Wednesday, July 16, 2008* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OH MYYYYYY!!! Well God has just opened the flood gates. Caroline has started eating so much!! She wants a waffle everyday for breakfast, but she has also eaten a glazed doughnut after I convinced her to put it in her mouth. She has eaten hotdogs, a chicken nugget, chicken and noodles ( Thanks Uncle Mike- Cousin Mike-I give up), burrito, refried beans, all kinds of chips (her preference is cheese Doritos), peanut butter toast, peanut butter sandwich, sausage, pizza, Smarties, popcorn and all kinds of crackers. It seems like she is trying something new everyday. Praise God!!!!

Please continue to pray that she will drink more liquids. I think she is probably eating enough calories to not have to have a tube feeding, but she is not drinking enough liquid.

Caroline's speech is getting better everyday. She says new words everyday. She is working on the color words. Purple is her favorite. Her therapist says that her speech will improve as she starts eating more. Eating helps build the muscles that you use to talk. She has spent most of her life not using those muscles.

Caroline's personality is really developing. She LOVES to dance and be around other kids. She loves animals especially dogs. She will point out every "wuwu" (the sound a dog makes) in sight.

Thanks for your prayers!!!

Saturday, June 14, 2008* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I do have to apologize for not updating in so long. I was hoping to get a video to put on the web of our great news.

 

Two years ago the doctors basically told us, “You will just have to wait and see what Caroline can do-mentally, physically, etc.” The neurologist said she would probably have Cerebral Palsy and it would probably be the worst kind of CP. While she was still in the hospital I was awake in the middle of the night on two consecutive nights. I was reading my bible in search of what we had done wrong, the meaning of all this, answers, help, etc.

 

On the first night God took me to Matthew 11-

Jesus told them, “ Go back and tell John what’s going on:

The blind see,

The lame walk,

Lepers are cleansed,

The deaf hear,

The dead are raised,

The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side.

 

On the second night God took me to Luke 7-

In the next two or three hours Jesus healed many from their diseases, distress and evil spirits. To many of the blind he gave the gift of sight. Then he gave his answer: ”Go back and tell John what you have just seen and heard:

The blind see,

The lame walk,

Lepers are cleansed,

The deaf hear,

The dead are raised,

The wretched of the earth have God’s salvation hospitality extended to them.

 

Coincidence?? I don’t think so. Godincidence?? Absolutely!!!! I truly felt like God was telling me that Caroline would one day walk. Well, I am proud to tell you that God is incredible, amazing and true to his word!!! We have seen a miracle right before our eyes. Caroline is now a walking girl. Praise God!!! 

 

We have moved all our therapy to Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. So, Caroline now goes once a week to physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

 

She is doing great in speech. She says so many words, but she still prefers to fuss to get you to do what she wants. That has been her learned way of communication. Bad habits are hard to break. She has started jibber jabbering. She has alot to say we just need to work on the pronunciation.

 

Occupational therapy is going very well. I was having a very hard time giving up control of what goes in her mouth. But I have done that now and Caroline is feeding herself. She still gets a bit messy, but she is improving everyday.

 

Eating is still an issue. Caroline eats (by mouth) 3 pureed meals a day. Which means the  blender and I are “tight” . Then she gets one bottle of Pediasure and most of her water through the tube before we go to bed. BUT she has made a HUGE turn. I told you in February that Caroline ate 7 goldfish crackers. Well, that was all she wanted at that time. It has taken several weeks, but she will (when she feels like it ) eat graham crackers, Ritz crackers, Club crackers, hot Doritos, sour cream and onion potato chips, vanilla wafers, Fritos and sugar cookies. I can’t even begin to tell you how thankful I am that God is answering this prayer!!!!!

Thursday, February 14, 2008* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I hope you have had a terrific Valentine's Day!!!

We have seen another one of God's miracles today. Caroline ate AND SWALLOWED about 7 Goldfish crackers today. We are so excited!!! God is soo great. He does everything in His time.

Also, Caroline is getting braver and taking more steps (without the walker) everyday.

Saturday, February 2, 2008* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Okay, I am finally taking the time to sit and write. We had a very crazy Christmas!!! Michael went into the hospital the Sunday before Christmas. He was in the hospital until the Thursday after Christmas. So, the kids and I did Christmas at our house. Then we went to his parents to celebrate with Randy and Penny’s family. We had a great time.

The twins celebrated their 2^nd birthday on January 23^rd. We had a small family party at our house.

We have a lot to be thankful for. Caroline loves her walker. She uses it all the time. She is very fast and very good at turning it and getting where she wants to go.  She has started taking 2-3 steps on her own. It won’t be too much longer and she’ll be walking on her own. Praise God!!!

Caroline is still doing speech therapy every Tuesday.  She says just about anything that she WANTS to say. You usually cannot ask her to say something and expect her to do that. She does EVERYTHING when she wants to. (She has quite a temper!!!) Her latest words are: broccoli soup, apples, mine, uh-oh! (everything is uh-oh), Corban, shoes, yogurt, etc.

Feeding is still very slow. I have now burned up one blender. So, I had to invest in a better quality blender. Her purees have a little texture. This past week I got her to chew up a small chip then I gave her a bite of her puree and she swallowed all of it. Technically she ate a chip. God is good!!!

 

Tuesday, December 25, 2007* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Merry Christmas

I Spy…

The Beauchamps - 2007

Car:  We spent 12 weeks (3 times a week) taking Caroline to Plano for Vital Stim (electrical stimulation). This a pic of my old Taurus that we are finally going to trade in for a bigger vehicle. YEAH!!!!

Blender:  When we started Vital Stim Caroline was eating 1-2 ounces of yogurt. She now eats 8-12 ounces of pureed food three times a day and she gets one meal through the tube.

Scale: Corban is off the growth chart for height at 37 inches and weighs in at 26lbs, which puts him in the greater than 98th percentile. Caroline is still working on gaining weight and trying to get on the chart, she is currently in the less than 3 percentile. She now weighs 21.8 lbs.

Sign Language “more”:  Corban and Caroline are learning to sign, and Claire is picking it up too.

Mouth:  Caroline is going to speech weekly. She is saying many words: baby, ball, Mama, Dada, Hello, Bye Bye, cracker, uh oh, Ellie, & doggie (just to name a few).

Caroline walking:  We got the walker about 5 weeks ago, and Caroline has decided that she is a walking girl.

Corban:  Corban is a great brother. He takes very good care of his sisters.

T-ball, Soccer ball, Basketball, Tennis racket & Goggles (swimming):  Claire has been very busy this year trying out all these sports.  

Sparkie:  Claire is memorizing scripture weekly in the Awana Sparks program.

Heritage Sign:  Claire is in the first grade this year at the school where I teach part time.

OU:  This summer we spent a couple of weeks with Michael’s extended family for the yearly family reunion. A week of that time was spent in Broken Bow, OK.  Also, Michael is a huge OU fan.

Our family at the beach & NASA sign:  We took a short trip to Galveston this summer. We had a great time. We stopped at the NASA space center on our way home.

Three crosses:  We are still very active in our church serving our Lord. Michael still teaches the 70 year old+ men and loves it. Terri is still the Cubbie co-director. Claire sings in the children’s choir.

Clock:  Michael has had to work a lot of overtime this year (256 hours). Cain, Watters & Associates has added 4 new entities under its umbrella for a total of 7 companies and 150 employees, all of which are supported by CWA’s IT department.

Praying hands:  We couldn’t even begin to tell you how grateful we are for all your prayers. We know that God is performing a miracle right before our eyes.

Manger:  We pray that we all will take a little time to remember what this time of celebration is all about; Spending time with family, remembering our blessings through the past year and a baby born in a lowly manger so He could one day sacrifice His life in place of ours.

 

Thursday, November 22, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We have soooo much to be thankful. God has been very gracious to us this year( as always).

I just have a second. If you read this in next few days please say a prayer for Claire. We were up until 6:00 am in the ER with her. She has pneumonia. The doctor let her go home to recover. Pray that she doesn't have the horrible pain that she was having and that her lungs recover quickly.

Have a Terrific Thanksgiving!!!!

Monday, November 12, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wow, it has been a long time since I updated. We have been busy, busy. Michael has been working 60++++ hours a week. Which leaves me doing everything else.

Caroline is doing great!!! She is still eating 3 (pureed) meals a day. Plus she still has one tube feeding at 10:00pm. We also have to give her water through her button several times through out the day, because she is not drinking very much liquid. We are still working on texture. It is VERY SLOW. Please pray that Caroline will tolerate more texture and swallow it. Also, pray that she will drink more.

Last Monday Caroline got a walker (borrowed) from ECI. She is doing very well with it. She uses it when she wants to and on her own terms. But she is learning to turn it when it gets stuck. She also got SMO's last week from Scottish Rite.

Caroline started speech. She is doing great!! She can say lots of of words, but again our stubborn girl does it when she wants. She says Mama, Dada, nose, ear, eye, ball ball (not a typo, that's what Corban says also), hello, bye bye, Mimi, Grandad, Gigi, Papa, Ellie, cracker, and lots of other stuff I can't think of right now.

I can't even begin to tell how grateful we are for your many prayers.

And how grateful we are that our amazing God continues to work in our lives!!!

Monday, October 1, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We finally finish Vital Stim. Yeah!!! Caroline is doing very well. She is still eating 3 meals a day. She is still eating yogurt , pudding and soup. She will eat many different kinds of soups now. This past week I have been giving her the Hearty Soup with vegetables, meat, noodles, etc (pureed of course). We are still working on texture. That is going slow!! But she is making progress.

We saw the Nutritionist last week. Caroline weighs 19.6 pounds. She is still not on the chart, but her height to weight ratio is good.

We also had a speech evaluation last week. Caroline will start Speech therapy twice a week in Plano.

Corban & Caroline have their well visit with the Pediatrician this week.

Thanks for checking on us!!!

God is good!!!

Monday, September 3 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for your prayers. God is answering!!

We have done 10 weeks of Vital Stim. We have 2 weeks left to go. Caroline is doing amazingly well!! Even her therapist is surprised by how much progress Caroline has made. Most days she eats (by mouth) three meals and then she is fed through the tube one time (around 10:00pm while she is sleeping). Here is a list of all the things she will eat so far:

vanilla, key lime, & maple yogurt

vanilla, banana, butterscotch & lemon pudding

cream of chicken, broccoli & cheese, cream of mushroom and cheddar cheese soup (no water and 1/3 cup of rice cereal)

Occasionally, I can get her to drink the drinkable yogurt or the fruit flavored V8 juice. (thickened)

Also, she was picking up Corban's cup to take some small drinks. So, now she gets her own cup. 

Our next prayer request is that Caroline will tolerate more texture. We are working on adding texture, but she is INCREDIBLY stubborn. Our portable DVD player now has a permanent place in our kitchen. Caroline gets to watch TV while she eats. If she spits her food out we turn it off.

Also, we want Caroline to begin drinking larger amounts daily.

We have an appointment with the Nutritionist on Sept. 17. Hopefully we will get Caroline's diet adjusted so she is getting all the nutrients she need.

Wednesday, August 15 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I do have some good news to share. Caroline ate her first whole meal. It was Key Lime Pie yogurt. She ate 6 ounces of yogurt. So, she didn't have to have anything through the tube.

We are so thankful that God continues to work in her life!!!!!

Thursday, August 2 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, we went for our last session of Vital Stim and our therapist thought it would be a good idea if we did another 3-6 weeks of Vital Stim. She suggested that because Caroline didn't start eating until the last 2 weeks of VS. So, we took a week off, and we started again this week.  I am please to tell you that Caroline is doing AWESOME. She takes 3-4oz of yogurt at every meal.( She normally takes 6 1/2oz of Pediasure through the tube.) YEAH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  

My new prayer request is that Caroline will start eating foods other than yogurt. I am pureeing EVERYTHING, and I am not having much luck. The concern is that at some point Caroline will get tired of yogurt. I just pray that she doesn't stop eating at that point.

Tuesday, July  17 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for your prayers!!! God is amazing!!! We have one more session of Vital Stim left. I think we are all ready for that to be over. Caroline has been consistently taking between 4-6 oz of yogurt a a day for the past 4 days. Today she also drank 1 3/4 oz of thickened Pediasure.

I added a link at the top that has pics from our family reunion/vacation.

Sunday, July  8 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Wow!! I didn't realize that it had been so long since I updated. We have been VERY busy!!!!! We have been going to Plano for therapy 3 times a week. We had VBS for a week. And we spent a week with Michael's extended family in Oklahoma. Then they came and spent a few days here with us.

Caroline has completed 4 of 6 weeks of her Vital Stim. Up until yesterday I thought it was not going very well. Caroline is not very interested in any kind of liquid. She doesn't like the bottle, the sippy cup, the straw cup, the open cup, etc. So, please be in prayer for that. The good news is that she ate 4 tablespoons of yogurt this am for breakfast, then she ate 1/4 cup of yogurt for lunch and she ate 1/4 cup of yogurt for dinner. WOO HOOOO!!! God is Good!!!

We have also added some therapist since my last update. We have a physical therapist that comes to our house every other week. The Nutritionist comes every other month and the Developmental Therapist comes once a month.

Caroline continues to make good progress physically. She is getting faster at "her crawl" every day. She is getting her knees under her body now, but she keeps one of her legs straight. She does get tired if she has to go very far, but she is "trying" to keep up with her brother. She pulls up on everything now, and she is cruising-slowly.

Also, she claps, waves, gives five and she is starting to blow kisses.

We are amazed at how gracious God has been to us. We are living with miracles everyday.

Thank you checking on us and continuing to pray for us. Your prayers mean more than you will ever know!!!

 

Tuesday, June 5 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We got some good and bad news today.

Bad News: Insurance will not pay for the Pediaure.

Pray that the Vital Stim will heal Caroline’s swallowing muscles. So, she will start eating completely by mouth.

Great News: We saw the Neurologist today. He was very pleased with Caroline’s progress. He did not expect her to be doing as well as she is. YEAH GOD!!!! I asked him if she has or will have Cerebral Palsy. He didn’t answer that question, but he did say he thinks it is just developmental. He doesn’t want to see her again unless we have any problems. Woo Hoo!!!!

Caroline is doing AWESOME physically. She is getting better at the “scootchy crawl”. She came half way down the hallway this week, and she made it to the toy room this morning. We got her some new Nikes. It has helped with her walking. She is still very unstable and doesn’t have good balance, but she is more eager to take steps with her new shoes.

Vital Stim is going well. Our therapist said it would probably be a couple of weeks before we saw results. She is taking about an ounce and a half during therapy. Which is more than she has been taking.

Wednesday, May 23 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We have seen another miracle today. Caroline stood herself up in her crib today. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! I put a couple of new pics on Caroline's page. She was so proud of herself.  She is also getting good at the "scootchy crawl". She is very purposeful and can get where she wants to go. She is not very fast YET. I'll be chasing 2 little ones very soon. PRAISE GOD!!!!!! No complaining here.

Please remember to pray for Caroline. She starts VitalStim next week (29th). Pray that this will allow Caroline to swallow so she can completely eat by mouth.

Thanks for your prayers. They do make a difference. We are seeing evidence of your prayers daily.

Wednesday, May 9 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

WOO HOO!!!!!! Caroline got approved for VitalStim. She starts therapy May 29. PRAISE GOD!!!!! She will go to therapy three times a week for 6 weeks. Please be in prayer that VitalStim will strengthen Caroline's swallowing muscles and allow her to completely eat by mouth.

We still haven't heard if insurance will cover the Pediasure.

Caroline is doing GREAT!!! She is really making some great improvements. She can sit herself up from a laying position. She is starting to get a little more mobile. She is making some big steps towards crawling. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks. Then she'll straighten her legs and lung forward. I call it her "scootchy crawl." Also, she sits and stands on her bench at her activity center.

We are praising God for every little milestone. Last year at this time we didn't know if she would even be able to lift her head up by herself.

Saturday, April 28 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

Since we had the swallow study we have decided to see if we can get approved for Vital Stim (electrodes that they will put on Caroline's esophagus to strengthen her swallowing muscles). We did get the doctor to write a prescription, but we are now waiting for insurance to approve it. The therapy will be three days a week for six weeks. If we get approved we will start mid May. 

We saw the Geneticists a few weeks ago. She told us that Caroline probably has the “Caroline” Syndrome. I asked her how often geneticists were not able to find a diagnosis. She told me that geneticists are doing good if they can make a diagnosis in 2/3 of their patients. Dr. Scheurle ordered a FULL set of x-rays. They said everything looked normal except for her bell shaped chest (we already knew about that).

The Developmental Pediatrician switched Caroline from formula ($2.00 a day) to Pediasure ($4.50 a day). So, we have submitted a request for insurance to cover this.

We had our yearly evaluation with ECI. Caroline is making some great improvements. She holds her up (without any problems), she sits, she will stand and hold on to furniture for about 10 minutes, she waves & says “bye bye” and her personality is really starting to develop. Her therapist thinks she could be walking by this time next year. (WOW!!! GOD is Amazing!!!)

Please pray that Vital Stim & Pediasure get approved through Insurance.

Pray for Caroline to take more through the bottle and eat more purees.

Pray for strength in Caroline's muscles as she learns transitions (sitting to standing, standing to sitting), how to crawl, & how to move her feet

Praise God for the miracles that we are seeing daily

 We can’t even begin to express how grateful we are to God for all that He has done for Caroline!!!!! And our family!!!

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but HE did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears & light for the way.

Monday, April 2, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, we had the swallow study today. For now it’s good news, although Caroline was not very cooperative. Dr. Sperry is pleased with the size of Caroline’s palate and the movement of her tongue and palate. She was given a bottle to drink and we were able to watch what she did with the fluid.  It pooled under her tongue for a little while and then finally drained into her throat.  It collected again at the back of her throat and the reaction to swallow was delayed a bit.  Although she did aspirate a minor amount they saw nothing to prevent us from continuing the therapy we are currently doing. While this is good that there is nothing to prevent us from continuing, it is a little discouraging that we were not able to discover something new that may have allowed us to speed things along.  Continue to pray for us and for Caroline as we press forward.  

Thank you so much for all of your prayers and e-mails. We are truly blessed to have so many people making petitions on our behalf!!!!

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 

This is a quote from a book I am reading: “God, You are at work, and You are in control. And, Lord God, You know this is happening. You were there at the beginning, and you will bring everything that occurs to a conclusion that results in Your greater glory in the end.” ….. Charles Swindoll

Wednesday, March 28, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We do have some very exciting news to share. Caroline can sit by herself for an indefinite period of time!!! Praise God!!!! She has been doing this for about two weeks. 

And Corban is starting to walk. He is just taking a few steps now, but I expect him to be running by the end of the week. 

Caroline had an appointment with the Pediatrician. He was very pleased with her sitting. He was also very encouraged by her curiosity and attentiveness. She gained 2 pounds in the last month. So, she is up to 17.1 pounds. 

During Caroline’s therapy session (ECI) this week, the therapist said she felt like we were out of the woods for having Cerebral Palsy. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It’s not completely out of my mind yet, but I know that our God can do anything!!! 

Please be in Prayer for Caroline next week. She is finally having the swallow study. The appointment is Monday, April 2nd at 2:00. 

Please pray that Caroline will cooperate. (She will swallow everything they give her.)

Pray that she does not aspirate at all.

Pray that if there is anything anatomically wrong that they will be able to see it.

Mark 10:27 With man this is impossible, but not with God; All things are possible with God. 

Saturday, March 10, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

OH MY!!! It really has been a long time since I updated. We haven’t had any major appointments recently. But things are crazy as usual!!! 

Caroline is doing very well!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!! She is sitting up on her own for about 5 minutes. She will sit up holding on to a tall activity center for about 20- 30 minutes. She still loves to stand up. She loves to be in the exersaucer, because she can sit and stand as she pleases. Her feeding therapy is going well. (That’s what her therapist keeps telling me. Because it is easy to get discouraged with how slow things are going.) We have switched her to regular Pediasure (NOT thickened). Praise God that she has not been sick!!!  So, she is drinking (out of a regular bottle) about an ounce to an ounce and a half of Strawberry Pediasure once a day.

Caroline got her last synagis injections (RSV) for the season. She has gained over 2 ponds in the last 2 months. So, she is up to 16 pounds 3 ounces. YEAH GOD!!!  

We have scheduled her swallow study for April 2^nd at 2:00. Please be in prayer for this. We are praying that she does not aspirate at all!!  There are also a couple more questions we have that we would like to be answered. I am not sure if the swallow study will help answer those questions. Just pray that Dr. Sperry will be able to give us some direction.

The questions are:

Why does she still make the noise that she makes? (Her cry is not a normal cry.)

Why does she have extra tissue under her tongue? (I have asked this before and we were told that was normal. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have “stuff” under my tongue.)

Monday, February 19, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Happy Birthday Michael!!!!

 

 

Wednesday, February 14, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

We have had a rough couple of weeks. LOTS OF SICKNESS!!! Please pray that the kids will get well and stay well!! Thankfully Michael and I have not caught any of their "stuff".

But because of his great LOVE for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions- it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4

Monday, February 5, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Corban & Caroline had their first birthday party. We had a small party at our house. Corban loved his little cake and he ate as much as he could. Caroline was not a big fan of the cake. She was very interested in touching it, but once she got all that icing on her hand she was not too happy. She did put some in her mouth, but that was because the icing was on her thumb. She really just wanted her thumb and could care less about the cake. 

Corban and Caroline have both had upper respiratory infections. Then Caroline got the flu. We also took her in for a chest x-ray to make sure she did not have pneumonia. PRAISE GOD!!!!! She did not have it. Caroline has been drinking about a half an ounce to an ounce and a half of Pediasure (thickened- half nectar) for the past few weeks. We technically are not suppose to be giving her liquids because we have not had a swallow study since her surgery to determine if she aspirates.  So, we were just pray that she didn’t get pneumonia. We felt like it was a risk we were willing to take, because how do you get a baby to suck on an empty bottle????? She also eats about 6-7 baby spoons of puree (baby food dessert). 

Just an update on Caroline’s physical therapy: We haven’t really pushed her the last few weeks because she has not been feeling well.  She can sit by herself for up to 2 minutes. She holds her head up very well. She can sit assisted in her Bumbo seat or on someone’s lap for about an hour and a half. She loves to stand up. She will pull on your hands to try to pull herself up. She can stand for about 15 seconds until she needs to rest. She will do this over and over for about 10 minutes. She rolls over both ways and she has been using her arms to push herself up more and more. Her upper body is still very weak. She has really started babbling a lot. We have definitely heard Mama. We praise God for each little milestone!!!! 

Corban is weighing in at 24 pounds now and Caroline is almost 15 pounds. Corban finally got his first tooth about 2 weeks ago and he is now working on tooth number 3 and 4. Caroline has tons of teeth. I try not to stick my finger in her mouth too often. Her teeth are very sharp and she will bite your finger if you stick it in her mouth. 

Please Pray for Caroline’s trunk and upper body strength.

Pray for Caroline to begin taking more from the bottle.

 THANK YOU so much for interceding on our behalf!!!!

 We have been VERY blessed to have such wonderful people at our church to step up and take care Corban and Caroline so we can attend church. Thank you Mrs. Pat, Mrs. Lisa, Mrs. Stephanie & Mr. David and all the Helping Hands!!!!

 Matthew 18:5. And whoever receives and welcomes one little child like this for My sake and in My name receives and accepts and welcomes Me.

Tuesday, January 23, 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Happy Birthday Corban & Caroline!!!!

Saturday, January 13 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

We have had a very busy week!

On Monday we saw Caroline’s Occupational Therapist. (We hadn’t seen her in a couple of weeks, because of the Christmas break.) She was VERY pleased with Caroline’s progress. She is holding her head up very well. She sits up on her own for about a minute. She likes to pull up and bear weight on her feet. Her knees are getting stronger. They used to buckle easier. Caroline will raise her head up while she is on her tummy for a minute or two. We are very thankful for God’s work in her life!!!!

On Tuesday Caroline got her synagis injection (RSV).

On Wednesday we saw Dr. Barcelo. He is very pleased with how her tongue is looking. He wants to see us again in 6 months.

While we were at Dr. Barcelo’s office we talked to Dr. Sperry (Speech Pathologist). She has been doing her research. She can only find 50 cases (in the whole world, since the 1700’s) of children born with a short tongue. Most of them have other very severe anomalies that Caroline doesn’t have. We are very thankful to God for that!!!! She was also looking for cases of children with a long palate. She could not find any. WOW!!! So, we are breaking new ground. And Caroline’s case will probably be in the medical books and presented at seminars.

On Thursday we went to see the Feeding Specialist. Caroline wasn’t feeling particularly well. We think she is just teething. She was drooling like crazy and running a low-grade fever. So, we are on hold for the bottle-feeding for a few days. Before this the bottle feedings have been going very well. Praise God!!! We had changed the consistency of liquid and started giving her Pediasure instead of juice. She was taking 30-45 mls (1-1 ½ oz) pretty consistently. Nothing has been consistent with the bottle feedings in the past.

Thanks for continuing to check on us and pray for us!!!

Please pray for Caroline to continue to take more from the bottle.

Please pray for Caroline’s muscle strength to continue to improve.

Friday, January 5 , 2007 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

There is a sweet family at our church that had a baby girl on December 9th. Her name is Traeh Renae Davis. She weighed in at 1lb 15oz and was 13 1/2 inches long. She was delivered at 26 weeks. Please remember to pray for her. She will be in the NICU for about 6 more weeks.

I added the link to her website at the bottom of the page.

Sunday, December 31, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  

We had a good a Christmas. It is now Toys R Us at our house. The kids have really enjoyed all their new toys.  

We want to thank you for your prayers. Caroline has made some significant improvements in her strength. Her trunk strength has improved tremendously. She can sit by herself for up to a minute. She has started being on her tummy more, using her arms to raise herself up.   God is so awesome!!!

Happy New Year...and May God bless your 2007 with good health, peace, prosperity, complete joy, and overflowing love!

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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *  CHRISTmas Letter * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *    

Wow!!! What an incredible year it has been. We could have never imagined what God had in store for us!!!! 

We started off the year with two new additions to our family. Corban and Caroline were born January 23^rd arriving seven weeks early. Corban spent two weeks in the NICU at Lewisville Medical Center. Caroline spent 5 weeks in the NICU in Lewisville, and then she was transferred to the NICU at Plano Medical Center. After 61 days in the hospital Caroline finally came home. 

Corban is doing wonderfully. You would never know he was a preemie. He now weighs 22 ½ pounds. He is crawling all over the place and pulling up. He will be walking before we know it. He loves to eat, play, smile, shake his head “no”, play patty cake and get into everything. He is a very good baby, and he has a wonderful temperament. 

Caroline is doing well. She had a very rough start. She was born with PVL (small cysts on her brain), low muscle tone, a bell shaped rib cage, short tongue, and a long & high arched palate. She probably has some type of “syndrome”. To date they can’t figure out what it is. Because of her short tongue and long palate she was not able to take a bottle without aspirating. So, she had surgery in March to put in a g-tube. She takes all of her formula through the g-button. We go to therapy weekly to work on her oral motor skills. She likes chocolate pudding and root bear lollipop. She had surgery in September to correct her short tongue and long palate (two procedures that had never been done before). That went very well. She had a trach for 2 ½ weeks. I think that was the longest 2 ½ weeks of our lives. Caroline also sees an Occupational therapist weekly to work on building her strength. She is making good progress. She can hold her head up for about 30 minutes. Her trunk strength is improving. She LOVES to be held. She smiles, plays with toys, babbles, rolls both ways, and sits unassisted for a few seconds.

Claire is doing great. She loves being a big sister. She is a great helper. In August she started Kindergarten at Heritage. She loves her new friends and her teacher. She has already learned so much. This year she has also been very busy with dance, soccer, gymnastics, church choir and Awanas.  

Michael is doing well. He is still working in the IT Department at Cain Watters & Associates. He is also still teaching the Senior Adult Men’s Sunday School class at Lakeland. His oldest student is 88 years old. They really keep him on his toes, but he loves it.  Michael also served the last year of his three year deacon rotation and was the chairman of the Budget Committee this year. 

I am still teaching computers half a day at Heritage Elementary. I am so thankful that God has given me such a great job that I love going to everyday. Other than teaching I stay busy going to doctors appointments and therapy sessions. I am also enjoying co-directing Cubbies, part of the Awanas program at church. 

God has so richly blessed us this year. He has taken us on quite a journey. Although we still do not know the outcome, we know that He will sustain us through it all. We wish to thank all of you who have prayed for us, brought us food, watched our kids, and bought us diapers. You have truly been a testimony of God’s love. If you would like to read the full story since the twins were born you could find it at: http://www.snickerdoodles.net 

Our Year in Summary: 49 doctors appointments, 52 therapy sessions, 76 days in the hospital, 3 surgeries, 3800 bottles, 4600 diapers, 5000 wipes, 1 big sister, 2 sweet babies, 1 million blessings and 1 amazing God!!

 “For unto us is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

 

Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year!!

Michael, Terri, Claire, Corban & Caroline

Thursday, December 21, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *    

It has been a very busy past couple of weeks.

We took everybody to the doctor last Monday. Corban and Caroline had their well visits. Claire wasn't feeling well. So, the doctor fit her in too.

Clare had an ear infection and the stomach bug.

Corban is doing very well. He weighs 22 1/2 pounds. He is in the 95th percentile for height for a term baby. Corban did not have RSV. Thank God!!!! He got over all his junk. But has started running a fever again this week. We are not sure if he may be getting teeth. He still doesn't have any teeth yet.

Caroline also had a slight ear infection last week. She finished her antibiotics and is doing much better. We increased Caroline's calories and slightly increased the volume of formula that she is getting. This past week she has done very well. She has started picking up her head while she is on her tummy. (For as long as 30 seconds). She is having to push on her arms to do that. (Praise God!!!) She is sitting up better every day. She sat by herself for about 15 seconds for her therapist this week.

" Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"  2 Corinthians 9:15

Have a Wonderful CHRISTmas!!!!

Wednesday, December 6, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Caroline had an appointment with the developmental pediatrician last week. That went well. The pediatrician was pleased with the progress Caroline is making. Her body is starting to meet some of the 6 month miles stones, but her hypotonia (muscle weakness) is holding her back: she roles over (both ways), smiles and plays with toys.  

Claire saw the ENT last week. She has mild hearing loss in her right ear. Her eardrum is not moving. So, she probably has fluid behind her eardrum. He wants to see Claire in February and have her ears checked again. If she is still having problems we may have do put tubes in again. 

Corban couldn’t be left out. I took him to the doctor yesterday. He has a slight ear infection and bronchilitis. They sent off the test for RSV. We should have the results by tomorrow. He has been a real trooper. You can’t even tell he is sick. He is still going, going going!!! 

Caroline’s oral therapy is still very sloooooooooooow!!! Please pray for God to give Caroline a desire to suck on the nipple. 

We appreciate all your prayer and for continuing to check on us!!!

'

For to us a child is born
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.'
Isaiah 9:6

Friday, November 24, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Ours was very good. We have so much to be thankful for. We have been so blessed to see God work in our lives. 

Caroline’s oral therapy is going very slow!!! She is making progress (according to her therapist). She is less aversive to having the nipple in her mouth. She is much more interested in chewing on the nipple instead of sucking, because she has gotten 6 teeth in the last month and a half. She has found some new tastes that she likes: vanilla pudding and root bear lollipop. YUM!!

Her physical therapy is going well. She can sit in her Bumbo seat for about 15-20 minutes at a time. (Holding her head up.) Her trunk support is improving. She is starting to sit up on her own, balancing her weight for a few seconds at a time. She does NOT like to put weight on her arms.  

We saw Dr. Barceló last week. He was very pleased with how Caroline’s tongue looks. It is growing with her. 

Caroline’s developmental pediatrician appointment got rescheduled for next week. 

Please continue to pray for: 

• Caroline’s oral therapy: for her to be more interested in sucking on the nipple that chewing.  

• For her to swallow her small tastes of food instead of spitting it out 

• For Caroline to bear weight on her arms 

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.”  1Thessalonians 5: 16-18

Wednesday, November 15, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TERRI !!

Thursday, November 9, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We started off going to therapy twice a week and now we are down to once a week. We are having to do therapy at home 2-3 times a day in addition to her physical therapy that we do 2-3 times a day as well. The oral therapy has gotten to be a struggle. I called Dr. Sperry on Monday to see if we could go ahead and do a swallow study. She doesn’t want to expose Caroline to more radiation and have her be agitated for “nothing.” She did give us a time frame. She wants to do a swallow study 2-3 months post surgery. So, we are continuing with the same therapy.  

Our therapy session today went VERY WELL. Praise GOD!!! For the first time she wasn’t fighting the nipple in her mouth. I hope & pray this will continue.  

Her physical therapy is going well also. She is getting better at holding her head up. Her trunk strength is getting better also. Her arms are very weak and she does not like to lift her head up when she is on her tummy.

We have an appointment with the Developmental Pediatrician on November 15th and with Dr. Barceló on November 22nd.

Saturday, October 28, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It has been a very crazy week!! Caroline has had therapy three times and 1 doctor’s appointment. We did get to cancel our therapy session on Friday.

Therapy is going well. There are 30 muscles in the tongue. So, Caroline is going to have to relearn to use those muscles. She is learning to stick her tongue out, to both sides and touch the roof of her mouth. She still has a tendency to retract her tongue. So, they are working on getting her to protract it. She is also working on sucking on a bottle nipple. She is getting to taste some new flavors during therapy. This week she tried sour candy, pixie stick, sweet potatoes, plums, pears and bananas. We scheduled two therapy sessions a week for the next four weeks.

We saw Dr. Barceló (Craniofacial Surgeon) this week. He said everything looks good. He said when Caroline starts talking (about 18 months) we will have to look at her palate and tongue again to make sure they are the appropriate size for her. 

Thanks to all the people that helped with our children this week. You are awesome and an answer to prayer: Tanya, Margie, Jill, Kelly, Gigi, Papa, Mimi and Granddad.

Have a great week!!!

People see God every day, they just don't recognize him.  ~Pearl Bailey

Saturday, October 21, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Caroline is doing very well. We took her No Nos off on Monday. She has been pretty happy this week.

We got the results of the SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) test. NORMAL. We are so thankful for God's blessings!!!

We have a very busy week next week. Dr. Sperry wanted Caroline to have aggressive oral therapy. So, we will see our feeding specialist at Presby Plano. (She is awesome. She is the one who helped get our appt. with Dr. Barceló) We have three appointments this next week with her. We also have an appointment with Dr. Barceló on Wednesday. Dr. Hung wants to see Caroline next week as well.

Thank you!! Thank you!!! Thank you Tanya and Margie for watching the twins this week!!! Again, God provided!!

Michael’s Mom is dong well. She came home from the hospital yesterday. 

Please pray for Caroline and her therapy. She needs to get good at sucking. We have tried some at home. She would much rather have her thumb than a pacifier or bottle nipple. It’s not very gratifying because nothing is coming out of the pacifier or nipple.  She cannot have liquids until we do another swallow study. They will not do another swallow study until she is sucking. 

Give thanks to the Lord and pray to him. Tell the nations what he has done.  Sing to him; sing praises to him. Tell about all his miracles. Be glad that you are his; let those who seek the Lord be happy. Psalm 105:1-3

Saturday, October 14, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We are home! YEAH!!! Praise God!! Caroline is doing very well. She has started making some new sounds that we haven’t heard before. We are still unsure if her cry will change. It is still sounding similar to how it did before the surgery. She seems to be happier. She will be much happier on Monday when she can take her No Nos off.  

I have already packed up all the equipment. I am ready to get it out of here!! We are going to spend the day out and about. The kids haven't been out together since Caroline’s surgery because there was just too much equipment to take with us. 

Have a GREAT Day!! Thanks for continuing to pray for us!! 

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Friday, October 13, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Caroline was admitted to the hospital yesterday afternoon. Dr. Hung came in and down sized her trach. This gave her a little more room to breath around the trach. It also aloud the stoma (the hole in her neck) to begin to close. Then this morning he came in and took the smaller trach out and covered the stoma with some gauze and tape. He said it would take a few hours to close. Dr. Hung will let us go home tomorrow morning. He wants her to stay one more night for observation. Caroline is doing very well. Her oxygen sats are 99%-100% mostly. Praise God!!!

Please keep Michael's Mom in your prayers. She had surgery this morning. They removed some lesions and scar tissue. The bowl had a "kink" that they fixed.

Thanks Bauders and Sassers for watching our children!!!

Wednesday, October 11, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dr. Sperry called this morning to let us know that we needed to wait until next week to take off Caroline’s NO NOs. She is not supposed to put her fingers in her mouth until next Monday. She can have a pacifier now. OOOOOPS!!!! Michael and I both heard him say 10 days. So, Caroline was not happy about having to put the No Nos on again.

We had all our doctors’ appointments today. Dr. Barceló and Dr. Sperry are very pleased with how the tongue and palate look. YEAH GOD!! They were very positive!!!! They both seemed hopeful about the possibility of her taking a bottle by mouth and eventually getting the g-tube out.

Then we saw Dr. Hung who put a scope down her nose to look at her airway. He said there was very little swelling there. He would like to take the trach out TOMORROW. YEAH GOD!!!!! We are very excited. So, we will spend at least one night in the hospital, possibly two nights.  He also felt comfortable enough with her oxygen levels that we no longer have to have her on oxygen at home.  She has been sating between 94%-98% throughout the day.  However, they would really like for it to be 97% or higher. I’m sure they will monitor this while we are in the hospital.

Thank you so much for your prayers!!!

Monday, October 9, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Caroline is doing pretty good. She finally got to have her hands back on Friday. I’m not sure she has taken her hands out of her mouth since Friday. The past few days she has spent most of the day off oxygen. Praise God!!!

 We have had a wonderful home health nurse that has come everyday. Praise God!!

 I called the geneticist today. They got the results of one of the test that they sent off. (I don’t even know what they were testing her for). It came back normal. PRAISE GOD!!! They are still waiting on the results of the other test (Spinal Muscular Atrophy). Please continue to pray that the test comes back normal also.

 We have appointments with Dr. Barceló, Dr. Sperry and Dr. Hung on Wednesday. We are praying that they will take the trach out SOON!!

Wednesday, October 4, 2006 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Thanks for your prayers!!! Caroline is fever free. Praise God!!!

Now if you could just pray for her oxygen level to come up. So, we can get rid of the oxygen.

Home health is coming out once a day. I will make appointments for Caroline to see Dr. Hung and Dr. Barceló next week.