Saturday, March 21, 2009

Good Morning From Our Nation's Capital

So here we are, another day thankfully. Gaines and I are still here and are still together so thats good news. He's kicking around a lot this morning...still reminding me that he's fighting too and not giving up. For some reason one of the things that brought me back from the "dark side" two days ago was seeing pictures of Reed and knowing that this is his little brother we're dealing with. Beau and I were so excited when we found out Reed was going to have a little brother. Ever since I had visions of my two little boys playing and growing up together and I'm not giving up on that.

While a long boring several weeks is what we want here I'm afraid of boring you all with out any details of our medical status but basically all seems to be going as well as possible. I feel great, Gaines is kicking around, no contractions, no infection at this point. Also, keep in mind that while I like to pretend I'm an expert on a lot of things I don't have any medical training so I may mess up any medical updates that I try and pass along. I hope that my nurses bear with my know-it-all-ness.

Twice yesterday when they monitored Gaines heart rate and while they noticed a couple of deceleration (which are normal as long as they aren't too low or too long...which his aren't), they also noticed some accelerations which are really good and I believe have something to do with a developing nervous system. Gaines is just starting to do this but it is something that a baby does more around the 28-30 week mark so I'm taking it as a good sign. They should be back in soon to check him again this morning. I'm always glad when they do and we get a good report although I get nervous when they turn the machines on around here. I listen intently to the heartbeat...for what I don't know but the ups and downs although normal will freak you out. Or they do me anyway.

I just had a new doctor that came in and asked the standard questions...contractions, pain, leaking, etc? When I mentioned no on the leaking he seemed mildly concerned. Told me that I should still be leaking some because the baby should still be making fluid. It could be because they didn't have me on IV fluids yesterday and maybe I just didn't drink enough but I am hoping with all my heart that maybe things are healing. I know thats a long shot. I think the chances of that are 1 in 300...but someone has to be that 1. I'll keep you updated.

I'll finish this up here...I know my posts are a lot longer than Beau's...go figure. Beau and I have been so touched by the people who have found us and don't even know us. I am just baffled by people offering us things through a friend of a friend of a friend. Big things...housing, cars etc. It is so just so incredible and humbling. Plus all of the people out there praying for us from all over the world it seems now. We are beyond blessed.

Keep us in your prayers...pray for healing, no infection, a long boring stay in a hospital bed, my family that is traveling today and for an easy adjustment for Reed. I "talked" to him on the phone this morning and Abby (my sweet sister) told me he kissed the phone. I cannot wait to see that boy's face.

21 comments:

The Ellis Family said...

Praying for you today as always. Keep track of what day you are on - you may always want to remember how strong you are for Gaines and how strong of a fighter he is! We love you guys and pray that today is just another boring day.
Keep thinking James 5:14-16.
Love you guys with all our hearts!

Kate said...

Prayers!

The Millers said...

Hi, you don't know me, but I found you through a friend of a friend. I just wanted to say that I was shaking my head "yes" as you wrote about the fluctuations of the heartbeat in little Gaines. I am pregnant as well, due in a couple of weeks. The first time I was hooked up for a stress test and noticed the fluctuations, it freaked me out too. But then the nurses told me that was what they wanted to see - that meant his heart was beating normal (mine is a boy too - Rylan). So to see you write about it, comforts me too.

I have forwarded your blog to my church, so you will have LifePointe Church members in Raleigh NC praying for you, Gaines, and your family too.

My hope is that you will find comfort in all the prayers coming your way - I truly believe in the power of prayer!!

Only the Sheppards said...

Hi,
You don't know me, but I found you through another blog. A year ago I was in your shoes, albeit closer to home, and just want to let you know we're praying for you in TN. We kept him in for 12 days which was... 12 days :) longer than they expected. Also wanted to let you know we have a beautiful former 23-weeker at home, and that these babies are tougher than you could ever imagine. You know how long and crazy the NICU life can be from watching your neice, so you also know how quickly that fades once it's over...

Wishing you peace and hope, and praying for a few more weeks in the bed for you...

The Tidwells said...

Brittany and Beau,

Just wanted you to know that the Tidwells have been in fervent prayer for you since the wee hours of the morning on Thursday. We serve an AWESOME GOD! As you've stated, there's a reason for this! We grow in the valleys! Thanks for your demonstration of TOTAL faith in HIM! We're so thankful to have access to your blog and thanks for the updates! We like being able to offer our prayers for what is mody needed/desired.

Hope that today is a great, boring day with no excitement at all (except for the arrival of Reed and other family members)! Now, when is the last time you wished that for anyone? Enjoy the time with your family and take care of yourself. We'll keep the prayers going up.

Unknown said...

We are continuing to pray for you and Gaines. I know it's a scary time, but you are in God's hands and for some reason this is the plan He has for you and Gaines. I have seen 24 weekers born, held them, cared for them, and seen them go home with their parents months later, healthy and happy. Miracles happen everyday. I pray that you will stay pregnant as long as possible and for a safe and healthy delivery when the time comes. We love you and Beau and we are here if you need anything.
-Lulu & Garner

Unknown said...

Hi,

I found your blog through a Twitter update on Angie Smith's blog. My sister went through a similar experience 18 months ago. Her water broke when she was 25 and a half weeks. She lost all of her amniotic fluid, and the doctors thought that she would deliver within the first 2 or 3 days. Her son was born 25 days later, at 29 weeks. He is now a healthy and thriving 18 month old (and weighs in at 23 pounds). I will be praying for you and your family.

Theresa

Kelly Taylor said...

Good morning! I just came across your blog through Angie Smith's prayer request for you guys. I'm praying for you all and have FAITH that God will make Gaines' little body stronger for what is to come. God is able to do so much more than we realize at times. I pray that you are comforted by His word during these scary, emotional days ahead.
In all the times of worry, don't forget all the items of praise. God is so good and often times, we forget to praise Him in the storm as well.
I'm praying for strength and comfort for you both during the days ahead. Praying for Gaines' strength and for him to "stay put" a little longer.

valerie said...

praying in southeastern connecticut!

Heather said...

(Hey beau it is Heather Bell and Hi Brittany you may not remember me but I know we have met at several Apt. Association functions) Just wanted you to know that my household is thinking of you. I woke up in the middle of the night last night and said a little prayer for baby Gaines. I know first hand that sometimes God's plans are not always what we may have in mind but we just have to trust him. So.... no tears allowed today just smiles!

Wes Oden said...

Good Morning Brittany and Beau,

Thank you for the updates. My sister, Rachel, ran the Footprints Ministry 5K this morning. She received a Footprints magnet and put it on her car in honor of baby Gaines!
Your positive attitude during this difficult situation is amazing. Each post brings tears to my eyes. God will work out every detail for His honor and glory.

Emily, Wes and Connor
Phillipians 4:6-7

Bethany said...

Hi,
I saw Angie's tweet like so many others. I will lift you to the Lord and pray for time, rest, and special time with your precious Reed. (He is too adorable!) I cannot imagine your situation, but Thanks be to God, He does. He knows and will supply your every need.

laurenfoshee said...

Hey Beau and Brittany,
Ya'll have been in my thoughts and prayers throughout every day. Thank you so much for updating the blog so that we can keep up with you and baby Gaines' progress. I am thrilled that you get to see Reed soon. Much Love and Prayers,
Lauren

Anonymous said...

Beau and Brittany -
I have been following y'all through the Sunday School emails and now through your blog. J.K. and I (and Hannah,she is our little prayer warrior) are praying for y'all daily. We will continue to do so until you come home with a happy, healthy baby! Let me know if there is anything we can do for you here.
J.K. & Kristan Jones

Mel said...

Hey there from Texas! I found you from Angie like so many others. Everyday "cookin" is a good day. We will pray for you and Gaines. Praying for time, praying for no infection, praying for growth, praying for his big brother and praying for his mom and dad who seem so strong.

-Mel

Courtney Doss said...

Beau and Brittany,

I just want you to know that I am keeping your whole family in my prayers daily and I have faith that god is listening to all of us and that everything will be ok. I admire Brittany so much for the strength she has displayed through all of this and I will continue to think of you daily and keep you in my prayers.

Michelle Gregory said...

Good Afternoon!

I am a co-worker with Lulu! Please know that I am praying along with everyone else in the US for all of you! I place my hand on the computer and pray for you everytime I read your blogs. I know God has His Hands in this situation. Just know you guys are love by alot of people.

Staying in touch,
Michelle

Angie said...

The Grant Family in Charleston SC is praying for you and your family during this time. We pray that God will hold you all firmly in the palm of His hand. We will check your blog for updates and continue to pray for you every single day. God Bless.

drea :: dre of white stables said...

Praying for you in Wichita! ((HUGS))

Nini and Pawpaw said...

Beau and Brit - I am humbled and in tears reading the comments. I thought my heart would break watching Kelly and Greg ride this ride - What in the world are the chances of both your children having this ordeal in their lives? You are parents now - I know you know how a parent feels. I pray for you constantly and appreciate more than you know everyone who leaves a post for you both. You know our motto - "8 is great". Can't wait to welcome our 8th grandchild into the world.
We love you
Mom and Billy

Unknown said...

Hey Brittany and Beau
We are praying for you everyday and at church. We are hoping that you and baby Gaines are doing good
trust me my daughter Alex lives on this blog.We will keep you in our prayers.



Love The Dunn Family
Steve,Melinda,Alex,and Abby