tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42681011882946287492024-02-06T23:56:16.402-05:00PRAY FOR THE SHELLENBERGER TWINSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-26129806550445702052010-01-31T23:57:00.003-05:002010-01-31T23:59:20.875-05:00RECENT PICTURES<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK-iPBtIaxuCb4GYeStMPJFK65jEqkVGUc_nGlGqci1PEFqbVV2y2eM2tCC37lj23itd1dBMvwFX1F-CbbZMDSeaboPtGRVBb2ygA09JBIv1V7_8mKIszjcynu_uZ-HAEsoCOCW6FAwG2/s1600-h/twins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433135126080237586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPK-iPBtIaxuCb4GYeStMPJFK65jEqkVGUc_nGlGqci1PEFqbVV2y2eM2tCC37lj23itd1dBMvwFX1F-CbbZMDSeaboPtGRVBb2ygA09JBIv1V7_8mKIszjcynu_uZ-HAEsoCOCW6FAwG2/s320/twins.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzrv5lx0-zWDugoS4l06E_WhjoUq9E3POauMAB0oKP3qA9VpmGA_-VkAEsyI_y2ORClw8eS8gf83Rdf483J1TY1pqdCCGhbAm6QGQE8so3EOpHlZ9FSBJcf7YNipcGmpMtbFMi9VBlD_j/s1600-h/twins6.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433135019918837634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrzrv5lx0-zWDugoS4l06E_WhjoUq9E3POauMAB0oKP3qA9VpmGA_-VkAEsyI_y2ORClw8eS8gf83Rdf483J1TY1pqdCCGhbAm6QGQE8so3EOpHlZ9FSBJcf7YNipcGmpMtbFMi9VBlD_j/s320/twins6.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTI1HdzPfJUoEy_4RgzxTFMwV5Zi1tuTO3ARS7Q9B3NgJ6Z3dXe0khytqYswHxHPVRwGlwGrAjSteL-VDCHd0i6jV90d2-IGXO8atG7awCGCyqTjnbUvl39XUCzZnOATApL3Ms3kMcQe-/s1600-h/twins5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433135013320728370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUTI1HdzPfJUoEy_4RgzxTFMwV5Zi1tuTO3ARS7Q9B3NgJ6Z3dXe0khytqYswHxHPVRwGlwGrAjSteL-VDCHd0i6jV90d2-IGXO8atG7awCGCyqTjnbUvl39XUCzZnOATApL3Ms3kMcQe-/s320/twins5.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fd7g14PmeOKwt9In6jasndVVs6krOGCF5nbDuv-KEp5O4WIFVhDH2QuedwyMJ0ddQFsSJgmY82qUO5zMyMpQ-phZFRrvY660IemH1Y9oT9SQ1oiko8JQWPV5TJM_0cmu6yKvNpFqXXXc/s1600-h/twins4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433135004670322082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fd7g14PmeOKwt9In6jasndVVs6krOGCF5nbDuv-KEp5O4WIFVhDH2QuedwyMJ0ddQFsSJgmY82qUO5zMyMpQ-phZFRrvY660IemH1Y9oT9SQ1oiko8JQWPV5TJM_0cmu6yKvNpFqXXXc/s320/twins4.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiht_W8SXpo8wJchO5ftxJ4dFp3h14tTMl5nwYVHQj2bI0NSDK3fKkAIB4FpuL1uwNVYwQ2eftInNqKzbLYxe3MXukQpjQCS1HoTCPOZzprVqSPpF1ZMgo9U904O6ksga1UgEIkmuupsoWN/s1600-h/twins3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433135001795521474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiht_W8SXpo8wJchO5ftxJ4dFp3h14tTMl5nwYVHQj2bI0NSDK3fKkAIB4FpuL1uwNVYwQ2eftInNqKzbLYxe3MXukQpjQCS1HoTCPOZzprVqSPpF1ZMgo9U904O6ksga1UgEIkmuupsoWN/s320/twins3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSO3X7q0UvtNde-m5eXMXkRa63RnG_p3H4suE-rqqGFq2AMiqd0OBQIxqDED6G3FR5Ax297OZsp60eIKfdvcOYPNGXauMfZRYquWcFWPVCTqGVkVDTRbgFcaYVTJRKfsbJ4ZC7Lwmcmo4/s1600-h/twins2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433134999064885042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSO3X7q0UvtNde-m5eXMXkRa63RnG_p3H4suE-rqqGFq2AMiqd0OBQIxqDED6G3FR5Ax297OZsp60eIKfdvcOYPNGXauMfZRYquWcFWPVCTqGVkVDTRbgFcaYVTJRKfsbJ4ZC7Lwmcmo4/s320/twins2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-8233142919860643882010-01-31T23:26:00.003-05:002010-01-31T23:47:31.885-05:00UPDATE: 2/1/10So my apologies go out to all the faithful bloggers who have been checking the site daily, only to see the same update from 3 months ago. Needless to say, life is busy, and I don't get a whole lot of time to just sit at the computer! Hmmm, imagine why? But, I wouldn't ask for it to be busy any other way. Being a mommy of 3 is the most wonderful thing I can be doing. Moments of insanity, yes, when we have the harmonies of Jaron and Teagan both hungry and crying, and Kaylan in the background saying "STOP!" But, we eventually get things settled down again :-)<br /><br />Jaron and Teagan are doing awesome. You would never look at them and think they are preemies. They have chubby cheeks and the cutest smiles, and coos. Early intervention is coming once a month, our first session was in January. Carol, is our physical therapist's name with early intervention, and she has shown me things to do to help them with things like getting there necks and backs stonger, focusing on "playing" with toys, etc. We were also at a pulmanologist in Hershey and he thinks they look and sound well. He put Teagan on 2 different inhalers to help with her breathing, just so she doesn't have to work so hard and burn calories that way. Jaron, so far so good with no meds. We go back to see him in March. We are off the oxygen, well Jaron we still put him on a little at night. But we are soon finished with that phase of things, thank goodness. Now it doesn't feel like we have plug in babies anymore! We can walk freely around the house :-)<br /><br />Two weeks ago Jaron was 11 pounds, and Teagan 9.4. Far from their 1 pound plus weight 6 months ago. Yes, Saturday, the 6th makes them a half a year old already. That just blows me away.<br /><br />Everyday when I hold them, squeeze them, and just love on them I am overwhelmed with emotion. I truly am holding two miracles in my arms, I am always so humbled at the way the Lord worked in our lives and their lives the way He did. You know, someone asked me if I ever worried about losing one or both of them, and I can honestly say I never did. When I woke up after my c-section and heard that my baby boy and girl were both alive, I knew it was going to be okay. Just to let you know how awesome our God is....<br /><br />... years ago when Mitch and I were trying to get pregnant with Kaylan, and my parents were praying for us about conception, my dad shared with us right after that prayer that he felt like the Lord told him not to be surprised if there was more than one. That was a word the Lord sent to us years before they were born.... He gave us a promise like that in advance, knowing we would have/need that to remember and hold onto in our journey with them. Yes, that is the God that we serve.<br /><br />So, the Shellenberger party of five is adjusting and doing well. And to put a plug in for Kaylan, because she is an amazing little girl too, she has been a great big sister. Yeah, there are the times she yells stop, but most times she is saying, Hey Teagan, Hey Jaron... aww their so cute and soft, giving kisses, giving them their nuks... you know things that big sisters do! She has adjusted so well, she has a very creative mind for a two year old, and doesn't mind playing on her own with her toys or imaginary animals that show up at our house while I am taking care of the babies.<br /><br />I know everyone wants to see pics, I will try to get some posted, I am not doing this from my computer so no pics for me to send right now.<br /><br />A side note, I am walking with a team in the March for Babies (April 25th) and would love for you all to support me in it. March for Babies organized by the March of Dimes raises funds in order to provide programming, services and research to promote healthy, full-term pregnancies and prevent infant mortality. You can check out my personal page for Team Miracles on the right sidebar of the blog. There you can find additional details about the walk and The March of Dimes. You can also sponsor me by making a tax-deductible donation.<br /><br />Love,<br />HeatherUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-5843386950190502242009-11-06T14:26:00.002-05:002009-11-06T14:33:55.863-05:00Update from the Daddy: 11/6/09On Wednesday morning we brought <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> home from the hospital. We got in there just before 10:00 and were loading the van by a little after 11:00. First trip with the whole family in the van. We have been home here since, and things are going well. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Teagan</span> came home with oxygen and monitors, so we have a mess of wires and tubing running around the house. Not a good mix with a two year old pushing her stroller around. I put up some hooks on the walls, so we have a system now to keep the tubing off the floor as much as possible.<br /><br />Heather is feeding them four times a day now and we are bottle feeding the rest. We will continue to ramp up the nursing, but they recommended we take it slow. The doctors recommended this so there is not a huge change in the twins' schedule that might set them back a bit with weight gain. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Kaylan</span> is so fun to watch as she interacts with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Teagan</span>. She is a very good little mom. She says things like "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">aww</span>, what's wrong buddy," and "its OK." She likes to "pet" them, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">that's</span> what she says.<br /><br />We have our first doctors visit today, which will be our first time out with them. We are not planning on being out much, so it may be little while before we see some of you all, but thank you so much for all your prayers and support. It is so helpful. You can continue to pray for good weight gain. They said we do not need to supplement with formula as long as they are gaining weight. You can pray for an ability to figure what life with two babies and a two year old looks like as far as a schedule, feedings, play time, house work, and a job, when I get back (I am off until the middle of next week). You can also pray for small windows of time for Heather and I to connect, and build our relationship.<br /><br />PRAISE GOD for the amazing gift of these two little lives. I is just so awesome to have them home and healthy.<br /><br />Here are some pics:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6wNk7YM-v9RORvJIlUFUO2LkL61Gs4jBLCa6FdRJAIcFzFAuE92PcYyo8K7bfZNXGioWVu35eJcAAnVzYiIfb495MHsDS-ueNdPnxK2mLegDJhyphenhyphenbc-LRvuhRtuOoKp8u3N8L6OCJY9Rc/s1600-h/JT1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401075001053254946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc6wNk7YM-v9RORvJIlUFUO2LkL61Gs4jBLCa6FdRJAIcFzFAuE92PcYyo8K7bfZNXGioWVu35eJcAAnVzYiIfb495MHsDS-ueNdPnxK2mLegDJhyphenhyphenbc-LRvuhRtuOoKp8u3N8L6OCJY9Rc/s320/JT1.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRGr3PVbyKfV2ySJRz-oK3b7Q_-hBvnGZ6OsjOYOu06C_9RFL_91H7SvQ0OKr0Yzp8h7NK0PK68G_s-z1IuuvgknF4fTQiF87SKabZrSrmMmFAmK0EN-zgnHlhl3cnumFwKqTBaTii9CM/s1600-h/JT2.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401074993909029346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRGr3PVbyKfV2ySJRz-oK3b7Q_-hBvnGZ6OsjOYOu06C_9RFL_91H7SvQ0OKr0Yzp8h7NK0PK68G_s-z1IuuvgknF4fTQiF87SKabZrSrmMmFAmK0EN-zgnHlhl3cnumFwKqTBaTii9CM/s320/JT2.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPZXrQNJL4b5sklo_4hEpOVaM1kpsK3PVv4fQsEY-zJbtKuXvQVo4LXy3TdYuHlLdSnjE6fSF3Hj5EpeAY1zgpGs7ws4sQKYtPdIDPrbAGuha_lwDc0PdADah8aJ99Sw5210y1wncSmbJ/s1600-h/JT3.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401074988774806962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPZXrQNJL4b5sklo_4hEpOVaM1kpsK3PVv4fQsEY-zJbtKuXvQVo4LXy3TdYuHlLdSnjE6fSF3Hj5EpeAY1zgpGs7ws4sQKYtPdIDPrbAGuha_lwDc0PdADah8aJ99Sw5210y1wncSmbJ/s320/JT3.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5F9Wm4t6QDfte-JuKyV3WO09YKaWfYwLOOh3cZjFJ3PShV307RwATBSy4ydInaz1r9ospbpWu6Zs8El6cglupxEN3mLpOjE9S0fv57Q8g-z0WOw47wGctQR4IzBkiXnW-E5mB6jzaU81/s1600-h/JT4.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401074987149944146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE5F9Wm4t6QDfte-JuKyV3WO09YKaWfYwLOOh3cZjFJ3PShV307RwATBSy4ydInaz1r9ospbpWu6Zs8El6cglupxEN3mLpOjE9S0fv57Q8g-z0WOw47wGctQR4IzBkiXnW-E5mB6jzaU81/s320/JT4.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-49058769346016707462009-11-01T12:27:00.001-05:002009-11-01T12:29:07.282-05:00Update: 11/1/09" Alot of you have already heard, and I am thrilled to finally say - we are going to be bringing Jaron and Teagan home!! Wednesday, November 4th is their homecoming date! They will be going home on oxygen and monitors, so tomorrow (Monday) the medical staff will be briefing us on how to use those when we are home, Tuesday they have Teagan's last eye exam set up, and Wednesday it's homeward bound!!! <br /><br />Wow, it feels so good to say that."Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-40024316423002163382009-10-22T23:15:00.001-04:002009-10-22T23:17:50.325-04:00Update: 10/21/09"Here we are, another week gone by, everyday getting us closer to bringing our twins home! No discharge date mentioned at all yet, but we are hoping no more than 4 weeks. They are 11 weeks old now, which makes them 36 weeks gestation. Another 4 weeks would put them to my due date with them. I am excited to say that yesterday they took both Jaron and Teagan off the medications they were on (meds such as diuretics to help them get rid of any extra fluid, etc). They had eye exams again this morning and the Dr. said Jaron looks great, no need to check him again, and Teagan looks good too, but he just wants to see her again in another 2 to 3 weeks. Jesus, we ask that when Teagan's eyes get checked again in a couple of weeks that it will be her last as well!<br /><br />Feedings are going well, I am now nursing both of them two times a day. They are beginning to coordinate their sucking, breathing, and swallowing, but sometimes it's a little hard for them and they "alarm." I believe I asked about praying for this before, so just continue the prayer that this coordination for them will just click.<br /><br />Jaron is now 5 lbs. 3 oz, and Teagan is so close to hitting 5... she is 4 lbs 14 oz. Everyday the nurses come by and say how much they can't believe how the twins have grown. They just dote over them and say how cute they are. I hear all the nurses have a little crush on Jaron :-) He's already workin' his charm. I am not sure the staff will let us leave, they love our little kiddos so much! <br /><br />I am praying that these last few weeks go by quickly, or maybe I just need to pray for patience. It's like the end is so close, but still feels far away. I am longing for the day to hear the words get ready to take your babies home. I have been SO excited for the families we got to know from the NICU that I got to see take their babies home, I can't even imagine how excited I will be when it's our turn. Just thinking about it right now makes me want to burst!! That is the update I cannot wait to give. Until then, like I said, pray for our patience.<br /><br />We love you all so much.<br />- Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-35984543404544957712009-10-16T09:01:00.002-04:002009-10-16T09:04:26.351-04:00Update: 10.15.09"Wow, how the time passes me by, and here I am giving a much needed update! Jaron and Teagan are just awesome! They are still on some oxygen support. Teagan is now on the regular nasal cannula, which is the last step for respiratory support! Jaron is still on the hi-flow nasal cannula, and we are praying he will soon be like his sister and onto the regular. It's been just over a week now that I have been able to try nursing Teagan once a day, today I actually tried twice. She is showing great progress with it. Jaron got to try for the first time today, and he did great for the first time! This is exciting for me, and a great step to getting them home. Today makes them ten weeks old. I can hardly believe we have been doing this over 2 months... they have come such a long way. Looking back at pictures of them is just amazing. They don't even look like the same babies anymore... they are getting their chubby cheeks and little bellies!! Absolutely adorable.<br /><br />I have probably mentioned this before, but what's on our hearts to pray for is that when it is time to go home, we will be leaving with the BOTH of them. A lot of times twins will go home separately because one is doing better than the other. I would love to have their homecoming at the same time, and have our three children under the same roof. And that they won't be coming home on any kind of oxygen or monitor, because they keep telling us that is a possibility too. <br /><br />Jaron is now 4 lbs 15 oz, and Teagan 4 lbs 7 oz. We are soon going to see that 5 lb mark! Who knows, Jaron probably already hit it when they weighed him tonight!<br /><br />Since you all have been such awesome prayer warriors for Jaron and Teagan, if you think about it, you can be crying out for some other very little ones. Last Friday they admitted a 23 week old baby (he was a twin, but his brother passed away. He only lived a few hours.), and he is stable. His name is Isaiah, his parents are Marci and Sam. I have had the opportunity to talk with the mom, Marci, and had the privilege to pray with her the same day that Isaiah was admitted. I am sure they won't mind that I just shared that with you all, I wanted to share their names so you can pray for them by name. I know the Lord has awesome things in store for the this family and their littlest one!! And I know Jaron and Teagan are bringing hope and encouragement to them, seeing where there boy is going to get to. <br /><br />I know there are twins that were also just admitted, and I am hoping I get a chance to talk and encourage her as well. Pray that the Lord uses me in these mother's lives. It's for such a time as this that we are in the NICU at this time, right?!<br /><br />We are so blessed by all of you.<br /><br />Much love,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-25257560321009729532009-10-01T07:57:00.004-04:002009-10-01T08:07:28.759-04:00Update: 10.1.09<div>"More good news to share with everybody! As you know last Tuesday Jaron and Teagan were both taken off of their vents and onto CPAP. Well yesterday I had another wonderful surprise to see that Teagan now has the high flow nasal cannula! This is just the next step needed to be made to get weened off of oxygen... so of course our prayer is that Jaron is right there with his sis and will have the high flow soon. This looks so much more comfortable too, the CPAP isn't very friendly to the face or nose!<br /><br />They had another eye exam this week, and things still look good there. The occupational therapist that works in the NICU got to check them out too, and assessed them. She says everything looks great, Eventually, she is going to show me some massage to do for them that is helpful. Oh, and a highlight for me this week was bath time!! I was able to give both of the twins their baths. I just took a warm soapy wipe and "scrubbed" 'em in their beds, and then put them in their little tub to rinse them off, and they both loved the water when I rinsed them. They were wide eyed when I was doing it.<br /><br />Obviously, we continue to pray for their lungs, but as you think about it, when it comes time for them to start feeding, which won't be for another couple weeks, pray for the coordination. And for my patience! This will be one of the hardest things they will have to do, breathe, suck, swallow.<br /><br />Last but not least, their weights. Jaron is 3.15 and Teagan is 3.7. We are soon going to see four pounds! Amazing, compared to how tiny they were 8 weeks ago!<br /><br />Here are some pictures of their bath times. Hope you enjoy! This was a fun update for me to give.<br /><br />Love, Heather "</div><br />Teagan:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRtRdlsGL_tWdyOzzJBV5fwhrdHmJ-MoxTQhyE6EACq32zoigLwwT5Ypzyc1161s8U-v1HOSzqmg0abdOWlzCvXNqWj_qQYz3MdHK0pkJL28rBcfHHQ5RbFFKiwXlj0lvISH-4LdpKpFK/s1600-h/Teagan.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387601064089167506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijRtRdlsGL_tWdyOzzJBV5fwhrdHmJ-MoxTQhyE6EACq32zoigLwwT5Ypzyc1161s8U-v1HOSzqmg0abdOWlzCvXNqWj_qQYz3MdHK0pkJL28rBcfHHQ5RbFFKiwXlj0lvISH-4LdpKpFK/s320/Teagan.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKb5WVTjxy64iVJFIK4gy9ntrDbJnACNbdNBqqRkjotzv5dUohguY-irHnGCfIpBo5uJ4oLq5lRKazIf25qIG9uIOVcLIIFcD1wGK2GdHn5IvWQeQp1mmJxCwpyfFePeQgeKrEh2refKh/s1600-h/bath_2_Teagan.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387601058576979266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKb5WVTjxy64iVJFIK4gy9ntrDbJnACNbdNBqqRkjotzv5dUohguY-irHnGCfIpBo5uJ4oLq5lRKazIf25qIG9uIOVcLIIFcD1wGK2GdHn5IvWQeQp1mmJxCwpyfFePeQgeKrEh2refKh/s320/bath_2_Teagan.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjR5irCwbLSeIBi3z9e8v7dYSxA1_bFJp2H2uVYhJfeMPFN9YYwUaWO5Sl3gPpLrMXh-Rni4OVroB-H2Ka4eywQ7gI0OeFdB5yA-1O_tzhiX7nBh2j_W3vJSKtU2lZvTm-R0oPgyaVgDO/s1600-h/bath_1_Teagan.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387600918881044546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjR5irCwbLSeIBi3z9e8v7dYSxA1_bFJp2H2uVYhJfeMPFN9YYwUaWO5Sl3gPpLrMXh-Rni4OVroB-H2Ka4eywQ7gI0OeFdB5yA-1O_tzhiX7nBh2j_W3vJSKtU2lZvTm-R0oPgyaVgDO/s320/bath_1_Teagan.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div>Jaron:<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3PfQ-c2lT_QvWtuvWelLCL9ZoWiTnC_cNFQ3Hx8W30dfRkOqBlICx7JFV-y2YzTQlNt06XqgVLNnBEZiwQPS-NFmaysCG6c4dZY_0U1PjOD1kOf58ABC_7yvDFevlHaTnxrmm_iOhQ2/s1600-h/Jaronbath.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387600914886976882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff3PfQ-c2lT_QvWtuvWelLCL9ZoWiTnC_cNFQ3Hx8W30dfRkOqBlICx7JFV-y2YzTQlNt06XqgVLNnBEZiwQPS-NFmaysCG6c4dZY_0U1PjOD1kOf58ABC_7yvDFevlHaTnxrmm_iOhQ2/s320/Jaronbath.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4rPGxzAcjKLK4TYhXmKEDWwIFlvH6Y-_1CVY9tI5CmqauPtOE00n0YHh-U97vEymGHux4MLwJi2kW8wJkwKW-WEuuk2u98OQ_k3yhyphenhyphenSkLn-02O-o16s0uNgxRCxfxsXFm8GXhKlItBs9/s1600-h/bath_3_Jaron.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387600905386681858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF4rPGxzAcjKLK4TYhXmKEDWwIFlvH6Y-_1CVY9tI5CmqauPtOE00n0YHh-U97vEymGHux4MLwJi2kW8wJkwKW-WEuuk2u98OQ_k3yhyphenhyphenSkLn-02O-o16s0uNgxRCxfxsXFm8GXhKlItBs9/s320/bath_3_Jaron.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHlDRO43D6AtPJ6ILYj4dYcUDbxu9-bzCkeYS-PHf7S7gzHPhPfDQ9PiYzNym5SK1W5haWBKgGgvpD37Z87KRPA4OWS3Q9NPYu4Cl7fRcjTSY3lz_v9BoOTD-1g0vzKjSaRI-ZlE723TS/s1600-h/bath_2_Jaron.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387600901444553618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikHlDRO43D6AtPJ6ILYj4dYcUDbxu9-bzCkeYS-PHf7S7gzHPhPfDQ9PiYzNym5SK1W5haWBKgGgvpD37Z87KRPA4OWS3Q9NPYu4Cl7fRcjTSY3lz_v9BoOTD-1g0vzKjSaRI-ZlE723TS/s320/bath_2_Jaron.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghILV36c0vaqtqC5aVnO7ABSz_0BGv6GpQjIHN44h9fbsd7tLXmnD77E5HHDg52fGIgZ8YliFKGpoSZS7LKyn4J91rUkXfIvKhhcXouFfD1jhdbu5nciJu0eOrWfiRQhyphenhyphenrrRbkL__RSbl0/s1600-h/bath_1.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387600892283070210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghILV36c0vaqtqC5aVnO7ABSz_0BGv6GpQjIHN44h9fbsd7tLXmnD77E5HHDg52fGIgZ8YliFKGpoSZS7LKyn4J91rUkXfIvKhhcXouFfD1jhdbu5nciJu0eOrWfiRQhyphenhyphenrrRbkL__RSbl0/s320/bath_1.JPG" border="0" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-3409414293567994112009-10-01T07:56:00.001-04:002009-10-01T07:57:44.162-04:00Update: 9.27.09"I know everyone is probably wondering how the CPAP is going for Jaron, and if Teagan is on it yet. Well, I am HAPPY to say that they are both doing great on CPAP. They tried Teagan on it Wednesday, and they actually bumped her oxygen down on it tonight!! Being able to hold them is much easier now. And of course what you are all wondering now is how much they weigh... Jaron is 3 lbs 11 oz, and Teagan is 3lbs 7 oz. <br /><br />I just want to say again how much we love you all, and how humbled we are by such love and support. First of all we couldn't do it without the grace and love of God, but we also couldn't do it without the rest of you backing us up. <br /><br />Love, Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-73358917572934096602009-09-22T22:46:00.001-04:002009-09-22T22:48:38.771-04:00Update: September 22, 2009"This is a much needed update... I apologize for not getting something out sooner. My last update I believe I talked about the doctors trying the babies on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">CPAP</span>, which didn't come when we thought, BUT today <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jaron</span> was on it. Around noon today <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span> self <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">extubated</span> himself (which means he pulled his tubes out) so the doctor said to give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">CPAP</span> a try, and he was doing great on it! This means he is breathing on his own... the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CPAP</span> gives pressure and oxygen. And when they drew his blood gas and looked at his levels they looked good, after being on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">CPAP</span>! I am so proud of our little man, he knew he was strong enough to try this, that's why he took into his own hands and pulled his tubes out himself :-)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Teagan's</span> CO2 (carbon dioxide) level wasn't quite as good, so they didn't try <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">CPAP</span> on her, but we are praying she is not far behind. Who knows maybe I will go in tomorrow and have the same surprise as I did with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jaron</span> today!<br /><br />They are both still eating like champs, 28 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ml's</span> every 3 hours. They will soon be up to an ounce (30 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">mls</span>) on feedings. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Jaron</span> now weighs 3 lbs. 6 oz and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Teagan</span> 3 lbs. 5oz. I am amazed at how much they keep growing, and how they just keep getting cuter <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">everytime</span> I see them!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Jaron</span> just looks like a little boy, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Teagan</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">girly</span> girl!<br /><br />One last thing, they had their first eye exams today, and the doctor told the nurse everything looks good for now, praise God. So we continue to believe for good reports after each eye exam.<br /><br />May you all continue to be blessed as you read these updates, and be encouraged knowing that your prayers are so effective.<br /><br />Love, Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-9053993375248291162009-09-16T12:46:00.001-04:002009-09-16T12:46:54.373-04:00Update: 9/16/09"Well, not a lot of new news on the babes, which is good. But I did want to let you all know that Jaron is now weighing in at 3 lbs. 2 ozs, and Teagan isn't far behind from reaching 3... she's 2 lbs. 14 oz. It's amazing just from week to week how much they grow and change. It's fun to see. Tomorrow they will be 6 weeks old already (making them 31 weeks corrected age). God has already brought them through so much, and He will continue to do so.<br /><br />Love,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-16707905036004824722009-09-11T21:27:00.001-04:002009-09-11T21:29:38.022-04:00Update: 9/11/09 9:20pm"My heart is filled with joy, as I can give yet another awesome report on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span>! Yesterday was their last day of antibiotics, so no more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">IV's</span>!!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Woohoo</span>! They are both now over 1200 grams, so they can wear clothes... this is just adorable. It's amazing how that just makes them look bigger. And what I am most excited about, is that they have their vents now on a different setting, it's more of just assisted breathing, instead of the vent doing most of the breathing for them. This is a way the doctors start to wean them off of the vents, and the doctor told us today they with try the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cpap</span> in the next several days! This means that the twins are taking their own breaths, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">cpap</span> just gives oxygen and pressure. Pray for strength, that they transition to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cpap</span> easily.<br /><br />Another prayer request, next week sometime they will do an eye exam on them. This is standard, looking to see the blood vessels behind the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">retina</span>. As of right now, they shouldn't even have these blood vessels yet, but they will start to check to make sure they are growing straight, and not twisted. If they would see eventually that they aren't growing as they should, it would mean <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">lasik</span> surgery. This is the only surgery they do at Women and Babies, so it would be done there. But we are believing that they won't need this surgery. <br /><br />Because He's faithful,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-46139413547917754672009-09-06T16:22:00.001-04:002009-09-06T16:23:50.858-04:00Update: 9/6/09 4PM"Sorry it has been a little while since I gave all you faithful bloggers something to read! Jaron and Teagan are both doing well... still finishing out their antibiotics for their infections which seem to be healing! And they are both eating and growing like champs :-) They take turns in passing each other in weight, Teagan is now 2 lbs 10 oz, and Jaron is 2 lbs 8 oz. Jaron is now eating 20 ml's and Teagan is 18 (or 19? all the sudden I am drawing a blank). That 3 pound mark isn't very far away!! <br /> <br />They are still on the vents to help them breathe, which means they have a breathing tube going down their mouths. Pray that when they start weaning them from the vents it will be a MIRACULOUS time span, that it will be quick. Obviously, going off of the vents means their lungs are getting stronger, but it will also be great to have those tubes out of them because they are such a source of infection. <br /> <br />This past Thursday made them 4 weeks old.... I can't believe it's been a month already. It truly has gone fast, so I am praying the next two go just as fast, so we can bring our babies home!<br /> <br />Much love,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-64192090475842568612009-09-01T21:12:00.000-04:002009-09-01T21:13:08.153-04:00Update: 9/1/2009 9 PM"Just wanted to send out a fun little update. Both the babes are doing well, they are on their antibiotics, about seven more days they will have on that to take care of their infections. Pray that after this their immune systems will be strong and no more infections.<br /><br />They are both doing awesome with their feedings! They are now bumped up to 17 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ml's</span> every 3 hours! This is the key, the more nutrition the stronger they will become. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jaron's</span> nurse, Cindy (she's awesome I love her) said it is miraculous that they have been doing so well on their feeds, because most preemies, especially as early as they were, just don't tolerate feedings as well. I said they are our little miracles! So praise the Lord that he's made their little "guts" stimulate so well!! <br /><br />Yesterday they were going to wash <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron's</span> hair, and since we were there they asked if I would like to wash it. I said of course! I just made a wipe warm and wet, put some shampoo on and just rubbed his head with it.... and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jaron</span> LOVED it! He just closed his eyes and chilled :-) It was so fun. Today I got to hold the little man too.... I am hoping I can hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Teagan</span> again soon. The past 2 days her nurse has said she just needs to relax and settle in her isolate. <br /><br />Oh yes, their weights, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Teagan</span> is 2 lbs. 4 oz, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jaron</span> is 2 lbs. 6 oz! Can't wait til they hit the 3 pound mark!!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-63857448808689939172009-08-31T07:05:00.001-04:002009-08-31T07:07:25.858-04:00Update: 8/30/2009 10PM"Hey All! I know everyone has been on their knees for our little ones, but just want to give you specifics. The doctors are doing a few tests to check for infections in both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron's</span> incision looked a little infected, and where <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Teagan's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PICC</span> line is they thought may be a little infected. They got their blood work back and are starting them on antibiotics tonight, and we are waiting for results to see if they have a small infection in their lungs. We keep hearing that this is typical for preemies, since their little bodies just aren't made to fight things off like this.<br /><br />Lord, you are big enough to fight off these infections for them! We believe and know that through your healing touch, and in the name of Jesus, the infection is gone, and that there is nothing brewing in their lungs. Instead your breath is filling up their lungs and with each day <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Teagan</span> are becoming stronger. Thank you Jesus for everyday of life that you give them, and with each new day it means they are closer to getting stronger, and closer to coming home. We love you Lord!<br /><br />Before I end, they are both back up on their feedings... to 11 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">cc's</span>, since the surgery. And as of last night they were both 2 lbs 5 oz! <br /><br />Be blessed,<br />Heather "Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-17276847394663349102009-08-28T06:46:00.000-04:002009-08-28T06:47:21.759-04:00Update: 8/27/09 10 PM"I am happy to say that Jaron and Teagan are doing very well, and are going to be making their way back to Lancaster tomorrow (8.28), or today depending on when you are reading this. Hershey has been great, but it will be nice to have them back in familiar territory. The medical staff didn't give us a time of when they will be making their ambulance ride back... probably in the afternoon. Just pray for another safe transfer.<br /><br />They are 3 weeks old today too! I can hardly believe it. So far, Jaron is weighing in at 2 lb. 3 oz, and Teagan at 2 lb. 1 oz! It's so exciting to see how the Lord has been so faithful to them.<br /><br />Love,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-34856518623063069242009-08-25T19:48:00.003-04:002009-08-26T21:48:03.318-04:00Update: 8/25/2009 5:00PM"Praise the Lord... <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span></span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan's</span></span> surgery went well. They started first with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span></span> at 10:00 this morning, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Teagan</span></span> followed right after, and by noon the surgeon came out to tell us they were finished and doing good. The whole "O.R." just comes right to their beds in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NICU</span></span>, which is so nice to not have to move the babies. Not so nice for the rest of the parents wanting to visit the little ones, because they shut down the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NICU</span></span> to visitors during a sterile procedure like that. We went back to see them afterward, and they were just sleeping away. The medical staff has the twins sedated and on pain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">meds</span></span>, so they will be very sleepy for a while.<br /><br />We are just so glad the surgery is out of the way and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PDA's</span></span> are now fixed! I don't know if I explained how they did the surgery or not in any of my other updates, but they go in from the back, right behind their armpits, and then go through the ribs to tie off the hole. So they will just have a little scar right behind their arms. Now, in Mitch's words, they can start working in "maximum efficiency" :-) All you who know Mitch, I know you're smiling right now because you can hear him saying something like that! We are hoping by Thursday or Friday they will be back at Women and Babies. I am asking the Lord for a speedy post-op recovery, and minimal pain for the babes! I believe while they are sleeping and recouping, Jesus is talking with them in wonderful dreams and visions!<br /><br />We figured tonight we just need to do something fun, and spend some time with our little miss, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kaylan</span></span>. So we are looking forward to some E-town Fair fun, which mostly means that greasy fair food, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Kaylan</span></span> will LOVE seeing the animals.<br /><br />So blessed to have each and every one of you, even those we don't know. I can't even begin to explain how blessed we are and feel. I pray in return that each of you are being showered with blessings.<br /><br />In His Grip,<br />Heather "Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-28023343041346333982009-08-25T07:27:00.000-04:002009-08-25T07:29:20.706-04:00Update: 8/24/2009 9:30pm"Just wanted to let everyone know that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> made the trip to Hershey just fine. They were both transported in the Life Lion ambulance... Mitch got lots of pictures of it, I will try to get some up for you all to see. Everyone at Hershey seems very nice, and the surgeon that talked to us today we hear is one of the best. Tomorrow morning sometime is when they will have the surgery, but they didn't give us a specific time yet. They like to keep them there 72 hours after surgery to make sure recovery goes well. So, we are thinking we will be back at Women and Babies by the weekend. <br /><br />That's the latest, we appreciate the prayers.<br /><br />Love,<br /><br />Heather, Mitch, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Kaylan</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jaron</span>, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Teagan</span>"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-89440827713192395512009-08-24T07:42:00.002-04:002009-08-24T07:46:50.261-04:00UPDATE: 8/24/2009 7:45AM"Hello all our prayer warriors! So it was a very early morning for me this morning, Mitch dropped me off at the hospital on his way to work so I could be here for the morning before they take <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> to Hershey for their surgery. We are going to follow the ambulance there. Yes, it is surgery for the little ones, but one that is very minor. Both of their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">PDA's</span> opened back up... and from their echos on Saturday it showed that this is causing their left <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">atriums</span> to be enlarged because of extra blood flow going into the atrium from the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PDA</span> being open. It's best just to have the surgery and have them clip the hole shut.<br /><br />We aren't discouraged by this... we are ready to have this "problem" taken care of because it means <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">respiratory</span> wise this will help them a lot, and that's what we want, less <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">dependency</span> on their vents! They should just be at Hershey a few days and then back to Women and Babies.<br /><br />This brings up another prayer request. Right now the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">NICU</span> here is packed (over capacity). They just admitted their 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">th</span> set of twins last night, and a few days ago they admitted triplets! We asked last night how that works with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Teagan</span> coming back here, if they are already so full, because they can't "hold" their spots for them to come back. So pray that when Hershey gives the okay for them to come back to Women and Babies, there will be room at the inn. If not, it just means a little longer stay at Hershey.<br /><br />Yesterday <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Teagan</span> both hit the 2 pound milestone!! We are excited about that, actually I believe <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Teagan</span> is 2 lb 1 oz. Like I said they take turns passing each other :-) And Mitch got to hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Jaron</span> for the first time last night. When our nurse asked if we wanted to get him out I thought I should let daddy have a chance to hold his little boy for the first time, since I have gotten to hold him twice already! I believe this morning I will be able to hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Teagan</span> again. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Yay</span>!<br /><br />One more thing as a prayer request... we have all these new people, other parents in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">NICU</span>, the nurses, that we are now in contact with daily. It's so our hearts to be shining the light and love of Jesus while we are here. There's one couple in particular that's in here with their little girl (born at 28 weeks) and they have been on my heart. Pray that we know how to specifically speak into their lives, and be the face of Jesus to them. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Alrighty</span>, the shift change is almost over, and I will be able to go back to be with the babes :-)<br /><br />Love,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-24697633506175259132009-08-24T06:34:00.002-04:002009-08-24T06:37:09.593-04:00TWINS HEART SURGERYJust an update to tell the lovely blog readers and prayer warriors that the twins are heading to Hershey Med to have heart surgery (I am assuming to close their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PDAs</span> for good.<br /><br />When I hear any updates from the family or get more details I will fill you in right away. In the mean time please cover these little ones in prayer and leave some comments of love and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">encouragement</span>.<br /><br />Of course we are believing that these little ones will thrive, recover quickly and continue to amaze us all with their health and well-being, such an evident display of God's mighty hand at work in <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">their</span> bodies.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-2236330866399824752009-08-22T20:27:00.003-04:002009-08-22T20:35:11.618-04:00PICTURE TIME!Below are some super-adorable pictures of sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Teagan</span>! Check them out! Isn't she gorgeous?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5TgaBVqU8hfVhB_EikVD-1sYx97ES4OIZH_4_bg7VNE739XH2dZejeVCyKZ3TQTmEhoNquob_ewhJheO1_uQQXWSNKPBfvCFyKlQ2_7W353sQAslQg290HOLEsGDIfWqZ2p42wUD8Q_v/s1600-h/IMGP0642.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372950365920128226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5TgaBVqU8hfVhB_EikVD-1sYx97ES4OIZH_4_bg7VNE739XH2dZejeVCyKZ3TQTmEhoNquob_ewhJheO1_uQQXWSNKPBfvCFyKlQ2_7W353sQAslQg290HOLEsGDIfWqZ2p42wUD8Q_v/s320/IMGP0642.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>"Here I am holding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> for the first time! I still need to get a picture of us holding <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span>... I have already gotten to hold him twice :-)"</div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIXakEFKCaBVinKnMIkscivSKn2Wv-3v9a9AostF6PlSciEaZ78aSAtnVfDHQ-Yos8TG6S2jQ2RGa0klInt8dboHNPF6WTp1rfWZWnSqKOEpa_YEMsw-aDsoLZ30Kiv6zapDhDeRU7Rjs/s1600-h/IMGP0638.JPG"></a> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372950360555731394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIXakEFKCaBVinKnMIkscivSKn2Wv-3v9a9AostF6PlSciEaZ78aSAtnVfDHQ-Yos8TG6S2jQ2RGa0klInt8dboHNPF6WTp1rfWZWnSqKOEpa_YEMsw-aDsoLZ30Kiv6zapDhDeRU7Rjs/s320/IMGP0638.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2sFTQn0ZkWqigEcx3W3sPRcnaNlCvRFm_Y7dzwDU7DSKtg7IJ171lPR1A1cdBeSUWrpD5IjhhpBtUo_8kQJF8RO-ATS-N5V1cvDZEQcdKNpt_LF26O7YGnUAf4iOiVsmOsQx_43oHTEd/s1600-h/IMGP0585.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372950352825591554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf2sFTQn0ZkWqigEcx3W3sPRcnaNlCvRFm_Y7dzwDU7DSKtg7IJ171lPR1A1cdBeSUWrpD5IjhhpBtUo_8kQJF8RO-ATS-N5V1cvDZEQcdKNpt_LF26O7YGnUAf4iOiVsmOsQx_43oHTEd/s320/IMGP0585.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div><div>"Here are the pictures of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Teagan</span> showing off her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">bling</span> :-) This is my wedding ring fitting around her wrist! At about 3 or 4 days old."</div><div> </div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI84lwHkYF7o2-IKoO_DqgnbY7kxTWwwX2H7MDBO0ns1I6x3fWFubKMNk8aQf-MKHJ01esvspUiZeFw0RLwJBeMGpo_EvVuDBa48WcZilc0amDy-7pW0m8DGwSv5RfAUC5uQXdagyBs0yl/s1600-h/IMGP0584.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372950342425105250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI84lwHkYF7o2-IKoO_DqgnbY7kxTWwwX2H7MDBO0ns1I6x3fWFubKMNk8aQf-MKHJ01esvspUiZeFw0RLwJBeMGpo_EvVuDBa48WcZilc0amDy-7pW0m8DGwSv5RfAUC5uQXdagyBs0yl/s320/IMGP0584.JPG" border="0" /></a> </div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-77276429624440199562009-08-19T07:02:00.003-04:002009-08-19T07:14:12.434-04:00PRAY FOR JARON - 8/19/09Hi, all!<br /><br />As you can read from the updates <a href="http://shellenbergertwins.blogspot.com/2009/08/update-and-prayer-request-81809-445pm.html">HERE</a> and <a href="http://shellenbergertwins.blogspot.com/2009/08/update-81909-7am.html">HERE</a>, little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> is having a bit of a rough time lately. As far as Mommy and the medical staff can tell his spirits are still up and he is still happily breathing, moving and living life. However, he had some signs of an infection and so he has received platelets and antibiotics to stop the infection in its tracks.<br /><br />Also, doctors have still not been able to put in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">PICC</span> line for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span> and his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PDA</span> (blood vessels between the pulmonary artery and the aorta) has opened back up. The doctors are now administering ibuprofen to attempt to close it.<br /><br />Please, please get on your knees for sweet <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jaron</span> today and pray that infection would leave his body, that his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">PDA</span> would close without the need for surgery and that the next attempt at putting in a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PICC</span> line would be successful. Also pray that he continues to thrive and that he is soon able to be held by mommy and daddy. Pray for Heather and Mitch as well that the Lord would guard their hearts and minds.<br /><br />If you have any specific words of encouragement, prayers or verses that come to mind as you pray for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jaron</span> please leave them in the comment section below. Or if you simply want to let the family know that you are in prayer, you can let us know that too.<br /><br />Thank you for walking this road with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Shellenbergers</span>. Thank you for continuing to cry out on the littlest ones' behalf. We expect to hear that Jaron recuperates quickly. God is faithful.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-41631472657415064182009-08-19T06:55:00.004-04:002009-08-19T07:00:12.446-04:00UPDATE - 8/19/09 7AMHere is an update from last night! Enjoy it... and keep battling in the spirit for BOTH twins and specifically <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron's</span> needs. Thanks!<br /><br />"It was so WONDERFUL to be able to hold our littlest girl tonight! Yes, I was totally thrilled when they told me today that I would be able to hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> tonight. I got to do the Kangaroo Care with her, where it's skin to skin contact. You wear a button down shirt, making it easier to expose your skin, and they tucked <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Teagan</span> right down into my shirt. They laid a blanket over top of her, put on a tiny little hat, and we were cozy and TOASTY! I loved every second of it, she just lay there so peaceful listening to my heartbeat, and hopefully enjoying the songs I was singing to her :-) And kissing her little head was so sweet. Mitch just let me hold her the whole time, but made sure to give her a kiss as well!<br /><br />They did start <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Jaron</span> on antibiotics, and gave him platelets. His echo showed that his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">PDA</span> did open back up, so they will start Ibuprofen again tomorrow. He will most likely be on the antibiotics for a week. I am choosing not to be discourage by any of this, because I know that's what the devil would love to happen, he wants to stir up worry and discouragement. But instead we can now specifically pray for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jaron</span>, asking in Jesus name to heal this small infection. He's still not showing any kind of signs of feeling sick, he's active, his blood levels looked good, and eating well. Which by the way, they are both now on 8 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">cc's</span> of milk!! And, they have both figured out the pooping thing very well, the nurses say. Keeping them busy with cleaning up some blowouts! Way to go <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Teagan</span>, who knew such tiny packages could make such big messes!<br /><br />So, for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jaron</span>, they probably won't try his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">PICC</span> line again until next week. Hopefully, by then he will have <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">chubbed</span> up a little more, and his veins will be bigger as well. My prayer is that by next week we will be able to do Kangaroo Care with him too! My arms are aching to hold our little man.<br /><br />May you continue to be blessed by our little miracles.<br /><br />Love,<br />Heather "Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-42114376443344845972009-08-18T16:43:00.002-04:002009-08-18T16:45:11.849-04:00UPDATE and PRAYER REQUEST - 8/18/09 4:45pm"I stopped in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">NICU</span> today for a quick visit with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Kaylan</span> (and my mom), hoping to hear the news that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jaron</span> had his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PICC</span> line in, but still no success. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Jaron</span> is showing some signs of infection, not by looking at him. He's still very active, his blood gas levels are good, and his vents, they saw that his platelet count is a little low, and he has a murmur again. They did a blood culture this morning and are waiting to see the results from that. He may be started on some antibiotics, and at some point may need a platelet transfusion, but not at this point yet. They weren't making it sound like this is a big deal, so I am trying not to allow it to draw worry or fear in me. Now we just know better how to pray, so when you think of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Jaron</span>, ask in Jesus name that this small infection amounts to nothing. Even when Mitch and I go back into the hospital today I am praying they are already seeing signs of it diminishing. They were going to do another echo on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Jaron</span>, just to see if his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">PDA</span> opened back up, or to see if it is still just very small. Sometimes, the hole can have stayed small and still just make a lot of noise, or if it opened back up they will start him on a second round of Ibuprofen, since he never needed a second round of it.<br /><br />Tonight, we are probably going to be able to hold <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Teagan</span>! They said they thought we would be able to start the kangaroo care, which is skin to skin care!!!! I can't wait to be able to do this, and just love on her in this way. I pray that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Jaron</span> is not going to be far behind, so we can give him the same kind of care and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">lovin</span>'!<br /><br />I just wanted to get this our to everyone ASAP, so we can pray this small infection right out of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Jaron's</span> body. It has no place or right to be there!!<br /><br />Standing strong in Jesus,<br />Heather"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-85332445363519762862009-08-18T06:31:00.003-04:002009-08-18T06:36:22.425-04:00Update - 8/17/09Hello, faithful blog followers and prayer warriors. Here is another wonderful update from the family:<br /><br />"Hello again to all our family and friends. I am sure you are all wondering how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jaron</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Teagan</span> have been doing, and they are still very stable! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Teagan</span> had her follow up echo today and her <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">PDA</span> (the vessel in her heart) has gotten smaller! So she won't need any more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">meds</span>, and we won't need any surgery for that! How faithful is our God :-) The medical staff was able to get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Teagan's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">PICC</span> line in the other day, first try! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jaron</span>, they are trying about the third time for him, as we speak, 10:00 pm Monday, 8/17. I just called into the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">NICU</span> to see if they tried again and she said they were in the process. We are praying the Lord guides that small catheter through the vein and outside his heart!!<br /><br />The twins' feedings are going well! They are both now on 7 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cc's</span>, and they say they will keep bumping them up everyday as long as their belly's digest it! This is what we want, them eating so they grow and mature! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Jaron</span> is at 1lb 13 oz, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Teagn</span> 1lb 14oz. They are each just so precious, and have captured the hearts of so many. Especially the hearts of their mommy and daddy :-)<br /><br />Thanks again for all your warfare for our children, the battle is definitely being won.<br /><br />Love,<br />Heather (for the rest of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">fam</span> too)"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4268101188294628749.post-61798098574700771322009-08-14T06:56:00.002-04:002009-08-14T07:03:20.726-04:00TEAGANToday, as we have been doing since Monday and as noted in <a href="http://shellenbergertwins.blogspot.com/2009/08/this-week.html">THIS POST</a>, we are asking that you cry out to the Lord for one family member, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family.<br /><br />Today we ask that you pray for the littlest girl of the family, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Teagan</span>. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with her and pray over her. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read your notes and share them with their daughter and pray the scriptures over her.<br /><br />Thank you to those of you who have continued to lift up prayers daily for this family. The twins are doing wonderfully well. God is at work! Please continue to cry out on their behalf and please feel free to leave notes of encouragement, scripture or prayers in the comments. Also, the 24-hour prayer sign-up has been dwindling and that is OK. We are believing that the babes are still covered ALL DAY AND NIGHT, even if the list does not evidence that. And we are so encouraged to know that each day the twins are being prayed for by committed prayer warriors. We will leave the 24-hour prayer lists open. Please, consider committing to a time to pray for these little ones whether you sign-up or simply choose to do so in secret. Prayer is powerful stuff.<br /><br />*Finally, don't forget to check out this morning's update from Heather, below. Miracles abound.*Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6