Family Blog

Surgery Re-Connection April - June 2006

April 11th, It was my birthday and I just relaxed with the boys and daddy. April 15th, We all traveled to Columbus, GA. to visit my family. The boys were very excited to see their grandma and grandpa. It took them no time to fit right in. They began to play and absorb the environment. Daddy returned back to Atlanta to work while the boys and I stayed in Columbus. There was not a day that went by that someone did not come and see the boys. From aunts, uncles, great-aunts to great-uncles they got a visit. Perfect strangers came to see the boys also. They just smiled and seemed as if they had known all of them. My niece Brianna was such a major help during the two weeks. She helped me with the babies baths, food and whatever I needed. I don't think it would have been as easy if Brianna was not there. The babies absolutely loved her. Brianna would go to school and ask her mom to drop her off with the boys so that she could help. It was a great lift off of my busy schedule. Every day that my mom came from school, she called the boys and they began to jump up to see her face. Grandpa taught them how to make a growling sound and Victor practiced it every day with him. Great Grandma was holding the babies after a few days and helping as well. I tell all of my family that there is no sitting without helping out with the boys. There is always something to be done. After a few days, I was allowed to go fishing. WHAT A TREAT! My dad and grandmother went to a beautiful lake and I just really watched the beautiful trees and water. We caught only a few small fish. It was just fun and great to get out of the house. After about 4 days, Victor was walking around the house like he owned it. CJ was just in heaven to be in front of the television. We went out a few times for dinner and enjoyed all the people that asked about the twins. Overall, this was a great time to get away from home. The boys had a great time and we began to miss home. April 27th. Once we got back home, the boys settled right in. They acted like they had not even left home. They played with daddy for several days and just enjoyed his tall stature. Both boys began to speak a lot more words and they were both going nuts to get out of the house more. Daddy started to walk the boys every evening to get them out of the house. They loved every minute of it. April 28th, CJ had an appointment with Dr. Cole. His feeds were increased by 2cc's and he was on for an extra hour. Dr. Cole did not want CJ losing too much weight before his surgery for re-connection. Other than that he is doing great. April 29th-May 11th, the boys are doing great. CJ will not be still and is learning to roll over and catch himself to reach for things. He is slowly beginning to eat a few things but is very scared. He will take a few steps when you hold him up to walk. He has only pulled his ng tube out once since he returned home. WOO HOO! Victor, of course is walking and now talking back. He is playing more with his brother but still wants to hit him. Both babies call Dada before he even walks through the door from work. Victor knows the sound of his car alarm and says dada immediately when he hears it. Thanks everyone for such a great time at home.

May 2006

May 12-22, we have been taking the boys out of the house more. They are so great in public places. Victor and CJ are used to taking a stroll with Maurice. He takes them at least 4 times a week after work and on the weekends. The boys are growing more and more. May 23rd, we noticed that CJ had been obviously pulling on his stoma. His colostomy bag was full of blood and his rash was very irritated. I had to immediataly pray for strength before Maurice and I changed his bag. I hate the site of blood and it had to be done. We watched CJ all night and he was just fine after he went to sleep. CJ on the other hand ate a half a jar of sweet potatoes. We were so very happy. Victor of course is eating everything that we are and walking like he owns that house. Both boys are talking a lot more and learning to count and say their A,B,C's. May 26th, CJ had an appointment with Dr. Cole. Everything went well and Dr. Cole stated that he thinks that CJ is ready for surgery. We are waiting for the actual surgeon to make the final call though. Victor had his blood drawn for a zinc study and he was a great sport. May 27th, The morning started with CJ and his physical therapy. He did so great. He is learning how to pull himself up to standing and does pretty well sitting up on a stool. He is really learning to much from Mrs. Tessa (his PT). We all went to an outdoor festival and the Mayor of the town came to see the babies and had a conversation with us. I thought this was really nice. We heard music and daddy dedicated a song to us. It was nice to get out of the house on such a beautiful day. May 28th, I think that we were all trying to catch colds. Maurice and I started to take meds to get rid of the symptoms. We also gave the babies meds for runny noses and slight fevers. May 29th, We spent the morning preparing the babies and it was time to finish cooking dinner for the holiday. I am so glad that Maurice knows how to cook everything. It makes it much easier for me. We invited their granddaddy Berto over for dinner. The boys really enjoyed just watching him. I fed Victor some of his great grandmas candied yam recipe. I got a few mmmmm's and ahhhhh's and some really sweet kisses afterwards. I think he really enjoyed the food. Over all, we are all doing pretty well and looking forward to a date for CJ's surgery. May 30th, everyone had a good day. CJ was a little upset because his stoma was bleeding and has a rash around it. We started him on a new med for the itching. He is still waking us up at around 3-5 am crying from the rash. Victor had left over sweet potatoes and of course gave me a huge kiss. It just makes me laugh to see how he reacts to southern cooked food.

June 2006

Surgery Re-connection

June 1st, We got great news from Dr. Cole, He feels that CJ is ready for surgery. We contacted Dr. Parkers office and they agree. June 3rd and 4th, CJ has been so very active and the rash on his stoma is really bothering him. We have started a new medication for his rash to help him sleep and relax. Victor is doing great as always but has a slight temp. I think the boys are catching a little bug. Daddy and I have had to change CJs colostomy bag at least 3 times per day. June 6th, we found out that CJ will have to go and get an enema and be checked to make sure that he is ready for surgery. I remember this feeling when CJ was first born except that he is stronger and older now. June 7th, it was a pretty crazy day. The boys I think wanted to get out of the house. They are getting used to the sun and fresh air. June 8th, we got up early to get CJ to the hospital for his xray to see if he is ready for surgery. It seemed as if everything was great so we will see. I should know a definative answer no later than tomorrow. He was so uncomfortable because they shot die into his rectum. YUCK! He was a great sport though. I think that little CJ is on his way to his first recovery milestone. I will keep ya posted. June 20-28 CJ is pooping very well and is just doing awesome. He is eating a little more than a tablespoon by mouth and makes a lot of noise when Victor eats in front of him. Its his way of saying "mommie gimme some of that stuff brother is eating". His feeds are back to the thirty caloric formula and at 54cc per hour for only 11.2 hours. Only 11 hours to go and he should be eating and drinking everything by mouth. NO MORE NG SOON. Please just keep on praying out there. This is all nothing smaller than a miracle. Victor is having little fits and jerking for attention. I think he is jealous that his brother is back. On the other hand, Victor loves kissing his brother and yearns to play with him more. We can not let them play together without getting right next to them because Victor does not know the strength in his hands. He loves to hit his brother and I think that it is just him trying to play with CJ. June 29th, Hopefully today, CJ will get his very first tub bath. We will keep you all posted.