2/21/09 - "LOOK AT ME NOW"























You could hear nothing but "AAAWWWwwwwaaaaaaAAAHHH's" going on in the room when Kayleigh was placed in her little blue chair. It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. Although, I will probably say that every single time she does something new. Can you imagine how hard I am going to ball my eyes out when she talks or walks for the first time? Oh man, someone is going to have to give Daddy a bucket.

Kayleigh is doing fantastic!!!! She was taken off her Triple Mix (IV Nutrients) today and her caloric intake was increased to 25 calories. She is tolerating all of her feeds very well. They are decreasing her pain medication 5% each day, so we are making progress on that. The less she is on that, the more she will be able to focus and her eyes won't roll around so much. She is weighing 6 lbs - 14oz, and we expect a little more growth now that she is getting back up to her max feedings soon.

Kayleigh is just moving a long in the right direction. As for an outlook as to how long before she comes home, I am not sure. I was hoping it was going to be a couple months after she had the trach put in, but that may not happen since her feeds were cut back a little. I think if she continues to progress as well as she is now, it shouldn't be too much longer.

It was such a blessing for Kayleigh to be held again. I am just so pleased that she was not as cranky as she was before when we held her. Aimee felt so great holding and loving on her. We were shocked that Kayleigh was going to enjoy it, but she was so comfortable and didn't get upset at all. It is very sad when holding your child upsets them as it is not the norm in their daily routine. There is a lot of challenges that are in Kayleigh's future, but I have no doubt she will conquer them all. She has already proven she can overcome anything.

We go through every day with the challenges that we are faced with thinking about Kayleigh and how tough she has it. Even though we are struggling, I think about how easy we have it compared to Kayleigh and how she keeps fighting the tough battles. We get our strength from her and she is such an inspiration to our family as you all mention the same for yours. She has taught us so much in life and we are two of the luckiest parents in the world. God has blessed us with Kayleigh in so many different ways and we are so ecstatic to have such an AWESOME GOD!

Thank you ALL for your love and support. I apologize if I am not able to respond to all the emails, but please know that we read them all and are touched by your words.

God Bless,

87 comments:

ashleyjnc said...

wow, she is looking great! She doesn't look swollen at all now. It seems like just a day or two ago you were saying you couldn't hold her because of desats, and now look! What a doll!

Brent Riggs said...

Great pics... can't wait to see you guys next week.

Hopefully Abby won't be in the hospital. Thanks for telling your readers about her. We are grateful...

Brent (Abby's Dad)
www.riggsfamilyblog.com

Sarah Suzy said...

oh my goodness! she is just amazing. I have tears looking at these pictures. what a big girl she is!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!

SarahJ

Anonymous said...

awww i LOVE that she is sitting up in the bumbo chair!!!! ]

so happy 2 see how well she is doing!

Mrs. G.I. Joe said...

She looks so amazing!!!

Wow and she makes our Lucy look like King Kong sitting in one of those :P

Robin said...

OH MY GOSH you guys!!! I have tears of joy in my eyes seeing her in that bumbo. I can't believe it. What a great way to start the weekend. She is so amazing. She reminds me everyday just how big Our God truly is.

Blessings,
Robin in WA

Anonymous said...

OH my! Praise god! She is so cute in the Bumbo!!

Alicia said...

Oh my goodness. I was so shocked to see her sitting in a Bumbo seat!!! Praise God for He is good!!

Alicia

Anonymous said...

Absolutely love the pics and Aimee looks so happy. We are happy to see her doing so well. We are still praying that soon she will come home and surprise everyone again. God is so amazing.
God Bless

Kristy said...

I have been reading your blog for quite sometime and to say that Kayleigh is an inspiration is an understatement. My family has been hit hard in the past 2 weeks with the untimely death of my daughter's best friend in college, my sons skateboard accident that put him in ICU for 2 days and my baby who is 1 day younger than Kayleigh was diagnosed with RSV yesterday. Through all of this I remained unusually calm. I know for a fact there was more than one time that I though about Kayleigh and her perserverance and strength and I know she had a part in keeping my faith through my storm. Your baby girl is a true inspiration of strength and resiliency. I am so looking forward to the day I see that she is going home. It will be a fantastic celebration!! Thank you Freeman family for opening up your life and story of Kayleigh. It means so much to so many.

Kayleigh- You are such a big girl in your Bumbo!! Keep growing and loving on your mom and dad! I know they love every second of it!!

Dan said...

Such a big girl in her Bumbo chair! So happy to see and know that you are all doing well :)

Vanessa said...

It's wonderful to see her sitting up in her big girl chair!! You and your family are in my prayers!!

The Rigelsky Family said...

yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! shes soooo big!!!

Megan R. said...

I'm a long time follower, I just don't comment too much. I have followed Aimee's story since the BBC days!

Kayleigh looks amazing! I just thought this might make you giggle:

http://newlywednewlybredinne.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-post.html

That is my Chunky Monkey, in his blue bumbo chair. He was 3 months in that video. Just thought you'd laugh at the comparison! He was 11 pounds 3oz at birth. I think you guys will get MUCH more use out of your bumbo, since chunk is about to outgrow it! I'm so glad she is doing great!

Nutty Mom said...

I love the one where she's in her bumbo looking up. As if to say "hey God, thanks for letting me stay!"

Waves of Victory said...

OMG!!! How exciting! She is sich a BIG girl. She looks so cute sitting there. I can't wait to see pics of her sitting in her car seat!

Rachel

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness I'm laughing my head off right now at how cute she looks in her chair. These pictures made my day. My husband was so excited to see her sitting up that you would have thought she was his little girl doing it. She looks like she is having a good time. I can't imagine how awesome she felt in Aimee's arms. I love yall, and I'm still praying for more progress. Thanks so much for helping me keep my faith. Squeeze your little princess in a big hug for me.
Nikki Conway

Kara Nicholson said...

It's so great to see her like this, I don't think I have left a comment yet but I have been following for about a month, this seriously made my night. Stay strong, continue to trust in the Lord!!!
Nicholson family

Amanda said...

aww those pics are too sweet she looks like a big girl!

Unknown said...

Kayleigh is adorable in her Bumbo seat. It is AMAZING!!! what God is doing in her life. What an AWESOME Testimony this Little girl is going to have. God Bless!!!

Anonymous said...

She looks fantastic!

What an amazing little girl she is.

May she keep improving every day and finally go home where she belongs very soon.

God bless you all

Babs said...

This gives a whole new meaning to baby steps.
This is what it means to take each and every moment as it comes. Aimee looks wonderful with joy holding her. Atta girl Kayleigh, I'd say this was a High Five moment.

The Snyder's said...

Kayleigh,
We are so very proud of you!! May God Continue to give you strength to grow.. You are amzing Kayleigh and I will continue to pray for you.

MOM and DAD and the family,
May God continue to comfort you through this and give you the strength that only comes from HIM..

God bless you!

SO happy to see her in the BLUE SEAT.. So CUTE..
Tiffany and Brad

Jacki said...

OMG! So glad to watch her progress! She's doing so well!

Too cute inher seat. I wish we'd had thoise when my babies were tiny!

Praying in KY.

Anonymous said...

She looks AWESOME. Look at her sitting in her BUMBO chair.

Sara said...

What a big girl! This is just awesome!

Confessions From A Work-At-Home Mom said...

When I logged on this morning and saw Kayleigh in her bumbo, I was so excited for ya'll... then, I saw Aimee holding her, and started crying tears of joy! How very exciting for you! I know it's been too long. What a beautiful sight!

~The Falkes

Anonymous said...

I was in total shock seeing Kayleigh in her big girl chair. Love the pic of mommy holding her darling baby. Kayleigh continue to be strong with no set backs so you can come home soon. Your mommy and daddy will be the happiness parents in the world. Jean Alvey

Anonymous said...

How amazing!! She is looking awesome!! Did she like her bumbo or did it make her mad?? She looks sooo cute sitting up!! Keep getting stronger sweetie!!!!!!

~~~Shandi, Madison and Lucas from Ohio

Hope said...

She is gorgeous! I'm so happy to see her sitting up and being held. I could cry happy tears with you!

Val said...

Oh gosh, she's so sweet! I love her little feet sticking out of the Bumbo chair. She still looks so small, yet so big in that chair. I just love it!!

Sarah Benedict said...

She looks great...those pictures are adorable! I ordered the Zaky for you guys and it should be there in a couple weeks...hopefully it won't be too late in arriving. Continuing to pray for you family!

JeffnLillysmom said...

How exciting!! What a beautiful girl. She is doing a wonderful job.

MissJeovette said...

Oh my gosh.....Kayleigh looks sooo cute in her Bumbo chair!!!!!! Kayleigh you look great. May God bless you and have you home in no time. I have strong faith that all will be good.


xoxo,

The Abreu Fam
(Brooklyn, NY)

Tanya said...

I'm so glad to see how great she is doing, what a Blessing!

Isabella said...

I have been following your blog for quite some time. I pray for your little girl every day. I wish I could do more. I have done some research, as I am sure you have, about medical insurance and although you may not qualify for medicad you should be able to get coverage through your state's CHIP (formally SCHIP) program. Here is a link for more information http://www.kff.org/medicaid/7863.cfm
President Obama just signed the Act into law, Feb 9, 2009. I am not sure where that puts you in regards to preexisting condition but I think it is worth looking into. My prayers are with you all.

Margaret Christine said...

Stay strong sweet girl!!!! You can do ANYTHING! You have already touched what, 1098 people?? No, BLOGGERS! THink of everyone else you have touched who don't follow you thru the net...in 7 mo, you have accomplished more than most people have in 30 years.
PS Adam-
Don't worry about replying to our emails; putting pressure on you isn't what its for!!!!!! :)
God Bless,

Elkins5 said...

Woah! It's a whole new world (sitting up) isn't it Kayleigh? So many new things and the same things even look different. What a BIG girl!

I know exactly how it feels not to be able to comfort your baby..the way you want to...but know that you both have comforted her in other ways and that's how she has been able to stay so strong and fight! Oh, how awesome though when she gets to return the comfort towards you (like she did yesterday).

You all are just so awesome! Thank God and praying everyday.
Love
Susan

Anonymous said...

Your comment on Sky.... Not sure what the total situation is, but St. Jude Hospital treats children's cancer even if the family cannot pay.

Jake and Heidi said...

she REALLY does LOVE those fingers doesn't she! It is so nice to check on her each morning and see more of her sweet personality come through her pictures! What a doll! she is a fighter and shows you that every moment is to be cherished!uo

Crissie said...

WOW!!! WAy to go Freemans! You are getting her off her back!! SOOO good for the head control and movement that I commented on last week! I was amazed to see her in her bumbo!!! and even better in Mommys arms! Keep it up!!

Crystal in CT

Anonymous said...

Those are the great pic's she looks so cute in the chair! Everyone here said awwwwww too.

God bless...

Anonymous said...

She looks GREAT!!! I love the pics of her in the bumbo...stay strong Kayleigh :-)

Jenny @ flutterbyechronicles said...

Your daughter is the most precious little miracle. She is so adorable in these pictures.

Deni said...

Precious...you will grow to love the Bumbo! Glad she is doing so well!

Anonymous said...

What a big girl in her bumbo chair!!! And it looks like her fingers taste so good!

You mentioned how holding her makes her upset - I'll tell you, when we first brought David home from the hospital it was so hard for us because he wasn't comforted by us when he was crying - it was better to lay him down and let him comfort himself. Mommy's instinct is to hold your baby when he's crying! But eventually, after being held WAS a part of his every day, most of the day, ritual, he began to be comforted by that. Kayleigh's used to comforting herself right now but I know that once you and Aimee get your hands on her in the comfort of your own home, not to mention Allyson and Brandon - I bet little Kayleigh will never be set down! She's gonna be so rotten ;)

Anyways - she looks great and I'm thrilled that she's getting closer and closer to getting out of the hospital. My prayers are that she will continue to jump all the hurdles put in front of her so you guys can take her where she belongs.

Tammy On the Go said...

Good to see her precious face this morning..my 2 year old wanted to see the baby!

Kirsten: said...

Ahhwww, she looks so cute in her bumbo!!! Glad she is doin well!!!

Anonymous said...

I don't often comment on pictures, but that was too cute. Glad you guys are doing much better. Thanks for sharing your journey.

Amy
http://sandersstories.blogspot.com

Kerrie said...

Way to go Kayleigh!! We are so proud of you!! Keep on growing and moving - you are so amazing!! Don't worry Adam, you can have a tear bucket for every room in the house :) I so needed to see these photos of Kayleigh today - she just brightens up my day!!

Anonymous said...

She looks so amazing. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad you got to hold her and she was accepting to it. Enjoy all of these good moments.

GiGi said...

"AAAWWWwwwwaaaaaaAAAHHH'
Is exactly the word that came to mind.
She gets prettier every day!
Thank You God for keeping her in all of our lives!
xxxooooxxx
From Indiana

elteescat said...

"I was so excited when I saw Kayleigh sitting up!!!! My 2-year-old daughter ran to the coumputer (like she does evey time I come to your site) yelling "Baby! Baby! Aww!" I think she knows who Kayleigh is now!! (and she should considering we visit you guys nearly every day!) I am still so AMAZED at how strong you guys are in the face of all you're dealing with concerning Kayleigh and now a forclosure on top of it and you're still smiling!! Remember, I posted a comment a couple of weeks ago saying I had a mld heart attack on the delivery table when I was told my daughter might have POSSIBLE problems and I thought the NICU would make me lose my mind and we were only there for one week!!! I know it's the power of GOD and PRAYER that's keeping you guys so strong!!! I know Kayleigh's gonna come home soon and everything's gonna work out for you--I just KNOW it!! As my little girl says when people cry and get upset: "It's okay! You're okay!"

Jennifer said...

Look at that big girl sitting in her seat!!!!!! What an amazing and glorious GOD we serve!! Grow kayleigh...grow. Your getting closer and closer to going home. Boy, those little fingers must taste so darn good:) Thanks for keeping us posted.

LisaL said...

She looks so wonderful!! I love her sitting up in the bumbo chair!! Absolutely adorable!! I could just eat her up! You keep going Kayleigh!!

Pennie said...

So happy to see that Kayleigh is sitting up and looking so GOR-G-E-O-U-S!! What a beautiful little baby!

Since Monday, Feb.23, Miss Kayleigh will be 8 mths. old, I would like to suggest a little "virtual" party to celebrate her life and the great accomplishments she has achieved so far. Here's my idea. I've often signed my comments to you saying, "Kisses for Kayleigh," sooo, I would like to offer a challenge to all of her followers to send xxx amount of kisses for Kayleigh's birthday by donating a "kiss,"........a virtual/cyber kiss, that is.

One Dollar Per Kiss:
For example, If I wanted to send Kayleigh 5 kisses then I would donate to the Freeman Fund 5 dollars. If I wanted to send 3 kisses, then 3 dollars, etc.

Hoping this will help ease your financial burden until the job comes through. We can also have a little fun with it at the same time. If everyone of your followers donates even one "kiss", that will help keep your family afloat until your need is met through employment.

Perhaps we could do this on the 23rd of every month to celebrate her and the joy she brings to our lives, or even throughout the month, say in honor or memory of a loved one.

I'll start by donating 5 kisses each from my children, Michella and Marissa.

Who knows, I may be back for more kisses! Let's be creative and help the Freeman's.

"KISSES FOR KAYLEIGH"
Pennie

Cristi said...

That bumbo picture is so cute! She is such a trooper.

Kala Family said...

I love it, in all the pictures you took she has her fingers in her mouth! She is going to have prunes as fingers! Keep eating and growing girl, just don't eat those fingers!

Anonymous said...

She looks amazing!!! I couldn't help but smile when I saw her in the Bumbo! I am so glad to hear that she is doing so well! Keep fighting Chaeli so that next year you can be up and running around getting into everything!

Anonymous said...

It's so cute to see such a little one "sitting". :)
She is looking good!
Continuing to Pray!
**Jenny and Baby Paul*

~Tara~ said...

I am so glad to hear and see how well she is progressing. What a blessing to her and all. What an awesome God we have. I was so thrilled to see her sitting up in the bumbo seat and she looks like she really enjoyed it as much as you all did. That is so awesome. Congrats and thanks for sharing. God bless you all.

Kat Drinkard said...

Thank you for posting the new pics of Kayleigh. My 4 year old loves seeing her journey and she tells me how sweet baby Kayleigh is. I'm so glada and thankful she is getting to sit in her chair. What a big girl!!! God bless. Keep going strong and keep the faith.

Kat

Anonymous said...

Thank you for showing off your little princess. She is just D-dorable. How great to see her in her loving mothers arms at last. Darrell

OzSpring said...

What a Beautiful and amazing little girl you have. A friend of mine from Baby Center Australia May'08 board stumbled across your blog a few days ago playing a Facebook note game(her name is also Kayleighe)and added a link in her note. I followed the link thinking I would just have a quick look and that's it, how wrong I was. I was so touched by the photos before me that I immediately felt I wanted to know this precious child's story so I skipped to the beginning and started reading, every spare moment I got I would sit down and read, that was 3 days ago, during that time I've shed many tears, but also felt much joy for each hurdle she has overcome, and what delight to finally get to this latest post and see her sitting up like a big girl in her chair. I sit here now holding my own son who's just a few weeks older that Kayleigh just that little bit tighter and no longer feeling the frustration I was a few days ago at him constantly wanting to be held due to teething, as I now realize what a blessing it is to be able hold and comfort him when he needs me.I pray that Kayleigh continues to grow and over come each and every hurdle that comes in her path so she can be home safe in your arms where she belongs.

iheartbowheads.blogspot.com said...

She looks AMAZING!!!!!!

Great job!

jlwgator said...

A bumbo seat?! Wow! Congrats!

Anonymous said...

It is wonderful to see kayleigh progressing, and wonderful to see her face!
Quick question if you don't mind:
Why does kayleigh have a tube in each nostril? I know one is her feeding tube, but what is the other one for?

Anonymous said...

Praying for your tiny miracle. Too cute in her Bumbo seat!

S said...

Thank you God for helping baby Kaleigh! Please continue to bless this baby, and her wonderful family!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

k in the bumbo rocks my face off! it's awesome! you guys are so stinking cute! and i'm still amazed at how awesome she is doing! yea for holding her and yea for her pain meds decreasing...yea for God!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow, she is just beautiful and I love seeing pictures of her enjoying her hands and getting all those smooches and lovings! I wonder if she will get a tooth soon! She looks like she loves to chew!

My 7 year old plays on a basketball team and the coach's son we found today was a preemie. He was only 1 pound when he was born at 24 weeks. He was a twin but sadly, they lost his twin brother two days after birth. But you should see this little boy loving life and runing all over the place now! Kayleigh will be doing that too! He told me his boy was in the hospital for five months. But fastforward 7 years and he is doing WONDERFUL! He is the littlest guy on the team and so much fun to watch and root on!
I can just imagine Kayleigh one day running and dancing around like this little kid LOVING LIFE!

Always praying for Kayleigh and I can't wait to see the homecoming pictures hopefully very soon!

Karen Andwan
cincymomof4

Stephanie said...

Now that was the cutest thing I've seen all day. I had tears in my eyes when I saw Aimee holding Kayleigh! So happy for you all and so happy to know that she is continuing to improve. Can't wait until she's heading home to be with all of you! Keeping Kayleigh in my prayers as always!

Kimberly (Anthony's Mom) said...

I can totally understand why this is sooo exciting for you guys! The more you see your preemie doing "normal" things the more your heart soars! Anthony never liked the bumbo. I think he felt trapped or something. From what I hear with Kayleigh's temperment, she's a little pistol and will be wanting to bust out of that thing before long! hehehe She's doing just great!!

I also had a question. Are they going to start doing physical therapy with Kayleigh in the NICU? Anthony was in there for 91 days and when he came home he couldn't turn his neck to the right all the way. Our physical therapist did wonders for him. They get so stiff from laying in the beds all day.

Kim

Anonymous said...

The Awwwwwwwwww continues over the internet!! She looks FANTASTIC!! I just want to hug and kiss her so bad. I love how she sucks on her fingers. Do you guys ever let her have a binky ?? These pictures just made my day! I love it.

Kayleigh - you are my HERO!!!

Beth Yu

Katie Anderson said...

Oh Kayleigh, how much we love you and we rejoyce as our Heavenly Father helps you advance and get closer to home. God has a plan for your life and I am looking forward to watching every day as you grow and mature watching you follow the will of our Heavenly Father. LOVE ALWAYS.

The Pyrat Family said...

she looks beautiful. I am so happy that she is progressing so well. She is so lucky to have such loving and faithful parents. Gid bless you

Pennie said...

Okay, I DID have to come back for more "kisses" today. I want to send kisses to Allyson and Brandon too, soooo, I'm donating $25.oo to the "Kisses for Kayleigh" fund and she can spread the kisses to her brother, sister, mom and dad, nurses, physicians, whomever.

Come on everyone!!! Let's help this family out. I, personally, can't give big donations, but if we all give what we can it will help so much. I challenge anyone who has been blessed by this family to give a least one dollar in honor of Kayleigh and the progress and accomplishments she has made. Without God, none of this would have come to pass, and we give ALL glory, praise, and thanks to HIM!!!

If you need a blessing, let's bless someone else today. Plant a seed, give a little cyber "Kiss for Kayleigh." Remember, tomorrow she is eight months old so she need lots of hugs and kisses! :)

Thanks,
Pennie

Penny said...

wow!
That is all I can even say! It is such a blessing for me to see her up and about. I LOVE that she is getting bumbo time. She is such a special lucky girl.

It is so good seeing the blessings that are being given with Kayleigh feeling so much better. I can't even imagine how good it feels for you to get to hold her. You must both be in heaven.

The Carney's said...

She is so beautiful! What a true blessing she is. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!

JaMean said...

YAY! OMGoodness! I have been off the blog scene for a few weeks, but oh my! I am so happy! I am fighting tears of joy.

She looks SO good! Aimee and her look so happy. God is good. God bless you all! Bless you Adam for keeping us posted.

adrianna york said...

Kayleigh is looking good. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers I wish you all the best.
From Kim and family

mommy to Kaden, Brody and angel Ava said...

She looks great and like such a big girl sitting in her chair!!!

Anonymous said...

She is looking so adorable and it looks like she loves her hands! So glad she is getting practice fitting them in her mouth :) I think she looks like her Mommy! Don't know if you've ever heard of Dave Ramsey or Financial Peace University but my husband and I are taking his class at our church and I was thinking of you guys in class last week. He shares a lot of awesome information and wisdom to help his clients find financial peace and it is all Christian based principles. He also has some great tips for dealing with credit sharks and debt collectors when people are behind on their payments. I know it wouldn't be an immediate fix but let me know if you'd like any of the info, I'd be happy to mail it to you!
Praying for Kayleigh in Allentown, PA!

Julie said...

What a precious little girl! You two are so strong. I'm in love with Kayleigh and praying for her many times a day! God Bless you all!!

Kt said...

She is getting so big, hitting that 7lb mark is outstanding for her! I can't believe how little she is still though sitting in that bumbo seat. But aren't those seats the greatest!

I've been following your family's story for a while now and I am so happy that Kayleigh is doing so great. I can't wait for the day that you will get to bring her home from the hospital.

Anonymous said...

Hi Freeman family I have been following your blog. My name is Amber I am 12 going on 13 I am one of I am in Mrs Carpenters class.I was born small but they thought I wasnt going to live. So, Mrs. Carpenter told her classes about you guys,and about the bracelets. Then she told us we could bye and so I did and I am in one of the pictures that she sent you .I am the one sitting on my knees w/ glasses on in the first row.Oh yea by the way you guys have one cute little angle from heaven and I am glad that god is ltting her stay alive and god bless you guys, and a big old god bless to kayleigh.

Unknown said...

Look at her sitting up like a big girl. Gosh she is just as precious as ever :) I see she just turned 8 months! How exciting!!! My little one turns 9 months on the 27th.
Happy to see how great your baby girl is doing.
I think she looks like her momma