Milestones and Hurdles

Lilypie Kids birthday Ticker
Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

Monday, April 7, 2008

Ford and Hayden... almost 3 months old!
















Our Handsome Little, but Growing Hayden and Ford!
Our twins will be 3 months tomorrow. It is hard to believe that we have been parents to our little miracles for that many months now. It has been a beautiful yet bumpy and emotional journey.

Both boys continue to benefit from your prayers and from their wonderful doctors at Cook in Fort Worth. Ford is once again facing the tougher challenges, but we have faith the Lord will see him through. It is not for certain yet, but the doctors may try him off the ventilator again tomorrow depending on how his evening goes. We had to try him on some steroids for his lungs... there are risks, but the benefits seem to outweigh those at this point. We hope one round will do the trick, but we are comforted that he still is not supposed to be born yet so we have a little time. He is still dealing with some kidney and UTI issues, but we were happy with his renal sonogram today that seems to have revealed one kidney stone was gone. No telling how much pain our little Ford has been in with his kidney stones. My heart hurts for him everyday. We're hoping the 3rd time is the charm for Ford and that he will thrive off the ventilator... we are not giving up on that this time around and surely could use some prayers his way... that trumps science every time.
Ford has been smiling through his kidney stones... and though he is on the vent... he still loves to be held by his mommy and daddy. He loves his music. Both boys have CD players from their gram and lots of great, relaxing music to snooz the night.... and day away.


Mr. Hayden has been our rock... having a good day when Ford is struggling a little more. He is only on a 1/16th of a liter of oxygen... that's not much. He is also learning how to bottle feed still. It's hard work for preemies... really hard. Well, our rock gave us a tiny scare on Saturday night. He started to develop a fever. They watched it overnight and then it spiked again. As a precaution... the doctor put him on antibiotics because one indicator of infection was elevated. Fortunately his CBC was normal... and they continue to watch for growth in his culture. Today he seems better. His temperature has normalized and he was smiling and snuggling with his proud parents today. Oh yes, Hayden also has kidney issues, but no stones yet and we pray a change in his diet will keep them at bay. We hope you will keep him on your prayer list as well... so he can get of his oxygen and the feeding will click soon. It will be hard to take him home without Ford... we think he is stalling so that won't have to happen. We just want what is best for Ford and Hayden.

As for us, we have been overwhelmed with new obstacles this past week. I have shed lots of tears. We are tired, we are weary, but we are more convinced now than ever that our boys are going to have a wonderful life with us. They are God's little miracles for us, how blessed are we EVERY single day to have them in our lives. Yes, our first few months of their lives have been crazy, but it is more than worth it for Ford and Hayden... they are so precious and what we have waited our whole lives for!!! I tell the boys that every day... that we had to pull out all the stops to get them here and keep them here.

A nurse in the NICU gave me a wonderful scripture the other day... and it couldn't have come at a more perfect time. I really believe God spoke to her... to help me! She isn't a nurse who has ever taken care of the boys, yet she told me... she prays for them everyday, but something came over her the other night that she needed to give me this bible verse she came across in her bible study. This is the verse and it hasn't left my mind, heart or lips since... He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
I believe that is Ford and Hayden's destiny and soon.

Thank you for loving us and taking care of us from afar. I have to say everyone has been so good to us... my KLTV family, whom I miss... and Trey's Eiche-Mapes family who he doesn't get to see as much as he'd like. Just know that our goal is to get back to all of you, but for now... the boys need us and our love to get better and more than that we need them. It's hard enough being away from them each night... that is all this mommy can take.
Thank you for your prayers,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

18 comments:

Unknown said...

You four are always in our prayers and thoughts. I wish we could take away some of the stress for you. It was so wonderful seeing you a few weeks ago and those boys are beautiful! They have very special parents and they will grow up soon and be able to tell you all day and everyday that they love you. Hang in there... This too shall pass. This is only a season in your lives that you will be able to look at and see where you have come and what was accomplished through God and with His Grace and Mercy. Hang in there...

In His Grace,
Nicole, Zac and Ethan Tyson

Jean said...

We pray everytime we look down at Hayden and Fords prayer bracelet...I have sooo much faith that they are going to be healthy, handsome, sweet little guys! Love you all, Jean (Nanie)

Cody Lillich said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Cody Lillich said...

happy 3 month birthday!!!

From your GMET Producers Cody & Coretta. :)

jaymie said...

I read your update late last night and you guys were so heavy on my hearts. Sometimes that NICU life can kick you while you're down. Hang on. Our son had UTI trouble also..he had several but when he was big enough to get circumcised they did that and he never had another one. That eating thing can be slow and I know you are anxious. I was too. I think I may have gotten impatient and rushed mine too fast and now I'm still dealing with that. If i had it to do all over again, I would go slower. So hang in there, he will do it. I know that doesn't make you feel any better now, but maybe it will for a second. I have a VERY good feeling about Ford..he's about to fly the nest!!! That scripture was one that someone gave me at almost exactly this point in our NICU journey. I think of my little twins every time I hear it. May the GOD of peace cover you. I loved remembering that his promises are new EVERY MORNING..NEW! Not tired and worn out like we are..brand new. Hang on to his promises of faithfulness when you are too tired to do anything else. Sorry this is so long, I lost your email address! I'm the one who has emailed you a few times about my 25 weekers. Holler if you need us!

Anonymous said...

I know it is hard to break away and update all of us, but please know how much we appreciate it. Each night we try to be so specific in our prayers for all 4 of you, and your updates help us to do that. Thank you for the pictures, Ford and Hayden are sure handsome!!! We lift you up each day in prayer, and will continue to do so. May God hold you in His arms today and give you strength.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to 2 handsome little boys. They are so precious and we can't wait for you to be able to bring them home. Nothing can be more tiring than hospitals and you have had more than your share of them. We are keeping you in our prayers and hoping that it won't be long before all the issues are corrected and you can be the family that you deserve to be. Keep the faith and try to get some rest while the nurses are taking care of Ford and Hayden because you will need it after you get home. Lots of love from a GMET viewer.

A Cole said...

Happy 3 month Birthday to Ford and Hayden! As always, I continue to keep watch on your family on the blog. Thank you for continuing to let us know about the boys, even when you are so stressed and exhausted. It helps us to better focus our prayers. Today, I am praying for "leaps" in their progress, feeding, breathing, and urinary tracts - that their systems will mature and that Trey and Dana will have blessed peace. God is good all the time.
In service to the Lord,
Anita Cole

Anonymous said...

Dear Dana & Trey,

Thank you so much for the update. I have been following your story since it aired on channel 7, but this is the first time I have ever left a comment. When I saw the pictures of your beautiful boys today, I couldn't help myself. I had to send you a message letting you know how precious they are. They have really grown!
I too am a mother 2 boys. There is no feeling like it.
Hang in there! I know you all will be back in Tyler very soon!
Please wish Ford & Hayden a Happy 3 month Birhtday from the Cash Family in Mineola!

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear how they are doing.our pastor granddaughter just turned one, she was born 1 month early and when she was 6 months old she was almost caught up to kids her age. I hope ya'll will be enjoying them soon. just praying that the boys keep on improving.i check everyday on any news how they are doing, I love seeing the new pictures of them when u get to post them.glad bless u allbs

Anonymous said...

Keep on fighting! Our Father has your back. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with all of you.

Anonymous said...

Look how far you guy's have came. It has been a long 3 emotional month's I'm quite sure.
You guy's are for sure down hill now. You know the babies will be just fine and I know that helps as far as all the worrying part so much. We are all still praying for you all and will continue. The boy's are just precious and getting to be big little men. Soon you all will be home in your own bed's. Thank's for all the updates. We look everyday for them.

Anonymous said...

Dana and Trey, I just looked to see if there was an update this morning and started looking at all the pictures etc. since the beginning. It is just amazing and soooo precious to see the latest pics of the babies being off so many tubes etc. You guy's have came such a long way and down such a bumpy road. I can tell you this. It is so worth it. Children are such a precious gift. I am so happy to see some relief in your postings. It will be very soon all of you will be home and starting your life together. I hope and pray not a single baby is ever born again early. I know that is almost a dream, but I know there will be 2 parent's that will be there for support for other parent's going through the same. You will be able to tell them they are going to bring home healthy babies through prayer.

Anonymous said...

JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING FROM TYLER TEXAS. WE ARE STILL PRAYING FOR FORD & HAYDEN.GOD KNOWS WHAT HE IS DOING SO JUST RELAX WHEN YOU CAN AND KNOW THAT US TEXANS ARE LOOKING OUT FOR OURS............ YOU ARE IN THE LORDS HANDS AND HE WILL NEVER DROP YOU!!!!

CANDACE FOSTER
E-MAIL ADDRESS: candace7555@suddenlink.net:
I AM GIVING YOU MY E-MAIL SO THAT IF YOU EVER JUST NEED TO TALK TO SOME ONE THAT HAS BEEN IN A SPOT A LITTLE WORSE THAN FORD AND HAYDEN,I AM HERE FOR YOU!!
WITH LOVE AND PRAYERS CANACE FOSTER

Anonymous said...

Dear Trey and Dana,

Please give those precious babies a kiss from your Beaumont and Austin family!!! We are thrilled and blessed to see the Lord's magnificent work unfold before our eyes! Your faith and steadfastness are an inspiration to all parents. Ford and Hayden are blessed to have such a wonderful Mommy and Daddy. We are continuing to pray and can't wait to see you all. Thank you for all updates.

Love you,
Whitney Hughes and family

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your boys. I have been concerned that there are no postings since 11 days ago--hope all is well. Our prayers come from the heart of experience and we know it is a very emotional journey. Keep your faith strong, rest in your Lord. Prayers for your rest and peace.

Anonymous said...

I don't get to write very often, but I continue to pray for Hayden and Ford and Mom and Dad. They are growing so much and look so good.
My nephew was premature as well and needed heart surgery as soon as he was born,which was 22 years ago, but the power of prayer brought him back to us and now, today, he became a Dad for the first time to a healthy baby boy. We miss Dana on GMET but we know you are where you are needed most right now.
This coming Mother's Day will be one special one for you!!!!
Our blessings to you all.
The Carr's

Anonymous said...

treynand dane, please keep on being strong, we love you guys and know the lord will help keep you strong

Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Picture Worth A Thousand Words

Proud Parents

Proud Parents

Proud Mommy

Proud Mommy

Proud Papa

Proud Papa

Pics of Ford

Pics of Ford

Pics of Hayden

Pics of Hayden