Wednesday, February 28, 2007

February 28, 2007




"For with God, nothing shall be impossible." Luke 1:37

We received the results of the EKG, and unfortunately, the ductus still has not closed, although the size of the hole is now small to moderate (it began as "very large"). The doctors are going to give him one more course of medicine and repeat the EKG on Friday. On Friday, they will either find that the ductus has closed, or schedule surgery. Please pray that the ductus closes with this last course of medicine.

Kyle received a blood transfusion yesterday. We expected that he would need one at some point, we just were not sure when. Blood is taken from Kyle every 12 hours, and with a baby this tiny, they do not have much to spare. Joe was able to be his blood donor, which is very comforting. Now, Kyle literally has Joe's blood running through his veins...which will probably only add to Kyle's feistiness!!! We were worried about the transfusion, and whether Kyle's body would accept the new blood, but he handled it like a champ. He looks much better already, as he was beginning to look a little pale because his red blood cell count had been dropping. Anyways, one more thing to praise the Lord for!

Someone asked if I have been able to hold Kyle yet, and the answer is sort of. Once, while the nurse was changing his bedding, she had me hold Kyle in his isolette for a couple seconds while she switched out his bedding. A picture of this is posted above! We are allowed to touch him gently, but not stroke him as his nerves are very sensitive right now. Kyle has been on what is referred to as "hands on care" which means that the doctors and nurses try to schedule anytime he will be handled or touched to occur only once every six hours. During this time, anything that needs done, such as his vitals or a diaper change, is done. Even such little things as this take up so much energy for Kyle. The less time that is spent fussing with him, the more time he has to rest and grow.

Many people have asked for an address to send cards or care packages to. Although, we so appreciate the thought, please do not send any care packages. I have all that I need here, plus, when I go home, I still need to try and fit everything in my suitcase! If you really want to send something, please send something little to Madison for becoming a big sister. In addition to missing her mommy, she understandably feels left out on being a big sister as she is so far away. Anyways, the addresses are as follows:

Mail for me should be sent to Kyle's attention at the hospital:

Kyle Kupiec, NICU patient
c/o Florida Hospital
601 E. Rollins St.
Orlando, FL 32803

If you would like to send well wishes to Joe and Madison, they can be sent to the following address:

5203 Beckett Ridge
Stow, OH 44224

I feel a little awkward posting the addresses, but people have asked several times. Please do not feel obligated to send a card or anything. The comments you all leave on the blog are more than enough!

As I am about to climb into bed, I thank God for all of you, along with His faithfulness, power and love.

God Bless You,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Jennifer,
The above pictures are adorable! We are praying that the little guy won't have to have surgery and that the ductus will close naturally. Maybe Joe's transfusion will speed that along.

You were right about Kyle now inheriting Joe's feistiness .... I can vouch for that!!!!!

Hope Joe and Madison arrived home safely yesterday. You take care of yourself and Kyle and I'll help Joe and Madison out with whatever they need.

Love,
Pattie and Bill

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,
What wonderful pictures of you, Madison and Kyle! We treasure every glimpse.

I guess Joe and Madison are back in Ohio. I know you will miss them, but God will be your strength and comfort, and with Him you will never be alone. The same goes for Kyle. As he grows and continues to develop, I can picture God holding and comforting him also.

We are praying that the heart surgery will not be necessary. There is so much to be optimistic about. Thank you for sharing this very personal time with us.
We love you,
Aunt Karen

Angela Kupiec said...

Hi Jennifer -
A picture really is worth a thousand words. The look of love in your and Madison's eyes in these pictures is a treasure to behold. Kyle is so lucky to have you all for his family. It sounds promising that this next dose of medicine will work and we will be praying that is the case. Katie loves the pictures too. Joe printed them out and gave her one and she keeps it by her bed. The other day when I was taking her to school she said to me, "I love Kyle, he has a K name like me." Thank you for keeping us so well informed, you, Joe, Madison and Kyle are truly amazing and deserve all of lifes blessings. You are always in our minds and our hearts.
We love you all very much,
Angela, Dad, and Katie

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,
The pictures of Madison and you with Kyle are amazing and they will be considered TREASURES within your family.
Kyle, indeed, seems to respond to treatment and to bounce back from every obstacle. We will certainly continue to pray that surgery not become necessary. That little guy clearly has a will to live. Surely, he senses just how much he is loved.
Hope you have given yourself some time to heal as well. Laura Austin

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,

I've been on vacation, but heard the news thanks to Kathy's email updates. I am so sorry that you and your family have to endure such a trial, but am SO thankful that things are going so well for baby Kyle! Your strength and faith in the Lord will see you all through this difficult time.

Many years ago my cousin had a little girl very prematurely, and she weighed less than 2 lbs. She is a beautiful, healthy young woman now and will be married in June! Knowing your faith I'm sure you already know this is possible for Kyle too but thought I'd share a happy story! =)

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We look forward to meeting little Kyle one day soon.

God bless,
Bonnie Thiel & Family