Sunday, November 29, 2009
Our Weekend
We have had a good weekend. The nights are about the same but I don't expect them to change fast. Sunday morning I was already up with Jena and needed to help get Jaci and Joseph ready for church. Trying to get into some type of normal routine, if there is one. Joey started the oatmeal and I helped Jaci and then got Joseph up. Jena was good and snug in her crib so I went and ate breakfast with everyone. Then it was strange not being able to get dressed in my Sunday clothes and go to church with my family. Instead I stayed in my PJ's and after they all left, Jena and I went back to sleep. But this is just the way it must be for now. Jena has needs and so we adjust to our new way of life. It seems like a long way off but we will all get to go to church together in the future. I thought my time in the hospital would never end and here I am now, at home, all the family together again. We are so Blessed.
Friday, November 27, 2009
In Everything Give Thanks
"In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you, " 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
We got the bring Jena home on a perfect day, Thanksgiving. And we have some much to be thankful for. Our first day home was good with some visitors but those visitors did not have colds, or been exposed to the flu and they only got to look at Jena. No holdings for a while and limited on visits. Not only is this mommy orders but NICU Doctor orders. Hopefully everyone understands our circumstance and the reason why.
If your wondering if I got sleep last night well the answer is "Not much". Jena got up often and was wide awake at 3am. Hopefully we can work on that. She has been perfectly content today in her new home.
Joey and Jaci got down the Christmas tree and put it up. We decided that we would not go all out this year. Joey didn't want to mess with it and neither did I. And theres Joseph who wants to touch and put everything in his mouth, so we truly limited our decor. Jaci put most of the ornaments on and so you know the tree looks beautiful with the sweetness of a child's touch. I love it!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a good shopping day for those of you who went out this morning. Maybe I'll be back out there next year.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
We got the bring Jena home on a perfect day, Thanksgiving. And we have some much to be thankful for. Our first day home was good with some visitors but those visitors did not have colds, or been exposed to the flu and they only got to look at Jena. No holdings for a while and limited on visits. Not only is this mommy orders but NICU Doctor orders. Hopefully everyone understands our circumstance and the reason why.
If your wondering if I got sleep last night well the answer is "Not much". Jena got up often and was wide awake at 3am. Hopefully we can work on that. She has been perfectly content today in her new home.
Joey and Jaci got down the Christmas tree and put it up. We decided that we would not go all out this year. Joey didn't want to mess with it and neither did I. And theres Joseph who wants to touch and put everything in his mouth, so we truly limited our decor. Jaci put most of the ornaments on and so you know the tree looks beautiful with the sweetness of a child's touch. I love it!!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a good shopping day for those of you who went out this morning. Maybe I'll be back out there next year.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Rooming In
Tonight we are rooming in the hospital in a small room with a pull out bed which I can tell is not going to be comfy, a TV, bathroom and a rocking chair. And it's just me, Joey and Jena. This is our time to feel comfortable with her with all her feedings, changes, temps, and whatever else comes. And thankfully with nurses right outside the door in case we need something. So far the first feeding went well and hopefully so will the rest. Tomorrow we should be able to come home with Jena. Praise the Lord!!
We have so much to be thankful for. Our family, church family, everyone who has prayed for us and the Dr's and nurses who have taken care of Jena and myself over the last month. From our family to yours, we hope you have a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving. And to you Black Friday shoppers, you can have it this year. :)
Blessings to you,
Lisa
We have so much to be thankful for. Our family, church family, everyone who has prayed for us and the Dr's and nurses who have taken care of Jena and myself over the last month. From our family to yours, we hope you have a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving. And to you Black Friday shoppers, you can have it this year. :)
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Monday, November 23, 2009
I made it!!!
Well the day was not that bad. Jaci just had the one time temp and has been fine the rest of the day, hopefully our night will be good too!! Since I couldn't go see Jena, her nurse sent me emails throughout the day and she took 5 bottles in a row, which is awesome. She is doing so good. I missed her today. She looks so sweet in the pictures. Hopefully I can go see her tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Can I do this?
Oh My Word!! My first morning with just me and my kids. And already Jaci has woke me up at 4:30am and she has a fever. I have a Dr. appt today and now need to make her one and hopefully beat whatever is going on with her. I have to keep Jaci and Joseph as well as possible for Jena's sake and our own. I told Jaci that she would be in her room most of the day so that Joseph doesn't get near her and I probably will not get to go see Jena since I'm not sure what is going on with Jaci and she needs me today. Can I do this?????? Lord please give me the strength I need. Oh, did I mention that I need to pump every 3 hours.....
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sweeter as the days go by...
I have not written in a couple of days just because but she is doing so well. Jena has started to feed from a bottle and the times that she has taken it she has done very well. Since our nuzzling times are limited she has not taken to me well. If you know what I mean. She is 4lbs 10oz. And for the last two days, right when I start to leave, she decides to be wide awake and that makes it hard to leave. She is so beautiful and I can't wait till she is home.
Thank You again to those who continue to help us and those who get me to the hospital and back home again. You are all a blessing to our family.
Thank You again to those who continue to help us and those who get me to the hospital and back home again. You are all a blessing to our family.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Jena moved from the incubator to a normal crib today. The same kind of crib that you would have in the room with you when you have the baby the normal ways. She is gaining more weight, 4lbs 8.7oz. She is doing good with her feedings and moving fast to 35cc. She is having a bit of reflux. Hopefully she will grow out of this and it won't be an issue for her. She was in a cute onesie without any IV's to her and she is holding her temperature well.
Her nurse today, I'm sorry I forgot her name, said that she was in the OR with me and she was the first one to get Jena. She said Jena was very lucky, that normally she sees these cases go the other way. I know it wasn't luck, it was God's hand upon her. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us through this whole situation. We have been so blessed by so many and continue to be blessed.
Please continue to pray for our family, Joseph is having a hard time understanding why mommy can't be with him all day and pick him up. We are still having help during the day so that I can come and see Jena.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Her nurse today, I'm sorry I forgot her name, said that she was in the OR with me and she was the first one to get Jena. She said Jena was very lucky, that normally she sees these cases go the other way. I know it wasn't luck, it was God's hand upon her. Praise the Lord for all He has done for us through this whole situation. We have been so blessed by so many and continue to be blessed.
Please continue to pray for our family, Joseph is having a hard time understanding why mommy can't be with him all day and pick him up. We are still having help during the day so that I can come and see Jena.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Sunday, November 15, 2009
She's Growing!!
Sundays are always a blessing cause that's when the family is all together. Lunch at MawMaw's is something to look forward to. And hopefully next Sunday I will join the gang again. Joey and I were able to go see Jena. I had called to check on her this morning and the nurse told me that she had a good night and that she had gained an ounce. Praise the Lord!! I knew it wouldn't be long. She is already up to 19 cc on her milk. Once she gets to 36 cc she will be put on the bottle and when I am there, we will try the breast. We nuzzled today and she latched on a few times, which surprised the nurse. We'll see how that goes this week. Her nurse said that it's normally around 34 weeks before she learns to swallow, suck and breath at the same time. Pray with us that she is able to do this.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Moving On Up
Jena is moving up quickly on her feedings. They are now going up a CC every feeding instead of every six hours. She should start gaining weight soon. She had not lost any more weight since yesterday. She seems so content in her little bed. Holding her is so sweet even with all the monitors attached to her. She didn't open her eyes much today but we got to cuddle and she would smile for me every once in a while. I already miss her, her smell. But knowing that it will just be a couple of weeks before she is home, makes me nervous. Hopefully it wont be much different than the first two. But please be aware that I will probably be that over protective mother who never lets people hold her child. With this crazy flu season, I can't take any chances. It will be hard enough to try and keep Jaci and Joseph well as possible.
Granma brought me today to the hospital, this is the first time that she was able to see her. She too has been sick. Tomorrow Joey and I will go see her after church. I don't think I will make it to church. The mornings seem to be the worst for me. Maybe by next Sunday I will feel better to go to church. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Granma brought me today to the hospital, this is the first time that she was able to see her. She too has been sick. Tomorrow Joey and I will go see her after church. I don't think I will make it to church. The mornings seem to be the worst for me. Maybe by next Sunday I will feel better to go to church. Keep us in your prayers.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Friday, November 13, 2009
Home Sweet Home
Oh how sweet it is to be home. Wednesday night, Jaci and Joseph were so excited to see me and I felt the same way. It's amazing how you can miss the little things of your home. Looking around my house is very different now. I love my house. I love my sweet family and all of you who have helped, prayed, and just showed us love. Just saying Thank you doesn't seem like enough, so we pray that God would bless you.
Thursday, Joey and I were able to go back and see Jena. She is doing so good and making improvements everyday. Joey did go back to work today, and man, I missed him. Thankfully the morning helpers, Granma and Aunt Cretia, came back to help this morning getting the kids ready for the day. We gave them a break Thursday morning but told them that we were not through with them yet. And they seemed OK with that.
I can't drive for two weeks so I'm depending on others to get me to the hospital to see Jena everyday and to give them breast milk that I have pumped. Ok, that is hard work!! Every two hours but it is worth it. Jena has been taking the milk very well and as of tonight she is taking 8cc of milk and able to hold it down. Which is wonderful. The nurse Jan told me today that she needs to get up to 30 cc which is 1 oz. They move her up every 6 hours now which it was every 12 hours. She is being fed through a feeding tube. But doesn't seem to mind. I did get to hold her today for almost an hour. Which is a long time for a preemie. Normally 15 to 20 minutes is all the stimulation they can handle. But she seemed content in her mommies arms. I talked to her about love. That so many people loved her but it was nothing like the love of Jesus. I sang Jesus loves Me to her several times and she never made a face, so I guess she approves of my singing.
We have the plan that someone bring me to the hospital and drop me off and Joey comes by on his way home from work and gets me. That way he gets to see Jena too. Thank you Amy for bringing me today.
She wasn't as wide eyed today as she was yesterday. She looked around for a long time and when we would talk to her she looked right at us. Hopefully she is learning who mommy and daddy are.
Campbellton is having a baby shower for us Saturday night but I will not be there. I still can't do to much in one day so if my choice is shower or Jena... Jena wins hands down. Thank you Campbellton family. Thank you Prays Mill family.
Please keep Jena in your prayers and that she continues to make progress. Pray for me and my recovery and for the cough that I picked up in the hospital from dry air to go away. It makes the belly hurt bad.
Keep Joey in your prayers as he still has many hats to wear. And as he tries quickly to get the house prepared for when Jena comes home. Much still needs to be done in our basement. He is thinking of taking vacation time now to get it done.
Blessing to you,
Lisa
Thursday, Joey and I were able to go back and see Jena. She is doing so good and making improvements everyday. Joey did go back to work today, and man, I missed him. Thankfully the morning helpers, Granma and Aunt Cretia, came back to help this morning getting the kids ready for the day. We gave them a break Thursday morning but told them that we were not through with them yet. And they seemed OK with that.
I can't drive for two weeks so I'm depending on others to get me to the hospital to see Jena everyday and to give them breast milk that I have pumped. Ok, that is hard work!! Every two hours but it is worth it. Jena has been taking the milk very well and as of tonight she is taking 8cc of milk and able to hold it down. Which is wonderful. The nurse Jan told me today that she needs to get up to 30 cc which is 1 oz. They move her up every 6 hours now which it was every 12 hours. She is being fed through a feeding tube. But doesn't seem to mind. I did get to hold her today for almost an hour. Which is a long time for a preemie. Normally 15 to 20 minutes is all the stimulation they can handle. But she seemed content in her mommies arms. I talked to her about love. That so many people loved her but it was nothing like the love of Jesus. I sang Jesus loves Me to her several times and she never made a face, so I guess she approves of my singing.
We have the plan that someone bring me to the hospital and drop me off and Joey comes by on his way home from work and gets me. That way he gets to see Jena too. Thank you Amy for bringing me today.
She wasn't as wide eyed today as she was yesterday. She looked around for a long time and when we would talk to her she looked right at us. Hopefully she is learning who mommy and daddy are.
Campbellton is having a baby shower for us Saturday night but I will not be there. I still can't do to much in one day so if my choice is shower or Jena... Jena wins hands down. Thank you Campbellton family. Thank you Prays Mill family.
Please keep Jena in your prayers and that she continues to make progress. Pray for me and my recovery and for the cough that I picked up in the hospital from dry air to go away. It makes the belly hurt bad.
Keep Joey in your prayers as he still has many hats to wear. And as he tries quickly to get the house prepared for when Jena comes home. Much still needs to be done in our basement. He is thinking of taking vacation time now to get it done.
Blessing to you,
Lisa
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Still in His care
We had a good day. Mommy and baby are recovering great. Jena is making good progress. The nurses say she is a feisty one, Lisa could have told them that a month ago. Today, Lisa got to go and see Jena for the first time. It was a very good visit. When we went back later we were able to check her temp, change her diaper, and feed her.
During this flu season no kids are aloud in the NICU and Jaci don't really like that, she is so ready to see her baby sister.
Looking at how everything played out we can definitely see the hand of God. The PICC line being in place they had quick access to get her the medicines and all to put her to sleep quickly. Dr. Hudson was already in the hospital and run right to the OR. Sharon the nurse got to ride on the bed with Lisa and we thank her for knowing what to do in the case of a prolapsed cord. The staff in Antepartum unit, the OR and Dr. Hudson (bottom)as she said "we were just the instruments in the Lord's hand." Thanks to all the staff in the Mother/Baby unit, NICU, Lactation also, all the staff here you have all been a great blessing to our family. We send out our love to our Church family at Campbellton and Prays Mill for your prayers and support, and especially our awesome family. Lisa and I may come home today, but we will continue to update the blog since Jena will be here a little longer. God bless you all.
Joey
Monday, November 9, 2009
Lisa and I would like to proudly announce the arrival of our healthy and beautiful baby girl, Jena Danyel, 4lbs. 12oz. and 18 in. She was not satisfied with a quiet entrance into this world, she had to bring some excitement with her. A little after 2:00pm Lisa went to the bathroom and thought that she was passing another blood clot, she realized that things weren't right and called for the nurse. When the nurse come to check on her she found that the umbilical cord was trying to come out. She helped her back to the bed and hit the emergency alarm on the wall and then run out in the hall and called for help. Lisa was rushed to the OR for emergency C-section. Praise the Lord for His timing Dr. Hudson was already in the hospital and she already had a pipe line, I mean PICC line, in her arm, so they were able to quickly get her the stuff she needed to knock her out and do the surgery. The Hospital called me at 2:55pm and said "This is so and so from Cobb Hospital we told your wife we would call and let you know that your baby was born. The baby is in NICU and Lisa is in recovery." I was in shock, I had just talked to her not to long ago. All I could say was Uh, Uh, OK. The guys at work were like "what's up", I said "my baby was just born". Their response was "get out of here, What are you still doing here?!" Jaci was fired up, she finally got her baby sister. As for Joseph he is taking it like a man, at home probably proped up in front of the T.V. with a warm bottle of milk. He doesn't have a clue what he is in for yet. Let us continue to rejoice in the Lord for His goodness and mercy. Thanks again for your prayers. Continue to lift up Jena, she will be several weeks in NICU unless the Lord sees fit otherwise.
Joey
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Family Day
Today, we went to see Lisa. The young ins love to see their mama. They miss her very much and the longer daddy has to feed and bath'em they miss her even more. They used to like bath time and daddy don't play, we're in there to get a job done and get on with it. I took out two bags full of toys and still left some to occupy them with. Nevertheless, it doesn't get any easier day by day. Lisa had a difficult start today, she had some bleeding and was concerned, but the doctors said since it was not continuous that it was OK. They said she needs to lay flat and only sit up to eat and go to the bathroom. The goal is still for Nov. 20, she will be 34 weeks. Baby J is looking good, heart rate is fine and movement is good. We don't understand everything, why stuff happens, but we know God is still in control. We must ask ourselves in difficult times. 1. What does God want me to see about who He is? 2. What does God want me to see about myself? and 3. How is God trying to grow me? We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. In the mean time we will wait upon the Lord, knowing that He may not put more on us than we can bear and always provide a way through the storm, but He will put enough on us to keep us humble and depending on Him because His strength is made perfect in weakness. God Bless and thanks again for lifting us before the throne of grace in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.
Joey
Joey
Friday, November 6, 2009
The waiting game
Yesterday the ultrasound results were good but concerning. The fluids have decreased to 1.5 which now makes it difficult for the nurses to find the heartbeat on the monitor. But there is plenty of movement. And when I am on the monitor we have a great heart rate. Baby J is breech again but measurements show 4lbs 15oz, head is 32 wks and tummy is 34 wks. Lungs are developed and baby responds good to sound and is practicing breathing. So we wait till labor starts basically. It amazes me that they can see all these things. I know this is God protecting us. Baby is good, now mommy is a different story.
Emotions are high and every day gets harder but I have to work through it for my baby. Please pray with me that God gives me the strength to endure each day. They say each day keeps the baby out of the NICU two days.
We are in the Lords hands and He knows this babies birthday. My faith is in Him even in the weak moments. Love and Blessings to you,
Lisa
Emotions are high and every day gets harder but I have to work through it for my baby. Please pray with me that God gives me the strength to endure each day. They say each day keeps the baby out of the NICU two days.
We are in the Lords hands and He knows this babies birthday. My faith is in Him even in the weak moments. Love and Blessings to you,
Lisa
Thursday, November 5, 2009
The rest of the story...
Ok, I'm not sure what happened but to finish the story, my blood presure got better but not me emotionally. I got the PICC line which is in my arm and saves me from getting stuck again. As long as not infections creep up on me. The rest of the day was pretty much a depressed day for me.
Today has been alittle better. I just got to see my precious Joseph. Thank you Mrs. Jackie and Ms. Jean for bringing him and helping our family.
I'm to have a ultrasound today so I will probably update later. Keep us in your prayers.
Remember like I have, when you cry out to the Lord, He is there to answer your call for help.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
Today has been alittle better. I just got to see my precious Joseph. Thank you Mrs. Jackie and Ms. Jean for bringing him and helping our family.
I'm to have a ultrasound today so I will probably update later. Keep us in your prayers.
Remember like I have, when you cry out to the Lord, He is there to answer your call for help.
Blessings to you,
Lisa
What a week it has been, more like an emotional roller coaster. I haven't been able to write lately so I'm going to back up some. Monday I was thankful to make to monday. My ultrasound showed that the fluids decreased to 2.2. It's getting harder and harder for the nurses to draw blood. Which is more and more painful. I'm still got the IV in and everytime we plug it so that I can take a shower, I clot easily. Which makes it painful getting hooked back up and getting the IV flushed. But I got the shower with my hand wrapped in plastic and hanging out the shower, so it makes it alittle difficult to do everything with one hand. While i was in there my machine starts beeping and I think I smell something burning. So in a panic I pull the "Call for help" in the shower and within seconds two nurses were in the bathroom to help. My machine was OK and the burning smell was the tape that wrapped the plastic on my arm.
But I got to thinking that when we need the Lord all we have to do is Call for help and He is there and believe me I'm calling on that help on a daily basis.
Tuesday was a terrible emotional day. It started about 5:30 am when I had blood drawn plus a urine culture. The day was down hill from there. My IV in my arm was so sore so the IV team came to put in a new one. The first try she burst my vein and the second time was place in my hand. The most tender spot and most difficult to work with. So the tears are streaming by this time. This nurse talked about a cathetar in my arm and within 20 minutes two new nurses with this machine came in to do it. I had called Joey during this time very upset and he said to tell them that I didn't want to do it till he could be there. They understood and talked to me alittle bit but I was not in the right frame of mind to do anything.
Joey came that night and a nurse came to talk to us and answer any questions. I was just scared and nervous about this new found knowledge that I clot easily. By bedtime my eyes were red as could be and buring from all the crying. I was looking forward to my Ambien that night. What I'm I talking about I look forward to it everynight.
I slept great that night but woke up already thinking about the day. We decided that this PICC line cathetar would be the best thing for me and would save me from being stuck with a needle anymore. My arms were sore and bruised and could not take any more.
My nurse Pauline took my vitals which was good and she left me to get some more sleep, but in the matter of minutes things started changing. I started feelin dizzy and clammy. I ate a couple of crackers but it wasn't helping. I called Pauline back in and my BP was 60/37. They
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