Caleb's Last Night In The NICU

Caleb's feeding tube was removed today. He also got the Big C. PoPi was there to comfort and console him. Tomorrow will be a very special day. Caleb and Jack will be together for the first time since they were born. I just know they will feel more comfortable and complete once they are able to snuggle with each other.

Mr. Jonah, Mr. Jonah, Jo, Jo, Jonah, Mr. Jonah

With all the excitement over the "Hyde Boys" making their debut, we have not been able to spend as much time with Jonah as we usually do. Last night, he spent the night at MiMi and PoPi's house. He is always happy when he is with us, but lately his memory has been getting a little sharper. We have a picture of Mommy and Daddy on the wall and sometimes he goes over, looks up, sticks out his bottom lip and a tear or two will appear. We quickly redirect his thoughts and all is well. We also have a "Mimi's Modest Nursing Cover" hanging in the dining room. Nothing can turn his thoughts toward Mommy like that nursing cover. You should see him try to put it over her head!

Jessica has posted some photos of Jonah this time last year on her blog. She has been reminiscing about his babyhood. This picture reminds me of Allen at Jonah's age.

These are the same toys Allen played with. The shape ball and puzzle are 29 years old.

Mimi Is SO Proud Of Caleb!

Last night I had the priviledge of getting to feed Caleb his 9:00 bottle of breastmilk. Mommy had worked really hard to send it to him. It looks like such a little amount and it is by our standards but in order for him to go home, he must be able to take all his milk by bottle.
They give us 30 minutes to try then they put it down the tube in his nose.
Caleb drank it all. Good Job, Caleb! We are so proud of you.

What A Difference A Day Makes

Just look at our sweet Caleb! He is doing so well. All tubes and lines gone with the exception of the feeding tube. Lungs hurry and grow so our little guy can go home.

Caleb in NICU on Tuesday May 25, 2010

These pictures were taken before he was taken off all the tubes and lines.

Caleb is doing so well now. He has even been taken off everything but the feeding tube. As soon as his breathing slows a bit, they will let him have a bottle. Molly is doing a great job of sending milk for him. We are praying that it won't be long before he will be able to snuggle with Jack and contribute to the lack of sleep Mommy is experiencing. Maybe then Mommy and Daddy can tag team and both will get more rest.

JACK GOES HOME!

Today was a special day. Jack Thompson Hyde was released from the hospital and went directly to his brother's side. Although they couldn't cuddle with one another yet, I know they could sense each other's presence and feel the joy it brought both Mommy and Daddy. We are very grateful the Neonatal Dr. made an exception and allowed all four Hydes to be together.

Caleb is doing great. He is off the ventilator and is on a CPAP. He is improving and along with the care he is receiving, needs time for his little lungs to mature. Please continue to pray for him and his little family.

Twice the Blessing, Twice the Joy

Caleb Robert 5 lbs. 9 oz. 2:44

Jack Thompson 6 lbs. 12 oz. 2:43 p. m.

Welcome to our precious grandchildren, Jack Thompson and Caleb Robert!

Born on May 21, 2010

We have been waiting to see your sweet faces and touch your soft skin.

You are all we dreamed of and more. May God bless you and your

Mommy and Daddy.

We love you with all our hearts,

MiMi and PoPi

A Chapter Closes

Last night we graduated our last child from high school. Eric Steven Willis is now a graduate of New Life Academy. We are so proud of him and the young man he has grown to be. It was a sweet night filled with memories. Thanks to all the family and friends who came out in the rain to celebrate with us. It was so good to see old friends who we haven't seen in years. Time has not erased the memories of good times and shared events.

Congratulations, Eric!

We Are Blessed

As Yoda would say, "Thankful we are". Eric was involved in an accident on Sunday morning which resulted in a totaled Volvo and a grateful family. After *hydroplaning on I-40, his car spun and hit the median wall several times. A tank of a car, a seat belt and the hand of our
protective God saved him.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the protection of our children.

Allen Patrick preached his first "sermon" at Shelby Avenue Baptist Church Sunday morning.
(We didn't tell him about the accident until later.) Very surreal for Allen and I to be sitting in a pew under the teaching of our son. Add the fact that we were keeping his son quiet during the message adds to the Twilight Zonish effect it had on us. Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the blessing of seeing our children mature and seek to serve You with the gifts You have given them.

* to skim on water; especially of a vehicle : to skid on a wet surface (as pavement) because a film of water on the surface causes the tires to lose contact with it