Weekend update

Saturday was a pretty awesome day for us! We got to hold our boys "like babies", where we could just sit and look at their sweet faces. It was also their first day in clothes (which is why we didn't have to hold them "kangaroo style" like we had been). Although they are getting big (both Sullivan and Cam are over 3 lbs now), they still seemed so very tiny in our arms. It was such a great moment!

The boys continue to do very well! The nurses continue to lower the temperature of their isolette; the goal is for them to regulate their own temperature without the help from warmed air.

They continue to enjoy the company of one another.

Sullivan hasn't needed a blood transfusion as of yet. Although his red blood cell count is still low, his "re-tic" count is showing that his body is trying to make its own red blood cells. (way to go buddy!). The doctors will check his levels again on Friday.

Both boys are big eaters now! They are each up to one ounce (30cc) every 3 hours and handling it well.

On Sunday, the little guys got to have their tube moved from their mouths to their nose (although they didn't enjoy that process, it is much more comfortable for them now.)

Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Holding Sullivan and staring at his sweet face.

Sullivan trying to decide if he liked it better "in the buff"?......

Bright eyed boy...(Sullivan)

Snug as a bug in a rug........

Monkey see, Monkey do. (or maybe we were all being too loud?)

Here is a video of Sullivan going to town on his little paci. They upgraded paci's from the mini size to the bigger (mini) size. I think he likes it.

Warning!!!! This is SUPER cute!

So there have been a lot of really cute posts of our little boys, but I now officially have a favorite (well, next to the day that they were born). Yesterday the boys got to be moved back together to share a womb room with each other. It was so sweet. We were able to catch the moment of their reunion.

....when we stopped back in later that night, we actually caught them holding hands. So sweet!

In addition to their cuteness, everything else is going well. Both boys are on "full feeds" (which means that according to their weight they are getting the maximum volume of food) and their digestive systems seem to both be working properly. Yeah for that!

There are a few continued prayer requests. Thank you for praying specifically with us for these milestones (forgive the non-medical explanations):

Sullivan might have to get a blood transfusion. Many preemies require this, but we would like to pray that it is not necessary. His brain has not reminded his bone marrow to produce red blood cells just yet (because he is still so young). Although there are some small signs of this red blood cell production, the medical team would like to see the count a little higher. Please pray that on Saturday/Sunday when they check his blood again, his system would be producting the cells the he needs.

Camden's belly still looks a little "loopy and distended". Basically, you can see little tiny valleys on his belly...those are his intestines. His belly (bowels) still sound good and he is going to the bathroom, but the swollen belly is something to continue to keep an eye on. This can lead/be a sign of infection and we wish to pray against that!

Thank you so much! We love hearing your comments and love sharing our miracles with you.

Happy Memorial Day...thanks to those who served our country for our freedom!

15 days old

I have always heard parents say things like "they grow up so fast". Yesterday was Sullivan and Camden's 2 week birthday. I have to just post a few pictures that reflect the amazing progress that they are making. We are so thankful for the daily progress that they continue to make. We are thankful for the nursing staff who are not only knowledgeable but also loving. We just love these little boys so much and can't wait to bring them home with us.

Here is a picture of Camden on day two of his little life.

Here is a picture of Camden on day 14 of his little life. Look at those bright eyes. He is very alert and likes to just look around and try to make sense of his surroundings. (He also loves to have his mouth wide open....its so cute :).

Today they took out Cam's IV. Both he and his brother are now IV free and getting all of their nutrients from b. milk. (Sully is on 28ml, which is is almost an ounce (ounce = 30 ml) and Cam is on 24 ml).

(Since I had pictures of Cam today...tomorrow will be Sullivan's day. Stay tuned for some pictures of Sullivan James tomorrow.)

Note to readers: We have had lots of people ask us about the song on our video. It is called A Mother's Prayer, by Rachel Aldous. There is a really sweet YouTube video with the song playing. Absolutely beautiful.

In love....times two!

Yesterday I had the surprise treat of being able to hold both babies together for the first time. I must admit that it was way harder than it sounds/looks. It didn't last very long because Cam was pushing his little arms and legs out and Sullivan was sliding down. They are still so tiny that I still am not sure how to handle them with confidence....not yet at least.

It was amazing to look down and see "my boys" laying on my chest. I can't wait to have many more moments like this.

(disclaimer: I should have titled this: in love times three...because I didnt think I could love my husband any more but seeing him with the boys is just so amazing. I am one lucky lady!)

the boys first 2 weeks of life in video...

So I created a video for Cheryl to show at baby showers in light of the fact that the baby's are already here. We thought it would be great to have something to share since they won't be able to make the showers. So here's our video...

Today...

So today I officially changed 2 diapers almost all by myself. I needed some serious coaching...but we got through it. Sully and Cam I'm sorry if they are on backwards. I'll get better. :) Sullivan is still eating and "expelling" like he was born for this. So that's great news. Cam is just starting to eat better. But he's still not figured out the "expelling" part of everything. I tried to tell him that he can only eat so much before it has to come out. So please keep praying for the simple things to get to working inside of Cam. We'd love to wake up in the morning to hear the great news. Its been 2 days since he did his last "do" (and that was with a little medicinal intervention). So he really needs to "do" it again.

Cheryl and I spent the afternoon with them and got to hold them again. That's always just a special time for our new family. So here are a few pics from the past couple of days.


So we wanted to share one of the monitors that we watch all day long. This is Sully's screen showing amazing numbers! The first line is the heart beat, the second is the breath's per minute, an the third is the oxygen saturation in the blood stream. The numbers show that Sully is doing great.


This is Camden's monitor also showing GREAT numbers.


This is Sully sucking on his fingers. He rotates through all 5. Always a surprise.


This is a happy mom who is holding one of 3 most important things in her life (Sully, Camden and ME :) )

This is Chris taking on the diaper changes. That is an intense and focused look. Error during this process can result in much larger "messes".


And this is how our boys spend most of their days...covered to keep it dark and private. This is Cam's "crib".

Here's Sully's "crib"



Not to be too voyeuristic...but here's a short clip of the time we get to spend with our boys when are able to hold them...

check them out :)

So we wanted to get some new pictures out to everyone. There have been several changes. Both of them are officially off oxygen. No cannula and no CPAP! They are some good looking little guys! :).


Here's Camden

Sullivan has been a little cold lately so he's getting the beanie and...
...some warm little socks that look a little large.
There are two things about this picture...one we turned the light on and he covered his eyes...and two... CHECK OUT THAT HAIR!!! :)


...well Sully I'm sorry Cam got mom this time and you got me.

Camden

Camden

So when the pacifier is almost half the size of your face does that make your face small or the pacifier large? (Sullivan)

This is mom's recliner...and mine is next to her. We'll want to take these home when we leave.

Camden

Sullivan

Camden

yawn.

Before Chris went to sleep tonight, he said (very apologetically) "Im sorry but I dont think that i have the energy to post something on the blog". You could see it all over his face that it was as if he was "letting down" his sons and friends and family. So, be easy on him. I assured him it was okay. I knew that I would be up again in a few hours and that I would try to post their status (sorry, no pictures though because we did not have time to pull them from the camera. I can assure you that they are still super adorable!).

Today was a good day for the boys. At this point, BOTH boys are off of any breathing assistance (no more nasal cannula for Cam...way to go buddy!). BOTH boys are off of phototheraphy. BOTH boys continue to be able to handle their feeds, although Sullivan is doing better than Camden. When we were leaving for the night, the nurse was switching their feeding tubes from little mouth tubes to nose tubes so that they can practice sucking on a paci without interference (and boy...Sullivan took right to that. Today we caught him sucking his thumb. It was so cute! With my history we figure braces will be in the cards anyway.....so go for it buddy!)

Please pray. Please pray against infection (a constant prayer for babies in the NICU). Please pray that their digestive system would/continue to respond to the food. Please pray that their mommy and daddy can continue to be strong through the coming days.

The last one is probably geared more towards me. Today was tough. Not sure why. I was doing great all day until we had to leave the hospital tonight (our first trip home) around 5:00pm. I am sure it is because I am tired but I just couldnt kick that weepy feeling. Maybe a good cry is what I need? Maybe it is a Nicholas Sparks' movie? Maybe (probably) it is some strong prayers.

Thank you family and friends.

( I couldnt think of a better title and since I started typing I yawned about 9 times I thought that might be fitting)

Oh, and congrats to my friends who just had a sweet baby boy tonight. Can't wait till our boys can play together. I know that J. was a trooper with a really long labor. Way to go!!!!!!

Day 7

So here are just a few pics/video from today.

So this picture has so many possible captions...what could have 3 brothers so intently watching?
...believe it or not I think this was a diaper change and we were waiting for the findings...
In case you hadn't met the parents of the two little bundles of joy...here we are :)

This is what I see as I work from my new "remote" office there inside of NICU.



So yesterday we had a video of Camden so we thought we should show a little footage from Sully

One week ago.....was it the Root Beer Float?

So many of you have heard the "story" of what happened, although several have not. It is so hard to believe that it was one week ago (exactly) and how much life drastically changed (literally) overnight.

So....here's how Cam and Sully decided to make their grand entrance:

Last Tuesday was a great day. I felt great! I had a meeting with the other counselors on Tuesday morning where they showered me with lots of love (and diapers :). That afternoon was work as usual. Tuesday night Chris was taking a trip to Home Depot (he was in the process of tearing out our master bathroom and redoing it) and asked if I would like to join him. My reply was: "yes, if we can stop to get some Sonic afterwards" (does that sound like a pregnant girl or what?). So we headed to HomeDepot, and then afterwards I enjoyed the best root beer float ever.

After we got home, Chris was in his office working and I was in the babies' room organizing the generous gift of diapers from earlier that day. Throughout the day I had noticed some fluid, but it was very minor (I am trying to be very PC here when I describe things...hope it doesnt come off too vauge). Around 8:45, however, it warranted some concern. I realized that this was more than a "little" and could in fact be closer to a "drip" or "trickle". Our doctor had warned us of those words. With a sense of panic in my voice, I called for Chris. He very calmy asked that we call the doctor. The doctor, also very calmly, said to head to labor and delivery.

With NOTHING in hand (no overnight bag, extra pajamas, etc.) we left for the hospital. The entire time, I was thinking that we would be back in about an hour and that was good because I was kinda tired (ha!).

We got to the hospital about 9:30. They checked my fluid and assured me that it was my amniotic fluid. Why was I so naive? I was still thinking....oh, that stinks, but I bet we go home soon. I sorta thought that I would be on bed rest, but for sure I could just do that at my house. Well....we were wrong. The nurse assured us that we were staying at the hospital until the babies came. (What was Chris thinking, you ask? Well, he confessed later that he was thinking...ugh! This is going to cost a lot of money...bed rest at the hospital. Ha...little did he know, huh? He also (and this is why I love him) assured me that he would play board games with the all the time if I was on bed rest (and he does NOT like to play games). ).

Anyway, the nurse said she had to check my cervix. She checked and then called for another nurse to check. Hmn...what's going on down there, I thought. Well, she soon informed me that I was dialated to an 8 and we were going to have these babies SOON. The panic was quickly setting in. I still, however, thought I had some time to process all of this.

The doctor was next to come in to verify the nurses findings. He confirmed my dialation and that the babies were coming TONIGHT. Chris asked him to give us a timeframe (so we could inform our families) and the doctor replied very nonchalantly..."I expect to be in surgery in about 15 minutes". That moment is one that I will never forget. He was correct too.....about 15 minutes later I had my epidural and was in the O.R. with Chris by my side. At 11:40pm I heard the most beautiful sound ever...the sound of my baby boy with strong lungs. At 11:41...I heard his brother's cry. I got to visit with them long enough to give them a tiny kiss....those were sweet moments.

The rest of the night was somewhat of a blur. Our family was able to all be there and they got to meet the boys that night. I was able to see them again before they took me to my room, which is where I would spend the next 4 days.

Whew...even retelling the story is emotionally draining. We don't exactly know why I went into labor. Our theory (and this is not medically based at all) is that Cam (the more active little boy) was just running out of room and kicked a little hole in his sac (maybe he will be a soccer player like his daddy). We will never know I guess.

I know that was a long post...but there you have it. That is the story of the night that changed our lives (and hearts) forever!

Day 6

So today was a really great day for the Butler family! Cheryl and I got to hold them for the first time. They (NICU) removed Sully's CPAP and ended up not even having to put a nasal cannula in. So he has been free of oxygen for the whole day! Cam had his CPAP removed also but needed to still have a nasal cannula to help him get enough oxygen. He's just not ready to be free yet. :)

They both had their brain scans done this morning and great news no brain bleeds! Camden had his ECG (EchoCardioGram) to check his for his heart murmur. Those results haven't come back yet. We'll let you know when we find out. The stomachs did a little better today. With a little help from another suppository Sully cleared out his meconium plug. Oh happy day! :)

Please keep praying for these guys. It was a huge answer to prayer to know that there was no bleeding in their brains. They will scan the brains again in 30 days. Also please keep praying against infections as this is one of the more threatening things that will follow us through this journey, and that their stomachs and intestines keep getting stronger and ready to take full feeds sooner then later.


This is the cute face of a guy who's been wearing dark shades since day one...


Here's Sully mask free and loving life


one of two very cute babies...


does he look chill?


...a glimpse of the future...each one holding a baby for the next couple of years...


So we both held a baby...Sully got mom and the good end of this deal and...






...and poor little Cam got the hairy chest...but come on that is cute. He's holding Dad's thumb





This is Cam with his nasal cannula



It's always great just to watch them move and listen to them talk...

so Ryan Gentles came by to bestow his wisdom to Cam as he got his diaper changed...

....priceless

Your Turn....

to do do a little "blogging".

I have found a few awesome websites that will take the blog and put it into a scrapbook for you. We would love to have our readers leave comments for Camden & Sullivan so that they can see how many people love them already and how awesome the power of prayer really is.

So, if you get some time, leave us a comment. Thanks!

2:00 am

I guess by the title of the post you can see how being tired either aids in your creativity....or in my case depletes it.

I had to take a few minutes to write though. I make no promises about the spelling or clarity though (forgive me :).

As Chris said, today was our last day to be at the hospital. It was tough moving out. There is that part of my brain that said "wait! you are leaving behind half of your family". Luckily, the other half (might I call this half the less emotional and more rational half) says "those boys are in the best care exactly where they are. Plus, it is actually 15 minutes away no matter how you look at it: it took/takes me 15 minutes to slowly make my way from the second floor to the NICU, and now it takes 15 minutes to go from any place in my house to the hospital....maybe less depending on who is driving :)".

It really is amazing to me to see how wonderful everyone has been with all of this. I have to just "thank" or recognize some people:

Thank you to the Grandparents. Wow! They are already the best. Both "sets" of grandparents have been so helpful and loving. They have continued to model what it means to be selfless when you have children. They have helped in every way manageable. They already love their grandsons so much....we just know it!

Thank you to the Aunts/Uncles. Man..they are just the best! Uncle Aaron brought the boys a sweet little bear for to keep them company when we are all not able to be there. Phlip and Tiffany have gone above and beyond..helping in so many ways (even by helping to remodel a bathroom) even thought they themselves have a newborn. The little treats that Tiffany has brought to the hospital have been lifesavers!!!!! And tonight Uncle Scott got to meet the boys for the first time after he himself had a super busy weekend (graduation, moving, etc.). I know that he will be great with Sullivan and Cam.

Thank you to the friends and neighbors. We had a visit from some neighbors tonight who brought some fruit salad (yum!). They kept saying "we don't want to bother you". What they dont realize is how much I loved showing off our pictures, re-telling the "story", and bragging about our boys. It gave me energy that I needed at that moment. Their visit was a needed pick-me-up.

I have to say that as I type this it is very nice to be home in the same bed as Chris. The hospital accomodations are nice, but the hospital bed/couch thing was getting old.

first day home...

Today we moved out of Memorial Herman it was our first day home leaving the our little guys back at the NICU. It was a rough one, but the great news is that we only live 15 minutes from the hospital and the NICU is open 24 hours!

Back at the hospital we met another family who had a little girl born at 25 weeks move in next door. Mom's name is Stephanie and the baby's name is Sierra Sunshine. Please keep them in your prayers as I think Sierra is the youngest little fighter in the NICU right now.

Sully and Cam are doing good. They got a new "line" put in called a PICC line. It replaces the current arterial line that is in their umbilical cord. So they lose one and gain one. On another front they are still trying to figure out this whole "eating" thing.

I've posted a little clip I took of Sully breathing. It is amazing as we learn about how their little bodies work and you can't help but be amazed at how wonderfully and carefully we are created. Keep praying!

Sully taking breaths...


here's the new PICC line that goes through a vein under their arms.




...such little hands


complete with fingerprints


...departing the hospital. We had quite the "base camp" set up complete with radio, pictures and lots of flowers/plants provided by a lot of really amazing friends and family. We can't express how much we appreciate the love shown.


...this is called advertisement(maybe a warning :) ) to the neighborhood..."more Butler's have arrived!!!"


I have to admit this afternoon I was nearly defeated by our new "snap-n-go" stroller. It only had like 2 stink'n parts...what am I going to do when Santa Claus brings them something slightly more complicated! :)