Pages

▼

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Today


Today, among other things, we are going to do some baby shopping. I believe a Stroller and Car Seat are the two main items on the list.

But first, we're going to go check in with Gwyneth. She decided to extubate herself about an hour after surgery yesterday, and she has been breathing on her own since. She began feeding again at 8 this morning and continues to do great! She's still in the NICU, which is fine with us as we feel more at home there anyway after 3 months there...while the nurses in the step-down unit are just as great, it just doesn't feel the same.

Right now we're looking at mid-week to bring Gwyneth home!

Thanks!

Nate
at

86 comments:

  1. Jill in RaleighMay 10, 2008 at 1:54 PM

    Once again, we are all thankful for the continued good news!

    ReplyDelete
  2. MarsmileMay 10, 2008 at 1:56 PM

    Thanks for sharing! Have fun shopping!

    You are such a strong lil girl, Gwyn! :-)

    Marissa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. TanyaMay 10, 2008 at 1:57 PM

    Awesome news!! Have a great time shopping - baby shopping is SO fun!

    I continue to be amazed at the strength of your little princess!
    Praise God!

    ReplyDelete
  4. EllenMay 10, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    It's so awesome to hear about the two of you doing "normal" parent things like picking out a stroller and car seat! What a joy to pray for your family through this journey! God Bless and Happy Early Mother's Day to Tricia!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Rick LawrensonMay 10, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    Find the local fire station and ask them to install the car seat. They are trained professionals! (Your NC taxes at work.)

    Of course, this will mean you'll have to actually clean out your car first.

    Your whole weekend is now shot.

    Glad to hear she extubated herself. She's a big girl and she doesn't want to be treated otherwise.

    ReplyDelete
  6. JulieMay 10, 2008 at 2:06 PM

    Way to look out for your grand-daughter, Rick!!LOL

    It is SO much fun shopping for baby, and I'm so happy for both of you that God made reaching this point possible.

    After you go to visit Gwyneth, are you two stopping at the bank to take out a loan? You know, since you are going to want to buy everything you SEE for your sweet little girl!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. NatalieMay 10, 2008 at 2:07 PM

    Have fun baby shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  8. CandiMay 10, 2008 at 2:08 PM

    Have fun shopping!! Just in case you don't know what kind of car seat you are getting---I absolutely LOVED my Chicco Key Fit! Super easy to install with LATCH! I also loved the newborn insert that came with it.

    I hope that isn't considered unsolicited advice---just wanted you to know a good one that had the top ratings, too! I had a Graco with my first and it didn't even compare!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. KatelynMay 10, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    Tricia looks so excited and happy. She's beaming. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. EstelleMay 10, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    Seriously you two are way too cute. Add your kid is there and the cuteness factor goes off the charts!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownMay 10, 2008 at 2:10 PM

    wooo-hoooo!
    ~ becky b

    ReplyDelete
  12. Fire HuntMay 10, 2008 at 2:12 PM

    Baby shopping is fun! Thanks for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  13. KimMay 10, 2008 at 2:15 PM

    I've been lurking for quite a few weeks now...I have been so blessed to see how both Tricia and Gwyneth are looking better and better with each and every post.

    I have watch both beautiful girls go from gaunt and weak to the bold, healthy ladies they were created to be.

    I have been privileged to watch the transformation and will continue to do so over the weeks and months to come as long as you allow.

    Praying for you all!

    ReplyDelete
  14. DeAnneMay 10, 2008 at 2:15 PM

    I continue to praise God for all that He is doing in and thru your family. In our North American world, it is sometimes hard to see God performing miracles, healing the sick, and providing needs in desperate situations. Your blog is such a reflection of just how great our God really is, that He is still performing miracles, and that He is meeting needs in trying situations. I praise God that Gwyn is so strong and is doing so well. I am anxious for her to be able to go home. Thank you for sharing your life with the blogging world!

    ReplyDelete
  15. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 2:16 PM

    Happy Mother's Day, Tricia, what a great weekend for you all!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Our Two Blessings From AboveMay 10, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    Have a great time baby shopping.
    Glad to hear Gwyneth is doing so well.
    Mid-week that is awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The PelhamsMay 10, 2008 at 2:20 PM

    If you are having a hard time deciding on a good carseat. We signed up fo Consumer Reports online for a whole shopping $5.95 for one month and did some research about carseats and everything else baby related. There is an endless supply of great info there! Isn't it exciting and scary all at the same time getting ready to take your baby home??!! Enjoy:)

    ReplyDelete
  18. HollyMarieMay 10, 2008 at 2:25 PM

    You go Gwyneth! Show those folks that you're ready to go home. :) Have fun shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  19. JUST A MOMMay 10, 2008 at 2:26 PM

    ENJOY SHOPPING OH YEAH AND YOU MIGH TNEED SO OTHER LITTLE THINGS TOO,,, like a book called" daddy is gunna bust" ok maybe not but I see the blessings and joy in both your faces it is GREAT!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 2:28 PM

    yay!! for gwyn!!! awesome! How do you feel nathan? Are you nervous/excited all in one? I would be. That is too cool!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Blessings From AboveMay 10, 2008 at 2:31 PM

    AWESOME NEWS! I can not believe that this time next week you all may be home together. Praise God!!!

    Enjoy your shopping trip...

    ReplyDelete
  22. CarmenMay 10, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    Great news, you both look so happy .... Have fun shopping....

    ReplyDelete
  23. redburnsMay 10, 2008 at 2:39 PM

    Yeah! How fun! Enjoy your day, and we'll keep praying for you down here in Texas!!

    ~heather

    ReplyDelete
  24. Andy LawrensonMay 10, 2008 at 2:41 PM

    the more expensive the car seat the better the car seat
    the more expensive the stroller the better the stroller
    The draining of the wallet and bank account begins :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. StacemoeMay 10, 2008 at 2:41 PM

    Incredible news!!! I know you are Tricia are SOOO excited!!! God is so good!!! Gwyneth is so amazing. Thanks for the updates and I am so happy she is doing so well and Tricia is too. Tricia looks incredible in the pics!!! So happy and healthy!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. ~j~May 10, 2008 at 2:43 PM

    So fun to be on this part of the journey with you, baby shopping for Gwyneth! I hope you had such a wonderful time together and I will be thinking of you tomorrow Tricia as you celebrate your first Mothers Day!!!
    love j

    ReplyDelete
  27. CarolMay 10, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    This baby is VERY smart--took her own endotracheal tube out! She liked being tubeless--her face looks so blissful in the one where she had no feeding tube. Have fun baby shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  28. HIS daughterMay 10, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    YAY!!! Praise the Lord :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Jen in AlMay 10, 2008 at 2:59 PM

    so thankful!!!!! Rejoicing with you!!! continuing to pray...jen in al

    ReplyDelete
  30. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 3:05 PM

    Yay, yay, yay!!

    What a cute picture of the two of you. Can't wait to see more Gwyneth pictures without the feeding tube. God sure has answered the prayers of His people regarding your precious family.

    In Him,
    Leah in Alaska

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownMay 10, 2008 at 3:05 PM

    You guys are sooo lucky you have time to get ready and reconnect with one another before Gwyneth comes home!! have fun shopping! I can't wait to hear about her homecoming and "normal" boring everyday life stuff withyour little family!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  32. JoannaMay 10, 2008 at 3:11 PM

    Awesome news!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 3:16 PM

    The senior Mr. Lawrenson offers great advice about the fire department installation. I'm not offering advice, just agreeing, so please don't delete me or be offended! ;)

    I'm just tickled silly for you guys. How happy you both look and what a wonderful little baby girl you get to enjoy.

    I, personally, LOVE baby shopping. After all the challenges you have been through to get here, I hope you both thoroughly enjoy every moment of it.

    Blessings to you.

    ReplyDelete
  34. BlomgrensMay 10, 2008 at 3:24 PM

    Praise the Lord! So, fun to keep seeing progress. I hope shopping was great!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Kelly HallahanMay 10, 2008 at 3:28 PM

    It is such a joy to see Tricia so happy and healthy looking! There is new life radiating through your smile!

    ReplyDelete
  36. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 3:35 PM

    What a genius .. extubating herself like that. :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. SherylMay 10, 2008 at 3:38 PM

    That is one strong little girl!! Can't believe you said you're looking at taking her home mid-week. How exciting.

    Still praying,
    Sheryl

    ReplyDelete
  38. My2GirlsMay 10, 2008 at 3:39 PM

    Hey guys! ABSOLUTELY LOVE that pic of the two of you! Nate - you are so "smitten" with Tricia ..... it is NOT even funny! If that photo doesn't SCREAM "I adore you" with your eyes SET on Tricia, then I don't know what does.

    Okay, so I'm TOTALLY stoked to read that you are going "baby" shopping! HAVE FUN! Don't get TOO overwhelmed. Yikes! I'll never forget shopping at Babies R Us for the "perfect" carseat/stroller combo .... otherwise known in modern day baby terms as the "travel system" ..... but anyway, there are SO many designs and patterns and colors and styles! Good grief! Just HAVE FUN! And, I'm sure .... with two super cool and hip parents like you, little Gwyneth will be "styling and profiling" in whatever you choose! Just HAVE FUN! ENJOY being two young and happy parents of one LUCKY little girl!!!

    Oh, and Tricia......Happy Mother's Day to you!!! U ROCK!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Laurie in Ca.May 10, 2008 at 3:42 PM

    Early Happy Mother's Day Tricia!!!
    You guys look so great and happy in this picture. What an amazing blessing to see how far God has brought the three of you. Have fun shopping and I'll bet you get more than two things!!!:) Gwenyth is just the strongest little girl I know.

    Love, Laurie in Ca.

    ReplyDelete
  40. EmMay 10, 2008 at 3:49 PM

    What great news and a Beautiful Mothers Day Celebration. Shopping is soooo much fun!!!! I enjoyed every minute of it.

    God Bless Your Beautiful Family

    ReplyDelete
  41. naomi sillimanMay 10, 2008 at 3:56 PM

    Awesome! Have fun! Enjoy your weekend! Thank you for still allowing us to see a little slice of your lives. Our God is truly awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. AmyMay 10, 2008 at 3:59 PM

    What an awesome start to the weekend. Our God is awesome! I hope we get to see some of the baby stuff you bring home.

    ReplyDelete
  43. VioletMay 10, 2008 at 4:09 PM

    i could not read any better news than this today!! I'm so excited to see you all finally leaving the hospital as a family!

    ReplyDelete
  44. ReneMay 10, 2008 at 4:12 PM

    Have fun shopping! And Happy Mother's Day to Tricia!

    ReplyDelete
  45. twinboysmomMay 10, 2008 at 4:18 PM

    How fun! Baby shopping! I'm so glad Tricia is able to join you rather than surfing the net for the best carseat/stroller! I'm so excited for you guys! I know you don't want a lot of advice but I just have to share! My husband and I were just days away from bring our twin boys home and our nurse urged us to go out to eat, together and alone. At first we felt bad and didn't want to, after all, we were alone without them for so long after they were born, but she said to go out, it doesn't have to be fancy, but just acknowledge and remember that it will be your last meal alone. We just went to a chain restaurant but had the best meal. Of course all we did was talk about the boys, but it was surreal and a wonderful ending to the NICU experience. The best part, was months later, bringing the boys to the restaurant as a whole family for the first time. I'll never forget where we sat and how we felt. Sorry for rambling, just wanted you take a few minutes in these next exciting, wonderful, busy (of course) days to reflect together on far you've come! Thanks again for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  46. AmandaMay 10, 2008 at 4:22 PM

    Yay for baby shopping!!! Still praying for you guys. It has been wonderful reading the good news lately! Gweneth is just the cutest baby (except for my own of course!)

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownMay 10, 2008 at 4:28 PM

    do you guys have a baby sling? Tricia might not be able to wear one quite yet but it might be valuable for you Nate and the Grandmas! (And makes things easier hands free but yet you are still holding the babe!!) Anyway thought I'd mention it!

    ReplyDelete
  48. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 4:30 PM

    Wahoo! Praising God!

    ReplyDelete
  49. terri cMay 10, 2008 at 4:39 PM

    Go Gwyneth!!!! Just think, little one--Mommy and Daddy all day every day, really soon! Great photo too, love the husband-wife sparkle there. Prayers continuing of course.

    ReplyDelete
  50. JonesFam4May 10, 2008 at 4:41 PM

    WOW!!! Its a weird feeling to look in the back of the car and realize that the hospital RELEASED this KID into your care...okay, it freaked me out with ours. But, wow, I can't believe how quickly both of your girls have progressed since the transplant. God. Amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  51. TestMay 10, 2008 at 4:50 PM

    Trisha...you look so beautiful in this picture! You look healthy and lovely!

    It's so strange the first time you put your baby in a carseat! Fun times!

    ReplyDelete
  52. EmMay 10, 2008 at 4:59 PM

    Midweek? That is awesome news! Praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
  53. SheriMay 10, 2008 at 5:11 PM

    WOW! Enjoy the shoping!!! I can't believe you finally get to get a car seat and stroller- I am soooo happy for you guys!

    Truely I am in awe.....

    ReplyDelete
  54. Anna MarieMay 10, 2008 at 5:12 PM

    Go ahead and buy stock in Duracell - every toy she gets will require 4 AA's or 4 D's or maybe even 2 C's...

    And while you're at it, buy stock in a company that makes string cheese. You'll be glad of that a couple of years from now. =)

    ReplyDelete
  55. BrendaMay 10, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    You are the prettiest couple with a beautiful baby! Tricia you look amazing so soon after transplant. I know Gwyneth can't wait to be home with her mommy and daddy. What a fighter! Prayers for continued strength for all of you.

    ReplyDelete
  56. MissyMay 10, 2008 at 5:18 PM

    i've not seen bigger smiles in all my life! congrats on the good news. happy baby shopping.

    ReplyDelete
  57. KallaMay 10, 2008 at 5:19 PM

    Mommy and Daddy look very excited!!!! Congrats you guys! I also thing that you did good with Gwyneth!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Marc and CharityMay 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM

    Hope you two have an absolute blast shopping for cute stuff!!! That is so great about mid-week! I like to use exclamation points!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownMay 10, 2008 at 5:40 PM

    Tricia, I just wanted to wish you a very happy Mother´s Day!! I´m so happy for you and your family, and I hope you really enjoy your day tomorrow with Gwyneth!

    Dionne Medina

    ReplyDelete
  60. Our Family!May 10, 2008 at 5:52 PM

    How wonderful that you have posted with more great news!! We hope that you have been enjoying your baby shopping!!

    As always, your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers!

    ~ Rob, Amy, Emily, and Ryan Farrell

    ReplyDelete
  61. Anxious AFMay 10, 2008 at 5:59 PM

    YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. DebsMay 10, 2008 at 6:01 PM

    Wonderful news, its what everyone has been waiting for, Is it Mothers Day in US? We have ours in March in the UK, how coincidental is that, Mothers day and baby home YAY! Beautiful, adorable pictures, would love a cuddle myself.... so much love to the 3 of you.

    ReplyDelete
  63. DawnMay 10, 2008 at 6:03 PM

    So happy to read this wonderful update!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. careysueMay 10, 2008 at 6:05 PM

    Thank you for letting all of us in on you're incredible journey! It truly will be an amazing time for the three of you going home! Congratulations and Happy Mother's Day!!!

    Love,

    Carey from MI

    ReplyDelete
  65. KateMay 10, 2008 at 6:19 PM

    As a parent of a preemie as well, the Chicco Key Fit is a great option to consider--it's the only carseat especially designed with preemies in mind and has the highest safety ratings! Good luck and so glad to hear Gwynneth is on her way home!

    ReplyDelete
  66. marciaMay 10, 2008 at 6:24 PM

    What a feisty little fighter she is! I can just see those tiny fingers wrapped around that tube and giving it one big yank as quick as can be...with her nurse standing by in utter amazement at how she managed to do it! She wants to go home!!! Hope you found a carseat! You'll need it very soon!
    Grinning in MI!
    Just read the comment above me about the Chicco carseat. Wasn't going to say anything before, but that is the same travel system that our son and DIL just got for their little gal who arrived a month early....and it is fantastic in every way! Very user friendly and she is snug as a little bug in it. Well worth the extra cash if you can swing it!
    Happy Mother's Day !

    ReplyDelete
  67. MamaBearMay 10, 2008 at 6:33 PM

    Tricia, congratulations on making it so far. Sending you best wishes for a fantastic Mother's Day!

    ReplyDelete
  68. DawnMay 10, 2008 at 6:40 PM

    God is great and I am so glad your little girl gets to go home soon!
    Although there may be some nerves? It will be great to care for Gwyneth at home, just the 3 of you.
    I hope your baby shopping is not and will not be too stressful, I hope you have fun with it. One way or another, God will provide all you need as I am sure you know:)
    Continued prayer for all 3 of you.
    God bless you, In His Love.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)May 10, 2008 at 6:40 PM

    Crazy girl -- extubating herself. :)

    ReplyDelete
  70. DawnMay 10, 2008 at 6:44 PM

    oh and HAPPY MOMMY'S DAY TRICIA!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Beth AnneMay 10, 2008 at 7:11 PM

    How exciting! This is awesome news.

    ReplyDelete
  72. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 7:18 PM

    So can you tell us why Gwyneth had to have emergency surgery? We are all so concerned here and have been praying!

    ReplyDelete
  73. CathyMay 10, 2008 at 7:21 PM

    Two amazingly happy parents! What an awesome God we serve. Happy Mother's Day, Tricia.
    Cathy & Annabel

    ReplyDelete
  74. AnonymousMay 10, 2008 at 7:22 PM

    The Graco snugride is an excellent and top rated infant car seat by Consumer Reports. it is also one of the cheaper priced ones..in case you are interested. Your dad had great advice about the fire station checking the installation of your seat...the police dept. will do that as well. Good luck on your shopping spree! yay for Gwyneth! Do you need some money toward your baby shopping spree? My daughter and I would love to donate some to the baby fund but don't know how to!

    ReplyDelete
  75. JenniferMay 10, 2008 at 7:32 PM

    Congratulations to the whole family. Best wishes as you settle in to a more normal life and a normal new baby routine! I will continue to remember all of you in my prayers from here in Michigan.

    ReplyDelete
  76. JulieMay 10, 2008 at 7:58 PM

    Hi Tricia and Nate,
    Wow! What a stong little girl you have there in little Gwyneth! She certainly knows her own mind too!
    Happy shopping... enjoy!
    It's Mother's Day morning here. Have a wonderful day on this your first Mother's Day Tricia, so special- a day to treasure for you and all your family.
    love and prayers
    Julie
    Moonta, S Aust

    ReplyDelete
  77. ditaraeMay 10, 2008 at 8:09 PM

    wow wow WOW WOW WOW!!! What fabulous news! I hope the shopping trip was grand. I love baby-shopping! We brought our miracle baby home on Mother's Day 4 years ago... yep, we celebrated a "big boy" birthday last week. Our circumstances were much different from yours, but he's a miracle, just the same. GOD IS GOOD! Blessings on you!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Kelley May 10, 2008 at 8:56 PM

    I wanted to wish Tricia a very happy 1st Mother's Day!!

    ReplyDelete
  79. ShannonMay 10, 2008 at 9:02 PM

    I can't believe she is about ready to come home!!! Have fun shopping!

    ReplyDelete
  80. JenniferMay 10, 2008 at 9:24 PM

    I'm not going to read through all the comments to see if anybody has told you this, but you've got to get a Mighty Tite for the car seat. You can find them at Toy's R Us or Baby's R Us usually. It's a little blue and yellow clamp for the seat belt. I swear when you try to move our baby's car seat the entire car rocks, it's in there so tight. They are amazing. And less than $20, so that's great too!

    I came across your site by accident and I've told a lot of people about it. You are in my thoughts every day! I hope you get to bring Gwyneth home very soon!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. DebiMay 10, 2008 at 9:53 PM

    I just have to say that you two are just so cute together! And, I love how 'alive' Tricia looks -- she looks amazing for just having had transplant surgery! Wow! God has been so faithful to bring you all through so very much!

    Blessings! :)
    Debi

    ReplyDelete
  82. Emily WMay 10, 2008 at 10:24 PM

    That is so AWESOME!! I am so happy for you guys!! I have never commented on here (sorry) but I have been following your life here for quite some time. I am so happy for you guys to all be able to go home as a family! Happy Mother's Day Tricia! Praying for you all...

    ReplyDelete
  83. My2GirlsMay 10, 2008 at 10:39 PM

    P.S. - Meant to tell you earlier when I commented. The picture of you two reminds me of a happy song by Jack Johnson - "Better Together"

    Check it out sometime. You'll dig it!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Andrea AmuMay 11, 2008 at 12:16 AM

    I'm sooooo happy for you all that your baby will be coming home real soon! What a blessed event! :)

    ReplyDelete
  85. Growing Up RutledgeMay 11, 2008 at 2:23 AM

    Just to follow up on your dad's comment about getting your carseat installed. I don't think you'll need to go far, it looks like theirs a safekids colatition right at Duke. They will be able to do it right there!

    SAFE KIDS Durham County
    Led by: Duke University Children's Hospital
    Coordinator: Theresa Cromling
    226 Milton Roaddurham, Nc 27712
    Durham, NC 27712
    919-560-8287

    ReplyDelete
  86. JenMay 11, 2008 at 4:18 AM

    you two look so happy :)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

This blog receives many spam and troll comments. Please, do not respond to the spam or troll comments in any way. I am constantly monitoring and deleting comments, and I reserve the right to delete any and all comments related to spam and trolls, including responses.

Thanks!