Saturday, November 22, 2008

November 22, 2008 6:45 p.m.

Hi everyone! I apologize for not posting in such a long time!! I keep hearing from family members who see you "out and about" that I need to post! I can't believe that Laurie and I have been home for over a month now! A month at home sure goes by faster than a month sitting at a sick child's bedside in the hospital!!! After being home for awhile, I am finally beginning to get pieces of "normalcy" back! I have enjoyed being able to visit Cole's classroom and have lunch with him, meet his teacher for a conference, spend an afternoon shopping with my sisters, and attending church! Isn't strange how we take for granted such seemingly insignificant things
in our lives!?!

Anyway, for what you all have been waiting for...an update on Laurie! We continue to make weekly trips to her pediatrician, Dr. Brown. Last Monday, 11/17/08, we were only suppose to go for a weigh in, but ended up seeing Dr. Brown because Laurie had only gained 2 ounces in a week (she weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long). We decided to take her off the HMF, human milk fortifier, since it upsets her tummy and just try increasing the amount of milk at each feeding. This has definitely helped her tummy trouble and we will see on Monday (11/24/08) if she has gained her weekly weight goal (she should be gaining 1/2 to 1 ounce daily). We also saw Dr. Fiest on Friday, 11/14/08, for a follow up to her last Avastin injection. After a long day trip to Birmingham, we left his office not knowing much more about her vision than before. I explained my frustrations to Dr. Brown and he referred us to a retinologist in Dothan for a consult (We are thankful for a pediatrician who is so helpful and attentive to every aspect of Laurie's health!). Dr. Thompson has treated older patients with macular degeneration with Avastin and is familiar with this treatment option in preemies. He examined Laurie's eyes and was very pleased with how she has responded to the treatments. He also provided me with valuable information and further questions to ask Dr. Fiest when we see him again on December 5, 2008. On Wednesday, two ladies with Early Intervention did a home visit and testing. Due to Laurie's vision and hearing concerns, the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is the agency that will be handling her case. They will be back later in December to go over her Individualized Family Service Plan with Laurie's specific resources, supports, services and goals. Hopefully, they will be able to provide us with practical, everyday activities that we can do with Laurie to help her overall development!

This week we only have a routine check-up with Dr. Brown! Please continue to pray for Laurie's weight gain, lung development, vision, and hearing. Also, please pray for Chris and Amanda Martin who had preemie twins at UAB last weekend. Sadly, they lost one of their boys last night. I can't imagine the heartache they have tonight! Also, remember my dear friend Amy Sims, who after five months is still at UAB with Gabe. They still have a very long road ahead!

I will post Thanksgiving pictures later this week!

Love to all!
Todd, Leah, Cole, and Laurie

7 comments:

Eloise said...

Thank you for the update! I played bridge with your Aunt Judy this morning and was asking her how you and Laurie were doing. I will pray for weight gain and for healing for sweet Laurie's eyes, ears and lungs. Take care.

Henrietta said...

Great to see the new post, even if I do get updates from Jill, you know the ole gossip chain. We continue to pray for Laurie and the entire Killingsworth family and hope you all have a great Thanksgiving. Maybe you will get some Christmas shopping in over the Holiday week-end.
Retta

Mary said...

We continue to pray for Laurie and your family and check the blog daily for updates. Thanks for the newest one! Ron actually sees Dr. Feist for his RP once a year. Anytime y'all are in B'ham, let me know if you need anything! Happy Thanksgiving with your sweet angel!
Mary, Ron, and Evan Ramsey :)

Anonymous said...

Were proud to get the latest on Laurie last night. We pray for her daily...lungs, vision, hearing... and for you and Todd as well. Glad that you have some "normalcy" in your life. We pray that your family has a blessed Thanksgiving. God has been good to us all and we give Him thanks for all the miracles we have seen in Laurie's young life.
Can't wait to see some more pictures!
Love to all.

Debbie said...

We are glad she is doing great Have a Happy Thanksgiving we keep praying for you all

God bless
Debbie and the dialysis family

Lisa Hyatt said...

Hi! I'm so glad to hear that you all are doing great and enjoying home life. I miss Laurie so much! I can't wait to see her again and see how big she's gotten. Keep us updated on the vision & hearing difficulties. I used to volunteer for the Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind! I'll keep Laurie and you all in my prayers!
Love,
Nurse Lisa

wareaglebailey said...

Leah, I too have been anxious for an update. I know you have been so busy. I hope pray your continued strength through this journey. Please contact me when you can- I have worked through the early intervention system with many specialist/therapist with Blake. We are watching the AU/Al with Judy, Jimmy and Scott tomorrow. Take care. Candice Bailey