The Hugheys

Hampton: Home Sweet Home

2009-10-25T17:29:00.007-05:00

I am more than thrilled to announce Hampton has been home for a more than a week now and is doing really good healthwise. We are all settling into our new routine with sweet Hampton. It's been a while since we've had a little one at home so we are getting used to lots of sleepless nights, but after our second stay in the NICU as a family (this one, a lot shorter than the boys thank goodness)... we will take sleepless nights any day for a healthy little bundle of love!!!! Last Friday, Dr. Riley decided Hampton's lungs were doing much better so he had us room in on Friday night at the hospital... getting Hampton used to nursing with me all the time... and on Saturday, we were overjoyed to bring her back home to Tyler!!! If you don't see the family out and about for a while, it is because the doctors want us to again guard our little ones lungs because of the issues she had at birth and the boys too! This H1N1 flu is something we don't want to mess around with! It's a small sacrifice for a lifetime of fun to be had in the near future. It's also nice to have this time with the family to bond.

It was wonderful to see the boys meet their sister for the first time last Saturday. To my amazement, they were not jealous of her, but very intrigued by her arrival. I think they finally understood that was the baby in mommy's tummy the past 9 months. Thank heavens for my mother staying home this past week with me. It is going to be a lot of work when she goes back to work... but I am ready for this wonderful challenge.

These past couple of weeks with the unexpected health scare for Hampton has once again really been a test of our faith... to believe that the Lord was going to heal her the same way he did the boys, but I am so glad I have that blind faith... because Hampton is an amazing GIFT! She is a sweet little girl. She loves to eat, she's been struggling with baby gas, but she's a tough cookie as she proved to us the past 2 weeks!

I have spent a lot of time cuddling with her and watching her sleep. It just doesn't get much better than this. I have 2 little miracle twins who love to have fun, a sweet daughter to comfort and cuddle, and an amazing husband to help me and love us all along the way. He continues to be my strength when I can't muster it and my positive voice when I am worried about what other challenges we could face. This is the best life! I wouldn't change a thing because I appreciate all that I have EVEN MORE! And I appreciate all of you... our friends who pray for us anytime we ask. Now, that is another blessing the Hughey family never takes for granted. May everyone know the power of prayer as we have come to know it over the past 2 years!

Love to you and yours....

Dana, Trey, Ford, Hayden and Hampton

Hampton's Healing Continues.....

2009-10-15T07:50:00.006-05:00

Good Morning sweet friends and family! So sorry I didn't blog yesterday. It was a busy day spending time with Miss Hampton, now that we are no longer in the hospital together. Everything just seems to take a little longer: getting her mommy's milk to her & travel-time to her. Of course, it's just a new routine and no big deal for us.

Hampton started a new routine the night before last. She is no longer on oxygen or air flow to help her breathe! I don't want to jinx it, but then I remember with the Lord on our side that is not possible. He wants us to rejoice in his good works, so that is what I want to do... praise the Good Lord for Hampton no longer being dependent on oxygen and that she is started to breast feed and bottle feed a couple of times a day. She still gets some of her feeds through her tube, but she is doing really well. The other night she tried to breastfeed for about 20 minutes, but she fell asleep after getting 7 good minutes of milk. Then she took a little bottle and the rest was given in her tube. Yesterday she didn't do so great at the afternoon feed because she got the hiccups and was frustrated (poor baby)! Last night we had a big breakthrough.... she nursed for about 35 minutes and 25 of that she was latched on really good... GO HAMPTON! She still had to get some of her feed by tube, but hey, Hampton is making amazing strides.

I have to say... I miss that we are not both under the same roof, though I am happy to be out of the hospital. It was; however, easier when a floor separated us as opposed to 15 minutes of Arlington traffic.

Our sweet friend Melissa, and Ford's primary nurse at Cook Children's came to hang out with Miss Hampton and me yesterday. It was so great to spend time with her... she really is like family now. I know Hampton is going to love her when she gets older.

Other than that, Trey and I spent most of the day cuddling with Hampton, praying with and for Hampton and doing regular parent things like changing her diaper :)

Please pray that a light bulb goes off.... and Hampton starts feeding like a champion. That is the hurdle we need to cross before she can come home with us. I have faith in her and the Lord that it will be done VERY SOON!

Lots of love and sincere thanks,

Dana, Trey, Ford, Hayden and Hampton

Hampton Stays Strong.... and So Sweet

2009-10-13T05:26:00.004-05:00

Our Sweet little Hampton is such a strong little girl. She is now on high flow oxygen instead of the bubble c-pap for her breathing support. While I wish she didn't need any help to breathe and her lungs were acting more like a full term baby than that of a preemie... I am just blessed she is such a fighter. Hopefully today she will make even more progress as far as her doctor is concerned and not just her proud, very hopeful and prayerful parents.

I just got off the phone with her night nurse, who said she's been having a good night. She just had an xray and will also get some blood work this morning. They will be checking to see if her xray has gotten any better, less hazy and to also check on a pneumothorax she has in her lungs. That is a pocket of air that she could possibly need removed via needle or chest tube, but I'm praying she just works that out on her own. Her blood work will be checking her billirubin level. She has been looking slightly jaundiced... so she might have to go under the lights... again, I pray that is not the case, but it is possible. We are also waiting for a blood gas to see how she's handling being off the bubble c-pap and on less support with the high flow oxygen.

We will likely get a new nurse today since the sweet nurse, Cassie, we've had the last couple of days is off. That's always an adjustment to learn someone else's ways and demeanor, especially when it comes to your baby! As you can tell, I can't sleep. I need more of it, but constantly wake up thinking and praying about Hampton.

As far as Dana the patient goes, I should get out today. I am feeling pretty good. Still sore from the c-section, but I will be just fine.

Oh, I forgot to mention, I was able to hold sweet Hampton twice yesterday. Trey snuggled with her as well! She is so beautiful and cuddly. That was definitely the best part of my day!!! I continue to pray she quickly overcomes her unexplained preemie lungs and gets to come home soon. Also, please pray that I get some patience with the doctor who has a different bedside manner than works for Trey and me. I know the true physician is the Lord and he will heal our little girl!

Sincerely,

Dana, Trey, Ford, Hayden and Hampton Hughey

Hampton Update

2009-10-11T00:13:00.008-05:00

I wish I could say Hampton was off, but it just hasn't happened yet. We just got back from seeing her in the NICU and it is so hard to leave her there. Mothers, I am sure you understand this, but leaving her after we've spent the last 9 months together is simply heart wrenching. I want to be stronger than I am and I leave no room for her just healing and getting better, but I wish with all of my being she and I could just cuddle, feed and cuddle some more.

I am going to use the blog tonight to make my prayers known to the Good Lord. First of all I just want to thank him for my amazing family and all he has done to heal Ford and Hayden and will do for my sweet little Hampton. I just pray that her recovery starts kicking into high gear and the fluid starts lifting from her lungs and she starts breathing like the doctors would like her to do. I pray that I get to hold her soon and tell her how proud I am of her for working so hard to get better. Lord knows, I never thought I would have to endure another child in the NICU, but I pray God gives me the strength be patient while Hampton is healed. I also pray for all of you and whatever you're going through tonight, because without the support of my amazing friends and family.... I would be mush, pure mush!

Hampton is beautiful, so beautiful! She has progressed to taking some feedings today and her xray looked better.
Thanks for your support,
Dana, Trey, Ford, Hayden and Hampton

Hampton's Not So Smooth Arrival

2009-10-10T05:42:00.015-05:00

Well, our sweet little Hampton made her debut into the world.... with some complications. This is something I did not prepare for, nor did we expect. This has been an ideal pregnancy so I never imagined we would find ourselves back at the NICU at MCA Arlington.

Hampton Malone Hughey on Bubble C-Pap, poor darlin!
After the c-section, Hampton was working too hard to breathe and keep her oxygen levels so the nurses took her to the NICU while my amazing doctor finished my surgery. We were hoping and praying she would only spend a few hours in the NICU, but she continued to struggle breathing. That's when the neonatologist decided to put her on bubble c-pap to keep her little lungs inflated. He also ordered x-rays and blood gases to monitor her lung situation. At this point, Dr. Riley believes she has fluid on her lungs from taking a big gulp of amniotic fluid before or during labor. Normally during regular labor that gets squeezed out as the baby exits the birth canal, but this does not happen in c-sections so.... there can be complications... as in Hampton's case. Now, the Dr. tells us there could be other more serious reasons for her breathing issues, but we are all hopeful she is just having trouble breathing because of the fluid on her lungs making it difficult. I sound sane right now, but I have been boo-hooing all night.

I just hope and pray Hampton is as strong as Ford and Hayden. I have only seen her twice because of the c-section and having to recover myself which makes it hard on me emotionally! Trey has seen her several times and is so optimistic and faithful. I need more of him in me. I WORRY, WORRY, WORRY! She is such a big, beautiful baby that I never would have guessed the NICU would even enter into the picture. She came into this world weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.... so you'd think her lungs would be mature enough? Of course, I feel like this is my fault that I some how couldn't protect her longer so that this would not happen. We had the c-section at 38 weeks so I started to feel bad for wanting to have her now instead of at 40 weeks, but my doctor informed me yesterday that I had already dilated to a 3 so I was about to be in active labor.

Thank you so much for your prayers once again! Please keep her on your prayer list... we already love her so much and want her to have the same resolve and strength of her brothers, Ford and Hayden.

Love,
Dana, Trey, Ford, Hayden and Hampton

Loves Of Our Life and Ford's Surgery

2009-07-21T22:19:00.001-05:00

Hughey Family ~ Jackson Hole, WY

So long no blog.... I know, I know... I have been horrible. I have been doing a much better job keeping everyone updated on facebook since I can do that from my i-phone. We have been a busy family of late. We've been to Jackson Hole for one of my dearest friends weddings in June, are in the process of selling our house & hoping to build a new one... not to mention, I'm almost 27 weeks pregnant and I broke my foot 2 weeks ago. I hope I will get better about blogging, but the boys like our undivided attention.

Ford basking in his first dip in the pool!

Our sweet little Ford has surgery tomorrow. It is the same surgery he was scheduled for several months ago, but he and his brother got a terrible virus and it had to be put on hold. I wish I was not such a worrier, but I admit I have cried several times today. I just love him so and hate to see him in pain and even more... I just worry about any surgery, period. I still have the same faith I had that pulled the boys through the darkest days of the NICU, but we've been having so much fun being a healthy family... I just have forgotten what all the hospital stress was like to some extent. His urologist will be repairing a hydrocele he has that could cause a hernia. It's a boy surgery if you know what I mean. The surgery is scheduled for 10:30 am tomorrow morning (Wednesday). I hope you would say a little prayer for our Ford and for our peace of mind during the surgery. It should be just a day surgery and I am faithful it will be and am already thanking the Lord for Ford's healing and an end to his many surgeries. If you know someone who has kept up with the boys... I would love for you to forward this blog to them as I don't have the same forum now that I am no longer with Channel 7.

Hayden clowning around in the pool!

The boys are now 18 months old and both walking, sometimes running around the house. Hayden has been walking for about 2 months... Ford for about a month. As all of you parents know, walking (alone) is a process. The boys have been walking with the help of the couches and toys for months and months, but finally they let go and have been having a ball ever since. I love seeing them grow and reach obstacles. It is just amazing to see. We still have therapists who come out and work with them, but not as much since they are doing so well. Eating "big people" food was a real struggle for a while with their gag reflex from being intubated for so long, but now they are eating pancakes, muffins, chicken nuggets, hotdogs, corn dogs, grilled cheeses and so much more. Of course, they love animal crackers the most of all!!!! We've been to Big Honey and Big Daddy's pool several times and they love it more each time. It wears them out which is a good thing for getting them to sleep better.

Big Honey & Gram with the Boys in Jackson Hole

The boys also had their first plane ride to Jackson Hole where they did just amazing. Fortunately we had both our moms with us and they were a huge help. We received lots of compliments about how well Ford and Hayden did on the plane ride. They enjoyed seeing the sights of Jackson Hole and spending some quality time with their grandmothers while we attended wedding events for my dear friend, Coye.

As for their baby sister who is due in October, so far so good! I keep praying this pregnancy will be smooth sailing because my boys need me. They don't get it yet that they have a sister on the way, but I am sure they will love it once she arrives! Now if I can just get this broken foot healed... I will be great.

Trey and I just want to thank you in advance for your prayers for Ford tomorrow. It means the world to us and we are so thankful for everyone who takes a moment to send up some good thoughts for our sweet boy.

Love,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Loves of Our Life and Ford's Surgery

2009-07-21T22:16:00.000-05:00

Loves of Our Life & Ford's Surgery

2009-07-21T22:13:00.000-05:00

March For Babies A Success..... even in the rain

2009-04-25T14:18:00.008-05:00

This morning was a big day for the boys, Ford and Hayden. Today they were the ambassadors for the March for Babies Walk in Tyler. We were up bright and early.... unfortunately it was not so bright outside. We heard the rain coming down as we got ready for the walk, but didn't let it dampen our spirits as we made our way out to Bergfeld Park to meet all of our friends and family supporting Ford, Hayden and the March of Dimes.

We were ecstatic when we arrived to see a couple hundred people there despite the elements... which turned from rain to sprinkles, just in time for the walk. My mother had a team from Azalea Orthopedics. They were energetic and ready to go wearing some great shirts that they had made for Ford and Hayden... now dubbed the Wonder Twins.

Trey's sister, Heather and her family also came out to walk with us.... Patton, Payne, John, Jean and Ronnie. Not to mention the countless other friends who said "we're going to walk even in the rain."

The walk was shortened because of threatening skies, but we enjoyed every step. You see, this time last year we still had both boys in the hospital. Hayden came home at the end of April, but Ford didn't come home until the end of May. To see how far they have come, well, it just amazes me everyday. I know we have some wonderful doctors and nurses to thank for that and especially the Good Lord who watched after all of us from the moment Ford and Hayden came into the world on January 8, 2008. I've said it many times that I always believed they would make it, but they have far exceeded my expectations. They may not be as big as most 15 month olds, but they are getting there. So far, they really don't have any developmental delays and we don't expect they will. They are just two amazing little boys that bring so much joy to everyone they meet and especially their parents.

I want to thank all of the people who came out to support the Hughey Family and who made donations to the March of Dimes on our behalf. I wish everyone knew how instrumental the March of Dimes is in championing babies. Afterall, you never know when you are going to need them... we certainly didn't think they would figure into our life, but they did. It's the March of Dimes research we have to thank for surfactant that was given to our boys so their lungs could work properly because the lungs are the last thing to develop in utero. It was a great day for the March of Dimes in Tyler. Not all of the money has even been counted yet, but an early total is $45,000 raised in Tyler alone! Amazing. The Hugheys plan to be part of this for a long time to come.

Sincerely,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford Scheduled for Surgery in May

2009-02-26T20:48:00.002-06:00

Hi again everyone! I just wanted to update you on our latest doctor's

appointment. While I was at the March for Babies kickoff, Trey & his mom, Janet.... were taking the boys to the urologist.

Unfortunately, our sweet little Ford is going to have to endure one more surgery. It's shouldn't be a huge deal, but it's a surgery to avoid getting a hernia in the future.

I talked with the doctor on speaker while Trey and Janet talked to him in the office. Of course any surgery has its risks Dr. Pugach told me, but we know with the Lord's help it will be smooth sailing.

It tears me up every time to be in that waiting room while Ford is in somone else's care, but I know the good Lord will be guiding the Doctors and nurses... so that gives me some peace.

Please keep him in your prayers until then and his sweet little bro, Hayden. The surgery is on May 13th. Other than that, they really did get good reports on their kidneys and after this surgery... we may not have to see the urologist much longer.

Take care,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

You're looking at this year's March of Dimes Ambassadors

2009-02-24T16:38:00.005-06:00

Ford & Hayden are almost 14 months now and soooooo FUN! They are both so active and love to play... keeping their mommy and daddy endlessly entertained and busy.

Some EXCITING news to report... The boys are the Ambassadors for the March of Dimes in Tyler this year and for the March for Babies on April 25th in Bergfeld Park, what an honor. I would love to have all of our supporters over the past year and a half come walk with us. You can join our team or make one of your own. There is a link on the March of Dimes website to do that and it is quick and easy too!
http://www.marchforbabies.org/at_work.aspx?src=atwork

Today, we had the kick off luncheon at the Rose Garden Center... so we are just getting teams started and it's not costly... it is just for an amazing cause. So we can save more babies. No one ever thinks their baby is going to be born premature or with birth defects, but thank goodness we have the March of Dimes doing work for us to help preemies and the other sick babies out there. They've done endless research and are instrumental in legislation, as well.

That's our Funny Ford... sticking out his tongue as usual. He is fascinated with it. Also, both boys are cutting their bottom two teeth. It is SO cute. I can't wait to see how their look changes with some pearly whites.

Okay, these two pictures have a story. Every Friday mommy, that's me of course, looks forward to the mail getting here and my People Magazine. Take a close look at the boys. I walked into the office for 2 seconds and came back to this scene. My beloved people magazine wadded up and 2 boys loving every single second of it. They love paper. Maybe that means they will love reading... a mother can hope can't she?

Hayden's crawling

2009-02-24T16:26:00.000-06:00

How exciting, on Superbowl Sunday... our little Hayden took off. He's crawling and pulling up on everything in sight! What fun. Ford is not far behind. He is trying to crawl just hasn't mastered it yet. He's doing the backwards crawl, just as Hayden did. Ford can also sit up on his own now from laying down. What Big Boys!I have to tell you... Hayden did find the way to the dog food and took a big scoop into his hands while I was changing Ford. No worries... he didn't consume any, but the dog food has been relocated. We also have a toy fortress in the living room so they don't crawl on the tile and hurt themselves. I am trying to stay out of hospitals you know.

Sleepy and... Not So Sleepy Boys

2009-01-19T17:34:00.001-06:00

Here are two very sleepy Boys and check it out... Hayden Has Some Bananas on His Nose!

Aren't they sweet? This was after some fine cuisine of sweet potatoes and oatmeal and a little formula to wash it down with last week.

We had a very busy week last week with both of their occupational therapists coming to work with them. The first time since the holidays. They worked on crawling exercises, as well as exercised to help them learn how to sit up on their own. I have to tell you... Ford is not a huge fan of the crawling, but he does like to stand, but he is quite unsteady on his feet so it is actually more like us holding him up! No problem. Hayden is still trying to crawl and getting better every day. I can say as of today, he crawls all over the living room, but still backwards. He did do a lot of rocking back and forth so... I'll keep you posted!

On Friday, we visited the pulmonologist for their RSV shots. He is just so pleased with their progress and said their lungs sounded good and that they seem to be managing their lung disease well. Next year, if all goes well... Ford and Hayden won't have to get the RSV shots. Exciting news. We have a ton of doctors appointments coming up in February. The urologist, pediatrician, nephrologist, eye doc and they pulmonologist again. We are going to be logging some serious miles to Fort Worth. I also have some doctors appointments. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun does it. Just pray they all go well for all of us. That's the most we can ask for. We have been so blessed so far.

Under the advice of the pulmonologist, we continue to keep the boys fairly secluded from the rest of the world and it seems to be working. April... I can't wait for it to get here, but even better is that the boys have stayed quite healthy and being closed up in doors is worth it... if the end result is 2 healthy boys.

The boys are eating really good. They are eating about 3 organic Gerber meals a day, plus formula about every 4 hours or so. We are trying to catch them up still. They are 9 months adjusted age today and I am wondering... Where are their teeth. I can seem them beneath the gums, but none have broken through yet. I look forward to seeing what they look like with chompers.

The past couple of evenings, I have been brave enough to let them sleep without their heart and apnea monitors. The Dr. says they don't need them, but kept the prescription because of RSV season and the uncertainties of it all. I slept okay and still I worry. I look forward to breathing a little in the future when they are just two rambunctious boys without and major medical issues.

Well, so far so good on my resolution to be a better blogger since getting the computer situation handled.

I hope you have all been well thus far in the new year. You are all such a blessing to me. It's nice to know there are so many people out there who care. Hopefully we can all get through this recession unscathed and better for the journey it takes our country on. I have faith it will all be okay. I do ask they you say a prayer for our friends, The Fenders. They have twin sons born at 30 or 31 weeks. One is home now, but the other still needs time. Just pray his recovery is a speedy one so they can all be together for the first time. It is so hard to leave one at the hospital. We did it for a month and the guilt is unimaginable. They are strong and so are their boys!

Now for some weekend photos of the boys playing....

Hayden Trying to Crawl and Play......... Ford Playing and Curious about the FLASH!

I hope you enjoyed the photos. I will keep you posted on what the boys are up to this week. It is always eventful.

Love,

The Hugheys

Our Birthday Photos, Aren't We Handsome???

2009-01-15T15:19:00.002-06:00

The Happy Birthday Boys 1/8/09!

Today... We're 1 year 1 week old!

Adjusted... almost 9 months... We should have been born April 19th!

Hayden and Ford Celebrating the Big "1"

It was such a fun day for the whole family to celebrate with the twins.
They have come so far and continue to do so each and every day.
This week, they are both still working on crawling, working on getting some teeth (lots of drooling & lots of teething & a little fussy), working on growing taller and chunkier and working on more babbling sounds... still not much "mama" to speak of :) ... but we have buh~buh, bluh~bluh, guh, ahhhh, oooo, eeeee, ahhhhh, dada DOWN PAT!

The occupational therapists came to work with them... they are quite impressed! Also we have a pulmonologist appointment Friday for more RSV shots. Poor fellas!

Hayden has woken up coughing a couple of mornings, but we give him a treatment then he's done for the day... don't think he's sick, maybe it's the weather! No fever, not acting different, who knows???

Their mommy is thankful because I was able to go get a massage this week, It was Fantastic and much needed.

Also, the boys are going to be the ambassadors for the Tyler March of Dimes this year, which is such an honor so I am hoping many people will get behind the organization and 2 of their fundraisers this year. The organization does so much to help save babies who went through similar situations as the boys. They help preemies and babies with birth defects. They've done so much research that has paved the way for preemies to flourish who were born at 25 weeks... not so long ago it was a different situation. Thank Goodness for the March of Dimes. I will add a link to their page soon so you can learn more if you'd like.

Thanks for all of the birthday wishes over the past week. I wish you could hear the boys they are talking right now... pretty much as loud as they can. MUSIC TO MY EARS!! LOVE IT!!!

Oh Man, that FLASH is bright!!!

Seriously Cute Outfits Calls for Serious Cute Boys!

Our Bday Cakes & We're ready for Cake!!!!!
Thanks for your love and prayers as always!

More to come....

The Hugheys

Oh, What a Night!

2009-01-08T21:43:00.008-06:00

Tonight was Ford and Hayden's First Birthday Bash with the family. It was just a small gathering of Grandparents, Aunt, Uncle, cousin and 2 close friends. We are trying to keep them healthy so... we are going to have a birthday party when they SHOULD have been born in April. Too much cold, flu and RSV out there right now.
Their cousin Patton even made them a Birthday sign!!!! So Sweet!

We have received so many wonderful email, texts and calls today wishing the boys Happy B-Day. KLTV even came out tonight and took video of the boys "trying to figure out what to do with their cake," opening presents, playing with the family and just being boys, 1 year-old boys now. It was so nice to have Layron Livingston here and to finally meet my boys... he was great with them.

I think they enjoyed their birthday and I know we did. What a milestone. We were glowing all day long today at what they have overcome and what is to come for Ford and Hayden.

They were good little birthday boys. We took lots of pics and I will add a few tonight and more tomorrow...

Here are just a few thoughts of how Hayden and Ford have changed our lives.....

It has been a big day in the Hughey household today 1/8/08.... Can you believe it that Ford and Hayden are celebrating their first birthday? A year ago last night was the scariest moment of my life... I was going into labor and really praying that my precious little ones would not be born so soon at 25 weeks, but God had a different plan. It was a bumpy, curvy and scary path to say the least in the beginning for Ford and Hayden, not to mention us... but we made it through the journey God had planned for us. Over the past year, I have tried to learn how to be appreciative of the journey no matter how tumultuous it may be. And boy have we been blessed 200-fold! Ford and Hayden are beyond our wildest dreams. They are the light in our lives and from the response I have gotten over the past year on our blog and to my work email... they have touched the hearts of East Texans to people overseas I have never met who prayed for my Ford and Hayden. Just the other night, Trey and I were at Hobby Lobby getting some family photos framed and a nice woman stopped Trey and said how are the boys, I would recognize them anywhere... and she didn't even see me... that's how special they've become to so many people. It really is great to know and witness the inspiration that they have been to so many families about what the power of prayer can do in our lives. I always knew down deep it was powerful, but I lived it this past year... and it has changed my life. Many of you are parents and you know what I mean about your children changing your world... showing you a love that goes deeper than anything you have ever known. I am so thrilled I can finally know that love... being a mommy is my greatest joy! I just wanted you to know also that I updated the blog tonight with some new photos and will add more tomorrow in a Birthday Blog. Thank you doesn't suffice what you all mean to me and what countless others mean to me that I can't give a personal thank you to, but hopefully they know...

Have a wonderful 2009, I know we plan on doing the same with Ford and Hayden!Love and Blessings~Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden Hughey

Computer Situation Squared Away... Can Blog-away!

2009-01-05T17:18:00.013-06:00

I CAN FINALLY UPDATE YOU ON "THE HUGHEY BOYS"!!!!!!

Well, as many of you parents may understand.... We uploaded so many pictures to our computer that we ran out of space and our computer was running VERY slow! We now have a hard drive back up and are back in business.

I just uploaded a TON of Holiday pictures of Ford and Hayden that I hope you will love. It has been so busy during the holidays that we didn't buy the new hard drive until Dec. 31... and then it took a bit to transfer files, blah blah blah... I am probably boring you with that!

Now to the Good Stuff. Thursday, this Thursday, Ford and Hayden turn 1! Can you believe it has been a year since you all started praying for our miracle twins. I prefer to relish the present and not dwell too much on the past, but appreciate what the Good Lord has brought us through.

I am sure I will forget something today about all the boys have been up to, so I will try to blog more this week as I remember.

As you'll notice from the pictures, the boys are sitting up alone completely on their own and side-sitting and even trying to crawl. I know for a 1 year old that seems a little late, but really they are only 8 1/2 months old adjusted so... the occupational therapists say they are really a little ahead of schedule.

We have graduated to NEW, BIGGER TOYS! For Christmas, it looks like Toys R Us moved to the Hughey House. We do have 2 so I expected more toys than most, but WOW... We are so fortunate the grandparents, aunts , uncles and friends spoil them so! I suppose we should be included in that as well, but being practical we did buy them lots of 12 months clothes so they could be warm for winter... AND stylish!

The boys just LOVED Christmas morning. Not that they really understood it of course, but they loved unwrapping their presents and playing with their new toys. I have to tell you it was a JOY to watch. It gave a new meaning to a Reason for The Season. We completely understand how blessed we have been this year and Christmas morning was a culmination of so many answered prayers... What a gift for a parent to watch the sheer joy on the children's faces... now I know what our parents always talked about. I could have received zero presents and been more fulfilled than any other Christmas on record.

It did take a while for Ford and Hayden to open their presents, but we just let them... enjoy! My mom and grandfather came over to see the Merry Madness and of course loved every second of it. Gram filled their stockings to the rim and flooded the Christmas tree with presents.

Then after some cleaning up, it was off to the Hughey Lakehouse for some more First Christmas Memories with Ford and Hayden.

They cleaned up their as well... more Toys, more fun for the boys. Trey's parents also gave us a video recorder to capture Christmas morning with and many future memories so I can't wait to share those as well, when I figure it out. The boys love big groups even though they have to stay germ free so all the aunts, uncles and grandparents were very careful with them... and sanitized so the boys would stay healthy... That was our main Christmas goal! We had an amazing time merging 3 families together, Mine, Trey's and John's (Trey's sisters' husband's parents-- our extended family Jean and Ronnie were there too! Yea!) SO many sweet gifts, great food and drink and "the very best" company anyone could ask for on Christmas Day.

Since then, we've been enjoying watching the boys play with their toys. Let's see... they have new guitars, a ball, cars, trucks, a wagon, cell phone, remote, kid pda's... the list goes on and on. You'll see them playing with them in the pictures.

Mom and Dad even had a chance to get out for a Christmas party a couple weeks before Christmas. I think that was our 3rd or 4th date/night out since I went into the hospital last November. We were able to enjoy our friends who we don't get to see very often and it was a really needed time for these two hardworking parents. Twins don't leave much downtime, but we love it and wouldn't have it any other way... we just need to recharge our batteries every now and then.

New Year's was spent home with our boys, Ryan Seacrest and a toast of Champagne at midnight! They were asleep of course, but we toasted to our many blessings and all the wonderful things that are in store for Ford and Hayden during 2009!

We've battled a few colds and ear infections since last I blogged, but my tough little men have fought through them and continue to grow and get stronger every day. Hayden still struggles with wheezing, but we are hoping it gets better.

Ford still has one surgery, we think, left to come, but we are praying the Urologist will not have to operate. I am crazy nuts about germs... never was a germ freak before, but now I am... We really just want them to stay away from RSV, more colds, and the flu... that would be so amazing. The pulmonologist says in April we can even start to have play dates so I can relieve some of this cabin fever, can't wait!

Today, Hayden started crawling backwards. Craziest thing! He still can't go forwards, but I feel that is not too far behind. Ford is leaning forward a lot like he is going to crawl and rocking back and forth, but just hasn't started to take off yet... It's coming!

Thanks for sticking with us through 2008... I promise to be better in 2009 about keeping you posted. The computer is all set, I am all set... now, I just have to see if the boys will give me time... they prefer I play with them... so I do a lot of singing and dancing for them. A mom's job is never done, hehe!

Happy 2009, all our love and prayers,

Dana~Trey~Ford~Hayden... They Hugheys

Merry Christmas from The Hugheys!

2009-01-05T17:14:00.000-06:00

So Much To Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

2008-11-29T17:38:00.009-06:00

The First Thanksgiving with our little Miracles is definitely what this Holiday is all about. For some reason, I have always loved Thanksgiving... it truly is my favorite Holiday. I guess it is because that is the time where I was with so much of my family... and you didn't have to worry about the stress of getting just the right present for everyone.

THIS Thanksgiving is by far the very best. The entire family was able to give thanks for Ford and Hayden's journey to better health. What a blessing. I am also thankful that this year I was able to have my mom, grandfather and Linda and Oliver (our cousins) at our house. It was great to be able to take care of others during Thanksgiving rather than sitting back and letting everyone cook for us!

Then the next day we were able to be with Trey's family at the lakehouse on Cedar Creek. It was the culmination of a perfect holiday. All his sisters were there and Heather's little girl and husband, along with Trey's mom and dad... just perfection!

The boys of course loved it all. We were very careful with them though. Lots of handwashing and hand gel to keep the germs at bay! Sweet little Patton doesn't understand why she can't be near her cousins just yet... but the day is coming. We are so looking forward to the end of flu and rsv season so we can let the boys enjoy being boys just a little more.

Ford and Hayden are both chatting up a storm. Right now, "dada" is their word of choice along with "Buba".... what happen to "mama". I am sure they will get it back in their vocabulary soon.

We aren't crawling just yet, but Hayden still thinks he can. Ford is content to sit and play with his toys for the time being or stand while you hold his hands. His time will come.

They are loving their baby food for the most part as long as it is NOT green. Fortunately, they really like their squash and turkey and rice so there are some good things on the list. They love oatmeal and any fruit/granola puree that Gerber makes.

We already have the presents under the tree for the boys and I can't wait to let them rip in. They LOVE paper. I think they will enjoy their new toys since they are getting tired of some of their first toys.

I hope you all feel as blessed as I do this Thanksgiving... for my family, for my friends, for the boys doctors and nurses, for anyone who said a prayer for us while we were fighting to get out of the NICU, Thank You on this Thanksgiving weekend!

All our Love,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

The Twins are 10 Months and Counting...

2008-11-12T13:26:00.007-06:00

The boys just continue to amaze us.... everyday. Hayden and Ford are 10 months now and spunky as ever. Both are talking alot. Ford babbles more dada's, mama's and buba's than Hayden, but don't get me wrong... Hayden likes to hear himself talk.

I guess the biggest thing they are doing right now is sitting up and playing on their own. Every now and then they plop over, but for the most part... they are upright and playing with their toys.

Hayden thinks he can crawl, but it is more of a scoot. Ford thinks tummy time is highly over-rated.

We celebrated our first Halloween and spent maybe 15 minutes in our costumes. They were the cutest peas in a pod you've ever seen. They did; however, pull-off the peas from their pod... typical rowdy boys :)

We are eating SO GOOD.... Ford especially. He takes his food downtown. Hayden needs a little more time to finish because he gets distracted looking at Ford. It's great.

The boys also had their first professional pictures taken by a photographer. What made the experience so special was the photographer was one of our NICU nurses... she is so amazingly talented.

I have also gone back to work on Sundays and am loving it!

Thanks for all of your prayers and interest in our miracles, Ford and Hayden.

We adore you all!

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Everyone Should have a Ford and Hayden

2008-10-27T21:53:00.007-05:00

They are just the two sweetest, toughest, funniest and cutest boys I know. Trust me, they would melt your heart in an instant, especially with all they've overcome... and to see how far they've come... it is just amazing.

We had our 9 month check up last week, we also saw their pulmonologist and nephrologist. It was a busy week for Ford, Hayden and their parents. I was worried a little bit about them not gaining as much weight as I'd hoped for, but the doctors didn't seem concerned so hopefully they will chub-up in the next month. They are just so busy and burning calories these days.

Good news to report on the Ford front. He is off his oxygen for the most part. He still makes me worried from time to time when he breathes fast, but his oxygen levels are staying up so.... prayer answered there. He loves not having the nasal cannula in his nose... he had started ripping the tape off his face everyday.

Today the boys had me tickled! They were in their discovery centers and Ford was just giggling at Hayden... he couldn't control himself... it was just an infectious laugh. Hayden was laughing uncontrollably shortly before that at me... somehow I managed to give him the giggles with some of my baby entertaining... glad it works! I couldn't stop laughing because they were laughing, PURE JOY!

Other big news, I am back at work part time. I am working Sunday evening and feel very blessed to be back with all of those who prayed so hard for our family and really kept us going during those rough times in the NICU. I hope I make the boys proud. They made TV again last night... they looked like little stars.

So far, we have gotten the boys shots for RSV and the flu and we are keeping them in... except for doctors appointments. I just want them to stay healthy during this sick season. It is a scary time for us and I wish I could say I am staying completely calm about it, but I am worried because I just want the boys to keep progressing like they are... that would be the ultimate blessing!

Take care and I hope to chat again soon....

Ford and Hayden's mommy, Dana

Hughey Twins Beat their 1st Cold... and are Growing SO BIG!

2008-10-02T14:48:00.005-05:00

Let me tell you... Ford and Hayden are getting so big and as we all already know, they are such strong boys.

About 3 weeks ago they caught their 1st cold. For us, no big deal, ya know, just a little annoying... but for them it can be really tough with their chronic lung disease. Fortunately, the tough twins are finally getting over the sniffles and the cough. We had to do breathing treatments, some steroids and eventually an antibiotic for a sinus infection, but now... they are really sounding great! I am so happy because I am so scared, especially for flu and RSV season. We will get through it, though... I am just believing in that fact!

They are also getting so big, relatively speaking from where they started at under 2 pounds. Both are inching really close to 15 whopping pounds. That's about right for their corrected age which is getting close to 6 months. Technically they are almost 9 months though.

They are turning over from their tummies to their backs and with a little coaxing, the other way as well. They love their Baby Einstein playstations and standing up on us... with help of course! Both boys are also learning to eat new baby foods each week. Boy, that can be messy with a capital M! I swear they can both say "mama", but Trey's not buying it. I am so looking forward to them crawling and walking, though... I don't think Hayden is going to crawl. I think he is going to skip it and go to walking. He loves to stand and has for months now.

Ford is still on a whiff of oxygen, but we hope that is coming to a stop soon. We have a pulmonologist appointment this month and we see the urologist soon as well and I am hoping we are kidney stone free because last time they saw a few on little Hayden. I am praying for no more surgeries!!!!!!

They have the BEST personalities. Hayden is still the little comedian and Ford is funny too! He loves for you to stick out your tongue and he will respond with his best lizard impressin as well. Hayden just loves to giggle and make his static noise. They really enjoy looking at each other as well. Sometimes I think they are not sure why there is another guy across from them dressed just the same. They are adorable.

Every Saturday we dress them up in their College Football outfits... We are a house divided and so are they. One baby gets decked out in Texas A&M and the other in TU, oh I mean UT. They are our little good luck charms. Of course on Sunday, they are always wearing their Cowboys colors. Gram is still coming over every night to hang out with her grandsons and loving every tiring minute of it. Big Honey also comes over during the day and helps me out with the boys when she can. Trust me, it can be crazy trying to feed two babies at one time. It is getting so much easier. Now, one will either play or nap while I feed the other. It is fabulous, we finally have a system.

Motherhood, nothing beats it! I am blessed more than you'll every know.

Sincerely,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford's One Tough Twinkie!

2008-09-03T21:10:00.005-05:00

Our little Ford, never ceases to amaze us. He was in and out of his procedure today in under an hour and much to our delight he didn't have to be intubated. They used the mask and a different anesthetic... and Dr. Pugach was in and out with the stint.

Trey's mom joined us on the trip to Cook's in Fort Worth to help us keep Hayden busy while we tended to sweet Ford. You know, it really is hard on them... Ford wasn't allowed to eat for 8 hours and a number of nurses and doctors are messing with him trying to see if he was ready for surgery, but our little fella was an absolute trooper.

I have to tell you the nurses were enamored with him and his brother! They are such a cuties as you can see and those nurses today know how amazing it is to see how well Ford and Hayden are doing for being 25 weekers. They have a co-worker in pre-op whose baby just went home two weeks ago and was in the NICU with us, but this baby spent a year in the NICU. We are so blown away by our miracles and the power of prayer.

It was a long day and it pooped out my boys... ALL of them, even Daddy! We were out of the house by 6:15 AM and back home at 3 PM. We are just hoping and praying that is the last of that waiting room for a good long while. We have routine pulmonologist, urologist and nephrologist appointments, but it's more routine stuff... if all goes well and I BELIEVE it will!

Ford also got to see one of his favorite nurses today before surgery and well we were just as thrilled to see Wendy, she is certainly like family now. It made me feel better to see her right before the procedure... she just eased my fears a little. She was one of the many who helped get me through those 5 months in the NICU.

It was great to hold and love on Ford and Hayden tonight. They are such cuddle boys and I can't wait to get back into the living room with them.

We appreciate you thinking about us--

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

PS-- IF you have not gotten a chance to see last night's post... you have to get a look at all of the pics... the boys are growing like crazy and handsome... whoooo wheee! I'm a proud Mommy!

Hopefully Ford's Last Procedure For a While!

2008-09-02T21:17:00.008-05:00

Tonight (Sept. 2nd) we are once again turning our prayer time towards our little Ford. Tomorrow he is going in to get his stint taken out that is in his ureter. Of course, I am always worried when he has to be put under and given anesthesia, not to mention being put on a ventilator.

I know he is so tough and has the Lord on his side, but I am a mother who worries. We are hoping it is just a day surgery and we are home tomorrow night. Hayden is coming with us and that's what we are planning for at this point.

So thankful right now that Gustav wasn't a Katrina or Rita, Lord knows that's an answered prayer for many of you who might have loved ones in its path.

I am sure many of you are wanting an update on our little miracles. They are AMAZING! They are closing in on 8 months come the 8th of this month... Can you believe it? They are just the two best people I have ever known. To know what they have been through and to see how resilient and wonderful they are... well, it just makes me want to be a stronger person and definitely stronger in my faith.

Let's see, Hayden is the "entertainer" as his Big Honey calls him. He is usually laughing about something, which sounds like static on a radio. He is also gabbing up a storm. He likes to stand non-stop, of course while we are holding him up and he just crawls all over you. My arms are getting tired.

That's because his brother Ford is now doing the same. He likes to stand now too! Ford is chatting more baby talk with is now too and of course, letting us know when he is NOT happy with a situation. That is a boy who knows what he wants, when he wants it.

Both boys like to be a part of all of the action. Both are rolling over pretty regularly now, but again... it is when THEY want to... not when you want them to.

Trey is a wonderful Daddy... he does every bit as much as I do and makes it look effortless. Ford and Hayden both give us a run for our money, and it is worth every last second of running around to keep them happy.

Mostly, we are just very happy they we are a family with Ford and Hayden... and we can't wait for all of the FIRSTS we get to spend with them.

Thanks for keeping our sweeties on your prayer list and keeping us in your thoughts too. I meet people around town who tell me they've been praying for the boys and it just warms my heart. There are also some wonderful people out there who have sent the boys sweet gifts and somehow in the trip back from Fort Worth I have misplaced your addresses, but I just want to thank you for your sweet gifts for the boys.

Keep Ford in your prayers tomorrow morning... I can't wait to tell him about all of the people who prayed for him, each and every time he had a procedure or went into surgery or during the really tough times in the NICU!

Love from the Hugheys,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Another Prayer Answered: Ford's Recovering Well

2008-08-06T22:27:00.004-05:00

What a long, nervous day this has been for Trey and me... and of course our entire family. We were faithful Ford was going to be amazing through the surgery, but "surgery" is just scary... bottomline!
The day started off with an ultrasound of his kidneys at 8:15 am, then a trip to the pulmonologist at 9am... to be cleared for surgery respiratory-wise! Both our moms came up to help with Hayden while we were at the hospital, which is where we headed at 1:45... then finally surgery started just before 6pm. It lasted a couple of hours. Dr. Pugach successfully retrieved his kidney stone and found no others in that kidney. He also put in stints to drain the urine.
We are so thankful Ford came off the ventilator so nicely and is really doing well on some oxygen. He is in some pain... as I write he has started to whimper and cry as his sweet Daddy comforts him so I can send this to you. It is such a helpless feeling to care for your little one after surgery... little you can do to comfort them when they are in pain that a mother's or father's touch just can't fix. It just breaks my heart! I have to be thankful to the Lord though... he brought our little Ford through this surgery in His perfect way.

If all goes well, Ford could go home tomorrow... wouldn't that be amazing? One of Ford's NICU nurses, Allison just came by to see our sweet baby. Even though he just came out of surgery, she is amazed by his progress and how great he looks. Our nurses really have become our friends, family really. We miss them everyday, but are so thankful to be back home in Tyler.

Ford has just taken his first meal post surgery and a little more pain medicine and we are hoping he will sleep a couple of hours while his wound heals in his back.
Trey's mom is staying with Hayden in the hotel... we miss him terribly, but he is in wonderful hands. Can't wait to see him tomorrow!

Thanks for adding us to your prayer list today!
Love,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Surgery slated for Wednesday at 3:15pm

2008-08-06T00:16:00.002-05:00

Our incredibly tough little Ford is set to undergo surgery this afternoon (8/6). All of our docs have given the go ahead for our Urologist to surgically remove the troublesome kidney stone. According to one of our docs, 40% of grown men would not be able to pass this stone on their own...if that gives you any idea of the size of stone we are referring to. I can't even fathom the pain that our little fighter has endured these past few months. Dana and I know that the surgery will go smooth, and our Ford will make a speedy recovery. We have done a ton of praying, and have given all of our worries and cares over to our Lord and Savior, knowing that he will be working behind the scenes and guiding all of the surgeons and nurses hands during the procedure. As most parents can attest, having your child undergo surgery is something you never wish to experience...and Dana and I would agree, but this type of surgery will cause Ford some overdue relief. Having to watch him grimace every time his kidney is touched or the car hits a bump has been very painful. We have been told that the surgery should last 2 to 3 hours and a few days recovery. As mentioned before, we know that today will be a great day, and expect wonderful results. Dana and I are so grateful to have each and every one of you praying for our children, and love that through the power of prayer all things are possible. So if you happen to have a brief moment in your already hectic day, please say a quick prayer for our tough little Ford that the surgery will go smoothly and he will make a speedy recovery. We look forward to posting great news after the surgery. Thank you in advance for all of your prayers.

Have a blessed day,
Trey, Dana, Ford and Hayden.

Update on Our Ford

2008-07-31T09:00:00.004-05:00

Well, the good news is Ford made it through the anesthesia and ventilator, the disappointing news is Ford is needing more oxygen right now and Dr. Pugach was not able to get the stint in his ureter.

That means Ford is going to need surgery to get his kidney stone out and to relieve the hydronephrosis. We are certainly very nervous about that. We know we are going to have to have the surgery for Ford's health, but I just hate that for him.

We are not certain if the surgery is going to happen on Friday or next week. Ford's pulmonologist does not want him to go back under anesthesia and on the ventilator if he is not ready "lungwise" so he is going to talk to Dr. Pugach the urologist.

I will keep you posted. Ford just needs your prayers that his surgery goes off without a hitch and that his mommy and daddy do not lose their minds with worry.

Meanwhile my mother is taking care of Hayden at the hotel and Trey's parents have been taking care of Holland (Trey's sister) who was in the hospital with a terrible stomach sickness... she is out now and doing better.... Thank Goodness.

Thanks for your care and concern,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford Going In For Kidney Procedure... Please Join Us in Praying

2008-07-29T20:43:00.005-05:00

Well, our sweet little Ford needs your prayers. For the most part, he is doing really great! He does have some kidney issues, hydronephrosis and a very LARGE kidney stone. Tomorrow his urologist is going to go and put a stint in one of his ureters in order to drain some of the urine out of his right kidney and hopefully help pass the kidney stone. It sounds simple enough and I am sure it is, but as any mother would be, I am scared and nervous. The part that scares us is the fact that he will have to be put under anesthesia again and be intubated. He has come such a long way with his lungs... I just want him to quickly come of the vent and not depend on it like he did for so many months.

I know we ask you for prayers constantly and we have not been blogging and keeping you updated like we should, but we have been swamped being parents of two very active twins who need us 24/7. I just want you to know how much we have appreciated you all who keep up and pray for the boys. I always tell people it is all of our prayers that helped Ford and Hayden come so far and continue to do so.

We are in Fort Worth tonight. We were not planning on this procedure just yet so my mother had to bring us clothes and all the twins stuff. We are hoping Ford will only need one night in the hospital as that is the plan. I am confident in his surgeon and know we will be home to you soon. I don't know if there are any other mothers out there that immediately go to the worst case scenario in a scary situation like this... why I worry about that stuff I don't know because I know God is going to bring Ford through this. I just feel so guilty for thinking those negative thoughts... I put them out of my head but I wish I never went there, ya know? I also feel like I haven't thanked the Good Lord enough for our little miracles, but I am so thankful... even when I am tired to the point of tears because we have only managed a couple hours of sleep in a day because the boys sometimes need to eat every 3 hours... even when the boys are crying and I don't know why, even when they spit up their milk all over you... it's PERFECT PARENTHOOD, our perfect parenthood with Sweet Ford and Sweet Hayden. This is me saying I wouldn't want it any other way... I need Ford and Hayden all the days of my life no matter how difficult the ride. That, I need the Lord to know if I haven't spoken it enough and thanked him enough.

Well, Ford's procedure is at 2:30... I pray you will be thinking about him and praying for him... he really is the sweetest little boy. His brother has been helping me pray for Ford. Hayden is doing wonderful. He is here with us. His biggest problem is his wheezing and we are hoping time will help him grow out of that.

Thanks for being here for us yet again!

Sincerely,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Hughey Twins Turn 6 Months!

2008-07-08T22:19:00.007-05:00

Another wonderful milestone to report! Ford and Hayden celebrated half a year of their wonderful lives today! We celebrated their 6 month b-day more, of course! The boys really have been doing wonderfully at home with Trey and me. Everyday is such a blessing and a true joy.

We have celebrated many firsts since we have been home. Hayden has been laughing and smiling for almost a month now! What a wonderful sight to see. Then, about a week or two later... Ford's smile showed up as well. It stretches from ear to ear. As for Hayden's smile, well he smiles with his entire face, his eyes just sparkle as he grins... it's hard to believe where we were 6 months ago today. Thank the heavens the Lord pulled us through! Knowing these boys is the best thing that ever happened to me. It is busy handling these 2 high needs babies, but worth every second of missed sleep and time just holding them because they don't want to be in their cribs. Can you blame them? They spent the first few months of their lives in an incubator... they deserve to be held to get them through whatever rough spots they need.

Both boys really are holding their heads up nicely and Ford has rolled over already... Hayden is almost there and I know Ford is going to do it again really soon. We have been back and forth to Fort Worth a couple of times since Ford's release from the hospital for routine visits. We've seen the pulmonologist, nephrologist and urologist. Hayden is off his oxygen and Dr. Pfaff is impressed with his progress... we just have to be cautious of his wheezing. He is also impressed by Ford, though he is still on his oxygen. Things were a little more tense at the urologist. Hayden still has no kidney stones, just some calcium deposits. As for Ford, well, he has a rather large kidney stone that his doctor does not believe will break up on its own, or that will pass. That means a procedure that will require intubation and anasthesia. That is so scary to me. I thought we were passed that. Every time you go under it is scary and of course, Ford's lungs have come so far... I would hate for him to be re-intubated when we spent 3+ months trying to get off the ventilator. Right now, all we can do is pray. Pray for another miracle. I know we already have been blessed with many, but he is my baby boy and I love him so I am praying God has another one in him to spare Ford more hospital time and anasthesia. I am praying it just breaks up on its own by the time we head back in August.

There is still good news for the boys, THEY ARE GROWING! Though they are not on the charts for 6 month old babies because of their extreme prematurity... they do look wonderful. Yesterday Ford weighed 11 pounds and 13 1/2 ounces... Hayden weighed 11 pounds and 5 ounces. They are eating better, though I have to admit it is still a workout for us. Again, worth the hour or so it takes to get them nice and chunky!

We are still keeping them rather sheltered, but it is just for their own good until their little immune systems mature.

We were so happy to see my doctor and dear friend, Dr. Seligman and his wife, Nancy when we were in Fort Worth. Big Honey and Big Daddy babysat while we caught a quick bite after the Seligmans caught up with Ford and Hayden. He is the reason they are here and we thank him for that every moment we can. He kept them in by trying everything possible even when it didn't look good! Two of Ford and Hayden's primaries also came to see them, Amy and Melissa. We were so thrilled to see them... it is wonderful how much they care for our boys, we are so lucky, they really are the best! As are their other nurses. And of course... Dr Lynch, she met us downstairs at Harris after a long night on call to see how the boys are doing. It was great to see her. We miss everyone so much from our months in Fort Worth... they saved our babies and to an extent, us!

It is Ford and Hayden 24/7 in the Hughey household. We get some help from my mom and Trey's mom and we are so thankful. These boys have provided us with the best 6 months of our lives. We get to love them, nurture them and hold them... I couldn't ask for more.

I can't end a post without saying... thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement and for sticking with us through these trying months as we nurse Ford and Hayden back to health!

Love-- Trey, Dana Ford and Hayden

Thank Goodness For Grandparents!

2008-06-06T16:29:00.010-05:00

GRAM WITH HER BOYS!
Well, we have made it through our first full week at home with two babies on oxygen and monitors. It is certainly nothing the happy Hugheys can't handle, but we are challenged. Thank Goodness my sweet mother took off to be with us this week and help us get into a groove with Ford and Hayden. We are still up every 3 hours feeding and my mom signed up to get sleep deprived as well. I know most babies you can feed in your sleep, but not our preemies. It is a work out to get them to eat. We are happy to do it, but it is nice to have my mom's help. She also has learned all their meds, how to give breathing treatments and changed more than her fair share of poopy diapers. As you can see, she even holds them BOTH while we get some stuff done around the house. What in the world am I going to do come Monday? Pray for me, right? She has such wonderful patience... I am trying to learn even more from her because you definitely need it with twins when you need to be there for 2 babies at once! Of course the little cuties don't understand if you are holding one and not the other. They are so sweet though and love to be held... we love that too! I am just so blessed my mom lives around the corner and can be here for me and the twins whenever I need her. She deserves an award because she also takes care of my grandfather, what a wonderful woman! I am just lucky to be able to call her my mother. I know if she reads this... she will cry, but she has been a rock for Trey and me through our NICU stay with the boys. She never missed one weekend in Fort Worth... she was there for every surgery and every tough time with the boys. I know she is relieved to be back home in Tyler as well. Now she can spoil her boys 24/7!

Brotherly
Love
Ford and Hayden
We are trying to get Hayden off his oxygen and he is doing really great so far. Last night he went all night... what a big boy! We have a pulse ox to see how he is oxygenating... and we are so glad he is doing so great. That is a ways off for Ford, but we are just thrilled he is home and doing so well... plus he has surprised is before so who knows how long he will be on Oxygen. Hayden is still hooked up to his heart and apnea monitor as a precaution... it makes sleeping a little easier (what we get of it, ya know?).
Tired Mommy and Daddy!

The boys aren't huge fans of bath time, but they must be cleaned so we keep pressing on. Same goes with the diaper changes.
They are starting to smile some and laugh... that is so wonderful to see, especially since they have been through so much in their short little lives. Of course, most days we are dressing them like twins unless we have to do multiple wardrobe changes due to messy boys. I think they are so cute when they have the same outfit on.
We keep trying to introduce them... not sure it has sunk in that there is another one of them out there, but they don't seem to dislike one another so that is a good thing. I was hoping they would immediately have that TWIN thing going on, but I am sure it will come in time.

Hayden and Ford in a RARE nap in their Pack and Play!
The boys are just a BLESSING! I am amazed and overwhelmed everyday that I get to be their mother. Don't get me wrong... I still get worried about their cries and grimaces, but I am just so glad we get to be together now... a happy family of 4, oh and 2 chihuahuas!

Must get back to mommy duties... I can hear some cooing little boys calling my name!

Dana~Trey~

Ford~Hayden

Home Sweet Home for 4 Hugheys

2008-05-30T12:09:00.004-05:00

Praise the Lord, Ford and Hayden are finally home after 4.5 long months!

It sure is nice to finally reach this milestone, especially when there were really dark days for Ford and Hayden with their preemie lungs, kidneys, stomachs and hearts. We made it... we always had faith we would, but there were certainly plenty of health scares along the way. Of course it started with the grim odds doctors gave us about 25 weekers surviving. Back then, the boys weighed only 1 pound 14 ounces and 1 pound 15 ounces... Today Hayden is 9 pounds 6 ounces and Ford is 9 pounds 12 ounces. How amazing is that.

We also were blessed not to have stomach issues like many 25 weekers do and that usually translates into many surgeries and a longer hospital stay. Their head ultrasounds and eye exams have also been very good so what can we say... except Thank you Lord!

Hayden has been home for a month today and is doing really well. He now eats much better than he did when we first came home and seems to be over his oral aversion. He likes his milk and he will take it down. He also likes to sleep on mommy and daddy's chest and well... these boys get what they want after all they have been through. We are still working on sleeping alone with him... he is not fond of it, but it is something we have talked over with our pediatrician and at this point we just can't let him "cry it out" because of his lungs.

He does get breathing treatments for wheezing, but so far they seem to be helping and the wheezing does not seem to hamper his oxygenation.

They are getting better though. We saw the pulmonologist right before we left Fort Worth and he was pleased with Hayden's progress. Over the next month we are going to try and get Hayden off his tiny wiff of Oxygen... that will be great. It is hard to transport two on O2 and monitors, but you know what... we will do what we have to do. Certainly not a big deal... we are just glad they are home.

As for Ford, He is doing great as well. He is on 1/8 of a liter of O2. He still has more lung issues than Hayden and really needs his oxygen, but considering what he has been through... he is just amazing. He is still working on being a good eater. I can't blame him for his oral aversion though... he was on a ventilator for more than 3 months... so something going down his throat is a bit scary for him. The doctors are also watching his kidneys closely because of their issues, but so far he is stable in that area. Mr. Ford is the better sleeper and would probably sleep through the night, but he still needs feeding every 3 hours. We are happy to ablige them both. Ford seems to like being home and cuddling more with mommy and daddy... though we probably enjoy it the most. I can't even begin to tell you what a tough road Ford has had... you just wouldn't believe how far he has come with his chronic lung disease. If you would have asked me a month ago if I would have thought we would be home in May with Ford... I would not have said yes... but you know what he has shocked and amazed us all... even his doctors. He is ready to get better... he has the strongest will to live of any one I have ever known and he is only 4 1/2 months old. Hayden is right there with him on that though!

It is an amazing thing being a parent. We have some high maintenance children, but we are just so thankful they are here with us... that is all that matters.

The boys will be a more sheltered than most because of their weaker than normal immune systems. In time, we can't wait for our friends and family to get to spend time with them. We know how special and wonderful they are... we can't wait for you to enjoy them too... but that will come in time.

Thank you for all of your prayers that helped us find our way back to Tyler with our 2 miracles. There were many sleepless nights filled with tears and even anger at times. That happens when you have to watch your boys go through so much and can't help them. But you know what, it's amazing what the Lord can do. We can't wait to enjoy our two children and love them back to health. This truly is going to be the best time of our lives. We are also thankful we have found that blind faith you hear about, but maybe don't always believe in. I believe... I always did, but my faith is even stronger now.

We just also want to thank our amazing Dr. Lynch! She saved our babies lives and ours. She is more than a doctor... I am happy to call her a friend. She works with many other wonderful neonatologists at Cook. There were two others that really took amazing care of Ford and Hayden, Dr. Nedrelow and Dr. Nesslein. We just adored them... they were there to help us when Dr. Lynch was not on and they helped get us through this time as well! Also to our boys primary nurses, you are all the very best. The best nurses and the best people. Thank you for loving my sons and taking such exceptional care of them. I will love you forever because of that! Cook Children's and their NICU... is the best. They can do things with preemie babies that seem impossible and nurse them back to health... what a blessing.

We will do our best to keep you updated on the boys and post pictures. They keep us busy and we could use more than two hands at this point, but we have parents that help make it all possible.

With Love from TYLER,

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Quick Update as of Wednesday the 21st of May

2008-05-21T15:20:00.000-05:00

I would first like to begin by apologizing for the lengthy delay b/w postings…this full time job of being parents has kept us quite busy. As mentioned in our last post, Hayden is out of the Hospital and he is doing very well. Not sleeping as much as we would like…but we are going to be the last to complain. Our Ford is still in the NICU...now on a 1/8th of a liter of oxygen. The main reason Ford is still in the Hospital is that he is not eating as well as the doctors would like. He is not a fan of eating from the bottle. In order for Ford to be released, he has to eat all 8 of his meals each day by bottle. He is currently eating every other meal by bottle and the rest by his feeding tube. He eats 80 ml each feed, and has trouble swallowing the entire feed. He has such an oral aversion…mainly from being intubated for such a long time. He fights his feeds so much. So for the past week or so, we have been waiting for his feeding to click…but that has obviously not happened yet. We are holding out hope that Ford will be released and the entire Hughey clan will be home in Tyler by early part of June. We continue to pray that our boys will one day be healthy little babies…they will continue to have their hurdles…but we are overjoyed with the way they have turned out. The fight that these two kiddos have put up so far, at such an early stage in their life is overly inspiring. These “little fighters” who were given very bleak odds to make it through their first night, have shown unbelievable resilience and have overcome remarkable hurdles. Without your prayers and well-wishes being sent their way each day….who knows what the outcome would have been. Dana and I firmly believe that the power of prayer kept our boys going…and most definitely kept us going. So from the bottom of our hearts…we thank you and will forever be indebted to all of the magnificent friends that we have made along the way. This experience turned our lives upside down and inside out…our way of life and daily routines changed on January 8th. Our faith has grown exponentially throughout this journey….I thought I knew how to pray before all of this started, how naïve I was. Now I can say with certain, that I along with Dana have seen prayers being answered by our wonderful Lord and Savior. He is most definitely the Lord of all Lords. And we are forever Thankful and Grateful to have him working behind the scenes on our behalf. Thank You…Thank You…Thank You!!

Hayden's Home Away from Home... Ford's Progressing!

2008-05-01T17:26:00.004-05:00

One of the days we've been waiting for since we became parents finally arrived Wednesday, April 30th. Our little son, Hayden was finally released from the NICU and the hospital. Of course, it was a bittersweet day because we were not able to take our sweet Ford home as well. He is working hard though to join his brother!

For the prior 2 nights, we roomed in at the hospital to make sure we had his schedule down... feeding him, caring for him and giving him his medicine.

He still fights us at times taking all of his feeds, but we are working on it and just praying he continues to gain weight. We have a doctor's appointment on Friday with the pediatrician so hopefully he still will be looking good. Feeding is his major issue. He is also home on a wiff of oxygen, but hopefully that will be only a month long since we have an appointment with the pulmonologist in a month.

Our first trip in the car with Hayden leaving Cook Children's hosptial was wonderful. He enjoyed his trip in his car seat. I rode with him in the back while Trey drove us back to our apartment in Fort Worth. Hayden's Big Daddy and Big Honey (Trey's parents) came to see Hayden's big day leaving the hospital. Hayden has already napped in his pack and play, swung in his swing... and napped extinsively in his mommy's, daddy's and big honey's arms.

Of course we are a bit sleep deprived, but it is all worth it!!!

Doesn't Hayden look handsome in his going home outfit from the hospital. He saw the outside world for the first time and I think he loved it! We really are so thankful to the Lord for blessing us with this huge milestone in our lives. There were times when the light at the end of the tunnel seemed so far away, so dark... but we are now benefitting from our faith that the boys would make it through their dark days.

There was another big milestone yesterday and this was Mr. Ford's! He was taken off the bubble c-pap and placed on high flow oxygen again. So far... he is doing really good. That is so huge for him and for us because his lungs have been so so sick. Our pulmonologist reminds me all of the time just how far he has come! I don't have pictures of this yet because we were so busy bringin Hayden home yesterday... but I can't wait to show him off! I do have pics of his days on the bubble c-pap! Please keep him in your prayers that this time it WILL work. He is such an amazing little boy... overcoming kidney stones and coping with lung disease. I am amazed by him!

Please keep both of the boys in your thoughts and prayers because we really want to come home soon and back to our family and friends! We pray Hayden gets better eating and comes off his oxygen and that Ford learns to eat and get lower on his oxygen.

Thank you for loving and caring about us.

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

We're Past Our Due Date Now!

2008-04-21T19:22:00.002-05:00

Hello friends and family!

The boys would have been born Saturday... can you believe it? To celebrate, my sweet friends and family threw me a shower in Tyler (since we didn't have one before). It was only my second time home since I spend every moment I can with Ford and Hayden. They received lots of great presents that they are just going to love when they get home.

Speaking of home, we were hoping to be there by our due date, but Ford and Hayden still need a little time. They are both coming along, but home will have to wait a little while longer.

Hayden is getting closer. He did almost 24 hours off the oxygen yesterday and today... only going on it during feeds. He had to go back on this morning, but he is getting there. The doctor says he is close since he's eating so much better. It could be days instead of weeks before he is home, probably on a little oxygen, but we can handle that.

As for Ford, he is still doing good on his bubble c-pap. He doesn't like the contraption, but he needs it so his lungs stay nice and expanded. His next step is high flow oxygen and hopefully that will also be as easy of a transition. Ford is probably a month or 2 away from coming home and that sure will be hard on us to see him have to stay while Hayden is home... but we will work it out. The important thing is Ford is doing a lot better and we have a lot to be thankful for... in time he too will be home and we will be one big happy family. I CAN'T WAIT!

We love you all... appreciate your prayers and couldn't do this day in and day out without you all and of course our Lord! He keeps us strong and we know that is why Ford and Hayden have come through the dark times.
Love,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford's Still Bubbling... Hayden's Still Progressing

2008-04-10T00:34:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to give you a quick update... Ford is still on his bubble c-pap and off the ventilator. That makes my heart so happy to say that. Every time I see him now it brings happy tears to my eyes. He seems so comfortable and is breathing good. We are praying once his steroid therapy ends tomorrow, he will still be doing great.

Hayden is still fighting a little UTI infection and we are hoping it will be gone soon. He is still learning to eat and doing really great sometimes. Hopefully soon he will be off his oxygen and eating like a champ.

It's been a long couple of days, months really... so we are going to get some rest and be back at the hospital bright and early!
We appreciate your prayers for the boys and we hope you'll keep them coming.
Sincerely,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford and Hayden... almost 3 months old!

2008-04-07T19:11:00.009-05:00

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

Brief update on the boys...

2008-04-04T01:38:00.002-05:00

Let me first apologize to all, for the lack of updates. We have had some exhausting; long days and nights this past week. In saying that, our boys are still putting up an inspiring fight. I will be able to give a much more detailed posting in the morning, but we wanted to go ahead and spread the message that our boys are still getting bigger and stronger. We were told some deflating news about each of them this week. Both Ford and Hayden now have a slight Kidney issue that we pray will resolve soon. We pray that just the changing of their diet will break up the blockage and buildup. As mentioned, we will post a longer update in the morning, when the energy level is much higher.
We thank you all so much for your love, prayers, support and concern. It has been a true blessing to witness how great our God is. We do ask that you continue to pray that both boys resolve the kidney buildup and that Ford comes off the Vent soon and Hayden continues to improve on the whole suck, swallow, breathe when eating. There will be more pics and details in the morning.
We hope that all have a blessed day and continue to slow down and focus on the important things in life.

In HIS Time

2008-03-21T20:03:00.003-05:00

We thought it was time, but we learned yesterday... it's in His time. Ford's attempt off the ventilator yesterday did not go the way we had hoped and prayed for. He just wasn't ready. He made it several hours before his doctor decided now was not the time. I am sure the Lord has a plan for Ford to prosper off the vent, but as much as we don't like it yesterday was not that day. It is so hard when things don't happen the way you want them to, especially when you are talking about our precious son, Ford. Our doctor thinks he may have a "floppy airway" which makes it hard for him to breathe and burn off CO2. He was oxygenating fairly well, but his lungs were working a little too hard and had some collapse. I know he is going to get better. I just hope soon the Lords answer is.... NOW is the time. Until then we will be faithful in our prayers for Ford getting off the vent.

Last night this mommy and daddy were at the hospital til 3:30 with Ford and Hayden. We stayed with Ford til he was more comfortable and until we were too about leaving.

Hayden got his first big boy bath yesterday out of the bed. He seemed a little shocked, but liked his little dip in the water. He still has a lot of obstactles to overcome as well. The feeds are still hard on him, he is still not sure about the swallow and breathe part of "suck, swallow, breathe." They still have 4 weeks til their due date so we have time.

I want you to know we miss you all, miss Tyler, our friends and extended family, but this is where we need to be right now... with our sweet boys.
Until next time-- Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Update on the Loves of Our Lives

2008-03-19T19:34:00.008-05:00

Nothing compares to being a parent!!!! It's just the most amazing experience isn't it? And that goes for parents in the NICU as well. We are sorry once again about being unable to blog of late... our internet was down again, but just know we were thinking about all of our friends who are praying for Ford and Hayden.

They are getting to be big ol' boys. Ford is about 5 pounds and 10 ounces and Hayden is close behind at 5 pounds 6 ounces. They get weighed again tonight so we should have new weights to report soon. This is now 35 weeks and 4 days gestation for them if they were still in the womb.
You will hear me say this a lot... we are so blessed, blessed that the boys have overcome many obstacles and are being healed by the Lord everyday.

Ford has a big day tomorrow. He is scheduled once again to come off the ventilator. It has been 2 weeks since last we tried and he really has come a long way. I am believing and have faith that now is the time... our doctor feels a lot better about it. What a BIG BOY! Ford is tough... FORD TOUGH like the commercial says and will do everything he can to stay off the vent. Our hope is... his lungs are now ready. Thank you for praying for Ford's healing... how lucky are we to have such a group of prayerful people on our side. Thank you Lord! Just a cute little tid bit about Ford... he loves the song "You Are My Sunshine"... he just smiles, eyes wide open when I sing it to him.

Hayden is still trucking along. He is still on high flow oxygen... a little less than last time I blogged. He is learning still how to feed. It is so hard for preemies who are not supposed to be born yet and who came so early to coordinate the suck, swallow, breathe technique. We are so faithful that he will get it down soon and also get down on his oxygen requirement. Again, thank you for praying for our little Hayden and his continued success off the ventilator and his healing as well. A sweet little tid bit about Hayden is he loves most everything except diaper changes and temperature checks... he's the sweetest sleeping baby who offers up lots of coy grins :)

Trey and I are now praying for their continued growth, that they remain free of any complications and that they get to come home soon. My due date was April 19th... so that's what we are praying for at this time. The most important thing is that they are coming home... and we have the Good Lord to thank for that. We are faithful this will all happen in the near future.

I can't tell you how great it feels to have so many wonderful people caring about you and raising you up in prayer. I can't wait when we get home to East Texas to be able to share our boys' story... as PROOF that the power of prayer is alive and well and our little miracles are all the proof you need. How can you not believe in answered prayers when you see how far Ford and Hayden have come in the last 10 weeks. Need more proof... some friends of ours in the Cook NICU went home today. Their son was born at 23 weeks and now at 38 weeks and 3 days... he is home with his brothers and mom and dad. What a blessing!

I also want to ask all of you to not only keep Ford and Hayden in your prayers, but also our friend Mark Scirto. We know he has been praying for us and now we are doing the same for him.

Ford and Hayden are so thankful for you all and your prayers... how do I know that... they are just babies right? I know because you can tell how much they love life, how much they smile at us and their nurses and doctors and how much they've fought the last 10 weeks to get better!

Separation Anxieity

2008-03-14T02:02:00.005-05:00

More changes for our sweet little boys... some good, some bitter-sweet. Earlier this week Hayden made the move from bubble c-pap to the high flow nasal cannula. That means oxygen with a higher flow to help keep his lungs expanded. He did great on his new support.

As for Ford, the doctors are trying to find his happy spot so he can get off the vent and back on to bubble c-pap. He is getting so big now, 5 lbs. that he just really fights the tube... which of course he needs for the ventilator to do its job. He is down on sedation so he is very aware there is a tube down his throat and a bigger one than just a week ago when he helped extubate himself. That was Saturday... he had to be reintubated and then it took a while to find the best spot for his tube.

That same night... 2 babies didn't make it in the NICU, that's 4 total since we have been there. I try to remember Ford and Hayden likely have different problems than those little ones... I still get scared and sad, especially for the families. It is hard to see, but Trey and I must remain faithful that the Lord is going to save our 2 little men so we can be a family soon in Tyler.

I just kept reading the boys scripture over the weekend from my book, God's Promises for Everday Life. There were a couple that really helped me. Here's one:

Nothing bad will happen to you. No disaster will come to your home. He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go. The Lord says, "If someone loves me, I will save him." Psalm 9:10-11, 14.

We had a long night with Ford on Saturday after he helped pull out his tube... we were at the hospital until 6AM. Slowly but surely he has gotten better this week... he has had to be bagged a couple of times because he went into the ugly cry and dropped his heart rate and Oxygen saturation.

Hayden really surprise us this week with his good ole college try at breastfeeding and bottle feeding. He is slow to be able to suck, swallow and breathe! Still he is doing remarkable and has been moved to the Progressive NICU... That is the bittersweet part of this post. Ford is now alone in the NICU missing his brother and Hayden is trying to get down on his Oxygen and learn how to bottle feed. I have to admit I cried because I just hate that they are separated, but hopefully Ford will speed up his recovery and soon be on Hayden's heels.

The wonderful thing is they are getting bigger and stronger everyday! They are so thankful for your prayers and look forward to many to come.
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford Tough Working To Get Back on C-PAP With His Brother, Hayden

2008-03-07T22:07:00.002-06:00

Hello again friends!
We are trying to be better about blogging about our sweet boys, Ford and Hayden because we really do love keeping you updated and talking about our little miracles. Unfortunately, we get so busy in the NICU day in and day out... we usually collapse from exhaustion when we get home.

On Wednesday, our doctor tried Ford off the ventilator and onto bubble C-PAP, which is basically pressure and oxygen from a bubbling aparatus that flows through prongs in his nose. It is what Hayden's been on for over a week now. Ford gave it his best, but had to go back on the ventilator. He just needs more pressure to keep his lungs inflated right now than the bubble c-pap can provide. He made it 18 hours on the bubble c-pap before he tired out and had to go back on the vent. The doctors said it was not a failure... he is just not ready and we needed to know that. At least he made it 18 hours so we now he can do it... he just needs more time to grow and get his lungs healther. I have to admit I was a sad... I had prayed so hard about it and firmly believed he would make it. But, I know this he WILL GET OFF THE VENT & COME HOME! Ford just needs more time to grow his lungs. That's what I am praying for and hope you will too. He really does look good. He smiles a lot, bats his handsome big blue eyes and laughs sometimes as well. We are so blessed.

Hayden is still plugging a long on the bubble c-pap. We are hoping next week we can get him on oxygen and feeding him by mouth instead of by tube all of the time. He too looks really good and he loves his pacifier, loves to eat and loves to be held by his mommy and daddy. They are both gaining weight nicely. They weigh about 4 1/2 pounds each now and finally don't look or feel so frail. I am loving that.

Tonight we were so blessed. We were talking to our new friends who have a 23-weaker who is getting close to coming home... when we ran across a couple who had 2 very cute toddlers. We came to find out their twins, a boy and a girl, were 26 weekers. They spent 3 months in the NICU... today their children are home with them after many hurdles. It's like we were meant to meet them... to renew our faith and hope that Ford and Hayden will make it through all of this. We need little reminders like that from time to time. The mom informed us that when she told the kids they were going to Cook Children's hospital today... the little boy started uttering Jesus' name over and over again. Coincidence? Of course not, we needed to hear their story!!!

Trey and I are so thankful for all of you--
Dana, Trey Hayden and Ford

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

2008-03-02T19:15:00.002-06:00

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

When Text Messages are All You Have!!!

2008-02-20T12:28:00.007-06:00

The Grandparents Visiting their Twin Grandbabies!!!

Hello again friends! I just got off the phone with our boys doctor, Dr. Lynch. She says she is still pleased with the boys progress even though both Ford and Hayden had setbacks over the weekend. Their mommy had a bit of a setback as well. What I was hoping was a cold or something turned out to be bronchitis and a sinus infection complete with 4 days of fever and thus no time with my boys. TEXT MESSAGING HAS BEEN MY LIFELINE TO THEM. My sweet husband has been by their side while I am fighting this tough infection. He texts me several times and hour with their vital stats, how they are looking and what the doctors and nurses say. He also takes puctures with his phone and texts them to me. That at least helps me feel a little closer to them. I am hoping I can keep the fever at bay and will be able to see them tomorrow (Thursday).

Picture above is our Little Ford from Last Week

Back to how the boys are doing... Ford did not respond very well to a super wean on his ventilator over the weekend so he went from a rate of 28 breaths a minute up to 55 at one point and now he is finally back down to 44. he also had to have a breathing treatment during this time because his breathing was very labored and he was requiring more oxygen as well at the time. Dr. Lynch is now going to start weaning him by 2 each morning so we can work towards getting off the ventilator. I pray... and hope you all will too that this works and he can get off the ventilator sooner rather than later. The doctor also wants him to gain more weight so she is adding some calories to their mommy's milk to help him beef up some. Other than that he is looking pretty good according to the doctor, Trey and of course, the Text Messaged Pictures!!!

Picture above is our Little Hayden from Last Week

Little Hayden was doing amazing on his ventilator he was down to 18 breaths a minute and doing really well until Sunday night when his Oxygen Saturation started to drop and his heart rate too, which scared his nurse and us... I had called her just about the time this happened since I was not able to be at the hospital because of my fever and infection. Trey rushed up to Cook Children's. They immediately got him a breathing treatment, tried to turn his tube to see if that was it... but he just wasn't looking like our Hayden. Now his breathing look labored, so they went up on his rate back to 40 where he started... so the vent was doing most of the work for him. That all helped some, but not enough. They did an Xray to see if something had changed in his lungs, if his tube was in a good place or any other red flags. They did not see anything alarming. By morning they had decided to change his tube because they believed his issues were mechanical. That's why the doctor on call decided to intabate him again with a new tube. His tube was apparantly hard at the end and that can cause problems. He seems to be doing better since then and looking more like himself. That's hard to see in the text messaged pictures, but I am still thankful for them. Today the doctor said his lungs looked a little "wet" so she is going to give him some lasix and hopefully that will help get his oxygen support down as well. I am praying that is the case... I hope you will say a little prayer for his lungs too.

The doctor gave me more hope today that the boys will get off the ventilator despite their chronic lung disease and things will get better for them in the weeks to come. This is something I know will happen because I have faith that God is going to see His 2 miracles, Ford and Hayden, through this. I believe we are supposed to be a family! It is just taking these little handsome men TIME to get well. Trey and I tell them all of the time about the prayers they are getting from all over East Texas and the world now. They may not understand it now, but one day they will. One day they will also understand how blessed they are with amazing doctors and nurses who take care of them. I can't wait to come back in a year and show off how far the boys have come because I believe the Lord has that in our future. I love this bible verse and I lean on it a lot and it was emailed to me again today... I guess someone knew I needed to hear it again.

"I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We have received so many encouraging words from all of you, many who have experienced the NICU... we thank you for your words and NEVER get tired of hearing from you... You keep us going. All of the people praying for us, the churches praying for us... that all keep us going. We truly love you all for your faithful prayers. And I just have to say thank you to whoever discovered text messages and camera phones... it certainly has helped this mommy,

Love--

Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Missing My Boys

2008-02-17T21:14:00.005-06:00

Today has been a hard day for this mommy because I could not go see my boys. I came down with a fever overnight and some serious chest congestion so I was stuck in the apartment all day while my mom, Trey and my mother-in-law went to be with Ford and Hayden. I am told they both had pretty good days.

That is certainly good news because Saturday was not a great day for either one of them. Hayden had been weaned quite a lot on his rate on his ventilator so he was needing more Oxygen support. At the same time, Ford was having concerning blood gases. His CO2 was high and he just was not breathing all that easily. The doctors ordered labs on him to make sure he was not getting an infection, they also adjusted his ventilator settings to give him more support, and ordered him a breathing treatment. Slowly his gases got a little better in the late afternoon and into the night.

The boys were blessed to have some visitors this weekend. My Uncle Ronny and Aunt Karen came to see them... our sweet friends Julie and Chris, our cousins Linda and Oliver and our life-long friends John, Linda, Mandy and Lauren came from all over Texas to see the boys. I wish the boys would have been feeling better so I could have enjoyed the company more, but the boys needed our attention.

Julie and Chris brought us the sweetest notes and gifts from a MOPS group in Tyler. It is gestures like this that continue to amaze me... and remind me how beautiful the people in this world are. I know these ladies are probably busy with their lives and their children, but fortunately for us... they take time each day to pray for us, WOW! The boys are so loved by so many people they and we have never met. I can't wait to tell them all of the stories about the East Texans and people all over the country who love them and prayed for them to get better.

I am getting to be in that stage where I miss Ford and Hayden so much that I want them to make strides they are not physically ready to make yet. I know it will happen one day in the future and I am more then willing to do it in God's time, but I just want to hold them more, rock them to sleep, give them sweet kisses and have them home. I know it is a normal feeling, but the longing I feel for my sweet baby boys brings me to tears sometimes.

Ford's nurse told me today he was wide awake at some points. I hate that I missed that because I was sick. It crazy how much I miss diaper changes and taking temperatures.

I pray that tomorrow I will have kicked this sickness and fever and will be able to see the twins tomorrow night, but I don't want to do anything to make my boys sick. I alerted the nurses right after I realized I had a fever that I was sick just so they could watch the boys more closely for any signs of infection. I guess my defenses are just down and it doesn't take much to get sick when you don't sleep much and you spend hours upon hours at the hospital watching after Ford and Hayden. There is no other place I should be or would rather be though.

I think about all of you a lot. Those of you who pray for us and blog to us. I want you to know I think you all are very special people. To take time out of your day to reassure us, pray for us and read how our two little miracle boys are doing, just amazes me. There are so many people doing special things for Ford and Hayden. At my mother's work, some of her co-workers are giving up their favorite things until the boys come home, a contractor who worked at my mom's house donated his fee back to the boys, several ladies stopped my mother in law at Marshall's to tell her they were praying for the boys... the list goes on and on! I am just amazed that Ford and Hayden have touched so many people's lives and you don't even know them yet. I want to tell you they are precious. They are all LOVE! The Power of Prayer is working in them and I am so blessed. Trey and I will never take any of you for granted because we know we could not do this without all of your love and support.
All our love,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

More Miracle Milestones by Ford and Hayden

2008-02-13T23:35:00.002-06:00

We have big news on the Ford front! He went to the conventional ventilator on Tuesday. After having a pretty good weekend on the oscillator ventilator, our neonatologist decided to give him a shot on the conventional venitlator. Dr. Lynch was on all weekend with the boys so she was able to follow Ford and Hayden closely. We were excited, but a little nervous about Ford making the big move considering his history of having a great day, then a crazy one the next.

Ford surprised us all and did pretty well on the conventional ventilator. He also went up on his feeds and that's big news because just last week he wasn't even on breast milk feeds.

As for Hayden, he has been quietly plugging along on the conventional vent. He had kind of reached a plateau where he wasn't being weaned on his settings or having to go up. So Dr. Lynch has decided day by day, she is going to try and slowly wean him so he will be doing more of the breathing on his own. Oh, and did I mention... Hayden is completely on his mommy's milk no more lipids or TPN.

While the boys were doing so well... we decided to have a Valentine's dinner with my sweet mother in law and 2 sister in laws before heading back up to the hospital. We were nearing the end of our meal when... I started not to feel right. I will spare you all of the horrible details, but I ended up back in the hospital last night. I was put on a medication to hopefully fix the problem and of course some pain medication to handle all of the cramping I was dealing with. We were also waiting to see how I responded to the medication before Dr. Seligman decided whether I needed surgery this morning. Well, I avoided the surgery... was released from the hospital late this morning and will head back to the doctor tomorrow to see if I am better and have completely avoided surgery :). The dear Lord is teaching me true patience right now and I am learning how strong Trey and I really are.

Tonight my pain was taken away though... I was finally able to hold my sweet Ford. It's what they call Kangaroo care... when the baby's skin is up against your skin. It is a true healing experience both for them and you. Ford is a bit of a wild man by nature. He goes crazy when his diaper is wet, when you change him, or if he doesn't like the side he is sleeping on... but he was completely calmed in mommy's arms. The feeling, I assure you was mutual. For about 30 minutes, Ford was the calmest the nurses had seen him without some sedation... he just needed to hear mommy's heartbeat again and to be close again. It is the most cherished and amazing experience to hold our babies and to know our touch is doing them good. At the same time, Daddy was able to hold little Hayden too. Of course, the handsome little one loved resting on his daddy's chest. He had his dark sea blue eyes wide open... taking in the sight of his daddy. For the first time since birth, the boys were close again. Trey and I sat side by side while we held our 2 little miracles... it is a moment we will never forget. One of our nurses tonight said... "I don't know who enjoyed the experience more... Hayden and Ford or you and Trey?" That was sweet music to our ears.

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day and the boys primary nurses have already made them their first Valentine's Cards. They hang above their incubators. I can honestly say this Valentine's Day is filled with more love than I have ever known. I have the love of my life, Trey to spend it with... and the loves of our lives, Ford and Hayden. I hope you are all so blessed this Valentine's Day.

Thank you all for loving us and keeping us in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this long journey... you truly do give us strength. Bless you all!

Dana

The Twins Are Making Strides

2008-02-10T22:34:00.000-06:00

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

Huge Day....

2008-02-07T21:16:00.000-06:00

Let me first preface this by saying...Thank you!! We have received so many fabulous responses since our story aired on KLTV last Thursday night. Dana and I did a ton of praying and contemplating on whether we should invite the entire viewing area of East Texas into our lives during this, the most difficult times we have ever faced. It felt as if we were in a catch-22... how much do we share, do we go into exact details and so on! Going back and forth we finally, obviously decided on the right decision. The decision of asking all to pray specifically on each hurdle has been extremely beneficial for the boys. Witnessing all that we have these past 4 weeks has been such an eye opening experience for both Dana and me. Not only has OUR bond grown right before our eyes, but our faith has grown exponentially!! We realize that science plays a major part in the health of our boys...but we give our utmost attention and praise to what our amazing Lord and Savior continues to do for our sweet miracles. So Thank You again for lifting up our boys each and every day with your constant prayers, thoughts and well wishes. Without the endless supply of prayers, who knows where we would be at this moment.

As for an update on our amazing little fighters...the rollercoaster took a turn for the better this afternoon. The morning started out tense and suspenseful, as usual. Ford was once again back up to 100% on his oxygen, and barely Sating in the upper 80's. Our amazing Doctor made the decision to switch him from the JET Ventilator, which he had been on since getting to Cook Children's. The switch was made to the Oscillating Vent, which allowed him to oxygenate better. The decision to make the switch was obviously the correct move. Ford slowly began to go down on his need for Oxygen...His primary nurse was so attentive to his every need. By noon, Ford was down to about 80 percent on his oxygen, and heading in the right direction. Dana and I can not stress how blessed we are to be surrounded by such an able group of very qualified Doctors and caring nurses. We know we are in the right place when our primary doctor and nurses think about our boys even on their days off. By the time we left this evening Ford was requiring about 49% oxygen and doing much better.
As for his handsome twin brother....Hayden had his best day to date. Hayden was taken off the JET Ventilator early yesterday morning and put on a Conventional Vent...once again the right call made by our overly amazing Doctor. The Conventional Vent is a major step forward for Hayden. After having a great day yesterday, a smooth night last night, and an uneventful morning this morning, our Doctor and Haydens wonderful primary nurse gave Dana and me the go ahead to hold him for the first time. As you can tell from the pics, both Mom and Dad could not have been any happier. Holding your child for the first time...albeit 4 weeks after birth, is the most magnificent moment we have ever experienced. To look down and see the same kiddo that has been poked, prodded and inundated with tubes since his first breath....makes you forget about all the set backs, all the tears shed and all the hand washings. For that brief moment when Hayden was in our arms, Dana and I for the first time were allowed to experience the joy of parenthood. We now are counting down the moments until we can do the same for Ford.

Once again, we could not have done this without the most amazing nucleus of immediate family, friends and amazing new people we have met along the way.

Until next time,
Trey, Dana, Ford & Hayden

What a Weekend

2008-02-03T22:02:00.000-06:00

Every single day is a joy with our children and all of the obstacles this weekend with Ford and Hayden just continued to prove that. This weekend with our preemie boys was also proof that God has his hands on our little ones protecting them.

It is hard for Trey and I to break away from the hospital... even for a moment, but Friday we decided to go out for a bite to eat with his parents... when we were done... we headed for the hospital. We found our little Ford having a rough night... his lungs were not working efficiently thus he needed 100% oxygen help when he had only been needing about 40-60% Oxygen support. Of course the doctor tried to reassure us that this is a frustrating and scary part of their chronic lung disease, but I was scared to death and unable to tear myself away from the hospital.

Our nurse taking care of Hayden told us what a good night he was having and had us come over and help change his bed. He was looking better, having great blood gases and was flashing his gorgeous blue eyes at us. I think he even smiled at us. His good night really helped us as we were dealing with a tough night with his brother Ford. Finally after Ford made some progress... we left at 4AM for out temporary home in Fort Worth.

Then... on Saturday, Hayden starting acting NOT right. His Oxygen saturation starting dropping off to dangerous levels and his other vitals were also in a scary range. I will spare me and you of all of the scary details, but the nurses and doctors were having to watch him very closely because they were thinking he was having bronchial spasms which was making him work against the ventilator. I cannot explain to you how scared this mommy was... still is. I just started walking around praying to God. I couldn't think of anything fancy or eloquent to say except, Lord please take care of my Hayden... please keep him with us." As the night wore on... the spasms became less drastic, but I could NOT be torn from the hospital. Oh, did I mention Ford was having issues as well... his oxygenation was also in the scary range... Again, I did the only thing I could do and that was to pray... asking God to heal my twin boys' lungs against all the medical odds. I know every parent wishes this, but I asked for God to heal them quickly as to defy all of the odds of science... "All things are possible to those who believe." That is all I could think of.

I was so scared last night... I just couldn't bring myself to leave the hospital. I took a nap on a bench... Trey took one on the floor. My mom, the boy's wonderful Gram, took a nap in a chair at Ford's bedside. Finally, Suzanne the charge nurse came and found us and took us to the place where families bunk with their babies the night before they go home. She gave us a bed since we didn't want to leave our little miracles, Ford and Hayden. Finally at 10 am this morning we came home and rested... the best we could.

After a lunch with our family, including Bill and Janet (Trey's parents), Hillary and Holland (the boys' aunts) and my mom... we went to check on Ford and Hayden. They were having a better day... and you know, it was not a perfect day, but it was better and that is a blessing and something I thank the Lord for tonight. I love these little boys so much. They bring me such joy... I can smell their scent even when they are not around... I see their faces in my every thought... and I worry about them when I can't be with them, but I refuse to believe anything else except that they will come home with us in the months to come. It is hard to see it right now, but they have to be with me for the rest of my life... I need them so very much... we all do.

I also want to say I could not do any of this without my husband, Trey. He is my strength and my positive reinforcement when I get worried about Hayden and Ford's health. He keeps me sane and stays at the hospital with me when I am too scared to tear myself away from our precious little miracle sons. I hope everyone is as lucky as I am to have support and love in their lives like that. I can't wait to witness all of his Daddy moments with our boys... that will be one of my greatest joys in my life.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a great week to come.
Thanks for your prayers and please, if I can be so bold to ask you, to continue your prayers to God for our sons, Ford and Hayden and their recovery from being preemies with lung disease.

Sincerely,
Dana, proud mommy to Ford and Hayden and the wife of my wonderful, Trey

A Word From Ford and Hayden's Mommy

2008-01-31T18:17:00.000-06:00

I know up until now... you've been getting wonderful blog updates from my husband... I have been waiting to post until I felt a little stronger... well that could be a long road ahead, so I decided it was time I needed to tell you all about my boys, Ford and Hayden.

They are my greatest accomplishment... I know they are still very, very sick, but looking at them reminds me just how blessed I am. Being their mother is the most important job I have or ever will have. I don't know about other mothers out there, but the hardest part about having two very premature babies... is there is nothing you really can do to make them better... not to mention the guilt you have that your body couldn't take the sweet babies to term. What a helpless feeling. Fortunately we have some of the best doctors and nurses around watching out for them and any new health hurdles they encounter... and trust me that is almost a daily occurrance. That is why Trey and I are always asking for your prayers for our sweet boys who certainly should not have to go through all of this. Just last night our Ford had a rough night... his blood pressure and blood gases were not in a good place at all... and he just wasn't looking like himself. He had to go on more blood pressure medicine and more oxygen support. The doctors told me today just how sick they are... they tell me that a lot, but I try to ignore it and just believe GOD is going to heal my babies in time because he knows how much we need them. That is one of the reasons I wanted to write about my babies tonight... because they need you... they need the power of prayer and so does their proud mommy and daddy.

Thank you for joining us in this NICU journey with Ford and Hayden... we look forward everday to your words of encouragement and prayers. We love the stories from those of you who've had 25 weekers who saw many rough times, but brought your precious babies home.

Everyday does seem like a new challenge for Hayden and Ford... today it is their kidneys and blood pressure... and of course as always their lungs which are just so fragile... doing work their bodies really are not prepared to do. I pray every day that the Lord will begin to heal their lungs so their other organs can also work more efficiently. The doctors say this is the time in the boys healing where they are the sickest... there was a honeymoon phase where their lungs were working okay... then their chronic lung disease really kicked in and their little bodies are just so stressed. I tell you that is hard to hear, but I have to believe they are going to make it... that God is going to give these boys the strength to overcome all of this... and soon we will be a family in Tyler again. I just pray the Lord will continue to work miracles in our lives because he knows how much Trey and I need Hayden and Ford and how much love he knows Trey and I will give them.

I wish the doctors could tell me the boys were going to be okay, but I guess that is where our FAITH comes in... no matter how sick they are... I know Hayden and Ford are going to be healthy little twins one day... riding bikes, playing in dirt and loving on their mommy and daddy who long to hold them and make it all better.

Right now some of our greatest joys are changing their diapers, taking their temperatures and holding their tiny little hands. We can't wait until they are off the ventilators and in our arms. I just stare at them for hours upon end... praying with them and talking to them about what our lives are going to be like once they come home. Trey and I probably spend 12 hours a day at the hospital each day... maybe more. Trust me, I don't leave their bedsides willingly.

In closing I just want to say I feel blessed... blessed because I am Hayden and Ford's mommy... they are beyond handsome and sweet. Blessed because there are so many East Texans who love us and pray for our baby boys every day... blessed because we have such wonderful friends and family all over the world... blessed because we have doctors who love and believe in Ford and Hayden... and SO Blessed because we have the Lord on our side who gave us these miracles in the first place.

We wish you all many blessings,
Dana, Trey, Ford and Hayden

Ford did wonderful in his surgery...

2008-01-25T21:10:00.000-06:00

Our little Ford did amazing in surgery today...we could see an instant improvement, from his blood pressure to his dependency on oxygen. Doctors have told us that he did very well, but we still have to be watchful in the days to come because he could get sick before he takes steps forward. Of course we're praying and hopeful that he will stay stable and slowly be weened off all of his lung and heart support. We are extremely grateful to you all for your support and prayers. As for little Hayden, we are scheduled to have his PDA ligated on Monday, by the same team of surgeons who ligated Ford's this morning. (what an amazing team they are). Dana and I would also like to mention how amazing all of the nursing staff, doctors and other NICU staffers have been to us and our precious boys. Cook Children's Hospital has made this emotional experience, manageable and continue to give us great hope for these miracles. Speaking of miracles, we are off to tuck them in for the evening....and to tell them about all of the support they have, from all of you East Texans and other friends scattered around this great world. We continue to ask for prayers, well wishes, success stories and shoulders to lean on until the boys are able to wave goodbye to the NICU!!

Thank you again,
Trey, Dana, Ford & Hayden

Ford's Surgery & an update on Hayden...

2008-01-23T20:21:00.000-06:00

Just wanted to send out a quick posting....letting all know that Ford will be undergoing Heart Surgery at 1:00 pm tomorrow (1/24/08). This is rescheduled from last week due to the infection he had to overcome. This surgery will close his PDA passageway which will help him take the steps forward that we have been praying for. We are aware that this is surgery, and anything can happen....but we believe that this will be the best for Ford in the long run. Even though recovery from this type of surgery takes time...Dana and I know that Mr. Ford will make a speedy recovery. As for his tough little brother Hayden....he has had a rough last few days. Hayden has decided to retain all of his fluid, so he now looks like a handsome Sumo Wrestler. He has had to rely on more oxygen to get through the days...but we know that he is turning the corner and will be slowly making progress. We continue to lean on all of you...and ask that you say a little prayer for Ford's surgery and Hayden's oxygenation issues tonight and until we are fortunate enough to take them home with us. Thank you again from the bottom of our heart for all the great stories we continue to receive from all of you. I will let you know how the surgery went as soon as I can.

Thank you,
Trey, Dana, Ford & Hayden

Day Thirteen of a long, bumpy journey...

2008-01-21T11:51:00.001-06:00

The boys have had such an up and down last few days. It seems as though they are playing tag team...which has been quite exhausting for mom and dad. One will be having an OK day while the other needs all the attention....then they switch. We can already tell that our hands are going to be full when we take them home. Dana and I are coming to terms with the fact that their lungs are so premature and filled with such a chronic disease, that they need to rely on all of their ventilators and oxygen for support. We are learning more than we would like to know about how sick babies can be and how long the road is to recovery. Just yesterday our little Hayden decided to take a slight nose-dive...I'm thinking he is going to be our dramatic one. I never thought how emotionally draining this was going to be. There is absolutely nothing that can prepare a parent to witness their children experience the NICU. It is filled with uncertainty, fear and the feeling of helplessness. I now know what they mean when they say it is an hour by hour, shift by shift, day by day long, bumpy journey. Each day presents something new...the doctors have to tweak something here, tweak something there. The greatest feeling is knowing that we have such an amazing support group of family, friends and loyal KLTV viewers that continue to lift us up through prayer. We continue to ask all, to send prayers and positive thoughts to our little ones, so we can witness this miracle go on and on. We thank you again for all the encouraging comments and moving stories that give us hope each day. We are so lucky to be in a position to have a forum like this blog, that can draw attention to prematurity and the wonderful success stories that go along with it. Dana and I are forever indebted to all of you...and we can't wait to post healthy, complication free pictures of our two miracles twins for all of you to see.

Thank you again, and we are so blessed to have all of you along for the ride with us...driven by our lord and savior,

Trey, Dana and the boys.

The latest on Ford & Hayden....

2008-01-16T20:39:00.000-06:00

As most of you may have heard, we found out early this morning that Ford's surgery had been postponed due to an infection discovered by a positive blood culture. As we wrapped our minds around the cancellation...we received a phone call from Hayden's doctor, informing us that Hayden now had to be transported to Cooks in Ft. Worth. Hayden too had to be put on the JET ventilator like his brother, b/c doctors discovered PIE in both lungs. It is obvious that these two boys outgrew Arlington...and needed a bigger city. We have been blown away by all of the responses that we have received. Thank you again for all of the prayers and support. It is amazing to witness God at work. We know that the boys have a long road ahead and statistics may be against them....but we a certain that the best doctor of all is on their side, and we believe the lord is going to heal them.

Thank you so much,
Trey

Prayers Tomorrow....

2008-01-15T19:22:00.000-06:00

Our roller coaster ride descended downhill on Sunday morning when Ford had to be transported to Cooks Children's Hospital in Fort Worth by the Teddy Bear Transport Team...which I must add were extremely wonderful and professional. The thought of one of our sons being transported was alarming enough, but seeing Ford go from his incubator to a gurney was very emotional for mom and dad. Our Neonatologist determined that cyst called PIE where forming around Fords left lung. Being proactive, our Doctor decided that Ford needed to be put on an air JET ventilator, which could potentially help clear up the cyst. As mentioned above, the move was very emotional, but we were comforted by the Transport Team along with all of the staff at MCA hospital. Once Ford got situated Sunday afternoon at Cooks, many examines were run...and it was concluded that his PDA passageway b/w his heart and lungs had not closed.

Ford will undergo Heart Surgery in the morning (Wednesday 1/16) at 9:00 am at Cooks which will surgically close the passageway. This is about a 45 minute procedure done right in his cubicle. Ford will be under anesthesia which will be a major concern for an 8 day old baby. We pray that this procedure goes off without any complications, and he will make a speedy recovery. As is stands now, Ford will remain at Cooks and his brother Hayden will be at MCA in Arlington where he remains stable. We ask that you continue to keep our precious little boys on your prayer list...and you don't know how much it means to Dana and me to read all of your messages and know that many friends and total strangers are lifting all 4 of us up through your prayers and well wishes. We know that we have gained an enormous extended family.

Thank you again,
The Hugheys

Update on our "little fighters" as of the afternoon of January 10th

2008-01-10T16:35:00.000-06:00

We would like to preface this by saying THANK YOU!!! Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes. We are hoping that the power of prayer will bring all 4 of us through this. Here is a quick update on our "little fighters". Ford has had a new hurdle to overcome this morning...the neonatologist noticed an air bubble in one of his lungs, which caused his lung to compress. They went in with a chest tube releasing the air, and now he is breathing much better. He will get another lung x-ray this evening, and we are praying that the results will be positive. As for Hayden, he is still staying strong. He is fighting the respirator which is causing him to be a bit feisty....but they are giving him medicine to calm him down a tad. Dana and I had an opportunity to hold both of their tiny hands today...all the while whispering to them about all the support and love they have on their side. We continue to ask that you keep these miracle babies in your hearts and prayers.

Much love,
Dana and Trey

January 8th, 2008

2008-01-08T13:58:00.000-06:00

Well, the boys could not wait any longer...they decided that today would be their birthday. At around 1:41 this morning Dana gave birth to two tiny boys. Ford weighed in at 2 lbs and stretched in at 14 inches. Hayden came in at 1lb 14 oz and 13 inches long. Being born at 25 weeks and 3 days causes these boys to have an unbelievable uphill battle. A battle that both mom and I know that they can and will conquer. We now more than ever need the power of prayer sent our way. These boys have an outstanding role model in their mother, b/c Dana is the main reason that these boys even have a shot at life. Given the fact that her water broke 6 weeks ago, when she was just 19 weeks pregnant goes to show how much of a fighter Dana really is...and how much of a fighter these boys are going to be. We have been told by the NICU staff, that this will be a very emotional roller coaster ride...one filled with very low valleys along with high peaks. A roller coaster ride that I know will end a success. Being born at such a premature gestational age these boys are going to have to overcome many severe obstacles. Obstacles that range from lung development all the way to brain function. Dana and I both know that these miracle twins have so many people praying for them...and we are extremely grateful to have such amazing friends and family. As mentioned before, please continue to send positive thoughts and prayer towards these boys, so we can continue to witness the miraculous power of prayer. I will continue to update this page, as the boys reach each milestone and clear each hurdle

Thank you again,
-proud daddy.

23 Weeks

2007-12-23T19:49:00.000-06:00

Today the whole Hughey clan along with Jacque made the trip up to Arlington to celebrate Christmas....Hospital Style!! We enjoyed the exchanging of gifts...Ford and Hayden received a slew of gifts from their Grandparents, Aunts and Uncle. They will definitely be leaving this joint in style. I feel certain that they are going to be metro babies from the get-go. The twins are very blessed to have wonderful Grandparents along with 3 Aunts and an Uncle who care deeply for them. It was such a great day until late in the afternoon when we received another scare. Dana began leaking more amniotic fluid...so we are now back to square one!! It seems as though each hurdle we clear, 5 more are looming. Dana had been doing so great. She was slowly given a few privileges; from bathroom breaks to a shower every 3rd day. That will all be put on the back burner for the time being...until we can clear this hurdle and the leak seals over again. We are taking this at a Day by Day basis, and look forward to each new day. We are told that each day the twins stay in utero, that is 2-3 days less in the NICU. Our next milestone will be this Saturday the 29th, when we reach the 24 week mark and Dana can start receiving steroid shots, which will help develop the boys' lung growth.
So we ask that you continue to keep Dana and the boys on your prayer list and to send positive thoughts our way. We want to wish all of those reading this a very merry Christmas and a safe Happy New Year. It is amazing to witness the power of prayer each day...and we want to thank you all again for keeping Dana and the Boys in your thoughts and prayers.
-Until next time; Trey

Brief History

2007-12-15T21:23:00.000-06:00

We have had so many of you thinking about us and praying for us during this journey of a pregnancy. Here is a brief rundown as to how we arrived here at the Medical Center of Arlington in room 267. It all started back on Wednesday the 28th of November...when Dana's membranes ruptured and she began to leak amniotic fluid. We instantly drove up to our Doctors office here in Arlington and he hurried Dana over to the Hospital. Dana was put on strict bed rest along with an iv of antibiotics and fluids to help prevent infection. The first few nights were filled with uncertainty and extreme concern. We would have never made it without the wonderful staff here at MCA....the amazing nurses and techs kept Dana in such good spirits, and filled her with positive stories. As we got into the next week, we noticed that Dana was no longer leaking as much fluid, and her vital signs continued to stay normal. She slowly was progressing day by day...and we owe it all to your prayers and well wishes. We know that this hospital will be our home for the next few months, and continue to ask you to keep our twins and Dana in your prayers.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of the prayers sent our way.
-Trey, Dana, Ford and Hayden Hughey

22 Weeks

2007-12-15T18:41:00.000-06:00

December 15, 2007 22 WEEKS.....goal is 32 WEEKS and Beyond!!

Two weeks - 3days and counting....The hospital room has been transformed into a wonderful Christmas display. We have the boys tree in one corner, decorated with blue ornaments and snowmen, with two gifts for their mother...wonderfully wrapped by their father. The twins have over sized Santa Stockings...one given by Mr. Clint Brookshire and the other by their Grandmother, hanging on daddy's closet/pantry. The enormous poinsettia has taken over the room!! Speaking of my closet/pantry...Dana has asked me to clean out my closet and take half of my clothes out of the room and store them in my car. She also stated that "I pack like a girl, and I shouldn't have that many shoes". She can be harsh some times. Dana for the first time today was able to rid herself from the hospital issued gown, (lovely as they might be) for something more relaxing and stylish. Spirits are great in room 267 and we continue to thank god for each day...and look forward to the time that we can look back on this journey and reminisce on how much closer this has brought us. We will continue to update you all each day...or as often as we can. We would like to thank all of those who continue to pray for the twins and for dana...it is great to see how awesome the power of prayer can be. We are truly indebted to all of our family and friends, along with the amazing/giving staff here at MCA Hospital. Dana would not be doing this well without all of their and your support. Thank you all!!

The Hugheys

Hampton: Home Sweet Home

Hampton's Healing Continues.....

Hampton Stays Strong.... and So Sweet

Hampton Update

Hampton's Not So Smooth Arrival

Loves Of Our Life and Ford's Surgery

Loves of Our Life and Ford's Surgery

Loves of Our Life & Ford's Surgery

March For Babies A Success..... even in the rain

Ford Scheduled for Surgery in May

You're looking at this year's March of Dimes Ambassadors

Hayden's crawling

Sleepy and... Not So Sleepy Boys

Our Birthday Photos, Aren't We Handsome???

Oh, What a Night!

Computer Situation Squared Away... Can Blog-away!

Merry Christmas from The Hugheys!

So Much To Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

The Twins are 10 Months and Counting...

Everyone Should have a Ford and Hayden

Hughey Twins Beat their 1st Cold... and are Growing SO BIG!

Ford's One Tough Twinkie!

Hopefully Ford's Last Procedure For a While!

Another Prayer Answered: Ford's Recovering Well

Surgery slated for Wednesday at 3:15pm

Update on Our Ford

Ford Going In For Kidney Procedure... Please Join Us in Praying

Hughey Twins Turn 6 Months!

Thank Goodness For Grandparents!

Home Sweet Home for 4 Hugheys

Quick Update as of Wednesday the 21st of May

Hayden's Home Away from Home... Ford's Progressing!

We're Past Our Due Date Now!

Ford's Still Bubbling... Hayden's Still Progressing

Ford and Hayden... almost 3 months old!

Brief update on the boys...

In HIS Time

Update on the Loves of Our Lives

Separation Anxieity

Ford Tough Working To Get Back on C-PAP With His Brother, Hayden

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

More Prayers Answered For Ford & Hayden

When Text Messages are All You Have!!!

Missing My Boys

More Miracle Milestones by Ford and Hayden

The Twins Are Making Strides

Huge Day....

What a Weekend

A Word From Ford and Hayden's Mommy

Ford did wonderful in his surgery...

Ford's Surgery & an update on Hayden...

Day Thirteen of a long, bumpy journey...

The latest on Ford & Hayden....

Prayers Tomorrow....

Update on our "little fighters" as of the afternoon of January 10th

January 8th, 2008

23 Weeks

Brief History

22 Weeks