Cash: 7lbs 3oz! Taking 5 bottles a day now, though not always finishing them. Usually hits the 35cc mark, shooting for 50+. The remaining feeds are still via tube. He is growing out of his onesies, and will be fully into 0-3 months and out of preemie stuff in days. o2 levels are stable, and the his desats are becoming less and less. Now has a little swing next to his bed, which he gets to enjoy once a day for a bit. Trying to get him ready for the car seat test. Told we may need to go home with 02, but not for sure yet. He sleeps a lot! The feeds tire him out. He is a calm baby, despite all he has been through, and is a pleasure for the nurses and us to care for. His eyes are getting better, and now only tested every two weeks! ETA to home, 10 days and counting!
Momma: She is tired. Frustrated at times, but always tired. I don't blame her, the schedule to provide Cash as much parental care as possible is a daunting task. She has gotten better over the last few days, and is getting excited to finally bring her boy home. The nursery is coming together nicely, and the shower should round out any important stuff left to include. How Kim has managed all of this and staying on top of her work I will never no. Divine intervention for sure.
Savy: Can you say on Cloud 9? She got to hold Cash for the first time Saturday, and cannot stop asking when she will again. She is also being a big help around the house keeping clothes up and now even clearing the table after dinner. She is also our "go to" praying person at dinner time. They always bring a smile to our face. Thank God for our first little miracle; she is such a joy.
Me: Busy, but good. We are all putting serious miles on the highway these days, but I've nearly doubled my miles in only 4 months!!! The gas bills are atrocious, but worth it. We were given a parking chip for $115 free parking, which I am using up quickly. I'm looking forward to Gunpowder and Wings during the shower this weekend!
Thats about it for the quick update, and am glad you are still here!
God Bless Yall!
Matthew
Monday, February 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Picture Time Again...
This time we have included Cash AND some of the great gifts we have received!
Not everything we have gotten is on here, but I've had some folks wanting to see "baby stuff", so here it is.
Thanks again to all those who have sent gifts; they brighten our day, save us dinero and help make our little booger that much more comfy!
Not everything we have gotten is on here, but I've had some folks wanting to see "baby stuff", so here it is.
Thanks again to all those who have sent gifts; they brighten our day, save us dinero and help make our little booger that much more comfy!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
To: Team Cash, Team Cash VA, The 11/3/11 Crew, Kappa Sigma, Music Row, The Port Lavaca Posse, RCS and RUMC
Greetings Everyone!
Today was a big milestone in little Cash's life, he moved to Level 2. Momma and I are a bit anxious with the 1:4 nurse to kid ratio, and less phone access, but all in all it was another great day! We have so much to be thankful for, and many of those is all of you!
I wanted to send each of you our biggest thanks for your support, prayers, likes, comments, gifts and love you have sent our way. There is no doubt that without these we would have cracked. Instead we bent but did not break. Our biggest family challenge to date, was made easier by knowing how many of you were thinking of us. From family and close friends, to business associates, distant family friends, old friends and even those we don't know; all of you have played a part on our life stage.
Kim doesn't say much on here, but I can assure you she feels the same. I cannot tell you how many times she asked how such caring and thoughtful words can come from someone she doesn't even know. We are humbled at the outpouring of support.
As much as you have all done, I leave you tonight with a request. As big of a challenge as the last few months have been, our future is still in question. We hope and pray everyday that little Cash comes home ready to take on any hurdle facing him, but we still need your support. I promise to continue updating, and the whole family promises to cherish every single click, letter and prayer you send our way as much as we have in the past.
I know life is fast, and volunteer time can be hard to come by, but I promise you if you want to experience a life changing event, visit Texas Childrens Hospital. If you ever want to teach your children gratitude, take them up to see just how lucky they are. Any floor, dept or age will sufficed to say impact you in so many ways. If you need more info, I will gladly send it your way.
One final note. Kim and I will be creating a non-profit 501C3 in honor of Cash's struggles, and for those parents who are going through the same thing we have. Focusing on micro-premies and their family's tough road, we will be providing a "Survival Guide/Micro-Premies For Dummies" kit/bag, including all the ins and outs to make their life easier, explaining terms, what to expect and a copy of my Prayers For Cash Blog. I will let you all know when that goes live.
God bless you all for everything you have done and will do, it has truly affected us in so many positive ways.
Love,
The Franek Family
Today was a big milestone in little Cash's life, he moved to Level 2. Momma and I are a bit anxious with the 1:4 nurse to kid ratio, and less phone access, but all in all it was another great day! We have so much to be thankful for, and many of those is all of you!
I wanted to send each of you our biggest thanks for your support, prayers, likes, comments, gifts and love you have sent our way. There is no doubt that without these we would have cracked. Instead we bent but did not break. Our biggest family challenge to date, was made easier by knowing how many of you were thinking of us. From family and close friends, to business associates, distant family friends, old friends and even those we don't know; all of you have played a part on our life stage.
Kim doesn't say much on here, but I can assure you she feels the same. I cannot tell you how many times she asked how such caring and thoughtful words can come from someone she doesn't even know. We are humbled at the outpouring of support.
As much as you have all done, I leave you tonight with a request. As big of a challenge as the last few months have been, our future is still in question. We hope and pray everyday that little Cash comes home ready to take on any hurdle facing him, but we still need your support. I promise to continue updating, and the whole family promises to cherish every single click, letter and prayer you send our way as much as we have in the past.
I know life is fast, and volunteer time can be hard to come by, but I promise you if you want to experience a life changing event, visit Texas Childrens Hospital. If you ever want to teach your children gratitude, take them up to see just how lucky they are. Any floor, dept or age will sufficed to say impact you in so many ways. If you need more info, I will gladly send it your way.
One final note. Kim and I will be creating a non-profit 501C3 in honor of Cash's struggles, and for those parents who are going through the same thing we have. Focusing on micro-premies and their family's tough road, we will be providing a "Survival Guide/Micro-Premies For Dummies" kit/bag, including all the ins and outs to make their life easier, explaining terms, what to expect and a copy of my Prayers For Cash Blog. I will let you all know when that goes live.
God bless you all for everything you have done and will do, it has truly affected us in so many positive ways.
Love,
The Franek Family
Sunday, February 12, 2012
My Valentine-Letter To Kimberley
To My Valentine,
We've survived another year, the toughest we have ever faced. You have always been a rock for our family and most importantly, for me. Your shoulders are strong, your faith leaves me in awe and the grace by which you offer both is unbelievable. How you manage your business, family and emotions is astounding. My admiration for you is endless.
Never before have I loved you more than now. I am forever grateful to have been given such a gift.
Whenever my shortcomings, mistakes and weaknesses appear, you correct and forgive them selflessly.
I do not deserve such absolution, but will make every effort to earn it.
For the first time in my life I've seen what true beauty is, and appreciate it. I think of you every moment of the day, thanking God for the opportunity to be your husband, lover and friend.
Our road is long and will have more hurdles than we deserve, but I know that with you, our children and faith; we will not only survive, but thrive in the years to come. Everything we have created is perfect in every way. I will defend you and our children for the rest of my days, support your decisions and provide the ability for all of us to continue to grow stronger and closer.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this miracle of life you created. Thank you for supporting me regardless of my errors. Thank you for being a role model for our children. Thank you for being my greatest accomplishment. Most importantly, thank you for loving me.
I am forever indebted to you.
"But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love for ever." Robert Burns
Love,
Matthew
We've survived another year, the toughest we have ever faced. You have always been a rock for our family and most importantly, for me. Your shoulders are strong, your faith leaves me in awe and the grace by which you offer both is unbelievable. How you manage your business, family and emotions is astounding. My admiration for you is endless.
Never before have I loved you more than now. I am forever grateful to have been given such a gift.
Whenever my shortcomings, mistakes and weaknesses appear, you correct and forgive them selflessly.
I do not deserve such absolution, but will make every effort to earn it.
For the first time in my life I've seen what true beauty is, and appreciate it. I think of you every moment of the day, thanking God for the opportunity to be your husband, lover and friend.
Our road is long and will have more hurdles than we deserve, but I know that with you, our children and faith; we will not only survive, but thrive in the years to come. Everything we have created is perfect in every way. I will defend you and our children for the rest of my days, support your decisions and provide the ability for all of us to continue to grow stronger and closer.
Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be part of this miracle of life you created. Thank you for supporting me regardless of my errors. Thank you for being a role model for our children. Thank you for being my greatest accomplishment. Most importantly, thank you for loving me.
I am forever indebted to you.
"But to see her was to love her, love but her, and love for ever." Robert Burns
Love,
Matthew
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Shower Info
The day is March 3 at our home.
We are registered on Amazon.com
Just click Baby Registry and do a name search
Or Babies R Us
Thanks everyone!
We are registered on Amazon.com
Just click Baby Registry and do a name search
Or Babies R Us
Thanks everyone!
Amazing = Today
I held my beautiful boy today! He is beautiful and continues to be so strong. The CPAP is history! Now on a nasal cannula with the lowest setting. He smiled at me again today and I melted. I shed a couple happy tears this afternoon, and my level of hope and excitement for his future is the highest it has ever been. They will be introducing bottle feeds tomorrow assuming he continues to do so well! Once be gets 48 hrs under his belt without issue he will officially be sent to Level 2 NiCU!!!!! This is a huge step! I took the tour of the new area today as well. Kim was stuck at work, and was so jealous but her time is coming. What a special day I was given! Thank you Lord!
I'm too excited to keep typing, so I'm gonna go have a celebratory dinner with my girls and sleep good tonight.
Peace Out PrAyer Warriors!
I'm too excited to keep typing, so I'm gonna go have a celebratory dinner with my girls and sleep good tonight.
Peace Out PrAyer Warriors!
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Last Week Sucked...continued
Friday-Kims dad is still here, Kim is stressed out, I'm hopeful all goes well and Savy is smiling. So far not too bad considering the big surgery is just a few hours ahead of us. I drop Savy off at school and head to Katy to swing by Anchor Dental for the first time in 10 days. Kind of hard to run a biz when you can't be there. Anyways, after I make the round trip, I pick up Kim and off to the hospital we go to be with Cash before the shunt is placed.
We get to Cash around 11, Kim changes and holds him. He is calm, sleeping and now has an IV for the surgery. Sodium levels are good, the surgeon says we are a go for a 1pm start. Around 12:45 the Anesthesiologist arrives with two nurses and they have us sign forms, give us more details, run through the risks of sedation and prep him for the OR. Kim puts Cash back in bed, they take him off CPAP(which he takes well) and Dr. Whitehead comes by for a final look at him. Everyone assures us he is in good hands, but we are heart broke. There's a weird sort of calm that sweeps over me. This is going to happen, no big miracle is going to change the fact that my son will have a lifetime of dealing with this foreign object in his body. I'm torn between hating it and knowing it is providing relief for my baby's little brain. It's 1:30pm.
Will his body reject it? We have to take the chance. Will he develop an infection? We have to risk it. For every concern I have, there is a clear answer; we have no option. This operation, although the worst case scenario until now, is our friend in an odd way.
Kim and I don't talk much, while finding our way to the furthest waiting room from others. Peace and quiet is our hope. Fat chance, instead we hear a kid scream for a solid hour plus for his mommy who is just inside the NICU visiting his sybling. Dad is worthless. We are about to start screaming ourselves.
I posted about this on FB and caught a little flack, but never the less listen up: IF YOU HAVE A FUSSY CHILD AT A HOSPITAL FIX IT! It is extremely inconsiderate with all the stress those around you are already dealing with. Take them outside, shove candy down their throat or whip their butt, but settle them down asap.
Lunch, Pinterest and Angry Birds fill our time as we anxiously, nervously wait for some news. The kid finally shuts up. Probably lost his voice. The waiting room phone rings and Kim answers, it's about 3:15pm and the initial update is the surgery went well, they will be bringing Cash back to his NICU 3 pod "soon". We hug and let out a deep sigh of relief. My first set of texts to update family go out. Knowing how a hospital clock ticks, "soon" could be an hour or more so we settle back down and patiently wait to see our little booger. Twenty minutes later I go check to see if they are ready, and am told they need a few more minutes, but that he is back in his spot, and just getting the CPAP back on.
I head back to Kim and let her know we will see him soon. Another 15 minutes later Dr. Whitehead finds us and gives us the play by play. All went well and he feels confident the placement of the shunt in Cash' ventricle is good. We can expect to visit with him a few times throughout the year, another surgery by age 2, checkups annually thereafter. Also, surgery to repair/replace the shunt approximately every 4-5 years for life. Thanks doc for the update.
So we finally get to go see Cash! He looks really good all things considered. He is still a bit under the anesthesia but is coming out of it. I shed a tear, Kim is welling up, the nurses all say he did and looks great. My boy toughed it out. Again, Cash handles the situation better than his parents. We say our goodbyes after a half hour and go out to fight Houston traffic. Kims dad got Savy from school for us and they take all the news about the surgery well. Goodnight Moon. We all sleep well.
Saturday- We check on Cash and he had a fair to middlin' night. Still trying to wake up, he had a decent night on the CPAP, little fussy but all in all pretty good. Kims dad heads home, we decide to lay low and spend the day cleaning house and decompressing. We could visit, but not hold Cash, so instead of driving another couple hours, we feel it best to "heal" ourselves. Cash does better as the day progresses.
Sunday-We have a lot of things to be thankful for, and decide Superbowl Sunday will be Cashtastic with a visit after church. The visit goes well, he is doing very well, awake and generally in a good mood. A couple apnea's and Brady's accompany Kims hold, but we are just so happy at his progress so far we don't let it bother us. Savy gets to see him and brings him a mason jar of little paper flowers she made. I watch these three in amazement at how far we have come. I cant wait for this scenario to be played out at home. My kids and my wife huddled together as I watch from the side. I love to be close by when they are unaware of me watching. These times mend my soul, even though I'm alone. It was a horrible week, with a great finish. Something about a Sunday, that makes a body feel alone.
I leave you with a little Cash.
We get to Cash around 11, Kim changes and holds him. He is calm, sleeping and now has an IV for the surgery. Sodium levels are good, the surgeon says we are a go for a 1pm start. Around 12:45 the Anesthesiologist arrives with two nurses and they have us sign forms, give us more details, run through the risks of sedation and prep him for the OR. Kim puts Cash back in bed, they take him off CPAP(which he takes well) and Dr. Whitehead comes by for a final look at him. Everyone assures us he is in good hands, but we are heart broke. There's a weird sort of calm that sweeps over me. This is going to happen, no big miracle is going to change the fact that my son will have a lifetime of dealing with this foreign object in his body. I'm torn between hating it and knowing it is providing relief for my baby's little brain. It's 1:30pm.
Will his body reject it? We have to take the chance. Will he develop an infection? We have to risk it. For every concern I have, there is a clear answer; we have no option. This operation, although the worst case scenario until now, is our friend in an odd way.
Kim and I don't talk much, while finding our way to the furthest waiting room from others. Peace and quiet is our hope. Fat chance, instead we hear a kid scream for a solid hour plus for his mommy who is just inside the NICU visiting his sybling. Dad is worthless. We are about to start screaming ourselves.
I posted about this on FB and caught a little flack, but never the less listen up: IF YOU HAVE A FUSSY CHILD AT A HOSPITAL FIX IT! It is extremely inconsiderate with all the stress those around you are already dealing with. Take them outside, shove candy down their throat or whip their butt, but settle them down asap.
Lunch, Pinterest and Angry Birds fill our time as we anxiously, nervously wait for some news. The kid finally shuts up. Probably lost his voice. The waiting room phone rings and Kim answers, it's about 3:15pm and the initial update is the surgery went well, they will be bringing Cash back to his NICU 3 pod "soon". We hug and let out a deep sigh of relief. My first set of texts to update family go out. Knowing how a hospital clock ticks, "soon" could be an hour or more so we settle back down and patiently wait to see our little booger. Twenty minutes later I go check to see if they are ready, and am told they need a few more minutes, but that he is back in his spot, and just getting the CPAP back on.
I head back to Kim and let her know we will see him soon. Another 15 minutes later Dr. Whitehead finds us and gives us the play by play. All went well and he feels confident the placement of the shunt in Cash' ventricle is good. We can expect to visit with him a few times throughout the year, another surgery by age 2, checkups annually thereafter. Also, surgery to repair/replace the shunt approximately every 4-5 years for life. Thanks doc for the update.
So we finally get to go see Cash! He looks really good all things considered. He is still a bit under the anesthesia but is coming out of it. I shed a tear, Kim is welling up, the nurses all say he did and looks great. My boy toughed it out. Again, Cash handles the situation better than his parents. We say our goodbyes after a half hour and go out to fight Houston traffic. Kims dad got Savy from school for us and they take all the news about the surgery well. Goodnight Moon. We all sleep well.
Saturday- We check on Cash and he had a fair to middlin' night. Still trying to wake up, he had a decent night on the CPAP, little fussy but all in all pretty good. Kims dad heads home, we decide to lay low and spend the day cleaning house and decompressing. We could visit, but not hold Cash, so instead of driving another couple hours, we feel it best to "heal" ourselves. Cash does better as the day progresses.
Sunday-We have a lot of things to be thankful for, and decide Superbowl Sunday will be Cashtastic with a visit after church. The visit goes well, he is doing very well, awake and generally in a good mood. A couple apnea's and Brady's accompany Kims hold, but we are just so happy at his progress so far we don't let it bother us. Savy gets to see him and brings him a mason jar of little paper flowers she made. I watch these three in amazement at how far we have come. I cant wait for this scenario to be played out at home. My kids and my wife huddled together as I watch from the side. I love to be close by when they are unaware of me watching. These times mend my soul, even though I'm alone. It was a horrible week, with a great finish. Something about a Sunday, that makes a body feel alone.
I leave you with a little Cash.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Some Pics
Here are a few pics. A couple may be a little graphic for some.
The first pic is our first without any tubes, wires etc covering his face. He;s a looker!
The next two pics were taken immediately after surgery. You can see the shunt that makes a bumb on the right side of his head. Not exactly what we had hoped for, but if it helps our boy, we will take it.
The first pic is our first without any tubes, wires etc covering his face. He;s a looker!
The next two pics were taken immediately after surgery. You can see the shunt that makes a bumb on the right side of his head. Not exactly what we had hoped for, but if it helps our boy, we will take it.
The last pic was taken just before we had to put Suzy down as we were saying our goodbyes. You can see how upset Savy was. She has been handling losing her best friend very well.
Sorry I couldnt figure out how to rotate the pics.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Last Week Sucked
So we get back from NOLA, refreshed and full of hope for our little boy. We discussed everything from his room color, to care when he got home. Lots of smiles mixed with timid excitement. We visited Cash on the way home last Sunday, then I saw him again Monday. A passing mention that his head circumference had gotten a little bigger was made, but nothing seemed serious. I assumed we were still in the "watch and see mode".
Tuesday-our beloved dog Suzy Q was in horrible pain. After multiple visits to the vet, second and third opinions, we were told her diagnosis was a spinal tumor. We had to let her go. We were all heart broken, but Savy in particular was completely devastated. All three of us cried and hugged and bid fairwell to our loyal pooch that afternoon. We still miss her wagging nub and slobbery kisses. RIP Suzy!
Wednesday-Kim and I were both still reeling from the family's loss the day prior, and decided to just lay around, watch TV, be here for Savy when she got home and available for any phone call that she wasn't doing well in school. Not thirty minutes after I drop Savy off at school, Kim called to check on Cash and is told the Neurosurgeon wants to meet with us today. There goes the chance to decompress. Kim and I quickly dressed, drove to TCH and awaited for the worst conversation I've ever waited to have. Need I mention that the wait was more than an hour, just short of the required 90 minutes it would have taken for both of us to be taken off in a windowless van and tossed into a padded cell. So we talk with the fellow, he assures us that the surgeon is leaning towards a reservoir, which is temporary, but that the shunt option was still on the table. (Learn more about shunts HERE)
Risks, rewards, recovery etc is discvussed and by all accounts, its a relatively minor procedure all things considered. We are scheduled for 9am Thursday morning.
Thursday-Sleep? Sleep? Haha! I mock you weaklings who require sleep. Fat chance in this house! We leave at 6am to be there by 7, enough time to see Cash for a bit before his operation prep. Kims dad takes Savy to school, then meets us around 9. Kims youngest sister Laura Beth is also there. 9 rolls around, then 9:30. We are told that the op has been pushed to 11. 11:30 we are told 2. At 2 we are told by 3. 4pm rolls around(which is 9 hrs after we arrived-in case you weren't counting; again, just shy of the padded cell) and the surgeon meets us bedside and apologizes for the delay, but Cash' sodium level is too low for the comfort of the anethesiologist. Tomorrow might work. I bolt to get Savy from her friends house(As a quick side note: Torre Stellpflug and family have been angels for us. Always there to watch Savy, with a smile and without question. Thank you all so much!) We make it home around 7:30. It has been a super long day.
...to be continued
Tuesday-our beloved dog Suzy Q was in horrible pain. After multiple visits to the vet, second and third opinions, we were told her diagnosis was a spinal tumor. We had to let her go. We were all heart broken, but Savy in particular was completely devastated. All three of us cried and hugged and bid fairwell to our loyal pooch that afternoon. We still miss her wagging nub and slobbery kisses. RIP Suzy!
Wednesday-Kim and I were both still reeling from the family's loss the day prior, and decided to just lay around, watch TV, be here for Savy when she got home and available for any phone call that she wasn't doing well in school. Not thirty minutes after I drop Savy off at school, Kim called to check on Cash and is told the Neurosurgeon wants to meet with us today. There goes the chance to decompress. Kim and I quickly dressed, drove to TCH and awaited for the worst conversation I've ever waited to have. Need I mention that the wait was more than an hour, just short of the required 90 minutes it would have taken for both of us to be taken off in a windowless van and tossed into a padded cell. So we talk with the fellow, he assures us that the surgeon is leaning towards a reservoir, which is temporary, but that the shunt option was still on the table. (Learn more about shunts HERE)
Risks, rewards, recovery etc is discvussed and by all accounts, its a relatively minor procedure all things considered. We are scheduled for 9am Thursday morning.
Thursday-Sleep? Sleep? Haha! I mock you weaklings who require sleep. Fat chance in this house! We leave at 6am to be there by 7, enough time to see Cash for a bit before his operation prep. Kims dad takes Savy to school, then meets us around 9. Kims youngest sister Laura Beth is also there. 9 rolls around, then 9:30. We are told that the op has been pushed to 11. 11:30 we are told 2. At 2 we are told by 3. 4pm rolls around(which is 9 hrs after we arrived-in case you weren't counting; again, just shy of the padded cell) and the surgeon meets us bedside and apologizes for the delay, but Cash' sodium level is too low for the comfort of the anethesiologist. Tomorrow might work. I bolt to get Savy from her friends house(As a quick side note: Torre Stellpflug and family have been angels for us. Always there to watch Savy, with a smile and without question. Thank you all so much!) We make it home around 7:30. It has been a super long day.
...to be continued
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