Sunday, October 28, 2007

Dillon.. meet your sister....

Madeline... meet your brother.

I have to show you this picture before I write another word.


That's right.. Abby got to hold both babies for the first time, and this was also the first time Dillon and Madeleine touched each other since Sept 9th when they were still in Mom. A very emotional moment for us as we got our new family together for the first time. It was incredible. No other words to describe it. More pics to follow.

They tried Madeline on "low-flow" oxygen for the first time yesterday ( just a small tube under her nose, no mask). She struggled with it, and had a number of Brads and Desats while Abby was holding her, so they put her back on the SiPap. Probably need to wait a little longer for that.

They have both had a routine ultrasound of the head, and both results came back OK. This is where we would have seen fluid in the skull or other defects that might impact brain development, so all looks good there. They also did an eye exam on both of them, where they actually inserted a tool BEHIND THEIR EYEBALLS!! My eyes get irritated just thinking about it. They are checking the retinal development, and all looks OK there as well.

Abby started what will be a long and arduous journey to get someone to cover our hotel expenses while we have to stay here in Edmonton. BC MSP stated we needed to talk to the Coast Health Authority (group that runs the Vancouver hospitals). Coastal Health told her to talk to MSP. When they were told that MSP sent us to them, they told us to talk to BC Womens. Let the politics and games begin! More on this as we navigate the murky waters of our provincial health system.

I'm back in Edmonton for the week, so there will more frequent updates to the blog this week. Promise!

Madeleine on Mom trying out her low-flow oxygen tube.


Dillon likes his hand held, and Madeline likes holding a hand. This might work out well!. Here she is hanging on to his thumb.


I know, I know, babies can't smile at this age, but seriously.. look at her.

A very proud and happy Mom.

First family photo. Just need to get Sam in there next.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Omigod, what wonderful news and what wonderful pictures!!!!!
Abby, the pride is bursting right out of you and into the pictures!!!
Don't you wish you knew what they were thinking when they finally got to touch each other again?
Touching is such an important thing! And I think you're right David....Maddy is definitely smiling! Oh, bless their precious little hearts.
I hope you're going to have that family picture blown up and framed....it's so beautiful!!!
I'm so glad you're back Dave....
sharing these wonderful moments with you guys is just indescribable! Thankyou for that!
Hugs and Kisses to you All, Lil
XOX XOX XOX

Kelly & Larry said...

Hello our amazing River's family,

There are NO words to describe those breath taking photo's!!!
Just puts one great big lump in my throat!! How can you stand not just looking at them every second!!
I think those little wonders are just getting more perfect and pinker by the day!!
And oh by the looks of those pictures I am not surprised all those test came back positive!!!
What a relief for the two of you, we are just thrilled for you both!!
And now if Dillon is already taking his sister by the hand can you just imagine how protective he is going to be of her!!!
And little Maddy just holding on to big brother for comfort & security, just awesome!!
Please let us hope our Med system comes through for you, god its not like you don't have enough on your plates already!!
Glad your back in Edmonton all together!!
We will look forward to your updates during the week David!!
Luv you all to pieces!!
Larry & Kelly
xo xo xo xo

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable. They are amazing. Being able to touch each other, especially while touching their Mom, has to be the most comforting thing possible for them. Hopefully it will help them through this time. I don't care what the experts say..she's smiling.

Sue and Aaron

Anonymous said...

Dear David and Abby; What a fabulous experience for you all to finally touch and cuddle together. The pictures are better than a thousand words. Smiling, plump and very content. What could be better? Blessings and prayers for you all.
Love Susan and Vic

Anonymous said...

Wow what a beautiful family photo!! You all look fabululous.Truely amazing. Holding hands..so beautiful!
Definatley a smile. No doubt about it. Our fingers are crossed. The medical systems will be a challenge.

Sort out who IS accountable to support the situation you are in.

Has a been precendent been set in the past?


Love to you all,
Barb and Wayne
Xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

That is the sweetest thing I've ever seen, I bet they really missed each other since they've been apart! What a beautiful family you all make!! Love you guys, Take care of each other!!

Gina said...

too too too cute !! they're adorable holding hands. You guys are both beaming in your family picture. Thanks for the photos. Wonderful! And glad to hear M&D are healthy.

Good luck with all the MSP stuff - I'm sure that road will be painful :-)
hugs,
Gina

Anonymous said...

Hi Guys - I haven't been sending many comments lately but I have been reading up daily. What an awesome post and I love the pictures!! The hand touch was sooooo moving. Can't wait to have you home soon. Sadie wants to meet lil' D and M!

And as for the political battles, I'm just waiting to see you guys on Global news.

xxoo
Chloe

Anonymous said...

Hey Guys
Both little ones look so good! Can't believe how big they have gotten. I even see the little belly in the bath tub :))) Hope you are doing well and staying strong. We think of you all the time. Ab: you look amazing...wow! You aren't looking so bad either Davida :))) Take care and can't wait to see you. Still hoping at Xmas! Niki & Mike