Past Chat Archives

Here is the information posted before the chat:

Note: This chat has already happened.

Welcome to our LIVE CHAT with the esteemed authors of PREEMIES: The Essential Guide for Parents of Premature Babies.

With us today -- Dana Wechsler Linden and Emma Trenti Paroli, both mothers of premature infants and Mia Wechsler Doron, MD, a neonatologist at the Newborn Critical Care Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Dana's sister. I will let them tell you a little bit more about themselves and their children.

Having met all three women, I can say they are as warm and lovely as their book is wise and helpful. And we thank them for being with us today. We also thank you for being here today and every day on SHARE. You've created an amazing support system for one another. You're all to be congratulated.

A few things to keep in mind as we CHAT today:

• We recommend using Internet Explorer for the best connection.


• Leaving the chat area indicates you are logging off - even if you decide to go to another section of SHARE. Of course you are welcome to log back on, but you will not have access to the previous transcript.


• Post your questions and comments freely; when a question has been asked, one of the authors will let us know they're answering it - so be patient for their response.


• The questions already posted to SHARE will be posted throughout the chat.


• This morning's chat will conclude at 11:30 am EST and we will chat again this evening at 8:30 pm EST.

Here is the transcript!
Logging from 10-Mar-05 15:25:27

Ellen Cutlerhas joined the chat.Nancy Whitehas joined the chat.LogansMom28whas joined the chat.Nancy WhiteHello!

LogansMom28whi girls!
Ellen CutlerThanks for cleaning this up!
Nancy WhiteLike the bigger chat screen?
Ellen CutlerOh yeah
Nancy WhiteI'm getting old. I can't see in the tiny one! LOL
LogansMom28wdoesn't look bigger in mine... just yellow ???
Nancy WhiteHm, what browser are you using?
Karrihas joined the chat.Ellen CutlerHi Karri!

KarriHello everyone!
LogansMom28wi think its b/c i have to do the html version.... applet blocked b/c of firewall. unless you know a way around it?
LogansMom28wie
Nancy WhiteYup, that is it. I just checked. You are on HTML
operationshas joined the chat.Nancy WhiteUnfortunately, I don't know an easy way around the firewall issue. Sorry!
LogansMom28wi tired the other, but my screen stays blank
Nancy WhiteAre you on AOL?
LogansMom28woh well.... bigger and better things to talk about!

LogansMom28wmsn
KarriHow did the chat go this a.m.?
Nancy WhiteHm. I'll check into that, ok?
LogansMom28wbut i dont log into msn... just use ie and my dsl. i have no idea. oh well. i dont mind the smaller screen. as long as the crowds stay small it works well
Nancy WhiteBut you are right. Much bigger things going on tonight!
LogansMom28wkarri.... fun!
Ellen CutlerWe'll get started when our authors arrive...
Karrithanks , I think!
Dana Lindenhas joined the chat.LogansMom28wohhhhhh bigger!

LogansMom28wnevermind... momentarily bigger
Ellen CutlerAre you talking about screens?
LogansMom28wyes, but just for a brief second
Michele Reeveshas joined the chat.Ellen CutlerWelcome, Michele!
Michele ReevesHi, Ellen! Thank you!
LogansMom28wyay you made it michele
mia doronhas joined the chat.Michele ReevesNancy, LOVE the bigger window!!!!

Michele ReevesHey, Darcy!
Nancy WhiteWaving hello!
LogansMom28wwho is "operations" tonite?
operationsthat would be me, Jessica
Nancy WhiteWorking late!
operationsas always
Michele ReevesHi, Jessica!
operationshi Michele!
LogansMom28whi jessica

Michele ReevesHi, Dana...I don't believe we have met!
LogansMom28wI haven't met jackson's mom either, HI!
Michele ReevesHi, Jackson's Mom! Nice to see you!
Michele ReevesHey, Karri!
Dana LindenMichele, hi! I've heard wonderful things about you.
KarriHey there, Michele!
Michele Reevesoh, my, Dana...who has been lying to you! lol
Emma Trenti Parolihas joined the chat.Jackson'sMomHi, I'm a new preemie mom. Jackson's 11 weeks and Dana's book was my bible during our 4 weeks in the NICU.

Dana LindenMy sister would never lie...!
Michele ReevesSomebody hand me the rope when I need to be quiet! <typing hands!>
Michele ReevesWelcome, Emma!
LogansMom28wwelcome and congrats on jackson
LogansMom28wwow... chat members now has a scroll bar!
Michele ReevesHi, Mia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Emma Trenti ParoliHI everyone! It took me awhile to get in the chat area!
Ellen CutlerOkay, welcome everyone. Dana, Mia and Emma are all here. Let's begin our official LIVE CHAT!!

LogansMom28w(me too michele!)
mia doronHi, Michele--and everyone else here, too!
Donna Schweitzerhas joined the chat.Dana LindenHello everyone. It's so good to be able to talk to you all directly, rather than over the pages!
Dana LindenIf nobody else wants to jump in with a topic, there's something we've been wondering about. Is there anything you'd do differently during your baby's stay in the NICU, knowing what you know now?
Michele ReevesGood question!
KarriHmmmm? thinkink!
Michele ReevesI would ask more questions, not be so timid!
Karrioops...thinking!

Donna SchweitzerI would ask more questions about things like SSI. I would take more pictures, and get more involved in a parent support group
mia doronOr, anything you wish we--the staff--would do differently?
Halsten's momhas joined the chat.Emma Trenti ParoliYeah, remember when we were writing the book we had many of these thoughtsfor us it was after writing the book we had many of these thoughts..
LogansMom28wi would have been braver asking for nurses who were more diligent. mostly i was 99.99 appy with Logan's care and would change very little.
Jackson'sMomI wouldn't pump so long/often. I went crazy pumping and was getting 6-8 oz even though my son was only eating 2.5 at a time. He would brady while eating and I finally figured out I was drowning him in milk!
Donna SchweitzerYeah, Darcy. I would have spoken up more about the nurses I wasn't comfortable with caring for Ryley
Michele ReevesAMEN, Jackson's Mom!!!!
Emma Trenti ParoliWere there a support group in your hospital?

Michele ReevesNot at mine, but there is now!
LogansMom28wno
KarriNO, I'm currently on a committee with our NICU to start one. Any suggestions!
Donna SchweitzerWe had a parents' group, but we didn't always know when it was meeting, and they didn't have alternate meeting times, which made it hard for those, like us, who lived farther away.
Michele ReevesI started one with two other moms at our NICU over 5 years ago! Karri, I'll e-mail you!
Ellen CutlerWelcome Halsten's mom...
LogansMom28wone thing i really liked..... new.... NICU pagers for the really sick ones
Emma Trenti ParoliDana and I organized a support group at New York Hospital before beginning our book.

Karrithank you!!!
LogansMom28wthe parents can get paged. cant have cell phone on in the hospital and hard to be near aphone all the time
Deborahhas joined the chat.mia doronI don't want to make too much trouble, but can you tell me if there was something in common about the nurses you all didn't feel should be taking care of your babies?
DeborahHello Ladies.
Ellen CutlerHi Deborah
LogansMom28wlet the alarms sound and sound and sounds w/o adjusting O2 knobs or silencing the "meaningless" ones
Donna SchweitzerThe commonality among the nurses I didn't really care too much for was that they didn't treat Ryley like a baby, a person, but rather like one of the monitors in the room.
Dana LindenIt's interesting what you say about photos, Donna. I wish I had taken more of my babies, also, but honestly didn't realize then how much I would treasure those memories...bittersweet as they are.

LogansMom28w85 as never OK with me.
Michele ReevesThe nurses I had a problem with just didn't know Amanda and didn't care to learn!
Emma Trenti ParoliOne thing I'd like to go back and do, is to bring music to Luigi in the NICU. I never thought about it.
Donna SchweitzerI know. It's hard to look at them sometimes, but then it just shows how far they have come!
LogansMom28wi liked the ones who learned my name and logan's brother's names
Dana LindenHow old is your baby now?
Jackson'sMomThe nurses I had a problem with didn't know Jackson's name. That drove me nuts.
mia doronI know what you mean about treating your baby as a person. Some of our nurses would kiss the babies--until the infection control officer put a stop to it! Still, it said a lot about them, I thought.
Dana LindenDid anyone do Kangaroo Care in the hospital?

Donna SchweitzerRyley's primary scrapbooked, and she made a special name plate for his bed, once he went to open crib. It was awesome!
DeborahI didn't care for the nurses at the hospital that my daughter was born at.
Karriyes everyday, once we could hold the girls!
Jackson'sMomI did Kangaroo Care every day and it was the best thing for helping us bond.
DeborahChildren's Hospital was the best.
Emma Trenti ParoliDid you also start breastfeeding when doing Kangaroo care?
KarriI think I got as much out of it, as they did
Michele ReevesI loved Kangaroo Care, but it was a double edged sword, I was able to hold amanda for 15 minutes, then she was taken away. Her dad and I couldn't hold her on the same days for the first month or so, that hurt!
LogansMom28wwe had some who would sing to the babies and treat them as if they were their own. loved them. they would decorate logan's isolette for his milestones and make mother's day/father's day cards for us

Donna SchweitzerWe kangaroo'd from the time Ryley was about two weeks old. It was strongly encouraged, and calmed Ryley alot. He ate better (and I produced ALOT more milk) after a session.
DeborahI could only Kangaroo my daughter once she hit 2 pounds,those weeks were never ending.
Michele ReevesI understand, Deborah!
Emma Trenti ParoliI know,holding Luigi also helped me t get a little more milk.
LogansMom28wwe did k-care everyday too, min of 3 hrs once he grad to isolette from warm bed
Donna SchweitzerI lived for the times I could hold Ryley and was so disappointed if I came in and he was having a rough day and I couldn't hold him.
Dana LindenMichele, was this at a point when Amanda considered too fragile for you to hold her for longer? Or did it have something to do with hospital policy in general?
mia doronWere you ever jealous of the nurses who loved your babies and treated them like their own? Or were you just so glad of it?
Michele ReevesI didn't ever breastfeed Amanda, I am one of the bad moms...never had the desire to and I think this was for a good reason, they found out my milk was skim!

Karrias long as the girls were stable we could hold them
Jackson'sMomDoes anyone know anything about brain cysts? I'm waiting for the radiology report but wondered if there were other types besides PVL. Jackson had a grade 1 bleed which was gone on the 8 week u/s but now there are a couple small cysts.
Halsten's momBoth...
LogansMom28whow early was luigi, emma?
KarriI was very happy for the nurses that cared for my girls like they were their own
Michele ReevesDana, a combination of her fragility and hospital (stinkin') policy!
Emma Trenti ParoliMia, would you take the question about brain citsts?
Emma Trenti ParoliLuigi was 29 weeks.
mia doronDon't ever think you were a bad mother for not breastfeeding, Michele! You've done a million and one things!

Michele ReevesMia, I was glad that they nurses loved Amanda like their own, especially her primary nurses!
Halsten's momFor Michele Reeves: Your milk was skim... what do you mean? I have been pumping for a year and my daughter has had a difficult time gaining weight...
mia doronYes, I'll talk about brain cysts.
DeborahI never breastfed Eleanor~Rse either.Although my OB dried up my milk glands.
LogansMom28wmia, never jealous. grateful. i felt if they had an emotional connection, they wouldn't want anything to happen to him... perhaps be more diligent
Donna SchweitzerThe nurses loving Ryley made it easier to leave at night.
KarriI second that!
Ellen CutlerAMen, Donna!
Halsten's momDitto.

Michele ReevesHalsten's mom, they tested my milk and it was found to be lacking in protein and whatever else she needed to gain weight, we then made the decision to go with formula when she was about 6 weeks old.
mia doronThere are cysts that come after a bleed, but there are also cysts that develop if there were areas of the brain that didn't get quite enough blood flow for a time.
KarriOur girls were actually spoiled when they came home from being held so much in their last weeks
Emma Trenti ParoliI was very sick at delivery so I started pumping too late, after 3 or 4 days and my milk never came in in big quantities> It was enough only for the first few weeks. I regret that a lot.
Donna SchweitzerRight there with you Karri! I couldn't put Ryley down for the first six weeks!
Halsten's momWho tested your milk. I am now worried, I have been a part of the problem...
mia doronAlso, there are other kinds that we don't know why they're there or what to make of them.
Jackson'sMomMia, on the cysts, do you know if the ones after the bleed are associated with CP?
Karrithat was difficult with two!

Michele ReevesMy neo actually ordered my breast pump after Amanda was a day old, he blew me away! Didn't give me a choice in a fatherly way!
mia doronThe cysts that develop after low blood flow would be PVL.
Donna SchweitzerI can just imagine, Karri! I used the snuggly ALOT
Dana LindenKarri, you are very lucky! I wish even one nurse had held Maya - but as far as I know it never happened. There was a surprising emotional distance between most nurses and the babies.
mia doronIt depends where the cysts are, how big they are, and if they're just in one place or in many places.
Karrithat is breaking my heart to think of that! I'm soooo sorry to hear that!
Lisa Spencerhas joined the chat.Michele ReevesHalsten's mom...I think they sent it away. Please don't think it is your fault if it turns out that way. Amanda was on high caloria formula and STILL had a hard time gaining weight!
Emma Trenti ParoliI only had one nurse who was very loving with Luigi. She gave him his first bath, she was there for each little milestone in the NICU. We're still in touch.

Dana LindenYes, it broke my heart, too. I think I've been trying to compensate ever since...and it's been eight years!
LogansMom28wi noticed there was a correlation between the babies that were "loved" by the nurses and the frequency of parents visits
mia doronDid your doctors tell you how big the cysts were?
Michele ReevesDana, what area of the country was your baby born in?
KarriHalsten's Mom, my girls were and still slow at gaining weight...I think its just the mold they were cut from
Ellen CutlerWelcome, Lisa. Feel free to jump in!
Halsten's momThanks Michele. Something to think about...
Michele ReevesHalsten's mom, I missed how old your baby is?
Jackson'sMomThey said they were small and probably nothing to worry about, but of course I'm worrying.

Emma Trenti ParoliThat's a good point LoganMOM!
Karriyeah I could agree with DArcy on that one!
DeborahMichelle,My daughter has a hard time gaining weight too.She's 5 years old and weighs 26 pounds.She had her heart murmur closed off in August of 2003,and has now gained 6 pounds since her Cardiologist visit last year.
Halsten's momHalsten is almost a year and 2 mo. actual age.
mia doronOh, of course you're worrying. You're a Mom! But really, if they said they were tiny and probably nothing, I'd believe them. That is, if they've been honest with you in the past. Do you trust his doctors?
Michele ReevesDeborah, 6 pounds is good! Amanda is 6 and weighs a huge 36 pounds!
Michele ReevesHow early was Halsten?
Dana LindenRecent research shows that catch-up growth sometimes occurs over the course of many years.
KarriIf it makes you feel any better, Ian weighs 39lbs and he is 6 and was fullterm!

KarriMy pediatrician said they may catch up in puberty
Michele ReevesDana, are you talking weight or height or both?
Michele ReevesKarri, sounds like a match made in heaven...Ian and Amanda!
DeborahThe Edndocrinologist at CHLA last year suggested a G tube,but I'm not too comfortable with that.After her visit with the cardio this past month.He said don't do it.
KarriDeb...is she a good eater?
Emma Trenti ParoliIs Michelle a picky eater?
Jackson'sMomI do trust the doctors, but I'm a control freak and feel like I need to see all the medical records myself. I'll feel better when I get the report and can see exactly what it says.
mia doronAnd I just saw a study that may indicate TOO fast catch-up may not be as good as slower catch up growth. Nothing definite yet--but enough not to go crazy over slower growth, as long as your baby's growing "on his/her curve."
Michele ReevesDeborah, we were confronted with the g-tube also, I am glad they determined she didn't need it!

KarriMichele....we'll have to get them together
Halsten's momHalsten was only 6 weeks early, but she had severe rds and was on a high-frequency ven, nitric oxide, etc. She has mild-moderate hearing loss. I am trying to determine how likely it is that the vent/ototoxic drugs may have caused it. Not to mention what caused the premature labor to begin with...
Michele ReevesMichelle will eat anything !lol
DeborahHow tall is she Michelle?Eleanor~Rose is 36 inches tall.She'll look like a baby when she starts Kindergarten this Sept.LOL!
Dana LindenBoth height and weight, Michele.
mia doronOne thing you can do, Jackson's Mom, is ask to see the head ultrasounds yourself. Ask your doctors to show you what they're seeing, and show you wnat's normal, and what's concerning.
Donna SchweitzerSorry guys, have to exit. Michele, update me tomorrow? Have fun!!!
Michele ReevesDeborah, I am not sure how tall Amanda is.
Michele ReevesOK, Donna!

DeborahEleanor~Rose will too.
Karribye Donna
LogansMom28wbye donna, catch you tomorrow1
KarriMy girls have finally made it for height, but are way short on weight
LogansMom28wlogan is also way under. 22 mo. 17 lb, 29 3/4"
Michele ReevesThis term "catch up", I know what you are saying by it, but I think Amanda is going to be Amanda, she is following the typical curve, just always below it!
Emma Trenti ParoliMany people have asked us whether we'd consider writing a book addressed to the older preemies. Are there specific things you wish you could find out about older preemies?
Michele ReevesEmma, what to look for as the kids get older!
KarriI feel thats where my girls are too.. and the pediatrician feels the same way

mia doronI haven't seen anything indicating that high frequency vents cause hearing loss.
KarriSchool success and Auditory Processing Disorder
Michele ReevesAmanda is in 1st grade and just recently had to begin speech therapy again for articulation, also her legs are still really tight. Are these things I should be concerned about?
LogansMom28wi'd like to see a picture of the effects of IVH down the road... even if its resolved
DeborahEleanor~Rose has a cousin who just turned 5 on Feb 26.She is way bigger than her,but she was born on time.She calls my daughter the baby in the family.Little does she know that She's the baby.LOL!
KarriI'm with you on that Darcy!!
Emma Trenti ParoliWhat grade IVH?
Michele ReevesDeborah, lol!
KarriI wonder if thats not what is causing Rachel's ADP

LogansMom28wlogan had bilat grade III
Karrigrade 3 resolved in about 4 months
Emma Trenti ParoliDoes Logan have a VP shunt?
LogansMom28wnever needed it (AMEN!)
Michele ReevesMia, with all of the advances being made in neonatology, are you seeing a decline in IVH?
mia doronOne of the problems for us doctors in telling you what to expect, is that most of the outcome studies haven't broken things down so specifically--like they'll group together grade 111 and grade IV IVH, or not separate those that resolve quickly vs. those that resolve slowly, etc.
LogansMom28wi would think with younger and younger gest ages being saved we'd see more IVH
Emma Trenti ParoliYes, you're right
Michele ReevesMia, the neos here used to say "typically we would see (blah, blah, blah) BUT we all know Amanda likes to be different!

LogansMom28wmichele, our neo said... i am rarely surprised by a preemie anymore. i've seen most everything. logan surprised the **** out of me
Donna Schweitzerhas joined the chat.Emma Trenti ParoliEach baby has a unique story and statistics never help parents to understand their child's situation.
Donna Schweitzer 2has joined the chat.Michele ReevesMia, with older preemies I think parents have time to really think about what they have been through and some need help moving on...this would be something very helpful in an older child's book!
Michele Reeveslol, Darcy!
Jackson'sMomWhat are your thoughts on preemies and daycare...should every effort be made to avoid it at least for the first year. At 11 weeks I still haven't taken Jackson out in public aside from doctor appts. The irony...the only place he goes is waiting rooms full of kids, half of whom are sick!
DeborahEleanor~Rose never had an IVH,but was suspected of having NEC at 2 days old.
Halsten's momIs anybody familiar with the studies they have done on NICU noise re to o2 levels, hearing loss etc. It is my understanding that such noise has a high impact on preemies when their ears are not yet fully developed. Then add ototoxic drugs. Many say that ototoxic drugs are "toxic" even at "acceptable" levels. Don't get me wrong. I am grateful for the vent and drugs--they saved her life. But it is very interesting. Based on what I know, I feel that it could be very important for preemies to

Michele Reeveswelcome back, Donna!
mia doronThis is actually one of the really good things we're seeing. There really are fewer babies (proportionately) with severe IVH's.
DeborahAnd they believed that she would have had one at her weight(405 grams).
Emma Trenti ParoliDevelopmental Care has pointed out the possible negative effects of NICU noises on preemies..
Halsten's mom... very important for preemies to wear earmuffs. Some hospitals practice this.
Michele ReevesJackson's Mom, you can do what I did, give them your cell phone number when you check in and tell them to call you when the room is ready! You really don't want to wait in the waiting room, especially these days!!!
LogansMom28wjackson's mom..... ask to be put immediately in a room. we enter at the staff door at our local and never even see the wait rm during rsv season
Dana LindenThank goodness many hospitals are reducing noise. When Maya and Elly were born eight years ago, the nurses listened to rock music in the NICU on radios.
Halsten's momThe NICU where Halsten was at now has private rooms for the preemies! Partly to shut out peripheral noise. Any thoughts on ototoxic drugs?

Karrithe negative effects of noise as to stimulation, or as in hearing damage?
Jackson'sMomGood ideas. thanks.
Halsten's momBoth.
Emma Trenti ParoliI also never went out during Luigi's first winter, we were like prisoners in our apartment. But I felt I need to pretect him Now I'll answer you Kerri.
Michele ReevesAmanda is now 6 and I still wish we could hibernate during winter!
LogansMom28wUniv of Iowa now has private "pods" too for the babies. not when we were there
mia doronI would advise not going to daycare the first year if you can help it. But like everything else in life, you have to weigh th e benefits and risks.
DeborahThe NICUs weren't very noisy when Eleanor~Rose was born,you just heard the typical ringing of the bells when alarms got set off,and the nurses didn't talk too loud,and there were no radios in the rooms.
Karria complete stranger to our family made isolette covers for our girls, with quilting fabric and lined it, it was also made with Navy blue material...did wonders for blocking out light and noise

LogansMom28wemma... we are in winter #2 of what i call "house arrest"
Michele ReevesJackson's mom...there is a very good thread on the message boards about going back to work. I think what we all agreed is that this is a tough decision and you have to do what is best for your child and family!
Michele ReevesDarcy, 2nd year of house arrest, no wonder you are on here all the time! lol
Michele ReevesThanks to SHARE house arrest might be alittle easier for moms in isolation!!!!
LogansMom28wexactly michele... SHARE is my lifeline
mia doronI wish I knew more about the literature on noise and hearing loss. Certainly, when noise causes a baby to decompensate--and get sicker and need more intervention--it's bad.
Emma Trenti ParoliLoud sound in the NICU, according to DC, can lead to a state of arousal the prevents good sleep, wastes energy and calories, so it interferes with a baby's growth. It hasn't been proved to cause negative effects on a baby's hearing.
Jackson'sMomMichelle, you are right. I would go crazy if I couldn't connect with other preemie moms while I'm stuck inside.
mia doronThere is an association with VERY loud noise and damage to the inner ear, but again, I don't know of studies of this in NICU babies.

Nancy Whitehas joined the chat.Emma Trenti ParoliI was lucky because, as a journalist, I was working from my home office when Luigi was a baby. I never had to take the tough decision.
Halsten's momI will have to look up the article, but if I remember correctly, the high-freq vent made a loud enough noise to cause loss-the article also did a comparison between sound for a grown person and sound to a preemie. It is my understanding it takes less sound to affect a preemie... Thanks for your thoughts on this...
LogansMom28wemma, that is fortunate! i don't know how you ever got anything done.
Halsten's momI finally quit my job after a year. We had someone come in to watch Halsten during that time. The worst part about her getting a cold is that it affected her appetite.
mia doronI would like to see that article, Halsten's mom, if you can locate it. In the very big studies comparing babies on high frequency vs. regular ventilators, there's wasn't a difference in the proportion with hearing loss. So that would suggest that other factors were at work.
Dana LindenIt's also hard to concentrate on work once you've had a preemie, and your sense of what is important in the world has shifted...
LogansMom28wi am interested in finding out how being a preemie will affect logan's education. we homeschool our boys, so i'm mom
Halsten's momyahoo.com

Jackson'sMomAnyone have recommendations on books that deal with the emotional side of coping with a preemie, particularly the impact of such a stress on the mom, marriage and rest of the family. I haven't seen a whole lot on that, but would like to find something. I think everyone who hasn't had a preemie thinks that you should be fine after you get home from the hospital, but it really does feel like a trauma you have to recover from and it doesn't just end when your baby comes home.
LogansMom28wand teacher all in one
mia doronThanks! I'll email you.
Michele ReevesI obsessed over Amanda's weight for so long, still do at times, sometimes this obsession prevented me from enjoying her!
Dana LindenLogansMOm, do you mean how it will affect him in terms of his learning abilities?
DeborahHalston's Mom,my daughter us the same way as well.When ever she catches a cold,she won't eat,and then she needs the nebulizer,and liquid albuterol to help with her breathing.She gets asthamatic when she catches a cold still,and she's 5 years old.
KarriMichele, thats me with Rachel's APD
Emma Trenti ParoliThere's a new book out that has received excellent reviews from neonatologists. "parenting your premature baby and child: the emotional journey" by Deborah Davis and Mara Tesler Stein.
Halsten's momDitto on the weight. I worry about being too obsessed with it. Just what she needs later on in life huh...

Michele ReevesJackson's mom, I think when you bring the baby home, the feelings are actually more intense! That is when the real work and/or worrying begins!! You are right people don't understand it!
mia doronIf anyone likes poetry, I just read some beautiful poems about the emotional side of having a preemie in the NICU.
LogansMom28wlearning ability, style, attn span...
Michele ReevesI would love to read a book of poetry about the NICU experience!
LogansMom28wi agree the real roller coster is once you are home
mia doronIf you give me your email address, I'll send you the website for the book of poems.
Michele ReevesHalsten's mom...my mom always said that Amanda will hate me when she is in WeightWatchers when she is 40! lol
Ellen CutlerMia, could you comment on some of the newer issues facing neonatologists today as they interact with families in the NICU
Michele Reevescharter.net

LogansMom28wmichele LOL!!
Karriand no one really gets it either...they think the ride is over, but they are so wrong
Jackson'sMomI agree about things really kicking in when you get home...I wish someone would have warned me!
DeborahLOL Michelle.
Dana LindenPreemies have a much higher incidence of learning disabilities - maybe you already know this - but so much depends on their course while in the NICU. And so much is unpredictable, until school age.
Jackson'sMomMia,
mia doronOne of the biggest issues is how much to include families on work rounds.
Michele ReevesI don't know if it would have helped to have a warning, Jackson's mom...it still hits you like a ton of bricks!
LogansMom28wkarri.... family has touble understanding. if he's home from the hospital, then he must be fine

KarriMichele...the joke in our house is that if the girls metabolism every slows down they are in serious trouble
Jackson'sMomcox.net. thanks
LogansMom28wmia.... they made us leave during rounds
Emma Trenti Parolithere's a sense of tremendous responsibility when you first take your preemie back home. After 48 hours we were back in the NICU because I thought Luigi had high fever. Instead, I had put to many clothes on him....
Karriwe had to leave during rounds as well
LogansMom28wno parents in the NICU from 10am -noon. reports would follow
Michele ReevesWe had to leave during rounds also, but now I understand our NICU doesn't enforce it as strongly.
mia doronunc.edu
Dana LindenYes, family does have trouble understanding. We found that almost everyone had trouble understanding, unless they had also had a sick child.

LogansMom28wemma, ha!
Karrii did sit in on one, I was having a rough day , and that was the day I learned Hanna was coming home
Michele ReevesMia, is the concern privacy or parent's not understanding what is being said about their baby?
mia doronWe argued among ourselves for 3 years about including parents on rounds. Finally, some of us just started doing it. Now, parents are invited in and most of us love it!
Michele ReevesGo, Mia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You rebel!!
Karrithe one time I was in on rounds, they said nothing I didn't already know about the girls
LogansMom28wtheir excuse was it violated the hippa laws ?
Jackson'sMomthey let us stay in the NICU during rounds but they went in a special area to talk about the cases then came out later and briefed each parent. I wish we could have been there directly.
Emma Trenti Parolifin many NICUs it is mostly a privacy issue, I believe, since there're many parents around

Dana LindenWere you all able to stay with your baby during painful procedures?
Michele ReevesI sat in on rounds one day (pre-HIPPA) and when the doc was going on and on about the medical stuff, I popped up and said, "Yes, but she is so pretty!"
LogansMom28wnow that preemies have their own pods in the nicu parents can stay 24/7 if they want
StacyLeehas joined the chat.Emma Trenti ParoliThat's funny Michele!
Dana LindenMichele, that's fabulous. Have to remind them they're talking about a BABY! And YOUR baby!
KarriMichele at her finest!
mia doronThere are three big concerns. One is the privacy of the other babies. Another is that the residents will be embarrassed by what they don't know. And another is that parents won't understand and either panic, or rounds will be slowed down so much by explanations that we wouldn't get to see all the babies in time.
Emma Trenti ParoliWere you able to room in with your baby before discharge?

Michele ReevesDana, absolutley not, they wouldn't let us be there for the painful stuff, nor did I want to be, I don't think...
StacyLeeHi Lisa!
Michele ReevesDana, EXACTLY...yes, Amanda was a bunch of medical stuff, but she was also my pride and joy!!
LogansMom28wdana... we had to wait in the hall for "scary" procedures. when logan was extubated i paced and paced
Karrithe only the encouraged us to leave on was the ROP exams...
DeborahI would stay in the room when they made their rounds.One time a doctor made a mistake and said that my daughter had had an IVH,and I had heard nothing.The nurse cleared her up on it.But she kept asking "are you sure she never had an IVH?" Like she wa
mia doronI LOVE that, Michelle! That's just one of the benefits of having parents there--they point out some of the important things we may miss!
Dana LindenI didn't want to be present at painful moments, either. And yet it's one of the things I wonder about in retrospect - whether it would have helped comfort Maya. It's a tough, tough call.
KarriEmma...we didn't room in with our girls before leaving...it was never offered

Michele ReevesMia, all 3 are valid concerns, but can there actually be a hard and fast policy? Each family is so different!! Some families would welcome rounds, some don't want to hear it, some don't understand it, some could probably round on the babies themselves!
DeborahThe only time they would ask us to leave was when the nurses changed shifts,which was from 6-7 morning,and night.
theresehas joined the chat.Karriand we didn't think to ask about it either..I've learned through this site that its an option at some hospital, while a requirerment at others.
LogansMom28wemma, i had low blood pressure post partum and fell and tore my achilles tendon. so not only was i staying to visit logan, i was on crutches for 6 wks of logan's stay. we roomed together in peds
mia doronI actually ask parents if they want to be there, even for the painful things. The vast majority don't want to. But the ones that do want to, feel it was helpful for their baby AND them. I think this is something that you know best about yourself--whether you can take it or not.
Michele ReevesDana, one of our primaries said when we open the door to draw blood, don't say anything, we don't ever want Amanda to associated your voice with pain! I really appreciated that! I would jump in after they had done their job and comfort then!
Jackson'sMomThey let me stay for the procedures after they were comfortable with me and knew I wouldn't freak out. I showed up in the middle of them setting up the CPAP and Jackson was screaming and I knew they wanted me to leave but I didn't . After that they didn't ask me to leave. The only thing I couldn't be there for was when he was intubated but that was early on.
LogansMom28wamen michele!

Emma Trenti ParoliI wasn't offered either. It wasn't so important for us since we were living very close to the hospital, but I know other families would have really needed to spend at least one night sleeping near their baby before going home.
Michele ReevesJackson's mom, you are so right about them feeling comfortable with you, that makes a BIG difference, I don't know if that is a good thing or a bad thing, but it is reality in the NICU environment!
KarriI'm not sure their reasoning..maybe because we had one at home already
mia doronOne thing I'll never forget that a father told me (I know he wouldn't mind my sharing this.) He's a paratrooper in the army. He said he'd been in combat twice, and he was never as scared as when his daughters were in the NICU.
Dana LindenI did exactly the same thing, Michele. My reasoning (to the extent that it was reasoning, rather than pure emotions, that is) was that I wanted Maya to know that at least one person, her mother, would only be associated with gentle, loving touch.
Michele ReevesMia, I have seen many a grown man weep at their tiny baby's bedside! My hubby included! Somehow a little one can bring the strongest to their knees!
LogansMom28wi can totally understand that father, mia! that was brave of him to admit
Karria parents love it the purest of emotions!
Emma Trenti ParoliOn one had, some mothers are upset because they feel their husbands are not connected enough, emotionally, to the baby. But that a typical male attitude.

Michele ReevesDana, it would break my heart when the door to the isolette would open and Amand would jump. She didn't do that when I would start talking to her before I opened the door!
LogansMom28wi have a preemie question: what's the longest you've heard of a preemie with a BPD diapgnosis needing O2 after birth?
Emma Trenti ParoliThis is for you MIa.
Michele ReevesI really feel for the husbands, I truly believe they have it worse than the moms sometimes. We worry about our baby and they worry about the baby and US!!!!!
Dana LindenIsn't it amazing how aware they were of us even at that early age? You have to have been there to believe it.
theresehi all, sorry to jump in so late but i've been observing(forgot to log in..yikes). mom to cole (29 weeks), twin brother to lourdes (who died in utero)
Emma Trenti ParoliYes, some fathers find refuge in work because it is too painful to be around in the NICU.
KarriMichele, I agree totally

Michele ReevesDana, you are right! What is even more amazing is that when I wake Amanda up in the mornings, I can watch her stretch and see her face and it takes me right back to the NICU!
mia doronSometimes for a couple of years. But really, that's very rare, and usually because there's been infections that make things worse interfering with the healing process.
LogansMom28wmichele.... i know what face youre talking about... the taught yawn face!!
Dana LindenSame here. Do you think we'll feel that way on their wedding days, too?
Michele ReevesEmma, I think work is about the only place a man feels in control, which is so important for them.
Karrithose same little wrinkles!!
Michele ReevesDana, now you are going to make me cry!!!!!!!!! lol
DeborahWell ladies,this has been very nice,but I need to go and make dinner.My daughter is hollering that she is hungry,and she's hungry every half an hour after she eats.LOL!
Michele ReevesDarcy, yes that yawning face and the way she curves her back and puts her bottom in the air!

Karrigrow Eleanor Rose!!
Michele ReevesBye, Deborah!!!
DeborahHave a good evening.
LogansMom28wi ask b/c logan is STILL on O2. all his preemie buddies are already off, some for a long time. he just can not keep his sats up w/o compensating alot
mia doronHow old is Logan now?
Emma Trenti ParoliIsn't it amazing how they were already exactly themselves? I look at Luigi's hairline and it's exactly what I first saw when he was born.
LogansMom28wgnite deborah, hugs to ER
Michele ReevesI tell Amanda that I probably won't be around when she is 80, but I know exactly what she is going to look like!
KarriLOL

Lisa SpencerLOL, Michele!!
LogansMom28wemma, lol! logan's hair line was the same as my hubby's!
LogansMom28wwrinkley and bright bright red?
KarriI remember the day Kirk asked me if Rachel was going to look like a Monkey forever.
LogansMom28wlogan is now 22 months... born 5/8/03
Michele ReevesROFL, Karri!!!
Karrihe admitted she was the cutest monkey he had ever seen, but just curious
LogansMom28wlmao!
Emma Trenti ParoliI can't say the same for my husband... very little hair left when we first met..

KarriLOL
Ellen CutlerAs always with you ladies, time has flown by. Any last questions before we wrap up?
Michele ReevesBill had lots of hair before he met me, or at least that is his claim!! lol
mia doronHave you talked to the Pulmonologist about what time frame they think Logan's on? Or whether any thing other than BPD might be causing him to need O2?
thereseare there plans for future chats
Halsten's momRe O2, Halsten was on a matter on months, but she was off for a week before we left th eNICU. That really bothers me now. What happened during that week if she needed hte o2??
Michele ReevesMy last question...when will the book be coming out about older preemies?
Michele Reevesoh, and can I get a signed copy!!
Emma Trenti ParoliIf you have any more questions for us, would you post them on the Share site?

mia doronGood question, Michelle! Maybe we ought to start working on it!
Karriabsolutely!
LogansMom28wwe go to High Risk Infant Follow Up every 4-8 wks. no explanation other than his heart/resp rate soar w/o help
steph2001has joined the chat.Dana LindenWhat do you say, Emma and Mia? another book?
Ellen CutlerCertainly planning on future chats. Some chat informally on Sunday nights. And we'd love your suggestions for formal topics. Thanks!
Michele ReevesNancy, will you set up a separate topic for asking them questions?
Karrithere ya go another folder to create!
mia doronLogansMom, I'd suggest you ask to see a Pulmonologist, if you haven't already. Just to check things out.

Emma Trenti ParoliDana, first I have to talk to my husband about it...
LogansMom28wthanks for the tips
Nancy WhiteWill do!
steph2001Has anyone heard about the Zaky? it is a pillow that looks like a hand and it is used in NICUs... any experience with this?
Michele ReevesMia, Dana, Emma...THANK YOU!!!!! You guys will never know how much help you have been to NICU families everywhere!! Thank you!!!!
Emma Trenti ParoliThank you all, again, for being with us tonight.
Michele ReevesEllen, Nancy, Jessica aka Operation, THANK YOU!!! MOD rocks!!!
KarriThank you immensely!
Jackson'sMomthanks everyone you have all been tremendously helpful!

mia doronAnd THankyou!!
Halsten's momDitto
Michele ReevesMia, did you ever get your turtle???
Karrihave we said thanks!
Dana LindenGood bye, everyone, thank you so much - and love to your preemies.
LogansMom28wyou guys are too awesome. we are lucky POPs to get to share this time. thank you to your families, too, for letting us borrow you during "family time"
Michele ReevesI don't think so, Karri...let's say it again! lol THANK YOU!!!!
mia doronaol.com
Emma Trenti ParoliYeah!! Cheers for all the Share preemies!

Nancy WhiteYa'll are chat pros! WOW!
Michele Reevesawwwwwwwwww...Mia, Bill sends his love!!
Dana LindenGood night!
Emma Trenti ParoliGood night!
Michele Reevesand Nancy, you thought we were all just pretty looks!
Michele ReevesGood night...but I don't want it to end!!
LogansMom28wg'nite all..... *hugs*
mia doronTell him I still remember our conversation at dinner. Next time he'll have to join the chat too!
LogansMom28wmichele - didn't i tell you an hour goes too fast?!?

Michele ReevesNope, Mia...that would mean I had to share the keyboard! lol
Michele ReevesYou did, Darcy!!
Michele ReevesGood night all!
Karrinite Michele
mia doronOh, well that's too much to give up! By ya'll.
theresegood night, hope to meet you all sometime again
LogansMom28wmsn.com. for your "free" time, as if being a mom isn't busy enough, eh?
Karrigood night ladies!
Ellen Cutlerhas joined the chat.Donna Schweitzerhas joined the chat.TONIMARIE MALIZIAhas joined the chat.snickershas joined the chat.Jackson'sMomhas joined the chat.Deborahhas joined the chat.maddiecolt2005has joined the chat.Sammyohas joined the chat.~Val~has joined the chat.Deborahhas joined the chat.

hello everyone

Hi Sammyo - I just wanted to let you know this topic holds the archives from past formal chats! If you are looking for the chat room, you can find it here --- but know you need to find people and invite them in (you can use the "Who's Here" feature on the left of your screen.)

http://www.shareyourstory.org/messageboards/Live%20Chat/?50@@

Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.

Melissa Middleton Hi Kara

Melissa Middleton Glad you could make it today. I am sure a few more folks will come in...and then we will talk about REFLUX...a great topic!

Kara McBurney hi melissa! i couldn't figure out how to log-in at first.

Kara McBurney whew, couldn't figure out how to post!

Kara McBurney yeah, reflux. fun!

Melissa Middleton It can be a little tricky at first...how are you doing? And your little ones?

Kara McBurney we're doing okay. we started solids this week. lorne, our little 23 weeker, loved it! he hasn't taken formula for months but he liked sweet potatoes

Melissa Middleton My kids had exorcist reflux at one time...I never thought we would survive those old faithful days! *smile*

Melissa Middleton Great! Little ones and their eating can be an altogether different matter!

Kara McBurney yeah isaac had that exorcist reflux often. lorne had the worst reflux (by barium swallow texts and by our observation) but never spit up. weird

Melissa Middleton It is nice to talk to you live...I just love this SHARE tool.

Kara McBurney does SHARE stand for something?

Melissa Middleton that is weird...and sounds very painful too! That can be so hard on us moms...having these sorts of problems, and not knowing how to help!

Kara McBurney we're also waiting for a call any minute to come get isaac's glasses (i know, off topic_

Melissa Middleton You know....I really am not sure...I just assumed that it meant sharing....

Kara McBurney yeah, i assumed it just meant sharing, just didn't know if it was an acronym (sp) or something

Melissa Middleton ummm. glasses are a big topic at our house too! I totally understand...glasses have a way of being on the brain!

Melissa Middleton Hopefully we will have a larger crowd...last time it took a few minutes for the rest of the crew to join us...

Melissa Middleton Tell you what...I am going to duck out for just a sec...and invite others on line to join us...be right back...

Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.

Melissa Middleton Hello...Kara...are you still there?

Kara McBurney yep!

Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.

Melissa Middleton 2 has joined the chat.

Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.

Stacie Hennings has joined the chat.

sheshe has joined the chat.

(Note from Nancy: as I pulled this chat transcript, this was all I found. I'm not sure there was more. If so, let me know, ok?)

(I just found this one. Sorry my friends for the delay!)

Logging from 18-May-05 12:59:14

00:00:35 Brenda Rante has joined the chat.

00:00:35 Melody Glover has joined the chat.

00:00:35 Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.

00:02:23 Melissa Middleton 2 has joined the chat.

00:05:06 Karri has joined the chat.

00:05:12 Karri Hello!

00:05:17 Melissa Middleton 2 has joined the chat.

00:05:35 Melissa Middleton 2 Hi Karri!

00:05:35 Karri How are the kiddies?

00:06:08 Melissa Middleton 2 they are doing well...we had SUCH a busy day today~ outside lots...how are you feeling?

00:06:40 Michele Reeves has joined the chat.

00:06:47 Michele Reeves Hi, ladies!

00:06:48 Karri I'm feeling a bit tired today. We too were outside lots today!! Its beautiful here today. Thanks for asking

00:06:51 LogansMom28w has joined the chat.

00:06:53 Karri Hi Michele!

00:06:59 LogansMom28w hi girls!

00:06:59 Melissa Middleton 2 we took the kids to the lake and they rode in their wagon..that was fun...

00:07:01 Michele Reeves Hey, Karri!

00:07:05 Karri Hey Darcy!

00:07:06 Michele Reeves Hey, Darcy and Melissa!

00:07:22 Melissa Middleton 2 Hi Darcy...how are you this evening...my nose is sun burnt! but I just love this time of year!

00:07:24 LogansMom28w did you all have a nice weekend?

00:07:39 Karri Yup! How bout U?

00:07:39 Melissa Middleton 2 Hi Michele...how are you? Good to see the gang coming in...

00:07:43 Michele Reeves My weekend was good!

00:07:43 LogansMom28w ohhh... spring has sprung! i heard it was 100 degrees in TX yesterday

00:07:51 Michele Reeves Melissa, I am fine! Busy, but fine!
Spring? You need to move to the south where it is summer time already! lol

00:08:26 Karri sign me up Michele!

00:08:32 Karri I LOVE summer!

00:08:33 Melissa Middleton 2 Yes..! and it feels like it...the kids and us just drip when we are out...but we cannot get enough of being outside..maybe it was because two years ago I missed the entire spring and summer...and then last year we were in isolation!

00:08:46 LogansMom28w karri and i are barely breaking 80 degrees here in the midwest

00:09:03 Michele Reeves Bring on the bathing suits, it is pool time here!!

00:09:07 Karri I'll take it though!! The sun is great!

00:09:08 Melissa Middleton 2 Darcy...we tried out the pool of flour today....how fun! Thanks for the suggestion..will have to post pictures!

00:09:11 LogansMom28w i hear ya! i feel like it wasnt from 2002 to 2005

00:09:18 LogansMom28w errr... it WENT from...

00:09:33 Michele Reeves Are we expecting anyone else?

00:09:38 Karri Donna maybe?

00:09:41 LogansMom28w YAY melissa! i can' wait to see. i cleaned out our kiddie pool for that and its air drying as we speak!

00:09:54 Karri What about Brenda?

00:09:59 Melissa Middleton 2 Summer has come in TX...but then, we had an early spring...and really, not much of a winter to speak of...a little unusual really...we are breaking records for this time of year

00:09:59 Michele Reeves I think Donna got in trouble the last time we chatted! lol

00:10:05 LogansMom28w how did they do?

00:10:11 Karri LOL

00:10:17 Melissa Middleton 2 Brenda said she was coming...hopefully, she will!

00:10:35 Michele Reeves ok...

00:10:38 Melissa Middleton 2 Flour in their hair...flour everywhere....they looked like summer snow bunnies! LOL

00:10:45 Karri Too cute!

00:10:49 Michele Reeves I just noticed...Melissa, why are you "2"?

00:10:56 Karri We played with water all afternoon!

00:11:19 Karri The kids "cleaned" the brand new deck!

00:11:22 Melissa Middleton 2 Welll......I peeked in and no one was here and FORGOT to leave the chat...so...I am doing double time tonight ladies *sheepish smile*

00:11:34 Michele Reeves lol, Melissa!

00:11:52 Karri as long as you didn't answer yourself back you are still okay! LOL

00:12:01 Melissa Middleton 2 we are also planning the kids 2nd birthday party...it should be wild!

00:12:11 Karri Sounds fun!

00:12:16 LogansMom28w LOL Melissa, I've seen that happen before

00:12:29 LogansMom28w ohhhh 2nd birthdays are fun

00:12:29 Michele Reeves Wow...2nd birthday! Watch out, they will be turning 7 before you know it!!

00:12:29 Karri Michele, when does your family arrive for the graduation?

00:12:34 Melissa Middleton 2 I was afraid I was too late or too early...so thought about answering back...but then everyone on SHARE would know how crazy I really am! :<)

00:12:43 Karri LOL

00:12:43 Michele Reeves Karri, they arrive next week and there is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much to do!!!

00:13:00 Karri You'll do just fine!! still looking for recipes?

00:13:11 Michele Reeves If I am scarce on the site it is because of all the "goings on!"

00:13:17 Melissa Middleton 2 yes, I am a little sad though...my kids are growing up so fast...it is like time went in slow motion for so long...and now it is in fast forward! And chances are...they will be my only kids...

00:13:18 LogansMom28w michele, who is graduating?

00:13:24 Michele Reeves I can always use good recipes! Especially for the crowd!

00:13:35 Karri What an exciting time for all o f you! How's Bill feel about the graduation?

00:13:35 Michele Reeves Darcy, my step-son Chris is graduating! YIKES!

00:13:43 LogansMom28w melissa i get sad about that ALL the time. and logan is most likely my last, too

00:14:02 LogansMom28w wow! congrats to him!

00:14:02 Michele Reeves I think I tear up more than he does! lol We had a special service at church today to honor the graduates and I bawled like a baby!

00:14:07 Melissa Middleton 2 Wow! Here I am feeling sad....congratulations Michele...so there is lots of excitement there?

00:14:25 Karri Donna and I weep over our "Babies" all the time (Ethan and Will)

00:14:25 LogansMom28w michele, awww.... that's so sweet. what are his future plans?

00:15:00 Michele Reeves Melissa, the 2nd birthday for me with Amanda was probably the saddest! You realize they are growing up and you also maybe can breath a sigh of relief, but yet are apprehensive about the future!

00:15:16 Melissa Middleton 2 I have been thinking about the graduates too...how could you not...and here your baby is about to take that plunge of faith...I read a really great article about parents of grads too though..how are you doing

00:15:24 Michele Reeves Chris is going to Ursinus college in PA, majoring in Pre-Med.

00:15:37 Karri Thats awesome!

00:15:52 Michele Reeves I am doing ok! We are ready for him to move on, he is ready to move on and I think he is going to make a FANTASTIC contribution to society!

00:15:53 Melissa Middleton 2 Wow! Pre-med...now that is great! how proud you must be!

00:16:12 LogansMom28w how far is that from home?

00:16:16 Karri Good for him!

00:16:18 Michele Reeves The best part is they offered him $33,000 per year of the $38,000 that it costs in scholarships and grants!! YEAH!!!!

00:16:24 Melissa Middleton 2 he has learned a lot of amazing things having you as his step-mom and a preemie sister...I am sure he will do amazing things!

00:16:29 Michele Reeves Chris will be about 8 hours from home!

00:16:34 LogansMom28w WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! now thats amazing news

00:16:35 Michele Reeves Aww...thanks, Melissa!!!

00:16:36 Karri YEAH!!

00:16:50 Melissa Middleton 2 Even better....he will be fantastic AND you don't have to pay as much for it~ good deal!

00:17:04 LogansMom28w i can only hope and pray from such an offering for my kids. he must be a bright boy. how proud you and bill must be!

00:17:05 Michele Reeves I am convinced that God will continue to watch over him and will take good care of him!! !

00:17:18 Michele Reeves He is very, very smart! Thank GOD!!
00:17:43 Melissa Middleton 2 he will take everything you guys have been teaching him when he is off at university...he listens!

00:17:46 LogansMom28w karri, how ya feelin' girlfriend *hugs*? how's will?

00:18:00 Michele Reeves Karri, yes, how are you feeling??? Better?

00:18:20 LogansMom28w i loved the tattoo bit. people must really be wondering now!

00:18:26 Melissa Middleton 2 Oh! I am sorry I forgot to mention that right away...hope you are all doing better...so sorry to hear about the problems will has been having...it is hard on him and mom..

00:18:32 Karri I'm feeling great! Have a check up tomorrow!! I think the cookies are getting to me,,, I don't think I can blame my tummy on swelling at this Point.

00:18:54 Michele Reeves lol, Karri!

00:18:55 Melissa Middleton 2 well...you have a wonderful excuse to eat as many cookies as you want!

00:18:59 Michele Reeves What did I miss about Will??

00:19:24 LogansMom28w lol, well its nice to see you laughing and back online

00:19:35 Karri Will is doing MUCH better! His Asthma has been horrible since Thursday. ER scare, several times and multiple doc trips

00:19:43 Melissa Middleton 2 a friend of mine from Dallas has just informed me that she is bringing her twin boys...and her 3 surviving quads. to the kids birthday..I am SO excicted...it should be wild!

00:19:58 Michele Reeves Oh, Karri...like you don't have enough right now...I am so sorry!!

00:20:12 Michele Reeves That is a party in itself, Melissa! lol

00:20:26 Karri Thanks to all of you!! I really appreciate all the well wishes!!

00:20:30 Melissa Middleton 2 Asthma is a scary, scary thing! I remember how awful it was for my brother growing up...hang in there...I still have my fingers and toes crossed he gets through this season fit and fine!

00:20:33 LogansMom28w we said a prayer for him. the boys have a standard "stong and healthy lungs" prayer that they say for Logan.... said for Will

00:20:45 Michele Reeves Karri, one question...is it better today than it was yesterday...post surgery??

00:20:58 Karri Ohhh how sweet..thanks Darcy

00:21:13 Melissa Middleton 2 I KNOW~ we will have babies all over the place....we have rented the pavilion down at the lake near our house...so it will be lots of kids in the wilderness...:>)

00:21:22 LogansMom28w wow melissa. last year at gavin's 4th birthday we invited a set of quads and their little brother. it was half the party with just the one family

00:21:25 Karri Michele has anyone told you that you are a smart woman?!?!? I feel better everyday!

00:21:31 Michele Reeves Take lots of pics, Melissa!!!

00:21:48 Melissa Middleton 2 I will...and I will post them too!

00:21:52 Michele Reeves YEAH, Karri!!!! I am so glad!! That was my mantra many, many days!

00:21:58 Michele Reeves oops, phone...brb

00:21:59 Karri Melissa, sounds like a wild party to me....have you considered a Zoo theme?

00:22:01 Melissa Middleton 2 So are we still thinking about Labor Day as a go?

00:22:24 Melissa Middleton 2 actually...we are doing a barnyard bash....close enough eh? LOL

00:22:31 Karri LOL!

00:22:43 LogansMom28w good question, melissa.... sounds like people are starting to talk about PAD instead of / in addition to

00:22:50 Michele Reeves back...babysitter lined up for tomorrow night! Nothing like waiting until the last minute!

00:22:51 Karri Birthday Express had a really cute barnyard theme package

00:23:10 LogansMom28w how old was amanda before you trusted a sitter?

00:23:24 Melissa Middleton 2 YEP! that is the one I got....usually I adore planning for parties...but things have been too hectic the last few months!

00:23:31 LogansMom28w karri.... we love their stuff. complete package, one phone call. love it!

00:23:47 Karri so convenient!!

00:23:52 Michele Reeves Darcy, we actually found a nursing student that was in her junior year right after she came home from the hospital. We would go out for dinner, then right home...then about 6 months later added a movie to dinner!

00:24:01 Melissa Middleton 2 I just wish I had come up with the idea for birthday in a box...it is so smart and really not a complicated idea at all...

00:24:25 Melissa Middleton 2 Michele...look at you...a nursing student...now I could trust a nursing student!

00:24:54 Karri We started leaving the girls when they were about 9 months old. Our marriage NEEDED it!

00:24:57 LogansMom28w wow. thats grat michele. we have noone. i am thinking of doing some interviews. its been 2 years, no dates with my hubby. no sitters for any of my kids, ever

00:24:57 Michele Reeves We did Amanda's b-day last year from Birthday Express, the rubber ducky one!! She wanted it so bad, then didn't want me to tell anyone because she was mbarrassed! lol

00:25:21 Melissa Middleton 2 Sorry to keep hitting the same point...I can be neurotic too...but are we still planning for a trip on Labor Day?

00:25:25 LogansMom28w i DID come up with that idea. only, forgot to tell anyone. poor poor me. LOL!

00:25:46 Michele Reeves You need someone you can trust!! Our primary nurse told us to put an ad at a nursing school! We interviewed a few and fell in love with one and she has been with us ever sincE!!!!

00:25:46 Karri Awww that theme is adorable!! I'm actually considering it for Will's in July. Picture a pool full of ducks, like the carnival game?

00:25:57 Melissa Middleton 2 Karri...I am finding that so true....it is hard to make time for hubby..I mean we are doing fine relationship wise...but I miss HIM...you know?

00:26:00 Michele Reeves That is exactly what we did, Karri!!

00:26:29 Michele Reeves Argggggggggg...NANCY, if you read this...I NEED a bigger screen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

00:26:34 LogansMom28w eventually we'll get there (a reliable babysitter).... now to answer Melissa

00:26:35 Melissa Middleton 2 Ducks are cute! Ben loves the rubber ducky song!

00:26:47 Michele Reeves OK...to answer Melissa!
00:26:48 Michele Reeves lol
00:27:00 Melissa Middleton 2 Okay..Darcy...tell us your idea!
00:27:08 Michele Reeves should I tell you guys my conversation with MOD about PAD?
00:27:10 Karri Michele we'll have to exchange some emails on the duck game. Melissa we're on for Labor day
00:27:10 LogansMom28w well, i don't thinkwe should do both.
00:27:34 Melissa Middleton 2 YES Michele..that is something to start with...Great Karri!
00:28:02 LogansMom28w and since PAD is more... official, as in advocate official.... i think it's a better idea for this year. although a SHARE reunion sounds like more fun and leisure
00:28:15 Melissa Middleton 2 It could get expensive...I am thinking okay to TN or Dallas this year...yes to DC but if yes no to chicago or vice versa...make sense...too expensive to do everything..
00:28:26 Michele Reeves PAD will be November 15. MOD is planning a few different events, but they have basically said that we should ask for what we would like to see happen or what we want.
00:28:42 Melissa Middleton 2 there is SO much I want~
00:29:03 Melissa Middleton 2 I am greedy...ask my husband! Or my ob/gyn
00:29:10 LogansMom28w MOD should fly us out there! (Hi, Nancy!!!!!)
00:29:22 Karri I second that one Darcy!!
00:29:27 Michele Reeves I don't want this to take away from a SHARE union...but I do feel that if MOD is willing to help so much with PAD, maybe it is the way to go this year!
00:29:34 Michele Reeves lol, Darcy!
00:29:34 Melissa Middleton 2 Yes..Hi Nancy...did we mention what a doll we think you are? :>)
00:30:02 Michele Reeves I was hoping, wishing, wanting us to be able to do both, but I am not sure if that is going to work!
00:30:12 Melissa Middleton 2 PAD is very important in my book...and we will sort of have a reunion...but really...hubby is on board too.
00:30:23 LogansMom28w I agree, Michele. I love the idea of margaritas with my girls around a pool in TX, but I think we could accomplish more, and feel better (as opposed to those marg headaches in the AM) if we tackle congress instead of the bar!
00:30:45 Melissa Middleton 2 I know...with all the time to take off...AND finances...right now...that is hard too...
00:30:51 Michele Reeves I think that makes a lot of sense, Darcy...minus the headaches! lol
00:30:51 Karri My hubby wouldn't be disappointed if I said we weren't going in Sept, especially with Disney in Nov
00:31:02 Michele Reeves But if we really, really want to make a difference I think PAD is where it is at!
00:31:36 Melissa Middleton 2 *sniff* I understand guys...but then TX is my backyard...DC is very dear to my heart...and I think that should be a focus
00:31:38 LogansMom28w karri... we're going in Jan!
00:31:48 Karri so PAD it is?
00:31:48 Michele Reeves MOD has already committed to a reception for us and a block of very discounted hotel rooms.
00:31:57 Melissa Middleton 2 well not DC but the advocacy aspect of DC
00:31:57 Karri thats great!
00:32:09 LogansMom28w i honestly wish PAD was in TX.... its much easier for me, personally (Melissa, too, I bet)
00:32:12 Melissa Middleton 2 how discounted Michele...do we know numbers yet?
00:32:36 Michele Reeves They don't know the numbers yet because we don't have a firm grip on how many PoPs we are talking about!
00:32:42 LogansMom28w right... before we commit to anything, I need some numbers
00:32:57 Michele Reeves It will probably be a very good rate, especially if folks are willing to double up!
00:33:07 Melissa Middleton 2 Whenever any of ya'll want to come to TX..come on...and I will be there with a big howdy...but I think DC is the heart of the matter so to speak
00:33:08 LogansMom28w michele, thats a catch22.... some won't commit until they know approx investment, dollar wise
00:33:09 Michele Reeves I agree, Darcy! That we need the numbers also!
00:33:20 Karri Doublilng up works for me. I'm in
00:33:40 Michele Reeves What kind of numbers would you guys be looking at? If it was for Monday night and Tuesday night..I am just curious!
00:33:43 LogansMom28w melissa, we're planning a trip there sooner or later
00:33:53 Melissa Middleton 2 hubbby would come with...and kids will stay with nanna(s)...there is no way I am riding a subway or bus with 3 wiggly toddlers!
00:34:04 Michele Reeves Melissa, I may be coming to visit my parents in July...if I do, I will DEFINITELY see you!
00:34:07 LogansMom28w we'll definitely look you all up. it would be one of the highlights of the trip
00:34:50 Melissa Middleton 2 right now I am student and mom at home status...so hubby being a techno guy likes to see numbers...he has already can doed it ... but it would make him rest easier!
00:35:04 Karri 2 nights should cover it Michele..Hubby will have to take off work for me to be there
00:35:13 Michele Reeves Here is what I was looking at getting MOD to help us with...
00:35:16 Melissa Middleton 2 absoulutely! I cannot wait to see you guys in person...no matter where it is we visit~
00:35:39 Melissa Middleton 2 you all are SO sweet!
00:35:51 LogansMom28w mine, too (like i said, no sitters no family very close... they live across town from Karri!)
00:35:57 Michele Reeves Reception maybe Monday night, trip to Capital Hill on Tuesday during the day and some sight seeing...then PAD rally Tuesday night, and Breakfast before everyone leaves on Wednesday.
00:36:17 Melissa Middleton 2 okay Michele...how will MOD help...paint in the details of the big picture
00:36:56 Melissa Middleton 2 so 3 days...and what about speaking with legislature etc...how will that be handled?
00:37:02 Karri Does MOD have an account with a specific airline for reduced fair?
00:37:18 LogansMom28w is there a certain airline... like the official MOD discount flyer, where we could drop names to get a discount?
00:37:18 Michele Reeves The only FIRM commitment I have is reception and transportation to/from capital hill, and very discounted . They are waiting for us to ASK..
00:37:19 Melissa Middleton 2 I am with Karri on that...it would be helpful!
00:37:26 Michele Reeves oops...very discounted hotel rooms.
00:37:45 Karri rooms, not airfare?
00:37:51 Melissa Middleton 2 okay, Michele...are you hinting at something...? or are you being blunt :>) ASK
00:38:02 Michele Reeves I will have to check on the airline thing...
00:38:14 Michele Reeves I think I hit enter too soon, Melissa! Just a little excited!
00:38:31 Melissa Middleton 2 airline...I'm asking...though...who are we supposed to ask...or can we just ask you :>)
00:38:51 Michele Reeves What do we want them to do??? If 300 PoPs said they would come if MOD provided airfare, MOD would freak! lol
00:39:18 Melissa Middleton 2 I was just teasing about the asking thing...I'm afraid my sense of humor can be dry...LOL
00:39:20 LogansMom28w OK, I'm asking... "Hey all ya all powers that be.... can you help us get some discounts or package deals on airfare and accomodations???" THANK YOU
00:39:43 Michele Reeves Accomodations I KNOW they can do! Airfare, I am not sure about, but will find out!
00:40:09 Michele Reeves I know Delta is the official sponsor of the Natl Ambassador program this year, but am not sure if that goes for the rest of the company or not!
00:40:15 LogansMom28w Well... I gave MOD a *car* last year.... I just want to use their name. LOL!
00:40:18 Karri Thats seems fair to me
00:40:21 Michele Reeves I wonder if your individual chapters could help with that??
00:40:21 Melissa Middleton 2 I would freak too if I were MOD...I don't know...rock and a hard place...what if they just estimated by asking now who can firmly agree...and then do first come first serve...or even at just a reduced price...
00:40:43 Michele Reeves I think they are going to do a sign up thing just like they did for WalkAmerica on Share.
00:40:51 Karri I would be happy with a reduced price, I can understand their dilema
00:40:56 Michele Reeves "If you want more information on PAD in DC, sign up here."
00:41:23 Michele Reeves Believe me, they are going to do right by us!!!!!!!!!!!
00:41:30 Karri I don't doubt that!!
00:41:30 Melissa Middleton 2 I don't know...our chapter is somewhat small...and I doubt they have funds for that...but good news...we are to be the ambassador family for the next MOD walk....yay!
00:41:45 Karri Melissa thats awesome!!
00:41:54 LogansMom28w we totally understand, afterall, it *is* a charity event... they have celebrities to worry about... but it would be nice if we could
00:41:54 LogansMom28w we totally understand, afterall, it *is* a charity event... they have celebrities to worry about... but it would be nice if we could
00:42:00 Michele Reeves YEAH, Melissa! That is so cool!! By chapter, I meant the state...local would flip out if you asked them! lol
00:42:02 LogansMom28w thank you LOGAN!!!
00:42:05 Melissa Middleton 2 I had to squeeze that news in...I am so excited!
00:42:16 Karri We were questioned and then they selected another family... I have to admit I was disappointed
00:42:22 LogansMom28w call Delta (or whoever) and get a certain ff
00:42:36 Melissa Middleton 2 I see what you mean...LOL...I can just see me asking locally...state might...good idea!
00:42:36 Michele Reeves Oh, Karri...I am sorry!
00:42:59 Michele Reeves My question to you guys is what else would you like to do in DC?
00:43:08 Melissa Middleton 2 I am sorry Karri...you are just tops in my book...and you inspire and encourage so much on SHARE...
00:43:19 LogansMom28w wow, logan is meddling..... certain ff
00:43:29 Karri THanks guys.... maybe another day
00:43:29 LogansMom28w precentage off
00:43:50 Michele Reeves Karri, unfortunately sometimes it gets "political" with the Ambassador thing...I am so very sorry...
00:44:07 LogansMom28w karri, happened to us, too, when we moved
00:44:09 Michele Reeves lol, Darcy! Go, Logan...and I will check with them on the airfare thing!!
00:44:20 Karri I was told they select based on hospital info....we're so far removed from the hospital at this point
00:44:36 Melissa Middleton 2 I know we are important to MOD...but of course...holly wood and capital hill has the bank account and power...still...our PoPs have loud voices...and are intimate with these issues in a way those guys cannot be...
00:44:37 LogansMom28w out local ambassador is 5
00:44:43 Melissa Middleton 2 though I know MOD is amazing!
00:44:54 Michele Reeves WHAT??? What does THAT mean??? Karri??
00:44:57 Karri James keeps plugging my name I understand so maybe that will help
00:45:20 Michele Reeves Maybe we could have SHARE ambassadors from each state!!!
00:45:31 Melissa Middleton 2 James is a good one to plug your name...I hope you have better news next year...
00:45:37 LogansMom28w james called my local chapter, too. remember when we were lamenting together? that was kind and thoughtful of him
00:45:40 Karri I was told that they get family names from the local hospitals... my girls were delivered in a hospital outside of the county we live in and walk with
00:45:53 Melissa Middleton 2 OOOH! That would be cool Michele...
00:46:04 Michele Reeves Karri, that is the political end of it...I am so sorry!!
00:46:12 Michele Reeves OK, girls...I think my question got lost...
00:46:17 Michele Reeves What else would you want to do in DC?
00:46:39 Karri I assuming the reception would be on them?
00:46:39 Melissa Middleton 2 Oh! Well...Texarkana is not nearly as big as your cities...and my kids were actually born in Louisiana...so we were just lucky....
00:46:47 Michele Reeves Yes, Karri!! It would be on them!
00:47:04 LogansMom28w sightseeing.... confession... im a history buff.... i love living history
00:47:21 Melissa Middleton 2 Michele is asking ...I want to talk to poloticians...wonder if MOD could make a committee for that...
00:47:40 LogansMom28w if they could arrange an audience in the senate, i bet we could come up with something brilliant to say to congress
00:47:54 Karri Personally I'm happy with the room rates reduced and the reception....I can come up with airfare between now and then if I have too
00:48:11 Karri I'm with you Darcy!!
00:48:14 LogansMom28w i can get real demanding, I'd like an appt with Prez Bush
00:48:39 LogansMom28w but I'll "settle" for congress
00:48:47 Michele Reeves sorry, hubby came in from Bible study...let me scroll back
00:48:49 Melissa Middleton 2 sightseeing is a must...but I really want my tiny voice to be heard...I have lots to say...and not just about preemies per say...but multiple birth preemies...tightening up the wild west of fertility centers...so much...for Alex..for all of mykids...
00:49:07 Karri How do we go about that...I'm not looking to get arrested though!
00:49:12 Michele Reeves Melissa, MOD has a whole department that deals with the government aspect!
00:49:30 Karri Poor folks!!
00:49:35 Melissa Middleton 2 Bush would be GREAT! But congress could find out how convincing us PoPs are very quickly!
00:50:04 Melissa Middleton 2 No...I have to be home at some point...the kids would miss me. LOL and so would nanna!
00:50:09 Michele Reeves MOD will make the appropriate arrangements with the police or whatever, they go through all of that with the Rally.
00:50:48 LogansMom28w i think we should invite Mr. President to attend the PAD rally.
00:50:54 Melissa Middleton 2 I have so much to say...and you guys KNOW I can really talk quite a lot! *sometimes too much, I'll admit!
00:50:56 Michele Reeves What about some sort of walk from the rally site to Capital hill, maybe by candle light or glow sticks in pink/blue to honor those preemies that aren't with us anymore?
00:51:15 Karri that sounds very nice Michele
00:51:25 Melissa Middleton 2 Michele...if we had a HUGE turnout...don't you think DC and maybe even Bush himself would want to come?
00:51:44 LogansMom28w i think we should set a stage area... somewort of "cemetray" filled with pink and blue crosses for the number of preemie lives lost each year in the US
00:51:44 Michele Reeves I don't think "W" would come, but I do think we would get lots of attention!!!!
00:51:52 LogansMom28w err, cemetary
00:52:08 Melissa Middleton 2 that would be wonderful....just off subject a sec...I was in Target yesterday...and almost sobbed when I turned on a bear with womb sounds...havn't heard that since preg.
00:52:17 Michele Reeves Darcy, or the number of preemie born each year...
00:52:24 Melissa Middleton 2 at least he would KNOW we were there...right?!
00:52:28 LogansMom28w he may not, but he might send somebody who somebody enough to attract more media attn
00:52:38 Michele Reeves 480,000 of anything pink/blue would make a HUGE impression!
00:52:54 LogansMom28w yes!
00:53:03 Melissa Middleton 2 absolutely...
00:53:05 Karri I like the glow stick idea..
00:53:06 Michele Reeves Last year at PAD they lit a building just down the street from the Whitehouse pink/blue...it was so pretty!
00:53:27 Melissa Middleton 2 something very impacting...if people only realized....
00:53:30 LogansMom28w can we get pink and blue glow sticks?
00:53:44 Michele Reeves OK...reception, Capitol hill, sight seeing, Rally, then night time walk with glow sticks.
00:53:50 Melissa Middleton 2 I know that would be beautiful!
00:53:54 Michele Reeves Yes, we can get pink/blue glow sticks...maybe even stars!
00:53:59 Karri sure...oriental trading sells them by the boat load...maybe they would donate some
00:54:08 Michele Reeves MOD will take care of all of that!
00:54:10 LogansMom28w that's a lot to due in 36 hours
00:54:12 Michele Reeves The glow sticks, that is!
00:54:18 Melissa Middleton 2 OOOH! Stars...that would be ... *sniff* perfect!
00:54:25 LogansMom28w err do. sorry, brain fart
00:54:28 Michele Reeves It will be a avery busy time, but a very memorable and life changing time!
00:54:30 Karri maybe stars for all the Angels and sticks for the survivors
00:54:35 LogansMom28w can you tell i have babies on the brain
00:54:45 Michele Reeves Love that, karri!
00:54:53 Melissa Middleton 2 good idea Karri
00:55:14 Karri babies on the brain...darcy something to share?
00:55:19 LogansMom28w i think anything visual will help ppl see that 480k is a BIG number
00:55:19 Michele Reeves Also, PoPs that can't be there could organize something at their local courthouse with the glow sticks at the same time we are doing it in DC!
00:55:25 LogansMom28w i WISH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
00:55:26 Melissa Middleton 2 Darcy...we all have babies on the brain...and kids..and grads...:>)
00:55:44 Karri our brains are no longer our own!!
00:55:44 Michele Reeves No babies on the brain here! lol
00:55:50 LogansMom28w lol michele
00:55:54 Karri only fond memories here!!
00:55:55 Melissa Middleton 2 Do you really, Darcy? If so I think that is wonderful!
00:56:10 Michele Reeves and for those that can't make it, they could send letters and we could deliver them!
00:56:13 LogansMom28w i do wish... but i dont think i could carry to term again i think if we do, we'll adopt
00:56:28 Melissa Middleton 2 I would LOVE to have another...but I have been told by dr. I should not attempt....
00:56:44 Michele Reeves Darcy, adoption is very cool! I have done motherhood 3 different routes...step-mom, adopted mom, and preemie mom! lol
00:56:49 LogansMom28w even if not multiples, melissa?
00:57:12 LogansMom28w michele, i will definitely contact you when the time is right.... maybe a year or two
00:57:22 Karri I was told that during my pregnancy with Will , we hit 24 weeks and I was advise to make it my last pregnancy
00:57:25 Michele Reeves It is an amazing experience, Darcy!!
00:57:25 Melissa Middleton 2 Yes, Darcy...I think that is great...you guys will probably think I am nuts...but I think I would like to adopt a special needs child one day...we are all set up for it...
00:57:57 LogansMom28w i would do it again in a heart beat if i was SURE i would make it to at least 33-34 weeks. how said is that... settling for a 33 weeker???
00:57:58 Melissa Middleton 2 Yes...dr. said even with one I would not have been able to carry to term...don't know why exactly...but was too tired to comment at that point...
00:58:22 LogansMom28w melissa... you are the PERFECT mommy to do that!!!! you were made to fill that role
00:58:35 Michele Reeves Did you guys see the article on MSN about the 11 oz baby born a couple of weeks ago?
00:58:39 Melissa Middleton 2 a dear friend of mine is due any day now...and man...I long to know what it feels like to be a week past due...*sigh*
00:58:47 LogansMom28w yes, i saw that!
00:58:48 Karri I saw the news on it!
00:58:51 Michele Reeves The doc said the only problem the baby had was her prematurity? ONLY problem???????????
00:58:51 Melissa Middleton 2 So sweet...you guys are just the best!
00:59:08 Karri fat chance!!
00:59:16 Melissa Middleton 2 I did Michele...so tiny...7 ounces smaller than my smallest
00:59:28 LogansMom28w i hear ya.... my two best friend just gave birth within 2 weeks of eachother... 9.3 # girl and a 8.0# girl. my very best friend is at 30 weeks with twin girls
00:59:40 Melissa Middleton 2 they just don't understand what it means ...most people don't ...
00:59:51 Michele Reeves You are right, Melissa...but they soon will!
01:00:10 Michele Reeves OK, I am going to have to run...can I sum this meeting up?
01:00:11 Karri I look at my body and wonder why I couldn't do that...I have a friend who was induced at 38 weeks with twins!! Just not right!!
01:00:14 LogansMom28w i scoffed at that, too, michele.... i thought... theat girl is going to have a whole HOST of problems on top of "just" prematurity. i bet the journalist took that out of context
01:00:20 Melissa Middleton 2 it sounds amazing to have a full term baby wiggling inside...my kids were so crushed together...I did not really feel them...
01:00:30 LogansMom28w go 'head michele
01:00:46 Melissa Middleton 2 yes..please...
01:02:00 Michele Reeves I will check with MOD about airfare discount, room rate. We would like a reception (probably Monday night), Capitol Hill on Tuesday, sight seeing, PAD rally, followed by a night time walk with star glo sticks in pink and blue. Would also like to see a display of 480,000 somethings to represent all the babies born prematurely each year.
01:02:27 Melissa Middleton 2 that sounds great...thanks Michele!
01:02:51 Karri Great summary!! Thanks Michele....Please let me know if you need any help.
01:02:52 Michele Reeves and just to finalize, plans for a formal Share Union this year are on hold for now, is that correct?
01:03:06 Melissa Middleton 2 Okay, ya'll...hubby is gently nudging me....
01:03:06 LogansMom28w sounds good! phew... we're lucky to have you. let's let michele talk to MOD and get back together in one week or two?
01:03:15 Michele Reeves I will defintely be in touch with all of you and will need your help!!!!!!
01:03:25 Melissa Middleton 2 on hold...goodnight guys...I'll talk to you soon...
01:03:34 Karri night Melissa!!
01:03:35 Michele Reeves I will e-mail the summary out to our "list" and set up a time in 2 weeks for another chat! Sound good?
01:03:41 Michele Reeves Night, Melissa!!!!!
01:03:47 Melissa Middleton 2 sound great...goodnight!
01:03:54 Karri Sounds good!
01:04:30 LogansMom28w sounds great! gnite girls.... im going to go tackle the cannula post
01:04:35 Michele Reeves You guys are the BEST!!!!!!
01:04:39 Michele Reeves HUGS!!!!
01:04:48 LogansMom28w *hugs* gnite all... catch ya online!
01:04:53 Karri HUGS!! Have a great week
01:05:15 Michele Reeves ATTN NANCY, will you send me a transcript of this chat??!! Thanks!
01:05:15 Deborah has joined the chat.
01:05:15 Melody Glover has joined the chat.
01:05:22 Stephanie21 has joined the chat.
01:05:22 Melody Glover has joined the chat.
01:05:22 Melody Glover has joined the chat.
01:07:11 Julie31 2 has joined the chat.
01:07:30 LogansMom28w has joined the chat.
01:07:35 LogansMom28w hi julie!
01:07:57 LogansMom28w i havent talked to you in awhile, how was the birthday boy's celebration?
01:08:09 Julie31 2 Hi! It's been so long since I made chat I feel so out of the loop
01:08:47 Julie31 2 Pretty quite a cake after dinner
01:09:07 LogansMom28w i am not sure who all is coming since its a holiday weekend. i think melissa will bop in here, too
01:09:45 LogansMom28w thats about how things went around here, too. no party or guests or anything. his brothers make enough noise for a "party
01:09:50 Julie31 2 We were suppose to go to the TN aquarium for his Bday but had to postpone until this weekend ----he fell asleep 20 min after we got there and slept the whole time
01:09:56 LogansMom28w oopss... "party" even without guests
01:10:07 LogansMom28w did he like seeing the fish?
01:10:09 Julie31 2 he thinks we just went on a very long car trip
01:10:29 LogansMom28w lol!
01:10:52 Julie31 2 I still can't believe he's 2
01:11:07 Julie31 2 so is Logan into more now that's he's walking?
01:11:30 Julie31 2 I think mine was worse as a crawler than walker
01:11:43 LogansMom28w i know, it feels weird saying 2. nobody asks though. they assume he is a baby. we traveled this weekend, and although we had membership to the zoos and musuems, we could have easily gotten him in for free
01:12:09 Julie31 2 I was trying to remember when your trip was
01:12:11 LogansMom28w he still mostly crawls. he still toddles like a drunken sailor and falls alot
01:12:25 LogansMom28w short weekend get away. to omaha. we just got back
01:12:28 Julie31 2 How'd Logan do
01:13:04 LogansMom28w great. shocked by actual humans outside his family. "you mean we're not lone members of the earth??"
01:13:41 Julie31 2 Bless his heart
01:14:08 Julie31 2 i often think how lucky We are being able to go shopping and out to storytime etc.
01:14:19 Julie31 2 I think most moms take that for granted
01:14:23 LogansMom28w he said "hi!" to everyone. all weekend. hi. hi . hi. hi. hi. it was sweet
01:14:30 Julie31 2 ahhhhhh
01:14:46 LogansMom28w yes! blessed for normal stuff. that's the way childhood SHOULD be
01:15:06 Julie31 2 did you do any homeschool preschool curr with your older boys
01:16:23 Julie31 2 I opted out of preschool this year bc the only one close by was 4 hours a day 2 days a week and was very scholastic based ---- I really wanted it for the social aspects ya know
01:16:48 LogansMom28w yes. i do "school" with all 3. even logan, technically. but we're very relaxed
01:17:06 Julie31 2 Where do you get your ideas/curr
01:17:24 LogansMom28w yes... no need to major academics with a 2 or 3 yr old. just read, read, read, and read more to them. that's "school" enough
01:18:10 Julie31 2 I agree we have a great children's specialist at a lib. about 20 min from here she's great!! so I consider that his school so far
01:18:33 Julie31 2 Maybe one day very soon Logan will be able to enjoy that simple pleasure too
01:18:34 LogansMom28w read "The Well-Trained Mind" by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise (mother daughter team). They have provided all sorts of great info for K on up. as for preeschool, I use something called "Five in a Row" with little guys (like Logan), Before Five in
01:18:47 LogansMom28w a Row by Lambert
01:19:26 Julie31 2 I need to go write that down I don't know what we will do for real school yet
01:19:33 LogansMom28w the library is MORE than enough school for their age, IMO. they should look at bugs, play in the sand, stare at grass, look at clouds. thats school when you're 2!
01:20:03 LogansMom28w that book (WTM) will help guide you to make a choice
01:21:26 Julie31 2 I'll check that out ---- we loved the flour pool--- have you tried that one yet?
01:22:03 Julie31 2 The dust was not nearly as bad as I thought it might be -- of course I only had my 2 year old no big brothers LOL
01:22:13 LogansMom28w we've had rain here, then we went out of town. that's on our list this week. then next week we'll make the TP one or bubbles. I loved Karri's idea to use metal hangers as blowers!
01:22:43 LogansMom28w did you get any good pictures? I am so glad it was a success. i read your post on it. any advice?
01:23:16 Julie31 2 I hope so on the pics not developed yet I know I'm in the dark ages
01:23:49 Julie31 2 We got a great!!!!!!!!!! water table at Toys R US about 3 weeks ago it is awesome!!!!!!!!!
01:24:26 Julie31 2 Our problem is mosquitos!!!!! They are horrible here!! We can only go out first thing in the morning
01:26:02 LogansMom28w ohhhh... before we moved to DSM we had a creek on our property. we had bad mosquitos too. i don't miss that. we used avon's skin-so-soft and that helped, but not entirely. i can't wait to see your pictures!
01:26:23 LogansMom28w logan loves his water table, too. those are a treasure of fun at this age.
01:27:15 Julie31 2 I figure it will save my floor to get him out of the sink and into the yard
01:28:08 LogansMom28w this is true. in the winter i let my boys play in the sink, but they started getting rowdy so now i let them take recreational baths to save my floor. i know what you mean!
01:28:33 Julie31 2 Here's a trick----we took a trip to the ER on the 7th with our ears ---YUCK---anyway couldn't get him calm so finally I took the stool over to the sink and let him stand there playing in the water--- it worked!!
01:29:11 Julie31 2 Hey a few cups, water wheel, bubbles and mom can get anything done!!
01:30:19 Julie31 2 My washer/dryer is right across from the BR so I can get laundry done during those long baths----I know I'm paranoid but I don't like to get far away even at 2
01:30:31 LogansMom28w my boys adore that too. magic magic magic water. who'd've guessed?! but it works like magic in this house, too. poor kid.... an ear infection???? is he better now?
01:31:20 LogansMom28w me either. gav is 5 and i don't give him a second of privacy
01:32:26 Julie31 2 we had to start a second round of antibiotics Wed but I think we may have it this time --- I certainly hope so
01:32:54 Julie31 2 Boys don't need privacy anyway----I think the male species would prefer to stay naked anyway
01:35:00 Julie31 2 So are you as far behind on the board as me? I was out Friday and Sat and man am I behind!!
01:37:11 LogansMom28w bless his heart. i hope the new antibiotics do the job!
01:38:31 Julie31 2 I guess we're it for the night huh? I haven't chec
01:38:31 LogansMom28w i am waaay behind... in fact, i think im going to head out there and try and catch up. it was nice seeing you online again! i look forward to seeing your pics, and i'll post some once we try the flour pool, too have a good night!
01:38:40 Julie31 2 ooppss
01:39:01 LogansMom28w lol!
01:39:42 Julie31 2 You have a great night too. It was fun as always!!!! Good luck out there I'm heading that way I've got to check and see if the Friday chat has worked out that would be good for me
01:40:26 LogansMom28w ohhh yeah... me too. hope so! take care!
01:40:26 Melody Glover has joined the chat.
01:41:34 Melody Glover 2 has joined the chat.
01:41:49 Melody Glover 2 has joined the chat.
01:41:49 Bekah23 has joined the chat.
01:41:49 Bekah23 has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Patrice Barnes has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Beth89 has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Beth89 has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Beth89 has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Bekah23 has joined the chat.
01:41:55 Beth89 has joined the chat.
01:43:50 Beth89 2 has joined the chat.
01:45:11 Beth89 3 has joined the chat.
01:47:44 Beth89 has joined the chat.
01:48:09 Beth89 hello
01:48:47 Amy W has joined the chat.
01:49:02 Amy W Ok, I'm here.
01:49:08 Amy W How are you tonight?
01:49:50 Beth89 2 has joined the chat.
01:49:55 Beth89 2 hello
01:49:55 Beth89 2 hello
01:50:22 Beth89 2 r u here
01:50:48 Amy W Yes, I'm Here.
01:50:55 Beth89 2 i see your name on the list do you know how to do this
01:51:11 Beth89 2 how are u?
01:51:11 Beth89 2 how are u?
01:51:27 Amy W I have never been here before.
01:51:31 Beth89 2 sorry i keep hitting enter twice
01:51:33 Amy W I am ok
01:51:36 Beth89 2 me neither
01:51:40 Amy W It's ok
01:51:47 Beth89 2 so what brings you to this site?
01:51:53 Beth89 2 do you have a preemie?
01:52:07 Amy W How are you?
01:52:45 Beth89 2 it is hot here in Ohio and my airconditioner decides to go on the fritz
01:52:52 Beth89 2 i am fine, thanks
01:53:04 Amy W I have a daughter who is 2 1/2 born at 36 weeks. But she is not why I am here. I lost my 2nd daughter on 3/14/05, at almost 25 weeks.
01:53:25 Beth89 2 do you have a preemie?
01:53:38 Amy W It's not too bad in New Jersey yet. We have the windows open.
01:53:38 Beth89 2 oh, im so sorry
01:53:58 Amy W Do you have a preemie?
01:54:31 Beth89 2 i have a son, well actually i have 3, one is 10 he was full term, 1 is 8 he was born at 37 weeks and 1 is 15 mos and he was born 26wks 6days
01:54:47 Beth89 2 yes, i did
01:54:59 Amy W It's ok.
01:55:22 Beth89 2 if you dont mind me asking, what happened with your daughter?
01:55:51 Beth89 2 my sister in law is from new jersey too, she lives in Ohio now!!
01:55:54 Amy W This is confusing... I think you have to keep pushing the refresh/send button to see if there is a new message.
01:56:55 Beth89 2 if my punctuation is not good, i appologize.
01:57:06 Amy W We aren't positive yet. I was going to a really crappy Dr. So all he told us that my body just didn't feel like having a baby. That doesn't happen though.
01:57:21 Beth89 2 no all you have to do is hit enter and all the messages show up on the screen
01:57:28 Beth89 2 dont send it as a private message
01:57:29 Amy W My new doctor thinks I might have thrombofilia and or lupus
01:57:58 Beth89 2 just type in the message box
01:58:00 Amy W We are waiting for the results to come back.
01:58:08 Beth89 2 oh, thats not good
01:58:14 Amy W Ok, I think I got it now.
01:58:14 Beth89 2 what did your daughter weigh
01:58:20 Beth89 2 ok good
01:58:35 Beth89 2 we are the only 2 in the room
01:58:54 Amy W Yea, I know. I just want answers at this point in time. I shouldn't have waited so long to switch doctors.
01:59:17 Amy W My first or second daughter?
01:59:34 Beth89 2 did you get my message about how much she weighed
01:59:44 Beth89 2 second
01:59:44 Beth89 2 second
02:00:03 Beth89 2 this is a little confussing
02:00:26 Beth89 2 do you use the yahoo messenger
02:00:32 Amy W she was only 900 grams
02:00:38 Beth89 2 we could talk there
02:00:41 Amy W No, I have aol.
02:00:57 Beth89 2 my son only weighed 733 grams
02:01:05 Beth89 2 me too
02:01:15 Beth89 2 we could talk there if you want, it would be easier
02:01:40 Amy W God Bless him!!!!!
02:01:48 Beth89 2 he is a miracle
02:01:55 Beth89 2 he weighs 19lbs now
02:02:01 Amy W Ok that sounds good. My s/n is IrishQueen1229
02:02:02 Beth89 2 i thank god every day for him
02:02:12 Amy W He sure is.
02:02:24 Beth89 2 hold on let me make sure i can do this, i have never used the messanger before
02:02:32 Beth89 2 my name is elzdru
02:02:32 Deborah has joined the chat.
02:02:45 Stacie Hennings has joined the chat.
02:03:06 Gregory'smommy has joined the chat.
02:03:06 Page Rowley has joined the chat.
02:03:06 Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.
02:03:26 Michele Reeves has joined the chat.
02:05:08 Melissa Middleton has joined the chat.
02:05:20 Melissa Middleton Hi Michele! How was graduation?
02:05:28 Michele Reeves Hi, Melissa!
02:05:41 Michele Reeves Graduation was GREAT! We were so proud of him...still are! lol
02:05:56 Michele Reeves How was the birthday party??
02:05:59 Melissa Middleton Whew! It seems like a long time since our last chat! And SO much has happened since then too!
02:06:20 Michele Reeves It does seem like a long time, how long ago was it?
02:06:32 Donna Schweitzer has joined the chat.
02:06:39 Melissa Middleton It was lots of fun! We rented the pavilion at the lake...and lots of guest came to help celebrate! I can hardly believe they are 2!
02:06:54 Michele Reeves I am not going to be able to stay long after everyone is here, so when we are present and accounted for I am going to launch into PAD stuff!
02:06:57 Melissa Middleton Hi Donna! I think it has been 3 weeks since our last chat!
02:06:58 Michele Reeves Hey, Donna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
02:07:08 Melissa Middleton Okay! sounds good Michele!
02:07:20 Michele Reeves Oh, Donna...oh, Donna...oh, donna... Remember that song? I was singing to you! lol
02:07:25 Donna Schweitzer hi ladies!! Sorry, not going to be able to stick around. We had a minor catastrophe at home today (more details later), so things are a bit out of control. Details by email tomorrow re: PAD?
02:07:45 Michele Reeves Yep, Donna...I can do that! Everybody/thing okay?????
02:07:45 Melissa Middleton I personally like the song, Sweet Melissa...Brett should sing THAT to me!
02:07:48 Donna Schweitzer I hear that song ALL the time!! Makes me laugh still. Gotta go...
02:07:54 Michele Reeves HUGS! Donna!
02:08:06 Donna Schweitzer Sounds great. Have a great night. chat with you tomorrow!
02:08:08 Melissa Middleton Donna! I am sorry...but will definitely update you!
02:08:27 Michele Reeves That was quick! lol I hope everything is okay, but it was nice of her to stop by!
02:08:31 Melissa Middleton Okay, Michele...what do you have for us?
02:08:43 Michele Reeves Do you think Darcy and Karri are coming?
02:09:04 Melissa Middleton Donna is a sweetie! But, yes....I certainly do hope the problem really was minor!
02:09:19 Michele Reeves I am sure it was minor or she wouldn't have stopped in!
02:09:33 Melissa Middleton Darcy is usually on time...and Karri is usually very close....Brenda is in NYC and may not make it..
02:09:51 Michele Reeves We can give them a couple of minutes, if you want to!
02:09:58 Melissa Middleton Brenda zipped an e-mail to me yesterday...
02:10:20 Melissa Middleton Lets! Just to see...well, tell me about your full house for graduation...
02:10:25 Michele Reeves I have been so swamped lately, I haven't even had time to get on the site lately and I hate it!!!
02:10:47 Michele Reeves Well, for the graduation week, it rained and rained and rained! So the famiy from CT didn't get the sun they were expecting which was a bummer!
02:10:56 Melissa Middleton You are such a huge part of this site Michele...I know everyone looks forward to your posts!
02:11:03 Michele Reeves The ceremony was awesome and the party was fabulous!!!!
02:11:28 Michele Reeves Aw, thanks Melissa! That is why I hate that I haven't been on the site lately! I really miss it and feel so disconnected!
02:11:32 Melissa Middleton I am sure your family enjoyed it just the same...what a wonderful thing to bring the family together and celebrate! And medical school! I know you are so proud!
02:11:43 Michele Reeves I am very proud of Chris!
02:12:06 Melissa Middleton Is Chris going far away to school...or will it still be close to home?
02:12:50 Michele Reeves Today I dropped Brandon, 11 yr old, at camp for the first time. Victory Junction (a Paul Newman camp for chronically ill children) so I have been pretty weepy today!
02:13:07 Michele Reeves Chris will be going to college in PA, about 9 hours from home! This is really a good move for him!
02:13:32 Melissa Middleton Oh! I can only imagine! But Brandon will have a wonderful time..and he will have all kinds of stories to share with you once he returns!
02:13:38 Michele Reeves I can't wait to read about the birthday party, did you post about it?
02:14:00 Melissa Middleton It sounds like a wonderful move for Chris....but I know 9 hours seems like a long way to you!
02:14:08 Michele Reeves I know Brandon will, but I am waiting for the camp to call and tell me he is doing great! I know he is, but I guess I have to hear it!
02:14:08 Karri has joined the chat.
02:14:14 Karri Hi ladies!
02:14:14 Michele Reeves Hey, Karri! Welcome!
02:14:22 Michele Reeves Do you think Darcy is coming?
02:14:29 LogansMom28w has joined the chat.
02:14:31 Karri Thanks...I have to put a few in bed, I'll be right back!!
02:14:32 Melissa Middleton Not yet....want to post pictures! It was such fun. The kids really enjoyed playing outside all afternoon....it was overcast...but did not rain...so was not as hot as it easily could have been!
02:14:34 Michele Reeves There she is!!!
02:14:35 LogansMom28w hi girls!
02:14:37 Michele Reeves Welcome, Darcy
02:14:41 Melissa Middleton Karri! Hi, glad you could make it!
02:14:44 LogansMom28w pink... way cool, michele
02:14:54 Melissa Middleton Darcy....Hi! How are you!
02:14:57 LogansMom28w how was the bday bash?
02:15:00 Michele Reeves Bill is headed home with Amanda running a fever so I am going to make this quick if that is okay with everyone!!! Can you read the pink okay???
02:15:18 LogansMom28w nice to see you guys... sry im late!
02:15:26 Melissa Middleton Oh! I am sorry Amanda isn't feeling well....type away Michele!
02:15:37 LogansMom28w pink is good... wish i could change color!
02:15:37 Melissa Middleton I am just glad you made it, Darcy!
02:15:50 Michele Reeves PAD...MOD is still 2 weeks away from picking a venue for the event in DC.
02:16:10 Michele Reeves When they select the venue they will be able to give us a "firm" hotel rate.
02:16:22 LogansMom28w ok, let's plan on mtg again here in 2 or 3 wks when things are more finals
02:16:27 Michele Reeves MOD is working on airline discounts for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More on that later!!!
02:16:46 LogansMom28w yippee! ty mod!
02:16:47 Melissa Middleton that sounds good...I am looking forward to that firm rate....what else have you got?
02:16:51 Michele Reeves They will set up the appointments with our senators and representatives, which will make it much easier for us!!!
02:16:55 Melissa Middleton YAY! That is wonderful!
02:17:04 Michele Reeves A lot of what we do will depend on how many people we have coming.
02:17:04 LogansMom28w wow, handy.
02:17:05 Melissa Middleton Good...good...I am like a kid in the candy store!
02:17:15 Michele Reeves James has an idea and we want to run it by you guys.
02:17:25 Melissa Middleton Well....I bet there are tentative plans....but not massive yet....
02:17:32 Melissa Middleton what's that Michele?
02:17:39 LogansMom28w okey dokey (love ya james!)
02:17:45 Michele Reeves You know how they set up the Family team info box, click here to get more info for the Family TEams, well they were thinking about doing that for PAD.
02:17:56 Melissa Middleton that sounds good...
02:18:06 LogansMom28w i don't get it, michele
02:18:14 LogansMom28w like a flag on the website?
02:18:18 Karri okay I'm back...what did I miss?
02:18:23 Michele Reeves With the Family Teams, James would forward the info to the chapter and the chapter would follow up, then James would follow up with the chapter to make sure the contact was made.
02:18:33 LogansMom28w talking aboud pad...
02:18:52 Michele Reeves Darcy, no. Remember when you logged on to SHARE and there was the box that said for more information on how you can form a family team, click here?
02:18:58 Melissa Middleton I like that .... really....that sounds great so far
02:19:00 Karri chapter, as in local chapter?
02:19:05 LogansMom28w so our local chapter would be involved with us going to pad???
02:19:14 Michele Reeves Sorry I am going so fast, I promise I will follow up with a better e-mail tomorrow.
02:19:35 LogansMom28w ok michele, now i understand
02:19:45 Michele Reeves No, Darcy...hold on! lol You are getting ahead of me...For the Family Teams the local chapter would follow up, state or local, whichever!
02:20:11 Melissa Middleton So local will be a contact point...right?
02:20:12 LogansMom28w phew!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
02:20:13 Michele Reeves Now if we set up the same thing for PAD, it would be up to James to follow up with EVERYONE that asked for more information...this is my thought on this...
02:20:36 Karri I think an email would be a great thing to do !! LOL
02:20:45 LogansMom28w long story... but i rather work with the internet contacts (I *cringe* even saying that)
02:21:01 Karri rather than your local chapter?
02:21:06 Melissa Middleton I am for the e-mail...after this weekend...my brain is kind of tired! :>)
02:21:25 LogansMom28w amen sista.... HS convention all weekend here. i'm spent
02:21:32 Karri Melissa, party went well? I'm sorry you probably already shared this info
02:21:40 Melissa Middleton what do you mean e-mail contacts...Darcy....like a list of folks who are interested?
02:21:43 Michele Reeves Could we/would we/should we...we meaning Darcy, Melissa, Karri, me, Brenda and Donna be willing to act as the contact person for PAD. We would have a system...divide the country into sections. If someone from the SouthEast asked for information, I would contact them and give them the information...if someone from California or the west coast asked for information, Donna would contact them...etc....
02:21:56 Melissa Middleton Yes! We had a wonderful time...I will post story and pics tomorrow...thanks for asking!
02:22:19 Karri Melissa...great! Michele...great idea
02:22:19 Melissa Middleton Hope the convention went great Darcy...and you got some good ideas!
02:22:30 LogansMom28w i mean i have a better rapport with nancy, james, etc and you guys of course.
02:22:47 Karri Oooohhh my excitement....I've been asked to speak at the golf outing by our local chapter!!
02:23:03 LogansMom28w thanks, melissa, and i'm eager to hear about the bday bash.... i asked above, but i think it scrolled too quickly
02:23:04 Melissa Middleton Right! I feel out of the loop! I really do not converse much with James and Nancy...Nancy a little more...James, well...never...
02:23:09 Michele Reeves So I need to know if you guys are willing to do this!!!!!!?????????? Someone would click on the "more information" button and James would assign a contact person, one of us to follow up with them!
02:23:21 LogansMom28w ok michele
02:23:30 Melissa Middleton Karri, that is GREAT! I am sure you will do fabulous, girl!
02:23:50 Melissa Middleton I am willing to do it Michele...anything to help!
02:24:12 LogansMom28w i feel humbled by that. am i qualified to do that? i don't have a relationship (or much of one) with the local chapter
02:24:16 Karri Michele, I'm on board with that. I'm assuming we will be given all the info as to what we are to report?
02:24:25 Michele Reeves So is everyone on board with that? We can work out the details maybe in a telephone conference call, I think that would be much easier!!!!
02:24:28 LogansMom28w karri - YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you'll be brilliant
02:24:40 Melissa Middleton I guess I am the other way around...I have much more of a relationship with our local...maybe I am just an oddball!
02:24:53 Karri I like the con-call idea...will work much better!
02:24:55 Michele Reeves The local chapters will not be involved at all. We want this to remain a "grassroots" effort, with us being the grass!! lol
02:25:00 Melissa Middleton That sounds great Michele...I am on board!
02:25:11 LogansMom28w no melissa, it's *me*, i had a graet relationship with our former chapter.
02:25:24 LogansMom28w i'm feelin' green already, michele
02:25:30 Michele Reeves It would be moms calling moms!!! or moms calling dads, I think you get the picture...
02:25:36 Melissa Middleton Okay...so I will gladly work with the national chapter...I understand what you are saying...
02:25:37 Michele Reeves Darcy, why green??? Tell me your concerns!
02:25:49 LogansMom28w just trying to be funny about being grass. lol
02:25:54 Michele Reeves Yep, Melissa, National chapter ONLY...no local chapter involvment!
02:26:01 Michele Reeves ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...LOL, Darcy!!!!
02:26:13 Michele Reeves Whew...I thought I was losing Darcy for a minute! hehe!
02:26:18 Karri LOL
02:26:37 LogansMom28w i am most certainly on board.... enthusiastically!
02:26:37 Michele Reeves OK...what is the best time for conference call with you girls????? Night time? Day time?
02:26:38 Melissa Middleton Actually, I think that would be really great...I know I would respond better to moms and dads who are more a sounding/welcome board...than a phone call from someone more official...if that makes sense
02:26:49 Michele Reeves Yep, total sense, Melissa!
02:27:02 Michele Reeves MOD will do as much or as little as we want them to do!
02:27:02 LogansMom28w afternoons work best for me
02:27:11 Karri afternoon...daytime, or evening after 7:00p.m
02:27:16 Melissa Middleton Night or midafternoon...evening is good too...the rest of the time I am chasing my tail or my kids!
02:27:36 Michele Reeves They will get the permit, if needed, for us to do our honor/memory walk!!!!!!!
02:27:39 LogansMom28w lol melissa... tail...
02:27:48 LogansMom28w YAY!
02:28:00 Melissa Middleton Oh! I am so glad! That means a great deal to me...as I know it will for so many parents!
02:28:05 Karri I'm sooo excited!!
02:28:08 Michele Reeves How about 9PM one evening??? I will have to get James to set all of this up, but we need to have it pretty soon...hopefully before the end of the month!
02:28:28 Melissa Middleton That sounds fine...I am so eager to get started on this!
02:28:31 LogansMom28w i think we should try and get todd on board with this, too. he doesnt' like to show up to chat, but he is *the* DAD force around here and could call the dads
02:28:39 Karri that works for me...We leave for vacation on the 24th....so maybe before then?
02:28:48 Michele Reeves I hear the garage door...gotta tend to my sick on!! I am sorry to ditch you like this!! Keep talking and I will get Nancy to send me a transcript!!! LOVE you guys!! HUGS!
02:29:03 LogansMom28w anytime but 6/21, 6/22...
02:29:17 Karri okay....who knows who is sick at Michele's house? Brandon?
02:29:18 LogansMom28w *hugs* michele. and *hugs* to little amanda
02:29:25 Melissa Middleton Okay Michele...give Amanda a hug for us...and talk to you then!
02:29:26 LogansMom28w amanda is running a fever
02:29:35 Melissa Middleton Amanda is running fever...
02:29:48 Karri thanks!! how high? I like details
02:29:51 LogansMom28w melissa.... before you run... tell us about the bday party!
02:30:00 Melissa Middleton Do I hear a parrot, Darcy...that must be me...Jinx!
02:30:03 LogansMom28w i wasn't here to read that
02:30:20 LogansMom28w lol melissa... great minds think alike
02:30:46 Karri what kind of cake???
02:30:59 Melissa Middleton We had a very nice time...red racer wagon rides...balloon animal making...LOTS Of food (I am still full) and I got really choked up when my dad asked for a moment of silence for Alex after the blessing and before we ate...it was so sweet...and
02:31:27 LogansMom28w oooooooohhhhhhhh, that was sweet of your dad
02:31:27 Melissa Middleton I really needed that...to have him a part of the day....the kids had a wonderful time...I have some great pictures I will HAVE to share..!
02:32:05 LogansMom28w i've been meaning to ask... did you name your kids after their lettering? Alex = baby A, etc?
02:32:05 Karri Ohhh Melissa, I'm happy that the day went well! I was thinking about you. I know this must be a bittersweet time for you!
02:32:19 Melissa Middleton It was very sweet....we all had a very nice time! Thanks for asking...oh! and i did get their 2nd year scrapbook done JUST in time!
02:32:30 Karri YAY!!!
02:32:41 LogansMom28w i can't wait to see the photos and I said a big prayer for you all that day... a wild celebration one for the three and sweet rememberence one for Alex
02:33:04 LogansMom28w WOW! I don't even have L's scrapbook done. that's impressive. big deal
02:33:10 Melissa Middleton YES! Baby A, B, C, and D... except backwards...one of our fav. drs. used to pick on me saying I did everyhthing just right but could not recite the alphabet correctly!
02:33:38 LogansMom28w so donovan was baby A?
02:33:42 Karri Our Neo...thanks us for naming the girls alphabetically
02:34:11 Melissa Middleton Girls! your prayers and support mean so much...one day, I know their birthday will be easier for me...but having Alex's death on the heels of such a happy event...I feel joyful...sad...guilty...and all of those PoP feelings just overwhelm me this
02:34:13 Melissa Middleton time of year..
02:34:46 Melissa Middleton Yep...strange...I know! Had to add a little zest to it...something unexpected (like I had to try right?)
02:34:59 LogansMom28w understandable... its joyous to see how far B,C,
02:35:24 Karri I'm sure they do. I can't begin to imagine what your days are like during this time. I'm sure watching your three sweeties here helps/
02:35:24 LogansMom28w and D have come but sad because Alex fought so hard
02:35:52 Melissa Middleton We really tripped the dr.s up in NICU....b/c they referred to kids as baby Abcd....but their names did not go with letters! LOL
02:36:00 LogansMom28w Hanna was baby A and Rachel was baby B?
02:36:19 LogansMom28w melissa, thats comical!
02:36:32 Karri Yup...although we didn't intentionally do it that way.... we had just decided on Hanna before Rachel
02:36:48 Melissa Middleton Isn't it funny how A B C etc. takes on such a special meaning...our kid's first names....*smile*
02:36:51 LogansMom28w big storms here girls, i need to get going.... electricity, flash floods, hail.... *hugs* to you both!
02:37:14 Karri Baby A was always 100% certain for a girl on u/s,,but baby b was never 100% so we had a boy names just in case
02:37:33 Melissa Middleton Hugs to you...and glad you stopped by...I have to run too....Ben has been very fussy tonight...daddy is holding an dmomma is about to take over *sigh*
02:37:57 Melissa Middleton Donovan was supposed to be a girl! HA! But he is ALL boy! How that mistake could have been made...
02:38:15 Karri to funny Melissa!!!
02:38:31 Melissa Middleton Karri...have a great night! I miss talking to you guys through chat..but have a feeling we will soon be doing lots of it!
02:38:39 Melissa Middleton Hugs!
02:38:43 Karri I gotta run too. Ian's friend is sleeping over.
02:38:56 Melissa Middleton We are all so busy! WHEW!
02:39:02 Karri Take care.... glad the party went well!
02:39:09 Melissa Middleton Talk with you soon!
02:39:14 Melissa Middleton Thanks!
02:39:17 Karri Hugs to everyone!!
02:39:20 Karri night!
02:39:20 Deborah has joined the chat.
02:39:24 burchettspt has joined the chat.
02:39:24 laura fry has joined the chat.
02:39:24 Owen'sMommy has joined the chat.
02:39:38 Nancy White has joined the chat.
02:39:38 sharonf has joined the chat.
02:40:01 Julie31 has joined the chat.
02:40:03 Angie Searcy has joined the chat.
02:40:48 nickysmom has joined the chat.
02:40:50 nickysmom has joined the chat.
02:40:50 sheshe has joined the chat.

hi

HELLO IM NEW DOES ANYONE WANNA TALK
 

Maddy, we don't have any chats scheduled. I know Melissa Middleton was interested in reviving them!

When is the next chat scheduled?

One of our great community members, Melissa Middleton, is working on some ideas. Do you have any ideas of chat topics you'd like to see?

Hello my name is holly and I have a 33 week preeemie. I just had my son Braden on August 22nd of this year. I was thinking maybe a chat of how to survive your first winter with a preemie.

Holly

sounds like a good chat I have a 35.5 weeker

hello i have a 25 weeker and now she is 20months old doing well
if anyone would like to chat im availible

We should start a chat

Hello My name is Melissa, and I am a new mommy of a 24 wkr. Im looking forward to hearing from other familys with similar storys. Ashlee was born Nov, 2005. We're from PA. And we are just trying to get as much info about having a preemie as possible. And just getting to meet other families. Looking forward to hearing from anyone.

Hi my name is Lynn and i had a 25 weeker on November 9,2005.He was 1lb 14oz 13in long.He is doing alot better now he is 5lbs still having some lung issues he has BPD(lung diease) it is a hard long road and i want to take him home so bad!! Hope to hear from you guys..
Good luck to all all in my prayers

Lynn

Try not to worry "too much" about his lungs later. I know it's disheartening to see him hooked up to all the tubes and having problems, but wait until he's older. I was premature, had "a lot" of surgeries, and now I'm grown and perfectly fine. What kind of lung disease does he have and how old is he now?

mike

My how he has grown! He is very cute and getting chubby (in the best baby way possible!)

Good luck on your road and keep us posted.

Kristyn

I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about it

No, I don't know anything about this, but would love to learn about it.
Kristyn

Hello, my soon was born at 25 weeks and i was wondering if anyone in here also had a child born at 25 weeks?

Hi everyone, How are you all doing today?