Anybody Here??

Does anyone still visit Steven and Kiki's blog? I thought I would post a couple pictures here just in case...

The kids are growing like weeds! Rocco is getting big. He's eating baby food, and trying to crawl. He's such a pleasant baby...and a real charmer too!

And Olivia has assumed the role of big sister quite well. She's, um...how shall we say? Authoritative? Just like her similarly-aged-cousin-who-will-remain-nameless (ahem), she's got a little bossy streak in her.

But could you honestly resist a face like this??

Yeah, didn't think so!!

Everyone is gearing up for the holidays, and some holiday travel. We'll be hoping for some snow up here, but only because the Miami Family is coming up for Christmas!

Thought I might share a couple onesies on here that Rocco would look totally cutesy in...







And on that note, we're all looking forward to sharing Rocco's first Christmas with everyone! Let the holidays begin!

HeartBreaker!

Rocco- 5 months old. August 2008.

It's Official...OHIO is better than MIAMI

Rocco is H-O-M-E since Sunday. I got to see him and hold him and feed him. He's just the most perfect little bundle. I think I'm in love!



Olivia seems to have adjusted to life back in Ohio seamlessly. She loves her baby brother "Coco" and it's so cute to see her giving him kisses. When she left for Miami, she was not walking yet, so now she has a whole new way to explore the house and get into trouble!



Steven and Kiki are glad to be home, but there is alot to catch up on and alot of work to do, on top of settling back into home and finding some sense of normalcy and routine with two kids now.

And so closes an amazing journey with our little Champ. I'll try to update this site with occasional pictures or stories as Steven or Kiki wish to share updates with everyone. Thanks for sharing this journey with us, and check back occasionally for the lastest news!

Big OOPS...

IF...you gave generously to the March of Dimes...
IF...you did that by sending me a check sometime in March or April....
IF...your name is not "Heather and Steve"...

I received your check, but it got lost somewhere in my opened mail, probably because I was so excited about getting the new phone book paying my bills hanging up the kids' artwork just being my usual disorganized self. I even dug through our trash looking for them to no avail, and not only was I unable to find your checks, but now my clothes and hands smell like rotten apples and dirty diapers. Graphic indeed, but true!

But don't despair- I made your contributions anyways- I just didn't want you to worry when your check doesn't clear from your checking account. If you feel so obliged and would like to send me another check (made out to me instead of March of Dimes), that would be wonderful, but I certainly don't expect it because...I'm just dumb and this was totally my mistake. If I find your check, I will send it back to you. (I don't want you think I'm scamming you or something!)

I am so, so sorry, and hope this doesn't in anyway change your opinion about March of Dimes and what a great cause it is. Thanks to everyone's generosity, I raised a total of $1221.33 (even my kids raised $6.33 by helping around the house and collecting spare change and putting it in the "Box for Tiny Babies"!), well over my goal of $500. I thank you, Rocco thanks you, all the premature and sick babies at my work thank you, and all the babies who are yet to be born sick or healthy thank you! Look for pictures from the walk this weekend!

From Mommy

It is hard to believe that my little boy is home!!!! Finally, it has been a very long road but truly we are blessed. He is doing great. He actually has been nursing a few times a day I am just nervous to push him because I am scared that I will not know exactly how much he takes. But we will see how it goes.

Olivia has done really well with him so far. She just wants to kiss him up although there are times that she is not a fan of mommy and daddy holding him too much. I'm not quite sure that she realizes he is here to stay.

As far as Steve and I, we are doing great. A little tired, but excited to have our family together and start the journey home. Although it is bittersweet for me leaving my family. Even though they can be overwhelming at times, I will miss them alot.

Tell everyone that visits the website how much I appreciate their thoughts and prayers, and that we can't wait to see everyone soon. That's if we all come back in one piece (lol).

Love, Kiki

PS- Also, Thanks to everyone for their generous contributions to the March of Dimes walk next weekend! How humbled we are that you would give so kindly in honor of Rocco, in order that he might help preemies everywhere! Thank you so much! Next year, Rocco and I will be there to walk...look for pictures from Auntie Jen this year though!

Time

52 days.

1269 hours.

76,173 minutes.

4,570,404 seconds.

(1 month, 21 days, 21 hours, 33 minutes, 24 seconds...and counting...)

That's an approximation of how long it has been since Rocco's arrival.
In that time, he has learned how to breathe on his own, keep warm outside of an incubator, and eat from a bottle. He has nearly doubled his birthweight. What have you done in the past 52 days??

And did I mention he single-handedly managed to get 1,612 different people to check his blog, watch him grow, and fall in love with him?!?!

Amazing.

Thanks Rocco for the wonderful journey! Can't wait for you to come home!

I'm Outta Here!!

OUTTA HERE!!

Here's Rocco in his car seat! Guess what that means!

Rocco is discharged from the hospital and will be coming home to Ohio within the next week!

Stay tuned for more news...

New Pictures of Rocco

A little bit of home...Go TRIBE!!

Testing out my new ride...I'll be home soon!

There's no place like...

...Miami...at least for now! (You thought I was going to say "Home", right?) Good things are happening in Miami, though!!

There has been some talk about the "H" word- HOME!! After a blood transfusion last week, Rocco is taking all his bottles now and continuing to grow. The doctors and nurses are starting to prepare Steven and Kiki for bringing the little guy home. Word on the street is it could be as soon as next week!

In order to get home, Rocco needs to continue eating all his bottles, and continue to grow. He also needs to be infection-free (previously, he had an infection in his eyes that they want to make sure is cleared up). Kiki and Steven are learning how to take care of Rocco, although his medical needs will not be too different from a full term baby. They will also be preparing for his long trip back to Ohio...they will probably be driving home with him rather than flying.

Please pray for continued health and well being for Rocco, as well as guidance for Steven and Kiki while learning to care for him. Hope for good weather, easy travel arrangements, and a safe trip when it's time.

It has been a stressful but relatively easy journey for our little fighter. Seing other babies born in the NICU at similar ages brings to light the fact that so much more could have gone wrong but didn't. He was so lucky to have a mommy who took good care of herself while she was carrying him. They have been lucky to have skilled Doctors and Nurses who have cared for their entire family, and helped Rocco get closer to home each day. All of this has added up to the best possible outcomes for mommy and baby. Our family will be forever grateful for everyone's love and support through this roller coaster ride. There are no words or gestures to express our gratitude for all you've done. Please keep visiting, and stay tuned for "final plans"!!

One Last Plea...

The March of Dimes Walk is May 10th, and I'm still collecting money for a good cause. I hate to bother you all about this, especially since you're visiting the blog to check on Rocco and see him grow. I think this will be my last post about March of Dimes, because the deadline to turn in donations is coming up shortly, and I want to give everyone the opportunity to give if you haven't already done so.

So...
If your child was a preemie...
If You were a preemie...
If you know a preemie (and you all do)...
If you're grateful that you didn't have a preemie...
If you might someday have a preemie...
If you'd like to honor the medical professionals that care for preemies...
Or if you just think Rocco is a tough guy...

Consider giving to March of Dimes by clicking here, or using the box on the right.
Thank you all for your help.

As a challenge...I will post a highly embarassing and goofy picture of Steven when he was growing up IF three people donate in the next 48 hours...I'm not sure how I'll get aforementioned picture, but I do have some connections...If you want to help embarass Steven on the Internet, I encourage you to give, and give generously!!!

Thanks!
Jennifer "its-so-fun-being-Steven's-'sister'" Norch

And the winner is...

... The KELLEYs, who guessed April 13th, hitting the date right on the nose! (Yes, I know, I'm a little late in posting...there were taxes, a sick kid, and nice weather- all making it extremely hard to park my butt in front of a computer and update you all!) It's quite fitting that the Kelleys should win, especially since they are from Gourmet Club!!

Anyways, your prize is some adorable pictures of Rocco, taking a bottle and thinking about the yummy Gourmet Club Food...

...and a small donation to March of Dimes in your name! Super Cool!

Thank you all for taking part in Rocco's first contest! It has been fun watching him grow, and sharing with you all his progress. Hopefully he'll be home in the next month, and he'll weigh even more!! Keep visiting!!

A HUGE Thank You (from Me, not Steven!)

Thanks to all our friends and family, I have reached over $500 worth of pledges to March of Dimes! I am humbled by everyone's generosity and kindness. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Know that because of the generosity of you and other people like you, research is happening to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant death. I'm blaming everyone else for costing Steven $500, but it's money well spent! If you haven't given yet, and still wish to contribute, feel free to do so using the button on the right.

At last check, Rocco was 3 lbs, 14.6oz. He's gonna reach 4lbs within the next few days...who will win?? It's coming down to the wire...

Also, of interest for those in the Canton area...
A local group here is holding a poker tournament to benefit March of Dimes. I appreciate EVERYTHING everyone has done to support this cause that is near and dear to me and to our family. The poker tournament is a great way to give to an important cause while having fun and possibly winning a lot of $$$. Here's the 4-1-1:

What: March of Dimes Texas Hold 'Em tournament-first 200 tickets sold will have seats reserved for the tournament.
When: Friday, April 25th- doors open at 6:30, tournament starts at 7pm.
Where: Windsor Hall in Canton off Rt. 62
Cost: $40 buy-in with a one time re-buy allowed during the first hour of the tournament.
Payout: First place takes home $1500, with cash being paid through 10th place.

If you're interested, I can get you a ticket. Email me at jennifer@norch.com. Jason will be playing...and I'm thinking about it, too. I will probably sponsor one or two other people on the caveat that we split the winnings and part of it goes to March of Dimes. It's good fun for a good cause, so please consider it!

Again...thank you, thank you, thank you for all your generosity. -jennifer

If you think I'm cute...

...you're right!!



Dear family and friends,
Today was my first day trying to drink from a bottle. I took about a teaspoon of milk. I'm still a little young, but mommy and daddy hope I'll be a fast learner.

I'm growing and gaining weight, and now weigh 3lbs, 11.5oz. Who is going to win the contest? It's coming down to the wire!

I got some neighbors in the NICU, and apparently there's a little baby girl who could be my "girlfriend." I also have a little buddy who was just born at 28 weeks like me. Each night, we have a little "block party" once all the mommies and daddies leave for the night. We turn our lullabies on full blast, and kick back with some warm milk. Sometimes I find a cute nurse to hold and cuddle me. I'm hoping it's a trend that continues well into adult life...

I'm eager to get home and surprise you all with my charm and people skills. My reputation apparently precedes me. I love reading all your comments, and will keep them in my baby book for when I get older! Keep visiting!

Love, Rocco

Spa Day

Soaking in the Hot Tub

A Breath of Fresh Air

Rocco is doing well. He is gaining weight and growing. No, he's not up to 4 lbs. yet. When I talked to Steven on Tuesday, he was 3lbs, 5oz. Now's your chance if you haven't voted yet, because a lot of people guessed early dates.

The big change this week for Rocco is that he no longer needs oxygen to breathe. He was getting the tape changed on his nasal prongs, and the nurses and doctors decided to try the oxygen off. Rocco decided it was so much better not having tape on his face, and prongs in his nostrils, and air blowing in his nose all the time. I think I would have to agree with him! The reason he was on the oxygen to begin with was because he was having pauses in his breathing. He's not doing that with the oxygen off this time, so keep your fingers crossed that he will continue to behave.

So in baby steps Rocco is doing just what he needs to do to get home. He's 31 weeks now, and they are talking about letting him try nursing or taking a bottle in a week or two. He's chugging right along, and is on the right track to be home by the end of April or early part of May.

Getting new pictures has been a challenge because it takes a long time to transfer them the way Steven has to do it with his internet card or his phone or something. Nonetheless, if you want to see all the pictures I have so far, here's the place. I also have some video that I will try to edit and get up here, once I get home from my trip. Keep visiting!

Make Steven Pay!!

I set a goal of $500 when I started collecting money for the March for Babies Walk. Steven has pledged to match that $500 goal if I meet it. I'm at $220 so far. If everybody who checks this blog gave just $10, we would not only meet the goal, but exceed it. Take a few minutes and use the button on the sidebar to give to a worthy cause.

Thanks!
-jennifer

Like a Kangaroo

Some super sweet pictures of Champ and Kiki doing Kangaroo Care! I bet he feels much better now that he has a blue baby hat and not that hat with the pink letters on it!!

Did you vote yet in the "Guess when Rocco will weigh 4 lbs" Contest?? If not, there's still time- see the post below and get your vote in!

Also, a HUGE Thank You to Kelli, Bryan and Nico for their pledge to March of Dimes. Anyone who wants to sponsor me can use the link on the right sidebar. You can make your donation online, and that way we don't have to worry about doing checks, or cash or whatever. Our Aultman Walk Team will be selling raffle tickets, t-shirts, lollipops, and baked goods as a fundraiser for March of Dimes if anyone is interested. We are also a corporate sponsor for the Walk this year, and will have a big tent on the day of the walk- May 10th. Hopefully the weather is nicer by then. I will have pictures, and let you know how everything goes!

More to come later...Keep Visiting!!

Your Guess is as Good as Mine...

Rocco reached the 3 pound mark today (3 lbs, 1.7oz to be exact)!

Therefore, today will mark the start of the First (but probably not last) "Champ's Fight" Blog Contest.

Guess which day Rocco will reach 4 pounds.

You can participate by clicking on "Comments" (at the end of this post) and leaving your answer. Make sure you leave your name and email if you're not a registered user, otherwise you won't be able to win. Only one entry per reader. "Price is Right" rules apply- closest to the actual date without going over. If more than one person guesses the correct date, the first guess will be the winner. So get your guess in early!

Awesome prize for the winner, along with worldwide notoriety. Well, at least blogwide notoriety. And the awesome-ness of the prize is subjective, too. But I digress...

Play along, join in, be a sport! We know you've been reading, now let us know you're following along! Looking forward to everyone's guesses!

Did you notice...

I posted this picture before, but only today did I realize that Rocco is doing the "I Love You" sign in sign language with his right hand. Did you notice?

Everything is continuing to go well in Miami. Rocco's weight is up to 2lbs. 15oz. He is getting all his feedings by tube, so he no longer needs nutrition in an IV. Kiki and Steven now get to hold him. They hold him in a special way that preemies like being held called "Kangaroo Care." Parents hold their baby on their chest, skin-to-skin. When they do this regularly, the baby will grow better, and sleep better, and their heart rate and breathing improve.

The next few weeks will hopefully be filled with lots of growth and hopefully no setbacks. In about 2 or 3 weeks, Rocco should be ready to try taking a bottle or nursing.

Coming up tomorrow...Rocco's First Blog Contest. Visit tomorrow to join in!

Sorry, I've been lacking in my updates lately.



Rocco continues to do well. He is having some "ups and downs" that are not uncommon with preemies. He has times where he works a little harder to breathe, and other times where he forgets to breathe altogether.



He also was nearing a half an ounce on his feedings when his tummy needed a little rest and they backed his feedings up to just under a teaspoon again.



Kiki was released from the hospital on Monday, so she's getting back to some sort of "normal" with Steven and Olivia. They were trying to do some things this week for Easter like going to see the Easter Bunny and finding an Easter Egg Hunt at the park. My guess is Olivia is happy to have both her mommy and her daddy with her.



Here's a little video of Olivia with a singing dog from Steve and Jane Cates...




She seems to be enjoying all the special treats in the care packages from home!!

I'll try to get some video of Rocco up here for everyone to see. Until then, here's some pictures to wet your appetite...

I'll try to get some pictures up this weekend or early next week of the family and the Easter festivities. Thanks for visiting!!

Weekend Update

Look, Ma- No Tubes!!

Yummy in my Tummy

It's been a good weekend for Rocco. In case you missed it, he was taken off the ventilator to some nasal CPAP, then off the CPAP to nasal cannula. They could be trying him off the nasal cannula as soon as yesterday. Rocco also had some NICU "firsts" this weekend- his first blood transfusion, his first "new house" (he moved from a warming bed into an isolette), and his first feeding. The road has been fairly smooth so far. God is GOOD!!

We also learned this weekend that Kiki's placenta grew an infection called MRSA. This is probably why her water broke so early. MRSA is called a "super bug" because it's resistant to the most common antibiotics that are used to treat infections, and often by the time the doctors realize that an infection is MRSA, it has become overwhelming and can be fatal. Kiki did not have this infection in her blood stream, nor does Rocco have the infection in his body. The best the doctors can figure is that the infection was just starting when Kiki delivered, and the delivery probably saved her and Rocco's life. The Lord works in mysterious ways. Again, God is GOOD!!

Kiki is leaving the hospital today. She got teary just thinking about it when I was on the phone with her. I'm sure it will be a hard day for her. Please keep her in your prayers.

That's all for now. Steven sent some video home this weekend, so I should have some clips up this week, if I can find time to get them downloaded with the holiday weekend coming up. Keep visiting!

My Future's So Bright...

...I Gotta Wear Shades!!

Some recent pictures of Rocco. He's "glowing" blue because he's under some lights for jaundice. Premature babies are prone to jaundice because their liver doesn't work as well as it should because it's immature. They usually need to be under the bright lights for a couple days. Rocco is wearing "sunglasses" to protect his eyes from the light.



Also, you now can see his breathing tube is GONE! He's off the ventilator since Friday, and the tubing on his face is called Nasal CPAP. It blows some air into his lungs to keep them from collapsing. I talked with Steven this morning, and he actually came off the CPAP this morning and is now just on a little bit of oxygen in his nose through smaller, softer tubing.



He is also getting a blood transfusion today. This is not uncommon with very small babies because they are having a lot of labwork done, and can't make new blood cells as fast as the doctors need to take blood for labs.

I'll take the T-bone, medium rare, and...

(Yes, Auntie Jennifer is having a lot of fun with Photoshop, thankyouverymuch!)

The big news today is he is going to start getting milk in his tummy. Just a teeny-tiny bit- 0.5ml. As a reference, a teaspoon has 5ml. So he's getting 1/10th of a teaspoon. This is great news though, because it will get his tummy ready for bigger amounts. He won't be able to nurse or try bottles yet (that's probably about 4 weeks away) but they will feed him through a tube from his mouth or nose into his stomach.

Kiki is continuing to recover and is feeling better. She will be at the hospital through the weekend. She needs to drink some sugary juice, eat some fiber, and take her Ducolax- if you catch my drift. If you ever want to hear one her "most embarassing moments" stories, ask about the adventures with the bedside commode during her hospital stay. I will spare you the details, but we can all PRAISE THE LORD that she's allowed up to the bathroom now!!

That's about it for now. The good prayers and thoughts are working for Rocco and Co. Thanks to everyone who is following his progress! Keep visiting!

Support a Cause...

May 10th is the March of Dimes "March for Babies" in our area. It is a 5-mile walk at Lock 3 in Akron to raise funds to help support research about premature birth. More information can be found at marchofdimes.com.

For friends (and family) of Steven and Kiki who don't know me, I'm Steven's sister-in-law. I work as a neonatal nurse practitioner in the NICU at Aultman Hospital in Canton. I take care of tiny and/or sick babies every day. I thought I understood what a family goes through when they have a premature birth. I really had no idea.

A group of nurses from my work has walked every year for March of Dimes in support of the babies we take care of every day in the NICU. I haven't walked with them in the past. This year is different.

I (and maybe my kids) are going to walk in honor of Kiki and Rocco. We will support the March of Dimes research and cause, and pray that my children don't have to experience preterm birth when they have their own babies, or that if they do, there are organizations such as the March of Dimes to support them through their journey.

I hope that some of my readers might like to donate, or walk with me. Please e-mail me if you are interested in supporting a good cause- jennifer@norch.com.

Breathing Easy...

Rocco came off the ventilator last night, and is now breathing on his own with a little extra air from CPAP that holds his lungs open between breaths so they don't collapse down. He's getting some nutrition in an IV, but will probably start getting milk in his tummy in the next few days. He's doing remarkably well for being so small and so early.

While Kiki will probably leave the hospital over the weekend, Rocco will be there until at least the end of April. These next weeks, he will be busy growing stronger lungs and getting bigger and gaining weight.

Grandma and Papa Norch are headed down to Miami. They are driving, so they should get there sometime tonight and then will fly back on Sunday.

I will hopefully have some more pictures and maybe even some video on the website soon. Looking foward to sharing any news about Rocco with everyone! Keep visiting!

And they shall call him...

Rocco James Norch

A perfect baby beneath all the tubes and wires...

The latest update...Rocco is doing well, he is not needing any extra oxygen, but still on the ventilator. The neonatal doctors think he may be able to come off the ventilator either later today or tomorrow.

I hope you're not intimidated by the pictures above. In the lower one, you see the breathing tube in his mouth, a smaller tube that goes into his tummy to drain air out (lets him "burp"). The red, white and black wires on his chest measure his heart rate and breathing, the shiny foil heart holds a probe on that reads his temperature. There are two IV lines in his belly button, using the vessels that used to run through the umbilical cord. Also, on his foot is a sensor that measures the oxygen in his blood. Beneath all that is a perfect little boy whose world is already filled with love!!

More to come later!! Keep visiting!

Isn't He Adorable??

Welcome to the World, Baby Boy Norch!!

2lbs, 10oz.

15 inches long

Congratulations Steven and Kiki, and Big Sister Olivia!!

"Sometimes," said Pooh, "The smallest things take up the most room in your heart."

More pictures later! Keep visiting!

He Has Arrived...

I just talked with Steven.

Baby Boy Norch was born tonight by c-section.

He is in the NICU getting worked on. He got good Apgar scores of 9 and 9, which means he wasn't too stressed just before and right after he was born.
His heart rate is stable. He has a breathing tube and got some medication to help his lungs work better. He's on a ventilator for now. He also has some IV lines in his belly button that they will use to monitor him, give him some nutrition, and draw labwork from.

Kiki is doing fine. She had some bleeding, but she is stable and they were finishing up the surgery.

I don't have any details aside from this medical "stuff"-
No name, weight, length, time of birth or anything else.

I heard he's cute though :) Apparently he gets that from his mommy!

More details and pictures to come! Keep visiting!

Baby On The Way...

Baby Champ is being born as I type...

Please send good thoughts and prayers toward Miami.

Update to follow.

-jennifer

Change of Plans

Just a quick update. Another ultrasound today. Kiki's fluid measurement is down to 3, or maybe 5. Normal is higher than 8. The doctors are starting to be more concerned about the baby. He is showing some slow heartrates on the monitor, and Kiki is having some cramping.

The range of time from when a mom's water breaks until delivery of the baby is generally within 48 hours. Some moms deliver within minutes, and a few can go for weeks before having the baby. Kiki's doctor says his "gut feeling" is that Champ will be born within a week.

Needless to say, Steven has cancelled his travel plans to come home this weekend. When I talked to him tonight, they were waiting to talk with the perinatologist to figure out what exactly the plan is going to be for the upcoming week. It sounds as if the next ultrasound will be important to determine how long they will wait.

Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

A Room with a View

Good news today...Kiki gets a room with a view!

Today, Kiki is moving from the Labor and Delivery Intensive Care area to the Maternity floor where she'll be allowed to have visitors and have a much better view. She will still be on bedrest, and not really allowed out of bed except to use a bedside commode (I know, you're all so jealous!!) but I'm sure the change of scenery will lift her spirits a little bit.

Above is what I imagine her view is like. This is the actual Biscayne Bay in Miami. I haven't been to her hospital personally. I bet she could buy a condo with this same view though and live there the rest of her life, for what its costing her to stay in the hospital for the next 6 weeks. Oh, the sacrifices these children demand of us!!

Steven and Kiki really enjoyed the video, and really miss everyone. Yes, even you Ben. It was nice for them to see some familiar faces from home. Kiki's family was impressed that we personally knew Jesus, but then Steven explained that "Jesus" was our friend Benji. I bet he gets that alot.

Steven will be making his first trip back to Ohio at the end of this week to stay for a couple days, and then driving back to Florida over the weekend. Pray for good weather, safe traveling, and no complications for anyone.

Thanks for visiting, check back for any more updates!!

-jennifer

Monday's Update

Ultrasound today. Baby Champ is doing well, moving around, practicing breathing, strong heart rate. The amniotic fluid level was lower than last time. The docs like it to be 8 or higher. Last check, it was 10. Today, it was 5 with the first measurement, and maybe 8 with a second look (it's sometimes hard to measure when the baby is breech). Steven and Kiki were waiting to talk with the doctor regarding his plan, although it may involve stricter bed rest and possibly making her lie with her head down and her feet up to minimize the effects of gravity.

The good news is that Kiki did get up in a wheelchair and out of her room Saturday to enjoy a little cake to celebrate Olivia's first birthday. He brother and sister-in-law and their 3 daughters came to visit, and enjoyed some family time. The Physician Assistant from the nursery crashed the party at the end, and spoiled what was a good time, but she'll not be involved in Kiki's care anymore.

I might be getting some pictures soon, and I'll post them for everyone.

The good thoughts and prayers are working. 28 weeks and counting!

As Promised...

The really cool thing I promised (at least it's cool to me because I got to play with some new software on the computer).

This is a video for Steven and Kiki of some familiar faces at home. Everyone misses you and can't wait to have you guys home where you belong!



Told you it was cool!
(In case you're wondering, the music is "I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman.)

I'll probably have an update from Steven and Kiki later today, and maybe even some pictures from a little party yesterday to celebrate Olivia's birthday. Keep visiting!!

-j

Something cool is coming...(and I don't mean snow!)

Keep checking this blog...
Sometime over the weekend there's gonna be something really neat for Steven and Kiki here.

I know you're all dying to see it.
But you'll have to wait.

Because it's not quite done yet...

TeeHee. I love the suspense!!

E-mail from Kiki

Hi there,

Sorry I haven't actually spoke with many you but I know that Steve talks to some you frequently. As you can imagine I get tired of talking sometimes. I wanted to thank you soooooo much for visiting the website and following our journey. You know me and my computer illiteracy.

Things are ok just very overwhelming. Some days I can't even believe this is happening. I'm trying to stay strong but it gets harder every day. I know the best place for him is inside me and I want him to saty in there as long as possible. But let me tell you something there's nothing like a numb Cuban butt!!!

Honestly the hardest part about this whole thing is being away from Olivia. The hardest part of the day is the nighttime when they take her away. I know she's well cared for with my family but its hard not to be able to cuddle her every night. But I know that " the Champ " is the one that need me the most right now.

I miss you guys like crazy especially the kids give them a big kiss from us. Unfortunately it is very hard for me to express myself in words and I could never write the way that you do so If you could please let eveyoone know that I am eternally gratefull for all of the thoughts and prayers, I could not make it through this very difficult time without them.

Talk to you soon,
KIKI

After the Jump...

So I see you made it here okay. The link works, good to know!!

Scroll down to read a message from Steven and Kiki.

Thanks for visiting!
-j

A Note from Steven and Kiki

We actually would like to post a thank you to everyone. The thoughts, prayers and kindness have been very comforting. It is very touching to have the love and support in such a horrible time. As I told Jen the other day, these have been the worst days of our life and it's the little things that make it somewhat cope-able.(if that's a word). No matter what we will never forget all of you for your thoughtfulness.

-steven and kiki

Checking In on Champ

OK all you night-time blog-checking readers! I finally have both internet AND an update for everyone, as earlier today I was missing the internet part of the equation.

Kiki and Steven remain in the hospital in Miami. There was some concern last night about a developing fever and question of infection, but everything quieted down with some rest (aka "Lockdown" per Steven).

The ultrasound today had good results. Kiki's amniotic fluid level is back up where the doctors like it to be, so the IV fluid and bedrest is working. "Champ" was moving all around, and practicing breathing. His organs and everything look good. So he got a good score on his ultrasound as well.

A looming problem is the baby's position. Right now, he is breech, or butt down. That makes a vaginal delivery very risky, especially for a premature baby. The best method for delivery of the baby would be by c-section, should delivery become necessary. But, Kiki has been on some blood thinners during the pregnancy, so the surgery then becomes very risky to her. In short, vaginal delivery= less risk for Kiki, more risky for baby. C-section= more risky for Kiki, less risk for the baby. Please pray that God may guide the doctors' decision-making should delivery become necessary, and guide their hands in safely and securely bringing Champ into this world.

The dietician was also in to talk with Kiki. They're trying to find some palatable foods for her to enjoy while hospitalized, because the old joke about hospital food acutally isn't a joke at all- Steven describes it as "unfit for prisoners"... Steven has found some local restaurants to get carry-out, as well as some good home-cooking from "Abuelita"- (did I spell that right, Steven??)

As far as "feeling human", Kiki was up to shower again today. (We can all be thankful for that! just kidding!) She's in good spirits, and is trying to make the best of a crummy situation. She knows that this is what is best for her and for Champ, so that thought is pulling her through this tough time.

I have a little "project" in the works for Kiki...I'll keep you posted if I need help!

Thanks everyone!
-j

The Waiting Game

More news from Miami...I talked with Steven at lunch time today. The doctors repeated an ultrasound to check Kiki and the baby, and found that the amniotic fluid around the baby is continuing to decrease.

A quick "Amniotic Fluid 101" for all the "beginners" out there- Amniotic fluid is all the water that surround the baby when he's in the mother's womb. It's not really water- it's "baby pee". The baby's kidneys are constantly making more fluid. The baby also swallows the fluid and inhales it into the lungs when he practices breathing. Believe it or not, the fluid helps make the lungs expand and grow. It also helps coat the baby's tummy and get his belly ready for milk. Having enough fluid is a sign that the baby is doing good.

Even after a mom's water breaks (like Kiki's), the baby continues to make more fluid. This fluid can reaccumulate around the baby, or it can continue to leak out. When the fluid neither reaccumulates nor leaks out, it could mean the baby has stopped making fluid, which is not good.

So, although the baby's fluid amount has decreased, it's not necessarily bad news. The doctors will do another ultrasound in the next 1-2 days and decide at that time what the next step will be. If her fluid amount is not better, then they will evaluate her closely for why that is not happening, and whether the baby needs to be delivered.

Therefore, the next ultrasound is very important. It is still a possibility that "Champ" could be delivered at any time. They are constantly monitoring his heartrate and his activity, as well as keeping Kiki on strict bedrest to prevent any further complications. The concern of infection still remains, but the probability that she has any infection right now is pretty low. Kiki is on a bunch of antibiotics to protect her and the baby, but remains high risk of acquiring an infection in the hospital.

For anyone who is new to norch.com, Glad you're joining us! I'm trying my best to keep everything current here, so anyone can check from work, from home, from school. Steven and Kiki are getting a HUGE volume of phone calls, and having to explain everything a hundred times is not easy. If you do call Steven or Kiki and they don't answer, it's possibly because they catching some much needed zzzzzz's, or talking with doctors, or doing something else important. Leave a message, and Steven or Kiki will return your call at a time that's better for them.

Steven is also checking in at norch.com, and can read your comments, so if you just want to let them know you are thinking of them or praying for their family, leave a comment and they will get it. Also, I should have an address sometime in the next couple days. Contact me if you would like to send a card or package (I won't be posting their address on the internet).

Again, thank you again for all your support and prayers. Our entire family is truly touched by everyone's genuine caring and concern. We'll keep you updated! Thanks for visiting!