I don't have a whole lot of new news to report. Kaitlyn is still not eating well. It's getting very frustrating, we so want her to come home!
Brian's sister Elissa is here visiting her niece Kaitlyn for the first time. Elissa lives in Conn, so it was a long way to come visit, and Elissa is also expecting a child in May this year.
Kailan (our 12 year old dog) is still sick :( I just spent $600 on labs and x-rays and more on Thursday, and we still don't know what's going on. She has lost so much weight it's just terrible. A wonderful vet, (Amy, that I met via the new Mom's group I just joined here in San Rafael) has offered to help us as much as she can, she donated 4 hours of her time examining her -she commented that Kailan looks like a "Hurricane Katrina" pet victim. (Amy has gone to New Orleans to help with the pet victims of Katrina). Kailan just breaks my heart looking at her.
About you!!
I am always amazed to watch my blog counter go up and up as so many of you log on daily to check in on Kaitlyn's progress. There have been 8,500 views of my blog since it's inception. Amazing. Thank you so much for all of your support.
My goal is to print out in hard copy my entire story, including all the comments, so that I can give it to Kaitlyn when she is older so she can know how many people have been routing and praying for her.
I'd love to know who all of you are.....so I ask a favor of you, please add a "comment" to the bottom of THIS post. Just click on the "comments" link right below.
You can either choose to register (you won't get any spam from registering), or you can just leave an anonymous note. Either way, in your comments, be sure to say who you are, how you know us (or who told you about my story) and where you live (city, state/country).
Thank you again for all of your support!
Love, Liz, Brian, Miss Kaitlyn and Kailan (our dog)
40 comments:
Amy from Baton Rouge here. I found your story through Micro Preemie Twins--the Story of Holland and Eden. I, too, was the mom of preemie twins. Although I didn't deliver nearly as early (33 weeks), my son had a complication that it took them 2 months to find and we almost lost him. I have been following your story and am always amazed at your grace and courage. When Kaitlyn is old enough to read this, she will be in awe of the strength you have shown. I will certainly continue to keep your beautiful little Kaitlyn in my prayers.
Michelle from Danvers, MA. Kaitlyn, I met your Mommy through a group called Sidelines, which helps Mommys who need to stay in bed so their babies have a fighting chance. I was lucky enough to be assigned to your Mom.
She has gone through so much to have you. Your Mom is such an amazingly strong lady, and you seem to have inherited that from her. Since you were born I have been following your Mom's blog. I have been moved to tears with your story, and pray for you everyday.
I have twins, a girl Anna and a boy Declan, who were born at 29 weeks, weighing a little more than 2 pounds. They have seen your pictures, and wonder who the cute baby is. I tell them that Miss Kaitlyn is a little miracle baby, and they now ask about you to see how you are doing. I tell them she is a fighter just like the two of them, and one day she will not believe all that she (and her Mom and Dad ) have been through.
Take care, Michelle Flannagan
Julie from Texas. My daugher was also a micropreemie (23wks) and was born on the day you were due! Your story is very similar to Halle's and I too am amazed at how far you've come. My prayer is that you will continue to grow stronger and conquer the eating battle. I can't wait to read about your homecoming!
Billie from Canton, Michigan. My twin daughters Holland and Eden were born at 24 weeks in July 2004. I hope our story continues to be a source of hope and inspiration for you, as yours is for us! This journey is so much easier to navigate when you have the support of others who have been where you are. I wish you the best and will keep your family in my thoughts. Best wishes for a quick homecoming!
I haven't posted any notes before here, usually I email you... but have been following Kaitlyn's story from the get-go.... have twin two year old girls and have just felt for your whole family!! You are all doing so amazingly well, you are an inspiration to us all:)
I live in Los Angeles and am a mom to a 25 week 2 day micropreemie. I found you from the micropreemie twins site. My girl is now 13 months actual and has come a long way- from 1 1/2 pounds to 18 something. Yay!
I like to read about other micropreemies because it helps me feel not alone (when they're older) and sometimes I can comment about something and maybe help other parents too (when they're younger).
Your daughter sounds sooo loved. I think there is something about us micropreemie moms- we have been through the ringer and have love that is incredibly deep, wide and appreciative for our children. Its hard to explain, but we've had to walk through fear to reach love, you know?
I stumbled upon your site through clicking next blog.
Micropremies and their fight for survival is Amazing, but they certainly couldn't do it alone.
My prayers go out to and your family.
Liz, I am fellow Preemie mom from San Jose, CA. I found about your website from the yahoogroups "pumpmoms". I delivered my son at 30 weeks (IUGR) weighed 2 lbs, spent 5 weeks in the NICU. He has some issues related to his kidney and I find so much strength by reading your blog. Prayers for speedy recovery and homecoming of Kaitlyn.
Stacy from DeSoto, KS - mom to Tanner & Morgan - 27 week preemies weighing in at 2 lb 3 oz each. My son's membrane ruptured from unknown causes and I "leaked" amniotic fluid for about a week before they figured it out. By that time, I was dilating and the fear of infection was too great. After a few horrible days of mag, I delivered via c-section. I had the steroid shots a week before they delivered - and my babies were so lucky in that they didn't need the vent.
However, our son had a very rare liver disorder (not even a preemie related thing) that necessitated a few operations while in the NICU. Eventually he needed a liver transplant.
Tanner had a few of the preemie complications (ROP, PDA, IVH Grade 3). In addition, his liver disease meant that he slept most of the time until his transplant in February 05. Since then with hard work and determination, he is almost caught up developmentally to a 21 month old.
These preemies are so tough - and Ms. Kaitlyn will catch up! She is so beautiful - I found is so encouraging when I was able to take pictures without tubes.
Angela from Middlesbrough, England (a long way away!). Found your blog through Holland and Eden's blog. I hope Kaitlyn gets home soon so she can keep you up during the night ;-)
Anne from Dudley MA here. I learned your story from the PROM group at Kanalen.org. My daughter Kyra's fluids ruptured at 18 weeks, and she was born at 33 weeks. I know the difficulty of the NICU, and of a PROM baby, and just want to offer support and encouragement.
Michelle Halpin from the PROM list here. I read your blog every day, and keep you, Brian and Kaitlyn in prayer by name every day. We're in Lancaster, CA, and we've emailed a couple of times, but you may not remember. Be assured of continued prayers for Kaitlyn's health and homecoming!
Katie Lundgren from San Clemente, CA. I am Liz's cousin, her Dad is my Mom's brother. My husband and I are in Kaitlyn's fan club and continue to watch her (and their) amazing progress. You go girl!
Hi Liz, ok here it goes. I found you by going onto the prom website and from the mail list then got your blog- Oh This is Melissa and we have the same situaton somewhat I also lost my little girl(twin A) Madilyn Angelia and Caitlin Gean was her surviving twin born at 24 weeks. So far doing good in NICU, that is a great idea about doing the book I am probably going to be doing that as well. ;0)
Melissa
And of course what set of comments would be complete without crazy Uncle Gary chiming in? After all those years of being persecuted by your mother when I was growing up, I finally get payback and can tell you all sorts of stories about what she was like at your age!
Laurie Abbey from Walnut Creek, CA
Liz, I found you on the kanalen/prom chat I have been following your blog regularly and have shed many tears and had quite a few chuckles too. I can't wait to hear the next update on Kaitlyn.
I am a fellow preemie mom. Kyle was born on 7/13/05 at 28 and 5/7 days, spending 8 weeks in the NICU. He is a little fighter and is doing just fine.
Kaitlyn, you are a blessed child. You have such a wonderful mother, don't ever forget it!
good luck and may God bless your family,
gilda & the girls
sophia 6.6.00
chiara 15.5.02
paula 28.9.05
Guatemala, Central America
I just now found your blog. I'm a grandmother to g/g twins. My heart sincerely goes out to your family. I deeply admire your courage and strength.
Recently I know of another family simular to your story, in my area, the mom is a TV news achor person. If you are interested in reading her story..... http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?s=3449909
http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?s=4139560
http://www.whnt.com/Global/story.asp?s=4139790
sending my prayers, we are greatly blessed, Cindy at www.twinsaregrand.typepad.com
Bobbie from Texas. I am a mother of b/g twins born at 25 weeks. They will be a year old tomorrow. I love reading about others going through the roller coaster of the NICU and preemie life. It is also encouraging to have others going through similar challenges. I have been reading about Ms. Kaitlyn for so long now that I have forgot how i found your website. My guess would be Holland and Eden's site. Keep up all posted on her progress, I get so involved reading about her, i feel like I know her! Get your sleep now! I will continue to have her and your family in our prayers.
Kaitlyn,
I've known your mom since middle school. Lizard is a great friend and this is a great way to check up on you from faraway and keep in touch from RPV. Grow Kaitlyn Grow!!
Barbara H.
Liz, I sold you the dragonfly comforter through Craig's list. You told me about your webite and I have continued to check it weekly. I have year old twins and have sat at my computer speechless and teary eyed reading your blog. I hope you get to bring your sweet baby home soon. My thoughts are with you often.
Amy
Santa Rosa, CA
Jessie from Juneau, Alaska. I found your site through my dear friend Billie, also the mother of preemie twins. I have been checking often to read your updates and always send a little prayer for you and your family. I wish you the very best.
Allison from Larkspur, CA. I am a member of MPOMC and have spoken with your amazing Mom a number of times throughout her bedrest and since you were born. I try to log on to your blog fairly often to see how you are doing and check on your progress. We all are hoping you are going to develop an appetite soon - Miss Kaitlyn - so that you can come home to your Mom and Dad's house. They are anxiously awaiting that special day after all that they have been through!
This is Jessica and I found your blog through the San Francisco Mother of Twins Club. My twins were due exactly one week after your due date so your story really struck a chord with me. I have been thinking of you and praying for you since you were first hospitalized with early contractions. My whole family in San Diego and Washington DC asks me all the time how Kaitlyn is doing. Keep up the great work getting Kaitlyn used to the feeding. She is growing very well!
I'm Liz's mom, Corinne and Kaitlyn's Nana. We will always remember our angel Corinne Margaret as she was the angel that allowed our Kaitlyn to grow as long as she did. Kaitlyn is so beautiful but of course I am completely biased! We are all so excited for Kaitlyn to come home, she will be loved, cherished and yes, spoiled by her Nana..
San Rafael, CA
Just a fellow MPOMC member (met you a few times) who has been following your story from the beginning. I have laughed and cried with you and think about you every day! I look forward to meeting you again and especially meeting your special girl Kaitlin.
Brandi Duffin
San Rafael, CA
Just a fellow MPOMC member (met you a few times) who has been following your story from the beginning. I have laughed and cried with you and think about you every day! I look forward to meeting you again and especially meeting your special girl Kaitlyn.
Brandi Duffin
Hi, This is Janna Charlton from Houston, Texas. As you know, I've got 2 little ones Quinn 7/23/03 and Kate 5/4/05. Terry and I love you and Brian and Baby Kaitlyn so much and miss little Corrine! We miss you and can't wait to see you again, but we want you and Kaitlyn to know that we check on you all the time and pray for you often!!
Janna
hey liz, still checking in on you guys often. you're all in our thoughts and prayers.
trish, bob & gavin
Holly from Higganum, CT. I heard about your story from my sister who is on the twin network in Marin. She and I have been praying for Kaitlyn, Corrine, Mom and Dad, and now dog. I have a now 4 year old who was born at 29 weeks, and you'd never know it to look at him now. You've been through the wringer and back, but I just know this too will have a happy ending. And while you will never forget what has happened these past months, I think the pain will diminish and the pure joy that is Kaitlyn will predominate. Children are tough, resiliant and truly amazing little miracles. Thanks for keeping us updated throughout.
Dearest Kaitlyn,
I am blessed to have known your mom for almost 15 years since our days of working together in Santa Barbara. You are truly a miracle and you are surrounded by lots of people that love you very much. Keep drinking that milk - mom's got a whole freezer full!
Love,
Diana
Hello Liz and Brian,
My name is Golfo, and I am one of Elissa's friends from Boston. Ever since she told me of your twins, and this website, I have been checking for updates and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to bless you and give you the strength and grace to continue being the AMAZING and loving parents that you are!
All the best..
Much love from Michigan,
Golfo Tzilos :)
Jodi from Jackson, Michigan. Met your mommy from the PROM list. My son, Anthony was born at 31 wks after PROM at 16 wks. Spent 6 wks in NICU and has had open heart surgery and hip surgery. You preemie babies are so amazingly strong. I love reading your mom's updates and have laughed and cried along with her. You are very loved! You all remain in my prayers.
Much love, Jodi D.
Kaitlyn is a brave little girl. I am too mom of a mircopreemie (Fiona was born at almost 26 weeks of gestation at 1lb 15oz) and know what you are going thru. We have little fighters for daughters ... we just have to be strong for them ;). Kaitlyn has been thru a lot and she will fight the rest too... you'll see one day that the world will be her playground :) Best of luck for all of you!
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/f/fionae/
Fiona's mom
Kaitlyn
Gwen from Nederland Texas and I know your mom through the PPROM website. My son Dylan was born at 28 weeks and I have been praying and rooting for you since I first read your and your sisters story. Yesterday you got to come home from the hospital and I am so happy for your whole family. Liz, you amaze me with the strength you have shown and it has been a great pleasure getting to know you and follow your family story. My prayers are with you on the eating issue, and I am so glad you have her home. I will keep all of you in my prayers and I think of Corinne often, what a special angel she must be.
Hello,
I am a mother of a micropremie. I stumbled on your website while looking up info on micropremies. My daughter was born at 24 3/7 weeks gestation and weighed 1 lb. 5 oz. She is now 7 months old and weighs 8 1/2 lbs. YEAH!!! We had a 4 month stay at the NICU and some problems with feeding. Our prayers definately go out to you in this time of transition. We will keep Kaitlyn in our prayers. Coming home will be such a joyful day. Congratulations and good luck!
Holly, CO
Hello Kaitlyn! I am Presleigh's mom and she was born at 31 and 3 and weighing 2 lbs 15 oz. We spent 5 weeks in the NICU/SCN in Calgary Alberta Canada and she was born Feb 1/06. We found your story following a link from Halle Grace. Thank you for sharing your story and thank you for the pictures. Our thoughts are with you and your family as you grow up big n strong. Just remember, there is an angel who's name you know that is always watching out for you.
I am a social worker from Sydney Australia and my thoughts and prays go out to you and Kaitlyn.
Kathy from Lincoln, Nebraska. I found your page through a web search. My twins were born at 24 weeks. Nathaniel Dewayne was 1lb 14 oz, but his lungs wern't developed enough, and we lost him after 6 hours. Elizabeth Jean has been in the NICU for 30 days, and continues to be a fighter. Thanks for your webpage, and I wish all the best for Kaitlyn. Our lives can change in the blink of an eye. Stay strong.
Hi Kaitlyn,
I'm Elise, and my daughter is about a year younger than you are. I "met" your mom through our mothers' group, I noticed her loving email signature that lists you, your sister and brother.
It's actually a few years later now, I'm just catching up!
I did really meet your mom this week, and I'm so happy to hear that your tummy tube is finally out. Keep up the eating, sweetie.
love,
Elise (mommy to Angela, born 7-14-06 and baby girl, expected 4-08-09)
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