Our first day home...

So far, so good. Momma had a shocker of what it was like to wake up every 2 hours last night. I haven't done this in 6 years. Other than that, we are fine and it is good to be together as a family.

Our Last picture in the NICU! YIPPEEEE!


All packed up and ready to go home...


Andrew snuggling for the first time at home...


Owen LOVED this moment...can you tell his heart is turning to "mush"?


In other news...Andrew lost a top front tooth! It has been hanging there for about a week.

Guess who....

IS COMING HOME AT 4:00 TODAY???

The Crawford family is excited beyone belief!!
We were expecting Monday...what a sweet surprise!

Will post pics later of the little booger at home with his family.

So easy to forget who is doing the work...

God is good, and his love endures forever.

It is amazing to find out how many people have been praying for Elliott. It seems like with the business of heading to the hospital, balancing a family and staying strong has masked the wonders that God has done in this situation we have been dealing with for 10 days. There have been so many people that have said that they have been praying for Elliott (that we didn't even know they knew of the situation...news travels fast). Thanks for your prayers. We really appreciate them.

When will Elliott get out of the 5 star Hotel????

So we went to the hospital and they removed the IV from his arm today. One less thing we have to maneuver to hold him.

He still is not eating from the breast and he feeds very little from a bottle. The rest of his feedings are done through his tube. At this point, I just want the little guy to suck and drink the milk on his own. I am not concerned if it is from the breast or not. I just want him to learn and come home. I figured it would be nice for him to latch onto me, but not a big deal if he doesn't. It is just a little more work on my part to have to pump. I am ok with that.

Please pray that he can learn to feed on his own. That is really his final step in coming home with us. The nurse told me today that it would not be a bad idea for me to bring his outfit in for pictures and to put the car seat in the car for when they discharge him. That is promising news.

He had a little cap on him this afternoon. The boys didn't like the fact that it had pink and blue stripes in it. They want me to bring the OHIO STATE cap that Grandma gave him.

I will post some pictures tomorrow of some visitors and Elliott. I am a tired little mommy and need my rest for when the big guy comes home.

The big brothers get to hold Elliott...

Andrew and Owen were able to hold ELliott yesterday afternoon. They absolutly love him. Owen told me it made his heart mushy.

9-24-00

Elliott is 9 Days old today. No changes, but these pictures are too cute not to post. Elliott and his medical tape mustache... Elliott time with daddy... Mommy's turn.... A shot by my wannabe photographer husband...He thinks after this shot, we need to be partners in crime.... A video of the big brothers concerned for Elliott. Dont be alarmed, the kids are not sticking their fingers in his mouth. There is a hole in the pacifier and the boys like to feel the sucking motion.

Good News...

We took the kiddos to the hospital after school today and had a surprise waiting for us. Elliott is totally off any type of breathing aid! He kept removing the c-pap anyway, so they just decided to try it out. I was there until 7:00 and he was doing great. They decided they wanted to try nursing or a bottle (because he pulled his feeding tube out...3 times today). Just by these actions, I think we are in for a determined child. Don't quote me on it, but it will be interesting to see what he is like in a year or two.

We tried to latch him on to my "bumps" (as the boys call them) and he did not latch on. We then tried a bottle and he would not take that either. I guess he wanted the old school way with the feeding tube. We tried for about 1/2 hour and decided that it was time to break and put that tube back in. The nurses tell us that this is very normal and it is something they have to learn coming out of the NICU. In time, in time.

Here is Elliott's new look....


Andrew loves, loves, loves, loves his brother. Owen does too, but Andrew has definitely taken on the oldest child role in caring deeply for his siblings....



A special candid moment of mommy and the boys. I love this picture. Aaron snapped it and I didn't know it....

HOLY COW!

I thought since Elliott's progress has pretty much stayed the same within the past 24 hours (GOOD THING!!), I thought I would post about me. I feel like I am a dairy farm. Moo Moo
Here is the milk that I have stored up since I was home for 3 days. This doesn't include what is being stored at the hospital...about an entire shoe box full. We are going to have to move to the deep freeze starting today.


MOoOOOOOooooo MAMA MOOOoooooOOOOO!

Just like velvet...

I know this is a weird title, but there is nothing like baby skin next to yours...it's just like velvet.

We were able to hold Elliott today. Nothing better. Mommy did some skin on skin and daddy just couldn't get enough of him. His smell, his touch...just wasn't enough for us. We both plan to go back tonight for some more lovins from Elliott. It was obvious that Elliott loved it too. He was very relaxed. I have a feeling, once he comes home, he won't be put down...But mommy and daddy are both ok with that.

They tried to remove the c-pap for a bit last night to see how he would do. Within 20 minutes, he needed to be put back on...but that is OK. One step at a time.

We found out today that Elliott's lungs had the maturity level of a 28 week old baby. They said that they don't even know why this happens sometimes, but the brain just doesn't get the signal to grow up. We are glad that he is getting better. Maybe by the weekend we will have the little guy home.

Thank you Jesus!

Getting closer to the edge of the woods.

Leaving the hospital was hard yesterday afternoon. I did go back in the evening to meet his night time nurse and kiss our baby goodnight. He was wide awake and just glaring at momma. It was special. I took my friend Anne up to see him. She has been a great support. Her son Evan is Andrew's best friend and was in the NICU for sometime when he was born. She knows the feelings and it is good to talk.
The picture below is right before we left the hospital.


Last night was the turn around night for Elliott. He was removed from the ventilator this afternoon due to a great blood gas report. He is off the morphine, and is on a c-pap (a little teeny mask type thingy). He had is first meal at 5:30 this evening via tube to his stomach. God is good and we know he has been with Elliott through this entire ordeal. The plan of action tomorrow is to remove the c-pap and have him breathe without any oxygen. This will be big.

We went to see Elliott before church today and he was resting very peacefully. It was good to see him rest without the help of morphine in his system.

Today right before church...



The nurse that took care of him today told us that during the transition of getting the ventilator off and putting the prongs in his nose (they tried the prongs first, then went to the mask), he had pulled the prongs out of his nose and put them in his mouth to suck on them. She couldn't help but call the nurse practicioner over to see what he had done. He did not like the prong the first day...and he didnt like the prongs today. She also said that he got so mad that she tried to put the prongs in the second time, he pushed himself up with his feet, booty in the air and grunted. My first response when she told me this was "poor little guy", then it became a humorous kind of response of "that stinker, we are in for a wild ride with this little boy"
The new and improved Elliott...Ventilator Free!!!

Looking better

Things are looking up for the little booger. The nurses in the NICU keep telling me that Elliott is going to be a rule breaker and to be prepared. The reason they say this is because being a 7 lb plus baby, this little guy should not be in here with immature lungs.
The heart test (I cant spell the real term, but it is something like eco cardiogram) came back perfect. There is nothing wrong with his little heart so that was a huge lift off our chests yesterday. The second I heard the news, I couldnt help myself to let all of the emotions go. It was awesome to hear that he just needs a little time to "grow up".
This morning, they did another x ray and it looked much better and clearer. His lungs sound better as well. His respiration's are slower and not as rapid as the video taken the other day. He is trying to breathe over the ventilator as well. This is all good news.
I go home today and they have already prepared me that it is going to be very hard for me. I know he is in good hands, but the thought of leaving him gives me a large pit in the bottom of my stomach. Once we leave tonight, we don't plan to come back until tomorrow.
I have been pumping for breast milk...and let me tell ya, I AM A MEGA MILK FACTORY! Elliott is going to have this huge stock of milk (he isnt eating yet) when he gets home. It will be awesome because Aaron will then be able to feed the baby via bottle and get some daddy/elliott bonding time. I am so thankful that I produce so much milk for the little guy.
I know this is a goofy picture to post, but it means alot to Aaron and I. We have had so much love poured upon us this week. We want to thank everyone for their prayers, their visits and support. A friend of ours brought these yummy cakes to us the other night. It was awesome. I didnt feel like I was even in a hospital. She brought over some movies for us and it was just nice. SO many others have come by with flowers, cookies, things for the boys...Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. We really appreciate everything.

Progress.

Elliott is the sweetest thing on this planet right now. He loves physical touch and sure responds when we touch him. It is good to see his face rather than a mask with tubes. He is much more comfortable today than he was yesterday morning. He is on morphine every 4 hours to help keep him from tearing out his tubes. It makes us feel so much better watching him breathe easy than watching him struggle. We are waiting to hear from the neo natologist about his progress through the night. We are hoping the steroid that was given to him twice is doing some good. We are hopeful for good news, but also realize that the "out of the woods" stage may not come for a couple of days. We were also informed that they are planning on doing a test on his heart to rule anything involved with that. I plan to go home tomorrow evening. My doctor gave me the ok to go home either today or tomorrow. I am not sure if I can quite peel myself away from this place yet. Having him across the hall is very nice and having the ability to go and see him when I can has been a great blessing. The boys have been staying at my sister in laws house for the past couple of days. They have fun with their cousins and have enjoyed their visit. Andrew is very concerned and a question about Elliott's well being is the first thing out of his mouth when we talk to him. Here are a few pictures from the past day. The first one was taken at 1:30 this morning. Every time I tell someone his name, they say "oh, like Elliott on E.T.". Well, Elliott has this little light hooked up to his foot...when I saw it, it reminded me of the E.T. movie when E.T. calls to "ELLLLLL IIIIOOOO TTTTT" as his finger glows.

A short video...

Update at 4:45 am-Early Thursday Morning

I was able to hold Elliott for 3 hours last night from 9-midnight. It was a great bonding time for us. I was able to do "kangaroo care" with him which is skin on skin. He loved it. Toward the end of our time together, He was having a bit more trouble keeping his oxygen level above 83% consistently. I had a feeling we were going to be in for a long night.
At 3:45 am, the doctor came in and told me that they were going to intibate (spelled wrong I think) him and give his body a little rest. He was working very hard and they felt putting him on a ventilator was going to be the best thing for him. His is sedated, so he feels no pain. He is also going to be receiving the steroid that was talked about the day he was born. Please pray for our family right now. We are sad that they had to do this, but know that he needed to rest a little.

Mom and Dad get to hold Elliott!!!

The boys came to see Elliott last night at the hospital. They were both concerned with Elliott's condition and were not expecting all of the tubes and machines hooked up to him. They wanted to hold him but were unable to. I think Owen was in shock a bit more than Andrew was. Last week the boys ordered a trophy for Elliott at the trophy store. It was all their idea. They picked out a baby trophy with "Best baby Brother" engraved on it. They presented it to Elliott last night. I think Elliott liked it. This morning, we found out that during the night, they took a an x-ray and it showed a bit more cloudiness than the previous one they had taken. The good news is they decided not to do the steroid because they felt like he was stable enough and he was working through this. Aaron and I were able to hold him for the first time today. It ws a very special moment for us and for him as well. As soon as I held him, his respiration's per minute decreased from 80 down to the 50-60 range. His heart rate was also lowered because he didn't have to work as hard to breathe. I held him for about 1 1/2 hours and we loved every minute of it. Here are a few pictures from last night and today. The boys made it up here again today but Owen had a "temp" of 99.2 degrees. I am glad they didn't let him go in (even though I know that the increase in temperature was due to coming from outside). He was not a happy little boy and his heart was crushed. He has needed a little extra tender loving care these past couple of days. Please continue to pray for Little Elliott and for strengthening of his lungs. We also ask that you keep the boys in your prayers for their week has been rocked with no school (due to a huge power outage in the Columbus area...of all weeks), a new brother, and just being bounced around all week.

He is Here

Short and Sweet post here. Mama bear is on Lotsa meds for pain...I am afraid I will write something Stupid.

Spinal went great. Nothing like the last one.
Elliott was born 8:16 this morning
7lbs, 6 oz
18 in long

He is currently in the Newborn ICU. His lungs were apparently underdeveloped. He is fine, but breathing rapidly. The doctors are confident that he will get out of there in the next couple of days.

I am fine, but LOOPY and tired. Nubian is good.

More details coming in a couple of days. I haven't seen him yet and plan to go down at 5:00 this evening. I have seen pictures. Aaron spends a lot of time with Elliott. He cannot hold him yet, but maybe tomorrow. Pray that he will have a fast recovery.

no title.

So, it is calm here in our house. For the past few days, there has been this stillness and peacefulness. It has been nice. The boys are getting along for the most part. Yes, they have had their spats, but not the screaming to the top of their lungs kind of fights. I think we are all preparing mentally for Elliott's arrival.

My house is clean. Everybody seems to be picking up after themselves. We have managed to keep up the house for the past week or so, cleaning up after our messes, doing things on our own, without being asked. Nice. This is a very rare thing.

I think our entire house is preparing for the big day on Tuesday. The only problem that has been going on is the lack of sleep for mama bear. I awoke Saturday morning at 2:00 am not being able to go back to bed. Is it nerves? Is it my body preparing for the upcoming sleepless nights? Is it because I know my mom would have been so happy for this baby's arrival and isn't physically here to celebrate with us? Who knows? I think it is a little of everything. I just know that I was so tired yesterday, things were foggy and just seemed weird. I did manage to finish the first part of Elliott's birth video (the part leading up to the 16th). Aaron took the boys in the afternoon to the pool so I can get a little sleep. Just as I fell asleep, the door bell rings. It wasn't the kind of ring like "ring ring". NO. The Jehovah's witness who has visited my door once before was at my door did "ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring". Just when I thought they left, about 2 minutes later..."ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring ring". Come on people, if I didn't answer to the 9 times of ringing my door bell the first time, don't be brave enough to ring it 9 more times. I was up and didn't get to fulfill my much needed nap.

I took a unisom last night. I haven't done this in a while because I was afraid that I would go into labor or something during the night. Last night, I was so desperate and confident that nothing would happen, I popped one of those bad boys in my mouth about 8:00 and by 8:30 I was in my bed fast asleep until 8:00 this morning. Ahhh. I woke up all by myself. I usually wake up to boys screaming at one another about something silly. I actually woke up to a peaceful household.

This will probably be my last post until after the baby is born. The hospital has wireless and I plan to take the laptop. I will be there 3-4 days, so I'll have to find something to do before I commit myself to a mental care facility. Depending on how I am feeling, I hope to update the blog.

So, I guess this is so long for now blogging friends. Pray for our family these next few days. Pray for me as my emotions and hormones will be a little out of whack. Pray that our family adjusts to the upcoming changes that are before us.

Out of the mouths of babes.

Owen was a little goofy last night while snuggling before bedtime.

Here is what I heard before I went to bed. Maybe this should also be on the list of things not to say to a pregnant woman.

"Mom, guess what? Now that you are fat, you can do mega belly flops at the pool".

This morning, it was this zinger...
Andrew sneezed this morning and had goop come out of his nose...Owen said "ha ha..good times Andrew, Good times".



Where does this kid come up with this stuff?

Elliott's Birthday will be....

September 16th. Looks like nobody gets the $1000.00 prize we were offering for guessing the right date.

decisions, decisions...

Well, we have decided on a c-section for the 3rd time around. I didn't want to go this route originally, because the spinal that I received with my last c section was just plain awful. I can honestly say that getting that jabbed in my back (unsuccessfully) was worse than the surgery and recovery combined. I am not joking. I never wanted anybody to ever poke at my back again. The anesthesiologist also "double dosed" me and I was unable to go and see Owen in the Newborn ICU for a couple of days. Unfortunately, the cons of delivering naturally after a c section (called vbac) outweighed the benefits of just having the
c-section. I will find out tomorrow or Wednesday what the official day is. I just want to be knocked out at this point...wake me up when it is over. I am starting to prepare myself mentally for this poking in the back event. I complained to my doctor about it and she said "Jude, our final goal is to have a healthy mommy and a healthy baby". I guess I just need to suck it up.

So much for the Lamaze class Aaron and I took a few weeks back... $125.00 later.

Soccer Boys

Soccer season has begun. There is something about this time of year that makes me happy. The weather was great with a little hint of fall. Their soccer schedule is going to work out fine without stretching us too thin. Originally, we were not going to have both in the same sport in the same season, but after looking at their playing schedules (and Andrew is not in Boy Scouts this year) we decided that it would be A-ok.

Owen's game on Saturday "The Dragons"





Andrew's game on Sunday "The Cobras"

ooohhhh.....

I found our song for the video birth announcement. It is a surprise! now I can sleep.

Sickness in the household...

So Andrew has been complaining of a tummy ache since last Wednesday (also the first day of school). I thought it was nerves because Andrew hates change and stress always manifests physically with him. Anyway, I really didnt think much of it until this morning. Andrew woke up complaining again of a tummy ache and didnt eat his breakfast. Part of me wanted to keep him home because my gut feeling was telling me that something wasnt right. I went against my feelings and took him to school anyway.

About 20 minutes after I dropped him off, Andrew needed to come home. I went back to school to find him in the office in a lot of pain. He did happen to give me a slight smile as I picked him up. I think he was relieved that he didn't have to spend the entire day in pain at school.

Come to find out, there is a nasty bug going around that is "catchy" for only a day or so...but the effects (tummy ache, the squirts) can last up to 3 weeks. ugh. I hope I don't get this. From what I understand, adults can get this same little bug and it tends to be more harsh on the adults. The weird thing about this virus is that it is hit and miss. One hour he is perfectly fine and the next hour he is buckled over on his bed.

If you think of it, pray that Andrew starts to feel better and that the rest of our family doesn't get this.

Things not to say to a 9 month pregnant lady

It really is amazing what people say to someone that is not feeling so good about themselves. Most of the things people have said to me are DUH...OBVIOUS enough that I don't need to be told again, and again.

If you meet a pregnant woman in the store, or know of a pregnant woman...please be careful of what you say or act like to them. Here are some things that I have heard in the past 9 months that have really cut to the bone.

1.) When I was about 6 months along someone said..."that is as big as I got at 9 months". My silent, under the breath response was..."and your point is??"

2.) "Your HOW far along?...oh my" My silent response "what the heck is that supposed to mean"

3.) When talking to someone that is expecting, Don't stare at the belly in awe for more than 3 seconds. The feeling is like when a man stares at your chest when talking to you...same feeling. MY FACE IS UP HERE!! TALK TO ME!!

4.) My favorite "Are you SURE you're not having twins" or the other variation "Are you SURE there aren't more than 1 in there". Don't say this especially early on in pregnancy or late pregnancy.

5.) "Your nose is looks pregnant". My silent response "what the heck does a pregnant nose look like?" (I know what this means indirectly-some women gain weight in their face, but it still is weird thing to tell someone). I think this is actually a humorous one.

6.) "WHOA" My silent response is "Hello people, I am not a horse and don't need to be slowed down, I am a 9 month along pregnant lady with a growing person inside of me."

7.) Never say...."I think your due date is WRONG!"

8.) A classic..."You are big." My response...DUH!! Do I need to be reminded?

9.) "Your baby is going to be a 10 pounder". Ok, this one gets me. Lets freak mom out by having her think of what it is going to be like to push a 10 pound baby out of her body. hmmm...not a smart thing to tell someone.

10.) "Awwww, your hormones are so crazy Judy". My silent response "yeah, maybe my hormones are a little out of wack right now, but YOU are just driving me nuts..and I am sorry to tell you, that isn't a hormone issue."

11.) And the best one so far..."hmmmmm, I don't know Judy, I think your doctor is wrong about your due date." I LOVE THAT ONE!!

So, I would love to hear some of the things people have said to you while pregnant. I think at this point, I am just going to start telling people off. I guess I have the excuse of "crazy hormones."

Can you tell I am ready to have this baby?

We're Havin' a baby!

Well, I brought my camera to our sister and brother in laws (For their sons birthday celebration) yesterday so someone could snap a picture of Aaron and I together. I would eventually like to have a few for our video birth announcement when the time comes. My brother in law Alex gladly snapped one for us. Thanks Alex! He did give me a hard time about having a Nikon.



I am currently searching for a unique, cool song for our video birth announcement. I am looking for it now, because the library may have it and I am sure if I will be up and about once the baby arrives. Any suggestions? We are not into Country music, so any suggestions along that line will not be considered. hehe. I am either looking for something old old...like roarin 20's old, classic rock era or modern rock.