October 28, 2009 by Jason.

Thank you all for your comments. Jen and I have read every single one and have taken great strength. Tonight I spent an hour in the NICU and met a couple who has twin boys set up next to Juliana. They are 10 weeks old, but were also born at 24 weeks under similar circumstances. Their one son has grade 3/4 hemorrhaging. Encouragement and love just poured out of them as they recounted a similar situation with their son as to what Zoe is experiencing right now. They said there will be many terrifying moments to come, but not to lose faith in the strength and resilience of Zoe and to each other. Zoe will be a fighter.

Posted in Profound | 20 Comments »

October 28, 2009 by Jason.

Juliana and Zoe are both in the most critical condition. 24 weeks of gestation is about the youngest a baby can be and potentially survive. Here is their current status:

Juliana: She is stable. Her ventilator settings are low, which means she is breathing well, just needs a little assistance. They were able to start a drug to close her ductus so that her body can more efficiently use her oxygenated blood. The nurses call her a little superstar because of her progress. Despite her progress, she is still categorized in the highest category of critical condition and requires constant adjustment of her medicine.

Zoe: She had a life-threatening event on the morning of the 27th, but the NICU staff were able to stabilize her. She is on an oscillator for breathing and they are trying to rest her body. She has received several blood transfusions and is on different medicines. From the event yesterday, the head ultrasound has shown some serious cranial hemorrhaging. She is getting another ultrasound this morning to check again. She is receiving the maximum amount of care available and is in as precarious a position as one can be.

4:30 PM Update:

Juliana: She continues to be stable. They gave her the 2nd of 3 doses of medicine to close the ductus in her heart. Once the ductus is closed, her body will more easily be oxygenated. They are constantly adjusting her medication to keep her stable.

Zoe: The bleeding in Zoe’s brain has continued. She now has what is considered a grade 4 hemorrhage. If she survives, she will almost certainly be a special needs child to a high degree.

Posted in News | 43 Comments »

October 28, 2009 by Jason.

Our 3 girls were born on October 25, 2009 by emergency C-section after 24 weeks and 4 days of gestation.

4:22 PM - Juliana Skye 1 lb. 5 oz.

4:23 PM - Zoe Janine 1 lb. 2.5 oz.

4:24 PM - Eden Aurelia 1 lb. 3 oz.

Eden was born with a tracheoesophageal fistula and sustained a catastrophic brain hemorrhage the next morning. She passed away in our arms October 26 at 10:40 p.m.

Posted in Announcement | 16 Comments »