Update: Holy Moly, Collin has weighed in @ 5 lbs 2 oz!! (He is definitely getting "the good stuff".) The doctors have increased his intake...again...he is now receiving 5 mL an hour. This is wonderful news...as he takes in more mother's milk he won't have to rely on the TPN as much. Only a decrease of 6.9 mL an hour of the TPN will help save his liver. Someone had asked in the comments yesterday what medical options Collin's parents are looking into...if his small intestines won't work right, or he has to rely on the TPN too much, he will need transplants. We continue to pray for his continued healing.
As was described by his proud Nana V in yesterday's comments, Collin definately has a strong personality. In addition to loving attention, being held and touched, Collin loves being talked to and sung to by his family. Grandpa N thinks that Collin is a "little stinker" just like Collin's Mommy! Sometimes, when he talks to Collin, Collin will squeeze his eyes shut then slowly open one, as if to say, "Is HE still here ?!" Often, when we have been sitting quietly for a while, Collin will slowly open his eyes (raising his tiny eyebrow first) as if to make sure he's not alone. When we respond, quietly, "Yes, we're still here, beautiful boy", he smiles. (And contrary to popular belief, it is NOT gas! lol)
Numerous nurses have commented to us that he has a "feisty" or "a fighting" personality...in Collin's case, we think this is a super quality to have. He can also be the snuggliest, cuddliest baby when swaddled nice and tight in a warm blanket. As you have seen by his pictures, Collin looks like an angel when he sleeps and we know that, like his parents, he will light up the room when he smiles or laughs.
We can't wait until the day you all can meet our Baby Collin in person...until then, please continue to carry his entire family in your prayers.
30 comments:
Dear Erin, Matt, and Little Collin,
I finally figured out that I need to be "anonymous" to make this work. I have watched with wonder the progress little Collin is making. You are in our prayers. It has to be difficult to leave the little guy in the hospital, but remember that he is getting good care and will continue to get better and better. God bless you all.
Sue Lang
March 28, 2007 7:30 AM
Hi Sue,
I moved your comment from an older entry so that Matt & Erin would be sure to see it. I think you can click on the "other" button, then add your name on the "username" line, then publish to enter your comment. (You don't have to fill in the "password" blank.) I hope this helps others who would like to post a comment. :)
Thank you!
Other cute traits of Collin are his facial expressions. He raises his eyebrows in great expectation just as Grandma Lora stated. He puckers his lips together as if he were saying "Oh My!” there is a great photo on this web site. His nose is so cute. "Prominent" a word the radiologist exclaimed when we first saw Collin at Christmas during an ultra sound. And sounds of Collin...squeaks and sneezes, grunting and grumbling...oh how I miss you Collin. God Bless You! I'll soon be back!
Thank you for all of your comments and prayers!!!!! We miss you too Mom, see you soon!
Love,
Matty, Erin, and Collin
He's a beautiful baby, and probably, a lot stronger than you think. Your touch, voice, and prayers give him strength. We pray his health continues. Stay strong, mom and dad!
The Opdahls
How cool is it that people from all over the world can connect over one little child? Writing from North Carolina to say we're praying for Collin and his grandparents. Grandma N, this is a nice site, you must love him like crazy!
Jerry and Sue
We can't wait to meet him, either! Nan, I'll bet you miss holding that bundle of joy in your arms. God willing you will be back in Phoneix soon. The Browns
Good news! Please check the entry for an update.
Dear Erin, Matt, and baby Collin.
I am one of Mrs. Verdi's students. Collin is so cute! I have been praying for him ever since I found out he was born. I will keep you in my prayers.I believe he will get better! God Bless you all.
-Alexis Hofer
He's got a hearty appetite! Just like his grandpas!! :)
Great news on Collins weight gain! I have enjoyed your daily updates and look forward to new pictures. God bless your wonderful family, both near and far.
Thank you, Mrs. Verdi's students, for your nice comments! I know it means alot to Erin and Matt (and the rest of us, too!)
Now, shouldn't you be studying some history? JUST KIDDING!
Hi-Matt Erin and Baby Collin! This is one of Mrs. Verdi's students at LHS. I just wanted to let you know that i am praying for you everyday and i hope for the best for you through this time. I love to see Baby Collin's Beautiful pictures everyday!-Best Wishes~Brooke Schaley
Good luck with the baby we're all behind you!
one of Mrs. Verdi's
stundents
Matt, Erin, and Baby Collin. You are such a beautiful family! Baby Collin is sooo adorable! Us, here at LHS are praying for you and your family and we will continue too! God Bless you all.
Amanda
[One of Mrs.Verdi's History students!]
Babies compensate very well to complications they are faced with. Collin's intestine could adapt and grow into a working organ. With that said, Collin may never need another surgery, but the Doctors say that we have to be realistic about his situation and he may need a small intestine transplant in the future. Even more likely would be a lengthening procedure to make the surface area of the small bowel larger so he can absorb nutrients efficiently.
If anyone is curious, check out this website:
www.nebraskamed.com/transplant/smallbowel_transplant_program.cfm
The Nebraska Medical Center is one of the elite intestinal transplant centers in the world, Erin and I would feel comfortable having Collins care moved there if needed.
Matt,
Thank you for sharing this information. I often don't know how to answer many of the questions that are asked. Maybe this will help others understand a little more about Collin's situation. We love you.
Congradulations on your new baby!! It is good that he is gaining "the good stuff"
I will keep you in our prayers.
God Bless
Neil Iverson
-student from 8th grade, Mrs. Verdi's class
Hi Erin, Matt and Baby Collin,
Just wanted to tell you that I hope Collin gets better and I wish you all the best of luck!
Ashlee Rudolf (one of Mrs. Verdi's Jr. high students)
Matt, I will link the UNMC on the front page...great information! We are praying that Collin doesn't need another surgery, but if he does, we have a big supportive family base in Omaha, as well as many good friends. You would definitely be in good hands!
Dear Erin, Matt, and Baby Collin,
This is Joanna- I saw you three at the NICU today :o) I have been praying for Collin and your whole family as well, ever since Lora told Tom and I about Collins early arrival. He is the most precious baby I have seen! I'll be doing my nursing school rounds on the 8th and 7th floor and will stop by again and see how the little "urinator" is doing.. hehe. Collin is very lucky to have such a loving family!!! God bless!
I am so excited to check in here every day and see how Collin is doing! You have a beautiful family!
Joanna, I am so excited for you to be doing your nursing rounds there...I hope to see you during one of my visits. I also hope you introduced yourself to Erin and Matt, I know they would love you and Tom. Thank you also for your continued prayers and support. It means so much to Chris and I (and of course, Matt and Erin)to have you guys leave comments. Hugs, Lora (Grandma N)
P.s.-Tiffany, thank you also for your support and prayers. If you have any advice for us, please share! :)
WOW ~ What a gorgeous, gorgeous baby boy!
When I first heard Erin was having a baby boy, I sent Lora (Gramma) a copy of John Lennon's "Beautiful Boy"! I have 3 baby boys (all 3 grown-up) of my own and I fell in love with that song the moment I first heard it.
(I even wanted to dance to it, with my son at his wedding!)
Anyway.... I was on vacation when Collin Matthew was born (I rec'd a phone call, but had no internet access to see his pic until now). Today was the first time I saw Collin's beautiful, beautiful face! He is beyond gorgeous and the song, "Beautiful Boy" is all his!
I've been praying for Collin, Erin, Matt and the entire family since I first heard about him.
I am so grateful for any and all news concerning his progress... what he does, the clothes he wears, how his eyes work, how his eyebrows move, how he squeezes your fingers... and even how his pooping is going!
I absolutely love hearing every little detail regarding your Beautiful Boy!
Prayers, love, and God's Blessings for each of you... you all are so precious and sooooo adorable!
xoxoxox
Love, Deanna
Hi Erin Its Drew.I just wanted to say that i love you very much,and I think of you every day.I am praing for Collin,Matt,And moast imporantly you. Love always,Drew
Dear dear Collin and family,
We lift you all up in prayer continuously. We will be available for anything that you may need.
Know that Corinne's little prayers are loud and clear for Collin.
Blessings,
Dan and Joanie
Deanna, that song was and is so appropriate for YOUR beautiful boy and ours! I admit that the song goes through my head every time I see him. Sometimes I even find myself humming it when I am thinking about him. Thanks for sending it to me...right before Thanksgiving! :)
God bless you and many prayers come to you from G'ma and G'pa Alberts. We will get in touch with you again soon, would love to see you in person. Very soon, if possible.
Love you all,
God Bless,
Great G'ma and G'pa Alberts
Pleasant Dreams little one! You, your mommy and daddy are in our constant prayers...the Power of Prayer...grants us all "Amazing Grace". Sleep well and we will talk again tomorrow, even though it is from a distance.
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