Wednesday, April 4, 2007

April 4, 2007


"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good...To give you a future and hope. " Jeremiah 29:11 (TLB)

Kyle had an uneventful day today. His oxygen concentration continues to stay higher than we'd like, it is at 48% now. I was able to Kangaroo with him for about 4 hours today. While we were Kangarooing, his oxygen went down to 38%...a sure sign that he was enjoying himself! Samples of secretions from Kyle's endortracheal tube were taken today and sent to the lab for testing in hopes that they may shed some light on his breathing troubles lately. The doctors are looking for two things. First, they want to see if his infection is still present. They are also looking to see if he has Reflux. This is where the contents of his stomach move up into the esophagus and possibly his lungs. If Kyle's milk is coming back up and moving into his lungs, this would account for some of the additional oxygen requirements lately. We should have the results of both tests in the next couple days.

Kyle's weight is up to 2 lbs. 2 oz. today. Something I haven't really mentioned before is his length, which is measured every Monday. When he was born, Kyle was 29 centimeters (11 1/2 inches) and Monday he measured 36 centimeters (14 inches). While Kyle has definitely gotten longer, the reason I haven't posted weekly updates on this is that I am not sure how accurate the measurements are. Immediately after he was born, Kyle was "stretched out" and measured very precisely. Since then, they measure him weekly, but some weeks he gains and other weeks the measurements say he has gotten "shorter"...which I know is not possible. His nurse said that, although it is interesting for us, his length does not have any bearing on his treatment medically so they don't feel it is worth it to "torture" him by stretching him out to get an absolute measurement. Regardless of what their measurements say, I can definitely tell a difference in his length. Kyle has very long fingers and big feet...according to the nurses, this is a sign he is going to be tall like Daddy.


"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-13


Much Love,


Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jennifer, The straw has been a great method of indicating Kyle's growth in length. It has been obvious from the beginning he has long fingers......
Isn't it remarkable how we humans respond to gentle touch and love? I am certain Kyle would tell you the highlight of his day is when he is in your arms and lying across your chest. I have no doubt it is the highlight of your day with him. I am thankful you feel God's embrace and are able to respond to it just as Kyle feels and responds to yours.
I spent yesterday in the waiting room of the OR at Akron City with the pregnant wife of my young (32 yr old) pastor. He has had very major surgery two times in the past six weeks. I was thinking while there how many people I know who dread the hospital. But to me, it can be a beacon of hope and a conduit for healing---never a replacement for our Lord but an instrument of His desire for us to be healthy and whole. The hospital, though not where you would choose to be, has quite possibly become your "friend". Thinking of you and praying as always, Laura

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennifer,

Just wanted you to know that I'm praying for you and your little guy daily. We were gone for about 12days so I just got caught up with your updates/pictures on Kyle this past Tues. He does appear more alert and definitely bigger!! I'll be praying they'll find the cause of his increased O2 requirements so he can get off that ventilator soon. Thanks for keeping us all updated.
Hang in there, your unwavering faith has been trully inspiring! I know it's easy to get discouraged and that's ok, God understands. 2Kings 20:5 says: ... I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears, surely I will heal you.
Hope you and your family have a blessed Easter!
Anna