1st Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Babies!

Triplets!

Birthday Boys!

"Rhys I am Godzilla! I AM GOING TO GET YOU!"

"Hahaha I fooled him!"

Happy 1st birthday Ren & Rhys! Can't believe it's been a year already. This past month was Ren's golf benefit. It was a huge success! I heard from My co-workers at Hawaiian airlines that they had tons of fun. Unfortunately, Ren had a fever and was admitted to kapiolani hospital for a week to treat the infection and therefore we were unable to attend.
Since then, thanksgiving was super for our family! Grandma Takamoto cooked a turkey and made stuffing, while daddy made the garlic mash potatoes and mommy made the gravey out of the turkey drippings, yum! It was a quiet intimate celebration since Ren was still fresh out of the hospital and cousins Ariel, & Jaci had hand, foot,& mouth disease. Mommy and daddy didn't want to risk another hospitalization so we kindly asked our extended family to visit some other time. Because of RENs brief hospital stay, he missed some physical/occupational therapy sessions but it didn't stop him from crawling. On turkey day he crawled on all fours for the first time! And he's moving around more then ever, trying to chase Rhys I suppose.
This week Rhys caught a cold. He had a slight fever too but it broke after two days. He since has been battling a cough but is overall feeling better and still keeping mommy on her toes. He is now off of breast milk and drinking whole milk like a big boy! He still has to get used to the sippy cup and straw but he is walking and talking more each day!
I have so much to be thankful for this holiday season! I am home in Hawaii with my incredible loving family and friends! And we think of all those at LARMH who are still there fighting for health! We hope and pray that they stay strong and positive during this Christmas season! Grandma Takamoto and I sent some goodies from Hawaii to help them get through this time of the year! Thank you all for your continued love and support! Ren continues to amaze us everyday!

"WAKE UP BROTHER!"

October

Grandpa's 60th Birthday! Kanreki!

Look Ma' all by myself!

Cool Rhys

New Stroller: Double Trouble!

Check out my new shade's

The month of October had a great start. Mommy made doctors appointments and arranged some occupational and physical therapy for Ren. The first pediatrician appointment went well. Dr. Shelley Loui was surprised at how well Ren looked and how well he was so aware of everything around him. She painted a different picture when the reports came in from his previous doctor. Ren has shown significant progress since being home. He is now 14.5lbs and 25 inches long. His midnight feed has been cut and his volume has been increased. He's gaining the right weight per week and has been thriving everyday! He even tried drinking mommy's milk yesterday to help with his OT. The castle home care nurse has been coming to our home once a week to weigh him and check his oxygenation in his blood. And to make sure mommy and daddy know what to do if he was in cardiac distress. Ren is amazing us everyday.

Rhys is keeping mommy busy! He's climbing on everything and seems as though he'll walk soon. He's loving the attention of all his aunties and cousins. Grandma and grandpa are so happy to have them both home. They come and visit everyday! Grandma even sleeps over when daddy has to work at the station. Grandma Miyasaki and jaci come every tuesday and Thursday to play and give mommy a break for An hour so she could go back to taekwondo.

Mommy is preparing to go back to work on november 3 and 4th. We'll see how daddy is with the boys for those two days of training. Mommy still has maternity until may 2010. But needs to keep current and certified to fly in case she decides to return to work earlier then may.

Next month is Ren's benefit golf tournament put on by her co workers at Hawaiian Airlines. I will post the turnout and pictures of the dinner to follow. We thank everyone for their love and support. Ren continues to thrive and our family appreciates all the love and prayers.

Home Sweet Home

The HI Life

Gotta catch up with my brother! Almost there!

Gotta brush my teeth...

...so I can eat some M&M's!!!

I know I'm only 10 mo, but when can I go to school?!

It's been exactly one year to the day that I've been living in LA. Ren finally got the "thumbs up" to come home and grow in the comforts of our home with family and friends. The ear surgery was a success. It was on friday, September 25th. Saturday we had last family dinner to thank our LA family for all of their love and support. We couldn't have made it through Ren's adventure, without them.

Then, on Sunday, sept 27th, with the help of Hawaiian airlines, our family got to come home. It was a warm homecoming indeed! We had an entourage meet us at baggage claim to help with all the baby "stuff" that we accumulated throughout the year. All of Ren's medical equipment took up half of the boxes. It was tough to move but so worth all the effort.
So far, Ren is doing exceptionally well. The new Pediatrition said she was shocked at his developmental skills. We are making arrangements to set up therapy for Ren so he can "catch up" to Rhys. And we are doing our best to help him along. Ren watches Rhys all the time. We think in no time, he will be crawling. And at the pediatrician checkup, Ren is now 14 lbs, 25 3/4 inches long.

Rhys is getting into mischief everyday. He recently figured out how to get out of the walker... Head first! He's scooting along walls and couches. We think he'll walk real soon! And we found out that he loves the Shark sweeper! He's such a character! Rhys is now 16lbs 27 inches long...skinny and tall, just like daddy!

All in all the boys are doing well here at home. Both grandmas are extremely happy to have them home, grandpa Takamoto too!

Mommy and daddy are so happy to be home! Mommy is getting used to the daily routine and daddy just loves going back to work! There is no place like home and sleeping in your own bed.

Home Stretch

Team Miyasaki

Disneyland!

Flying Home Soon!

Basket Babies!

I wanna be like my dad!

September 28th makes one year that mommy has been here in LA. It's been such an roll-a-coaster ride filled with both highs and lows. But the light at the end of the tunnel is near. Since the Glenn, Ren is a totally different baby. Everyday he is getting stronger. His color is now pink and no longer blueish/grey. His breathing has gotten better no longer weathered. His weight is increasing at a steady pace and we see him thriving everyday. He is smiling and cooing and interacting more with Rhys. The Physical Therapy is working wonders and each new trick is just simply amazing. Ren is simply AMAZING! Last checkup he weighs 12lbs and has gained a pound since last month.
Rhys is doing well. He is 15lbs and grew almost an inch since last months checkup. He is eating more and nursing less. He's getting so big, mommy and daddy can't believe how fast he is growing. He is climbing on everything and keeps mommy and daddy on our toes. We think he will be walking real soon.
The boys had a real treat this month. Since Ren is stronger and we were blessed with complimentary tickets to Disneyland, Team Miyasaki packed up and drove to Anaheim. It was an adventure for sure. It took mommy all night to prep both feeds and meds for the boys. But all the hard work was worth the BIG EYES and SMILES!
It's the home stretch for the Team. Ren has one more surgery (his fifth surgery in 10 months) before we can all come home to Hawaii. On the 25th his ear tube surgery is scheduled. We still have to see if the cardiac anesthesiologist is available on that day. But after that, we are packing up and ready to come home. Ren will have a break for another 3 to 5years before his final heart surgery. It will be a warm homecoming for sure. We can't wait to see all of our family and friends. And finally, mommy can sleep in her own bed!

The Glenn

Be strong brother, I wait for u ok!

Pre-Op X-ray and Bloodwork

The Glenn!

Post-Op

Hey Mom let's go get Ren!

The journey to this point had not been easy. It's been a roller coaster ride for the whole family filled with both frustrated moments and joy. But it's looking up for Team Miyasaki! Ren finally had his Glenn on the 21st of August. It was a great day. All the hard work paid off. The surgeon came out of the OR and told daddy that Ren did great! She was really impressed at how well his pulmanary artery grew due to his BT shunt. This allowed more blood flow to his pulmanary artery causing it to grow bigger! The proceedure took three hours and he was taken to the CTICU to recover. As soon as we seen him we could tell that he was doing well. His color was pink and fleshy, no longer blueish/grey. His breathing was slower, not rapid and weathered. He opened his eyes and cried fairly quick after coming out of surgery. This time his chest was closed but still was intubated just till the evening. Everyday he is progressing. One by one a tube here a wire there, comes out and the journey to the recovery floor is near. It's taken a lot for our family to get to this point. The goal of coming home to Hawaii is within reach.
Rhys is getting bigger everyday. He's eating more and trying different kinds of food. He's crawling and climbing everywhere. He's getting so fast that mommy and daddy need to watch him closely. He has four teeth, two on top, and two on the bottom. Mommy still breastfeeding...ouch!
As for mommy, she's doing fine. Daddy is here to help till we all can come home as a family! It's always good to have the family together. Things are looking up for the team! We are on our way home soon! Thank you for all of your prayers, love, and support! We couldn't have gotten this far and gone through what we've gone through without you! We'll see you all soon!

Love, Team Miyasaki

Cold's

Ma you should check my head, I'm not feeling good

Hhhhwink ;-)

Now Rhys is sick and I play!

Feeling better braddah let's both play!

I'm so happy almost done!!!

It's been a rough 10days without daddy here to help. During that time, Ren caught a bug that almost landed him back in ICU. But thank God! It cleared up and he happily passed it on to Rhys. It was payback for all those times he stole Ren's binki! Grandma couldn't come up this time. she caught a bug as well. So we told her to take care of herself first so she can take care of us!

So far the virus setback isn't affecting Ren's scheduled cath. So far so good....we're on for the 13th. And with those results, they will finalize the date for the Glenn. We're that much closer to coming home.

Mommy is still trying her best to keep the family's spirit together. And for the first time in a long time, mommy and daddy got to go on a date to Father's office to try their famous burger and sweet potato fries.....yum-o! But it was the compAny that made it extra special.
And the home stretch begins......

Ren's Back!

Us at Ren's Check up

Happiness!

Sup?

Outta my way!

Braddahs!

Coming back from Hawaii, Ren caught a cold and had to be admitted into the ICU....again. He didn't have any fever and didn't need any more medication to get rid of his cold. He simply needed oxygen and breathing treatments to help with respiratory issues. He was in the hospital for three days and was discharged this past Saturday. While in Hawaii, they scheduled his cath and Glenn surgery and gave daddy all the dates so he could coordinate it with both work scheduals. But since being in the hospital, his cath on Thursday is postponed to make sure that all of the respiratory illness is gone. The cardiologist feels that Ren needs to be in "top shape" to have the next surgery and with a respiratory illness, it just makes the surgery and recovery that much more risky. So here we go again....time is what Ren needs to heal and make his lungs stronger for the next step. Mommy and daddy really want to come home soon but know that we just need to do what we need to do in order for our family to be whole again in Hawaii. I guess that's why God made it possible for us to come home for two weeks to rejuv for the next adventure. It was a taste of what to look forward to after the surgery is over and done with. Until the results of the cath, we will post the results and when a date is set for the Glenn.

Sharing is caring!

Thing 1 and Thing 2

Me and my boys!

Nike Boy

Spa day at home in Hawaii!

Rhys: Eh braddah can I have some of your binky?
Ren: Sharing is caring!

Our prayers were answered and on July 4th, daddy's bday, the whole family jumped on the next flight to Hawaii. Mommy cried on take off tears of joy! Daddy was just happy that mommy was happy! Ren and Rhys did well on the flight. Ren didn't even need his oxygen. I guess Ren knew that he was going home. Rhys always does good on flight. He's such a curious baby!

When we finally got home it was chaos! Every night for 14days the boys had visitors. It was a Thanksgiving feast the whole time. Everyone was so excited to finally meet the twins. Mommy took care of all of her doctors appointments and grandma Miyasaki and grandma Takamoto helped watch the boys. The trip was the best thing we ever did. In Hawaii, Ren's breathing got better, Rhys started eating more, and mommy finally got to sleep in her own bed! She forgot where she was when she woke the next day. Sigh, there's no place like home. Then with a blink of an eye, the trip was over and we were back on the plane bound for LA, our second home. Now our family is ready for the next stage....the Glenn. The cardiologist scheduled the cardiac cath on the 30th. We have a consult with the surgeon on the 10th of August and the Glenn procedure on the 13th. Then recovery and then we cAn come home for the next 3 to 5 years.

We appreciate all the help here in LA and in Hawaii. Our family couldn't have gotten this far without everyones love and support. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

New Post

Our Fourth Mom!

Hanging around at Aunty Cindy's and Cora's house!

So happy to be home!

Spooning Elmo!

Ren's sleeping!

Ren has been home for two weeks. He's been getting stronger everyday. At the last doctors appointment, Ren gained 1lb in one month, a milestone for him. His breathing has gotten better in just 14 days. He's been sleeping through the night too! He smiles more and more everyday. Think he's getting used to life outside the hospital.
Rhys is eating different kinds of food. He's moved on to poi and avocados. Last checkup Rhys only gained 2oz so the doc put him on a high fat diet of avocado and chicken. We think he's just waiting for Ren to catch up. He's been crawling too. Just last week he started the "army crawl". He's getting faster daily. Daddy better watchout now he's mobile! I can't believe the boys are 7mo already. We see on monday if the cardiologist says we can come home to visit.
Mommy has been dealing with PPD coupled with stress. Somedays are better than others. It's been so overwhelming having the two babies at the same time without daddy here to help. Again mommy is trying the best as she can to take care of the boys and herself at the same time.

Ren's FREE AT LAST!!!

Yay my big bruddah is home!!!

Big boy sippy cup!

Hanging out

It's so good to have you out!

What should I do first now that I'm out of the hospital?

May 22nd was the day that Ren was discharged from CHLA. It's been a long and rough road for him but he's doing better everyday and getting stronger. The cardiologists say that we need to stay close to the hospital because of Ren's fragile state and history of emergencies. Our family is currently at the Ronald McDonald house in Hollywood for another month. The surgeons want to wait for another 2 to 3 months for the Glenn Procedure. In the mean time, Ren can be at home with Rhys and THRIVE! He's doing better already, reaching for toys and moving his legs and catching up to Rhys.
Rhys, on the other hand, is 14lbs and 24 1/4 inches long. He's eating solid foods and just today he started drinking from the sippy cup. We think that the bottle was boring him. His checkup the other day was great. Doc says he's got a great personality and he's a very stong boy.
As far as our family going back to Hawaii, it's still up in the air. We are trying to go for a short visit in June. Our cardiologist is from Hawaii and she will be visiting there the last week of June. If there is an opportunity to go back home, that would be the perfect time. She says that way she could keep a close eye out on him while she's there. But again, it's all up to Ren. He needs to be super duper STABLE in order for us to come home and visit. So everyone cross your fingers and hope that we can come home...even if it's just for a short visit.