tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1880909582503345342024-03-04T22:24:16.043-06:00Blessings, Babies, and Bedrest"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
-Jeremiah 29:11Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-45597518167533912132011-01-11T08:43:00.002-06:002011-01-11T08:58:04.962-06:00Weekly UpdateI can't believe another week has gone by since I last updated the blog. At least for us that means the days are going by quickly. <br /><br />The biggest change we have seen in the last week is that we have been moved to the stepdown NICU. This means the only things we are working on are feeding and growing. This is our last stop before we get to go home. There are still no estimates on when they might get to go home yet though.<br /><br />Joleigh Faith now weighs in at 4 pounds. She has been weaned from oxygen and has moved to a crib. She still tends to breathe fast so she hasn't really got to try a bottle yet. They tried once and she did pretty well but haven't tried again.<br /><br />Jeremiah Wayne is gaining weight like a champ. He is now up to 4 pounds, 12 ounces. He is quickly closing in on the 5 pound mark! He has been taking 4 out of 8 feedings by bottle and does pretty well. They don't push him too far because they don't want to tire him out and have him go backwards. However, if he continues to do well he will move to 6 of 8 and then all feedings by bottle.<br /><br />We are patiently waiting for them to get to go home! We are hoping it is soon but don't want them to come home until they are 100% ready. Thanks for the continued support.<br /><br />~JenJacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-75819444203908858972011-01-03T09:03:00.001-06:002011-01-03T09:10:47.934-06:00Weekend Update<div>After such a long post last time, I will try to keep this one short-n-sweet. We officially brought in the New Year with our kids. Yes, we were in the NICU with them at midnight. It is a great feeling to begin a new year with children. 2010 was a blessing of a year in disguise but I am hoping 2011 will be even better! </div>
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<br /><div>Joleigh has reached 3 pounds, 8 ounces and is still doing great! They continue to work on weaning her oxygen and she is now down to 1.5 liters. It is amazing to watch this tiny person start to develop a personality and become her own person. She is spending more time awake and we love talking to her!</div>
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<br /><div>Jeremiah has reached the 4 pound mark! He now weighs in at 4 pounds, 1 ounce. The biggest change for him is that he has lost his oxygen! They took it off on Saturday and he has done great without it. We are hoping that we can begin bottle feeding him this week. Also, now that he has made it to 4 pounds, he may soon be able to move into a crib. The grandparents are very excited about this as it means they will be allowed to hold him too! </div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-56654883730191125122010-12-30T08:52:00.003-06:002010-12-30T09:18:49.983-06:00A New Update - Jen StyleAs I have said before, I am not the wordsmith that my husband is; however, I will do my best to let you know what has been happening in the last couple of weeks.<br /><br />Joleigh Faith has been doing great! I got my Christmas wish when Joleigh was taken off her breathing machine just before Christmas. She is now just on oxygen and they have been working to wean her off. Her feedings have continued to increase and she is now receiving 30 cc's every 3 hours. She now weighs 3 pounds, 5 ounces and is 16 1/4 inches long. She continues to be a diva and gets kinda mad if you mess with her when she doesn't want to be messed with!<br /><br />Jeremiah Wayne continues to hold his own as well. His oxygen continues to be weaned and as of yesterday he was down to 1.5 liters from 4. He now weighs 3 pounds, 13 ounces and is 17 1/4 inches long. As he grow his feedings also increase and he is now receiving 34 cc's every 3 hours. I found yesterday that when Jeremiah doesn't get fed when he wants it he can become very irritable. I would love to say that this trait comes from his father, but sadly I think it really comes from me. <br /><br />There have been several small changes that have come for both babies equally in the last 2 weeks. Both are now stable enough to spend more time outside of their isolettes which equals more holding time for us! Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are shot days for the babies and not favorite days for me or the nurses. They each used to get 2 shots each day but we are now down to one. It's the small victories that count! Both babies had their last brain ultrasound on Monday and we are proud to say that they have come back normal for the fourth and last time. One more thing we can cross of the list of worries. Feeding times have decreased from 1 hour to 30 minutes which shows that Joleigh and Jeremiah are tolerating feedings more like typical newborns. As they continue to progress, we are hoping to start offerings bottles in the next week or so. Both babies are spending more time awake which is so much fun for us as we get to talk to them and see their beautiful eyes. Both have also discovered their thumbs and may be found with their "pacifier" in their mouths!<br /><br />Jace and I are both doing well and have adjusted to our NICU schedule as well as we can. I spend my days with Joleigh and Jeremiah in the NICU. I get to change diapers, take temperatures, hold babies and of course just talk to them while they are awake. Jace goes to work during the day and spends the evenings with us at the hospital. We continue to be grateful to my cousin Heather for the use of her apartment. It is great to be only 5 minutes from the hospital. We also cannot thank those of you who continue to support us financially or with your prayers. We know that God has heard those prayers because our children are doing so well. It is only by His grace that they are here and doing fantastic. <br /><br />The biggest thing we can be thankful for is getting to spend our first Christmas with our children. Jace and I spent the day with Joleigh and Jeremiah and even opened Christmas presents with them! Although it was bittersweet to not spend the day at home with family, we were blessed with visits from grandparents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I will try to get Jace to post pictures soon of our Christmas celebration!<br /><br />I think that sums up everything that has been happening in the last couple of weeks. We hope each of you had a wonderful Christmas holiday and we pray for a blessed New Year also. I can tell you we are looking forward to our 2011 and watching our children grow!<br /><br />~JenJacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-87317408956565819962010-12-14T08:17:00.000-06:002010-12-14T08:18:04.525-06:00Finally an Update!<span style="font-family:courier new;color:#663300;"><strong>It’s been a while and for that I apologize.<br /><br />Where shall we begin, how about with Joleigh Faith? She is doing great. While she is still on the sipap machine she is holding steady. She is getting fed more, up to 20cc’s every three hours and is gaining weight, up to 2 pounds 10 ounces. She is also holding her body temperature well enough that we are able to swaddle and hold her instead of skin to skin. It feels like progress simply being able to do that. Jo’s funny story for the week comes when I changed her diaper on Saturday. I unfastened the dirty one, kept it there, and cleaned her up, and then I removed the dirty and put the clean one under her. She proceeded to dirty the clean one. I then cleaned her up, removed the 2nd dirty one and put another clean one under her. You guessed it; before I could fasten the new one she dirtied it. This continued a couple more times. By the 4th I was convinced we were good to go and she finally had a clean diaper.<br /><br />Jeremiah Wayne is progressing as well. He was taken off the sipap machine yesterday and put back onto only oxygen. That is great news! Like is big sister, he is getting more food, 23cc’s every three hours. The best achievement for him this week is the fact that he has reached the 3 pound mark, weighing in at 3 pounds 1 ounce. He too is able to be held swaddled. No real orneriness coming out of his corner this week. I am sure that will change.<br /><br />Both had their weekly brain scans and while they both positively showed brains both were negative for any problems. So while they got their Dad’s orneriness and dashing good looks, it appears as though they got their Mom’s smarts. What a relief about the smarts, not so sure about the looks though.<br /><br />Speaking of Jen, she is doing great. She is beaming as a new Mom and anyone that has seen her can clearly see that. Besides that her happy moment came a week after the twins arrived as she was able to put her “real” jeans back on. I reckon it’s the small things in life that make the difference. Her spirits are high and she is making great friends with the nurses and doctors in the NICU. She is a real trooper.<br /><br />As for me, had to go back to work yesterday for the first time since the twins where born. While it stunk being away from my newly foursome-fied family, the time passed quickly and before I knew it I was back in the NICU holding Jeremiah. I am loving being a Daddy and doing Daddy things (changing diapers, washing faces, calming crying babies, etc).<br /><br />If you are wondering where we are living these days here are those details. We only come home to Newton once a week to attend church, do errands, pick up our mail, wash clothes, and see Tucker (who is staying with Norm and Cinda…and he is loving getting to spend the days with Emma). After they were first born we stayed in the Carle Auxiliary Guest House for a week. That place was a dear blessing and perfect under the circumstances. Since time is limited in the guest house we had to find another place. God works in mysterious and miraculous ways and it worked out that Jens cousin, Heather, recently purchased her first house. The great part about that is her lease on her apartment runs through January. So she actually had a house and an empty apartment, both in Urbana within 5 minutes of Carle. She was gracious enough to allow us to inhabit her apartment at no cost. We will stay there through the end of January. If the babies aren’t able to come home yet by then we will move in with Jen’s Aunt Patti in Fisher. God always provides.<br /><br />As if this post wasn’t long enough yet I have one more paragraph to add. Jen and I would like to send a special thank you to all of you who helped, supported, or had anything at all to do with the bake sale recently held at Peoples State Bank in Newton. We cannot describe the feelings we have for all the outpouring you all have shown. We are truly overwhelmed and encouraged by all of you.<br /><br />While we still have long road ahead of us, about 70 more days at least (average time in NICU for their weights is approx 90 days), we feel the progress shown so far is a huge step in the right direction. God is good and continues to bless our family. Thank you again to all of you for your support and continues prayers. I will post pictures soon.<br /><br />-Jace </strong></span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-25522473345373729052010-12-14T06:50:00.002-06:002010-12-14T06:50:37.022-06:00Update Coming Soon!Hang with me guys. I will get you all updated shortly. Sorry for the delay.Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-70148211960656673432010-12-06T21:52:00.000-06:002010-12-06T21:53:44.818-06:00Update<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>What a great day! Thanks to God first for making it that way and you all for praying it that way. Both twins still have acceptable bili ranges and got to stay off the lights all day. He is getting 16cc’s of food each feeding and she is getting 13cc’s of food, a far cry from the 1cc they got after birth. They are still on the sipap machines but hardly a bradycardia event to be had today. Along with that they were both tested for infections today and both tests came back negative. The Doctor told us that their apnea episodes were just a result of them being so premature and as they got bigger the apneas (brady’s) would fix themselves. God is good. Also today they were taken off their lipids and TPNs (IV nutrition) and are getting 100% of their nutrition from a mix of their mother’s milk and a fortifier for added growth. That means their picc lines will be removed tomorrow. Also today they got another brain scan and once again both came perfectly normal. Again, praise. After tonight’s weigh in Jeremiah is now up to 2lbs 13oz and Joleigh weights 2lbs 6oz. Because of Jeremiahs weight he was able to be held swaddled in a blanket and held in Jen’s arms not skin to skin. It was a great feeling. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#660000;"><strong>Thanks again for all who have been praying. Again today we can see those prayers being answered. God bless.<br />-Jace </strong></span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-60861162083998028162010-12-05T21:47:00.000-06:002010-12-05T21:48:29.844-06:00Update<strong><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">Both Kids are back on a sipap machine to help their breathing. Too many bradycardias today. Minor setback but they are off their bili lights, gaining wait, and their feeding amounts have quadrupled. We need to learn to see the many good things rather than dwell on the one minor bad. Thanks for all those who continue to pray.</span></strong>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-18294028527851946822010-12-02T22:48:00.002-06:002010-12-02T22:56:54.774-06:00Pictoral UpdateThese miracle babies are still doing great. Each day I have just pictures and no worries is a good day. Enjoy the photos.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 480px"><embed height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" src="http://w384.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw384.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo287%2FJaceHills%2FMore from NICU%2Fc3b4a606.pbw" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" /></a><a href="http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo287/JaceHills/More%20from%20NICU/?action=view&current=c3b4a606.pbw" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" /></a></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-26633959933880852312010-12-01T22:23:00.003-06:002010-12-01T22:25:00.685-06:00Non Update Update<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">Hey all. Just wanted to tell you there are no major issues going on at this time. No updates have been flowing because we were without internet last night and busy all day today. Now we are both spent and going to bed. I will hit you all with a lengthy update tomorrow. God bless and good night.</span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">-Jace</span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-75517452659711500812010-11-30T05:48:00.002-06:002010-11-30T05:50:21.626-06:00Update and Pics<span style="color:#993300;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong>During rounds last night they said that these two are "doing as well as expected". They have no major health issues at this time and are doing wonderful. Their bilirubin counts are a bit high, which is normal and are under lights. Other than that they are wonderful. Enjoy more pics.<br /></strong></span><br /></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; WIDTH: 480px"><embed height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" src="http://w384.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw384.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo287%2FJaceHills%2FTwins Black and White 2%2F57a7d439.pbw" wmode="transparent"></embed><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" /></a><a href="http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo287/JaceHills/Twins%20Black%20and%20White%202/?action=view&current=57a7d439.pbw" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px; FLOAT: left; BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px" src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" /></a></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-33354740084446585252010-11-29T11:02:00.001-06:002010-11-29T11:02:53.339-06:00Yet More Pics - Black and White<div style="width:480px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w384.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw384.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo287%2FJaceHills%2FTwins Black and White%2Fcbe0cdbc.pbw" height="360" width="480"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo287/JaceHills/Twins%20Black%20and%20White/?action=view&current=cbe0cdbc.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-77971757437805687532010-11-29T06:14:00.001-06:002010-11-29T06:18:49.551-06:00Grandparents First Visit<div style="width:400px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w384.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw384.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo287%2FJaceHills%2FGrandparents First Visit%2Fd34c395b.pbw" height="300" width="400"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo287/JaceHills/Grandparents%20First%20Visit/?action=view&current=d34c395b.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-61011733018566611412010-11-28T07:00:00.001-06:002010-11-28T07:00:53.497-06:00Introducing Joleigh Faith and Jeremiah Wayne<div style="width:400px; text-align: center;"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" src="http://w384.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http%3A%2F%2Fw384.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Foo287%2FJaceHills%2FJoleigh and Jeremiah%2F136466dc.pbw" height="300" width="400"><a href="http://photobucket.com/slideshows" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a><a href="http://s384.photobucket.com/albums/oo287/JaceHills/Joleigh%20and%20Jeremiah/?action=view&current=136466dc.pbw" target="_blank"><img src="http://pic.photobucket.com/slideshows/btn_viewallimages.gif" style="float:left;border-width: 0;" ></a></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-54025909175019156462010-11-27T22:28:00.000-06:002010-11-27T22:29:57.437-06:00THEY ARE HERE<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;">They are here. NICU. Jeremiah Wayne 2lb 10oz and Joleigh Faith 1lb 15 1/2oz. Thanks for your prayers.</span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-3776457071062557472010-11-27T10:59:00.001-06:002010-11-27T10:59:52.265-06:00Update<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;">Update: Doc just in. She doesn't seemed too concerned over what has been going on. She said "thats why you are here". We know we are here for a reason. God is good and we are in the right place. Than you all for your prayers.</span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-19103966154164513982010-11-27T09:48:00.001-06:002010-11-27T09:48:39.439-06:00Latest Update<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:180%;"><strong>Update: Contractions have slowed down again without the second dose of meds. Pain has decreased and timing is sporadic, not many contractions at all. Thanks for your prayers. </strong></span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-43411422643218089112010-11-27T06:07:00.003-06:002010-11-27T06:15:15.122-06:00Update<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"><strong>No real time to write a whole update so here are my facebook postes for the last few hours:<br /><br />9 Hrs Ago: We could really use some prayer right now. Jen has started contracting again. They are doing monitoring as we speak and just gave her a shot of medicine to stop the progression. I will update when I know more. For now, keep the prayers coming.<br /><br />8 Hrs Ago: Update: Monitoring is over. Contractions are fewer and farer between. They are also not as painful. Keep praying but know they are working.<br /><br />Now: Update: Contractions back again this morning and a little worse pain than last night. Back at 6 min intervals. Jen was given a dose of meds to stop them, same as last night. They will monitor over the next 15 minutes and then if not better give another dose of meds. Will update as I know. Please continue prayers.<br /><br />Please be Praying!<br /><br />-Jace</strong></span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-89171001358869224442010-11-25T13:23:00.003-06:002010-11-25T13:35:57.240-06:00Happy Thanksgiving!<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>We are thankful for God and all that he has provided over this past year. We are thankful for our families, our church family, and our friends. We are thankful for the gracious outpouring of help and support in the last month. Right now especially we are thankful for the docs and nurses and techs and everyone that has a hand in keeping our turkeys in their oven. We are thankful for Carle and everyone here. We could go on and on but one last one, we are thankful for all the people that had to work today at Cracker Barrel and provided our Thanksgiving Day meal. </strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong></strong></span><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>Here are some pictures: </strong></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong></strong></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>Jace slaved all day!<br /></strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuijfA35PH5gmHzoKhqGOqflwxo1L2fSnGdyPqt0CW59zC2Ok97orJGfARRiUjL4zOvXlAwMi9ob1AC8wvg-Xm8bFSQeyp_nPKY3A6iRind6Ux1kkSNYR6jMqE5pOjJf7gXhft6TM1qcg/s1600/ChefJace.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570553234720210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSuijfA35PH5gmHzoKhqGOqflwxo1L2fSnGdyPqt0CW59zC2Ok97orJGfARRiUjL4zOvXlAwMi9ob1AC8wvg-Xm8bFSQeyp_nPKY3A6iRind6Ux1kkSNYR6jMqE5pOjJf7gXhft6TM1qcg/s400/ChefJace.JPG" /></strong></span></div><p align="center"></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>So here is the breakdown from top to bottow, clockwise:</strong></span></p><p align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>Stuffing, sweet potatoes, greenbeans, ham, cranberry sauce, turkey, pumpking-pecan pie, biscuits, hashbrown casserole, and mac and cheese.</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd9emhGu02A84Ee-ieZ000hBPn5GHqoiHO1qjSRHYQKmFxiCoMRbW7satyIucd0p3KD3y4f01junxsLs20iQEJYOhRDusR2Kz3okUT-0FeKziG7S5aA0lz9MPRLEvgUOcSMGcElgk2vuM/s1600/Plate.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570445732903650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd9emhGu02A84Ee-ieZ000hBPn5GHqoiHO1qjSRHYQKmFxiCoMRbW7satyIucd0p3KD3y4f01junxsLs20iQEJYOhRDusR2Kz3okUT-0FeKziG7S5aA0lz9MPRLEvgUOcSMGcElgk2vuM/s400/Plate.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><br />One very happy Momma to be.</strong></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDVxDVSxX2eXWtxJi56JeiIxtFSrwDAM2nrTJ4OELbRXIh6_3sILipncOwhq8otDx9mc0x-to9aTXQQPlxKtJPRaMSrCcKs5UrP30EV0r8im4G-rmPS37AAid8GXYiX1sn_6h7XUZQImu/s1600/JenFood.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570445126436018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDVxDVSxX2eXWtxJi56JeiIxtFSrwDAM2nrTJ4OELbRXIh6_3sILipncOwhq8otDx9mc0x-to9aTXQQPlxKtJPRaMSrCcKs5UrP30EV0r8im4G-rmPS37AAid8GXYiX1sn_6h7XUZQImu/s400/JenFood.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong> One happy Daddy too!</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7if-wl2LP_G9yV1mlR1X4tCPf3uubrCc_gNY4TFMvIzp3az_5RmaiUJ7rni-CaC-GyX9pFydGQ3xAJmaKTfWgA6FTznK305ekCAyVPCiD4fN2Po5jWmxzgrxp1uIIQbzK_ZQnjgYFr1X/s1600/BeforeJace.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570429704676674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7if-wl2LP_G9yV1mlR1X4tCPf3uubrCc_gNY4TFMvIzp3az_5RmaiUJ7rni-CaC-GyX9pFydGQ3xAJmaKTfWgA6FTznK305ekCAyVPCiD4fN2Po5jWmxzgrxp1uIIQbzK_ZQnjgYFr1X/s400/BeforeJace.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><br />Daddy after Dinner</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sggkld5TqpYfTCIAAiFZxUxuYoB4UuGdcaj-VWYZGS8LPTCskfEo8PLIOm3px6pfa5aUzhPZ979WSu5mS9XFvvq3ya0iDr_0wRbNkH-_EcvsY7HzI23wUiRZVC7p4-xjaF_uWObwmc3c/s1600/AfterJace.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570427267384690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sggkld5TqpYfTCIAAiFZxUxuYoB4UuGdcaj-VWYZGS8LPTCskfEo8PLIOm3px6pfa5aUzhPZ979WSu5mS9XFvvq3ya0iDr_0wRbNkH-_EcvsY7HzI23wUiRZVC7p4-xjaF_uWObwmc3c/s400/AfterJace.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong> Jace thinks he should be on bed rest!</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMy_aAGDwa44oUp-t14Ph1CIaQbsaHsGVQSx-6JOFIiF99kYwyOMK2r1ksg8ic3vr3tWBrZJlwRFE_ApMQMfXy4uTx1fIHAQ8M2pXzr9WfqZRWYNZBCbUXwvEb1XEuz_1FzJhpROuIiZR/s1600/BabyBellyJace.JPG"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 224px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543570417657800402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMy_aAGDwa44oUp-t14Ph1CIaQbsaHsGVQSx-6JOFIiF99kYwyOMK2r1ksg8ic3vr3tWBrZJlwRFE_ApMQMfXy4uTx1fIHAQ8M2pXzr9WfqZRWYNZBCbUXwvEb1XEuz_1FzJhpROuIiZR/s400/BabyBellyJace.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><br />We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We definely are enjoying our day. Parade, football, meal, and nap. Enjoy your family and have a great rest of your holiday.</strong></span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;"><strong><span style="color:#993300;">-Jace and Jen<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /></strong></span></p>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-64503339128703466282010-11-23T10:21:00.001-06:002010-11-23T10:36:05.078-06:00Overdue Update<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">So this post might be a little long and involved buts it’s been a while since the whole happy happenings have been reported. Try to stay with me here. No doubt side tracks will occur because days and nights are running into each other. Where to start?<br /><br />How about with yesterday as it marked week 27. WEEK 27…can you guys believe it? One week away from 28, the original milestone. 4 weeks ago we didn’t think we’d still be a family of 2 but rather a full fledge family of 4. Which brings me to another point, you might have noticed I said “original milestone” above. Why? Well Doc advised that he sees no reason why Jen cannot stay stable and unchanged through week 32. Contractions are rare these days, dilation is stalled, and babies are growing so week 32 here we come.<br /><br />Along with that new 32 week goal Jens other Doc mentioned the possibility of being able to be released after that goal is met if no changes happen between now and then. The limiting factor is the 2 hr drive between home and Carle. We will cross that bridge when the times come as for now we just take it day by day.<br /><br />Let’s see, what else. Well, we got another sonogram done yesterday. Turns out the babies are already acting like me, active, shy, and stubborn. 30 minute monitoring at 2pm has been turning into marathon struggles lasting upwards of 3 hours to get 5-10 good minutes of heart beats. Since they are having trouble monitoring them they did another sono yesterday just to verify all is ok. Don’t worry, all is ok. In fact I am pretty sure I saw Girl J smile on camera like they are in cahoots and playing jokes on us. We even got to see them practice breathing on the sonogram. Pretty cool stuff.<br /><br />We had fewer visitors over the weekend which lent itself nicely to a lazy Saturday full on napping and movie marathon watching. Norm and Cinda came Sunday and brought yummy pumpkin bars and Hickory River BBQ.<br /><br />That’s about all for the update portion of this post. Now for the PSA:<br />Thanks to all who have offered to bring us Thanksgiving dinner. We are continued to be overwhelmed by everyone’s gracious and giving hearts. We got it taken care of. Jen and I will be spending Thanksgiving together with wonderful takeout from Cracker Barrel and enjoying each others company, being thankful for everyone and everything that has happened in the past year. People continue to ask what they can do to make our holiday better. Here is what you can do…enjoy your family. Sit around the table, the tv, the church, and the backyard and just be together. Through complications our life has simplified and let us focus on what’s really important. Enjoy what’s really important this holiday season. OK, I will step off my box now.<br /><br />Oh, and if you are wondering why no “View from the 11th Floor” pics lately? It’s dark when I rise and dark when I return back so it would just be a black square so I will spare you. Have a great Tuesday…which reminds me it’s been 1 month here at Carle. Time flies when you’re having fun.<br /><br />-Jace</span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-57313333628754897292010-11-21T09:13:00.006-06:002010-11-21T09:27:15.241-06:00View From the 11th Floor<div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong>Today's view show a couple interesting buildings off in the distance. Not sure what either of them are but they are prominent in the scenery out our easterly window. </strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong></strong></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542024232073369714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yuNLqNdErK1syLhsoWRfdQI4znNnFoZZnhT5Zr-HDcoEHs73SYQTCdh0nhVgrdpMo7B_UjqpjN59tqH4vN9eYcFDT0lCkijnnS4L0U_ndyDdOMRMfmPZmq53jIGjl9DdtPeEBkvKfWT/s400/IMG_3035.JPG" /><br /></strong></span><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eBZcbIBYpdWATRmDYp1Xu5JkR-Yifbw27VccvmdmU1YKVuLDvkZ31C7x3c_Oxk2eTfSa7rdhSUHVE_aeDxzTD030FvoaKI0MPSQW1GTFUc0PLypTXXLZBmi7ig8qmrcqCFk-SXd5-xiz/s1600/IMG_3037.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542021776299747730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9eBZcbIBYpdWATRmDYp1Xu5JkR-Yifbw27VccvmdmU1YKVuLDvkZ31C7x3c_Oxk2eTfSa7rdhSUHVE_aeDxzTD030FvoaKI0MPSQW1GTFUc0PLypTXXLZBmi7ig8qmrcqCFk-SXd5-xiz/s400/IMG_3037.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><br /><br /></strong></span><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#993300;"><strong>Below Jen just wanted to show everyone her favorite thing...READING. </strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#993300;"><strong>Here she is about to finish book number 15. </strong></span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#993300;"><strong>Hardback, softcover, electronic...she doesn't discriminate.<br /></strong></span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKzprDp_TGubxKcm5YYd4RjgC2tjw44HOBebnL5VAMFXdtp4GgFE5C4FT098Ac9_aP2VYCjCyHx7P4bZQR1d3shfnHOeOTMYMd27KqS91XEntke4tVOF9VIqMqi1j-mBQzGqRnI-Zsmbt/s1600/IMG_3034.JPG"><span style="font-size:130%;color:#993300;"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 425px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 249px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542021724542846978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKzprDp_TGubxKcm5YYd4RjgC2tjw44HOBebnL5VAMFXdtp4GgFE5C4FT098Ac9_aP2VYCjCyHx7P4bZQR1d3shfnHOeOTMYMd27KqS91XEntke4tVOF9VIqMqi1j-mBQzGqRnI-Zsmbt/s400/IMG_3034.JPG" /></strong></span></a><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;"> Jen had a few contractions during monitoring both last night and again this morning. While nobody is alarmed, as they went away with bathroom relief or adjusting sides, we'd just rather not having in so specific prayer for that would be wonderful. All in all we are gearing up for another blessed Sunday. I hope your is too! </span></span></strong></span></div><p><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">-Jace</p><div align="center"><br /><br /></span><br /><br /></div></span></strong></span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-2802539924910784102010-11-20T20:57:00.003-06:002010-11-20T21:07:36.419-06:00View From the 11th Floor<div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Since no real updates are streaming in I will be sharing randomness from here. This is the view from Jens room. It over looks a park. Enjoy!</strong></span></div><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541831930076900114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6lHh4hUxgnMZhvcoUO8t9uptO6xfXNd70I3IpkXTsJZos46pNQTBX8Z643gLeI3njLN7iVstEUrfWNqRWOjKe-QMlWkeHM2I493brlMcDyvEFf8FS85BDqcotFv3knTPMt04Y9Yv-Yshv/s400/IMG_3026.JPG" /></strong><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"><strong>Oh and someone wanted to say Hi! Figured after almost four weeks of exile you might be forgetting what she looks like. Here she is, in her bed. She has become a nurse favorite around here because of her good attitude and friendly face. We are getting settled.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZqNQEUokDLjXdYoci-lG79xn4oNDflcEvLT2c7j2y-itJ7LPuuZL2vEpY1wi5WAUDo1n1HMcmNXj28PKNUW5DiBsrfFditNAgiK_BLf75TjGZbyZJFIZ7LeUuNkC_Vxj-HhapSZ5qJwv/s1600/IMG_3029.JPG"><strong><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541831938955801634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZqNQEUokDLjXdYoci-lG79xn4oNDflcEvLT2c7j2y-itJ7LPuuZL2vEpY1wi5WAUDo1n1HMcmNXj28PKNUW5DiBsrfFditNAgiK_BLf75TjGZbyZJFIZ7LeUuNkC_Vxj-HhapSZ5qJwv/s400/IMG_3029.JPG" /></strong></a><strong><span style="font-family:courier new;"> <span style="color:#ff6600;">Hope you enjoyed the pics. Also, only update from this week besides new weights...is well...a new wait! Doc says no reason why she cant stay right like this until week 32. That means 32 is finally the new 28! Everyone have a blessed day!</span></span></strong></div><p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"><strong></strong></span> </p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#ff6600;"><strong>-Jace</strong></span></p><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /></div>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-19526985329513060062010-11-16T15:35:00.001-06:002010-11-16T15:37:11.273-06:00Babies UpdateSonogram was today. Our daughter now weighs in at 1lb 12oz and our son at 2lbs 2oz. Jens cervix is the same and dilation remains the same. All praises!<br /><br />-JaceJacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-28816817555876549842010-11-15T08:23:00.002-06:002010-11-15T08:27:36.938-06:00Week 26 Mark<span style="font-family:courier new;">I realize these updates are coming few and far between but that is because everything is steady. Nothing has happened in the last two weeks. When the doc does rounds the conversation turns towards changing leaves, cinema, and cafeteria rather that contractions, complications, and cause for concern. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">Since I cannot update you on what’s not been going on I will give a few updates on what has:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:courier new;">We were visited by many family, church family, and friends during the latter part of last week and extending through the weekend. Always helps pass the time with people that care about you and people you care about.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;">I was able to complete two whole pages in the Disney Princess coloring book, though my green Prince Eric did not pass Jen’s inspection.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;">At last count Jen had read 12 books in these three weeks and was on 13 when I left this morning. Read count will probably be 13 and well on its way to 14 by the time I get back.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;">Every nurse and doctor comments on the numerous cards, notes, pictures, and flowers that adorn Jens windowsill, cubbies, and cabinets. One even said coming into her room was the highlight of her day. Thanks to all that have sent things. Your caring thoughts are appreciated and won’t be forgotten. </span></li></ul><span style="font-family:courier new;">Today marks week 26. Two more and we are breathing a little easier but the more the merrier when it comes to days in the cooker. When we were admitted at week 23 we thought no way we’d see 24 or 25 let alone 26…now we cannot wait to mark 27+ off the calendar. God is marvelous and has a plan. Its been interesting watching that plan unfold. Thanks again to everyone who has prayed, is praying, and will continue to prayer. Your prayers, thoughts, and kindness are well received and highly appreciated.<br /><br />-Jace</span>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-83851405572567698692010-11-12T09:18:00.003-06:002010-11-12T09:19:59.869-06:00UpdateJust realized I posted request and no report. Jen passed her GTT and is no longer considered at risk for diabetic. She can eat whatever she wants now and can order of the normal menu. The sonogram was cancelled because the docs new the babies were healthy, as they montitor them once a day, and they know her cervix is already gone. That means the sonogram would show them nothing they didn't already know so it was cancelled. All praises.<br /><br />-JaceJacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-188090958250334534.post-46453926377302720272010-11-10T06:39:00.003-06:002010-11-10T07:32:31.233-06:00Prayers Today<span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">Asking again for specific prayers for today:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">Please pray for the babies today as they do a sonograom to check their size. Praying for bigger, stronger, healthier babies. Also prayer for no progression in regards to Jen's dilation during the sonogram.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">Please pray for Jen also as she has a GTT (glucose tolerence test). Its a test where she doesn't get to eat for a while then has to drink this less than good tasting liquid. Then they test to see what her glucose reading is. If its low she risks going back on the diabetic diet. Lets pray that doesn't happen.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">Pray for Buffy Brooks as she is at Mayo right now preparing for surgery.</span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">You all have been great and God is hearing and acting upong your prayers. Keep them coming.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:courier new;color:#003300;">-Jace</span></p>Jacehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05876464058346099114noreply@blogger.com0