Thanks, updates, etc.

Thank you's part II;
I would like to personally thank my brother Allen, who after hearing the hurt in my voice as I described Gavin's situation on Wednesday morning (Aug 13), promptly packed and flew up from Tampa to be with us that same afternoon and then spent over a week by our sides assisting us in many ways. It allowed me to spend more time with Jennifer and our two boys as he handled many phone calls, kept our dogs and house in a somewhat normal state, and assisted in many planning issues. Allen missed the first day of school for his children, a stressful cheer leading audition (that turned out successful!), and on top of everything, had a hurricane threatening to hit the Tampa area as well.

As Jennifer stated, there are simply too many friends and family to mention in a thank you message, but we know who you are, from all the visits, meal drop offs, restaurant donation/set up and food, memorial donations, nursery work, emails, cards, flowers, and more. The hospital staff at Wake Med, the Sacred Heart Cathedral (Father Sal & Cindy Fitzgerald) and St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Father Williams, who baptized Gavin sometime after 2am on Aug 13) also deserve a special thank you, for their professionalism as well as their true compassion. And lets not forget about the Fetal Care Center of Cincinnati, who gave both our boys a chance after successful laser surgery.

Colebank Miller Guy;
Colby is inching ever so closely to 5lbs (his last weight was 4lbs 14oz). He is still feeding "some" on his own, and is doing a little better each day at it. He sleeps alot (which is good for his growth). We do get to hold him at times (other than just the feeding times). When awake, he looks around, tugs at his feeding tube with his little hands, likes to squirm, coo's and squeaks, will lift his head on occasion, and will literally "crawl" up our chest while "kangerooing." He can be a very active premie at times. He cries some, but thankfully not much (for now!).

Colby is a miracle baby for sure. He survived the TTTS laser surgery in May (and both boys were in critical condition at that time) and he then survived the "whatever it was" that got to Gavin (most likely an infection of some sort). With the twins so close and sharing amniotic fluid, he could have been (or should have been) exposed to the same bug. As tragic and unfair as losing Gavin was, it could have been much much worse, which is almost impossible to comprehend. Thank God for Colby.

Jennifer & Steve;
Jennifer is driving again and is still recovering well from the C Section. She is getting stronger every day (like Colby). She is very sad at times (and she should be sad). She is also very happy at times as well (especially when holding or feeding Colby). I have "my moments" for sure (and will have my moments for the rest of my life), but if Colby and Jennifer are doing well, I am doing well, simple as that.

With love,
Steve