Little David William needs your prayers

[ynotamerican]

Mindy and Bubby (Bubby'sGarage on the bulletin board) became the proud parents of David William Flinders this past Saturday. David William was born prematurely and weighed in at only 1 lb. and 4 oz. He is breathing on his own and is fighting for his life. Mindy and David William are at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati as is Bubby too at this time. Their other son, Alix, is being taken care of by others in the family and is doing well. Please keep Mindy, little David William, and the whole family in your prayers. Thanks, TONY

[Foxy]

You got it Tony.

[lauralee]

absolutely Tony, Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Prayer changes things.

[kybikertrash]

I'll Keep them in my prayers.

BTW, all three of my children were born at Good Sam (as was I) and they have an exceptional facility for neo-natal care.

The NICU there is awesome. I have been there on several occassions and I'm sure that David William is getting the best care available.

[acoolmom777]

For sure...will put them on prayer list at church too...

[chevy]

Always in my Prayers. Hope everything turns out alright.

[nickleahevan]

I pray that the family and child will make it through all of their hardships. It is hard for any parent to watch their child suffer from anything.

[Sledgehammer6869]

Yes Tony these people are personally my friends also and prayers DO make a difference, they are deffinately in mine. Keep all posted as we are concerned.Thanks

[alixlynn04]

I want to thank you all for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. David is doing well and probably won't be able to come home till April. It will be a rough road and so far everything is going good (but it can all change overnight). I know that prayers are what we need to help David get strong and to keep us strong in our journeys back and forth to the city each day. It is hard to explain just how small David is so look at it this way. He weighs almost as much as a 20 oz bottle of pop. He will have good days and bad days but that is expected when he was born 14 weeks early. Once again thank you all (the people on this board are just like family to us) for the prayers and thoughts and please keep them coming.

Mindy, Larry, Alix, and David Flinders Jr.
alixlynn04 and bubbysgarage
(Mindy has her computer at the hospital with her)

[GirlColumbo]

You got it TOny, prayers from my house to yours. I have twin relatives that were premies, their little diapers would fit a baby doll. Andrew the oldest is one huge adult now, you would never guess he was born prematue. It was a scary time back 25 years ago when he was born, but prayers and faith are what got his family through those hard times.

[bubbysgarage]

Hello to all and just wanted to update everyone on how David is doing. He weighed 590 grams (1lb 5oz) last night. If you are having a hard time understanding how light that is pick up an unopened 20 oz bottle of pop, that is all he weighs and he is 12 inches long. We have a long and rough road ahead of us (he probably won't come home till April) and all the prayers we can get will help. Our family isn't the type who usually go asking for help, we usually give help out, but in this case we would love all the prayers we can get. So far he is on the right track but as with any road you travel there will be bumps. We are asking for prayers for David and for our safety as we travel to Cincinnati and back.

Thank you all again,

The Flinders'
Larry, Mindy, Alix, and David

[nickleahevan]

Hello to all and just wanted to update everyone on how David is doing. He weighed 590 grams (1lb 5oz) last night. If you are having a hard time understanding how light that is pick up an unopened 20 oz bottle of pop, that is all he weighs and he is 12 inches long. We have a long and rough road ahead of us (he probably won't come home till April) and all the prayers we can get will help. Our family isn't the type who usually go asking for help, we usually give help out, but in this case we would love all the prayers we can get. So far he is on the right track but as with any road you travel there will be bumps. We are asking for prayers for David and for our safety as we travel to Cincinnati and back.
Thank you all again,
The Flinders'
Larry, Mindy, Alix, and David

Everybody needs help sometimes. All of us here just hope that our prayers help. God bless you and your little ones.

[darkangelsblade]

My family will be praying for you and yours in hopes that he will get to come home sooner than what they expect him too. My child attends St. Patrick school and I will let her teacher know so that the whole school can say a prayer for you all too. God Bless and keep the faith. God never puts anymore on you than what you can handle. There is a purpose for everything God does.

God Bless and be safe.

[GirlColumbo]

Hey Chuck......Can we keep this post at the top of the list?

[darkangelsblade]

I think it would be a great idea if everyone would send an e-mail to all your friends asking them to keep the Flinders family in their prayers. Do you know how many people that would be praying to God for that wonderful child of his. I was once told that God lends us his children to teach them and watch them grow into adults. He can take the same way he gave. Yes our children are ours to teach and help spread the word of God down here on earth but really we are all God's children. I know I sent an e-mail to all of my friends and asked them to send it to all of their friends. I bet if we listen real close we would be able to here everyone praying to God.
Well this was just a thought. Thanks for reading and listening to me ramble on. lolol

[bubbysgarage]

I want to thank everyone for their prayers for David. He is doing so well right now. They have increased his feeding to 3cc every 3 hours. His weight continues to jump around but that is to be expected. He has weighed as much as 590grams (1lb and 5oz) to as little as 540grams (1lb and 3oz). They are weighing him in grams because it is more accurate than weighing him in pounds and ounces. He gets weighed every evening between 8 and 9 and his weight on Sunday evening was 590 grams. The Dr. told us to expect 2 steps forward and 1 step back and so far he has made all steps forward. I know that he will have his step back sooner or later, but hopefully if we keep the prayers coming he will keeping making steps forward and we won't have any steps back. As of right now we just take it day by day.

Once again thank you for all your prayers and please don't stop praying, it is helping.

Thank you,

Larry, Mindy, Alix, and David Flinders

[Foxy]

Thank you for the update! God be with you! I am thrilled to hear the news!

[darkangelsblade]

God works in mysterious ways and hopefully he will keep on helping you and your family. Please don't stop updateing us on this we would like to know how he is doing. Our prayers are will you and him. God Bless and be safe.

You can honestly say you have a God sent child with you and his life will be very special to all that knows and is around him.

[GirlColumbo]

Little David William, oh, Little David William, this is the BBS Bunch, and we are all out here in cyberland praying for you!!! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers each morning and night.

[bubbysgarage]

I figured you all would like another update. He is doing wonderful. They have increased his feedings to 6cc every 3 hours. He is breathing 21% oxygen (which is what we breath) at 2 liters per nasal cannula. He currently weighes 640 grams or 1 pound and 7 ounces and has held that weight for 24 hours. They weigh him between 8 and 9 every evening. On Monday the 23rd they did a routine head ultrasound to see if there is any bleeding in his brain and the scan came back CLEAR. So to put it in a sentence he is doing wonderful right now. Like I said before the prayers are helping so please don't quit praying.

Once again to our "cyber" family Thank You.

Mindy

[lauralee]

That's wonderful news and so good to hear. My prayers continue.

[darkangelsblade]

That is GREAT! We will keep you in our prayers always and forever.
God will help that bundle of joy to be a great person in life.
God Bless and we hope everything continues to progress.

[bubbysgarage]

Just to let everyone know I posted pictures in the Photo Gallery under David William Flinders. This way I can also keep you up to date on what he looks like as I'm sure some of you would like to see.

[Daphne]

Glad to know that he is doing well. Hope the progress continues. So glad that you posted pics, I got tears in my eyes just knowing how tiny he actually is will keep in you in our prayers.

[Foxy]

Thanks for the update! Glad to hear he is doing so well!!

*Where are the pictures?*

[bubbysgarage]

The pictures are in the Photo Gallery under David William Flinders. The link is up by the Arcades and the link to the pictures is near the bottom of the page.

[lauralee]

so precious, bless his heart, I have never seen such a beautiful baby that small, thanks for sharing your pictures, my prayers continue

[darkangelsblade]

Our prayers will always continue for that little bundle of joy. I don't know about anyone else but I really appreciate the pictures of him. Now I can see who I am praying for. He has a purpose on earth that only God knows about but he is so precious. God please keep this little one in your care. Ask and pray for this in Jesus name. Amen.

[bubbysgarage]

Just another update. He is still 1 pound 7 ounces or 650 grams. They increased his feedings to 10cc every 3 hours and he is still on a nasal cannula. Other than that not much has changed. They hope to have his PICC (IV) line removed by the first of the week unless they need to leave it in for some reason. I have posted 3 more pictures and they will probably show up on Friday sometime. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers and I will keep you updated in writing and with pictures.

[bubbysgarage]

Just an update on David. He is doing ok his weight has topped 670 grams (1# 8oz) on Sat night but on Sunday night it was down to 640 grams (1# 7oz) which is normal. The had his feedings up to 13cc and had to decrease them on Sun to 12cc because he kept spitting up. The only other odd thing he does is get to comfortable and he forgets to breathe resulting in a desat, where his oxygen level drops. He is still on nasal cannula at 24-30% (21% is room air, what we breathe). The good thing is when his oxygen level drops he is bringing it up on his own and they don't have to do anything which is a good thing. The little things he does (like spit up and when his oxygen level drops) is normal of a preemie. I just thought I would let you all know what has happened since it has been a while since my last update. Thank you for your prayers and God Bless each of you who is and has prayed because it has helped.

[lauralee]

Thank you for taking the time to update us. God bless your little fellow and your family. All we can do in this life, some times, is take baby steps and little David is doing just that. Prayers are always with you.

[darkangelsblade]

Thanks for the updates on little David and thanks for the updated photos too.
God Bless and take care. We will always have him and you all in our prayers.
The Power of God is wonderful.

[GirlColumbo]

We are still praying for you little David William.

[bubbysgarage]

Hello to all and sorry its been so long there just hasn't been much to report till now. His weight is at 660 grams or 1 pound 7 ounces. They called from the hospital this afternoon and said that he quit breathing for a moment and they had to give him emergency breaths by a mask. He was on regular nasal cannula at 1 liter for his oxygen and when he had his spell of not breathing they did a chest x-ray and found both his lungs to be partially collapsed. They have in turn put him back on his Cpap. He is getting 12cc of breast milk over a 2 hour span, but they start his feedings every 3 hours. So in contrast he goes one hour without getting milk. He was getting 13cc but he started spitting some of it back up at the nurses so they reduced it by 1cc and what a difference it has made (he quit spitting up). Well I'll continue to keep you updated as things change. But right now I am hoping for prayers and thoughts and lots of them. I don't want to beg but prayers are greatly appreciated at this point. Thank you all once again.

[lauralee]

Never feel your are asking too much, when asking for prayers. God loves us so much, the more we pray I think, the stronger we feel. God bless your family. Thank you for the update.

[bubbysgarage]

After David's rough day on Thursday he is doing much better Friday. His weight went up to 690 grams or 1pound 8ounces. He now weighs 23ounces total, so we can now say he weighs more than a bottle of pop. We think that before when his weight kept dropping it was because he was using all the energy he had to breathe and now that he is back on his Cpap he is using less energy to breathe and he is just relaxing. We went up and saw him Friday afternoon and they had him bundled up so I didn't get any real good pics but as soon as I do I'll post them for you all. Thank you for your prayers and they actually are working. So keep up the good work and you all have my permission to tell anyone you would like that if they want to pray for us please do, we need all the prayers we can get. If any of you would like you can post or private message a prayer to me and I will take it to the hospital and post it at his bed. Right now prayer is all we have and is what is keeping our family strong. Sorry for rambling on but I'll continue to keep you all updated (and from the looks of things my updates will continue for a long while as long as you all are interested and from what I can see you are). Thank you all once again and keep up the prayers.

[darkangelsblade]

Please keep us updated. If noone else wants to know please keep me updated.
I have been praying and telling alot of my friends and relatives about it too. He is on the prayer list of every church in town I think. I don't know about anyone else but I sure would like to see the littleone when he gets home. I will do anything to help you when you do get him home if you want me too.

GOD Please be with this family and little David too. Please help the family to be safe in their journey back and forth to the hospital and give them the strength to go on. You have little David in a safe and helping environment to get him on the road to recovery. Please be with him too and help him develop and keep progressing. We appreciate what all you have done for us and we know that with you all things are possible but without you we have nothing.
We ask and pray for this in Jesus name. In the name of the Father, Son, and HolySpirit. AMEN

[lauralee]

Yes thank you for the updates and please keep giving them. I showed the pictures to my 2 daughters Thursday and they said he was so precious and they would also ask for prayers for him. I have 3 grandbabies ages 4,2 and 2 and one due any time now, so as you can see we're really into babies and we know our lives are in God's loving hands. God bless you and your wife and have safe travel as you are on the road alot.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok, time for another update. On Sat night he stayed at 690 grams and Sat morning they increased his feedings to 14cc from 12cc. His oxygen rate dropped a couple of times in the evening but after a good suction of his mouth and nose his oxygen rate went back up where it should be. We will be going down to see him Sunday morning sometime and I will give you another update if anything changes. Hopefully I can get some good pictures while we are there and if I do you know I'll post them for you all.

[lauralee]

Thanks and have a safe trip.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok are you ready for your update? Actually there really isn't much to update other than his weight is up to 710grams or 1 pound and 9 ounces, and he is 13 inches long. He is still on his high flow nasal cannula at 3 liters. He is tolerating his 14cc feedings. Not really much has changed other than his weight has gone up. So far so good. This just shows that prayers really do help. David's nurses think it is wonderful that there are so many of you out there who care and pray for a child that you don't really know. But, I think a lot of you feel close to him, just through my updates and pictures, even though you don't know him or our family personally. I would love to arrange a meeting for those of you who would like to meet him when he comes home. I think I know of two who would do their best to be there, just because of the connection you have with him and I through this wonderful website. In closing keep up the good work with the prayers and update anyone who you know is praying for us, so they know their prayers are working. Thank you and God Bless.

[lauralee]

Wow, good for the little fellow. I pray he gets a big appetite and starts eating you out of house and home. :) Most boys do. I have a brother named David, love that name. Thank you for the up dates, prayer is amazing and I know it works. Keep safe of your travels.

[bubbysgarage]

I know its been a few days since my last update but all is well. On the 9th they had to give him a blood transfusion of 11cc. He was a little anemic and the doctors think that is why his oxygen rate kept dropping. He had gotten a little pale but since they have given him blood he is doing much better. It is 11pm on Sunday the 12th and his weight is at 800grams or 1pound 12 ounces. They increased his feeding to 16cc at 6am this morning. We went up and saw him today and I took pictures so as soon as I get unlazy (not sure if it is a word or not) I'll post them. He is still 13inches long and doing wonderful. I will let you all know when I post more pictures or you can just keep checking back in the gallery. Thanks for the prayers and thoughts and please keep up the good work.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok, Ok, I got unlazy and posted 5 or 6 pictures. They will appear whenever Chuck gets a chance. (I know he is really busy).

[Chuck]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. You got allot on your plate right now my friend so we know you're not lazy.

God speed to you and yours my friend.

[lauralee]

Yes, take it easy and grab a little rest for yourselves here and there. When that little man gets home you'll be plenty busy. Take care and thanks for the updates.

[darkangelsblade]

Thanks for the update. You are not lazy just overwhelmed with worry. God will take care of everything. He has this far and will continue to. God Bless you and keep you safe.

[GirlColumbo]

bubbysgarage we all truly appreciate you taking the time to keep us posted on little David's fight for life. I think of your little family and how hard it must be to try to get through each day, and I continue to keep you in my prayers.
The power of prayer is all around you and your family.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok just another quick update. He gained 50grams and that puts him at 850grams or 1 pound and 14 ounces. Just 2 more ounces and he will weigh 2 pounds even. Don't forget to keep him in your prayers as they have worked for the past month. A note from our family to yours Happy Valentines Day to all and yep he will be one month old at 12:55pm on Valentines Day. As I look back over the last month it really doesn't seem like it has been that long since I had him (as any of you with kids know, time flys). So when you finish lunch today say a prayer for David as this proves that prayers do help. We made it a month and hopefully with prayer we will continue to have many more months that we celebrate his birth. Thank you all and keep up the good work.

[lauralee]

yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY That's great news. Prayers are still coming your way. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAY to David for a month of hard work. Take care and have a great day.

[bubbysgarage]

Just an update to let you all know that David grew another 10grams to put him at 860grams which is still 1pound 14ounces. I have a few pictures to post of David and his Daddy sleeping together. I also have one that if you look close enough you can see the "birthday" hat one of his nurses on night shift made him. Its cute. Well I had better get to posting pictures and then its off to bed for me. Thank you all for your prayers and as always keep up the good work. Mindy

[lauralee]

Thank you so much Mindy for taking the time to post the pictures. I can tell a big difference from when he was born. Seeing him gives me an even deeper appreciation of prayers. Take care of yourself too. Looks like he's got lots of hair and love those big eyes. My heart is full. Love Lauralee

[bubbysgarage]

David finally hit the 2 pound mark and is 900 grams. He is tolerating his feedings well. Just thought I would let you all how he is doing by giving you a quick update.

As always keep up the good work (this proves that Prayers work).

Mindy

[lauralee]

Yeah!!!!!!!! keep it up little fellow.

[bubbysgarage]

Just another update. David is doing extremelly well. He now weighs 940grams or 2pounds and 1.2ounces. I got to hold him tonight and he just kept looking up at me while his daddy and I talked. He finally got tired and went to sleep but he woke up after I put him back to bed. Some of you may wonder what is the hardest part of being 1 1/2 hours away from him, well it is just that the time it takes to get there after working all day and the other hard part is when he is awake (like tonight) when we leave. He just gives us this look, like do you have to go. It is easier to leave when he is asleep because we don't get "the look". Don't get me wrong it is hard to leave him that far away period but it is a little easier when he is sleeping. Sorry for rambling on just thought you might like to hear of his weight gain. Nothing else has changed. Though they did give him a shot to help repel the RSV virus (which can be deadly in infants) this morning, but other than that he is still getting 17cc of milk every three hours and he is still on a high flow nasal cannula at 3 liters.

Thank you for your prayers and keep up the good work,

Mindy

[chevy]

We're so glad to hear how well he is doing. He will be home before you know it. God works in mysterious ways. Keep the faith and God bless.

[GirlColumbo]

Mindy thank you for the updates. I know it must be so painfully hard to have to leave your little boy at anytime.....
I was very happy to hear you got to hold him. Please remember that we are all praying for you and your family.

[lauralee]

Mindy, I remember the first time I left my baby just for a day and I can't imagine having to leave a child in a hospital. You have a lot of strength. Just remember he's in good hands while you're gone and those nurses cherish him more than you think. He's loved from so many people, especially his God. Take care of yourself and always know you're not alone either.

[GirlColumbo]

Mindy the pictures of little David are so sweet, I hope that you are getting yourself some rest. I will continue to keep you in my prayers.

[nickleahevan]

God is working his miracles for you and your family. He is looking so much better and stronger with each picture you post. Please keep giving us updates. God bless you and your family. Little David will be home with you in due time and now you have an extended family through the MaysvilleBBS.

[bubbysgarage]

Another update. David finally went over 1000grams to 1025grams this evening. He now weighs 2pounds and 4.1ounces. We went up on Sunday and I got to weigh him (he weighed 2poounds and 2.2 ounces on Sunday). He is now 13 1/2 inches long and his head circumfrence is 9 3/4 inches. While he is in his isolette they keep it heated and have been dropping the tempature of it gradually as long as he tolerates it.

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts and keep up the good work.

Mindy

[Daphne]

Thanks for the good news. We all are glad that David is growing and getting better. We will continue to keep you in our prayers. Keep those updates coming.

[lauralee]

Thanks for the update, that's wonderful. Please keep us updated and you are always in our prayers.

[GirlColumbo]

That is wonderful news Mindy.

[bubbysgarage]

I just wanted to let you all know that David now weighs 1075grams or 2 pounds and 5.8 ounces. He is still getting 19cc of milk every three hours. They were giving it to him by a pump over a 2 hour period then they backed it down to every 1 hour on the 19th and then on the 20th they stopped using the pump and they are now giving it to him in a bolus feed (they let him decide how long it takes to go in, about 15-20 minutes). They have been lowering the temp in his isolette slowly and it is now at 28.8 degrees celcious (not sure spelled right). On the 22nd they stopped his caffine (used to stimulate him) and his sodium supplements. So far everything is going as good as we can expect. And I finally found a website that has clothes that will fit him. Yes, they make them that small. If your curious the site is www.preemie.com. Of course they have enlarged the pictures but if you scroll down to the bottom and watch the pictures of other preemies there is one baby that is laying beside his preemie clothes to give you a better idea of just how small the clothes actually are. Well I'm going to bed since its 1am and I have to be at work at 7:30am. I'm a night owl, what more can I say.

Well as usual keep up the good work with the prayers they're working. Mindy

[GirlColumbo]

Good morning little David William, I am very glad to hear the wonderful updates, you are making us very proud to have come through so much.
you gonna put those tiny premie clothes in a shadow box frame for when little David grows up? My cousin Andrew is 24 years old now and looks like a big ole football player, he and his twin together weighed around 4 lbs when they were born, I know his mom wishes she had kept their tiny tiny first little clothes.

[bubbysgarage]

Hello to all and here is another update. David weighed in at 1105 grams or 2 pounds and 7ounces this evening. They increased his feeds on the 23rd to 21cc every three hours. He is tolerating everything well. They even lowered his bed even more to 28.4. The nurses say that when he gets to be 1500 grams and the bed is at 27.5 then they will try to move him from the isolette to an open crib (I can't wait). He has also been waking up more now when the nurses do his care. And every time we are there he wakes up when he hears our voices. So if you were wondering if he can hear us, the answer is yes. It is amazing because if I am talking to my husband or the nurse it is almost like he is looking for me. He can't see the way we see yet but he follows our voices. I just had to brag a little. I also need to get more pictures posted so that you all can see how much he has developed since the begining. He is so cute and I love my little man so much. Ok I need to stop writing because I am going to cry because I want him home so much. Before I go I want to thank each and everyone of you who has kept us in your prayers and has put up with my rambling and no that isn't going to stop for a while. Thank you all for listening (reading actually, you know what I mean) to me I really do appreciate it and all the care you have and have shown for myself, my husband, and both of our sons (mainly David). Like my Grandmother said in a letter to me about the story of David and Golith (not sure about spelling). David may have been little but he beat him. Just like my little David fighting with all his might to get to come home. Thanks for listening, now I do have to go (I am crying).

Thanks and keep up the good work,
Mindy

[GirlColumbo]

Now Mindy you have made me cry... it is so good to hear some inspiring news. when you get to hold that sweet little precious boy could you give him a hug from all of us.

[bubbysgarage]

I will do that and all of the nurses think it is just wonderful that I have the support of my "bbs family" as well as my real family. You are all wonderful in my eyes even though we have never met. I'll have to get Chuck and Daphne to let me use their office to set up a meeting when David gets home. Almost like a homecoming from his "extended" family. But my guess is that he will still be down there another 1 1/2 to 2 months. We will just have to wait and see what David decides. Its all up to him now. Thanks for your continued support.

[darkangelsblade]

Prayer works. The Lord has a purpose for that sweet fellow. Hopefully we will see what that purpose is before we leave this world to go to a better place. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you. God Bless and thanks for the wonderful news.

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, So glad to hear the great news. I just recieved a new grandson and have been very busy watching his brothers ages 4 and 2, so I haven't had time to check the site much this week. It's wonderful to hear he's progressing so well and I know you can hardly wait to get that little man home. You take care and hopefully we'll all get to meet sooner than you think. I would love to hold the little man that has captured all our hearts and prayers.

[bubbysgarage]

Just an update to tell you all the wonderful news that I got today. David was moved from his isolette to an open crib at 10:15am (to see if he will tolerate it) and he was still in it at 10:00pm when I called to see how he is doing. His weight is almost double what it was when he was born. Tonight his weight was 1150grams or 2 pounds and 8.6 ounces. My mom went down to see him this afternoon and she got to hold him for the first time. She said she just sat there and talked to him for 2 hours. So far he is regulating his temp on his own but we will have to see what happens. There is a chance that he may get put back into his isolette if his temp starts to drop so don't be alarmed if I tell you tomorrow that he went back into his isolette. Oh, he also got a bath tonight and the nurse said that he made her very aware that he DIDN'T like it one bit. Oh well I'm going to bed I was up late last night and up early this morning and I need my rest, I can feel myself wearing down from little sleep and worrying.

Thank you all for caring and keep up the good work.

Mindy

[Daphne]

That is great news Mindy. Glad to hear David is getting stronger each and every day. Get some sleep and take care of yourself, before you know it little David will be home. Thanks for the update and we will continue to keep your family in our prayers.

[nickleahevan]

That is so great to hear. We are all still praying and I feel that he will be home before you know it. I can't even tell you how much little David has touched us all. I have him on every prayer list that I know and I keep them updated. I even sent the pictures to my grandparents church and he is in their prayers. God Bless you and your family.

[bubbysgarage]

On the 26th David weighed in at a whopping 2 pounds and 9.4 ounces (or for those of you keeping track 1180 grams). He is still in his open crib (which means he is maintaining his own temperature). They have also been giving him a pacifier when they are feeding him. The purpose of this is so that he learns when he sucks on it his belly gets full. It also means that they will probably begin bottle feedings soon. So guess what that means WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO COMING HOME. YEAH. We are going to the hospital on Monday and I will post pictures of him in his new bed when we get home.

Don't forget to keep up the good work, it is working.

Mindy

[lauralee]

Praise Jesus!!!!!!!!! Such wonderful news, it's so exciting to hear how that little man is growing and getting so much stronger. I'm so happy for you, take care and thanks for the updates.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok sorry I didn't get pictures posted on Monday night but I was tired. I will post them tonight. Ok now for our update they increased his feedings to 23cc every three hours and he is tolerating it very well. His weight on Monday the 27th was 2# 10.3 oz or 1200 grams and tonight (the 28th) his weight is 1305 grams or 2# 14 oz. But don't be suprised if that goes down some because his hands and feet are a little swollen (he is retaining a little water). His lungs are clear but if he starts having problems breathing or they hear crackles in his lungs they may give him some medicine to get rid of the water. The medicine is Lasix (just if any of you are taking it or have family members who take it), in adults it is a water pill but they can also give it to David through his feeding tube. Well I'm gonna go and post some pics. If you get a chance compare the newest ones to the oldest ones and see how much more mature he looks. If you want pm me and let me know what you think. And for those of you who go to church or have put him on a prayer list you may print the pics out and take them to the Pastor so that he/she can see who they are praying for.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
Mindy

Just a note to let you all know there is new pictures available now.

Mindy

Thanks Chuck.

[lauralee]

Thanks for the new pictures, they're great, he's looking sooooo good, God bless his little heart. I can see a big improvement from the first ones. Give him a sweet sugar for me and take care of yourselves.

[Chuck]

Video for Mindy

Moved to Here http://www.maysvillekybbs.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18974&postcount=92

[annieap]

David is an absolute awesome little man! I had the privilege of seeing his photo album today which included pics from day one until yesterday. with each flip of the page you can see just how prayer works. It is amazing!
You just dont realize how tiny he is until you see these photos. One in particular brought tears to my eyes. I just stood there in the office, dumbfounded and crying.
Mindy, it was wonderful to meet you in person. Please know my prayers are still with you and that wonderful little guy! Cant wait to meet him in person!!
David, you are truly a miracle and have touched me deeply!

[bubbysgarage]

Hello everyone. Last night David weighed pounds ounces and tonight he weighed an even 3 pounds. They also increased his feeds to cc every three hours and changed him from a high flow nasal cannula to a regular nasal cannula (the only difference being that the high flow can withstand more liters of oxygen and it requires water). So in short so far so good. He is taking baby steps to coming home but he is at least taking those steps. They will start bottle feeding him when he can stay awake and sucks on a pacifier the entire time they are feeding him. At his 9PM feed he stayed awake through half of the feed. I also want to thank Chuck for taking the time to put the video on the post for everyone to see. And annieap it was nice to meet you and I'm sorry the pictures made you cry.

Thanks for the good work everyone and please keep it up, he'll be home before we all know it.

Mindy

[Sledgehammer6869]

Bubby and Mindy:
What an awesome video!! Like Annie said about the photo album, I too have wittenessed this and you can tell a difference each day!! You just take care of your part and with all the prayers and good wishes David is getting I feel like The Lord will do the rest.
Love you ALL:
Sledgehammer

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, So happy to hear the good news. Sounds like he is on his way to being home soon. The video is so inspiring to watch and I can see the changes he had made. Thanks for sharing his pictures and video and, "keep up the good work little guy." Take care and I'll be praying his good health and hard work to continue and that you'll all be home soon.

Thanks Chuck for the video, It's really great to see the little fellow.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok, don't panic like I did. When I called to get David's weight at 10:30pm on Sat. the nurse said that he was a little cold and she would weigh him before she fed him at midnight. Well I called back at 12:30am and she said that he had had a couple of episodes. The first one was the worst, he had quit breathing and his heart had stopped. They bagged him to give him emergency breaths and he started breathing again. The second one his oxygen level just got a little too low, so they switched him back to his high flow nasal cannula and within 2 minutes his oxygen level was back to normal. They didn't weigh him because of his episodes. After his first episode the Nurse Practioner ordered an x-ray of his chest and found his lungs to be partially collapsed again (this makes the second time, the first in early to mid Feb). They ordered a bunch of blood work and a blood culture to check for infection. The labs came back normal but the blood cultures won't be back till Monday morning. As of right now (it is 3am on Sun and I just got off the phone with the hospital) he is resting quietly and is on antibiotics just in case there is an infection. Sorry to ramble on but I needed somewhere to vent other than to my mom (no I didn't wake her she is at work). Larry and I are going to see David Sunday afternoon so I will update you when we get home unless something changes between now and that time.

Please keep David in your prayers and have anyone else you can think of to pray for him as well. We need it.

Sorry for this being so long but thank you for letting me vent,
Mindy

[annieap]

And annieap it was nice to meet you and I'm sorry the pictures made you cry. Mindy

Mindy, do not be sorry! I needed those tears! Those pictures renewed a faith I had almost given up on. As I said in an earlier post, your baby touched me deeply and all for the good!

[lauralee]

Sorry to hear of the episodes. My heart is aching for your family and I'm praying all is better this morning. I think it's great for you to have a place to vent your feelings and it's always better to talk than to keep it in. Take care and God bless.

[nickleahevan]

Keep the faith. That video was so good. He his very handsom. We wish you the best of luck and we will keep prayer for Little David and the whole family. Hopefully there won't be anymore scares. God Bless.

[Trumpet#1]

that is so sad

[bubbysgarage]

Ok everyone. David was put back on his cpap this morning because they did another x-ray and his lungs were still collapsed. But since he has been back on that he is doing well, considering. They started his feedings back at 3pm at 7cc every three hours. He is getting such a small amout because he is still getting iv fluids. He is tolerating his feedings well. His weight tonight is still 3 pounds and 1 ounce. He dropped a few grams but not enough to change his poundage. This is in part because they haven't been feeding him. I still think that they were trying to do too much with him too fast and this is his way of saying back up and slow down. It is a set back but not anything major. I think he heard us talking about him coming home at the end of the month and he doesn't want to. We will just have to see what he decides. Oh well please keep praying for him and don't ever think for a minute that it isn't helping because it is. It is helping our family get through this and helping him grow stronger. So, don't worry he will be home before we all know it and yes I'll let you know (because when I do it will probably be my shortest post yet). I know it is hard waiting, and belive me I know, but right now that is what we need is waiting.

So in closing, Thank you for your prayers and keep up the good work.
Every prayer counts so don't think it doesn't.

LOL, Mindy

P.S. Posted new pictures be sure to check them out. Let me know what you think or if you have any ideas of new pictures for me to take. I seem to be taking the same pictures everytime just on different days. I'm open for suggestions just email or pm me.

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, I think you're doing a great job of picture taking and there is no room for improvement there. I like the new one showing his hair. What a beautiful little man and I can see more fullness in his face, what an angel! Take care and thanks for the pictures.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok David is still in his warmer and is still on his CPAP. They are going to do another chest x-ray on the 9th and will then determine whether or not to take him off the CPAP. His weight is 3 pound and 3 ounces so we are coming along even if it is at a snails pace. They did his first eye exam on the 7th and will follow up in one week. Getting a lot of oxygen can actually effect your vision and they are just making sure that everything is growing properly. They increased his feeds today to 15cc from 10cc and are hoping to have him back to where he was last Sat at 25cc sometime this weekend. I have got one lovely picture that I need to get posted that we took tonight when we were down there. And I will advise you now that the thing in his left foot is his IV for his fluids and the dog is only 8" long. I will update you as things change from now on instead of everyday, only because not much changes in a days time. If you would like an update anytime I haven't updated here just send me a pm, a pager, or email me.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
Mindy

[Chuck]

New Video Player and Mindy gets to use it 1st. Here are the 2 videos of David that she would like to share.

Click the button below to play.

/media/mindy/m1/mindy.html


/media/mindy/m2/mindy.html

[GirlColumbo]

oh i just cant believe how much that little feller has grown,
thanks chuck for the best video on here yet!

[lone wolf]

alixlynn04 and bubbysgarage, I know what your going through. My first son weighed in at 1 lb. -1/2 oz. He was brought into this world on New Years eve at 4 in the morning and would fit into the palm of my hand. He stayed in the hospital for over 30 days to gain his weight of 5 lbs, so that he could be released. That was 21 years ago, he's a good 5'-10" and his weight is around 175 lbs. The only real problems we had with him was finding clothes to fit him when he was released from the hospital. At that time, J.C. Penneys was the only store that carried clothes for baby's that small and hopefully they still do. Your family will be in my thoughts and I'm sure everything will turn out just fine.

[lauralee]

Thank you so much for the video!!!!!!!! He looks like he's starting to fill out and it's awesome to hear him. Take care.

[bubbysgarage]

Just a quick update before I head to bed for some much needed rest. They increased David's feeding to 28cc every three hours and he is back on the high flow nasal cannula at 4 liters (for those of you who understand). And yes he is tolerating them both very well so far. I'm not going to brag too much because I don't want to jinx my miracle. They are also trying him in an open crib again tonight just to see how he does. I will keep you all updated as best I can. Don't forget to watch the videos that Chuck was so thoughtful to post for me and be sure to check for updated pictures in the photo gallery.

We are going up on Sunday to see him as long as I am feeling up to it (just had my tubes tied on Friday and I'm still sore). But I think that I'll go regardless of how sore I am.

Thank you for the prayers and don't forget Keep up the good work.
Mindy

[bubbysgarage]

Ok everyone. David now weighs 3pounds and 7ounces and is 14 1/2 inches long. We are making progress slowly but we are making progress. They decreased his oxygen to 3 liters on Monday and so far so good. He is still holding his temp on his own and is back to taking a pacifier when he is getting his feedings. So right now the Doctors and Nurses are taking things slow with him (which I hope they continue to do) in hopes that he won't have any more set backs (at least we hope). Thanks for your prayers and keep up the good work. We will be going back on Wednesday and Friday (I think).

Keep up the good work we need all the prayers we can get to bring him home safe and soon.

Mindy

[Foxy]

you are more than welcome for the prayers from our "den"!!

[lauralee]

Praying is the least I can do, but the most beneficial. Remember to take time for yourselves and rest when you can and let our God take care of the rest. Thanks for the update, he's come a long way and the pictures show that. Give him a smooch for me on his little nose, that's where I smooch my grandbabies.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok I know it has been a while but I have been dealing with a lot of emotional things here lately. David is doing well. His weight is up to 3 pounds and 15.4 ounces. They have increased his feedings to 34cc every three hours and they also replaced his feeding tube. When they changed it they put it in his nose so they can start giving him a bottle (they have not begun this, yet). He is now on 2 liters of oxygen and is still on the high flow cannula. They are taking things slow because of the set back he had a few weeks ago. They also gave him his first tub bath (in a small plastic tote (what we would use for storage)) on Friday morning and he loved it. He got another tub bath on Sat. evening and he enjoyed it as well. We are hoping that he will be home sometime around Easter, which will be wonderful. They have said that there is a chance he may come home on oxygen. If he does he will be on a monitor. I almost want them to keep him there until he comes off the oxygen, just because we are an hour and a half away from the hospital, but it is up to the doctors (and they know best). Me being the paranoid one, I'm just scared that if he does come home on oxygen something will happen and we are so far from the hospital. They said that if he comes home on oxygen we would have a plan set up with Meadowview so if something happens we would be able to get him back to Good Sam as quickly as possible. If you haven't figured out yet why I've been emotional stressed just read the last two sentences. Sorry for rambling but I needed somewhere to vent. Thank you for letting me vent and thank you for all your prayers they are much appreciated and needed.

As always keep up the good work,

Mindy

[Foxy]

Mindy,
You are not rambling. I think I speak for all of us who read your posts when I say that we really like the updates and stories. I am glad you can find comfort here. Please don't ever hesitate to PM me if you want to talk!!
Be safe, and God Bless!!

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, I think the same as Foxy, and am so glad you feel free to vent your fears here. I remember bringing my first baby home, I set up many nights checking to make sure she was still breathing, and she was well. Your fears are very real and any parent whose been down the road your traveling would certainly have the same feelings. I pray for you and am always willing to listen. Take care.

[bubbysgarage]

Lauralee and Foxy, I want to thank you both for reassuring me that my fears are normal and that I do have people to talk to (my husband is and isn't one of those, he is a man, need I say more, lol). Just to let you all know David finally hit the 4 pound mark on Sunday. He is also 15 3/8 inches long (3/8 is between 1/4 and 1/2). He is making progress slowly and I am learning to accept that. In a way I want him home now (the mother in me) but yet I know that he is better off in Cincinnati right now with a medical team who knows how to treat him. His doctors are the best Neonatologists in Cincinnati. They are based out of Children's Hospital. I want him home but yet I don't. I think that is because I am more scared that something would happen to him. Lauralee I too stayed up all night when my first son came home from the hospital. He will be 2 at the end of May and I still worry, like I did the day he came home from the hospital. And yes there are nights that I get up out of a dead sleep and check on him. I have figured out that is called Motherhood. Just to let you all know I do have a history of depression and I thought I was dealing with well but I look at myself now and I am borderline. I want to thank you all again for being there for me and my family and please continue your prayers and thoughts, that is what is helping me deal with all of this (David being in the hospital for 2 months and we are starting our 3rd month. I just hope that he will be home sometime around Easter (that would be so wonderful). We are going to see him tomorrow afternoon and if any of you would like to send him a message I will be checking my email and this site before we go and I would be happy to print it off and post it at his bedside. The nurses love it that I have an internet family that cares so much about how we are all holding up.
Thank You all and keep up the good work,

Mindy

[lauralee]

Dear Little David------- I'm praying for you and your family and am so HAPPY you have made it to 4 pounds!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep up the good work for us and be sure and give those lovely nurses some sugars. God is with you all and thanks for the hard work and love!!!!

Dear Mindy, Hang in there and don't forget to take good care of yourself. I have to tell you my oldest daughter's husband was in Iraq for a year,( finished his tour and is home) and they have a 2 year old. She'd call or come home telling me how tired she was getting little sleep and feeling all alone and I responed, " WELCOME TO MOTHERHOOD." with a loving smile and a hug, said the same thing to my youngest when she' drained. As a matter of fact they're in their 20's and I still lay awake some nights and probably always will. I remember those long nights and days well, while working long hours and then going home to my "wife and mother" job. We do survive with God"s help and plenty of good "GIRL FRIENDS" to share our woes. Keep coming back and know there's people out here who love you and don't even know you.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok I went to see David this afternoon. This makes the second time I have drove down by myself (I don't like interstates, the AA hwy is bad enough). David now weighs 4 pounds and 4 ounces. They also increased his feedings to 38cc every three hours. The doctors wrote an order that if he acts like he wants to take a bottle they can give it to him. So far they haven't tried. Now they don't really think he will be home by Easter so I am shooting for Mothers Day. But I have come to realize that he is better off down there with the doctors and nurses who know how to treat him rather than him being here at home and having something go wrong. I have got some more pictures that I need to post but I can't find my cord to connect my computer to my camera. I think I know where it is but am just too lazy to go look for it. But I'm allowed to be lazy, right? I guess that is my way of getting rest since I'm not sleeping at night (I worry too much). Well talk to you all later.

Keep up the good work, Prayer actually works for those who aren't sure,

Mindy

[lbt1964]

:) I look forward to these updates on little David, I think of him everyday and pray that he will be home soon. My grandmother always said that prayer works in mysterious ways, and it does. You just have to believe, and don't give up.

[bubbysgarage]

lbt1964, giving up is the worse thing I can think of, but people do give up hope (I'm not one of those people). I know that the doctors there have actually given up hope on one little girl there (her name is Avery) twice and both times she has recovered. She is right around two months old and is back on the vent. This last time was on the 20th. I was actually talking to David's nurse and she said that she had to go due to a dying baby (I already knew who it was, from being there earlier that day). I got off the phone and just prayed like I have never prayed before. When I went down on the 22nd Avery was doing ok. Like you said prayer works in mysterious ways and God does things for reasons that only He knows.

Thank you for all of your support and keep up the good work,
Mindy

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, Be as lazy as you want. Being in your shoes lately, you deserve the right and thanks for the new posts. We'll enjoy the pics when you feel rested and can enjoy posting them. Take care of yourself and yes prayer changes things, not always what we want, but prayer does work. With Love

[bubbysgarage]

David is now up to 4 pounds and 7 ounces. They wrote an order for him to have another chest x-ray on Sat morning. He is a little swollen and they think that he may be retaining fluid. That may actually be the reason for him having a hard time breathing. We are going up on Sat afternoon and I am hoping for good news with the x-ray. He is still on 2 liters on the high flow cannula at 38-45%. The oxygen we breathe (room air) is 21%. I hope they get something figured out. The other thing that he needs to work on is taking a bottle. They are still offering him a pacifier when he gets his tube feeding and sometimes he wants it and other times he just shuts his mouth real tight, refusing it. It is going to take him some time before he is ready to come home and I am hoping for a wonderful Mother's day present, one that can't be bought, my son to come home. If he comes home around Mothers day he will have spent almost 4 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. If it takes longer than so be it. I just want him healthy when he comes home and I don't want to rush it. I just get frustrated when he isn't doing so well, but I also have to sit back and realize that he shouldn't even be here yet and it is a miracle that he is even alive. My how times have changed and technology has improved. He is truely a miracle baby.

Now for something kind of off the subject. I have two tattoos already, one with my grandmothers initals in it and the other is my older son's name. One is on one arm and the other on the other arm. Now my question for all of you is can you help me come up with ideas for a tattoo for David? You can email, pm, or post your ideas here if you would like. My idea is have a design and the words "My Miracle, David", I'm not sold on the idea and suggestions are very much welcome. Well I had better get off here and spend some quality time with my husband (our oldest is at his grandparents' tonight), probably watching tv. I'll continue to keep you all updated.

Keep up the good work,

Mindy

[GirlColumbo]

My oh my but our little boy is growing. Thanks so much for the updates Mindy, I like "My Miracle, David".
Just from the kindness of your own hearts for praying so hard for Avery will bring you love from the masters hand. Just remember to P.U.S.H. for all your needs. Pray Until Something Happens. Little David will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as will your family.

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, thanks for the update. I kept my new grandson last night, he's 1 month now and he didn't drink but half his bottle each time. Sometimes we worry over small things, but of course we want the little man to keep gaining weight. We have to remember their little stomachs are tiny. Keep praying as we will and be thankful just for today. The tattoo must be something special, I'll run it across my daughters, one has a couple also. God bless and keep looking up. Loving thoughts, Laura

[snowtiger]

The Wiccan population have the family in their hearts and prayers also!! I pray he keeps getting stronger!! Blessed Be Little David!!!

[bubbysgarage]

Well to start off David was up to 4 pounds and 7 ounces but he was also retaining fluid. The doctors think that may be the reason he has been having a hard time breathing. They ordered Lasix (a water pill) on Sat and he got two doses, on Sat and one Sunday. The medicine worked and he lost a lot of the fluid. He is now down to 4 pounds and 5.5 ounces. The nurse tonight said that he looks a lot better, he doesn't look as swollen, and he is breathing better. He is still on 2 liters of oxygen at 32%. He is 16" long, his head circumference is 11 3/4", and his belly is 10.3" in circumference. I posted a new picture that my mom had sent me and as soon as I find my cord for my camera I'll post some more. Well not much else going on. He is still getting 38cc every three hours and is doing better with his pacifier. The Nurse Practitioner that had him on Sat told us that she thinks he will be wanting a bottle soon. We will just have to wait and see what he says. Oh well I'll continue to keep you all updated on his progress and don't forget.....

Keep up the good work everyone, its working,

Mindy

[lauralee]

Thanks Mindy, Keep strong and take care.

[bubbysgarage]

Hello everyone. Just thought I would let you all know that David weighs 4 pounds and 6 ounces. He is still on a regular nasal cannula on 1 liter. The night-shift nurse on Tuesday gave him a bottle for the first time at his 9PM feeding. He took all but 8cc of it. She said that he may be ready to bottle feed once a day but that is about it. I think that is a wonderful idea, it starts him out slow and lets him build up a pace that he is comfortable with. The other news is on Tuesday morning the eye specialist called me and said that he wanted to do a follow up eye exam on Tuesday evening instead of Thursday (which was the plan). Dr. Yang (pronounced young) the specialist said that David has plus disease. It is where the blood vessels in his eyes aren't developing properly. This is not uncommon in preemies or babies who get a lot of oxygen. It usually gets better on its own but in David's case it didn't and he will have laser surgery on Wednesday evening. They will be putting him back on the ventilator somewhere between 4 and 4:30PM. Dr. Yang hopes to have started the surgery by 5:30. As of right now he is only doing the right eye (it is the only one that has the disease, even though the left eye is in the early stages of the disease). He said that he will look at the left eye before he starts to see if he needs to do it as well. The surgery will take 1 1/2 hours for one eye. If he sees the need to do both eyes it will be a 3 hour surgery. Yes we are going up for the surgery and yes I'm already scared and have been stressing about it. The part that upsets me the most is that we finally got him on a regular cannula and were getting ready to bottle feed him (meaning we are getting closer to coming home) and now he is going back on a ventilator. He should be off the vent by late Wednesday night or early early Thursday morning, providing there are no complications. Well I am off to bed we have a long day ahead of us. I don't want to sound like I'm begging but on Wednesday if you think about it say a small prayer for David in hopes that everything works out for the best.

Thanks and keep up the good work,
Mindy

[nickleahevan]

God Bless you. You are so strong. My son had to have surgery on his foot when he was 2 months old and I worried to death. He was born with club foot and I thank God that that was the only thing wrong. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Keep us updated.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok everyone I know you have all been patiently awaiting a new update on David so here it goes, bear with me.

To start off with David had his laser eye surgery on March 29, 2006. The surgery started around 4:45pm and ended around 6:45pm. He DID NOT like the surgery one bit. One of his lungs collapsed and they had to stop and bag him and increase the settings on the ventilator. Once they got him stable they proceeded with the surgery and all went fine. Dr. Yang only did the right eye and scheduled a follow up exam on April 4, 2006. David was finally able to come off the ventilator on March 31, 2006 at 4:30am. They put him back on the high flow cannula at 4 liters. At 11:20am he was starting to open both eyes a little. Also on the 31st they restarted his feeds at 10cc every 3 hours. At noon on April 1, 2006 they increased his feeds to 15cc every 3 hours and lowered his oxygen to 3 liters still on the high flow cannula. At 9pm on the 1st he weighed 4 pounds 8 ounces. On April 2, 2006 at 1:40pm his oxygen came down again to 2 liters and his feeds had been increased that morning to 20cc every 3 hours. At 6pm on the 2nd his feeds were increased again to 25cc and all of his IV fluids were stopped. This being a Sunday they did all of his measurements and he was 4# 9.2oz, 16" long, and a head circumference of 12". Now on to April 3, 2006, by 2pm he was back on the regular nasal cannula at 1 liter. They had also increased his feeds to 30cc and he took all 30cc by a bottle at his 9am and his noon feedings. On the evening of the 3rd his feeds were increased once again to 35cc and at his 9pm feed he took all(18cc) but 17cc by bottle. Ok now for the 4th of April. I went down with my mom to see him and hopefully to see Dr. Yang. When we left the doctor still hadn't been there (he also has a clinic at Children's Hospital). At his 9am feed he took all 35cc by a bottle. I was there at noon so guess what, I got to feed him for the first time with a bottle. He took 20cc of the bottle before he got tired so they tube fed the other 15cc. And let me tell you something. Feeding a preemie is NOT the same as feeding a full term baby. I had to hold him out in front of me with him laying on his side and tilt the bottle just enough where the nipple was only half full (or half empty depending on how you look at it:D ). I also have to count how many sucks he takes. He is only allowed to take 7-8 at a time then he must stop and breathe. If he doesn't stop I have to make him stop and breathe. Sorry for rambling on about that I'm just a "little" excited about feeding him for the first time. Ok when I called about his weight he is up to a whopping 4# 12oz. That is what my 22 month old weighed when I brought him home from the hospital. Ok enough bragging, I have finally found my cord for my camera and will be posting pictures soon, so don't forget to go and check those out. We are still shooting for sometime at the end of April or the first of May for him to come home.

Well keep up the good work and maybe just maybe we won't have to have another eye surgery (it was just as hard on me as it was him, I cried like a baby, but I don't think anyone would blame me)

Mindy

[lauralee]

I wouldn't blame you a bit. I remember crying over "silly things," as some would say, but I'm a Mom and that's what we do. lol I sobbed when they graduated kindergarten and etc. They're 28 and 21 now and it still happens. I'm so happy he's doing well, what a little fighter. The thrill of feeding him, I can't imagine, but awesome. Take care and I'll check the pics soon. Laura

[bubbysgarage]

Well David now weights 4 pounds and 13.2 ounces. He is getting close to weighing 5 pounds. It just doesn't seem like it has been almost 3 months since I had him. What is so neat is that instead of feeling him grow inside of me I have been able to watch him develop and grow outside of me. If I had it any other way he would still be in me. Just because of the long road we have traveled. Ok enough gross stuff and back to David. They increased his feeds yesterday to 38cc (what he was getting before his surgery). At 9pm he actually woke up on his own wanting to eat. His nurse was already feeding another baby and she said that he just layed there and screamed. She said when she got to him and got his bottle ready he went to town on it. Taking all 38cc by bottle. They are only giving him a bottle a coulple times a day so that he doesn't get too stressed out and relapse. This is a good thing, it means that we are closer to coming home, although it will probably be the first of May. Oh well talk to you all later.

Keep up the good work,

Mindy


================================================== ==


Ok everyone David weighs 4 pounds and 14.3 ounces now and he has been taking his bottle very well. The therapist fed him by bottle at noon and the nurse said that he screamed till his feeding at 3pm (in which he got another bottle). They increased his feedings to 41cc this morning and decreased his oxygen to 0.9 liters. I just got off the phone with the night shift nurse at 11:30pm and she said that he is down to 0.7 liters and hopefully by the time she leaves at 7am he will be down to 0.5 liters. With all that being said we may actually get to come home sooner than the first of May. But, we will just have to wait and see what David decides to do. We are going down on Friday afternoon so I will update you and get some more pictures up when I get a chance (don't forget I have posted new ones). What I think would be neat is if you all looked at the pictures and posted what you think about the changes he has made over the last (almost) 3 months (next Friday makes 3 months).

Talk to you all later and keep up the good work.

Mindy

[lbt1964]

Mindy,
I looked at the most recent pictures, and i just can not beleive has big he is getting, he is so precious. You are one very lucky mom, and we all know that he is a very special baby. I am so glad to hear that he is doing so well, and i look forward to his updates, Just know that our prayers are with you at all times and if you need anything, just ask. hugs to you and your beautiful son.;)

[darkangelsblade]

I think he has grown and progressed very well. He has a special purpose here on earth. Hopefully it won't be long and he will get to come home. He is a very special little man and I hope he does well in life and suceeds in everything he does. Hugs and kisses to little David. You are in our prayers and hope everything continues to go well. It is wonderful what God can do.

[lauralee]

Mindy, I just looked at his pics. Wow, He looks so good. I really like the one with the royal blue pants and white shirt. He has done some real fighting and I can see a huge difference. I've been keeping my grandson at nites, he's 9 lbs. and a month old, and I was wondering how you would burp a baby so small? Bryson seems small to me and burping him is awkward and I thought of David. I'm glad things are going well and he's drinking from a bottle now. What a little trooper. Take care and know you are remembered always. Laura

[bubbysgarage]

Ok everyone. David now weighs a whopping 5 pounds and 4.4 ounces. He finally topped the scales weighing 5 pounds and 0.4 ounces on Sat night so we are making progress. And Lauralee to answer your question, we burp David the same as you would burp any other baby. It is just different how we have to hold him to give him a bottle. So far on Sunday he has taken a bottle at 9am, 3pm, 9pm and the nurse is getting ready to give him another now (for his midnight feed). He is now taking 46cc of formula (a little over 1 and a half ounces) and his oxygen is holding steady at 0.1 liters. As soon as he can take a bottle at every feeding for 48 hours straight he can come home. Hopefully that won't be too long, but we don't want to rush him. So in closing I will leave the same message as I always do just for the simple fact that your prayers are helping our little guy. They have helped him go from only weighing 19 ounces to now weighing over 5 pounds.

Thank you all and keep up the good work.

Mindy

[GirlColumbo]

Hey Mindy what great news....five pounds, little David is doing really good. as darkanglesblade stated, he surely does have a special purpose here on earth. hope you are doing well. Sendig hugs and kisses to that sweet little angel and lots of prayers and prayers to you for strength to get you through this trying time.

[lauralee]

Yeah!!!!!!!!! That's great news, thanks for the burp info. Keeping your family in our prayers.

[bubbysgarage]

Ok everyone, I know it has been a week since my last post and I am truly sorry. But, I have news that you will all love to hear. First let me catch you all up to speed. Not much has changed except that he is still on oxygen at 0.1 liters and he is now at 100% (which is what he will come home on, have you figured out the news yet?). As you all know he hit the 5 pound mark on April 8th and I am pleased to announce that he now weighs 5 pounds and 9.8 ounces. He is also about 17 3/4" long (45cm). Well they have been giving him a bottle whenever he wakes up at feeding time and he has been doing good with that. This past weekend (Sat to be exact) Larry and I went down to see him and do our CPR class (since he is coming home on oxygen). I also had a massage therapy class with one of the nurses (this is supposed to help his bowels since he is on iron). On Sat. Larry and I both held him and Larry attempted to feed him. After we got done feeding him at noon I did the massage therapy and then we gave him a bath (our first time to do it). After his bath my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law (who was in for Easter from Louisiana) came to see David. They both held him. Well among all of us holding him he got over stimulated (not a good thing) and didn't want his bottles and his oxygen rate started dropping. Well then came Monday the 17th. He had had time to settle down and get readjusted and at 9 am his feeding tube came out (they pulled it out because his nose was getting red). While they had his tube out they gave him his feeding and he took all of it. The nurse told me that she was going to leave it out and see how he did. Well to our amazement he took all of his bottle at his next feeding, and the next feeding the same thing. So they didn't reinsert the tube. Well I was getting ready to head down there on Tuesday and at 11am I got a phone call from the Care Coordinator and she told me our wonderful news. I went and dropped Alix (my 2 yr old) off at daycare and headed to the city. I got down there around 12:15 and the day shift nurse was just finishing feeding David. I actually got there in time to burp him (and did he burp, just like a man). While I was there the Care Coordinator came over and we talked and it was decided that Larry and I would room-in (stay the night to get David used to us taking care of him and visa versa) this coming up Friday the 21st. After I got done talking with the Care Coordinator she brought me formula to bring home (so we would have it when he comes home). Once she left the day shift nurse asked me if I wanted to go ahead and take his stuffed animals and other things home with me so that we wouldn't have to worry about that later. Well the good news is that David will probably be coming home on Saturday. It is a 98% chance that he will be home Saturday afternoon sometime. My mom is going to be keeping Alix while Larry and I are in Cincinnati on Friday night and her and my dad will meet us at the house when we arrive with David (thats the plan as of right now). I know you all have been Praying for this day and you have been Praying for David to get better, well this just proves that your thoughts, Prayers, and efforts have paid off. David turned 3 months old on Good Friday and will be (hopefully) home in time for my 25th birthday (on Monday the 24th). I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present. We will finally have our family together and home for good. I was talking with the night shift nurse and we both agree that it is going to be hard when he comes home. They have all gotten to love and adore David down there and he will be greatly missed (in a good way) by all of the staff. Needless to say when we finally make our way to the elevators with him tears will be shed. Some happy (David is going home) and some sad (we won't be seeing or talking to them on a daily basis). One last thing before I close, our parent support lady gave me a paper about a website that I can use for free to make a website for David. I just got started on it this past weekend and I am starting it from day one. I will post the site here so that you all may visit it and please if you do sign the guest book. You are more than welcome to send the site to anyone you wish as I know some of you have shared the photos that are posted here with family members. Once David is home I will probably just be updating his website so be sure to check it out (probably every day). The website is http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/davidwilliamflinders. When we go to the hospital Friday I will be taking my laptop with me and I will let you all know when we are planning to arrive at home. Well thank you all so much for your thoughts, prayers, concerns, and support. I don't think I could say it enough but I do really appreciate it. Like I said I'll be keeping you all updated as best as I can. Now we just need prayers for David to stay strong and come home soon and safe. Keep up the good work. Mindy

[lauralee]

Thanks Mindy and I'm overwhelmed with happiness for your family. God be with you always and take care and enjoy. I'll be looking forward to the updates and pics.

Love Laura

[nickleahevan]

That is wonderful. God works in mysterious ways and this proves it. My family and I are so happy for you. Take care and please keep us updated even after you get sweet little David home. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

[darkangelsblade]

Thank God for his wonderful healing of Little David. If you need anything when you get home feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to help you in anyway I can. God Bless and congratulations. Take good care of him.

[Daphne]

Mindy, That is great news. Thanks for stopping in the office yesterday to tell me the good news. You and Larry have a safe trip on Friday as you were telling me about everything you have going on that day. We all pray that everthing goes as planned for your homecoming. I know that you and Larry will be relieved that David is finally home.

[Winky]

thank you:)

[bubbysgarage]

Hello to all. We spent last night here at the hospital. One reason being that hopefully David will come home today. Well at least that is the plan. I just got done feeding him so I am off to bed. I just thought I would check in and tell everyone hi. I'll let you know more when I do.

[ynotamerican]

Thank you to all the Maysville BBS readers and contributors. Your prayers are what is bringing David home. God bless y'all.
TONY

[bubbysgarage]

Well everyone we have made it home with David. We made it home around 2:30 this afternoon. We have to limit visitors so that David doesn't get overstimulated. My parents brought Alix (our 2 year old) to see David this evening and he just lit up from ear to ear. It was the first time Alix has gotten to see David. Alix even helped me hold the bottle while I was feeding David at 6pm. I am so glad that he is home. I just wish that he wasn't home on oxygen. I also want to thank Ynot for starting this thread and thank you all for all the prayers, concerns, and thoughts that have helped to bring David home. He spent a total of 99 days in the NICU (and hopefully that is all). Thank you all once again. Mindy

[Chuck]

Wooo Hooo, Congrats, It has been a long hard road for you guy's. Best wishes to you.

[bubbysgarage]

I just posted new pictures of us leaving the Hospital on Sat. Hope you enjoy them as I know its something you have all been waiting for. Mindy

[lauralee]

I just checked out the new pic. What a lovely family you are. Little brother is so cute and looks so proud. Take care and keep us updated.

[bubbysgarage]

Well we went to see Dr. Ross today for David's first check up and he weighed 6 pounds 1.5 ounces. Dr. Ross said that he wants to see him in one week to watch his weight. We are all glad that David is home even though he has his nights and days mixed up. Other than that nothing has changed. Mindy

[nickleahevan]

The pictures are wonderful. He is getting so big and big brother looks so sweet. Now, wait till the sibling rivalry begins. LOL. I'm sure you will enjoy every minute of it. We have indeed witnessed a miracle given to you by the Lord and I'm glad we have had the opportunity to watch little David grow through the power of technology. We will keep you in our prayers. God bless.

[bubbysgarage]

I just wanted to let you all know that I am trying out another site for David's web page, the address is http://www.carepages.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=DavidWilliamFlinders&extrefid=tlcinvite. If you want look at this site and the one I mentioned in an earlier post and let me know which site you like better. With this one I can post more pictures and it has a message board on it (I like that better than the guest-book on the other one). You can either let me know here by a post or pm or you can email me. Otherwise David is doing wonderful. I am posting some new pictures of David in his swing that I took on Friday. Keep up the good work, the prayers are helping. Mindy

[darkangelsblade]

Mindy I like carepages better. Can't wait til you get it started. He is adorable. He is quite some man there you have. Well talk to you later and we will still be keeping you and your family in our prayers.

[bubbysgarage]

David had a follow-up visit with the eye doctor today and he said that everything looked good with his right eye (the one they did surgery on in March) but he wants him to come back weekly for a check up on his left eye. He said that he didn't like the way it looked. I asked him what the chances are of surgery and he said it is 50/50. The next appointment is next Tuesday. I'll update you on his weight when I get home tomorrow afternoon from seeing the family doctor. Mindy

P.S. Keep up the good work and pray that we don't have to do surgery on the left eye.

[bubbysgarage]

In this post I am coping and pasting from our carepages website.

May 09, 2006 at 03:03 PM EDT
We just got back from Cincinnati and the news is ok. We first saw the eye doctor and he wants to re-check David's left eye in 1 week. He isn't sure whether or not there will be another surgery. He said that we won't know for sure for a couple of more weeks. We then went to meet with the Pediatric Surgeon for the first time. She said that we will probably do David's hernia repair in early to mid October. Waiting till then will hopefully prevent him from having to stay overnight. By then he will be bigger and more stable. Overall the visit went well. I just wish that we would have a definate yes or no on his eye surgery. All we can do right now is pray that it gets better. The doctor said that his right eye looks really good. Well David is ready for a bottle so I need to run. I will update you tomorrow when we get back from meeting with the Neonatologist for his oxygen (please pray that it comes off).

Love,

Mindy

May 11, 2006 at 02:46 PM EDT
Sorry I didn't post yesterday so I figured while David is sleeping I'll post now. Yesterday we went and saw the Neonatologist and she was impressed with him. She told me that we only have to have the moniter on when we are sleeping and we can take his oxygen off if we are right there messing with him. We had it off for a little while yesterday evening and he did good with it. We go back in 2 weeks for another follow-up visit with her. While we were talking with the Neonatologist the Physical Therapist came and saw David. She was really impressed at his range of motion (ROM). We are still doing the neck exercises to help strengthen his neck muscles. He actually held his head up for her while he was on his belly. He loves laying on his tummy after he eats. He seems more comfortable that way. Well Alix is screaming for something so I had better go see what it is before he destroys our house. I'll update you whenever something changes. Don't forget to keep us in your prayers, that is what has gotten us this far.

Love,

Mindy

[lauralee]

Dear Mindy, Sounds like life is getting somewhat back to normal. lol, my house stays in a mess, three little white tornados running through it. I love it. When my girls were small all I wanted to do was keep a clean house and be the best mom I could, well I'm Granny now and the heck with the house, be the best Granny I can. Glad to hear David is growing good and doing well at home. I'm not much on computers yet so I don't know about the sites you've mentioned, so I'll keep in touch here if it's ok. Take care and have loads of fun and we'll continue praying.

Love Laura

[bubbysgarage]

Just to let you know I have posted new pictures of David and I figured that I should tell you that he is now taking 3 ounces (about 1/2 the time). Well it is time to feed him so I'll update you when we get home from Cincy on Tuesday and I'll let you know what the eye doctor says. Thanks for all of your prayers and keep them coming. That is what has gotten us this far.

Mindy

[bubbysgarage]

Sorry I didn't post yesterday but when I got home we had to run to our garage. Well on Tues at the eye doctor he said that David's left eye seems to be getting better. Thank you to all of you who prayed that it would. We still have to go back in one week to see him again just to be sure that it is getting better. While talking with the doctor I got the impression that his chances of surgery are slimming down. Lets just hope so. Well we went to see our family doctor this afternoon and I am so happy with David's weight. He is finally up to 6 pounds and 10 ounces. He was 18 3/4 inches long and is taking 3 ounces of formula at each feeding. So, so far so good. It is just amazing how much he has grown since Jan. In four months he has gained over 5 pounds. It is truly a miracle that he is alive and home. I thank God everyday for giving Larry and myself the strength to get through each day. It has been a long road and we still have obstacles to over come. We go back to Cincy on Tues the 23rd and on Wed the 24th. I will update you when if anything changes before then otherwise I will update you then and don't forget to check out David's webpage at www.carepages.com and his carepage name is DavidWilliamFlinders. It is case sensitive so you can copy and paste this into the site. If you view the site drop us a line in the message board so I can print them off for him for when he gets older.

Thank You and keep up the good work,
Mindy

[lauralee]

Thanks for the update and I am so happy he is still gaining ground, what a miracle! Keep up the good work and keep safe on your travels.

Love Laura

[bubbysgarage]

Sorry I didn't post after the appointments but I had a problem with my computer. I finally got my laptop up and running. So, we saw the eye doctor on Tuesday and his left eye is looking good. We have a return visit with him on the 6th of June. Then we went and saw the neonatologist yesterday and David weighed 6 pounds and 13.2 ounces, was 19 1/4 inches long, and we also got the best news yet. NO OXYGEN. We are now alowed to do away with the oxygen completley and have him out and about. Well I have to go to school with Larry today because of the Senior Awards thing tonight but I just wanted to give you a quick update. Overall David is doing extrememly well and his physical therapist is pleased there is really only two areas she is concerned about, his left side (which he tends to favor) and his legs (got new streches for that). Well gotta go get my 2 year old ready so I'll update you all later.

Thank You and keep up the good work,

Mindy

[bubbysgarage]

Well we went to see the pediatrician today and David weighed 7 pounds and 8.5 ounces. He is also up to 20 inches long. So far the doctor says that David is doing well and he doesn't want to see him back till the 14th. Overall David is progressing just fine. Hope you all had a wonderful and safe Memorial Day Holiday.

Keep up the good work and Thank You for all you have done.

Mindy

[lauralee]

He's an awesome little fellow who I bet will grow to be a big football player!!!
Thanks for the updates and keep up the good work, DAVID.

[bubbysgarage]

Sorry its been a while but we've been busy. We took David to his eye appointment on Tuesday and all is GOOD. We don't have to go back for another 6 weeks for his left eye and 3 MONTHS (yes, I said months) for his right eye. So to make a long story short no eye surgery. We go see the family doctor on the 14th and I'm hoping that we weigh close to 8 pounds. He has been taking about 3 1/2 to 4 ounces at a time so he is doing much better. Other than that he is starting to make noises and he is trying to roll over. Well it is late and I need to get to bed. I have a long day ahead of me. First we are going to West Union then at 6pm I'm going to go and get my 3rd tattoo (dedicated to David). I'll post it under David's pictures when it heals (and that shouldn't take to long). Well talk to you all later and keep us in your prayers. If you want you can long on to David's website at www.carepages.com and log in and when it asks you for the page name enter DavidWilliamFlinders (it is case sensitive so you may want to copy and paste it). If you do go leave us a message on the message board so that I can print them off for David's memory book. Well I have to go for sure now.

Keep up the good work it is working.

Love,

Mindy

[lauralee]

Hi, I finally figured out how to get to the webpage. I'm new with these machines but love fooling with them. I'm glad to hear everything is going well and you're enjoying your new little bundle at home. Thanks for the updates and pictures. I'm enjoying my little man today, he's 3 months and I just love looking at him. He's my 4th grandbaby and they are tooooo sweet. Prayers still lifted up for you. Take care. Love Laura

[bubbysgarage]

First let me just say that I am so sorry for taking so long to update everyone. I have been updating David's carepage and with all of David's doctor appointments and just life in general we have been pretty busy. I'll start off by saying that David is doing wonderful. About a week and a half ago he was up to 8 pounds and 10.5 ounces. He is now starting to take 4 to 4.5 ounces of formula every 3 - 3 1/2 hours during the day and he is sleeping about 6 hours at night. David has also met with First Steps (early intervention) and they are referring him for physical and occupational therapy because his neck and hips are still tight. Not sure when that will begin. David is also starting to "coo" and "ahh" now and he is laughing and smiling all of the time. He is even laughing out loud, mainly when I kiss him and make the kissing noise. He is starting to be such a little man. David has also learned that if he cries when we leave his side we come running back to him. It is so cute. I also had the scare of my life in this past month. As you all know I have a 2 year old. Well my 2 year old got the bright idea one morning to bring David to me. David had just woke up and was crying and I guess Alix knows that when Larry or I pick David up he quits crying and he thought that if he picked him up he would quit. Well that isn't what scared me the most it was the fact that Alix carried David through the house to me. Yes Alix got David out of his crib and brought him to me. Well needless to say they were both crying when they got to me. Well I need to go and fix David a bottle then head out to Washington. We have an appointment with the neonatologist in Cincy on the 12th, then the eye doctor on the 18th and then we go and see Dr. Ross on the 19th. I'll try to do better at updating you all from now on. Don't forget to keep praying for us as that is what has gotten us this far.

Thank you and keep up the good work.
Mindy

[Jess]

;) I know that you don't know me but I hope everything continues to work out for you and your little one. They are miracles. I will keep your family in my prayers and will watch for your updates.

[Foxy]

Thanks for the update. He is gorgeous!
First steps is a wonderful program! I used their services for my daughter;s speech and my son's speech. They were wonderful!

[lbt1964]

I am also glad to see David is doing so well, i got a blessing the other day when i met this little man, he is a wonderful miracle and Mindy is a joy as well, I will continue to pray for you all, and i hope to see David and mindy both soon.

[bubbysgarage]

Yea yea I know I'm a little late on my updates but we have been busy with doctor appointments and we have been at the Adams County fair most of this week. Well I will start off with the neonatologist appointment that we had last week. Everything looked good with David except that he still isn't on a growth scale. He weighed 9 pounds 4.2 ounces and was still at 22 inches long. We will go back to see Dr. Wedig (the neonatologist) on the 23rd of August.

We have also met with the physical therapist and the occupational therapist. David really seems to like them both and what is real nice is that the physical therapist lives right up the street from us (I won't tell your name till I get the ok if you are reading this) and has kids of his own. I would also like to ask for a quick prayer for the physical therapists family as they are welcoming their 3rd child this week. I would just like for everyone to pray that everything goes as planned and they are home in a jiffy.

Now to the eye doctor. That was an ok visit and a not so ok visit. Everything looked good inside of David's eyes but the occupational therapist and Dr. Wedig is concerned with David's eyes drifting. I said something to the doctor and he wants us to come back and see him August 21st. On that visit I won't be dilating David's eyes as that can cause the drifting to be worse. Dr. Yang (pronounced Young) said that David's eyes should have corrected that by 2-2.5 months (adjusted age) old. If it is actually bad we will either consider using an eye patch or doing surgery on the eye muscles. The more I think about it I think I would rather David have the surgery. But we have to weigh the pros and cons of each. I will be sure to let you all know what we decide.

Now to yesterday when we went to see Dr. Robert Ross. David is now up to 9 pounds and 8.5 ounces. YAHOO!!!!!!!!! We are almost to 10 pounds. David did get a shot yesterday and it really made him cranky. We will go back and see Dr. Ross on August 28th for a weight check and for another shot.

Well other than that nothing much else is going on, other than Larry took his dad's Oliver to the Adams County fair last night for his first tractor pull. The tractor weighed in at 4650 pounds and that put him being the smallest tractor in the middle weight class division. They choose the winner not by how far you pull but by the percentage of the tractors weight. So whoever has the best percentage wins. Larry pulled 139.78 percent and didn't win but he did have fun. We were told that Tollsboro is having a tractor pull like the one he pulled in last night and I think he is going to enter. We will just have to wait and see. Well I'm going to go check on my boys (they are sleeping and Larry is mowing before the rain hits) but I'll update you if anything changes (I'll try to do better than I have been it has just been so busy). Love to you all and keep up the good work with the Prayers.

Love,
Mindy

[bubbysgarage]

Ok just to let you all know I just added 3 new pictures under the photo gallery. Hope you enjoy. I'll add more when I have time. Just keep checking.

Oh and keep up the good work.

Love,
Mindy

[Foxy]

thanks! He is SO cute!!

[MommytoMichael2]

He is such a doll..

Much Love,
Latosha

[bubbysgarage]

Let me first start off by saying sorry for it being a month since I have posted. David is doing really well and big brother Alix is adjusting nicely. I know some of you have visited the carepage site I have for David but if you haven't and want to the web site is www.carepages.com. Just sign in and put DavidWilliamFlinders in the visit a carepage line. Well back to David. He is growing like a weed. He is now up to 22 and 3/4 inches long. Yea I know you thougtht I was going to give you his weight didn't you? Well I have a couple of other things to tell you all before I get to that. David went to the eye doctor this past Monday and he came home having to wear an eye patch. He has to wear the patch for 3 hours while he is awake (so 3 awake hours total). David has adjusted pretty well to it. Therapy is going wonderful. David is actually starting to tolerate being on his stomach. As for the Physical Therapists family (who I asked for prayers for) they had a healthy baby boy who weighed 10 pounds and 2 ounces. Well have I kept you all guessing long enough yet? I think so. So here it is (drumroll please) 11 POUNDS AND 3.6 OUNCES. Can you believe it? I had to look twice at the scales to be for certain and then I even asked the nurse if I was reading it right. Of course they all laughed at me. Well we see Dr. Ross next week so I'm curious to see how much weight he gains in a weeks time. Well I need to get off here and get David fed and spend some time with Larry. He is back in school and I spent all day in Cincinnati so we haven't seen each other much. Till next time and keep up the good work.

Love,

Mindy

[nickleahevan]

That is wonderful news. It feels like we have known your family forever. Congrats and good luck. We will keep you in our prayers. We just found out that we are expecting our second child at the end of April. We are excited and praying for our baby to be healthy. We have seen what the power of prayer can do. Thanks for the updates.:)

[bubbysgarage]

Nickelahevan, Congratulations and good luck with your new baby. I wish you all the best. Also thank you for keeping up with David's progress, our family, and your prayers.

[nickleahevan]

Thank you bubbysgarage. We know God does not give us more than we can handle. Our son, who will be 4 next weekend, is so excited. He is already talking about what he is going to teach the baby! I'm sure you know the feeling. Children are a gift from God and I'm glad that you have shared how your's have grown.

[bikerwannabe]

Children are a wonderful gift of God. I think it is a shame that some people don't appreciate what God gives us. Some people abuse children by yelling and screaming and even hitting them at times. People who do that in my opinion don't deserve to have children. I think it is wonderful to be able to give birth to God's children. Congrats to nickleahevan and bubbysgarage. God Bless and good luck. God never puts no more on us than we can handle. There is a purpose for everything that happens.

[bubbysgarage]

Well it hasn't been a month so you all should be proud of me. I finally updated our pictures in the photo gallery here. Well the eye patch thing is going ok and we go and see Dr. Yang on the 19th. Please pray that his eyes are getting better. David has been doing very well with his therapy. Although last week when Scott our PT was here David got a little stubborn. Scott you can vouch for me if your reading this. Scott was doing the usual therapy and David just decided enough was enough and started crying and screaming. That is until Scott picked him up then he just looked at him and smiled. Thats my boy. I can honestly say that David has became a Mommy's boy. He has this thing that if he can't see me but he can hear me he has to find me. For example Scott or Gina (she's our OT) can be doing therapy with him and we'll be talking and if I get quiet (not that often for those of you who know me) his eyes just start searching. Its really too cute. We do have some new news and that is David will most likely be getting a torticollis collar. I'm not quite sure how David is going to like this thing yet. Scott and Gina were supposed to talk about it this week so Monday morning I should know more after Gina leaves. Other than that there isn't much else going on. David is now up to 11 pounds and 4 ounces even and he was 23 1/2 inches long at the last visit to Doctor Ross. We don't go back to see him till October 18th. We will no longer be going to the high risk follow up clinic at Good Sam. Now we will be going to a Developmental Clinic at Good Sam. It consists of Dr. Wedig the Neonatologist, Danielle the Physical Therapist, an Occupational Therapist, and a Speech Therapist. That appointment will last an hour. Our first appointment with them is on October 17th. Then the dreaded but much needed Hernia Surgery/Circumcision will be taking place on October 23rd at 7:30am at Children's Hospital in Cincinnati. Yes I will have my computer with me as most of you by now know I live on my computer. Well I need to get to bed, its 12:30 in the morning and Gina will be here at 8. Hopefully I'll know more about the collar tomorrow. Thank you all for your prayers and please keep up the good work. Sorry this was so long.

Love,
Mindy

[Foxy]

Thanks for the update!

[bubbysgarage]

Good evening to everyone. David is doing well. We went to the eye doctor this past Tuesday and David now has to wear an eye patch on both eyes. We are rotating eyes and days. Example Monday is the Right eye and Tues is the left then Wednesday is the right and so on. We are still waiting for his TOT collar to come in. David has PT with Scott tomorrow morning and hopefully after Scott leaves (or I may try before he gets here) I am going to have David weighed at Dr. Ross' office. We go back to the eye doctor on the 31st of October. I got to looking at the calendar and the last part of October is going to be real busy for us and we will be needing all the prayers we can get. To start off on the 17th we will be seeing the developmental team at Good Sam, then on the 18th we see Dr. Ross for a follow-up, then on the 23rd we have the dreaded hernia surgery/circumcision, then on the 31st its back to the eye doctor. I'm so glad that I have a desk calendar to keep up with all of this. Oh wait I also have my PDA and 2 pocket calendars. Honestly I think my brain is shrinking with all that I am cramming in. While we were in Cincy on Tuesday I took David to Sears at Eastgate Mall for his first set of professional pictures. They turned out so good. I've posted a few in the photo gallery for those of you who would like to see them. I was amazed David was awake the whole time and smiled in all of them but one and we got the lovely thumb sucking. Oh well. Well I need to get off here and get myself to bed if I'm going to try and get him to Dr. Ross' office before Scott gets here. I'm sure that Scott will want to know his weight. Just remember that your prayers are what has gotten us this far and I would love it if you all would keep up the good work, especially in the coming months.

Love,
Mindy

[darkgray75]

You and your family will always be in our prayers. God Bless and good luck in October

[bubbysgarage]

Sorry I didn't post earlier. But on Friday I did manage to get David to Dr. Ross's office before Scott got here. So drum roll please. David now weighes 12 pounds and 11 ounces. He is getting to be such a big boy. It was so funny this weekend. David would wake up just laughing, at what, who knows. Gina from OT comes tomorrow morning and we are still waiting on David's ToT collar. It should be in sometime this week, please pray that it comes in David needs this soo bad. Well better get off here. I am in the process of hunting for something for my mom and I'm having a hard time finding it. It may result in a call to the Maysville Museum Center tomorrow if their even open yet, anyone know? Well gotta run for now. Don't forget to keep praying for us. My mom and dad and my grandparents have to go to Cincy tomorrow for some personal business and they will need all the prayers they can get for this ordeal to work out.