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Erikall | Fri Dec-19-03 11:25 PM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
1023 posts
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#5, "Update on our surviving triplets..."
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Here's an update on our babies...
As of December 13, Levi weighs 4 lbs., 6oz! He has doubled his birth weight. He is doing great on feedings, and we get to put him to breast once a day as of this week. Preemies sometimes have a problem latching on, so we will see how he does. This month was the first time we saw either of them in clothes. Funny, something so small, and we thought it was the most wonderful thing in the world! Levi likes sucking on his thumb, well, likes sucking on anything, thumb, fingers, pacifier, even his sleeve! He's doing great in all aspects, they moved him into an open crib, like the ones that full term newborns are in, and he is holding his temperature, and seems very happy in there. Eric and I are able to pick him up whenever we want to, which is sooo nice! Levi got to actually breastfeed today, the lactation consultant said she was impressed, she didn't think we would get half as far as we did today. With him being so small, she thought he would have problems, but the only thing is that I have to pull him away every so often, because he gets so excited that he's getting milk, he doesn't stop to breath.
And, as of the 13th, Vivian is 4 lbs., 3 1/2oz. She is going great and eating the full amount for her weight. She is still on a ventilator, and because of that, we have had two scares with infections, the first was her Pneumonia, which they cleared up, then about 1 week later, she has a blood infection, which she is on medication for now. After what Little Eric went through, infections really freak us out, and the nurses and Doctors understand that and are very quick to jump on anything different about Levi or Vivian. Eric and I are getting a good education about medical terms and practices. I guess after Little Eric we don't take so many things for granted, like the doctors' ability to fix anything. Vivian is still on the ventilator because when they have tried to extubate her in the past, (since her PDA surgery) her trachea would swell shut. They did a flexible bronchoscopy two and a half weeks ago, then a Rigid Bronchoscopy two weeks ago, and they found that the Subglottic region (the area under the vocal cords) looks okay, but the left side of her vocal cords are not working as well, and there is swelling above her vocal cords, so they left her on the Ventilator for two weeks, in hopes that the swelling would resolve itself by then. If the swelling doesn't resolve, she will have to have a Tracheostomy. Today Today is the day they are going to try again, so we are praying that the swelling is gone. They attempted the extubation today. Looks like possibly as soon as the end of this week Vivian will get a Tracheostomy. We were hoping that this would not be the case, but at least with the Thrach, she will be able to move on, with breastfeeding and the other things she needs to do to come home. The Doctor thinks it should only be for 6 months to a year.
We took Matt and Megan with us to the NICU to see the babies yesterday. Both of them got to hold Levi!! Only for a few minutes each, but it was good to see, they got to feel him and see him up close, kind of their time to realize that he's real. Even Matt was cooing and talking about how cute the things he does is!
We want to thank everyone that came to Little Eric's funeral, and everyone who sent their sympathies to our family. That was and still is the hardest thing we could ever imagine going through, and we thank you all for being there for us. We go and visit him once a week, and it is still very hard, but we will teach Levi and Vivian about their big brother that we only had for a short time. I think it will be easier to remember him without tears after we have Levi and Vivian home safe. One of the best things I have seen come out of this is when I look at it through Megan's eyes. She never forgets that they are still triplets, she is very proud of it. She tells everyone that we have triplets, but that we lost one. Her faith in God and heaven is so unwavering, she talks about Little Eric happily, and says that he's lucky because he gets to meet Grandmas and Grandpas that she doesn't get to meet yet!
Today is their 2 month birthday, there are only 3 babies in the NICU that have been there longer.
They did Vivian's Tracheostomy on Wed. Dr said maybe it will be in only for two months, maybe a year. This means a nurse at our house at night.
With only Levi and Vivian, I don't feel like I should be on a triplet board, but I still read the posts, and of course wish I could relate to having all three of my babies like you all do. But, twins is still a HUGE blessing, and I know we will enjoy Levi and Vivian immensely!
I hope every one has a Wonderful Holiday!
Mom to:
Matt (1991) Megan (1994) and ^Eric Jr^ Levi and Vivian (2003) at 26 weeks
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Replies to this topic
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wilds | Sat Dec-20-03 04:22 AM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
3017 posts
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#6, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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You will always be a triplet mom. Please don't feel like you are not a part of that. I hope you can find some comfort in talking to others here who have lost one of their precious babies. I'm glad to hear Levi is doing so well. I can imagine Vivian's trach is overwhelming to you right now. Our old neighbors and very good friends have a son who had a trach for a long time. Here is a site that I went to to get info http://tracheostomy.com/index.html
My friends are very knowledgable about all aspects of trach care and would be good people to talk to. I will send you their email address if you would like. You can email me here if you want, and I would be glad to help.
I hope your babies continue to make progress and are home soon  .
God bless you and your family,
Lorraine
Lorraine
Reach for the heart of God and not just His hands.
Organ donation saves lives!
Life happens when love is given.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenwild
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mw | Sat Dec-20-03 06:15 AM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
4285 posts
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#9, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika,
Thank you so much for this update. I remember the first time I saw my little survivors in baby clothes - I wanted to weep bc it was such a beautiful sight. The next best thing was seeing them in the open air crib.
I'm glad Levi is doing so well and agree that at least the Trach will give Vivian a chance to progress in other areas.
I know that the loss of Eric continues to weigh hard on you and your family and it will be a loss that lives with you forever. But it will get better and you will cry fewer tears as Vivian and Levi come home, grow, and thrive. I'm glad their big sister and brother got to hold Levi that must have helped them so much.
Please don't feel bad about being here. Tomorrow is the two year anniversary of our losing Brendan and I'm still here. It's the only board where I feel there are people I "know" and that "know" me. Also, even though you don't have 3 same age babies to raise you still will have parenting questions and parenting advice that will benefit many.
Thanks again Erika, take care this week and post again soon.
Marie
Marie
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TylersMom | Sat Dec-20-03 07:20 AM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
386 posts
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#11, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Thanks for the update, I have been thinking about you guys. I'm glad to hear so much good news!
Sonya, Mommy to:
Tyler 8-15-01
Amanda 5-23-03
Leah 5-23-03
Trevor 5-23-03
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luvmy 4 | Sat Dec-20-03 07:58 AM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
212 posts
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#12, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika and Eric,
Thank you so much for the update. I think about you guys a lot. Sounds like the past two months has been full of ups and downs. I know it must be so hard for your guys. I know how it feels to have your children be the ones who have been in the NICU the longest, just think of how happy the day will be when you walk of out there with them. AND YOU WILL!!!!!
I will be hoping and praying for all of you. I hope the kids are home soon.
Happy Holidays,
Proud mom to
Zoe 4/15/98
Zackary, Cleo and Tyler 8/13/02
Traci
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April Ritchie | Sun Dec-21-03 09:04 AM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
141 posts
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#15, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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I am glad that your two triplets are doing well. I hope that they continue to strive!! I am sorry about the loss of your baby Eric, I know how painful that loss is. I just wanted to mention that your are and always will be a triplet mom, even though one of your babies lives in heaven.
I hope that your holiday is peaceful.
April
Mom to ^i^ Hannah, ^i^ Ryan and ^i^ Abby. My 3 little birds in Heaven.
Joey, born 5/8/05 (Mother's Day!)
Laura, born 5/26/07
^I^, ^i^
A butterfly lights beside us, like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment, It's glory and beauty belong to our world..
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tulip | Sun Dec-21-03 11:38 AM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
6141 posts
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#16, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika, I am so encouraged to read this update! Thank you for sharing, and "YAY Vivian" for fighting off those nasty infections, and "Rock on Levi!" for being able to nurse! You all sound like you're making so many improvements.
And please don't feel like you shouldn't be here. While I do understand that you might feel a constant reminder that Eric is in Heaven when you think of "triplets", you were and still are a member of this internet family, no matter what!
Tulip & The Three Amigos
Born at 35w5d on December 31, 2002 - Happy New Year's Eve!!!
Aimee, Let's bump heads!
Edward, Rollin' Rollin' Rollin', Got to keep on rollin'!
Hope, Bouncy! Bouncy! Bouncy! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
YES! You *can* breastfeed triplets!!!
http://www.tripletconnection.org/dcforum/forum1/14349.html
Tulip & The Three Amigos
GBG born at 35w5d on December 31, 2002 - Happy New Year's Eve!!!
YES! You *can* breastfeed triplets!!!
I am a Velveteen Rabbit, and the birth, love, kisses & magic that are my children has made me Real.
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wilds | Mon Dec-22-03 07:05 PM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
3017 posts
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#18, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika
Just bumping this, in case you didn't see my response about how to contact my friends with a son who had a trach as a baby.
Lorraine
Lorraine
Reach for the heart of God and not just His hands.
Organ donation saves lives!
Life happens when love is given.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenwild
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Valerie3 | Tue Dec-23-03 06:55 AM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
138 posts
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#19, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erica and Eric,
I'm really happy your babies are doing fine and your older kids take the situation so well. You must be great parents! Seeing them in clothes really is a milestone, isn't it? I hope you will have them home soon. And you DO belong here, though I understand it must be very painful at times. Please keep us updated!
Valerie
mom to Elinor, Estée, Alec
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missy | Mon Dec-29-03 02:03 PM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
34 posts
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#20, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika-
it is so good to read an update on your little ones. Sounds like they are both making progress and doing well.
I'm not on-line much because of the newly found chaos at my house, but think of you often.
Melissa
Melissa
GGB 11/03, DD 13, DS 16
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Catw3kittens | Sat Jan-03-04 03:42 PM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
5090 posts
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#21, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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I'm so glad to hear the update on Levi and Vivian. It sounds like things are really improving -- they're gaining ground.
My heart goes out to you and I want you to know that there's no way that anyone would feel any different than you do about the loss of one of the babies, and still knowing that they are triplets. I'm 30w, 3d with my triplets, and they have never been other than triplets to me -- how could that change now?
I will be praying for a safe and happy move into the new house, and a safe and happy transition as the babies come home. Please stay in touch and continue to share updates!
God bless.
Cat w/3 kittens
30w, 3d
b/g/g edd 3/12/04
Cat w/3 Kittens
Caidan, Carina and Caeleigh
Born at 31 weeks, 1/8/04.
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Mootette | Sat Jan-03-04 05:21 PM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
567 posts
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#22, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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What fantastic news!!! I'm sooooooo happy for your family!! Congrats and kiss those babies for me!! (I promise I'm not sick.... ROFL!)
Marsha-- proud Mommy to Reagan, Presley & Mikayla 11/5/01 at 31 wks
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jen31 | Sat Jan-03-04 05:51 PM |
Member since Nov 05th 2007
363 posts
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#23, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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Erica,
I am so sorry for the loss of Eric Jr. But glad to hear Levi and Vivian are doing well. How have they been since your post (almost 3 weeks)? Take lots of pictures and video, and use a prop (like a stuffed animal) to measure thier growth in photos.
It is a personal preference as to whether you call your babies triplets or twins, but they will always be triplets, it says so on thier birth certificates, and the death of Eric Jr does not change that.
I am not going to kid you, this is a hard row to hoe. I am personally still hoping that time will ease the pain. I am on Zoloft and have started grief counceling. I have joined a few online support groups, including the 'Bereaved Parents' board here. Look into http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TAQQL/ which is Triplet And Quad-Quint Loss, and http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/eLIMBO/ Loss In Multiple Birth Outreach.
May your future be brighter, may Levi and Vivian astound you with thier strength and may Eric Jr live on in you and your family's hearts.
Jen
Lillian Victoria 7/8/00
Triplets 1/15/03 at 28w5d:
Gavin Michael 3lb2oz -identical
^Dylan Scott^ 3lb4oz -identical
Hayden James 2lb12oz -fraternal
1/15/03 at 28w5d
Dylan died on 2/4/03 due to
problems stemming from GBS
sepsis and then a candida
infection.
http://www.babiesonline.com/
babies/m/my3boys/
Jen~ Mommy of 4 angels, 3 with feet, 1 with wings:
Lillian Victoria (Lila)- 7/8/00- 10 days NICU for GBS RDS
Triplets~ 1/15/03 at 28w5d (due to GBS sepsis)
Gavin Michael 3lb2oz -identical- 51 days NICU
^Dylan Scott^ 3lb4oz -identical-d. 2/4/03
Hayden J  Attachment
#1, (html file)
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franjipani | Mon Jan-05-04 01:52 AM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
2355 posts
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#24, "RE: Update on our surviving triplets..."
In response to Reply # 0
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hi erika
how great to get such a promising update from you, i have been hoping to see your name on the ivfconnections board as well. holding your little levi whenever you want, what a luxury that must seem to you.
i think you are right, it will be easier to talk about little eric once you have vivian and levi at home. and matt and megan's innocent views must be comforting. little eric will never be forgotten, erika.
please do keep posting here. xo tess
ps - i am 19 weeks now, feeling really strong and good.
tess
mummy to 7yr old ds & the triumverate born 2004
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mw | Tue Jan-06-04 06:39 AM |
Member since Jul 18th 2005
4285 posts
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#25, "Please check your email"
In response to Reply # 0
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Erika,
Please check your email, I sent you a message (normal email, not TC).
Marie
Marie
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