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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
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 Posted - February 08 2003 : 03:52:37 AM
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Well, I received a bit of a reprieve ... no all night drive to pick up my son ... I'm out the door now to do so, but ...
Brief update:
Yesterday, Sophia was 4 months old!!!  But, of course, that's been 4 months of hospitalization  . A long time. BUT, she's still doing pretty well, and just the other day, drank her first full bottle. Rcovering well from her eye surgery, but the ascites is still lingering ... no end in sight, still  . But, she's hanging in there like a bitin' sow! [a NC expression I've picked up during my stay!]  ! |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 08 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 08 2003 : 3:36:11 PM
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| Wonderful news guys! She's one tough angel. |
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caitlin
Bumppos Tavern Patron
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 08 2003 : 8:28:57 PM
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Gosh, a lover and a fighter, eh?  - 
Can't tell you how happy we are to hear about Sophia's progress. How are you and Elaine doing? We are with you in spirit!
Caitlin |
Jack McCall: "Should we shake hands or something, relieve the atmosphere. I mean how stupid do you think I am?"
Wild Bill Hickok: "I don't know, I just met you."
"A nation with no regard to it's past will have little future worth remembering."
A.Lincoln
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things"
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - February 17 2003 : 5:30:35 PM
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Gotta be quick ... Lainey has arrived home - safe & sound with the kiddies - and is demanding the computer!  I just got in from Asheville myself - was visiting with my little one. Roads were fine out that way. Asheville wasn't hit all that hard. It's worse here & due east.
Oh ... but I'm here to tell you of Sophia.
Better yet, as I'm pressed for time, check out the Photo Album. It says it better than I could!  |
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Chris
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 25 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 17 2003 : 5:51:48 PM
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Oh, Rich and Elaine, she's beautiful!! Thank you so much for the pictures. They really mean a lot.
Chris |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 17 2003 : 6:26:15 PM
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OMIGOD!! Just look at her. Please, when you get a chance, tell us the latest. I could just pinch her, couldn't you guys?! A cutie indeed!
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Theresa |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 08 2002
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
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 Posted - February 17 2003 : 9:09:37 PM
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Your Littlest Angel gets cuter and cuter!
Yes, we need an update for sure... but she looks just wonderful. |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 17 2003 : 10:30:29 PM
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Hey! Doesn't the latest picture tell the story though? A real pixie, that Sophia!
She's weighing about 5lbs/5oz (some of that still ascites fluid), still has her pygmy belly, is starting some physical therapy to build her muscle tone & motion range, color is looking much better, drinks from the bottle a good deal of time, & is looking about (with those big brown eyes) thinking it all looks curioser & curioser! She has the little rocking swing & a mobile to keep her amused. She's doing great!
It's just that I have no idea how long still until we can bring her home. Maybe March???? I hope so! |
"Fides et Ratio" |
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Stephanie
Gathering Sachemess
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
June 23 2002
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Posted - February 17 2003 : 11:29:38 PM
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 Wow guys, what a great picture! I've had a terrible week and didn't think much could make me smile, but boy this sure did. She is beautiful! Those eyes! Goodness.
Lainey good to hear from you and glad you are home safe. Yes it was true that Asheville didn't get ice that bad, but my mother lives about 10 minutes east of Asheville and she had a lot of ice. Go figure! And in Haywood County I had none! It's usually worse here!
Now think about this. This has been one of the worst winters here in a long time. We originally thought Sophia might go home before Christmas but now you are thinking maybe March. This kid ain't no dummy. I wouldn't come out from those warm blankets either. I'd wait until spring, too. You've got a smart one there!
Love,
Stephanie |
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 27 2002
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Posted - February 19 2003 : 1:03:51 PM
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Rich! One of my "oh so rare" checkins and so glad to see the picture of the little one! She's a BEAUTY! And what a fighter!!!
Glad to see her progress and hear things are going well...
Stay warm--
Christina |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge.
Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 20 2003 : 12:46:27 AM
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Yes, Stephanie! I do "got a smart one there!"
I Spent last night with her, along with another daughter who was celebrating her 10th birthday. {Her best birthday gift was holding her baby sister for the first time & helping to give her a bath.} Sophia was so peppy & show-offie ... proudly sporting her new growth of hair (she had lost all her hair during these long struggles), her radiant smile, her spanking sharp pink-striped sleeper. She stayed awake & energetic most of the evening, fighting off sleepiness just to visit. (She LOVES our visits.)
Tonight she got to see her grandparents (from NY) & was again every bit the gracious little hostess. She looked beautiful (sporting a pink & white floral sleeper & matching pink hat tonight! ). Grandma & Grandpa got to hold her & Miss Sophia definitely made her mark! I took more pictures ... & gave her the breathing treatment she'll likely need once home. She's up on her food intake (a paltry 40 cc but adequate for a 5lb/8 oz little girl) & finally off phenobarbitol -only 99 more meds to go!
Regarding the above picture; one of her primary nurses (absolutely angelic, dedicated woman) took it on Sunday knowing I was STUCK in Charlotte & couldn't visit. I love this photo so much. I always will. It serves to remind me how blessed we are that Sophia could even be put into the little swing for a photo op. The same day that beautifully encouraging picture was taken the tiny baby boy next to Sophia died. He was a week older at birth than Sophia was, but so much smaller. It is so, so sad when one of these little ones don't make it & incredibly heartbreaking for their parents. He was buried today ...
There have been lots of rough days with Sophia that I could never, never have posted about. Days when she was so sick, so fragile, so battered looking, so border-line ... we're incredibly fortunate. How different things could be. |
"Fides et Ratio" |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 20 2003 : 07:22:17 AM
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What a blessed way to start my day, Lainey. Thank you. We should all be reminded how fragile life is and to cherish every moment you have. Sophia looks absolutely gorgeous! You take care of yourself.
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Theresa |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
Administrator |
Posted - February 20 2003 : 11:30:47 PM
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Thank you, Theresa ... Life is incredible, isn't it?
I forgot to add that Sophia had her eyes examined yesterday also. Doc's assessment ..."very impressive" healing & most likely won't require further retina surgery. |
"Fides et Ratio" |
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Chris
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 25 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 20 2003 : 11:47:50 PM
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YES!!! That's wonderful news. She is one tough little cookie.
Give her a hug for me.
Chris |
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caitlin
Bumppos Tavern Patron
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 17 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - February 21 2003 : 10:49:22 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by Lainey
I forgot to add that Sophia had her eyes examined yesterday also. Doc's assessment ..."very impressive" healing & most likely won't require further retina surgery.
That is WONDERFUL news! 
Way to go Sophia! |
Jack McCall: "Should we shake hands or something, relieve the atmosphere. I mean how stupid do you think I am?"
Wild Bill Hickok: "I don't know, I just met you."
"A nation with no regard to it's past will have little future worth remembering."
A.Lincoln
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things"
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
November 27 2002
Status: offline
Donating Member |
Posted - February 21 2003 : 12:21:06 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Lainey
I forgot to add that Sophia had her eyes examined yesterday also. Doc's assessment ..."very impressive" healing & most likely won't require further retina surgery.
Ahhh... I was waiting to hear news about her eyes. They were of particular concern to me because I work for an agency that provides services for the blind here in Binghamton. I see a lot of sad things, and a lot of wonderful things. And while a visually impaired person in this wonderful age of technology has a far better lot in life than even 50 years ago...... Well, my prayer for little Sophia is that she will have good vision. |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
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July 08 2002
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Pen
Colonial Settler
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
February 03 2003
Status: offline
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Posted - February 21 2003 : 5:59:21 PM
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Hi, Lainey,
Thanks for posting a great picture and even greater news!
You go, Sophia!!!
Pen |
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richfed
Sachem
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 22 2003 : 08:13:40 AM
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Thank you, all, for your continued support during this tumultuous roller coaster of a ride ...
One thing keeps recurring through this ordeal ... one word keeps getting repeated. And that, of course, would be "prayer."
I don't mean to sound preachy, I'm just talking ...
I haven't really "said my prayers" since I was a little boy. I regularly do now. I'm not a particularly religious man. I feel myself moving in that direction now.
It's been a remarkable 4 and a half months, and it's not yet over, but here's where we stand:
Talk, finally, if only preliminarily, of Sophia coming home. It has to be largely due to "prayer." Literally thousands, maybe more, have offered prayers for Sophia, literally all over the world. Masses have been said in her name in Catholic Churches all across the country ... and more. I know this to be fact. Here in little old Marion, folks I have no idea who they are come up to me just to tell me that they are praying for our baby. My feelings regarding this are rather overwhelming.
It wasn't very long ago that Sophia lay there, barely alert, with skin lesions all over her body ... scabbing, oozing, bloody ... just removing a bandage shredded her oh so delicate skin. She was disintegrating right there before your eyes. This in addition to a myriad of other life-threatening conditions. The skin thing was just the most noticeable to the naked eye.
Less than a week later, she was virtually entirely healed.
As a nurse said to Elaine, just the other night, and I paraphrase, "I've seen a lot of babies here. None heal so fast. It is prayer at work."
It really is ...
Then there was that late afternoon when she "waved." That was minutes after the doctor practically had given up in despair. It was as if she was telling us, "It'll be OK." And it was ... the next day she was miraculously diagnosed - finally - and has been on a more or less upswing ever since.
And speaking of "... swing" ... Sophia has been swinging on a baby swing and listening to music as she does ... and thoroughly enjoying herself while doing so ... wide-eyed & bushy-tailed. Utterly amazing.
It's not over ... there may be trials ahead, still, but there is more at work here than just good medicine ...and even the medical staff states so. Their faith is uncanny ... and catching!
I have never cried - or been on the constant verge of crying - so much in my lifetime. Many times, they have been tears of joy.
Sophia - no matter what the final outcome turns out to be - is in very good hands.
Her arrival here on Earth has, along with 9-11, been the defining moment of my life.
Thank you, little one. Daddy loves you! |
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Chris
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 25 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 22 2003 : 12:52:29 PM
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OK, Rich, now you have me teary-eyed. Tears of happiness.
I only seem to say "formal prayers" in church, but I say "mini-prayers" all the time. Thanks for this or that, help with something, especially at my job. Nursing can be downright scary at times, and I discovered that prayers work a long time ago. I prayed for my daughter's survival many times, and look where she is now. I believe God answers all prayers. We may not understand the answer, or it may not be the answer we want, or it may not be in the time frame we expect, but the prayer is answered.
I don't know if I said this well, but I hope you know what I mean.
I have no doubt that God is very aware of Sophia. She is a very special little girl.
Love, Chris |
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securemann
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
July 08 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 22 2003 : 2:52:39 PM
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| Very touching Rich old pal.Now you made this former S.C.T.A. hard ass cry! God is good and God is great,no matter what the outcome.We have never been tested like you good people and you are definitely our inspiration.Nothing like the love of God and the love of parents. |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 23 2003 : 01:42:26 AM
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Thank you (and hello!), Pen ~
I think, when Sophia comes home, I'm going to buy her a T-shirt that says, "Go me!" ...
And, WW, you'll be pleased to know that the opthamologist has rechecked Sophia's eyes & says she has shown significant improvement. (This is aside from her retina conditions.) This doesn't guarantee she won't need glasses, but it's possible ... which, considering the odds for nearsightedness from long-term respirator assisted preemies & her previous deterioration, is incredible enough.
I spent the morning with her & had a good talk with one of her neonatalogists regarding what it will take to get her home. I'm going to take an infant CPR course, already learned her breathing treatment routine, & am continuing my major study in PATIENCE.
She's moved up in the world. She now swings in a musical baby swing! Oh, and yellow is definitely her color!!! She's SOOOOOOOOO pretty!!!
(Are you guys sure you want to keep hearing all of this?)
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"Fides et Ratio" |
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Chris
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 25 2002
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Posted - February 23 2003 : 01:46:35 AM
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WHAT DO YOU MEAN ARE WE SURE WE WANT TO HEAR ALL THIS??? It's the first thing I check on the computer. I hold my breath for every word on her progress. YES! I want to hear every morsel of news you can share with us.
My love to all,  Chris |
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Lainey
TGAT
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]:
May 18 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - February 23 2003 : 12:29:56 PM
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Thanks, Chris. One thing still out there ... I've told you about watching Sophia crying without any sound (that was hard!). She still has very weak vocals ... sort of a hoarse peep when she cries. Most likely there are some abrasions there but they may still heal on their own giving her voice. If not, before she comes home an ear, nose, & throat specialist will assess her &, if needed, do a procedure to remove the abrasions. We'll see ...
(I was supposed to be there today - but, between Michael developing a sudden deep, croupy cough & high fever AND splitting his brow open last night - hoping it doesn't need a stitch- & this mysterious hives/allergic reaction I have all over my face - could hardly open my eyes this morning! - that makes me look like I was in a car wreck or domestic dispute, I'm staying put & outta sight. Sure do wish my daughter was home.) |
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Yes ... One More! ... The Sophia Story!
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