Steppin' Up!

She's a-walkin'! Sydney was taking a rare step or two for the past week, but now she's actually taking many steps in a row and actually chooses to walk instead of crawl sometimes, especially when she has something in her hands.

By the way, before I get a bunch of backlash, I know that the pop can isn't a kid-approved toy. I know she could cut her fingers or her mouth. I try not to let her play with a pop can too often. But, hey, it got her walking!!

Our very first Nephew!!

We celebrate with Steven, Kiki, and Olivia in announcing the arrival of their son last night. All the details at champsfight.blogspot.com.

Finally! A playmate for Dillon! He was starting to wonder if he would always have to play dollhouse and tea party. We're looking forward to many happy years of backyard football, cowboys and indians, and Hot Wheels races!

Congratulations to Steven and Kiki on the birth of their son, and to Olivia who is now officially a BIG sister!!

The Big Unveiling....

There has been a huge increase in our website traffic, presumably because of all our friends and family checking on Kiki and Steven, and following their journey. Thanks to everyone who is so intimately involved and following the updates.

I'm going to make it a little easier on everyone who is here just for "Champ"-related news. (I guess that makes you Champ's Chumps! Hee Hee.) Anyways...Champ will now have his very own "Rocky" themed blog (theme request from Champ's Biggest Chump- his Daddy!) This way, you won't have to read all the juicy tidbits about my kids and my family. You can just jump right to the good stuff. Also, I won't have to cross post everything to norch.com and mommy-of-three.blogspot.com because I don't really know where people like to go to read updates. Everything will be found at one new address.

So, without further ado...here it is...
champsfight.blogspot.com

Feel free to read, comment, leave your best wishes for Steven and Kiki, Olivia and Champ. Share the address with everyone you know. Link to it on your own blog or webpage. Their family could use everyone's prayers and good thoughts.

Thanks! -j

Checking In on Champ

OK all you night-time blog-checking readers! I finally have both internet AND an update for everyone, as earlier today I was missing the internet part of the equation.

Kiki and Steven remain in the hospital in Miami. There was some concern last night about a developing fever and question of infection, but everything quieted down with some rest (aka "Lockdown" per Steven).

The ultrasound today had good results. Kiki's amniotic fluid level is back up where the doctors like it to be, so the IV fluid and bedrest is working. "Champ" was moving all around, and practicing breathing. His organs and everything look good. So he got a good score on his ultrasound as well.

A looming problem is the baby's position. Right now, he is breech, or butt down. That makes a vaginal delivery very risky, especially for a premature baby. The best method for delivery of the baby would be by c-section, should delivery become necessary. But, Kiki has been on some blood thinners during the pregnancy, so the surgery then becomes very risky to her. In short, vaginal delivery= less risk for Kiki, more risky for baby. C-section= more risky for Kiki, less risk for the baby. Please pray that God may guide the doctors' decision-making should delivery become necessary, and guide their hands in safely and securely bringing Champ into this world.

The dietician was also in to talk with Kiki. They're trying to find some palatable foods for her to enjoy while hospitalized, because the old joke about hospital food acutally isn't a joke at all- Steven describes it as "unfit for prisoners"... Steven has found some local restaurants to get carry-out, as well as some good home-cooking from "Abuelita"- (did I spell that right, Steven??)

As far as "feeling human", Kiki was up to shower again today. (We can all be thankful for that! just kidding!) She's in good spirits, and is trying to make the best of a crummy situation. She knows that this is what is best for her and for Champ, so that thought is pulling her through this tough time.

I have a little "project" in the works for Kiki...I'll keep you posted if I need help!

Thanks everyone!
-j

The Waiting Game

More news from Miami...I talked with Steven at lunch time today. The doctors repeated an ultrasound to check Kiki and the baby, and found that the amniotic fluid around the baby is continuing to decrease.

A quick "Amniotic Fluid 101" for all the "beginners" out there- Amniotic fluid is all the water that surround the baby when he's in the mother's womb. It's not really water- it's "baby pee". The baby's kidneys are constantly making more fluid. The baby also swallows the fluid and inhales it into the lungs when he practices breathing. Believe it or not, the fluid helps make the lungs expand and grow. It also helps coat the baby's tummy and get his belly ready for milk. Having enough fluid is a sign that the baby is doing good.

Even after a mom's water breaks (like Kiki's), the baby continues to make more fluid. This fluid can reaccumulate around the baby, or it can continue to leak out. When the fluid neither reaccumulates nor leaks out, it could mean the baby has stopped making fluid, which is not good.

So, although the baby's fluid amount has decreased, it's not necessarily bad news. The doctors will do another ultrasound in the next 1-2 days and decide at that time what the next step will be. If her fluid amount is not better, then they will evaluate her closely for why that is not happening, and whether the baby needs to be delivered.

Therefore, the next ultrasound is very important. It is still a possibility that "Champ" could be delivered at any time. They are constantly monitoring his heartrate and his activity, as well as keeping Kiki on strict bedrest to prevent any further complications. The concern of infection still remains, but the probability that she has any infection right now is pretty low. Kiki is on a bunch of antibiotics to protect her and the baby, but remains high risk of acquiring an infection in the hospital.

For anyone who is new to norch.com, Glad you're joining us! I'm trying my best to keep everything current here, so anyone can check from work, from home, from school. Steven and Kiki are getting a HUGE volume of phone calls, and having to explain everything a hundred times is not easy. If you do call Steven or Kiki and they don't answer, it's possibly because they catching some much needed zzzzzz's, or talking with doctors, or doing something else important. Leave a message, and Steven or Kiki will return your call at a time that's better for them.

Steven is also checking in at norch.com, and can read your comments, so if you just want to let them know you are thinking of them or praying for their family, leave a comment and they will get it. Also, I should have an address sometime in the next couple days. Contact me if you would like to send a card or package (I won't be posting their address on the internet).

Again, thank you again for all your support and prayers. Our entire family is truly touched by everyone's genuine caring and concern. We'll keep you updated! Thanks for visiting!

No News is Good News...

A quiet day in Miami for the family. No changes in Kiki or Champ (my new nickname for baby boy- after all, he's quite the fighter!). He's got a strong heart rate, and so far no signs of infection or cause for worry.

Tomorrow is shopping day (Yahoo!!). Just what I need, another reason to go to Target, right?? Syd and I will be looking for some pampering goodies for Mama and Baby. I'm excited to get some "creature comforts" down to Miami for them.

Everything else is well here. Eric has become Ginger's adoptive "dad" while Steven is away. (Ginger is Steven and Kiki's dog). I'm sure she misses her family and her house.

More updates tomorrow. Keep visiting!

We Heart You Guys...

Steven and Kiki...We love you and miss you. Hope you are feeling well, and keeping your spirits up! Each day is one day closer, and better for baby! We can't wait to see more of these smiles and good times...



PS...it's supposed to be 56 degrees here tomorrow, so if this is just some cheap trick to get to stay in that Miami heat, it's really not that bad up here in the snow belt!

A Miami Update

All is (semi-)quiet in Miami. Kiki's water broke last night, and she's hospitalized there until further notice. She's not due until May 30th. They are giving her some steroids to help mature the baby's lungs, and hopefully buy some time until the baby is delivered. So far, no contractions, which is a good thing, and no infection, which is an even better thing.

I'll be getting together a care package to send down, if anyone wants to send anything my way for Kiki, Steven, or Olivia. Gift cards for chain restaurants or familiar shopping places ie. Target or Walmart (for Steven to get some things they will need), small care items (for Kiki or Steven), movies, small card games, lotion/body spray, something small for baby, etc. Even a card or note of encouragement. Anything you might want to send is appreciated. I'm sure Steven and Kiki will appreciate a "taste of home" when they are so far away. Also, next Saturday (March 8th) is Olivia's first birthday. It would be great if she could get some birthday cards from her family and friends here in Ohio.

Steven will probably be racking up some frequent flier miles in the next 10 weeks. Your well wishes are appreciated. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I will update the website and mommy-of-three as I get news. We're trying to be the "Canton Connection" for them so they aren't flooded with a ton of phone calls everyday from people wondering how things are going. Please check back often for updates, and keep praying for the "one-who-can't-wait-to-be-born" and family!!

Prayers Needed

Please pray for Jason's brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Kiki. They're in Miami, and having some pregnancy-related issues. She probably won't be home until the baby is born. I will fill you in on more details when or if they wish to share what's going on. Just please, please, please pray for their family's health and well-being. Thanks.