November felt like a season of contrasts for our family — full of celebration, progress, and sweet moments… punctuated by a weekend that reminded us just how fragile things can still feel. But as always, my boys continue to amaze me with their resilience and joy.
A Month of Growth for the Twins
Frankie’s Progress
This month, Frankie showed us just how hard he’s working every single day. His strength is building, his curiosity is blooming, and he’s communicating more with his eyes and expressions. He’s becoming more engaged during play and therapy and showing more interest in the world around him — especially when Henry is involved. Even with so many complex medical needs, he continues to meet the world with the sweetest determination.
Henry Walking Into Toddlerhood
And then there’s Henry… who decided this was the month to take off — literally. After weeks of cruising, practicing balance, and standing independently, he’s now officially walking. Wobbly, proud, fast, and full of curiosity. Seeing both boys reach milestones so differently but so meaningfully is one of the most beautiful parts of motherhood.
Celebrating Family and Thanksgiving
This Thanksgiving felt different. Being surrounded by family and watching the boys be part of the celebration filled me with a gratitude that’s hard to put into words. Last year, we were still deep in hospital life, unsure of so much. This year, we got to sit at the table with two thriving little boys.
A CLABSI Scare We Weren’t Expecting
Of course, medical motherhood doesn’t pause for holidays.
Right after Thanksgiving, Frankie began showing signs that made our hearts clench: elevated labs, irritability, breathing changes — the early hints of a possible CLABSI. After everything he faced during his 15 months in the hospital, those signs feel like sirens.
We ended up in the ER that weekend, bracing for what felt inevitable. But thankfully, he stabilized, cultures stayed clear, and we escaped another prolonged hospital stay. Still, the emotional whiplash was real. It reminded us how far we’ve come and how vigilant we must continue to be.
Insurance Battles
November also brought another round of insurance battles. More phone calls, more denials, more appeals, more explaining why the care that keeps Frankie alive isn’t optional. Every time we think we’ve cleared one hurdle, a new one seems to appear — another form, another justification, another person deciding whether or not my child’s medically necessary care is “approved.” It’s draining work layered on top of already caring for a medically complex child, but we keep pushing.
Looking Ahead: Christmas Wishes for Henry & Frankie
With the holidays approaching, we put together Christmas wishlists for the boys.
🎁 Frankie’s Amazon Wishlist
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3OI9TP1DP5J4W
🎁 Henry’s Amazon Wishlist
👉 https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3N4X8T5QJZNIH
Looking Back With Gratitude
Despite the setbacks, the scares, and the stress, November reaffirmed something simple but profound: we are still moving forward. The boys are growing. We are learning. Our home is full of noise, love, and life — the kind we once dreamed of during long hospital nights.
This season of gratitude feels layered and complicated, but it is grounded in two little boys who continue to show us what resilience really looks like.
Love,
Amanda & the Boys
