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Smith Twins Birth Announcement !!
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Subject: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Wesley S Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:10 PM Hello friends - it's been a rollercoaster of a week. My wife Bretta gave birth to two boys last Wednesday the 13th at a little after 5 in the afternoon. She was 32 weeks along in her pregnancy. Brendan James Smith came into this world at 3 pounds 10.6 ounces and measured 13 inches long. He has already gained some weight since last Wednesday and appears to be a healthy boy considering his weight. Patrick Tate Smith came into this world at 4 pounds 12.5 ounces and measures 14.25 inches long. He , however has some big problems. Unrelated to the premature birth Patrick was born with a coarctation of the aorta, a main artery coming out of the heart. It's a narrowing or constriction and it wasn't letting enough blood through. One of the nurses noticed that his blood pressure in his legs was lower than in his arms. The doctors suggested surgery. It was planned for the next day. We were told that he had a one in ten chance of not making it through the operation. The next morning while his surgical team was working on their first operation of the day { Patrick was to be second } his cardioligist { sp? } came and told us he had found a complication. Blood clots were building up near the coarctation. He might be the opposite of a "bleeder". Now his chances were one in three. So at the ripe old age of 44 HOURS old the doctors went into his chest. They put him on ice to put him in suspended animation and drained all the blood out of his body. They fixed the aoreta with a patch of human tissue and we hope they got all of the blood clots out. Some of the clots had been forming before birth so if he had not been born when he had he would have had a stroke and died before birth. He came through the operation OK but they still haven't closed up his chest yet in order to give the heart a chance to reduce the swelling. It's been touch and go ever since. We were very worried about brain damage because his eyes were fixed and dialated for so long but that seems to have cleared up. He had a normal EEG. Our biggest problem now is the kidneys. His urine output is low and the doctors call it life threatening. It's just a wait and see situation. A good friend knows some of the doctors and assures us that all of the cardioligists in the hospital are looking in on the situation because it's so unusual. That's not really how you want your children to get attention. We are very confident that Patrick is getting the best of care. He's at one of the best childrens hospitals in the nation and his team is top notch. God bless the nurses and doctors for what they are able to do. Bretta came home from the hospital last night and let me tell you that was one tough ride home for both of us leaving the boys behind. We are fortunate to live only three miles away from the hospital. Please join me in rejoicing in the births of both sons. We are so pleased with Brendan { he has the worlds smallest sneezes } and we look forward to someday taking both of our sons home. Any prayers, thoughts or songs for Patrick will be gratefully accepted. We believe in a higher power that we happen to call God. If you don't - thats OK - pray to whomever you feel like. We are holding on to the idea that this is the season of little babies and miracles and we could use a few right now. Hearing the songs of the season about "infants tender and mild" are a little surreal. Christmas for us is on hold this year. Thanks in advance for your concern. I'll give you more news when we get it but as you can imagine my posts will be infrequent. Thankyou - Wesley Smith |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: wysiwyg Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:16 PM Wesley and Bretta, I will of course pray for you all as will Greg, and I am pasting this to the prayer chain. Since you are a participating member, and have asked here for all prayer, I'll assume you'd approve, and I will ask people responding to post to you here, not in e-mail, so your inbox does not clog up. We love you all dearly, Wesley, and I'll take all my late night sleeplessness now and use it to stand guard with our Lord over your family... and the hospital folk... singing... and praying His awesome will be done in fully abundant grace. ~Susan |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: jeffp Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:19 PM Gee, Wesley, it's hard to know what to say. Be assured that you have my fervent prayers for little Patrick. I do hope everything turns out well for all of you. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Ebbie Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:20 PM Heartfelt congratulations, Wesley and Bretta! It's a glorious season in which to be born. I'm giving thanks for the boys' health and prospects. For preemies, they are of a good, stout weight and strong. Isn't it wonderful what medicine can address and repair! A generation ago, we wouldn't have had the options. Nurture yourselves. And again, congratulations! Ebbie |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Naemanson Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:32 PM Congratulations Wesley and Bretta! And welcome to the world Patrick and Brendan! In another year or so I expect your father's posts will contain the occasional "kea/,fd" where young fingers made their way to the keyboard. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and wishing you well. Patrick will be home before you know it and making his little sneezes right beside his brother. All the best, Brett |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Hollowfox Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:39 PM (Thank heavens that modern medicine can help. Just think, its not so long ago that there'd have been no hope at all.) Congratulations to the four of you! I add my prayers to yours. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: mousethief Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:41 PM Praying and holding our breath in Seattle. May St. Patrick add his prayers to ours for your little Patrick. Alex |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Mrrzy Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:46 PM I am very happy and worried for you at the same time! I won't tell you about my twins' prematurity issues (unless you ask!) but it seems to me, in admitted ignorance, as if Patrick's illness might be why they got born so early... and it sounds like that is just as well, in his case. I will hope for you throughout this season, and then some. When do they think Brendan can come home? (She asks knowing not to expect an answer anytime soon.) |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Wesley S Date: 18 Dec 00 - 01:50 PM I just got a call - another blood clot { or more } found in the Vena Cava. Going home for Bretta and then to the hospital. This doesn't look good. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: GUEST,~Susan Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:01 PM Spaw... your prayers are needed... ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: SINSULL Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:14 PM Wesley and Bretta, First, congratulations. Patrick and Brendan are finally here. Next, take care of yourselves and your children. You have my prayers and thoughts with you. One day at a time; one hour at a time; one minute... Stay strong. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: katlaughing Date: 18 Dec 00 - 02:17 PM Wesley, thanks for taking the time to let us know of their births and of this latest. Hard to keep the tears from flooding the keyboard. We will stand with you through whatever may come and keep you all in our hearts and thoughts. Giving thanks for Patrick's complete recovery and a blessed homecoming for him and Brendan, as well as sending you both strength and love. Blessed Be, kat |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Jed at Work Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:17 PM Warmest congratulations, and my very best wishes for a safe recover for Patrick. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Bert Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:21 PM Love and best wishes to you guys.
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Troll Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:24 PM My prayers and my spirit are with you.May you all come safely through this ordeal. troll |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: CarolC Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:25 PM Wesley S, Congratulations to you and Bretta on the birth of your fine sons. Sending all of you my best hopes and wishes for the full recovery of your little Patrick's perfect body, and for whatever comfort all of you need to help you cope with this difficult time in your lives. Good luck and best wishes, Carol |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Naemanson Date: 18 Dec 00 - 03:27 PM We're hanging in there with you! Good luck! |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Morticia Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:08 PM Wes, my very best thoughts and best wishes going to you, Bretta and the babies......keep us posted. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Susan from California Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:15 PM We are adding our thoughts and prayers from here--we will sing a couple of songs for both boys, and Mom and Dad, too. Going home from the hospital alone is very tough, glad you live close and the sweeties are in good hands! |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Sorcha Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:17 PM All I've got left coming Patrick's way........(think this BIG........................)Holding all of you in light, and you will get the biggest Christmas Present ever.... |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Quincy Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:23 PM More loving thoughts and prayers heading your way.... very best wishes, Yvonne |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: GUEST,Mary in Kentucky Date: 18 Dec 00 - 04:34 PM Wesley, I've prayed for you, Bretta and the boys. Please know that I'll continue. Mary |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Burke Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:04 PM Congratulations to both of you. Patrick, and all the rest of you are in my prayers. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: sophocleese Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:32 PM Wesley, thinking about you and your family, congratulations on the increased size! and especially little Patrick. I hope it goes well at the hospital. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Greyeyes Date: 18 Dec 00 - 05:43 PM Give you joy of your twins. Thinking thoughts as positive as I possibly can.
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Mrs.Duck Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:05 PM Firstly congratulations on the birth of your two beautiful boys,Patrick and Brendan. Geoff and I are thinking of you all and hoping with all our hearts that things go well for Patrick. With love and hope Jane and Geoff |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Dave (the ancient mariner) Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:18 PM Bless these babies for they are a gift upon the earth. Bring happines to their sorrow, and joy to their tears. May they and their parents enjoy long life and good health. Lord make it so. Amen. Yours, Aye. Dave (praying) |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Pixie Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:26 PM Keep up the positive thoughts! It is absolutely unbelievable what these little ones can come through! I have been working with challenged children for over 20 years, and many of them were born at 21 weeks and weighed in at a whopping 2 lbs on a good day. Complications that we could only shake our heads over, and lo and behold! They spend a couple of years "catching" up, and then its off to the races. A very close friend gave birth to her first child, Ben, 13 years ago - he was born at 21 weeks, and didn't leave the hospital for 4 months. At 3, he was just stumbling around; at 5, he was an accomplished drummer; at 7, he took up hockey and soccer, and hasn't looked back since. He had horrible asthma for many of his formative years, and was in and out of the hospital. He now has the consitution of an ox, and is tough as nails.....we firmly believe its because he had to fight so hard for his life initially that he is the shining star he is today! Little Patrick has already shown his strength! Sending comfort and prayers Pixie |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: catspaw49 Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:31 PM Wesley my friend, I know not what to say. Karen and I have been gone all day and I arrive home to find this news which brings tears to my eyes on different levels. We are happy to hear that Bretta is okay and are happy that Brendan is "off and running." We wait to hear more of Patrick and as you know, our thoughts are with you both and with the doctors and surgeons who are attending. On the plus side you have started Patrick off with a fine strong name. I don't know what's in a name, but "Patricks" are generally pretty strong, tough folks who are good at handling the adversity of the world. From St. Patrick to Patrick Henry to a somewhat lesser known Patrick in Ohio, if a name can help, he has a good one. You are obviously pleased with the team of docs and nurses and the hospital and we keep them too in our thoughts. Its amazing what they can do and we know they will be doing their best for your son. Your 3-D friends and family are, I'm sure, a great support, but know that this weird little cyber village is thinking of you all too. In whatever manner we are doing it and in whatever religion, we are sending the best we have to offer. If there is anything we can do besides, please tell us and we'll make it happen somehow. Just ask. I also hope that you and Bretta are taking care of yourselves as well. You sent me that Possum Salad recipe and I'd like to return the favor as I'm sure it works well with armadilla too. But even that's not needed since I made a large batch and you'd be amazed at how well deep fried lettuce keeps! I'll ship it UPS. All of our best to you my good friend and thanks for the news. Children are the most special of gifts and you are indeed blessed even as you pray for Patrick. Give Brendan a little finger squeeze from us. Patrick, Karen, Tristan, and Michael, Patterson |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Mrs.Duck Date: 18 Dec 00 - 06:35 PM When you wish upon a star Makes no difference who you are When you wish upon a star Your dreams come true I'm looking out of the window and wishing on every one of them Wes! |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Melani Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:20 PM Hang in there, Wesley and Bretta. Doctors and God can do all sorts of amazing things. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Naemanson Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:27 PM still checking in, Wes. Still pulling for you, Bretta, Brendan, and especially little Patrick. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: GUEST,guest(Jaze) Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:35 PM Congratulations and lots of prayers headed your way. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: GUEST,Mickey191 Date: 18 Dec 00 - 10:59 PM For Wesley & Bretta, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your blessed babies. Modern medicine can do wonderous things with God's help. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: mg Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:12 AM Congratulations. I hope the latest news is good. They can do such wonders with surgery on the tiniest babies these day...I will pray for your family. mg |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: GUEST,~Susan Date: 19 Dec 00 - 07:35 AM Refresh for day shift. News? ~S~ |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: dwditty Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:10 AM Wesley & Bretta, All the hope and love and prayer that I can muster are heading to you both and to Brendan and Patrick. I pray that God guides the hands and minds of the doctors to provide care and healing for Patrick. God Bless you all. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: alison Date: 19 Dec 00 - 09:09 AM Wesley and Bretta, congratulations on the birth of your sons...... mu prayers and thoughts are with you all especially little Patrick.... may God hold you all close at this time............... slainte alison |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: katlaughing Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:32 AM Still holding you all in my thoughts. I lit the super-duper Big Medicine Tibetan Healing Incense for Patrick this morning and Spaw is right, every Patrick I've ever known has been strong and made out alright.
We are walking in the Light All the best, kat |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: CamiSu Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:33 AM Wesley & Bretta, Congratulations, hugs, and prayers! God is holding all of you in Love and Life! CamiSu |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Jon W. Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:40 AM Wes, I add my faith and prayers to the others here. Jon W. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Mrrzy Date: 19 Dec 00 - 11:45 AM The only preemie I know who was even smaller than Timothy is also named Patrick - going on 4 and will be FINE FINE FINE. Had a lot of trouble early on, many surgeries, fears of brain damage and all - all of which failed to come to anything! My thoughts are still with your excellent medical teams, as well as with all of you. Patrick is a good name for a scrappy little fighter. Feisty, too. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Mark Cohen Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:30 PM First, thoughts and prayers coming your way from here in the Pacific Ocean. (A good thing to have on your side: oceanic power and peace!) I've taken care of many many sick tiny premies who are now running around happy and healthy--it can and does happen. You and Bretta might ask the nurses about support groups that are available for parents of sick premies. It often helps to be able to talk to someone who's been through it, especially about all the little day-to-day details that we professional types don't even think about or notice very much. Your mention of "another clot" got me thinking, also...make sure that among the docs looking in on Patrick is a pediatric hematologist, specifically one that specialized in coagulation (clotting) problems. I'm sure that's already being done, but it doesn't hurt to mention it. Something else that should be checked, though again it probably already has been, is Patrick's homocysteine level. I have a 4 year old patient whose homocystinuria (a rare metabolic disorder) was not diagnosed until he had a stroke from a blood clot in the brain at age 3. Until then we didn't know why his development was so slow. Medical treatment has reduced the level of homocysteine in his blood and markedly improved his development and behavior. The connection between homocysteine and clotting has only been discovered within the past couple of years (it's now being implicated in coronary artery disease). I would expect that people in a major children's hospital are up on this and other causes of increased clotting, but it doesn't hurt to mention it. Congratulations on your joy, hugs and prayers for the scary part, and if I can do anything to help, just send me a personal message on the 'Cat or an email, or even telephone (my office is in Hilo, Hawaii). Keep in touch with your pediatrician, too, even though he or she has not yet seen the babies. Aloha, Mark |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Amergin Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:46 PM My thoughts and hopes are with you, Wes. |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Naemanson Date: 19 Dec 00 - 12:57 PM C'mon, Wes, we're all hanging here with fingers crossed and holdign our collective breath. What's happening there?
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Noreen Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:02 PM Much love and rejoicing, Bretta and Wesley, with your two tiny miracles. There are many friends here thinking of you both as you cope with this testing time, together. Warm, protecting thoughts for Patrick Tate and Brendan James. Let me rock you in my arms Noreen |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: catspaw49 Date: 19 Dec 00 - 01:05 PM Brett, you are the biggest cheerleader in the joint!!! Wes, try to ignore ol' Naes and his cheering demands......Just know that we're all pulling for Patrick and believeing in the best. Happy to see Doc Cohen posting here too. I think we now have two pediatricians at the 'Cat now! Take care of yourself and Bretta. I'll ship the possum salad later. Spaw |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: SINSULL Date: 19 Dec 00 - 03:08 PM Hush little babies. Don't say a word. Poppa's gonna buy you a mocking bird. And if that mocking bird don't sing, Poppa's gonna buy you... |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Naemanson Date: 19 Dec 00 - 03:11 PM You know, once they pull little Patrick through this bump in his road we're gonna have to talk with Wes about that name. I mean, ferkristsake, that's Spaw's name and look how he turned out... Good guy, just a little twisted. I guess it's as good a name as any... (Now, gang, don't go thinking of better names for Spaw.) |
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Subject: RE: Smith Twins Birth Announcement !! From: Áine Date: 19 Dec 00 - 08:17 PM Dear Wesley, Our prayers are for you and Bretta and the wee ones tonight. Keep the faith, we all love you. -- Áine |
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