May 20, 2007

"We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life...but this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God...On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers." 2Corinthians 1:8b-11a

We are reminded by Paul as he writes to the Corinthians, that we are to rely not on ourselves and what we bring to the table, but to rely on God and Him only. I like these verses because I have had my anxious moments throughout this ordeal - but in every one either through His word or encouragement of family and friends God’s promises have been true. My faith has been strengthened and I see each day it is God’s power in me and He deserves all the glory.

After Kyle's bath today he`was having some trouble maintaining his body temperature, to the point where it was effecting his breathing. He was put under a`warming lamp to help him stabilize and it seemed to do the trick. Pretty minor stuff compared to all we've been through! The only other news is that he is scheduled to have an evaluation with a speech therapist tomorrow to determine if he is ready to try a bottle. Please pray for good results as this is the main area we need to work on before coming home!

In response to Aunt Karen's questions...
- As far as Kyle's eyes go, he has developed something called ROP. Retinopathy of Prematurity-ROP occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow and spread throughout the retina, the tissue that lines the back of the eye. These abnormal blood vessels are fragile and can leak, scarring the retina and pulling it out of position. This causes a retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness in ROP. Kyle is showing signs of Stage I — mildly abnormal blood vessel growth. Many children who develop stage 1 improve with no treatment and eventually develop normal vision. They will check Kyle again in 1 week to see what the status is on this. If it progresses to stage 3 or 4, laser surgery can be done to correct the problem but we are praying it clears up on its own.
- To check the residual in Kyle's stomach...using a syringe connected to his feeding tube, they suction out the contents of his stomach. Kyle is fed 39 cc's every two hours, and typically he has 1-2 cc's left to be digested when they check, which is well with-in the normal range.
- Kyle has not had a hearing test yet, but from what I have observed, everything seems fine. When I talk to him, he'll turn his head in my direction.

Yesterday I went to a luncheon in honor of my friend Breanne and her baby Rylee. Kyle and Rylee were born just 5 days apart and both babies were 15 weeks early so we have really gone through this whole experience together. Breanne has been such a blessing the last few months...it is`amazing the bonds that can be formed with perfect strangers because they know exactly what you are going through in this overwhelming world they call the NICU. Rylee is an absolutely adorable little girl. The nurses have taken to calling Kyle and Rylee the "King and Queen of the NICU" because they say they both so spoiled already! Anyways, the bottom picture is of Breanne and I yesterday at the luncheon.

We are praising God for His goodness!

Much Love,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

P.S. Kyle was so happy when I took the picture of him above. He was waving his hands (which is why they are blurry) and smiling. It was cute!