Alyssa's surgery went well for her ear tubes. She did not want to do it...she told me over and over but didn't fight too much. Grandma Miklik was there so that helped a lot. She had some crafts to do while we were waiting. That helped also. After her surgery, she was in pain but once the tylenol kicked in and the puple popsicle, she was much better. We were getting ready to leave and I asked her if I could stay and sleep in the bed for a couple of days. Alyssa turned to me and said very matter of fact, "This is not a hotel". We got a good chuckle out of that.

While she was in surgery, Mike was at the specialist with Emma for her ears. She has what is called Keritin Pearls. I'm sure I didn't spell that right. She will need surgery to remove them. She will also need a CTscan to see if they go into the ear drum and see if there are some on the "mast"????? This is all second hand from Mike. So I think that won't be until February.

So Alyssa has her surgery next week for her facial reconstruction. I'm not ready for that now but I should be by then. Please keep her in your prayers.

What a week! Full of updates...

After spending 5 hours at the hospital Monday, we found out that Emma's kidneys are improving enough that they don't want to see us for another year. Usually it is 6 months. Her kidneys are growing. She was also very positive in saying that she did not think that Emma would need growth hormones but that she would grow in her own time and at her own rate. She said most patients like Emma will just take off when they are ready. Very encouraging!

We also had her 18 month checkup and she has gained a pound since November 19th. Looks like we need to continue the formula and rice cereal. She is at 15 lb. 9 oz. Olivia is at 23 lbs.

Emma took 4 steps a week ago with the visiting nurse. I think she will be walking very soon. Won't that be a day!!!!

Alyssa had her plastic surgeon appointment. We are very encouraged to see what he will be doing and seeing the before and after pictures. I know this will be a hard surgery to get through but I know Alyssa will benefit in the long run. We will be needing to do crafts over Christmas to keep her from rough play. : )

Alyssa's ear surgery is Monday, Dec. 14th. He will be putting in another set of ear tubes. This should be minor and she will hopefully be back at school the next day. There is a Christmas party she really wants to go to. So let's keep our fingers crossed.

Emma had some findings in her ear exam and we are now going to be going to a specialist for her Monday morning. We will be seeing if she needs surgery. I don't know much about what is wrong but I will inform you as soon as I understand what the problem is. They also found fluid on Emma's ears so I'm not sure if they are considering ear tubes also...we'll see...

We will also be checking Loren's hearing. Why not? Maybe we should just have myself and Olivia tested too that way the whole family can go to the ENT. : ) There just gets to a point where you have to joke, otherwise you will cry. Yesterday, when we found out that Emma had ear problems too, I felt like I was trying to eat what was on my plate and someone was just loading on more food. Here I am trying to resolve the issues we are dealing with and here is someone else just loading more on. So Mike will be taking Emma on Monday while I am with Alyssa during surgery.

I heard great news today of some old school friends of mine that are pregnant with twin girls...they also had TTTS and just had surgery and their babies survived when there was no chance just like ours. Praise God!!!

Great day...

What a day!!!!

We had a home visit with the nurse. Last week, Emma weighed 14 lb. 10 oz. This time she weighed 15 lb. 6 oz. Awesome improvement!!!! The formula must be helping. Anyone that has extra Enfamil coupons, please send them my way.
So then she is just playing around and she is standing by the trunk. She turns and starts walking to the nurse...she took 4 steps. I could not believe my eyes. I think my jaw hit the floor. : ) Then she crawled over by the door and stood on the rug for about 10 seconds all by herself not holding onto anything. Little showoff!!!!! I've never seen her do any of that. I'm so proud of her. She really is a fighter and she proves it everyday. I love good days and steps forward. Keep them coming Emma!!

Getting excited...

I'm getting excited to see family - Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm really having fun this year finding presents for people. : ) We have some surgeries coming up. Alyssa's ear surgery is now scheduled for December 21st at 3:30 p.m. Her reconstructive plastic surgery is still scheduled for Christmas Eve. I'm trying to think of a good present to give her in the hospital. Let me know if you think of any good ideas.
Emma and Olivia's surgery for their eyes is January 7th.

We started Emma on two breathing treatments and we are hoping this will help her lungs. She has lost weight...we are now at 14 lb. 10 oz. So we are starting her back on formula. Frustrating but we will do what it takes. She is growing length wise so that is great news!!!

Olivia just woke up from her nap so I must get going.
Love you all and thanks for being with us along this journey. We have appreciated all of you and your prayers and support. We couldn't have done this without you.
Love,
Bethany

Surgery, surgery and more surgeries...

We had Alyssa's cleft clinic last week and found that she has fluid behind her ears and is not hearing well because of it. She will need her 5th set of tubes put in and we have it scheduled for December 14th as of right now. She will also be having some reconstructive plastic surgery on Christmas Eve. This will take 3 1/2 hours and she will have to be very careful for 3 weeks not to bump her nose and lip.

Today I took the twins to the eye doctor. They both need surgery and that is scheduled for January 7th. They have blocked tear ducts. So we have 4 surgeries within the next two months.

Ending with that, it has been a long day and I'm tired.
Good night to all!
Bethany

Museum

Last weekend we had a bit of a breather. I think that is really what we needed. We took the twins to my parents and Mike and I took the older two to the Children's Museum in Indy. It was really great and I think the girls just soaked up our attention. Then we stayed in Kokomo for the weekend for Tom's birthday party.

I guess sometimes I just need to break down to feel better. Letting all those emotions and stress out probably helped.

A few updates...Alyssa's eye is not improving so she will be fitted for a contact next week. She will wear this along with the patch. So we'll see. We are down to our last options. Emma is up to 14 lb. 13 oz. I'll be very glad when she breaks 15 lb. They will be 1 and a half years old on Nov. 22nd. Olivia is 22 lb. 13 oz. So they are exactly 8 lbs. apart. I hope that Emma starts walking soon. They will be back in a short while to evaluate her again and we might have to start up therapy. We'll see...

Enjoy the pictures!!