NOVEMBER 2010

Well, where do I start... First off, I would like to appologise for my mom and dad's laziness.. I can not belive its been over a month since the last time they posted on my blog. They kept saying that they needed to update, But I guess they have been really busy.....

So, for a little update on whats been going on for the last month.

1. Mom and Dad have been working hard on the New house so we can move in by the 1st of December. I can't wait to get in my new room. It's 99% DONE!!!! Pretty much the only things left to do on the house before we can move in is getting Carpet, installing base boards and then door trim... everything else, is pretty much ready! We are so EXCITED!

2. Nate and Nikki came down for Fall Break and we really had a lot of fun getting to know each other. I sure do miss them. I can't wait till they get to come back. This was the first time that they really got to spend time with me.

3. We got to go to General Conference a couple of nights and I got to meet a LOT of new people who had been praying for me. WOW... Seems like the whole world was praying for me. I even met a few people that mommy and daddy didn't even know.

4. Ok, so now for a little info about me. I now weigh 7lbs and 9 oz!! I'm getting so big! I am also now 19" long. I'm finally able to wear "newborn" clothes instead of Baby Doll or Preemie clothes.

I've been home from the Hospital just over a month and I'm now 4 months old so I have had a few Dr. Appointments. In fact, I went to the Pedi-Cardiologist today and he done a sonogram and EKG on me and both came back normal. He said that he does not see any of the damage that he was seeing on my lungs before I left the hospital. THANK YOU JESUS. I am still on my Oxygen and Monitor because he said the PULMONOLOGIST has to be the one who actually writes the orders for me to be taken off of my oxygen. I have an appointment witht him on NOV. 15th. YEAH!!! My Cardiologist did recommend us trying me without oxygen during the day and monitor my Oxy Saturations.

Aunt Rita came over this week from Louisiana to help watch me at night so that mommy can get a little rest. She is also baby sitting me in the Evening so that mommy and daddy can have time when daddy gets off work so that they can go over to the new house and work. She is really a blessing!!!!

We will try to post a few current pictures VERY SOON. Please contine to be patient with us. Life in the Riddick house has been very BUSY to say the least!!!

PS... NEWS... FLASH...
I have figured out today that if I throw my head one way and kick with me feet, I can ROLL OVER!!! Yep, I have figured out how to roll over!!!

10-1-2010

Hello everyone....

Wow, where do I start... This week has been absolutly amazing. My first week at home, with family and friends. I have enjoyed meeting new people and seeing old friends.

Aunt NaNa has been working from our house so that she can help take care of me during the day so Mommy can get a little rest during the day while daddy is at work. Poor mommy, I wake her up every time I move. Since I have the Monitor on me that tends to go off at every little movement, it is so easy to wake her up. Then you add all the times I wake up to be fed, cause my diaper needs changed, cause I'm cold or uncomfy, equals, not much rest for MOMMY. Daddy took his turn with me last night so he is tired today.

I visited UPC General Conference on wednesday and slept through the whole thing. I got to meet some of the people who have been praying for me the last 3 months. Some who mommy and daddy didn't even know. I get to go back tonight and meet some other new people. They tell me I am a part of a BIG FAMILY... the MK FAMILY!! I get to meet some of those people tonight at the MK PIZZA BASH! I can't wait.

We picked up Nate, Nikki and Matt at the airport today. Nate and Nikki are staying for a week while they are on fall break. This is the first time that we have been able to get to know each other since last time they were here I was stuck in that YUCKY incubator at the Hospital. They are pretty cool.

Then we met Uncle Rusty, Aunt Adriane, Todd, Ryan, Gentry, and the Harris's at Taco Cabana for lunch. That was fun!

Now I'm back at the hotel, resting up for tonight.

Hope to see you there,
BESOS

Sept. 25, 2010

Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm doing GREAT and LOVING being @ HOME!!!

Sept. 23, 2010

Today's the Start of a NEW ERA... HOME!!! I can't wait to be able to get there. Sure seems like the FORCES are fighting us though. UGH. We are not even trying to go home yet and it took an act of congress just to get ready to spend the night in the Hospital.

Mommy fought all day trying to get my medicine and Oxygen ready. After being STERN and telling the pharmacy that, tomorrow is not soon enough... it has to be tonight, finally they said, ok, give us 2 hours!!!

Then the battle of getting the Oxygen Delivered.... after 2 Faxes, 4 calls, 3 people, and 2 deliveries, we finally got the equipment!!!! And then, we still have another delivery when we get home. However, we did get a different oxygen bottle, so now we have 2 travel, t large travel, and a large stationary on its way.

Another step of the Discharge process is passing the Car Seat Challenge. Thats where I sit in the car seat for an hour and a half while being monitored to see if there is any change in my breathing, etc. I PASSED!!!

So, now here we are, just CHILLIN in the Room. The first time for me to be alone with Mommy and Daddy. . . as a family, without everyone telling us what to do, how to do it, etc... So far, we have fitted the car seat, fed me, and now just enjoying our time together. Its almost like just being born, Which by the way, tomorrow is my 3 month birthday. So far, our stay over is going just fine and we will be going home tomorrow! I can't wait!

Discharge:

As far as we know, Discharge will be after 8pm. UGH... I wish it could be earlier, but hey at least I get to go home. FINALLY!

Sept. 22, 2010

Just a quick note to let everyone know that they have diven us a DISCHARGE DATE!!! Yep, i finally get to go home on Friday, Sept. 24th... WHAT A BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!!

They finally gave us the Results of the APNEA test and everything came back normal. They did a barrium swallow test today and it showed that I have a little ACID REFLUX so they are prescribing Medicine for that.

The EYE DOCTOR came by today and said that my eys are doing really good. infact so good that usually she would ask to see a patient back within a month, but she told mommy to just get them checked within the year!!!

Mommy and Daddy have to "ROOM IN" tomorrow night since I am being discharged on Oxygen and Monitors. That is where they come and we all stay together in a room (like a hotel) at the NICU but Mommy and Daddy take care of me. The nurses are only a call away if they have a question or need help, but other than that, it's just us.

Thank you everyone who has continuously prayed for our family during these 3 months. It has been an experience to say the least. Definatly one that mommy and daddy will NEVER FORGET!

Sept. 21, 2010

Now I lay me down to sleep.....

Well, today has been a a little restful, after yesterdays events, I NEEDED REST! So, we thought the OCRG was 8 hours, it turns out that it is actually 12 hours. It started at 10 and didn't end until 10pm. UGH. That was rough.

First off, they took me out of my comfy z-flo bed isolet, and put me into an Open Crib. Then, they put monitors on me and BOUND ME UP so I couldn't hardly move and would stay warm. I'm not used to being bound all day. I also had to lay FLAT on my back, yet another thing that I have never done. Then to top it off, they wouldn't let mommy and daddy hold me, change my diaper, check my temp, or feed me. They said that they had to be careful and to log every change in me, so the nurse did everything during that time. They even had to write down every time that someone put my binky back in my mouth.

We still do not have any results from the OCRG, so we still don't know when we going home, if I need the Barrium Swallow test, When I'm going to do the Car seat challenge, etc. All we know is,

WE WANT OUT OF HERE... SOON!!!

We will post more as soon as we have more news to post.

Thanks again to everyone who has been praying for me and please don't stop now.

September 15th-18th, 2010

Right off the bat let me say we are sorry for not updating blog for last several days but things have been happening in a whirl wind around here!



I am doing really well and here is a very quick update as it is really really late and we have to get up really early in the morning! :O)



We had great news on the 15th as Dr Casey said that she was going to take me off the Nasal Canual and ween me off the Oxygen! Sooo..off it comes and I seem to be doing very well except when I eat, I have to have a little O2 then.



Then on the 16th we had and Echocardiogram which the Drs discovered that I have Pulminary Hypertension meaning that due to my prematurity my lungs did not properly develope and there is damamged lung tissue that causes the lungs to have built up blood pressure inside the lungs due to trying force the air out of the lungs thru damaged tissue! So what this means is that I have to be on constant oxygen, 100% at an eighth of a liter. Dr said that I would probably be on this oxygen for 3 to 6 months. We know a God who can make it all better in NO time at all!



We found out on the 17th that we are about to be going home!!!! Yay! We had an MRI on my head/brain to make sure no additional brain bleeds or any abnormalities! God is good! Results came back quickly and my brain is normal! :O) No Bleeds! Thank you Jesus!



On Monday we have a Sleep Study Test scheduled called an OCRG. This test will last 8 hrs and will monitor my every movement from inside and out to check to see if I am experiencing any apnea or if I have acid reflux. Test will be read on Tuesday. Depending on if I have acid reflux and how bad, there is a Barrium Swallow test that may be performed on Wednesday then they have to watch me for 2 days afterward since they would probably put me on medication for Acid Reflux and they want to see how I do on the meds. Then Daddy and Mommy have to sleep with me at the Hospital the evening before I get discharged. They completely care for me in a set aside hospital room by theirselves so that they can learn how to use the oxygen and monitors but if there are any problems, then the nurses are just a call away! I also have to pass a car seat challenge meaning that I am placed in my car seat for about 2 hrs under the care of the nurses so they can see if while all crunched up in there, I don't turn blue! Once all these things are completed then they will let us go home! Thank You Jesus! We are possibly looking at going home Mid to late next week! Not sure on date just depends on the tests and the outcomes!



Please be praying for my tests this up coming week that the Lord will have His Perfect Will and His Way!



Also, the Eye Dr came around and told Mommy that there is no evidence of ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) meaning NO abnormalities in the vessels in my eyes! She said that there was a few odds and ends but nothing to be worried about! Again, Thank you Jesus!



Love everyone and Thank you for your continuous prayers!

September 12th-14th, 2010

Sleeping Cutie Pie!

Well, we have been on cruise control for the last several days! I am doing very well just feeding, sleeping and gaining weight! I now weigh a whopping 4.10 lbs! :O)

The nurses keep asking when am I going home but the Drs have not started us on a discharge plan yet! Mommy did talk to Dr Casey today and she took me off of Oxygen again! Yay! My Nasal Canula was taken off at about 7pm. Mommy called to checked on me at 11:30pm and my nurse told her that I was doing ok. Having a few ups and downs but nothing major! Thank You Jesus! Tomorrow will tell the tale to see if I can stay off of it! In God's timing! Not Mommy's and Daddy's! :O)

Please keep praying for God's will in our lives! Thank you sooo much!

Love and appreciate all the many prayers! God Bless!

9-11-10

Well first of all I would like to say sorry that we have not posted anything in about a week. Mommy and Daddy have been busy between the 65th Anniversary at the church, Working on the New House, keeping up with me at the hospital, etc. So, please forgive them.
Dr. Casey (NICU Level 2 DR) told us Wednesday that they are probably going to do the Sleep Apnea test on me early next week. This test will tell them what I will need when I go home. I.E. Oxygen, Monitor, ETC. She also said that after that they will start the Discharge process. The Discharge process is a 3-5 day process so there is a possibility of us going home by next weekend!! I can’t wait. I am already 2.5 months old and have not even seen my Bedroom!

Today I weigh 4lbs 9.5 oz. WOW what a long way from the 1lb 2oz I started off at! I am now eating at least 43cc’s of Formula. Ok, so some times they FORCE ME to eat it cause I am not digesting all my food like I should. I’m taking it in , but not getting rid of any on a regular basis if you know what I mean.

Well, we have a little good news and a little bad news… the GOOD NEWS is they took me off of the Oxygen except when I am feeding… The BAD NEWS is they put me back on the oxygen 2 days later. They said I was working too hard to breathe so they wanted me to just grow and not work too hard. But, this is the same thing I done both times that they weaned me off of breathing equipment, so there is HOPE!

I’ve had several visitors this week. On Monday Uncle Mark and Aunt Robin Campbell (kinda family)came and visited me. Aunt Pat and Uncle Glen came on Thursday, then on Friday Pastor and Lita Smith came by and Ooohed and Ahhed over me. Then after 5, Aunt Nana came by, then my Daddy. Then after nurse shift change Uncle Ronald and Aunt Gia Evans (ok so they are almost family in more ways than one) came up and visited.

Well, Good night Please forgive us if there is any typo’s in this update. Daddy is typing this while Mommy is driving and we ALL know how that is. (wink)

Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I look forward to meeting all of you soon.

Love , Mikele J’Lee

September 7th, 2010

Today was a Great Day! See the smile on my face! Lol! The drs said that I could have all to eat that I wanted to! YEA! I have to eat a min of 43 cc's but I can have more if desired. Mommy fed me at 9pm and I ate 45 cc's! That is an oz and a half at once!

I am still on my oxygen but I am trying to be weened! While Mommy was feeding me, I needed no extra help with my o2! Afterward I was on just a little over room air and it was too much! I needed to be turned down to room air only! I beleive we are on the road HOME!!!

IN JESUS NAME!!!

Please continue to pray for my lungs that the Lord would allow them to work as they need to!

God Bless and have a great Day!

Love ya'll!

Sept. 5th, 2010

Hi Everyone.

How do you like my new BINKIE... it has a DUCK (bet you can't guess who got that for me) atached to it so that it helps hold it in my mouth. Pretty Cool HUH?

Well, the good news today is that I weigh 4lb 4.4 ozs!!! Yep, I'm growing like a weed!

The bad news is they still have not been able to wean me off of my oxygen. I do really good until time to feed, then I need a little extra usually. Please begin to really pray that my Breathing gets better. This is the next MAJOR step that I have to take before I can go home and enjoy my new bed and Bedroom! This little ISOLET (incubator) is really begining to get small.

Well, as usual, I need to stop talking so DADDY can go to bed. HE HE.

'night everyone. Thanks for all yours prayers,!!!

Sept. 4th, 2010

Just a quick note to let everyone know I FINALLY MADE IT!!!! YEP, I'm a big o 4lbs!!

I'm doing good and just slowly but surely growing!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD. Hope you had a GG-RR-EE-AA-TT DAY!!!

Catch up with you guys later.

G'Night!

September 1st, 2010

Somebody is Smiling! :O)

Today the Drs came in with GREAT news! No more Tube Feedings for me! I can have all my 8 feedings a day by bottle! Yay! I did have a little set back yesterday though :O( While attempting to Breastfeed for the first time, I became so tired, I could not bottle feed for the next 2 feeds! I also had some episodes where I forgot to breathe while attempting to bottle feed due to being overly tired! Freaked Mommy and Daddy out but we all survived! Mommy says I look better Pink instead of Purple though! Please continue praying for me to do better at my feedings and if there are any signs of Acid Reflux that the Lord Heal that area of my Journey! Also, please keep in mind that they are still trying to get me off my Oxygen over the next couple of days! In Jesus Name!!!!

Love you and God bless!

August 31st, 2010

Me Feeding and Burping for First Time!

Today has been another exciting day! The Drs have agreed that even though they started me early on my Bottle feeds (normally not introduced untill considered 34 weeks gestation, I was given my First Bottle while only 33 weeks gestation) I have been doing sooooo good (drinking 33-35 cc's withing 15 to 20 min per feed) that they have now uped them to 6 per day including 1 actual Breastfeeding session! YAY!

We are praying all goes well tomorrow with the brand new orders! The more the better and the closwer I get to getting out of here! :O)

Also, they have gone down on my O2 to 1/8th of a liter of air flow. This is the lowest setting they can go before completely taking me off the oxygen! The Dr advised soon they will try to ween me off of this as well!

Please continue to pray for me, healing and strenght! Rest be unto my parents!

God Bless!

August 30th, 2010

Not much changed today other than I get to have more bottle feedings. WHOO HOO!!! I went from getting 2 bottles to 3 bottles and now I have ordes for 4 bottles starting tomorrow. That means I get a bottleof 33c's at every other feeding. I am weighing 3lbs 15ozs.

My daddy held me for like a whole hour today. I was sooo awake that even when mommy and daddy left after like an hour and a half, I was still WIDE AWAKE and LOOKING AROUND.

August 28-29, 2010

Wow what a great weekend we had. Dr. Bedi gave orders on Friday evening for the nurse to try me on my first bottle feeding and guess what.. I DID GOOD! so then they said that since I did good, Mommy could feed me my bottle on Sat.

Saturday came and Mommy held me and gave me my bottle. Again I drank it all. This is all new to me. I have never sucked and had something squirt in my mouth before.. They have been and still are feeding me by a feeding tube in my nose.

I did so well with the bottle feeding that yesterday the Dr. wrote orders for me to get 2 bottle feeds per day, one at 6am and then another at 6pm. That went well today and now they have changed it to 3 bottle feeds per day. So now every 3rd feeding is by bottle. If I continue to do well on the bottle, then they will take the feeding tube out of my nose and I am one more step closer to going home.

Mommy and Daddy spent several hours at the hospital today just "Hanging Out" with me. I really enjoyed that. Daddy held me for most of the time, and he even got to feed me my bottle. I GOBBLED IT DOWN in about 5 min!!!

Mommy and Daddy are trying to Juggle Time right now, between spending time here at the hospital, working, and now trying to get our new house up to par for us to move in to. It has a LOT of work that has to be done, but we hope and pray that we wil be moving into it within 3 months.

I weigh 3lbs 14oz today!!

It's getting late so I gotta quit talking so daddy can go to bed. wink*

August 27th, 2010

Last night, Daddy stayed at the apartment so he could be there early for the signing today so Mommy stayed up late at the hospital and caught me sneaking a snack on my Binkie! :O) Isn't I cute?!?!?!? Ok.. well Mommy is biased but I still think I is cute too!

Drs are still amazed by my progress so we are hoping to go home in September! We know a God who can move mountains and get me out of jail!!!!!!!!! :O)

Love to all! God Bless!

August 26th, 2010

.........................................................................................................

My Great Grandparents came to visit me today! Yay! Papa Pete and Mema! These are My Grandma Marilyn Edge's Dad and Step Mom!

Mommy and Daddy are very excited cause Tomorrow on Friday we close on our home! Yea! That means I will have a back yard to play in soon! :O)

Please continue to keep us in your prayers! Love you! God Bless!

August 25th, 2010

Well, once again Mommy and Daddy are getting me ready for a good nights rest and snapped a quick picture! Shame on them! :O)

My Aunt Pat got to hold me today! She is the First of a line I have a feeling! :O)

I had a good day and am looking forward to another one tomorrow!

God Bless!

August 24th 2010

Happy Birth...yyyaaawwwnnn... day to Mikele! :O) Daddy was singing Happy Birthday to me and we both fell asleep! He has that majic touch!

I am 2 months old now and doing GGGGRRRREEEAATTT!!! I am considered 33 weeks gestation and will begin trying a bottle next week, we think! I have been sucking on a Binkie very very well so that should help a lot with the bottle!

Please continue to pray for us!

God Bless!

3-23-10

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I am weighing 3lbs 13oz!!! I am also now, 15inches long.

I got moved to NICU LEVEL 2 yesterday. YEEE HAAWW! Now mommy and daddy can hold me when ever, they take me in and out of my bed by theirselves, and also other people can hold me too as long as it's not to many at once.

I tried the Non Nutritive Feeding again today, I did a little better. I still don't have the hang of it, but I'm trying!

I'll try to add some pics tomorrow.

later

8-21-10

Well today was another BIG day in my life. They started the "NON NUTRITIVE FEEDING" today and well, I guess it went well. I really have no idea why they are trying to stick something in my mouth while I am feeding from my tube. I sucked a little, but then I fell asleep so there was not much sucking after that. They say that If mommy offers the breast while I am feeding from the tube, then I will start associating I am getting milk while having the breast and I will be able to breast feed when I go home.

My aunt NaNa (Naomi) got to hold me today and that was pretty cool, she took all kinds of pictres of me.

I am weighing in at 3lbs and 8oz now. :-)

Dr. Patel told mommy that they are planning to move me to Level 2 as soon as a bed comes available over there. About a week or so ago there was a baby explosion at the NICU and there was 43 babies in NICU... Nicu only holds 45! Anyway, now I have to wait on some babies to be able to go home before I can move over there. I can't wait!

Here are a few pics you can look at and enjoy.

Thanks for everyones prayers.

8-20-10 (week)

Sorry it has been a while since I wrote. Alot has happened since the last time we reported anything. My current stats are:

I weigh 3lb5oz.

I am on 1.5liters of oxygen.

I had some difficulties when they changed me from Cpap to Oxygen, but I'm doing ok now.

I am getting 26cc's of milk per feeding.

I'm breathing 21% oxygen (thats what everyone breathes)

The DR. has given orders to start the Non Nutritive Feeding tomorrow.

Well, it is getting late so I will right more later.

Good night.

August 14th, 2010

Good Morning to All!
The last several days have been some very busy ones for Me, Daddy and Mommy! I am doing very well but I am back on the C-Pap Machine! :O( Dr Bedi calls it my Security Blanket! I am still on a low dosage on C-Pap and Dr Bedi feels that within a few days I should be back on the regular Oxygen Nasal Canula!
I finally weigh 3 lbs and they are feeding me 26cc’s of Milk! I am a big Girl now! :O) We had a special time today, Daddy got to hold me for the first time and Mommy got to put my first clothes on! When Daddy held me, I was wide awake for the entire time! I was looking around to see Daddy and Mommy and everything else!
We think we have another new addition to the family! Daddy and Mommy are in the process of buying a house and we believe in Jesus Name that we found the right one! We close on the 27th of August! Please continue praying strength and peace on Daddy and Mommy as they get thru this trying process as well! I would like to come home to my new home instead of the apartment! :O) OK, so the house is FAR from being new, But it will be new to us. It needs a LOT of work, but Daddy does pretty good at fixing things around the house so he has his WORK after WORK cut out for him for the next couple of months.
God Bless Everyone!

August 10th, 2010

DADDY'S RING... BEFORE & AFTER!!! It doesn't look like I have grown much since I was born unless you see me in person, But here is a couple of pictures that might show a difference. The first was taken when I was 1.2lbs and only 5 days old, the 2nd was taken today and I am weighing 2.13lbs. Daddy's ring used to be like a HULA HOOP on my little foot, but today, it won't even fit over it!!!

We had a little set back yesterday and they put me back on CPAP cause I was using to many calories trying to breathe, I even lost a little weight (2oz's). But, today I am doing better, I seem to be feeling better and I even gained 3oz's today. I was really feisty tonight when mommy and daddy were here visiting me.

Today is my Brother and Sisters Birthday. I sure wish they were here so I could see them. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Nate and Nikki! I'll be 9 like you guys before you realize it... but then just imagine, ya'll will be 18 when that happens!!!

Good Night everyone. Please keep me and mommy and daddy in your prayers.

August 9th, 2010

Today was not as pleasant as I would have liked for it to be. I was having some problems with my breathing so they put me back on the dreaded CPAP. Mommy calls it my Rhino Nose.

I am having some complications with breathing on my own while I am eating. Please pray that I get over this hurdle. Basically they are saying that I am using to much energy to breath. I lost 2 oz. of what little weight I have because I am using to many calories trying to breath.

I'm guessing this is going to put a little kink in my plans of moving to level 2. :-(

They are once again concerned that I may have some kind of infection. Since there is a possibility of an infection, they have started me on an antibiotic IV. They have not said what kind of infection, but they have taken blood already and we are waiting on the results. I will have to take the antibiotics for at least 3 days.

Here is a video clip of me yesterday. maybe it will brighten up your day after hearing the bad news of my day.

August 7th, 2010

WOW.... I FEEL SPECIAL!!!!! I had so many friends and family at my Baby Shower and I got LOTS and LOTS of really cool things too. I can't wait until I get to wear some of them and be able to ride in the stroller and play in the playpen. I just know its going to be so much fun! Thank you so much to everyone who came! Thanks for sharing in this little piece of my LIFE.

I'm doing good today. Nothing changed Just laying around and waiting to be fed so I can continue to gain weight.

I weigh 2lbs and 10 ozs today and also I am starting to regulate my own body temperature. This is another step in the road of going home. The less that the incubator has to do to keep me warm, the stronger and more developed I am getting.

Well, good night and I hope to write again tomorrow.

August 6th, 2010

Hi everyone, Just wanted to let you know nothing has changed today. I am doing well on the nasal cannula and just cruising along. Nothing really worth mentioning going on today, so I thought I would post some PICS from today. Hope you enjoy.

Ps. Don't forget about my shower tomorrow @2pm @ Cherotel in Lake Jackson. Please call mommy or daddy for furthur info if needed.

Enjoy the PICS!!!

August 5th, 2010

Wow what a day. I got my CPAP off and am now using only a nasal cannula (regular oxygen paraphernalia) and I'm doing really good.

Dr. Patel was the Dr. on call today and he told Mommy that I May be moving over to LEVEL 2 from Level 3 in a couple of days!!! WOW thats cool. Over there My visitors don't have to wear those funny yellow gowns, and best of all... MY DADDY WILL GET TO HOLD ME!!! I'm really looking forward to that (he is too)!!

YOU ARE INVITED!!!!

Aunt NaNa is throwing me a baby shower in Lake Jackson, TX. this Saturday at 2pm. It will be held at the CHEROTEL Hotel on Hwy. 332. Anyone and EVERYONE is invited to attend this occasion, we are registered at Target, Sears, and Walmart. My Room is very UNIQUELY Decorated so we are asking for anyone who wants to contribute to the DECOR please feel free to designate some money and I PROMISE that is what it will be used for. Here is a few pics (above) of what my room looks like. Of course, any and all other gifts are DEFINATLY WELCOME! Yes, I'm spoiled already and it will probably only get worse. Sorry, I will not be attending, but I will definatly enjoy everything I get!

You can call Mommy @ 903-926-9488

or Daddy @ 903-926-0288 if you need any further info.

August 4th, 2010

What a day! We got good news today. The nurse told mommy and daddy that they have orders to change my Cpap to a Nasal Canula EARLY (3am) in the morning. WOW. I can't wait, I sure pray that I do good on that. I don't want to go back to that yucky CPAP.

I weigh a whopping 2lbs and 9 oz. today and I'm steadily GROWING!

Mommy was changing my diaper today and my UMBILICAL CORD finally fell off. She kept it and says she is going to use it in a scrapbook one day.

Please pray for me to be able to eat while Mommy is holding me without having breathing problems. or lack of breathing. When mommy holds me while I'm eating, I tend to get so Comfy that I forget to breath and usually, I'm really slow about bringing my stats up. When I take to long to breathe the nurse has to urn up my \XYGEN until I level out. Please keep that in your prayers as well as my upcoming eye Exam.

Another common issue with Prematurely born babies is ROP (retinopathy of prematurity) basically that is the premature development of the blood vessels in the eye which can cause abnormal blood vessels or detatched retina. They are not saying that they think there is a problem, this is just a routine check that is common in preemies My exam will be either on Monday or Tuesday. Please keep this in your prayers too.

Today was Mommy and Daddy's 3rd Anniversary! After having a very nice dinner they came and spent some time with me as that was what they both wanted! :O)

God Bless and We love you all!

August 3rd, 2010

Wow am I GROWING!!!! Thank you Jesus, I weigh 2.7lbs today!!! Dr. Bedi gave orders today for my feedings to be brought up to 22cc's now. WHOO HOO!!!

Currently my CPAP is set on 8 beeps per min, and Dr. Bedi also ordered that it be dropped to 6 beeps. 6 is the lowest setting that it can be set on so this means that next time it is lowered I get to go to the NASAL CANULA! For those who do not know what that is, it is the "normal" Oxygen tubes that most people have who are on oxygen. I'll be glad to get rid of all of these huge heavy hoses!!! Mommy and Daddy will be glad to be able to see me face as a whole in stead of looking around my BIG HOSES!

Good night. Keep me in your prayers. (and mommy and daddy too)

August 1st & 2nd

We are just cruising along on Cruise control as Dr. Bedi told mommy and daddy. He said from here on out, there shouldn't be much going on except, eating and sleeping and getting stronger and growing. Thats just want I have been doing. I am up to 2.4lbs now and that means I AM DOUBLE my birth weight.

I am eating 19cc's of milk at each feeding now and so far I am taking it just fine.

I am more active now than I have been. When I hear mommy and daddy's voice, I start looking around for them. Most of the time it even wakes me up when I am sleeping because I don't want to miss a single minute of time with them. When I get fussy, Daddy tells me it's ok and it calms me down. He even talks me to sleep sometimes.

The nurse told mommy and daddy that they have had 3 thyroid tests come back showing a possible problem, however, they say that is very common with Preemie babies and that we shouldnt worry to much yet. If further testing shows a problem, then they may put me on meds but most of the time it just fixes itself. :-) IN JESUS NAME We believe its OK.

PS. Happy Birthday UNCLE RUSTY! Come see me when you get a chance.

July 29th & 30th

I'm up to eating 19cc's of milk at a time. YEAH! I like when I get more, cause that means I gain more weight and as mommy says, thats ok right now. : -)

Speaking of weight, I'm up to 2.2 LBS now!!! THATS A WHOLE POUND SINCE I WAS BORN! It really shows. When I was born, I had the whole triangle alien looking head, and I had no butt. In fact, mommy asked the nurse one time why my hiney looked the way it did. Basically, I had NO cheeks so it really looked funny. BUT NOW, I'm starting to look normal.:-)

Aunt NaNa (Naomi) came to see me and she was suprised at how much I had grown. She had to go back to Dallas 3 weeks ago to get her stuff packed so that her and matthew could move here and help take care of me when needed. She said I had really grown and I really look different.

I got to meet 3 new friends today, and yes like always, I stole there heart. Thanks Jarryd, Sophie and Missy for stopping by.

July 28th, 2010

Look what I can do!!! Yep, I was sucking on my binky when mommy and daddy came in to see me this evening. This is just another step in our long travel home. I am at 30 weeks now and I really shouldn't develop my SUCKING SKILLS until 31 weeks or so.

At 32 weeks, I should be able to start the Non Nutritional Feeding, thats where mommy pumps her milk dry then holds me and I get to try to suck. The Dr. don't want me to just normally suck because they are still needing to monitor how much food I get, and if they let me suck, then there is no way to tell that.

We found out today that when they weighed me, I FINALLY HIT 2LBS!!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!!!! We have been trying so hard to finally break over that hurdle.

Good night, thanks for continueing to pray for me and my family.

July 27th,2010

Today Mommy got to hold me for over an hour! That was exciting! :O) I think the nurses kinda forgot about us and Mommy & Daddy didn't pipe up to interrupt them!

The nurses no longer have to weigh my Diapers to notate how much Teetee and Poopoo I have done but rather now I am simply on a Diaper count! That is progression as the Drs are no longer really concerned about my digestive system!!!! Praise the Lord!

God Bless to All!

July 26th, 2010

Today they weighed and measured me and I now weight 1 lb 14 oz with a huge height of 13 inches! :O) Mommy thinks I may be short like her! Lol! I am right now but I will soon be tall like Daddy!

I am doing very well and the 3 of us Thank everyone for their prayers!

July 24th, 2010

Thank you Jesus! Wow! I made it thru my first month! :O) Today I am officially a month old and doing wonderful!

Mommy and Daddy came up to my bed and sang Happy Birthday to me while watching me squirm a little! :O) I love to squirm around! I am getting really good at opening my eyes, looking around,and moving my hindey up and down! Hee Hee!

Happy Birthday to all!

SORRY

Just wanted to say sorry for no updates this week. It's been an extremly busy and Tiring week. Please be patient and continue to check back. The plans are to update it during the day tomorrow (29th).

Mikele is doing wonderful. We have a few key updates to share so again, please check back.

Thanks for understanding.
Daddy and Mommy

July 23rd, 2010

Guess what???? I am 4 weeks old now!!!! :O)

Tomorrow is my Birthday and Boy is there going to be a celebration! Haha! Papa Edge celebrates my Birthday every Thursday of every week!

Today I received 2 blood Transfusions! :O( I know they are necessary but they sure do hurt! I think they hurt Daddy and Mommy more than they do me! :O( They say that my Hemoglobin count was down so that is why the Blood. I should feel bright eyed and bushy tail tomorrow! :O)

Thanks to Bro Ronald and Sis Gena for coming to see me and taking a few minutes to distract Mommy and Daddy for me! :O) They needed some time away from the Hospital! Lol!

Well, yaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwwnnnn.... time for a good nights rest!

Good Night!

Love you all! God Bless!

July 21th & 22nd of 2010

Good Morning, America!

Today I am so Thankful that my PIC Line (aka Central Line) is out of me! Yay! :O) My arms move so much better now!

I am also up to eating 15 cc's of milk now! I love getting that good milk! I am out doing Mommy now! Lol! Mommy can not keep up with my eating! But that's ok. They have some very high caloric formula that should help me gain weight really fast! That is what I am hoping for so I can hurry up and get outta here! :O)

My weight is still 1 lb 12oz! Yiiiiipppeeee!!! That is a great thing! No weight loss!

I have my Daddy wrapped around my mini finger and here is a video that Mommy is posting to prove it! :O) Heehee!

Lots of Love to all! Thank you for your prayers!

July 20th, 2010

Mommy and Daddy came to see me this evening and Just in time for my feeding. Mommy asked if she could hold me and My nice Nurse said yes, in fact, you can hold her while she is eating. This was good news, cause it takes 30 minutes to feed (the time limit the Dr. set for mommy to hold me) then the nurse told Mommy that she will have to hold me for another 30 minutes to make sure my food stays down. WOW a whole Hour!!! AWESOME!

While, I was feeding, I started having some problems. :-( long story short, I kept forgeting to breath, so needless to say, I got attention from the nurse, and she said that if I DSATed like that again, she would have to put me back in my bed, well, I was hard headed (like my Daddy) and I forgot to breath again, so the Nurse came and took me and put me back in my bed.

This really scared Mommy and Daddy, so Mommy was more than happy to give me up so that I would be safe.

I'm OK, But the nurse said that some babies are ok being held while eating and some are not due to reflux and apnea etc, so right now, I guess I'm not. :-(

Please continue to pray for me and my family. It is really stating to wear everyone out. You know, Living in a Hotel room, driving an hour for work, etc.

July 19th, 2010

I've really enjoyed Mommy being able to hold me. It's realy warm and comfy when we are able to "Kangaroo". Even though it is only 30 minutes per day We look forward to it. I think Mommy really likes it. :-) Its really kinda hard for Mommy to hold me because we have to move me from my bed to her, but I am still hooked up to the monitors and my CPAP machine, so it takes about 5 min, just to get set up for Mommy to be able to Kangaroo with me.

There really is not much going on right now. Everything is just Calm and on Cruise Control so to speak.

Here is a video of Mommy holding me. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

July 18th,2010

What a SURPRISE I got this evening. Mommy got to hold me!!! It was so cool. I got to feel like I was not alone in this big ole world. I can't wait till Daddy gets to hold me too. The Dr. says that Mommy can hold me 1 time every day and for only 30 minutes right now, but as I progress, She will be able to hold me more and daddy will finally be able to hold me too.

They are feeding me 13 ML's and I am tolerating that just fine!

The Dr. told Mommy and Daddy that I was doing really good and that they should be able to take the "PIC" line out of my arm in a few days. I don't need it right now, but they want to leave it in incase I have to have an IV in it again. As long as it is in, they do not have to give me any shots or pricks other than to take blood samples. I like that alot! Once I get the PIC line out, I will be operating totally on my own. Of course, I will still have my monitors on me and I'll still have my CPAP that helps me breathe if I forget (just like my Papaw Riddick has for SNORING) but at least no meds, Iv's, etc.

I'm only weighing 1lb10oz tonight, but the nurse said thats what I weighed last night too, and normally Premies show a slight loss or maintain for a couple of days, then a BOOST comes overnight, so we wil see what I weigh tomorrow!!!

Please pray for Mommy. She has been having some cramps today and she is still really fighting just to produce enough milk for me to keep eating the Breast Milk. The more I eat, the harder it is for her to keep ahead of me, but she is doing her best to make the best life for me.

Daddy is still having to drive back and forth from Lake Jackson everyday Just to see ME and MOMMY! Unfortunatly he has to work, but He has a really good job who has been REALLY understading with our situation!