Hopefully making some progress!

The family took a big field trip today! Before I get to the doctor's appointment with Dr. Russo for Matt's tummy, we were able to take the babies over to see Dr. Zaretsky and his wonderful staff! Dr. Z is in the same complex as Dr. Russo, so we gave them a "head's up" that we were going to be over there. What a thrill! Dr. Z, Leah and Sharon took such wonderful care of Katie and the babies during the pregnancy, it was just awesome to actually let them hold the babies that they took such great care of before they were even born. We had a GREAT time and I think Dr. Z and the crew really enjoyed meeting the babies too! Below is Leah on the left holding Drew, Dr. Z holding Claire and Sharon holding Matt.

After our visit with Dr. Z, we over and met Dr. Russo and to check out Matt's tummy. The good news is that there are really no red flags or major issues that he is concerned about. His exam went great, everything felt and looked good. He did a pretty exhaustive exam on Matt and in the end and the first step we are taking is to change Matt's formula. He is concerned that he may be milk intolerant or have an allergy to something in the Neosure formula that the babies are currently on. This is the first step and we are going to give it two weeks and see if there is some progress. If the new formula doesn't help, we may move to some reflux medicine. Unfortunately, many of the infant reflux medicines in studies have proven to be somewhat ineffective and cause more side effects than they do good. Getting all cranked up on meds that may or may not work and cause side effects is the last resort.

Both Katie and I really liked Dr. Russo and his approach on the treatment. He is very soft spoken and very conservative, you can tell he is very intelligent and that today wasn't his first rodeo. We are giving this new formula to Matt and Drew both at this point to see if it makes a difference, we are going to continue to pray that these two little guys grow out of this deal soon. Good news, no surgery or anything wild like that! Whoo Hoo!

Claire is doing great, Claire is being Claire the little cutie pa-toot-ee that she is! Does it really get any better than to grab your daughter in the morning, bring her into bed and cuddle for a few minutes before you start your day? I don't think so!

As I mentioned in my last post, I am going to start touching over a series of posts about our journey that reaches back probably before I even met Katie actually. I have been taking notes in my journal to make sure that I don't miss anything, I hope I don't.

The basis around my posts and my series of information about our journey really is wrapped around the wonderful blessings that Katie and I have experienced in the last 10 months. I am really doing this for a couple of reasons. The first being, for the babies, I intend this to be a little narrative piece that the kids can look back on in the years to come and see just what wonderful little miracles they are and how the Lord has blessed their lives and ours. Secondly, I am documenting this for Katie and I. I want to be able to go back and remember and keep top of mind just how blessed we are to have these three lives enter our world. Lastly, for our friends and family, there are events, people and things that have happened to us that many people do not know, and I think it is important to share them. By being able to share our story, hopefully our friends and family will be able to see and understand what an incredible role that God has played in our family.

I am really looking forward to writing this in the blog, for those that follow, I hope you find it interesting and compelling. I'll do my best not to get sappy and still "land the plane" and get to the point! I'll start my first post next time, wish me luck!

Our family continues to thrive, the babies continue to grow and it is the support and assistance from our friends and family that keep Katie and I somewhat sane! My dad has been a GREAT help over the last month, he's an amazing guy, I love him so much. We had a great visit with Katie's mom Caroline last weekend, we were so excited for her to meet her grand babies! Channel our nanny started on Monday and that is going GREAT as well, she jumps right in and helps with whatever we need. The babies are going to be baptized in Mason at Paul and Judy's church, Mason Methodist Church the Sunday after Thanksgiving, I am so excited to get them to the ranch and to get them into church (I know they are 10 weeks old!)! That is going to be a hoot! Cheryl, our volunteer from church is just a wonderful help as well, so wonderful to have her in our home.

I'll leave you with a little peak of "tummy time"! The babies are getting so strong and doing great holding their head up, etc. Now, Frank is a little protector and babysitter and he does NOT let Claire out of his site, period. When she is on the floor he is right there making sure she is OK and cheering her on! This picture is great! Drew on the left in the yellow, Matt in the middle and Claire on the right and Frankers watching over HIS baby!!

Thank you for the notes, emails and cards, praying for Matt. We appreciate and feel each one of them! We all hope that this post finds everyone safe, healthy and happy for each day! Have a wonderful weekend!

Love,

Todd, Katie, Drew, Matt and Claire