The Michaels' Quads

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Saturday, February 23, 2008

Good Morning! It's check out day for Tiff. She is progressing so well they are ready to give us the boot:) I speak for the both of us in saying it will be an adjustment not actually sleeping here. We are very fortunate there's a free guest house, across the street, we're able to stay at for the first week. We'll move in later today.
Babies are doing well. I'm going to act like I know what I'm talking about, but still have quite a bit to learn. I found it easier to take a notebook with me to take detailed notes. Our nurses have been very patient with me as I try to understand everything that is going on.

How they're doing:
Gavin - breathing on his own without assistance. Taking his milk in, just loving life. He's a bit spoiled however. What's new? He's the only one we can hold at this point. Watching him and Tiff cuddle up is so cool! His flow of assisted oxygen is down from a 3 to a 2.

Reese - She's catching up to Gavin! She's off the ventilator, but requires a little more oxygen. We're thinking we'll be able to hold her within the next couple of days if not sooner.

Lauren - She is on a new ventilator called a "Jett Ventilator". The ventilator pumps 420 short breaths and helps the lungs exchange O2 and CO2. It's been very effective and already decreased her O2 levels. Her blood gases have shown improvement since being on the jett ventilator as well. She is currently under the lamps (phototherapy) for her jaundice.
There are some concerns with her PDA (payton duct) which, in full term babies, closes following birth. Lauren's didn't close. So I avoid acting like a doctor and describing something wrong...the PDA needs to close. They are giving her some medication, which is similar to ibuprofen to help close this duct. If not, we may be looking a procedure which would be in Peoria IL, not Champaign. We're not there yet though! We've been given numbers indicating this medicine will work 70% of the time.
Maggie - She's off the ventilator and on a c-pap. She has a few episodes where she gets a little lazy and forgets to breath, but has been pretty good the last 24 hours.
I have a lot to learn so hopefully will be better with my details as we go along, but wanted to let everyone know things are going well, just need a few more prayers for Lauren at this point.

Here are some more pictures:

Reese gripping Jon's finger. Strong Grip!

Tiff's First Touch - with Maggie

Grandma and Grandpa Michaels first visit - with Reese


Grandma and Grandpa Samuels first visit - with Reese

22 comments:

Sara said...

Hi, Guys -

This is Christina's sister-in-law Sara. Just wanted to say congrats and let you know that we are praying for all these little ones and for Tiff's recovery.

Thanks for sharing this amazing story with others!

Dan, Sara, Gabe and Caleb

Amber said...

It sounds like you know exactly what you are talking about...good job, Jon! So glad to hear things are going well. Tiff - be sure to get your rest so you can be strong for these amazing miracles. You'll be holding all of them before no time! If you need anything, let us know!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jon and Tiffany! I'm impressed that you are learning the NICU language so quickly. The Guest House is so comfy - you will sleep great there. Take advantage of their breakfast and snacks :)

We are thinking of you and the babies everyday. They will continue to grow stronger and stronger.
Love, Jessica and Benjie

Anonymous said...

Jon and Tiff - We are so excited for both of you and will continue to keep you and the babies in our prayers. Thanks so much for the detailed updates! Love, Amy and Craig Cortese

Jen said...

How amazing! I'm a friend of a friend of a friend! :) You both are in for such a sweet treat. Lots of prayers to all 6 of you.

Unknown said...

Your babies are beautiful! Paul and I are so happy for all of you. Now the real fun begins!
Love,
Annie

Dex & Lauri said...

Hi Tiff and Jon,

The babies are sure adorable. Can't wait to meet them in person. Glad to hear Tiffany is doing so well and that you'll be able to stay nearby at the Guest House. We appreciate seeing the new pictures and getting updates. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can do to help. We'll continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Love,
Dex and Lauri

Jan Spitz said...

Hey Michaels' Quad Squad!
Good to hear that Tiff is doing so well. I know it will feel amazing to be able to move around a little. Enjoy the Guest House and being close to those precious babies. I love all the pictures and updates. You are very gracious to share all of this with us.
Jan Spitz

Anonymous said...

Hi Jon & Tiffany,

Congratulation!! You are both truly blessed. I can't wait to see them in March. Tiffany, you look so wonderful after giving birth. I know you both will be a wonderful mom & dad. Wish you both the very best!!

I really enjoy reading your stories.

Love, Aunt Debbie

Anonymous said...

Hi, Guys!!!

Wow, Jon...you really did an impressive job of keeping the Michaels name going.

We hope everything goes well and we will be sending one up for you guys every night.

Elyse said...

Congrats!!! The quads will be home in no time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers continuously!!!
Elyse

Carla said...

Congratulations Tiffany.. I'm at a board meeting with Jan!! I'm so proud of you!!
LOVE YOU!!!

Summer said...

Gorgeous babies! We are so happy for you two! The NICU can be a little overwhelming, but after just a few weeks, it will feel like home and the nurses will feel like family :) We will keep praying and esp. keep precious Lauren in our prayers. We will pray for her PDA to close and for her heart to function beautifully.
We hope to see you soon! Let us know when you are up for visitors! (do I sound like a broken record, hahah)

Much love to you two!

Matt, Summer, Henry & Charlotte

Christina said...

Hi Tiff and Jon,

I'm so happy to hear that you're doing so well, Tiff. I bet it does feel good to be able to get up and walk around. These pictures are great - the babies are absolutely beautiful. We're praying for them all everyday. Praying for little Lauren that her PDA will close. We love you!

Love,
Christina, Patrick, Henry and William

Anonymous said...

Hi "Mrs. Michaels"!

Mallory was so excited to share the news of the birth of your "FOUR BABIES"!!!! Congratulations!! We'll keep you all in our prayers. Thanks for sharing your amazing experience!

Jennifer, Jeff, Mallory and Delaney Walker

Anonymous said...

Hey Tiff and Jon! I'm loving the updates and photos. Tiff I can't imagine what it felt like to just walk outside, aside from cold, I know how it felt for me after my C-section and that wasn't anywhere close to your adventure! The babies are in all our prayers. I know Lauren may be small but she is mighty and God has his hands on that precious baby. Stay strong and enjoy those gifts! XOXO-Busing

Anonymous said...

MAY GOD BLESS YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABIES
YOU AND YOUR LITTLE ONES ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS CONSTANTLY! WE ARE GIVING A LITTLE EXTRA PRAYER TIME TO LAUREN KAY AS WE KNOW SHE NEEDS IT AT THIS TIME. LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH AND EACH ONE OF THOSE SWEET, SWEET MIRACLES. IF YOU NEED ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING,PLEASE
CALL ME. WE PUT THE BABIES AND YOU ON OUR CHURCH PRAYER CHAIN YESTERDAY....TAKE CARE, OUR LOVE ALWAYS,
PAMMY RAYE

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

I am so glad to hear how well everyone is doing! Still keeping everyone in our prayers...

Anonymous said...

Tiffany and Jon,

Congratulations of your four miracles! I find myself looking for updates everyday. Thanks so much for sharing your life. All six of you remain in our prayers each day. With the continued prayers, I am sure Lauren will pull through! Take care of your four beautiful babies and yourselves!

Love,

Bill and Ann (Ankenbrand) Langheim

Anonymous said...

Hi Tiff and Jon! Congratulations to everyone, grandmas and grandpas too! Life is truly a miracle. We are thinking about everyone and keeping you in our prayers. We are sure you will all be together soon! Love to you all!

Paula and Gary Bruening

Anonymous said...

Dear Tiffany and Jon,
What precious bundles of joy you have! We are keeping all of you in our prayers. Thank you so much for allowing us to watch your amazing journey through this blog!

Susie and Bill Hay

Anonymous said...

Tiff and Jon: Tiffany you can really now say, "Good Morning, everyone!!" Still remember you bursing through the door each morning at work.

May you have the best of times with your little ones, God bless each of them and both of you.

You will all be home by summer, and most likely you won't be lounging in the sun. If I can do anything for you, please let me know.

Love to all of you,
Mary Anne Arnett