Wednesday, December 10, 2014

40 days

Great day today!  As in there were no emergencies, even though there were multiple "events."  As I reflect on the day, it is almost humorous as to what seems significant anymore.  For example, while holding Scarlett today she had an apneic episode for about 25 seconds and her heart rate slowed from 150ish to 80ish.  But she bounced back once she started breathing again and didn't need any nurse attention (the nurse checked in with me but Scarlett rebounded on her own).  That may be one of the episodes they chart for her but doesn't really register on our radar anymore.

Scarlett was as low as 24% oxygen.  She weighed in at 3 pounds 10 ounces!

Grayson weighed in at 3 pounds 12 ounces, but hadn't had a bowel movement since yesterday.  Coincidentally he decided to let it go immediately after the nurse tucked him back in after the care period in which he was weighed.  What a stinker, literally AND figuratively!

Grayson's pressure was changed on his ventilator and his blood gas levels looked good.  We may try the SiPAP again tomorrow, but it might be an aggressive move.  He typically has periods where he "rides the vent" without breathing on his own.  The SiPAP gives two levels of pressure, so it may help stimulate him to breathe but he has to do the work on his own.  We are at a point where we have to try.  The alternative is to treat him with steroids to help his lungs, but it is possible that could hurt his brain and/or impact his growth.  Unfortunately, there is not many conclusive studies about how different treatments impact preemies.  Who would say, "Hey, that might debilitate my child or it might help them be perfectly healthy... where do I sign up?"  If Grayson does have development delays, we wouldn't know if it was because he was a micro-preemie, the brain issues (Grade III and IV IVH and potential PVL), or the medication.  So I pray that we make the transition to the SiPAP successfully.

 Grayson's first clothes!  A plain white shirt.  He is a humble lad.

Scarlett was peering up at Mommy!

2 comments:

  1. I love being able to say "Thank you God for another calm day"! No major event is what we are after. And both the babies creeping by ounces up to 4 lbs! Grayson with clothes! God is good!

    God, thank you for another opportunity to praise you for your goodness and care of Scarlett and Grayson. I am so grateful that you do not tire of our requests for help for these little miracles. Please enable Grayson's lungs to grow stronger and his ability to breathe to become more and more consistent. Infuse the medical personnel with your wisdom to make the best decision regarding the care plan for both babies. Continue to bless Tricia and Tim whose devotion to these babies is so inspiring in an age when we hear so frequently about parents abandoning or harming their children. Mary, our Mother, hold this family close to your heart and continue to intercede with your Son on behalf of Scarlett and Grayson. And please, God, let tomorrow be another good day for Tricia, Tim, Scarlett and Grayson.

    Tim, thanks so much for including the pictures. Nowadays, my arrival at school is no longer met with "Good morning" but "Any news about the babies and do you have any new pictures!"

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  2. 40 days and great day today! I love it! The pictures of your humble lad and your peering sweetheart are precious. Just as Sr. Dennis said, I also have people at work who ask, "How are the babies?". I sometimes try to picture the 'prayer cloud' surrounding all of you. I believe that it is huge and growing bigger daily. So many people praying, family, relatives, friends, co-workers, blog readers, friends of friends and others that you don't even know, but are following the babies' progress. I can only imagine the conversations, requests and petitions that make their way to the Heavens for all of you. We most assuredly are on God's top priority list!
    Blessings, love and grace for the day! Asking God and His loving Mother to help Grayson successfully transition to the next steps in breathing. Asking that Scarlett continue to develop and grow. Praying for another great day! Love to all of you.

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