Saturday, September 20, 2008

more stuff about my baby

I just want to say that I do not write these posts fishing for comments...but that all the amazingly kind and supportive words you've shared over these couple of weeks have meant so much to me. It sounds cheesy and trite, but it's true. I find that I can relax a little, knowing so many are lifting us up in prayer and hope.

This has been one of the most stressful weeks of our lives, and oddly enough, we have come full circle. Our son was admitted to his current hospital one week ago yesterday with feeding difficulties, and he is now hanging out in the NICU...with feeding difficulties. But God is good, people, and don't you forget it - each day of this harrowing week has allowed us to tick one more horrifying potential diagnosis off the list and move forward. We have now found out that our baby's brain is not damaged, he can see (the O.T. examined him and confirmed he tracks visually, thank you Lord), and despite having "low tone" he moves his body in typical newborn fashion. The only somewhat scary thing that is still up in the air is his hearing. They attempted to do their more sophisticated test more than once but he kept waking up and ruining it, so it was finally completed yesterday. We'll find out the results soon.

There are specialists beginning to work with him on feeding once again - they have confirmed he can drink from a bottle (which we already knew but they did not) but the milk collects in his throat at times and he becomes uncoordinated, causing him to choke. They haven't let me nurse him again - yet - but I think it's coming soon. He tends to do better with nursing because he can pace himself more naturally than when he is given a bottle. Also, he gets a better latch, probably due to the size of a human nipple as compared to a smaller bottle nipple.

Bear with me - I'm just trying to chronicle some of this stuff. And please, if you would, continue to keep us in your prayers. It is working, we are so blessed. Thank you!

6 comments:

Pam said...

You sound 100% better this morning:) The NICU is such a roller coaster - I just keep praying for all of you and the he will be home with you all soon. And let me tell you - the day he "graduates" from NICU - now that is a good day:)

I was going to tell you too - As soon as our older kids got to go back and meet Peanut in the NICU we got a picture of each of them holding her and my husband got them developed right away. He put her stats on the back and then gave the picture to each of the kids to take to school with them on their first day of school. I know Daughter isn't in school yet but she might like to have one to pin on her shirt or something? Just an idea:)

Unknown said...

You do, you sound leaps and bounds better than you did previously. I have been praying so earnestly, Kate. I'm praying big and I'm asking for miracles, expect nothing less from Him!!! I'm not. :)

I am so incredibly thankful for your updates and the bits of progress. Keep on keeping on, you'll get through this and be a stronger family for it.

Love to you all.

Ruth said...

I'm glad to hear you sounding better, and SO glad to learn that you're able to check some of the really scary stuff off the list of possibilities.

You all are and continue to be in my prayers. ((((HUGS))))

Pam said...

Ok - totally lifting you up this week:) Just wanted to let you know.

Louise said...

Things sound so much better! Keep at it, you're doing such a good job for your son and family. I'll keep you in my thoughts.

Sherry said...

I haven't commented here much, but I check you often (Karen's cousin)...def. praying and thinking of you daily. Praying that things continue to improve.