Our Life Uncommon

First of all--thank you all so much for your comments. It seems like every time I sit down to reply, something pulls me away. Amy really draws strength from your comments, even though we haven't been able to reply much, because it allows her to see and feel everyones support in a more tangible way.

We've had a great few days, and as Amy says, it's almost like you're at the top of the hill on the roller-coaster, waiting for it to drop. Today it dropped a little. Mallory is still doing really well. She isn't making great strides, but we really think it takes a lot of work just to stay stable sometimes, so she's doing great by us. It's late, so I'll spare you the details, but she's off of this and that, and her whatever came back good---that's about it really.

Dawson is doing fantastic in just about all areas except one--the brain ultrasound/scan(not sure which one). This is the one you hope goes really well. There are different grades of bleeds in the brain, from 1-4, 4 being the worst. Dawson and Mallory both had grade 3 bleeds when they were born, which means that there is bleeding, but it's not getting into the brain tissue, where it really causes problems. Mallorys' came back about the same as it was a week ago--which is good(it takes a long time for the blood to absorb). Dawsons' came back with the two grade 3 bleeds still about the same as they were a week ago, and a tiny little new bleed, which is a grade 4. Needless to say--it's been an emotional day for Mama.

We were told previously that a grade 4 bleed WILL cause permanent long term damage. Today they told us about the same thing, with a slight disclaimer. They said that they worry about the kids with grade 4 bleeds, and wonder how it will effect them in the long run. When they see these kids years later, sometimes they are severely disabled for life, and sometimes they are absolutely perfect---you just never know. She said that Dawsons' bleed is the type they worry and wonder about. Of course we'll take the little bugger no matter what! He's such a cute kid! Now that he's losing weight he's really getting cuter by the day. I took a few pictures and a little video, so we'll see if we can get some up tomorrow, but for now I'm headed to bed.

We know that the Lord is running the show, and no matter what happens--everything will be just fine. We feel so blessed to have these babies in our lives. I guess we've got a lot to learn from them. There are no accidents--everything happens for a reason. At one point in my life I was told that I would face many challenges, as well as many opportunities--the big secret is that they are one and the same. Life is what you make of it, and nobody can do it for you. We've been blessed with the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for, and we are so grateful for all of your love and support.

Well---nitey-nite all,
Ryan