Jadyn has been home for a little over a week now. She had a doctor appointment this week, and she is doing excellently. She weighs 9.5 pounds, which puts her right on target for a normal child. Wow, what an amazing week! It has sent our family reeling a little, but we have an overwhelming sense of gratitude to God for keeping us all sane and pulling us together. It has been an awesome blessing to have so many people come forward and tell us they are praying for us. We have a new appreciation for the power of prayer and the sovereignty of God, that's for sure.
She's still a little delicate, but doing well. We were told that she would not be able handle a cold very well, so we're trying to stay as healthy as possible and not expose her to anything. With RSV season upon us, it's exceptionally important. The doctors and nurses all told us that, with her delicate respiratory system, RSV would be especially hard on her. She would doubtless end up in the PICU (Pediatric ICU), and there it is even more difficult to keep her from being infected. So, we pray and keep our hands clean.
Thank you all again for praying. God has blessed us exponentially through you, and we are grateful.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Home at last!
We arrived home just a couple hours ago. Mom and Jadyn are doing well. Adrian, Amber, Grace and Jeremiah are loving her up, making up for lost time.
Dad's going to go take a nap...
Monday, September 3, 2007
YAJU (Yet Another Jadyn Update)
Just arrived home and delivered the good news to Sandra. I was told today that the doctor's order was that, if Jadyn was unable to eat at least 60 cc's in two consecutive feedings, she would need to have the feeding tube put back in so that she would keep her strength up.
After a bath, which Jadyn was sure to display her displeasure with, she was very awake and pounded down 62 cc's. I was amazed, since I don't know that she has eaten 60 cc's ever. Then the next feeding was a battle, but Jadyn saw her way clear to eating 70! One step closer.
Afterward, she zonked out in the biggest way and I continued to read to her. She started to smile at me, so I waited and finally captured this photo.
I just think she's a real beauty...
Still waiting
Well, we were hoping today would be the day, but unfortunately it is not. Jadyn is off all medications, there are no tubes, and her breathing is much better. The only thing we are waiting on now is for her to be eating at a normal level. She should be eating 66 cc's every 3 hours, but through the night she is eating only 25-45 cc's. She is nursing when Sandra is there, so that is a good thing, and the problem is that she usually falls asleep before finishing. The doctor told me that the vicious cycle is that she needs to eat to keep her energy up to be able to breathe, and she needs to be able to breathe to be able to eat. Hence, our continued NICU stay.
We're home for a quick bite to eat, and I'll be heading back up to NICU for the evening. There's not much we can do but wait and pray, and I get a few hours a day to do just that. Even in the difficulty and disappointment, I'm grateful for the quiet hours spent with y daughter and my God. He has met me in the St Cloud hospital, and ensured me that He will meet me in whatever my circumstance.
Like the Apostle Paul wrote to the Phillipians:
"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
He is far more than we could imagine, and I know He is working all this for our good and His glory.
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy the picture of Jadyn with no "face mask."
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Sunday night
Well, another relatively long day, but more good news.
We spoke to the doctor in the NICU today, and he told us that Jadyn is doing very well. Her blood oxygen levels are staying up above 88% with only a half liter of pressure at 21% oxygen. They will be removing the cannula tonight after she receives her final dose of IV-administered antibiotics. Tomorrow they will be removing the IV and the only tubes or wires connected to her will be for monitoring purposes. This will be the first time we have laid eyes on our daughter's face without an assortment of tubes! I can hardly wait!
The doctor told us today that he was hopeful to send Jadyn home in 1-2 days. We of course heard "tomorrow" when he said that, but as I sat with Jadyn tonight he came by and told me that she was doing exceptionally well except that her breathing is still very rapid and based on that it didn't look very promising that she would be home tomorrow. I have to admit I am horribly disappointed, but grateful at the same time for the caution and care given to my littlest daughter. They are not going to release her until they are very comfortable that she is a normal newborn baby, and when I consider the risks I wouldn't have it any other way.
So again, we wait and pray. Tonight I read Psalm 27 to Jadyn, and she smiled at me when I finished it (I know you're going to say it was only gas, but I don't buy that. A smile is a smile - sometimes I smile after working a little gas out, myself, so why shouldn't a baby?). The lines that encouraged me tonight was the final verse, 14:
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
When these days are done, we'll turn back and say "what an awesome thing God has done for us, and He gave us strength when we needed it and courage when it was necessary." He'll be the one that brings my little girl home, and it will be done in His good timing.
Until that day, we'll be strong and wait for the Lord. Thanks for reading up on our little miracle. We wish all God's blessings this very day on you and those you love.
We spoke to the doctor in the NICU today, and he told us that Jadyn is doing very well. Her blood oxygen levels are staying up above 88% with only a half liter of pressure at 21% oxygen. They will be removing the cannula tonight after she receives her final dose of IV-administered antibiotics. Tomorrow they will be removing the IV and the only tubes or wires connected to her will be for monitoring purposes. This will be the first time we have laid eyes on our daughter's face without an assortment of tubes! I can hardly wait!
The doctor told us today that he was hopeful to send Jadyn home in 1-2 days. We of course heard "tomorrow" when he said that, but as I sat with Jadyn tonight he came by and told me that she was doing exceptionally well except that her breathing is still very rapid and based on that it didn't look very promising that she would be home tomorrow. I have to admit I am horribly disappointed, but grateful at the same time for the caution and care given to my littlest daughter. They are not going to release her until they are very comfortable that she is a normal newborn baby, and when I consider the risks I wouldn't have it any other way.
So again, we wait and pray. Tonight I read Psalm 27 to Jadyn, and she smiled at me when I finished it (I know you're going to say it was only gas, but I don't buy that. A smile is a smile - sometimes I smile after working a little gas out, myself, so why shouldn't a baby?). The lines that encouraged me tonight was the final verse, 14:
Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
When these days are done, we'll turn back and say "what an awesome thing God has done for us, and He gave us strength when we needed it and courage when it was necessary." He'll be the one that brings my little girl home, and it will be done in His good timing.
Until that day, we'll be strong and wait for the Lord. Thanks for reading up on our little miracle. We wish all God's blessings this very day on you and those you love.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Time in the NICU
I'm just arriving home after a few hours of blissful time spent with my youngest daughter. Tonight was our "first date," just Jadyn and Daddy. I think we hit it off well, and I'm pretty sure we are compatible. ;-) Jadyn is doing well, loves to be held, and I'm anxious to bring her home to be with the rest of our family.
As I sit tonight, I'm reminded once again that the important things in life are found in the places we most often neglect when life gets hectic. I'm reminded today that our twins are turning three years old this month when only yesterday they were in bassinets like the one Jadyn sleeps in tonight. I'm reminded that our "bigs" are 18 and 21 this month, and it seems like only yesterday we were traveling to hockey tournaments in blizzards and driving hours to see dance lines compete. I'm glad to have enjoyed all that, and yet wish I had enjoyed it more.
It just goes to prove once again that, in the final moments of our lives, nobody is ever going to say "I wish I had spent a few more hours in the office." I can tell you right now that I will wish I had spent a few more hours on the rink, or dancing, or finger painting, or just sitting in the NICU holding my newest daughter. I know that I'll wish I had spent just a few more minutes holding my beautiful wife instead of rushing off to slay dragons and keep the city safe.
I'm off to hold my beautiful wife, and to thank God for her: the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon, my lover, my song and my best friend, the most loving and nurturing mother ever, and the one I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Even were we blessed with 70+ more years together, I know I'll always wish I had held her just a little longer...
As I sit tonight, I'm reminded once again that the important things in life are found in the places we most often neglect when life gets hectic. I'm reminded today that our twins are turning three years old this month when only yesterday they were in bassinets like the one Jadyn sleeps in tonight. I'm reminded that our "bigs" are 18 and 21 this month, and it seems like only yesterday we were traveling to hockey tournaments in blizzards and driving hours to see dance lines compete. I'm glad to have enjoyed all that, and yet wish I had enjoyed it more.
It just goes to prove once again that, in the final moments of our lives, nobody is ever going to say "I wish I had spent a few more hours in the office." I can tell you right now that I will wish I had spent a few more hours on the rink, or dancing, or finger painting, or just sitting in the NICU holding my newest daughter. I know that I'll wish I had spent just a few more minutes holding my beautiful wife instead of rushing off to slay dragons and keep the city safe.
I'm off to hold my beautiful wife, and to thank God for her: the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon, my lover, my song and my best friend, the most loving and nurturing mother ever, and the one I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Even were we blessed with 70+ more years together, I know I'll always wish I had held her just a little longer...
Quick update on Jadyn
Good morning!
It's been a big week, that's for sure, and we have much to be thankful for. Last night Sandra and I sat in the NICU with Jadyn until around midnight. Sandra was given the opportunity to nurse Jadyn. Jadyn has only been fed through a tube so far, so she usually starts well and then loses interest. But apparently that is to be expected, and she should come around before long. They have upped her feedings 25 to 40 mL every 4 hours. That's a great sign, because she is processing everything well and her tummy is handling it. Once again, we praise God for His mercy and power.
They removed all of Jadyn's IV fluid lines last night, so she is nearly tube-free now. She is still getting a little oxygen occasionally through a little tube clipped to her nose, and she has the electrodes to monitor her SATS still connected. She has three more doses of antibiotics and then she should be done (Monday, I think). Again, we don't have a date that she will be released. Her breathing needs to slow down and steady out, and it's pretty much a day-to-day progression. But she's doing better and we are being as patient as we possibly are able.
They also moved Jadyn out of the "Giraffe" bed (which looks somewhat like a space-age incubator with all sorts of bells and tubes and a retractable lid) into a regular bassinet that any baby sleeps in. There is much more room around our "pod" in the NICU now, and we'll be sitting up there with her more. Sandra is going to continue to nurse, and I'm picking out a good book to hold me over until my turn. I think I'll start with "Everyday Talk" by John Younts.
We'll be heading back to the hospital soon. Jeremiah and Grace love the playroom, and Amber has been a great help watching them to give us more time. Adrian has been up to meet his little sister, too, and I always feel good to watch how they both fawn all over their baby siblings. We are all blessed immeasurably by little Jadyn, and we hope to bring her home soon.
Thank you all again from the deepest reaches of our hearts for your love and support. We are blessed.
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints," Philemon 1:3-5
It's been a big week, that's for sure, and we have much to be thankful for. Last night Sandra and I sat in the NICU with Jadyn until around midnight. Sandra was given the opportunity to nurse Jadyn. Jadyn has only been fed through a tube so far, so she usually starts well and then loses interest. But apparently that is to be expected, and she should come around before long. They have upped her feedings 25 to 40 mL every 4 hours. That's a great sign, because she is processing everything well and her tummy is handling it. Once again, we praise God for His mercy and power.
They removed all of Jadyn's IV fluid lines last night, so she is nearly tube-free now. She is still getting a little oxygen occasionally through a little tube clipped to her nose, and she has the electrodes to monitor her SATS still connected. She has three more doses of antibiotics and then she should be done (Monday, I think). Again, we don't have a date that she will be released. Her breathing needs to slow down and steady out, and it's pretty much a day-to-day progression. But she's doing better and we are being as patient as we possibly are able.
They also moved Jadyn out of the "Giraffe" bed (which looks somewhat like a space-age incubator with all sorts of bells and tubes and a retractable lid) into a regular bassinet that any baby sleeps in. There is much more room around our "pod" in the NICU now, and we'll be sitting up there with her more. Sandra is going to continue to nurse, and I'm picking out a good book to hold me over until my turn. I think I'll start with "Everyday Talk" by John Younts.
We'll be heading back to the hospital soon. Jeremiah and Grace love the playroom, and Amber has been a great help watching them to give us more time. Adrian has been up to meet his little sister, too, and I always feel good to watch how they both fawn all over their baby siblings. We are all blessed immeasurably by little Jadyn, and we hope to bring her home soon.
Thank you all again from the deepest reaches of our hearts for your love and support. We are blessed.
"Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints," Philemon 1:3-5
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