Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Thanksgiving

Madison and Kyle with Linda

Aunt Karen with Kyle

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The lovely woman wearing the purple shirt in the pictures above is my Aunt Karen, who is in town from Georgia and was finally able to meet baby Kyle on Sunday! Many of you have read Karen's beautiful messages on the comments section of the blog. Since Kyle's birth, she has been one of his biggest supporters and has been responsible for him being on prayer lists across the country. Also included in the pictures is my third cousin Linda, whom I had not seen in over 20 years. She heard about our situation with Kyle and has been praying for him faithfully. Linda and her husband Dan are closely affiliated with the Crystal Cathedral (Robert Schuller) and they in turn have been praying for our family. The Crystal Cathedral even requested that Linda and Dan return to California with pictures of baby Kyle! We know God has been evident throughout this entire situation, but his blessings continue to amaze us. Reuniting long last family is just one more reason we have to praise Him.

Kyle received his first RSV shot last week and will continue to receive them monthly until RSV season ends in April. If you are not aware of RSV, respiratory syncytial virus, you are among the majority. Most people have not heard of RSV, even though nearly every child has had the virus by age two. For full-term babies, RSV typically is not any worse than a common cold, but for preemies, the virus can be quite different. Babies born earlier than 36 weeks are at the highest risk for serious complications like pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and other, sometimes fatal, complications. We are very fortunate that our insurance company has decided to cover these shots, as they are $1300 per month. As such, it is something that is not typically covered by insurance unless there are extenuating circumstances. With Kyle being born at 25 weeks, having such a low birth weight as well as chronic lung disease; he is among the highest risk factors for contracting RSV and developing serious complications. This website offers a great visual comparison of a preemie’s lungs, and therefore why they are not able to fight the virus, compared to the lungs of a full-term baby: http://www.preemiecare.org/LungsTrees03-4.pdf Fortunately, our pediatrician said that since she has begun administering the shots, only one baby has contracted RSV and it was a very mild case.

Every November, you hear about being thankful and grateful for all the blessings in your life. Sometimes you hear the word "thankful" so often that it ceases to have meaning to you. This Thanksgiving, I have definitely viewed the subject of "thankfulness" with a new energy and focus. Of course every day is a good time to be thankful, but we especially show our gratitude to God this year during Thanksgiving time. We are amazed at God’s love and faithfulness. Oh, we knew about it before, but the depth and the vastness of it we are still in the process of comprehending.

Love and Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle

Saturday, November 17, 2007

November 17, 2007



GO BUCKEYES...Beat Michigan!!!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

November 8, 2007








"How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you." Psalm 31:19

No news is good news, right?!? Sorry it has been awhile since we have posted, but there really has not been much to report. Kyle is busy doing typical baby stuff, which at this point is not very much! Food has been introduced into Kyle's diet over the last couple weeks. So far, Kyle has tried rice cereal, oatmeal, bananas, applesauce and pears. In the beginning, he really had no idea what to do with the food when it was placed in his mouth, and most of it ended up ON him instead on IN him. Slowly though, he is getting the hang of it. I wish I could say he is enjoying his food, but no matter what we try feeding him, he always seems pretty indifferent to the foods. Really, he could take it or leave it, but the doctor says it is good practice for him to keep at it. Nutritionally, Kyle receives everything he needs from his bottles, which are still a mixture of high calorie preemie formula, safflower oil, poly-visol vitamins and thickener.

Kyle has had two sessions with his Developmental Specialist, Mrs. Brady. I like really like his specialist and her philosophy, which is rather than have an intensive hour of therapy with Kyle every other week, she instead focuses her time on teaching his caregivers how to interact with Kyle during everyday activities. She has taught us different ways to carry Kyle, play with him, sit with him, talk with him, etc. that are all designed to assist with his development. Simple things like when we show him a toy, to hold it above his head which will force Kyle to look up and in turn work muscles in his neck and back he does not typically use. Or, when Kyle is on our lap, to bounce him on our knee which will help Kyle to develop his equilibrium and balance. The specialist is very pleased with Kyle's progress so far, and says that he is doing everything she would want him to and she does not feel there will be any long term problems or complications. Very reassuring for us to hear!

Thank you once again for all the prayers that have been offered up on behalf of our family. We are amazed at our God and His people.

God Bless,

Jennifer, Joe, Madison and Kyle