The Giving Tree....

"The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein has always been one of my favorite books. If you are not familiar with it you need to check out http://oldpoetry.com/opoem/show60911-Shel-Silverstein-The-Giving-Tree

The poem talks about love, giving, providing, and understanding. It doesn't talke about being appreciative, greatful or thankful for those who provide for you, love you and help you even when they may not have all that they need...

Through out this process with the babies, Chris and I have had our own Giving Tree. We have had prayers, gas cards, meals, phone calls, books, hugs, etc provided for us, and just when we feel like we are at the end of our rope, "the giving tree" kicks in. When I had to miss my Pre K class' music program, another teacher video taped it for me and sent it with Chris....it brought tears to my eyes because only another teacher would know how important that would be. When we thought Chris wouldn't be able to drive back and forth much longer because of gas prices, a love offering for gas money was taken, gift cards were given...God provided for us thru "the giving tree." On the weekends when Chris does get to make it up, it is hard to go grab a bite to eat, "the giving tree" delivered us lunch last weekend, one couple took us out to eat, a manager at a resturant took care of our bill when he heard through a mutual friend that our babies were in the NICU...or a home cooked meal was waiting at my parents for us. When the devil appears stronger than we can handle, "the giving tree" calls us and offers us words of encouragement, faith, hope and strength. Our Giving Tree is so much more than we can even fully grasp sometimes. God provides through our Giving Tree, and even though it is not mentioned in the poem, Chris and I are VERY greatful, thankful and truly blessed beyond words.

Parker had an EKG yesterday morning because they thought he had a heart murmur...then the Speech Path came in to work with Peanut because she is having problems with the suck/swallow/breath reflex and her gag reflex is making it a negative experience for her...then the OT/PT came in to work with their necks because they are starting to favor their right side (which I think we all do) but it can cause damage and shortening of their muscles if we don't start working on it now, and then the PT had to work with Parker's feet.....so needless to say yesterday was a long, emotionally busy day. Well, this morning I walked in a little bummed out-thinking that the devil was going to win the battle today....but we have a WONDERFUL nurse today, the doctor on call came by and said (or what I could understand) that "no worry about heart, he be ok." then Speech Path came in and said sister just not ready yet to nipple her feedings and lets just let her mature a little bit more before we try to force her....so thank you God for helping me kick that devil's butt today by giving me great nurses, dr's and staff members of the NICU!

Weights: Parker is now 5lbs 5.2oz and Payge is 4lbs 12.4oz
Parker is still having Brady's-5 last night I think
Payge is still spitting up but it has minimzed and PT and Speech Path think it is related to gag reflux

Thank you God for providing us with a "Giving Tree" and even thought words can't even begin to express our gratitude...if you have been a part of our "Giving Tree" THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU!!