Eleventh Day (update)...

Today has been ok, I've rested well and Mommy got to change one of my diapers. I'm quiet sure the thrill of changing my diapers will fade quickly (Duh, ya think!), but it was good for my Mom to be able to do that. There were a couple of issues that came up. Earlier today they gave me a break from feeding. It seems that I didn't digest all of my last feeding so, they gave me a little break. This happens to preemies sometimes when they start feeding, but my docs aren't really concerned about it. Think about it, you are having to breathe, poop, and everything else when you are still supposed to be in the womb. So, sometimes little guys are a little slow to get their digestive system up to full speed. If it continues then they'll be concerned. The issue that remained prevalent throughout the day was a high CO2 level. My blood labs were a smidgen high, but still in the normal range. However, my CO2 monitor steadily showed a high CO2 level. So, the RT's kept a real close eye on it throughout the day. As the day turned to evening my CO2 began to level off. We'll see if it was a temporary problem or if the issue is more significant in nature. I'm kinda tired this evening, it's been a long week, so it's gonna be short tonight. I'll chat back at you tomorrow. JSR, out.

Eleventh Day...

Last night was pretty much uneventful, which can be a good thing for a preemie. Heather, my nurse, and I just hung out. I'm still able to tolerate the feeding every three hours (I only get 1 cc of milk each time). I rested well and my O2 levels are good this AM. It's good to have nights where there are no earth shattering events. True, there are times when we are hoping and praying for something BIG to happen. But nights that we can classify as "ordinary" are good.

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."
Matt. 6:34 (ESV)

I hope you guys understand just how smooth things have gone thus far, and how fragile my condition is. Dr. Strange says it would be wise to think of me as being in critical condition. My condition could change at any point without much of anything in the way of warning. It's like living with "nervous anticipation," a term I used yesterday. By nervous I don't mean we are about to have a freak session or worry ourselves sick. Rather, there is a sense of not being able to count on things staying the way they are. That's where faith comes in. Knowing that Jesus loves us and that God is in control of all this gives Mommy, Daddy, and me hope that, no matter what, we'll be alright. I would hate to be living this without knowing that my young life is Father filtered. I guess the word "nervous" sends the wrong message. Robert Smith, my Dad's favorite preacher, would call it "tip-toe anticipation," which is probably a better description. So, now that I've started your day by rambling, I'll go. Today we need to pray for continued success in feeding, good breathing, lots of rest, and continued growth. I'll check back with you guys later.

Tenth Day (update)...

I hope you all had a great day. Mine, it was great! I got to feed today, I truly do love that "all natural" milk. My caregivers, Amanda, Stacey, & Annette fed me three times and I went potty (BM) three times. They fed me a small amount of milk every three hours, but as time goes on I'll get more per serving, if I can handle it. I'm really looking forward to that, LOL. There's always the possibility of me developing sores in my esophagus, stomach, and/or digestive system. So, we'll go forward with nervous anticipation of what will happen. Just pray that I can continue to process the food and move forward. Another thing that happened today was I got a heart ultrasound. Dr. Strange wanted to check my ticker and make sure we were still good to go. The results came back good. My docs, nurses, and RT's are so thorough. I like the way they really keep a close eye on me. It really makes me feel safe knowing God has surrounded me with such capable and caring people. I say this all the time, but everyone here is just super! I know Mommy and Daddy pray for them daily, that God would bless them in their work and daily life. There was one curious thing that happened today. Dr. Strange came by passing out chocolate, but she didn't give me one. Hmm, I'm gonna hit her up for some when I get bigger. Well, that about covers it for today. I'm gonna get some shut eye. JSR, out.

Oh, I forgot one important thing! My pastor came by to see me today. He brought some other dude I didn't know. Mom said his name is Steve and he's a minister at our church. He seemed cool, but he was a little taken by my lack of stature. Anyway, now I'm really done. Good night.

Tenth Day...

"Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!"

Psalm 106:1 (ESV)

Last night my nurse was Heather. This was her first time to have me, so I behaved my self. I pretty much slept through the night. At some point they adjusted my IV fluids, which is a seemingly never-ending process. She weighed me and I had gained another 20 grams throughout the day yesterday and night pushing my weight to a fuzz over 1 lb. 13oz. It would be a real plus for me to continue this pattern of weight gain, slow and steady. So, please keep praying for this daily. My O2 is good this AM, which is another good sign. So, we are starting the day off on a good note. Just pray and beg God for a good day today. Please pray for these areas mentioned and anything else the Lord leads you to pray for. Also, I would like to ask you guys to say a prayer for the other babies in here. There is one new guy who is really sick and has many needs. I don't know his situation (man you gotta love HIPPA) but it's obvious he has some challenges. It's sad to see how much some of my roomies suffer. It makes me all the more thankful that God has me in his hands. He's so good to me!! That's all for now, gonna return to my slumber. JSR, out.

Ninth Day (update)...

Today was a good day. Dr. Strange was on duty. She says she's the "wet hen" of the bunch, but I don't know 'bout that. I think she's way smart and just very up front about everything. We all like her bunches, but then again all three of my docs are aces. Mommy was able to spend a good portion of the day with me. Her employer is making some schedule accommodations that allow her time with me. Working odd hours does take her away from other areas of life, but she nor Dad seem to mind. It's always good for my Mom to be right here.

I've gained about 30 more grams upping my weight to 1 lb. 12 oz. I hope I can keep this up! My breathing is still improving, but it is a slow go and I'll be on the SIPAP for a while yet. About three or four days ago they took an ultrasound of my head to make sure my brain area was normal. It came back "normal," but this doesn't mean I'm out of the woods, just good for now. There is always the possibility of a preemie developing a hemorrhage in this area (aka brain bleed) so y'all please pray that this doesn't become an issue. Also, they're still adjusting my electrolytes via IV medicine in order to find the happy medium my body operates best at. This type of treatment is necessary, but can cause liver problems. So, this is another area of concern.

Tomorrow has the potential to be a banner day. If I maintain my current status overnight then tomorrow I will be introduced to a greater volume of Mommy's milk, ie I will begin feeding through my OG tube (the tube you see in my mouth.) This is a slow process and it has my caregivers a little nervous, but that's normal. See, babies that come early run the risk of developing sores in their esophagus and stomach. These sores can be serious, even life threatening, especially when they start feeding. So, please pray this process is successful.

I know I have dropped a bunch of heavy stuff on you tonight, but I want you to know the deal so you can pray with understanding. I know it's all in God's hands, but I also know he leads us to pray for each other's needs in order to get the job done. There's a quote that expresses the idea this way, God does not move unless he first moves his people to pray. Well, I'm done for the evening. Little boys needs their sleep. I'll chat at ya in the AM. JSR, out.

NInth Day...

Good morning to all. Well, I missed updating yesterday afternoon. Sorry 'bout that, but sometimes all our techno gadgets are more a hindrance than a help. Where do I start? OK, here it goes.

My day yesterday was just like we expected, filled with the mundane, but we like the mundane because it means there have been no sudden or drastic changes. Big sudden changes aren't really the goal for little guys. They can be a real shock to the system, just think of how they affect you grown ups! We want the slow changes that occur over time due to growth. So, I hung out with Mommy and nurse Annette, she's way cool. I slept, a bunch, went # 2 on my own twice, woo-hoo! It's common for the nurses to have to help preemies have a BM, so it's really good to be able to do it all by yourself. Also, I got some more "all natural" milk. Man, that stuff makes me smack it's so good! Mommy was here pretty much most of the day. Daddy had to work all day and into the night, but it's cool. Annette says he calls to keep tabs on me. Thanks for praying, it's great to know people are praying specifically for what I need.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Col. 3:15-17 (ESV)

The night went good as well. I'm still on the SIPAP and it's really helping. I will need to stay on it for a while yet, but I am responding well to it. Last night Elizabeth was my nurse. She's great and we had fun. I was up looking around more than usual, nothing bad, I just spent some time checking out my preemie condo. I would make faces at Elizabeth whenever she checked on me. I did squirt her once just for fun. She is always good to give me milk on a Q-tip. She told my parents she does it because she likes the way I try to inhale the Q-tip, LOL.

Today will be more of the same. I'll have my morning Xrays and diagnostic. They'll keep a real close check on my O2 and CO2 levels, and blood work. We should get the results back from the head ultrasound I had the other day. I'll let you know how it comes out. So, today just pray for continued growth, strength, and stamina. Oh, almost forgot one important thing. I've gained 20 grams! That's big when you can go potty twice and still put on weight. Like I said before, "I'll take all the grams, ounces, and pounds I can get!"

I hope everyone has a great day and that you experience God's presence and know that Jesus loves you. JSR, out.

Eighth Day...

Have you ever worked so hard and got so tired that you found it hard to remember how to do the simplest task? Well, that type of thing happened to me yesterday, but this morning I am bouncing back a bit. I slept like a baby last night, pun intended. My labs look better this morning and my energy is returning. Now don't get me wrong I don't feel like doing any cartwheels, but I did try to wrestle away from Elizabeth during our morning routine. So, I'm gettin' some of my spunk back. Growing is tough work, there's a ton of stuff our bodies do that big people don't have to think about because of their stamina. I, on the other hand, am still building some of my major muscles and I get tired really fast. Its' amazing how God displays his glory in the way all our parts work. I'm so glad He loves me and is taking care of me. I mean, He is the Creator as well as the Great Physician, he ought to know what's goin' on! Today will be a pretty mundane day in that I am not expected to have any tests other than day to day stuff. So, hopefully I can just rest. It's close to time for my routine morning eval so I'm gonna run for now. Oops, almost forgot. Please pray specifically for strength, rest, and my lungs today. Thanks!! JSR, out.

"May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you!
May those who love your salvation say evermore,
“God is great!”
But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay!"
Psalm 70:4-5 (ESV)

Seventh Day...

I had a good night, pretty much slept the whole time. Nurse Shandra weighed me just a little while ago and I weighed in at 1 lb. and 10oz. I know that's down from my birth weight, but that's normal. Preemies loose a little weight when they are born, just like other babies. I heard nurse Julie tell Mommy that I've been maintaining this weight for a couple of days now and there should be an upswing in our future. So, I won't be calling Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig, give me all the grams, ounces, and pounds you can! We are about to get set up for my daily X-rays. They take pictures of my insides every morning just to keep a close eye on me. Yaw pray for me today and I'll do all I can to grow.

"For your steadfast love is before my eyes,
and I walk in your faithfulness."
Psalm 26:3 (ESV)

6:40PM

If you remember, in an earlier post I asked you not to "freak" if I went backward a little, such as having to go back on the vent. Remember? Well, today we took a step back, the first day we didn't go forward. Well, that's not 100% true because every day I'm here is a day forward, but you get my point. I was just getting worn out breathing on my own like a big boy. I needed a helping hand to do everything on my agenda. My breathing was really dragging and my labs confirmed it. So, Dr. Mena and the girls set me up with a SIPAP. No, I didn't have to go back on the vent, although it's still a possibility, but I am getting the help I need from the SIPAP. I'll explain the best a preemie can how it works.

You see, a vent breathes "for" you sometimes, a CPAP "helps" you breath on your own using pressure, while a SIPAP is a sort of combo machine. It breathes for you using pressure that kinda "reminds" you to breathe deep. The SIPAP is a mask like a CPAP, rather that a tube like the vent. See, it's kinda getting the best of both worlds except the SIPAP doesn't do the heavy stuff like the vent, but does more work that the CPAP.

So, until I get stronger we'll take all the help we need to get the job done. My Mommy and Daddy knew that there would be days like this. Preemies grow by the two steps forward one step back principle. It's gonna be this way for a while. So, don't be discouraged by rainy days. It takes a little rain to make the flowers grow. Just keep lifting me up. I'm little, but God is bigger than The Beatles, more powerful than Superman, smarter than Einstein, and the FRIEND that sticks closer than a brother!! It's His show, I'm just an allowed participant. So, let's just see what He's got up his sleeve.

Sixth Day...

Today is my first Sunday. Mommy & Daddy are at church (Community Presbyterian PCA in Moody, AL) and they'll be along after worship. They were looking forward to being with our church family. So many of them have prayed, called, emailed, visited, and given of themselves so generously! It's a big thing to get to be with God's people and celebrate the Gospel, Christ, and all that he is and does for us. So much that my little mind can't think about it too long or I get dizzy. Daddy says it's ok because the same thing happens to him. I know I'll be prayed for in other churches and I really appreciate it. My parents know lots of preachers, they should my Dad is one, and every preacher they've talked with has said their church would pray for me. That's too cool!! Dr. Mena was right when he said all these prayers are helping me, sometimes I think I can feel them. So, to everyone whose prayin', or has prayed, or will pray I say "THANKS!" and when I grow big enough I owe you a hug!!

9:42AM

I've had a good night and morning. My nurse, Shandra, and I just hung out. It's really good for me to have periods of "good" rest because preemies do a lot of growin' during those times. Labs look good this morning and I'm doing fine on the CPAP. One of my awesome respiratory therapist, Cherie (aka "Rie-Rie"), says if I can keep up with my breathing then I won't need to do the vent thing again. Pray that I can rest, maintain things, and gain strength today. So, I'm just here hangin', growin', and waiting on my parentals to get here. I wonder if our pastor, Burt, is still preaching through Acts?


2:51PM

Well, today I said "c ya" to the bili-lights. They may need to come back for a short time in the future, but my caregivers think they did the trick. My color is more pink than yella and I'm getting another blood boost, which is really gonna help "pinken" me up. I'm still breathing with the assistance of the CPAP, but hopefully I'll keep getting stronger and pretty soon my breathing will 100% me. My labs still look good, but there is still the possibility of a masked infection looming out there. We'll get the low down on that when I get off the antibiotics in 2 or 3 days. It's hard to keep track of what day it is when you're locked in a room with no windows. So, today is gonna be a light day.

I would like to close by reminding everyone that I still have a ways to go. I know this week has been amazingly good, but there is still plenty that needs to go just right. I've had a good BM, but in the future I will have to prove that I can have them regularly. Right now my meals are liquid in form, but when I start "feeding" we'll find out if my digestive machnery is in good working order. When little dudes are born early, most of their energy goes to working on the lungs, heart, and brain. This puts the tummy and bowels in a tough spot as they deal with being sort of ignored. One day soon we'll find out if they are sittin' on ready or if they need a jump start. So, I say all this not to steal any joy, but to remind everyone that we are progressing, but we are by no means done! Keep praying and I'll keep growing. JSR, out.

Saturdays...

I've been detailing the daily events of my journey through the NICU @ Brookwood Medical Center (BMC), and have enjoyed letting everyone share the experience. However, I don't want to get the reputation of being a "BLOG HOG!" So, every Saturday is going to be a day when my Mommy & Daddy share their thoughts on the past week. Mommy's posts will be entitled "Mommy's Moments" and Daddy's posts will be be called "Daddy's Diary." This is their time to share from their hearts. I won't be exercising my editorial privileges so you'll be getting a true sense of what their feeling. I hope you get a glimpse into the hearts of the people God used to create me. JSR, out.

Daddy's Diary 2/23/2008

Whew! This has been the most surreal week of my life. I've stopped at some point each day and asked myself, "Is this my life?" I'm not complaining, it's just so hard to believe God has me where I am. I am continually blown away by the "...grace that is greater than all my sin."

During Rebecca's tenth week of pregnancy she was involved in an accident. When she called me about the wreck, she was sure our van was totaled. At that moment, the bottom dropped out of my heart. I just knew there was no way the little one she was carrying could've made it. We had lost three babies before and now a fourth. It was more than I could bear. As I drove to the accident site I prayed fervently, cried, and wondered how would I best serve my wife. As my anxiety grew to a shaking point God calmed my heart with these words, "I've got this! Love your wife, I've got this!" My anxiety faded, but I remained deeply concerned. Arriving at the accident, God graciously kept me calm and lead me to encourage and support my prized jewel.

We immediately left the scene and drove to her OBGYN. We called ahead so they would be expecting us. Upon our arrival, Rebecca was examined by a nurse and then one of her doctors came to do an ultrasound. He walked in the room saying, "God protects little babies. This little one is going to be fine." Where had I heard that before? He did the ultrasound and showed us a little one with a steady and strong heartbeat. In my heart I heard, "I've got this."

I have been reminded of this several times this week. When we had to rush to the hospital, "I've got this!" When the medical staff and Rebecca had done everything they could to delay a premature birth, to no avail, "I've got this!" When Jonathan was born and the ensuing flurry of action as people worked around him, "I've got this!" When we learn all we can about 25 week old preemies and the challenges they face, "I've got this!" When we hope and pray for his body to do what it needs to do, "I've got this!" All of this has left me with one hope to hold onto, "God, take it. I can't nor do I want to carry it!"

So, this week has been surreal in that I have been reacquainted with the truth that life is lived on the verge of what He's gonna do next. We are praying this way for Jonathan. We pray and beg today for a good day and we'll pray and beg about about tomorrow's challenges tomorrow. We praise God for all he does, whether we understand it or not, because he IS always good and DOES love us no matter what. Today Jonathan was taken off the ventilator, "PRAISE God!" If he goes back on tomorrow, "PRAISE God!" He is the one responsible for keeping Jonathan's life. All I can do is trust Him while I live on the verge.

I don't have the words to express the gratitude we have for the enumerable prayers and acts of love and generosity for us this week. The way God loves us and cares for us through each other is more than my heart and mind can hold. So, I say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU to everyone all the while thinking, "it's not enough!"

Mommy's Moment 2/23/08

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow... Praise Him all creatures here below!

My heart is overwhelmed with God's goodness and grace and mercy. Much of the past week of my life is a blur, be it from medication, stress, lack of sleep or whatever...but one thing is VERY clear. We serve a MIGHTY, AMAZING, MERCIFUL God who knows far better than we what is best. He has blessed our family so much this week. My heart is overwhelmed, and so very, very thankful.

This time last week, I was sitting here in my chair, crocheting Jonathan's blanket, talking with friends we had over for dinner, and feeling my precious son wiggle inside my belly. I can't believe how much life has changed in 7 short days! It seems so surreal, even now. Keith and I have a son - and he's here! He's beautiful... so tiny, but with so much personality already. He's a bit stubborn and headstrong. (I don't know where he gets THAT from... must be some recessive gene in the family!) His tiny little face can make the most amazing expressions. Sometimes he wrinkles up his brow, angry that he is being messed with by the nurses... sometimes he gives the biggest yawns...sometimes he almost looks like he's smiling! His tiny mouth works to blow drool bubbles, suck on his passie, and even to make small, soft cries unlike any I've ever heard before. They are music to my ears! Sometimes I just sit and watch him stretch and wiggle in his sleep...sometimes we hold hands, his tiny fingers wrapped around the tip of one of mine. I long for the day that I can hold him next to me and feel his heart beat against mine... Oh what a day that will be!

I cannot express to all of you my gratitude to all who have prayed, those we know and those we don't. Please keep praying for my sweet son. Pray that God will continue to work a miracle in Jonathan's life and continue to help him grow and progress. Pray that, even now, Jonathan will know the comfort and love of his Heavenly Father. Pray that he will come to a saving knowledge of Christ early in his life, and will serve Him in a mighty way.

Thank-you to all who have supported us this week. There are so many who came to the hospital and stayed so late Monday to lift us in prayer and await Jonathan's arrival. I know there are so many more of you who were home praying, waiting on that late-night call to tell you the news... Thank-you for giving up sleep to pray for us. So many of you came by the hospital to visit, have called to check on us, have sent or will be sending meals... We are so very thankful. God has blessed us abundantly with a wonderful Christian family!

Thank-you also to the many nurses we have met this week. You have all been so kind and so attentive in tending to me. Thanks especially to Angie, my Labor & Delivery nurse. You were wonderful and I'm so glad God sent you to me both Sunday and Monday night. Thank-you to Barbara, my PCA who blessed my heart so abundantly Wednesday morning. Your words of encouragement and your prayers for my son were a blessing from Christ. Finally, to all the nurses in the NICU... words cannot express how much you mean to me. Thank-you for not only taking amazing care of Jonathan, but for taking care of me and Keith, too. You have been so patient and kind to explain everything to us... so encouraging... so sweet to share in our joy along the way. You are all a blessing to all three of us.

Thank-you to my precious husband, Keith. You mean more to me than you can ever know. God blessed me exceedingly, abundantly more than I will ever deserve when He brought you into my life a little over eight years ago. Throughout my pregnancy, you were so kind and thoughtful. Thank-you for trying so hard to make life easy on me... especially when I felt bad or was so tired. Thank-you for taking such good care of me then, and especially this week. Thank-you for loving me and for showing that love to me in so many ways each day.

Most of all, thanks be to God. I give Him all the praise for everything He has done in our lives this week. I can see His handiwork everywhere I turn. There is a song I heard on the radio yesterday as we were traveling to the hospital and it has resounded in my heart ever since. "From the top of my lungs I will sing Hallelujah!"

Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!

Fifth Day...

Good Morning, today is day five of my journey. I had a restful night. Elizabeth told me my parents called really late last night (Daddy) and really early this morning (Mommy) to check on me. It was probably one of my more restful evenings. My O2 had to be turned up twice, but each time they suctioned me and all the important "numbers" went right back to normal. Once I get to where I can force more of my drool out on my own then I won't need to be suctioned as much. But, hey I'm doing ok for only being at this a few days. Well, it's time for feeding (every 6 hrs.), labs, a new diaper, and for nurse Julie to listen to my insides to make sure they are in tip top shape. I'll get back later when I'm not being "handled." BTW I'm still under the bili-lights, but it's not uncommon for my docs to keep preemies under them for a little longer just to be thorough.

"This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes."

Psalm 118:23 (ESV)

3:15PM

I have had a really good day. When my parents got here this morning Alice let them into the unit and said, "We've got a surprise for you guys!" They walked over to my crib and saw that the ventilator was turned "off" and that I was wearing a CPAP mask. They were really shocked and happy! So, today I am OFF the ventilator and breathing on my own. (If for some reason I have to go back on the vent then you guys don't freak on me, agreed?! It's not uncommon for preemies to have to go back on for a short time.) My O2 saturation drops when they "handle" me, but that is due to my aggravation with them and not a medical issue. Also, my potassium and sodium levels are more steady, and my labs are now every six hrs. rather than every three. One final kicker for the day, I got my own tunes. They hooked me up with a tape player, a speaker, & some lullabies with a heart rhythm in the background. It ain't Skynyrd, but it'll do. JSR, out.

7:50PM

God has been so good to me today, but he's been good to me my whole life, even if I'm only 26 weeks old. The thing is this, if I go back on the vent tomorrow God is still good, Jesus still loves me, and that's all that matters.

Fourth Day...

Last night was a good night. Elizabeth took one of the lines out of my belly button so I am now one chain down and closer to freedom! I know I'm jumping the gun, but a guy's gotta have dreams! This morning my O2 level is good and I might lose the bili-lights today. We'll have to see what my doc says. I'll update again after my morning routine.

FYI This monitor is the part of the ventilator that tells my respiratory therapists and nurses exactly how I'm processing O2. It reports how many times I breath vs. how many times it breathes for me, and a bunch of other stuff that's over my head. BTW I usually breath around 48 times a minute and it usually breathes for me about 21 times a minute. Not too bad, but needs to improve.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness."
Lam. 3:22-23 (ESV)

11:45AM
The morning has gone fairly well. Alice, another one of my excellent nurses, had to adjust my PICC line. The PICC line enters my arm and travels close to my heart. I heard someone in the NICU (I can't remember the nurse's name) say that putting one in a preemie can be like threading a needle. Well, that can be a touch concerning when you're such a wee needle. Nevertheless, I have the Great Physician and top notch caregivers, so no worries. Besides it was only an adjustment and I heard Alice tell Daddy everything went well and I'm good now.

I have a specific prayer request for my Mommy and Daddy. You see, before too much longer they'll have to go back to work and won't be able to come around so much. I know they are already thinking about it. Just pray that Jesus will give them the peace that passes all understanding.

7:00PM
It has been crazy around here this afternoon. Around noon I had to be turned so I was lying on my back. If you've read my "Get to know me" section then you know I'm a tummy sleeper. Whenever I lay flat of my back I squirm, wiggle, and pull on my hook ups. I know they do it for a needful reason, so my body won't get too used to lying in one position. But it causes my O2 levels to go down and they have to give me more breathing help. I suspect that when I gain some strength it won't bother me so much. They did put me back on my tummy a short while ago.

My mouth and throat have needed suctioning twice this afternoon and evening. I'm a drooly baby, which means my mouth catches more of the wet stuff than I am able to cough out. This also causes me to need help in breathing. So, it looks like I'm really gonna need to gain some more strength before my breathing becomes 100% me.

However, the day ended on a good note. I got to spend some good one on one time with Mommy and Daddy. Mommy has been touching me and getting as close as she can from day one. Daddy, however, has been a little sick and has kept his distance. Today was the first time he didn't wear a mask when he visited me. He held my hand, it was cool.

One last thing for the day. I'm having an issue with my sodium levels, they are too unstable. My caregivers are treating me as they should, but I'm just not reacting as quickly as I maybe need to. So, please keep that in mind when you pray for me. Me and my family are so thankful for all the prayers. Yaw keep praying and I'll keep growing.

My Nurses

I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd blog a bit. You've probably already picked up on how important my nurses are to me. They watch over me and make sure I get everything I need. I don't know where I'd be without them! Here are a few Dad has conned into letting him take their picture. They've started warning each other about the crazy guy with the camera, but they are sweet to do it! I think they understand he does it so my loved ones will get a better idea of the new friends I am making on my journey. I guess I'm kinda like a modern day Christian, the main character from John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, meeting new people as I travel toward the Celestial City. However, the main difference between he and I is everyone around me is all about helping rather than hindering me. Ahh, the deep thoughts of a preemie.

Dr. Mena

Let me introduce you to Dr. Mena, the man who intubated me right after my arrival. He, Dr's. DiCarlo & Strange, the Nurse Practitioners, the Respiratory Therapists, and all the sweet nurses have been taking good care of me. This afternoon I overheard him talking with my parents about my white blood cells. He said they were somewhat high. There are two probable reasons for this. Either it is due to my body learning how to regulate itself or a result of the infection that caused me to be here this soon. The reason doesn't matter since they are treating me for an infection just to be safe. (I'll be on an antibiotic for about 10 days.) He's a cool dude and I like his accent.

BTW Dr. Mena told us that, "It's all those good prayers that are keeping him strong."

Third Day...

"How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings."
Psalm 36:7 (ESV)

I rested really well last night. They let me sleep on my tummy for awhile and I really liked it! In this position my tush is in full view, but the ladies tell me it's cute. This morning I got my first taste of Mommy's milk when they placed a little inside my cheek, mmm! Please pray that my breathing continues to improve and that I keep growing according to schedule.

2:33PM
Today I accomplished a major task, I had my first BM, woo-hoo! They are putting in a PICC line this afternoon and I'll have some X-Rays later, so I'll be "handled" for a couple of hours. My kidneys are working great as I go potty a lot. You guys keep praying and I'll keep growing.

4:08PM
All my heavy work is done for the day. I'm gonna rest til tomorrow when I'll, once again, tell you about my day.

10:15PM
After a well deserved nap Elizabeth came by to do a "check" on me. She had started a slow transfusion (3 hrs. long) during my slumber and it was finishing up. It's normal for little guys like me to get a blood boost from time to time. She listened to my lungs, heart, and bowels, which is done every few hours. Everything was good to go! As we wrapped up our little diagnostic she changed my diaper and fed me some more of Mommy's milk. This time I got to suck on the Q-Tip for a second or two and I got every last bit of milk out of that thing! Mommy and Daddy were there for the whole thing and they just kept asking questions. I started squirming in an attempt to alert them that I was ready for this to be over. Shortly thereafter it ended and we all just hung out for a while.

Second Day...

Well, it was a very busy day! My labs have been good throughout the day, but I have a couple of issues we're working on. First, my potassium is a smidgen high so they are going to help me regulate it til I can manage on my own. Second, it seems that babies like me often have a little trouble getting our liver up and running. I was starting to turn a tad yellow (Jaundice) so they put me under these blue lights (bili-lights). It's called photo-therapy, but I think of it as some sort of tanning bed. I've got these patches over my eyes, which are real annoying, but they protect them from the rays. The lights make me have a blue tint and I look somewhat Smurfish at times. They draw blood every three hours to keep a check on me. Nurse Neely said we should expect some "new" blood in a day or so. This is normal for preemies like me. Basically, everything is normal so far. Any problems I have had are things they have already told Mommy and Daddy to expect.

Dr. DiCarlo

This is Dr. DiCarlo. I first thought he came by because he liked poking on me, but Mommy & Daddy said he's here to help. It seems that we have some family friends who have had the pleasure of having him as their Doc. I like his smile. He is one of the best baby doctors in the country and I thank God he's one of my docs.

First Day...

Today was full of firsts: I gave blood for some tests, I got a dose of medicine to strengthen my lungs, I got to meet some new friends, and I opened my eyes about halfway. Incidentally, for the foreseeable future I'll be giving blood every three hours for labs and such. Gotta make sure all my parts are doing what God designed them to do.

The remainder of my day consisted of more poking and prodding by a bunch of people. I get the wiggles when they start all that routine examination stuff, but they are only making sure my growth stays on schedule. Dad said it was like I moved from baking in an oven to cooking over an open flame. I suspect he would know better than I since my experience is pretty limited. Several times throughout the day someone came by to move the sticky things that are on me. It doesn't hurt, but it always seems to interrupt my nap. The carbon dioxide (CO2) sensor leaves three circular red marks, but they soon fade away.

First Things...

I entered the world weighing 1 lb. & 14 oz., I was 13" long, and very feisty. Immediately upon my arrival Dr. Ross held me up in front of everyone so Dad could cut the cord, how embarrassing. To show my appreciation I promptly went potty on him. Then I was placed under a hot lamp and had all these people poking and prodding me. I really don't like people messing with me and I kept trying to push their hands away. They even tried taping me down, but I wiggled free! After several tense moments of examination I was wheeled to the NICU. That is where I currently reside surrounded by all these machines and monitors that tell my caregivers how I am doing on the inside.

How we got here...

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isa. 55:9 (ESV)

Early in the morning on Sunday February 17, 2008 I awoke Mommy. I was 25 weeks and 1 day old, 15 weeks premature, but ready to enter the world. Something in my little world had changed and I knew it was time to go. (Dr. Ross would later tell us that Mommy had developed an infection and that my early arrival was God's way of protecting us.) So, Dad whisked us away to the hospital. Once we were settled in we went through the process of me and Mommy's body agreeing on when I would greet the world. This continued until Monday evening about 10:30 when our Labor and Delivery nurse (a really sweet lady named Angi) said Mommy and I were ready for my grand entrance. So, at 10:49 on Monday night with one last push I sprang into the light and thus began my journey.

me