worth is home with our little miracles!!!
Proud Mommy of Ford and Hayden

Sunday March 2, 2008
If you find yourself reading this…and it has been longer than a minute since you hugged your children…stop…and give them a big squeeze…just because!! I know it sounds trite…but do it b/c others haven’t had the opportunity to do so yet!! The key word is yet…we have yet to give them each a big squeeze, but Dana and I know, very soon, we will be holding on tight to each little one…out of the hospital. Yes, we have held them…attached with tubes, but we haven’t really given them the hug that fathers and mothers give each morning and night. With each passing hour and day, we get closer to that moment. The moment when we can give the overdue hug and kiss that we all have been waiting to give. The greatest feeling, is knowing that each night, our little ones are held tight by our Lord and Savior. Dana and I say a quick prayer each time we leave their bedsides….asking Jesus to hold them tight and keep them warm and safe until we get back. I know that our babies know what it if feels like to be touched by Angels…and I get chills each time I think about how many hugs they have received thus far. Thank you Jesus!!! We all go through our daily routines and this incredibly fast pace life that we all lead….and forget all about the simple things….seeing your children smile!! Our boys can find a way to smile through all of the tubes, injections, temperature probes, and pricks. Their smile gives Dana and me so much strength and peace. Who knew that we would be leaning on them for strength? One can not describe what an inspiration these kiddos have been to their father. I mean, who knew that something so small and so sick could be so resilient. I have always heard that big things come in small packages…that saying means so much more to this father than ever before. These two small packages have brought more meaning, more inspiration, more faith, more belief than I ever thought I could retain. Sitting, watching each miracle breath that these two “fighters” endure, brings a beautiful smile to this face. I know that without having God on our side, answering each prayer, we would not have almost 8 wonderful weeks with our twins. And many more to come. As for our amazing twins…they could not have had a better weekend. Thank you all for participating in that with us!! This weekend has given us consecutive days of improvements!! Our handsome Hayden is jumping through each hurdle like Jackie Joyner Kersee…he is steps away from being put into a big boy crib. He is currently about 4 pounds 1 oz. and eating over 8 ounces of breast milk each day. Doesn’t sound like much does it? It is!!! Compared to earlier days when we were talking in teaspoons per day. Full feeds have been crucial to their development and growth in these past weeks. We realize that we are no where near the end of the tunnel…but that light is sure getting brighter. Hayden loves his passy!! He knows when it’s time to eat…and his primary nurses know not to be late with his feeds. Speaking of primary nurses, both Hayden and Ford’s…not going to name names…but THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!! For keeping not only the boys happy, but keeping us afloat as well. You know who you are!! We could not do this without all of you!! Hayden and Ford thank you as well. As Dana mentioned in the last post, Hayden is no longer on the Ventilator…and Ford is being weaned down on his Conventional Vent.
Speaking of Ford….that little kid has had a fabulous weekend. He has all along been about two weeks behind Hayden. One of our Doctors says that he “resents his brother b/c it was Hayden that leaked early on”…and “he is just taking his sweet little time”!! He too is on full feeds, taking in a tad bit over 8 oz. a day as well. He is becoming more familiar with his passy…not sure what to do with it yet, but doesn’t mind it in his mouth. He too is weighing in at 4 pounds. They both love their tummies…their primary doctor has said that “Premature babies are like turtles…they don’t like being on their backs”. I could not be prouder of these two turtles than I am at this very moment.

Dana and I are so very grateful to all of you…for all the prayers being sent this direction. Thank you for all the messages left on the blog…that still keeps our hopes up and sprits high. I hope that everybody has a blessed week and continue to keep these little ones in your hearts, prayers and thoughts daily. I look forward to the next post…that will be filled with even more triumphs and victories.

- Thank you from a very Proud father of two amazing sons

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Hugheys,

What wonderful news this Sunday evening! God certainly has the health and well being of your twins in his hands. Ford and Hayden's continued progress is a testimony to the grace and mercy that can only be seen in Christ Jesus. Praise the Lord!
We will continue to pray for each of you, and look forward to more GOOD NEWS updates.

Anonymous said...

Trey what a wonderful testimony, with more still to come. I pray the four of you have a blessed week. I know that Ford is right behind his brother, he too will soon be getting ready for his big boy crib. When my granddaughters was in Presby. the Drs. & nurses told us that one would probably go home before the other. My daughter started to cry, she said I can't imagine taking one without the other, that very night she had a little talk with the one that was making progress and said sissy we can't leave sissy behind. That next morning she wouldn't bottle feed. The other one did and the next feeding they were both the same and stayed that way & were both released at the same time. We were all surprised. You may need to have a little talk with Ford and let him know you all are planning on all being released to go home at the same time. Just wanted to share how God knows our heart better than we do. He knows our needs before we ask he just wants to check our faith. I know that you both have all the faith in the world. Please keeping trusting on our Savior he will not forsake thee. God Bless, thank you for taking the time to keep us updated with the latest & greatest news!

Anonymous said...

What an awesome God we have!!! How blessed you are to get to see a miracle right before your eyes. And thank you for sharing a glimpse of that miracle with us. I am so excited about the great weekend they have had, and look forward to so many more great posts. Have an amazing day, and know we are still praying.

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful Dad you are Trey. Dana and the babies are blessed to have you. Keep those babies in your arms. They can feel your strength and love and it helps them to get strong.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to hear that the boys are doing good.That's very good that they are eating so much.GROWING little boys they are. Can't wait to hear the up dates on all of you. Hope we will see Daina back on the NEWS in the morning sure do miss her... Your all in our thought and prayers....
GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!!
Maranda

Anonymous said...

trey and dana,
keep being strong through your journey as god and others stand beside you, we love you guys
Ashley and Matt

Anonymous said...

Trey and Dana--

You ALL have been in our thoughts, our hearts, and our prayers since day one! Because we don't see you or even talk, please know that Taylor and I pray for you every day. I am so inspired to read the amazing words that you share. What wonderful parents you are! Ford and Hayden are so blessed to have you. I too, am looking forward to that day, not too far off, when you are able to hug, kiss and sqeeze those little miracles!

Much love and continued prayers,
Marci Miller

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that Living Green Baptist is prayin you all and will always hold you close to our hearts

Katrina Peoples

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to let you know that Living Green Baptist Church will be praying for you and will always keep you close to our hearts

Katrina Peoples

Kimberly said...

It's such a blessing to me to check in on your family and see how God is working in your lives. Matthew 5:16 says "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." You're doing just that - glorifying God - and surely it pleases the Lord, because that's what he made us for in the first place! In searching for the perfect verse to add here, I found myself overwhelmed, so instead I will share this with you: go to www.biblegateway.com/keyword and type in "glory" as your keyword. Narrow the search to just the New Testament, and you'll find SO many verses to encourage you. Here are my favorites:
John 11:3-5
John 14:12-14
John 15:7-9
Romans 4:20-21
2 Corinthians 4:15-18
Hebrews 13:20-21
1 Peter 1:3-9

God bless you, Hughey family!!
~KP

Anonymous said...

DANA AND TREY, FIRST I SURE MISS DANA ON MY NEWS!!!,BUT AM SO VERY HAPPY THE BOY'S ARE COMMING ALONG SO WELL. GOD CERTIANLY DOES ANSWER PRAYERS. I WAS TOLD I WOULD NEVER HAVE CHILDREN AFTER A MISSCARRIAGE YOUNG IN LIFE AND THAT WAS HARD. BUT GOD ANSWERED MY PRAYS AND I HAVE 2 GROWN CHILDREN 1 BOY WHO BLESSED ME WITH 2 BEATIFUL GRANDDAUGHTERS AND A DAUGHTER WHO BLESSED ME WITH A GRANDSON (WHOM WE LOST) AND A GRANDDAUGHTER NOW 14 MONTHS OLD... KEEP YOU FAITH UP AND HURRY HOME WITH THE BABIES. GOD BLESS YOU AND I WILL CONTINUE MY PRAYERS FOR ALL OF YOU. P.S. THE BOYS ARE BEATIFUL!!!!! LOVE IN CHRIST RENEE & FAMILY PAPANANNASG2@AOL.COM

Anonymous said...

Trey and Dana

You two are such amazing and strong people. God picked the right parents for this journey because he knew you could handle it. I thank you both for being such awesome people and parents. Your family is in my prayers and I cant wait to meet your two little joys.

With All My Love,
Ashley Eubanks

Anonymous said...

Dear Hugheys,

First of all, thank you so much for keeping us updated on your little miracles. They are absolutely precious!! When I see the pictures of you all holding them, it gives me chills.

I got the most wonderful compliment today. I was at the post office, and this lady kept looking at me. Finally, she said, "Are you the lady on the news, Dana?" I said, "No ma'am, but what a wonderful compliment." Y'all are such an inspiration to everyone!

I am also a mother of twin boys. They are 2 1/2. After reading Trey's blog the other day about stop what you are doing right now and go hug your kids, as soon as I got home from work, I would not stop hugging them. Thank you so much for making all of us realize we need to slow down & cherish every moment we have with our kids!

I will continue to keep your sweet family in my thoughts and prayers!

Thank you again for taking time out of your busy schedule to let us know how y'all are doing. I check every day for an update!

GOD BLESS!!!

A Cole said...

Loved the update and I am so excited that the boys are passing the 4 lb mark. Hallelujah! Aren't baby smiles the BEST EVER? I praise the Lord for every milestone that you all have hurdled over. We looked forward to your family being back here in East Texas and your new life together.
In His Service,
Anita Cole

Anonymous said...

Dana and Trey what beautiful miracles you have. Our family is praying continually for your precious little ones to grow and thrive. What a beautiful testimony they will have when they grow up of God's grace and mercy, taught to them by strong parents. FOR WE WALK BY FAITH NOT BY SIGHT. 2 COR. 5:7. My husband is 46 years old and battling cancer that has left him bedridden but we find our strength in the Lord Jesus Christ and the ability to know that others need prayer just as much as we do. Thank you for sharing your witness with us. Praying for you all to come home soon.
The Humphrey's

Jeff & Debra said...

Dana, Trey,Hayden and Ford, I can't tell you how wonderful it is to read this latest post. I sat here with tissue in hand and just cried! God is working his miracles with these little boys and what a blessing it is to watch. Dana, you DO have a wonderful, caring husband that just really touched my heart this morning. My kids are 23 and 20 now and I have a grand daughter who is 3 months old and I am calling both of my kids today to just say, "I love you." They were healthy at birth and during childhood so I was blessed with that. I can't even imagine what you guys are going through and what is in store for you, but I know you have many on your side and the best one of all is our Lord and Savior! I can't even write this without crying. I know that feeling of holding your child close to your chest and feeling every breathe they take. I know what it's like to take them to bed to tuck them in and say that prayer before bed. You will get there guys!! You will have those moments of reading a bedtime story and hearing them say, "One more story Daddy", "Mommy, I love you." Although my health isn't where it should be right now, I am so blessed. Dana, I too have a wonderful husband who supports me emotionally and allows me to cry and cries with me. Gosh! What a blessing this morning. The sun has just come up over the tree tops and it's beautiful! Just another blessing from God!! One day you will hold your children with no tubes and what a day that will be!! What a day that will be when you load them up in your vehicle, tuck them in their carseats and head to Tyler! Being a Mom is a wonderful job and the best job in the world! Sorry Trey, I can't speak for the Dads but I am sure it's just as great, but being a Mom you are with them all the time. You see their first step, you hear their first words. It's just wonderful!!!!!! I know these are hard days to deal with and to watch your children go through, but as you said each day is a day closer to bringing them home. Stay strong and you have many prayers for you here. I love you all guys! You have become a part of me, a part of my life, a part of my thoughts and a part of my prayers! Leave your babies each night knowing that Angels are holding your babies each night. I believe in Angels! My Mom died in 1999 and she has been with me every since as an Angel, I know she is with me. I feel her presence, I feel her touch, I feel her guidance. After this post I am praying to her, I am asking her to go to you and your babies, to hold your babies to touch you when you need a hug, to wipe your tears when you cry. You need her more than I do now! She will watch over you and your babies! As I reach for yet another tissue, I will close with a prayer. Dear Lord, please watch over these wonderful little miracles You have created and give Dana and Trey the strength to see this through. I know there will be more troubled waters ahead, but we know you will have your hands on these miracles and you will keep them safe. Lord, my Mom needs to be with Dana, Trey, Hayden and Ford now. She is needed there more than she is here. Allow her to go and hold these babies for them at night while they rest. Allow her to hold these babies tight and let them know they are safe. You are our Savior and the creator of all. We thank You for all You have provided to us for we all have many blessing. In Jesus name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Dana and Trey,
Thank you for the update. From experience I can say that trials bring us together or tear us apart. I am so grateful to God that this has brought you both so much closer to each other. You are great parents, and your faith and testimony will have far reaching effects that you may never know about. Continue to be strong, love each other, and hold on to the boys as much as they will let you. And while you do that, know that we are praying for all four of you. Each night when we pray with our son, we pray for the four of you. Thank you for giving us specific requests to pray for, as I know God honors our asking.
My favorite verse: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Anonymous said...

Gosh, That is very scary for you guy's.
Keep up the faith. I know our Lord will send these babies home with Mom and Dad very soon. All of our continues prayer's for sure.

Anonymous said...

I am so excited the boys continue to thrive and make progress! It brought tears to my eyes reading about you holding that sweet boy chest to chest. As a proud mommy of two I know how wonderful that feeling is of holding that sweet baby skin to skin...I'm so excited that you have finally gotten a chance to enjoy that awesome time! I pray that the next few days will bring stronger lungs and more moments of holding time! It won't be long and those boys will be gulping down milk! I am so proud of you for pumping...nursing will be such a great joy for you. It is a lot of work...I can't imagine the work it would be for two...but it such an awesome bonding thing for mommy and baby...babies for you! =o) Keep smiling and loving those boys...they are so lucky to have wonderful parents like the two of you!

melissa aka kymfrmtx said...

Dear Hugley Family,

I Can tell you that the time you are going through is the hardest time the roller coaster of the nicu is hard i totally understand i am the mother of a 24 weeker who is now 3 years old, Now i cant tell you that life after the nicu is easy but to see yall and understand that you never know what the day will bring you measure you childs weight in grams you get happy over the little things and always keep those little things there they are what helped me and my hubby and our 3 kids through or 4 1/2 month nciu stay. And never be afraid to ask for the ?'s the only ? in the nicu is one that is not asked never be afraid to ask for support cause there are many of us that understand what you are going through at this hard time.My thoughts and prayers are with all of you through this time

Melissa Tatum texas

Anonymous said...

Dana and Trey, It is so good to hear that your little ones are doing so well. Your blog is such an inspiration to all of us. I continue to keep all of you in my prayers. I am so very proud of you both. you have been through so much but continue to keep the faith and know that God is in control. Thanks for keeping us updated. LH

Anonymous said...

Dana, Trey, Hayden and Ford,
Glad to see the boys are making so much progress. Prayers are wonderful and many are going up for you and those precious little ones.
Dee Postins
Gilmer, Tx.

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Picture Worth A Thousand Words

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