the amazing adventures of carson and kellen: We have made progress!

Thursday, February 28, 2013

We have made progress!

ONE year ago today, we busily and anxiously packed things up and prepared to bring the boys home to Dexter for the FIRST TIME. It is amazing to think back and see how far we have come. I can honestly say that I did NOT know how difficult this year would be, especially the first several months but I know that was God's way of protecting me because I probably would have buckled under the weight (but isn't that how God works...he only gives us what we can handle at the time : ). We left our 'safe' world of the NICU and came home to a completely different world. We have had more people (not even counting family -although some feel like it now) in our home than I would have ever guessed. Preston did not know he would have his mother-in-law or sister-in-law living with him at most times for the better part of a year : ) We changed what was the nursery into a revamped hospital room. We (Preston and I) didn't know we would NOT sleep a full night in the same room again (except the times we get a night away). But on a more positive note, we didn't know the friends we would make that otherwise would never have met. We didn't fully understand how blessed we are to have a one-of-a-kind family. We would never have guessed the amount of support we have received from family, friends, and the community. We have learned so much about the power of prayer and trusting fully in God's plan. We will never be able to thank everyone enough because it was not by our power alone that we survived this first year.

Carson's favorite nurses from the NICU

Ready for the ride home (a year ago)

And to see how much the boys have changed and progressed is truly a miracle! A year ago, Kellen was frequently just held and carried around. Carson was secluded to the nursery the majority of the day (because he needed the oxygen and humidified air that was only available in his room). His alarms went off several times an hour which required our immediate attention. He had to be suctioned approximately 45-50 times a day. We were supposed to trust nurses that we had never met before and someone stayed up at all times. WOW...we have come a long ways! Now, the house is quiet because the boys are both asleep but just a little while ago...Kellen was running around with Carson crawling behind. They were playing in the laundry basket trying to shake it side to side and laughing at each other. Carson is no longer on oxygen and is suctioned 10x or less in a typical day. God is good and I am so glad he gave us these TWO precious boys!

We had another small miracle...Carson went over 24 hours without puking!!! It has probably been two months since that happened. It's the small things that matter : ) The boys also made their second trip to the Petelo and they didn't get sick : ) YAY!