Update: We visited with Baby Collin and his parents tonight, thankfully everyone (including the grandparents) was in a much better state of mind and feeling more comfortable with the inevitable (but unwelcome) occasional back step. Collin looked as adorable and perfect as ever, he fell deep asleep moments after our arrival. We discussed the fact that the wonderful hospital currently treating him doesn't have "transplants" as a specialty and that it might be in Collin's best interest to be moved to a hospital with those capabilities in case the need arises. We will be praying for wisdom and strength on his Mom and Dad's behalf because they will be making some enormous decisions soon. We have faith that his parents will do precisely what Collin needs and for that we are immensely grateful. We'll part this evening, leaving you with a photo of sweet Collin, sleeping in the light. (Notice the GORGEOUS blanket hanging on the edge of Collin's crib. It was handmade by Nana V's friend and colleague, Sue Lang.) 
Oftentimes, in life, we take a step backwards in order to move forward. With Collin's rapid improvement this past week, it is upsetting and frustrating to have to share with you that he has taken a small step back. Last night, around 9:40 p.m., Collin was taken off his "feeds", that is, the
breastmilk nutrition. He had spit up several times yesterday and for the time being needs to rely again on the
TPN nutrition only. This will give his intestines a little rest and they will hopefully resume the feeds tomorrow or the next day. Thankfully Baby Collin's only discomfort is the crabbiness he feels at not having a belly full of "the good stuff".
Please keep us all in your prayers, especially his Mom and Dad. Every step forward makes our hearts leap with joy, you can imagine the heaviness we feel with a step back. Hopefully this step back is in preparation for many leaps ahead for our beloved Baby Collin.
52 comments:
Erin and Matt, I wish I could carry some of the burden of your concern and worry over Collin for you.
Know that all of your parents, grandparents and extended family (including all of our wonderful friends from around the globe) are holding you both up in prayer right now. We love you!
This is not uncommon to happen with tiny babies. Collin will turn around again and will do fine. Prayers all around this family and baby Collin. One baby step at a time.
You are so right and thank you for your comforting reminder. ((Anonymous))
The road to healing usually is a twisting and turning one--it never is completely linear. There are loops in and around as the body restabilizes to a higher place. I think maybe Collin's intestines just needed a little rest. (((((Collin and family)))))
The distance between us is most assuredly felt today. We all have our crosses we must carry...some are heavier than others, they may seem unfair, even unbearable. God will not give us more than we can handle. Have faith! We as individuals can not bear this weight alone...we need help! The Power of Prayer!!!
Nana V, I wanted to mention that I thought it was so kind and endearing that all of your students posted such nice comments for Erin and Matt the past few days. It really is a testament to the compassionate, intelligent and caring young people you all are raising in Larimore. Good job!
I know it has to be even more difficult for you & Grandpa V and Matt's parents to be so far away right now. If there is anything we can do to make it easier for you, please let us know.
Lora
Matt and Erin, Baby collin is such a beautiful boy. I have been watching him grow via the blog page. Please know that all of Grandma N's friends are praying for you, collin and the rest of the faimly. God is a loving God, he will carry you through! We pray that the one step backwards will give him to "leaps" forward. In Jesus stips may Collin be, healed, healthy and whole. Amen! We are all with you in prayer!
Oh my....I ment two leaps forward. and in Jesus Stripes may collin be healed, healthy and whole. Michelle
Lora, this site has been such a great source. Erin and I talk to or text one another many times a day but to hear her voice as we look at the photos together or read the comments out loud is making this easier. My heart is so heavy...I just wish I could do something...as do you and many others. As I said before...you are my eyes when I can't be there...thank you! I am so grateful that Erin and Matt have you and Chris there...they need family around them. God Bless and we will get through this together as a family.
Nana V
Matt, Erin and sweet Collin,
This verse has always been my favorite, especially giving me comfort concerning Corinne and all the highs and lows. Please know that we are all praying for you all and with you all every day. My arms ache for you and my heart beats in union with yours.
"He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart." ----Isaiah 40:11
The "lambs" dear loved ones, are our beautiful children. The next part gives me comfort knowing that Christ carries my children, and Collin, close to His heart. Collin listens to the heart of Jesus, he hears the beating of our precious Saviour's heart. Why do you think he smiles so much...
The last part of the verse is "He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young."
That my precious Erin is you. He will lead you and be with you through all you experience. He will carry you when you can't exist on your own strength.
God has blessed you and Matt with this perfect child, to love and protect, to adore and to enjoy.
My prayers are with you and my Bible is opened to Hebrews 11.
I love you all so much.
Auntie Joanie
Collin,
It's me Drew, your big cousin. I love you and my sister Corinne loves you.
We are praying for you and your Mommie and Daddy.
Drew
Katie, Michelle, Joanie and Drew, thank you all for comforting us each in your own special way.
Joanie, the verses you shared are beautiful. I can see where they bring you peace when dealing with your precious Corinne's ups and downs.
We are all blessed to be surrounded by so much love and care.
The people of Larimore have been generous with kind words, gestures, and prayers...especially their prayers. I would like to thank all of you, as well as all others who have responded to our need for support and prayer. My students have very big hearts and truly care about Collin. I was at school teaching when Erin gave birth to Collin, we went through that first emotional day together. My student's comments may not be well-expressed, articulate, or even grammatically correct but their words are true and sincere...thank you guys! God Bless all who enter this blog and lets keep our strength through positive prayer!
Nana V
LOL, Nana V, I didn't notice if any of your students' comments had grammatical errors...but you're right, each and every one of them was charming and sincere. What a very nice group of young people to spend your days with!
We'll go up to the hospital when Grandpa N gets home from work...I'll be sure to give Erin and Matt big hugs for you.
Take care!
Thanks Lora! Give hugs and kisses to Collin too, like I need to suggest that, ha ha!
Nana V
The two Nanas, your correspondance is so heartwarming.
Babies with issues often take two steps forward and one step back. Their steps forward are so exhilarating, the backward steps make us feel so helpless.
The important thing is that Collin continues to move forward, as he is doing.
Thank you! Sometimes we need that reminder.
Nana V
You're so welcome. I've been there, dealing with different issues. And any time there is an "issue", we suddenly have to read all we can and do our best to become experts, in a very short time, as well as learning to trusting the docs and nurses with this tiny thing that is so precious to us. Plus just being there to give love and support.
You are all in my prayers.
Ahh, "Anonymous" friend, I think I know who you are...thank you for your sweet thoughts! Tell your little ones that Baby Collin is sort of your relative because you and I are sisters of the heart.
This wisdom you shared; "Babies with issues often take two steps forward and one step back. Their steps forward are so exhilarating, the backward steps make us feel so helpless.
The important thing is that Collin continues to move forward, as he is doing." is so true and I, too, thank you for giving us that reminder. Hugs, friend!
Grandma N.
The love for Collin, that I see and read here, brings such tears of joy to my eyes. Each time I come here, I have such a hard time leaving.... I feel like nothing else matters right now, except watching Collin grow and hearing about his progress.
Collin Darling, you are truly blessed to have been born into such a loving family... and your family is truly blessed to have such a Beautiful Boy, that you are, born to them!!!
And I am blessed to be a part of and watching it all.
Thank you, Lora Darling, for sharing Collin's Blog and his precious life with us!
xoxox Love, Deanna
Erin, Congratulations on that beautiful baby boy of yours! You don't realize that you miss a person until you see them...via pictures anyway :) You look absolutely amazing, I can't believe it! My mom has been keeping me updated and I've been checking out the blog and wanted to leave you a message to let you know that you, Collin, and Matt are in my prayers. Rochelle
If there is anything that any of us girls can do, please don't hesitate to let me know.
Erin,
I just got off the phone with your beautiful Mama, and the love and prayers that she expreses over you Matt and Collin are so real and so heart-warming.
Thank you Jan for being the "constant" in my life and for being an example of faith at work in your life.
Collin, you have an amazing family that loves you so very much. We tend to be unique at best, but full of love and committment to one another.
Thanks for the updates Lora, the entries are wonderful.
I love you Matty!!! Can't wait to meet you.
Aunt Joanie
Dear Matt, Erin and baby Collin,
We are all thinking about you and praying that everything goes well for you. You will be in our prayers.
We love you, keep your faith kids.
Love GREAT G'ma and G'pa Alberts
Good night baby Collin! My thoughts and prayers are of you, mommy and daddy. Pleasant Dreams and we will talk again tomorrow!
FYI, there is an update on today's entry! :)
Bill and I just looked at the pictures today and we still think he is just beautiful. Please know that he is in our prayers and our hearts. I told my swimming friends at the cented the other day and asked for their prayers for you all. Love you all
Aunt Winnie and Uncle Bill Sage
March 29, 2007 4:21 PM
Lora, your descriptive entries are so wonderful. It must be so comforting and helpful to all of Collin's wonderful family to have this resource! I can sense the deep bond of love that is so obviously surrounding baby Collin, his mom and dad and all of the family. I continue to keep Colin in my heart and mind.
Good Morning Collin. I hope you had a restful night. I talked to mommy late last night and she told me how wonderful you look.
So I hear you are going through quite a few outfits a day. Your mommy use to do the same...There are some new outfits on the way...I hope you like them. I also see you have received some new blankets. The cozy sports blankets that keep you all bundled up and the beautiful blanket made by Sue. How thoughtful, I am happy to see it there with you at the NICU.
I will talk to you soon. I love and miss you! Hugs and Kisses to all.
Nana V
What a thrill to see the quilt on Collin's little home! I'm touched. Jan mentioned it to me in the teacher's lounge this morning as we looked over piles of precious pictures of Collin and his loving family. I'm so glad you like the quilt...it's the first one I've made like this. Enjoy. Wear it out! When he's dragged it around the playground, the mall, the mud, and it's in tatters, let me know. I'll make a new one. But don't take the old one away from him!!!
Sue Lang
To Baby Collin's Parents:
My name is Holly Aldrich, I have heard a lot about your family and baby Collin through Lora. She has become a big part of my family as she cared for my son Parker 3 days a week. I am praying for you and your family that Collin gets healthy fast and is able to spend time with you at your home soon. But by reading these updates, it sounds like you have a little fighter on your hands... It doesn't sound like he'll have too much trouble getting himself through this! I'm sure as parents it's hard for you, but you do have a wonderful support system and that is the best thing for you guys at this time. I went through the birth of my son with only my family. Parker's father didn't want any thing to do with us, and at times I thought that I couldn't do this on my own, but then I looked around me and saw my family. They truley are the best to have with you in times of need.
Parker and I can't wait to meet baby Collin. And we hope you get to take him home soon! Take care of that sweet baby, and we will continue to pray for you.
Holly and Baby Parker
I know with God's strength and guidance, Matt and Erin will continue to make the right decisions for their beloved Collin. This boy will be a fine young man before you know it. There's an aura of vibrance and vitality that literally shines from him. It can't be mistaken for anything other than his promising future.
♥♥♥
Matt and Erin, just wanted to let you know, you and your son are in my prayers today and always. I get up every morning and look at the blog. What a wonderful sweet boy! Grandma N....love the pictures and look forward to seeing them. Matt & Erin I pray for you that God gives you the wisdom and strength you need for your upcoming events, positive thinking does great wonders! God is a loving God and Collin is surrounded by him and the love of his parents, grandparents and family. GO COLLIN KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT BUDDY!!! I cant wait to actually meet you, I feel like I know you already just from keeping in tough with Grandma N and the blog. With love, Michelle
I think we come to a point when we are emotionally worn out! The day is long and the information is little.
On this site, I find refuge and a heighten spirit. I gaze at the pictures and revisit the kind words and inspirational prayers.
Lora, mere words are not enough, but thank you. Your photos allow us to be present spiritually if not physically.
To all who read and post messages, thank you...our family finds strength from your prayers in our moments of weakness. God Bless and please continue to pray for baby Collin.
Nana V
Im of Mrs.Verdi's Students.Great wishes to Collin and Family!!!!!!!
Taylor Grogan
I really enjoy being able to check in here every day and check on his progress. I was saddened to find that he has taken a step back but what I found when my son was in the NICU was to just do what you guys are doing every day, taking it step by step. He's already proved how strong he is and at times, if he gets tired and takes a step back, it's okay. He is definitely strong and will turn around and start taking those forward steps again. I think it is wonderful that you keep this blog. I kept a journal from the day that I was rushed to the hospital until the day he was released. Four years later, I still read it every year at this time of year (he was born on 24 Mar 03). It amazes me the strength that these little ones show us. Kind of makes me feel inferior some times! :) I will continue to pray that whatever other obstacles come his way, he will overcome. With a support system like he has, there's no doubt in my mind that you will be reading all of this for years to come as well and smiling at the little stinker! :) God bless!
Thank you all for thinking about Collin, but why isn't anyone from my side of the family leaving posts! I know some of the Wills and Simmons families are on the blog everyday. Now type!
Baby Collin is so precious! I am on this site about every chance that I get! It makes me smile when I see him sleeping or when Erin and Matt are holding him! I look at the pictures every time I am on here even if I have seen them before. It just puts a smile on my face! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! God Bless.
Amanda Pearce
[Mrs.Verdi's student]
Hi Collin and Family, I'm one of Mrs. Verdi's students at Larimore. It's amazing to see how strong you all are keeping up with this. Collin has a wonderful family full of troopers. He's a wonderful baby, and he's sure got God on his side. God bless...
Steffani
A Prayer for Collin to his Guardian Angel
ANGEL OF GOD, my Guardian dear,
To whom His love commits you here,
Ever this evening be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Good Night little Collin, God Bless you and Pleasant Dreams!
http://www.catholictradition.org/Angels/guardians10.htm
Love you,
Nana V
Oh Collin has changed so much just in the few short days since I last read here. Baby's change so quickly. He's such a beautiful boy, purely angelic. I hope all the best for him.
Standing on the outside
Looking in…
Waiting and wondering
When, oh when…
The ring of the phone
New snaps of kin
Standing on the outside
Looking in…
I tell myself
Each day in stride
It’s about Collin
Not my pride
Standing on the outside
Looking in…
Our cross we carry
Is were He’s been
Strength we’ll ask for
Faith within
Standing on the outside
Looking in…
Nana V
Good evening, baby Collin! It's a Saturday night so probably very quiet in your room. I hope you are comfortable and resting well. I am an outsider looking in from Lora's eyes, and I must say it is so touching to see everyone's comments (Nana V, her students, baby Parker's mom, etc.) I am so moved by the love gathered around this little family. Matt, Erin, and Collin, know that you are kept in my heart every day.
Good Morning to the Trio,
Mommy says you had a good day yesterday and when she and daddy left last night, you were resting peacefully. I am continuing my Nana Brag book and have started a scrapbook. Mommy is also working on her scrapbook, has pictures of you hanging up in frames, and is working on some cross-stitching crafts. We pray constant for you and your mommy and daddy, we wish we could be there at your side, soon. I love you very much Collin and am so proud how well Mommy and Daddy are coping with all the stress, decisions, and just being tired.
To all else reading…Collin is doing well, he is stable. His “feeds” have not been started as of late last night. However, Matt and Erin hope it will be introduced soon but more slowly. Collin is on antibodies to prevent infection due to the bowel not “pushing things threw”. Erin described it to me as if the breast milk fed earlier could become like "stagnant water" in Collin’s bowel which could breed infection. The TPN is at 100% and as Lora has stated before, the best situation would be a balance between Collin’s “feeds” (breast milk) and the TPN. Please keep praying.
Collin’s stub of a belly button fell off Friday. The nurse asked Erin if she wanted to keep if for scrap booking. Erin of course said….”Gross, no way!” Erin told me that the belly button stub has been the “grosses” thing yet. Matt, Erin and I had a discussion if this stub was something to keep. Matt figured that it really wasn’t part of Collin rather a connection between the two, so toss it. Then we started telling strange stories of what happened to the stubs when people we know keep them, ugh!
Completely off the subject, Matt and Erin were getting a few groceries for home…I told them to try Reece’s Cookies…they are the best…now they are hooked.
There are other bits and pieces of information that have occurred with Collin these past few days but I think this sums it up. Please pray for Matt and Erin for tomorrow will bring many decisions and endurance will be needed. God Bless!
Nana V
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