Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Safety For our Children's ;)

**funny video at bottom - reward for reading long post**

Hey guys... The childrens are doing great. A l ot of folks have asked about seeing them so we're writing this post as a head's up as to what to expect from us over the next few months when it comes to the babies.

First of all, thanks so much for the prayers, love, and support. I feel like I have said it 1,000 times but it still isn't enough. We have amazing friends and family. We are excited for you all to meet them and they are excited to meet you too (I mean, I assume they are.. they can't really talk yet.)

Secondly, as you are about to meet them we wanted to give you a heads up about somethings our doctors from the ICN (intensive care nursery), our nurses, nurse practitioners, and our pediatrician has drilled into our heads. We want you to know about something called RSV (respiratory syncytial virus.) Though most babies by the age of 2 have had RSV, for term babies, it may appear no different than a common cold. For premature babies it can show itself in quite a different way. Babies born before 36 weeks (Aidan and Addision were born at 28 weeks) are at the highest risk for pneumonia, bronchiolitis, RSV, and other possible fatal complications.

Preventing the spread of RSV is very difficult. Since we've just spent over 80 days (and counting) at the hospital we're gonna do all we can to avoid having to go back and to keep our babies healthy during RSV season (October - April.) RSV can be spread through touching, in the air by coughing or sneezing, or by touching an infected object (like these.) The virus can live as long as six hours on hands and up to twelve hours on objects, and it spreads very easily, especially from child to child.

When I first heard about this I thought, "don't they need to build up their immune system anyway?" The doctors have assured me the quick answer to that is, "No." Since our babies were so premature they have not acquired the necessary immunities to fight off infection. If they contract this virus they could have to go back to the hospital again and may develop serious complications.

So, to help us out with our quest to keep them at home and healthy we will ask you to follow a few guidelines when you stop by:

1. When you get here, please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer (it's not hard to find in our house right now ;)

2. If you're sick, live with someone who is sick, or have been in contact with someone who is sick during the day it probably isn't the best idea for you to stop by. (on a side note - if you are sick and need something.. feel free to give us a call and we'd love to help you out ;)

3. If you smoke, we ask that you change your clothes and not smoke before you come by as premature babies lungs are very sensitive to smoke (mostly during first two years of life.) (This is even hard for me as I enjoy smoking a pipe all through the fall and winter.)

Unfortunately we will not be bringing them out to large social gatherings thru the winter which is tough on Diana and I because we are so social. Their lungs are still very fragile until they are two years old and our goal is to make it thru these first two years without contracting this virus. Believe me this was not the plan we had for our kids and not the easiest thing to do. Diana and I are both a bit the type to throw caution to the wind with our own lives. We've always been adventurers of sorts but we do feel this is the best for them over the long haul.

I hope this stuff makes sense and if you've got any questions feel free to ask. We're so excited about being parents and hope that we can raise our children in a way that shows them and the world a love that is special. Thanks for playing a part in that with us.

Love and Peace,

-Jason and Diana

ps - writing this seemed like a public service announcement

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This should be hanging up in the nursery somewhere! Very well-worded!

Aiden and Addison's favorite Nurse,
Katelyn :-)

Anonymous said...

I'm Joel Schleiman's Aunt and also a NICU nurse for over 29 years,.. Rebecca Emailed me when you guys started having problems to get my perspective on the chances and outcomes... I have been following your kids progress. I say "amen" to being bold enough to tell everyone to stay away if your are sick! I have the same speech in my "discharge repertoire". I tell the parents to blame me for being strict with family and friends... since I'm not there for them to "blame"! Hey remember to have fun even though you might worry!!

Anonymous said...

I heard some FABULOUS news when I went into work this morning!! Yay! Sorry I didn't get to see you guys before you left! I have had a cold myself so it's probably for the best. I will certainly miss your whole family, it was so fun working with you guys, you definitely have two beautiful babies! I wish you all the best and CONGRATULATIONS, have fun and take lots of pictures!!
-Nurse Kelly

Shannon Smith said...

Does that mean that both of your brats, I mean, kids are home now?

Anonymous said...

you guys listened very well to us !!! ... i only wish all the parents did !!! hugs to all "4" of you !!!

shelley smith:}

Anonymous said...

Just for the record.. Katelyn isnt their favorite nurse.. but we'll let her think that! (We all know I am!) :o)
So glad to see Addison & Aidan are doing so well at home. I miss checking in on your family. I wish you all the best and enjoyed our many nights together with the babies. Thanks for the goodie bags.. I have the note from the "Gore 4" hanging on my fridge. Take care & God bless!
By the way.. great public service announcement.

Anonymous said...

(Above message from Nurse Rebecca)
oops!