Thursday, February 22, 2007

February 22, 2007

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7

Yesterday was a calmer day with just a couple of "hiccups." Kyle has been having trouble with his blood sugar being to high, which the doctors were able to treat successfully with insulin. He also had jaundice,but after phototherapy they were able to clear that up as well. I am healing well from the Cesarean section and able to move around more each day. Unfortunately, yesterday I developed a fever and was not allowed in the NICU to see Kyle for 24 hours. That was tough!

On a positive note, my milk came in yesterday, and the doctors attempted Kyle's first feeding. A healthy sucking and breathing coordination usually forms at around 34 weeks after gestation, allowing a baby to begin breastfeeding or bottle feeding normally. In Kyle's case, he is fed protein, fat, sugar, vitamins, and minerals intravenously. Yesterday, they also attempted to drip breastmilk feedings into his intestines and it went perfectly. The doctors have said there is always a concern that with a baby this little that when they are given a feeding, their organs are not mature enough to move the food through the intestines. It is amazing how precise the doctors in the NICU are with everything. They first attempted 1.8ml of breastmilk, and measure everything that comes out of Kyle to confirm that 1.8ml comes out before they would give him his next feeding. He was able to complete 5 cycles of feedings before we got the news regarding our next obstacle...

Kyle is hanging in there, although the "honeymoon phase" the doctors have warned us of seems to be ending. Kyle's doctor thought he heard a heart murmur today and therefore ordered an EKG. The results just came back and Kyle has a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). The ductus is a blood vessel connecting the main vessel leading to the lungs (pulmonary artery) to the main vessel of the body (aorta). Its function in the unborn baby is to allow blood to bypass the lungs, since oxygen for the blood comes from the mother and not from breathing air. Normally after birth the ductus closes in the first few hours, but in Kyle's case, this blood vessel has stayed open. The opening of this blood vessel causes too much blood to be pumped into the lungs. This can lead to an increase in fluid in the lungs and makes it harder for the baby to breathe as well as increases the work of the heart. To treat his PDA, the doctors began administering medications and stopped Kyle's feedings. They are going to give him three doses of medicine over a 36 hour period and then repeat the EKG on Saturday to see if the medicine has helped close the ductus. The doctor said that in 70% of cases, the medicine is effective, however, if it does not work, then surgery will be required to close it.

Many people have asked for us to post a picture of Kyle. We have our digital camera down here, but forgot the cord to download the pictures onto the computer. Joe is going to get a cord this weekend so we should have some pictures up soon. Stay tuned!

We continue to be humbled by your thoughts and prayers. So as you pray, know that it is being answered as God gives Kyle more strength for each new day.

Much Love,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Up early this morning and read your update. We will continue to pray for baby Kyle and all of you as a family. The girls have asked questions about baby Kyle and are also concerned for how Madison is doing. We will continue as family to pray for your family. A package is on its way - hope it arrives while Madison is still with you as there are a couple of things for her in the box.

In our thoughts & prayers daily.
The McCullough Klan

Anonymous said...

Jennifer and Joe,
"You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body, and knit them together in my mother's womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! It is amazing to think about. Your workmanship is marvelous-and how well I know it. You were there while I was being formed in utter seclusion! You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your Book! How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can't even count how many times a day your thoughts turn towards me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!" Psalms 139: 13-18 Living Bible

One day at a time. Sounds like every day brings something new - sometimes positive, sometimes not so positive. But God will give you and Kyle the strength you need for each day. Focus on the blessings, like his advanced breathing and ability to process feedings, and God will take care of the rest.

We, and our prayer partners, bring you all before God in prayer many times each day.
Aunt Karen

Joe Sr. said...

Dear Jennifer and Joe:

I know I've said this before, but thank you so much for updating this blog. It brings us much comfort to know how all of you are doing.

So glad to know Madison will be joining you all tomorrow. I'm sure she is looking forward to being with you.

Glad to hear there is positive news in spite of a few hiccups. All of us continue to have all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

All our love,

Joe, Angela, Katie, Grandma Mary, and Grandpa Ted

Anonymous said...

Hi Joe and Jennifer,
Madison was really excited about getting stuff bought and bagged for the 'Baby Kyle Party' at school today. We were talking about how little he is and what Big Sisters are all about.

I will show her the pictures tonight of the preemie baby on the ventilator so that she will know what to expect tomorrow.

She is such a big girl now. She was adamant about me NOT stowing away in her suitcase. She is Sooooo excited about seeing you tomorrow.

There will be some care packages stowed away in your luggage.

Talk to you tonight to finalize tomorrow's bon voyage for Madison.

Love,
Pattie
P.S. We have Family Fun Night at school till 8:00.

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, I am so humbled by the process you are enduring. When I was pregnant, babies this premature had almost no chance of survival so I never went through this with anyone who was able to share such a detailed account as it was occuring. Everyday I marvel at what has been accomplished in medicine before Kyle was even born enabling the staff to attend to his every need and to keep you as abreast of his condition as they possibly can. Despite the hardship each of you is facing through this extreme trial you are encountering many blessings as well. Thank you for allowing us to experience a small glimpse of the mystery and science of sustaining such a tiny life from afar. I feel as if I know your son because of your words which makes me pray all the more, without ceasing and with more fervency. Laura Austin

Unknown said...

Jen and Joe,

Jack and I continue to keep you Madison, and baby Kyle in our thoughts and prayers. We are happy to hear there are some positive things happening I am sure there are more to come. Thank you again for the updates. Can't wait to see pictures.

Love,
Kristy and Jack

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen and Joe,
We heard your news today regarding Kyle. From your blogs it sounds as though he is a fighter. I know little Kyle is much smaller than Madeline was when she was born. She was born at 32 weeks and weighed 3 lbs 10 ounches. It was truly the scarriest thing I have ever experienced. She was on Oxygen immediately. She also was jaundice like Kyle. Now she is 6 1/2 years old and weighs 42 lbs. I pray you see the same joy we have seen in Madeline.
Please let us know if we can do anything for you. We would love to have Madison over for a playdate!
Mike, Maureen, Madeline & Morgan Gaeta

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenny,
Your Aunt Carol Nash just told me about your blog. I am so happy everything is going good with baby Kyle. I was so impressed with your deep faith in God. I will be praying for your family and especially baby Kyle every day. Baby Kyle is such a miracle which proves with God all things are possible. Keep the faith!

Love,
Diane Baston