Howdy, we were just at the side of Mr Big and all looks well. The nurses are still happy with his blood gasses, although he seems to retain more oxygen lying on his tummy. We heard him make a little cry, which almost sent Reezy into a spiral of tears and laughter, but admittedly it was very cute. He is responding to us reading to him and stretches his little body to show us he likes the story. The alarms are still a bit jarring, but the nurse says it is just him trying to steal her attention from other duties. As you can see the pics alongside are of our boy in his baby nest with his Cpap beanie which holds the oxygen supply close to his nose, the plaster is a bit ugly but he isn't too bothered. The little 550gram girl next to Caden is also doing well.
Wes
My Birthday Ticker
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Off the ventilator!
Hi All,
Today was a very proud day for us. Little Caden is off the ventilator and coping very well. The nurses are very impressed, and so are we! They had him lying on his tummy so that he can push all the Carbondioxide out, and he seems to be doing just that! Tomorrow marks his 1 week birthday, and he should be out of the woods with the danger of bleeding. We are so extremely proud of this beautiful boy who hasn't given us a single thing to worry about since his birth. He has just been fighting all the way! I am very excited because tomorrow I get to spend the entire morning with him! Hopefully I'll run into Dr. Vermaak as well just to find out what his thoughts are on our warrior's progress. Thanks for all the beautiful messages just pouring in from all over the globe. THE PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!! At this stage I would also just like to congratulate Mark, Samm and little Deqlan, another little soldier. Deqlan's tests came back negative, testing for Neuroblastoma. Well done on fighting this disease Deqs, I can't wait for Caden to meet you. You both are extraordinary little boys and you are making your parents very very proud! Hope the week goes smoothly for everyone.
Love
Wes & Elriza
Today was a very proud day for us. Little Caden is off the ventilator and coping very well. The nurses are very impressed, and so are we! They had him lying on his tummy so that he can push all the Carbondioxide out, and he seems to be doing just that! Tomorrow marks his 1 week birthday, and he should be out of the woods with the danger of bleeding. We are so extremely proud of this beautiful boy who hasn't given us a single thing to worry about since his birth. He has just been fighting all the way! I am very excited because tomorrow I get to spend the entire morning with him! Hopefully I'll run into Dr. Vermaak as well just to find out what his thoughts are on our warrior's progress. Thanks for all the beautiful messages just pouring in from all over the globe. THE PRAYERS ARE WORKING!!!! At this stage I would also just like to congratulate Mark, Samm and little Deqlan, another little soldier. Deqlan's tests came back negative, testing for Neuroblastoma. Well done on fighting this disease Deqs, I can't wait for Caden to meet you. You both are extraordinary little boys and you are making your parents very very proud! Hope the week goes smoothly for everyone.
Love
Wes & Elriza
Sunday, 24 February 2008
72 Hours down!
Hi All,
Finally the critical first 72 hours are over, and now we wait patiently for the next four days to pass (the possible bleeding phase). After a very emotional visit on Friday night with Caden, Dr. Burger agreed to discharge me and I got to sleep in Wes's arms to recharge a bit. Today we went to see our little angel again, and caught up with Dr. Vermaak in the passage on our way to NICU. We were so relieved to hear that our warrior is not only stable, but improving. Dr. Vermaak is very happy with his progress, and will try to take him off the ventilator in the next 2 days. When we went to see him we got that wonderful feeling of being very proud parents. He is such a little fighter. When sister Maureen changed his nappy he wanted to complain, but because the pipes are going through his voice box, he could only manage to pull a very unhappy, yet very cute little face. We also had the pleasure of seeing him yawn and stretch and our hearts were filled with overwhelming pride. He is taking in all his food and is on 9mls every 3 hours now. Tomorrow they will try 12mls, and so on until he is on the right dosage. Thank you so very much for all the prayers and thoughts and we ask that you continue to say a prayer at night for this very special little miracle.
Love
Wes & Elriza
Finally the critical first 72 hours are over, and now we wait patiently for the next four days to pass (the possible bleeding phase). After a very emotional visit on Friday night with Caden, Dr. Burger agreed to discharge me and I got to sleep in Wes's arms to recharge a bit. Today we went to see our little angel again, and caught up with Dr. Vermaak in the passage on our way to NICU. We were so relieved to hear that our warrior is not only stable, but improving. Dr. Vermaak is very happy with his progress, and will try to take him off the ventilator in the next 2 days. When we went to see him we got that wonderful feeling of being very proud parents. He is such a little fighter. When sister Maureen changed his nappy he wanted to complain, but because the pipes are going through his voice box, he could only manage to pull a very unhappy, yet very cute little face. We also had the pleasure of seeing him yawn and stretch and our hearts were filled with overwhelming pride. He is taking in all his food and is on 9mls every 3 hours now. Tomorrow they will try 12mls, and so on until he is on the right dosage. Thank you so very much for all the prayers and thoughts and we ask that you continue to say a prayer at night for this very special little miracle.
Love
Wes & Elriza
Friday, 22 February 2008
Short Update
Howdy Folks. We just had a awesome little visit with Caden. He was allowed to sleep on his stomach, which we all know is very lekker, the aim behind this is to assist the development of his lungs and chest muscles. We got to watch as his wonderful nurse cleaned him a bit. Can you believe cotton wool and ear buds are big enough to give him a scrub. They are feeding him now too, but he is not a glutton and likes his meals in 3ml portions. They are still reservedly satisfied. His janudice level is still fine at 108 at present. His O2 levels are back up and he is resting well.
Reezy is fine although tender, she is strong and a beautiful Mom - a breast pump however is a funny thing so I avoid watching that too much.
We struck a deal with Caden and told him if he can beat the 1 month in ICU period, then for his 1st b-day we will take him up Table Mountain and we will carry him and the bags to the top, however if he stays a little over the time frame, he will have to carry the bags himself. So my boy time to make a plan.
We would also just like to thank everybody who has given a positive thought towards his destiny, your collective power is incomprehensable and we feel blessed to receive it. Also to all the staff and Doctors here at Carstenhof, you have taken caring to another level and we would recommend the people here to anyone at anytime.
Thanks
Pappa Wes
Reezy is fine although tender, she is strong and a beautiful Mom - a breast pump however is a funny thing so I avoid watching that too much.
We struck a deal with Caden and told him if he can beat the 1 month in ICU period, then for his 1st b-day we will take him up Table Mountain and we will carry him and the bags to the top, however if he stays a little over the time frame, he will have to carry the bags himself. So my boy time to make a plan.
We would also just like to thank everybody who has given a positive thought towards his destiny, your collective power is incomprehensable and we feel blessed to receive it. Also to all the staff and Doctors here at Carstenhof, you have taken caring to another level and we would recommend the people here to anyone at anytime.
Thanks
Pappa Wes
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Our Beautiful little Miracle
Dear All,
Caden Matthew Paul arrived 20 February 2008 at 13h40 via caesarian section. A beautiful 1.02kg baby boy with curly dark hair. After dr. Burger had to put up a hefty fight to get our little warrior out, he was taken to the NICU where dr. Vermaak, the Paediatrician took over. Caden was breathing on his own for 24 hours, with some help of an injection called Savanta (not sure about the spelling). He is such a stunning little fighter. Today however, he started to get a bit tired, which is completely understandable, so they put him on the ventilator. He was getting enough oxygen, but because his lungs are so tiny, he couldn't push out all the carbondioxide, so it started to build up. It is actually good that he's on the venitlator for a while because this will give him a chance to rest and grow a bit. He's looking very peaceful now. Thank you so much for all the prayers pouring in from all over! We are overjoyed knowing that so many people are praying for our little warrior. Like they say, if God is with us, who can be against us. We apologise if we haven't been able to take all of your calls, but please understand that sometimes our voices are just too croaky to talk. We will probably not be answering calls for the next couple of days, but thank you so much for all the sms's, e-mails and comments. We are so extremely priviledged to have such an incredible and extensive support system. Unfortunately the laptop prevents me from posting photos of Caden, but we will try to get some on the blog as soon as possible. Thanks once again for all your love and support and we will keep you updated.
Lots of Love
The very proud parents of the tiniest little warrior!
Caden Matthew Paul arrived 20 February 2008 at 13h40 via caesarian section. A beautiful 1.02kg baby boy with curly dark hair. After dr. Burger had to put up a hefty fight to get our little warrior out, he was taken to the NICU where dr. Vermaak, the Paediatrician took over. Caden was breathing on his own for 24 hours, with some help of an injection called Savanta (not sure about the spelling). He is such a stunning little fighter. Today however, he started to get a bit tired, which is completely understandable, so they put him on the ventilator. He was getting enough oxygen, but because his lungs are so tiny, he couldn't push out all the carbondioxide, so it started to build up. It is actually good that he's on the venitlator for a while because this will give him a chance to rest and grow a bit. He's looking very peaceful now. Thank you so much for all the prayers pouring in from all over! We are overjoyed knowing that so many people are praying for our little warrior. Like they say, if God is with us, who can be against us. We apologise if we haven't been able to take all of your calls, but please understand that sometimes our voices are just too croaky to talk. We will probably not be answering calls for the next couple of days, but thank you so much for all the sms's, e-mails and comments. We are so extremely priviledged to have such an incredible and extensive support system. Unfortunately the laptop prevents me from posting photos of Caden, but we will try to get some on the blog as soon as possible. Thanks once again for all your love and support and we will keep you updated.
Lots of Love
The very proud parents of the tiniest little warrior!
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
And the wait starts
Hi All,
Well, On Monday morning at about 3h30 the contractions started again so we went back on the drip. They've managed to suppress the contractions again and now we're just waiting to see what will happen. They took me off the drip at 10h00 this morning, so by tomorrow we'll either be on our way home or be proud parents of a very tiny baby boy. Thank you so much for all the sms's, e-mails and encouraging words. We appreciate everyone's prayers and ask that you please keep little baby Caden in your thoughts. Will let you know what's happening as soon as we hear anything.
Lots of love
Well, On Monday morning at about 3h30 the contractions started again so we went back on the drip. They've managed to suppress the contractions again and now we're just waiting to see what will happen. They took me off the drip at 10h00 this morning, so by tomorrow we'll either be on our way home or be proud parents of a very tiny baby boy. Thank you so much for all the sms's, e-mails and encouraging words. We appreciate everyone's prayers and ask that you please keep little baby Caden in your thoughts. Will let you know what's happening as soon as we hear anything.
Lots of love
Sunday, 17 February 2008
Update
Hi All,
Just a quick update... We were admitted in Carstenhof Clinic last night. I somehow went into early labour, but luckily we caught it early so they could give something to suppress the contractions. Dr. Burger also gave us 2 cortisone injections to boost baby's lungs incase he does decide to come early. We got another injection today as well as a vitamin K injection to prevent possible bleeding on the brain should baby come. We are also on an anti-biotic drip to cure any possible infection, but doctor is still not 100% sure what could be causing the contractions. Now we are just waiting to let the one drip, suppressing the contractions, run through and then we have to see if the contractions start again. If it does start again, he'll give us another drip, just so that the cortisone can fully help baby, and then we'll have to see what happens. Looks like Caden really wants to come out and play in the sun. We will keep you updated as soon as the first drip is finished. Please pray that our baby boy stays where he is safe.
Lots of Love
Wes & Elriza
Just a quick update... We were admitted in Carstenhof Clinic last night. I somehow went into early labour, but luckily we caught it early so they could give something to suppress the contractions. Dr. Burger also gave us 2 cortisone injections to boost baby's lungs incase he does decide to come early. We got another injection today as well as a vitamin K injection to prevent possible bleeding on the brain should baby come. We are also on an anti-biotic drip to cure any possible infection, but doctor is still not 100% sure what could be causing the contractions. Now we are just waiting to let the one drip, suppressing the contractions, run through and then we have to see if the contractions start again. If it does start again, he'll give us another drip, just so that the cortisone can fully help baby, and then we'll have to see what happens. Looks like Caden really wants to come out and play in the sun. We will keep you updated as soon as the first drip is finished. Please pray that our baby boy stays where he is safe.
Lots of Love
Wes & Elriza
Saturday, 16 February 2008
27 Weeks
Hi Everyone,
We went for our gynae appointment yesterday and dr. Burger is very happy with baby's growth. Everything's looking great and in 3 weeks we're going for the doppler test. This is just to check the bloodflow in the umbilical cord to see which method of birth would be safest. If the bloodflow isn't enough he'll opt for a ceaser. We also booked the bed yesterday so it's all becoming real now! We got a good look at Caden's face, and of course, to me he's the most beautiful thing on earth! Hope everybody has a great weekend!
Love
Elriza
We went for our gynae appointment yesterday and dr. Burger is very happy with baby's growth. Everything's looking great and in 3 weeks we're going for the doppler test. This is just to check the bloodflow in the umbilical cord to see which method of birth would be safest. If the bloodflow isn't enough he'll opt for a ceaser. We also booked the bed yesterday so it's all becoming real now! We got a good look at Caden's face, and of course, to me he's the most beautiful thing on earth! Hope everybody has a great weekend!
Love
Elriza
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Stork tea - Cape Town
Hi everyone,
Well, what an eventful weekend! On Thursday we flew to Cape Town and it was so nice seeing everyone again and smelling that fresh Cape Town air! It smells so different than Jo'burg! On Saturday we had a stork tea and Granny Paul made so many things to eat, there was definitely not a soul who left there hungry! Thank you so much to everyone for Caden's stunning pressies. He appreciates it so much! He's definitely going to be one smartly dressed little boy! He also got a cool red racing car that I think dad is going to play with more than Caden, a musical mobile from Great Granny Payne, so many toys, bath toys, accessories, a baby sling, doughnut pillow, baby bag, a beautiful bear clock, a stunning pair of silver boots for his first tooth and curl and tons and tons of clothes! He was also fortunate enough to get a lot of family things like hangers, toys and eating bowl that has been passed on. Unfortunately I had hay-fever (surprize) so it looked like I was crying the whole time, but believe me, my heart was actually singing. Thanx so much again to everyone for being there and to Granny Paul and Great Granny Payne for all the food, decorations and effort put into the party. We had to leave again on Sunday, it's amazing how time flies when you're having fun! We still thought we'll have a snooze on the plane, but the turbulance was so hectic that we sat chained to our chairs just praying that we would land safely. It felt like the little plane was going to be ripped to pieces! Thank goodness we eventually touched ground after what felt like the longest flight ever and arrived home safely at about 21h00. We also received the good news that my cousin Amè is expecting twins! Congratulations and good luck! Hopefully if it's a girl she can inherrit the family name which coincidentally is Elriza (hint-hint). My friend Loren also went for her first scan, she is now 13 and a bit weeks and baby's looking well. We also can't wait to see the first pics of Mornè and Nicky's little one, officially known as "ertjie-Rossouw" until further notice. Keaton's doing well, he's now four weeks old already! How time flies! And his cousin Deqlan is also very active and doing well. They're going for more scans to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. Please pray for this beautiful boy and his family! If anybody wants to follow his progress the website address is www.deqlanhiggins.blogspot.com
Anyway, I hope everybody had a great weekend and is rested for the week!
Lots of love
Elriza
Well, what an eventful weekend! On Thursday we flew to Cape Town and it was so nice seeing everyone again and smelling that fresh Cape Town air! It smells so different than Jo'burg! On Saturday we had a stork tea and Granny Paul made so many things to eat, there was definitely not a soul who left there hungry! Thank you so much to everyone for Caden's stunning pressies. He appreciates it so much! He's definitely going to be one smartly dressed little boy! He also got a cool red racing car that I think dad is going to play with more than Caden, a musical mobile from Great Granny Payne, so many toys, bath toys, accessories, a baby sling, doughnut pillow, baby bag, a beautiful bear clock, a stunning pair of silver boots for his first tooth and curl and tons and tons of clothes! He was also fortunate enough to get a lot of family things like hangers, toys and eating bowl that has been passed on. Unfortunately I had hay-fever (surprize) so it looked like I was crying the whole time, but believe me, my heart was actually singing. Thanx so much again to everyone for being there and to Granny Paul and Great Granny Payne for all the food, decorations and effort put into the party. We had to leave again on Sunday, it's amazing how time flies when you're having fun! We still thought we'll have a snooze on the plane, but the turbulance was so hectic that we sat chained to our chairs just praying that we would land safely. It felt like the little plane was going to be ripped to pieces! Thank goodness we eventually touched ground after what felt like the longest flight ever and arrived home safely at about 21h00. We also received the good news that my cousin Amè is expecting twins! Congratulations and good luck! Hopefully if it's a girl she can inherrit the family name which coincidentally is Elriza (hint-hint). My friend Loren also went for her first scan, she is now 13 and a bit weeks and baby's looking well. We also can't wait to see the first pics of Mornè and Nicky's little one, officially known as "ertjie-Rossouw" until further notice. Keaton's doing well, he's now four weeks old already! How time flies! And his cousin Deqlan is also very active and doing well. They're going for more scans to make sure the cancer hasn't returned. Please pray for this beautiful boy and his family! If anybody wants to follow his progress the website address is www.deqlanhiggins.blogspot.com
Anyway, I hope everybody had a great weekend and is rested for the week!
Lots of love
Elriza
Friday, 01 February 2008
Hi everyone,
Things are going well here, I took 2 days off work this week, was ridden with hayfever and just general "icky-ness"! But the anti-biotics seem to be doing their job now. We just came back from our friends Megan and Conrad and got our first view of little Keaton. He is so extremely small and beautiful, and so well behaved. He sticks out his tongue regularly which is just the cutest thing ever! Well done guys, you did a great job! We are looking forward to going to Cape Town next week. It's been so long since we've been able to visit so we're very excited! Thanx Granny and Grampy Paul for organising the tickets for us! I also want to take this opportunity to thank Ouma Human for the pram and Ohpaw Theron for the camper cot. It means the world to us and I know Caden will make the best use of it! The room is almost finished, we just need to put up some shelves, curtains and a carpet. Thanx Grampy Paul for working so hard on the baby compactum, we can't wait to see it! It's such an honour to have dad's old compactum and toybox in baby's new room. It adds so much more meaning! Well, I hope everybody has a great weekend. We're going to James and Elizabeth's wedding tomorrow at the Westcliff Hotel, so that's also going to be an experience to remember!
Lots of love!
Elriza & Wes
Things are going well here, I took 2 days off work this week, was ridden with hayfever and just general "icky-ness"! But the anti-biotics seem to be doing their job now. We just came back from our friends Megan and Conrad and got our first view of little Keaton. He is so extremely small and beautiful, and so well behaved. He sticks out his tongue regularly which is just the cutest thing ever! Well done guys, you did a great job! We are looking forward to going to Cape Town next week. It's been so long since we've been able to visit so we're very excited! Thanx Granny and Grampy Paul for organising the tickets for us! I also want to take this opportunity to thank Ouma Human for the pram and Ohpaw Theron for the camper cot. It means the world to us and I know Caden will make the best use of it! The room is almost finished, we just need to put up some shelves, curtains and a carpet. Thanx Grampy Paul for working so hard on the baby compactum, we can't wait to see it! It's such an honour to have dad's old compactum and toybox in baby's new room. It adds so much more meaning! Well, I hope everybody has a great weekend. We're going to James and Elizabeth's wedding tomorrow at the Westcliff Hotel, so that's also going to be an experience to remember!
Lots of love!
Elriza & Wes
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