Meanwhile, back on the homefront

So, I've clearly become an absentee blogger lately. My apologies to those of you who have returned to this site in vain. Every time I sat down to add a new post, it seemed I had nothing much of interest to post. Not even pictures, since we are sadly remiss in taking them. Most days we're happy to make it through with sanity intact and hopefully some character building taking place - mostly my own! But I am happy to report that Collin is now sitting up, and Kendra is very close to achieving that goal. They both have four little chompers, which they try out on any unsuspecting finger within reach. And for a few days, Collin's favorite trick was this...

Bugs and blessings

The nefarious TBC (Tummy Bug Crud) has systematically attacked the Craciun family this past week. Monday night, Kendra became pale and lethargic and vomited for the next 24 hours. In pain, unable to eat, and with an irritated colostomy, she had to spend a night at SHMC for observation and hydration. Early Tuesday morning, Ian joined the fun. Full bedding change was required, but with a bucket handy he made it through the next 12 hours in not too bad of shape. Filip and I experienced nausea, but nothing more. Two blissfully healthy days passed. Then yesterday Evan had a walk-a-thon. After one lap he complained his tummy hurt, and I'm thinking, "I've gotta get this kid into shape." We left early, came home for a snack and some rest, and an hour later I hear, "Honey, we've got a problem." Yeah, him too. Only this little guy can't aim. We were scrubbing laminate, carpet, couches, and rugs all afternoon and evening. I went to bed thinking, "At least Collin was spared..." Well, you guessed it. 1:00 am - moaning and puking from the babe. We spent a good part of the night rocking and consoling. He's not a very good puker either. He fights it and tries to get it back down. No good.

However, despite all this chaos, we continue to see God's loving hand on us. Kendra's hospital stay was kept short, and they didn't find anything serious like a dreaded obstruction. My mom, who was gone on vacation all last week, was around to help when I had to stay with Kendra and get her to appointments. One of those appointments was to get her hearing aid. We were told at the last appointment that what would benefit her most, a unit called a BAHA, cost $4000 and was rarely covered by our insurance. We were expecting to get a less expensive, bulkier, and less effective aid. But God poured His blessings on us yet again. The first aid they tried to get for her is currently out of production, and the second option is far too large and unsuitable for infants. So, they fit her with the BAHA!! She's using a clinic rental for now, but the technician believes that, under the circumstances, insurance should cover it and she'll be getting her own within a few weeks! Praise the Lord!! Yet another blessing was having our good friend safely deliver her darling baby girl on Wednesday. New life - a gift from the Author of Life. So, all in all, not a bad week. Bugs, blessings... and a baby!

Easter photos

It was another lovely family Easter celebration. The kids had a blast hunting for Easter eggs at Grandma and Grandpa's after church. Though it was still a little chilly, it ended up being sunny and dry - just right for a little outdoor adventure. I had so much fun having a little girl to dress up at last, and Collin was looking quite dapper in his little sweater vest, I do believe. But most of all, Ian was able to articulate for the first time what Easter is really all about... "when, cause, Jesus died, but then, but He didn't stay died. He came to life again." Thank You, Jesus! You are our Hope and Salvation.

The curl-hawk

What do you get when you have a baby boy with long, curling locks in a strange side-balding pattern? I present you with... the curl-hawk. Patent pending.

Test results for Kendra

Since Kendra has come home, not a week has gone by that we haven't had SOME sort of appointment - home health nurses, ostomy care, therapy, specialists, etc. She had two pretty important ones this week so far. On Monday, she had a repeat of her ABR hearing test, this time at the hospital under IV sedation. It was a stressful day, but the test was a success. Her left ear is fine, which is a relief. She has moderate to severe hearing loss on the right due to the absence of an ear canal, so she will be fitted with a hearing aid soon.

Yesterday was Kendra's first visit to Shriner's for her thumb. It's a little early to tell for sure, but the surgeon felt she might not be the best candidate for successful pollicization - the repositioning of the index finger to turn it into a thumb of sorts. She may not have the muscles and tendons necessary for abduction. We wouldn't do anything for a few years anyway, but it was disappointing to hear she may not have the results we were hoping for.

Still to come: her first visit to the cardiologist to evaluate her heart defect, and initial visits for her vertebral issues, which may or may not also be handled by Shriner's. Some good news: she's now over 8 pounds!! Hard to believe - she's come a long way! She's still smaller than Evan or Ian at BIRTH, but we're making progress. :) Thanks for checking in, and I apologize for the infrequency of the posts as of late. Blessings!

I'm back!!

Too long since I last posted, I know. Wow, it's been wild and busy having my little girly home with us at last. For weeks, it seemed nearly every hour of day or night we had one or both of the twins wailing. They are not the most contented of babies. But little by little, day by day, they are improving. We are seeing more smiles, longer naps, and last night for the first time, they both slept soundly for 8 hours without interruption!!! Now you know how I finally found the time and energy to post again! Yeah!



But now, for what you really came here for - pictures:

Little strawberry shortcake.

You lookin' at me?

Together again!

Broadcasting live from SHMC

Well, I am once again blogging from a hospital room, but this time it is a far more pleasant experience, since my room is the "rooming-in" suite in the NICU and my baby comes home today! We spent our first full night together last night - crazy that she's already 11 weeks old and this was our first night. Anyhow, it wasn't nearly as rough as I expected. She is, after all, a rather old little gal by now! She certainly isn't sleeping through the night, but she does sleep most of the night. However, she is a noisy sleeper - frequently grunting or fussing a little, then settling in. This made for not too much sleep for the mama, and it will be interesting to see how long it takes for Collin to readjust to his sister and her noisiness. :)

Filip survived his night at home with the three boys. I guess it's really a blessing we're now only bottle-feeding, because I don't know how that would've worked out otherwise. Within a few hours, all the odds and ends should be wrapped up over here and I'll be introducing Kendra to her family and her home. Then things will get really interesting, so say a quick prayer for us if you think of it. God is our ever-present help in time of need - a promise I will be clinging to!