Friday, March 20, 2009

A New Day

This is Brittany by the way. Yesterday was a pretty hard day for me so I left all the posting to Beau. Today however I have a new outlook. I was doing fine yesterday until the NICU doctor came in. She didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know from our experience with my neice Kathryn but having someone say it to me about my child really hit home. From there I got really upset and wanted to find out what the possibilities of transfer to a Birmingham hospital would be. After an ultrasound and a talk with the Chief OB here I was told that wasn't going to happen. That brought on a brief cry...I was devastated but at least that was pretty short lived. One of the hardest parts of this for me is not being able to be with Reed. I can't talk about that too much without crying still. That is so hard. The super good news and probably the reason for my new outlook is that my parents will be bringing Reed up for a visit very soon. I know that I'll have to be careful with him and will be in bed and can't play with him the way I'd want but I cannot wait to at least see that sweet face.

Moving on...Gaines is still where he needs to for now. I decided last night that he his staying where he is until 28 weeks. I don't know that the doctors really believe that will happen as they are very cautious to call that the best case scenario. I think they believe it will be 7-10 days until delivery...well 6-9 now. One of my doctors yesterday really kind of hit home when she said, this is going to happen...he's going to be here very early. Anyway, the prayer is that we make it to 28 weeks. My doctor from home called last night and he thought that would be huge if I make it that far...huge for the baby. Basically the reason they think it will be sooner is that they expect an infection to set in around the 7-10 day mark. From what I understand, and infection will happen its just a matter of when. So prayers against infection too please.

I've had my two steroid shots for his lungs and I'm on antibotics now to prevent (or postpone it seems) infection. They do know from ultrasounds that the baby is breech so unless labor comes on really quickly Gaines will be here via c-section. The NICU doctor said the more he fights them when he gets here the better. She also said weight plays a big role in that. I keep asking the doctors if I should load up on the high calorie foods to help him pack on the weight...I'm waiting on one of them to tell me thats a good idea. Chocolate cake three times a day please...

Speaking of food that is one of the nice things about this hospital. I order my meals from a menu whenever I want. Also, I feel a little like I'm on Grey's Anatomy (which I don't think I've watched since Reed's been here). This is a teaching hospital so I've seen about 7 doctors...residents, attendings, chiefs. I have to think back to that show to figure how who ranks what around here. The good news about so many doctors is that you get a lot of different perspectives. So far they all seem to be right on track with each other.

I'm not constantly hooked up to a monitor of any sort but they check Gaines heart beat every so often. This morning it still sounded great and I still feel him kicking around. That's a big deal to me because it reminds me on days like yesterday when everything seems insurmountable I know that he's there and wants to fight this with me. I hope that's an indication of the fight he's going to put up when he gets here.

Usually when you wait on something you are impatient for it to get here. It's weird that that isn't the case this time. We want to wait as long as possible. That said, I think our goal today is to figure out or start looking at options on where we'll stay once Gaines gets here and I get released. If anyone has ANY ideas on this please let us know. Hopefully once he gets stable Reed can move up here with us and we can get into some sort of a routine.

I know this is long so I'll finish up here with a few thoughts. I have know idea why this has happened to us and it is SO hard but I know that God has a reason for this. We'll get through it and come out better on the other side for having to grow through it. Pray that I keep that in mind on the hard days. Also a huge thank you to so many people already...Beau for being here with me. He's been awesome and his presence has really calmed me down. My boss David for getting me here twice and staying all night with me the first night while we waited on Beau, Kelly for setting up this blog for us, my parents for taking on a 17 month old and bringing him to me, Kathryn who gives me faith in miracles, friends, family, co-workers for kind words, gestures and genuine concern. It really warms our hearts to know everyone out there who is praying for us. Especially since that is all we can do right now. Pray unceasingly.

Thanks to all who have joined us on this journey. You have no idea how much your support means.

35 comments:

holaskm said...

Brittany, I am a friend of Kelly's and want you to know that we are praying unceasingly. Keep strong...God has an awesome plan in store.
Kelly

The Ellis Family said...

We would be nowhere else. Praying for you every step. We love you guys and I think we hurt all over again. 28 weeks would be incredible - that will be my specific pray. Tiny babies need tiny milestones, but in the end they deserve huge prayers. I love you!

Stephanie T said...

Hey Brittany and Beau, thank you for jumping on the blog and keeping us all informed. We're praying for all of you! I'm also so glad to hear your mom is bringing Reed to you. Thank GOD for moms right? :)

Collier Chronicles said...

You guys are being prayed over by so many people. All who know and love Kat know that miracles happen every day by our awesome Lord.
I will be glad to walk this journey with you through prayer!

Nicole
Friend of Kelly and Greg

Melissa Amos said...

Brittany,
I had no idea until today that you were going through this tough time! Please know that we are praying for you everyday and also for little Gaines! Please let us know if there is anything we can do! We have friends that work in DC and live right outside of DC so please let me know if they can help you with anything! I know it must be lonely there without your family and friends but know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers!

Beth said...

Brittany and Beau,
Hello from ANDALUSIA. Reed is fine and enjoying every minute in Andy. Remember that we are praying for each of you and Reed will be in DC tomorrow.
Love,
Aunt Beth

Avery Tales said...

Brittany and Beau,
I'm a friend of Kelly & Greg's and a fellow micro-preemie Mom. I will pray specifically for 28 weeks. I know that God has a meaning for all of this, we just don't what it is. I will pray, pray and pray some more.

Lots of love,
Lurenda Avery

Unknown said...

Hey Brittany! Ever since I heard what happened in D.C., you, Beau, Reed & Gaines have consumed my thoughts and prayers. HE is an awesome GOD and will hear the multitude of prayers. Post updates as often as you can. You have so many people praying for your family. Love you!

Art said...

Brittany, our prayers are with you. We pray your body lines up with the Word of God. We pray for healing in your body and bind the attack of infection. God we ask that your hands are holding Gaines right now and you are speaking to him and preparing him for this journey. That if he does come out early he will be healthy and put on the pounds fast. God we ask that you continue to bless Brittany and Beau and that they dont have to worry about a thing. Fill that hosptial room with your peace, love and protection. Brittany and Gaines are healed in Jesus name...Amen.
Take care Britt,
- Art

Anonymous said...

I am keeping you guys in my prayers!!! Please let me know if I can do ANYTHING for you! Love you guys...

-Angela

dchumley said...

Brittany and Beau,
My heart goes out to you both as I know this is a difficult time for you and the family. My thoughts are constantly with you guys and we will pray without ceasing for you all and for sweet precious Baby Gaines! We pray the Lord will protect you and give you the strength and courage you need to face each new day that lies ahead. Keep the faith as we know miracles do happen. Thank you so much for posting this blog to keep us updated, it means so much to know how you feel and the current status of Brittany and Gaines! We send our love and prayers to you today!! We are here for you if you need absolutely anything, please call on us.

Your Friends - The Chumleys
Donna, Randy and Chase :)

Unknown said...

My sister-in-law is going through a similar experience. We are definitely praying for you guys.

Mike Moody & family

Lora said...

Hey Brittany I have been praying for you and your family. I know God is going to get you through this difficult time. We all love you here at work and miss you. Lora

Kate said...

Praying for you! We are friends of Kelly and Greg's. Our 28-weeker (1 lb 11 oz) is now a rambunctious, overly-talkative, video-game obsessed 8 year old. We will pray that you make it to that magical week, but we also know that God's plan is perfect.....always.

Unknown said...

Hi Brittany and Beau: This is Keith with the Federation. Since I live and work in DC I am happy to help you in any way possible. My cell is 202-674-2494.

Keith

Paul T. said...

Brittany and Beau,
Barb and I are praying regularly for you and your sweet family. Don't worry about calling me back..I didn't know about the blog when I telephoned you. Just wanted you to know of our love and concern. Let me know if I can do anything for you.

Paul

The Rathmell Family said...

Beau and Brittany,

We will certainly be praying for you as you live through this ordeal. I hate that this has happened, but I know God has a plan and that His hands are on little Gaines.

Susan Reneau Rathmell

Unknown said...

I Corinthians 2:9 says, No one's ever seen or heard...never so much as imagined...what God has arranged for those who love him. To believe in a miracle is only a way of saying that God is free, free to do a new thing. God loves you all with a love that we cannot even comprehend. I am praying God's sweet presence over you, his strength to carry you, and his mighty hands to hold that sweet, precious baby boy in His care. I want you to know that I will pray for you both and your little boys and for your parents. God is good and his love can carry us through anything. Paula

Footprints Ministry said...

The Footprints Ministry is praying for you and baby Gaines! We pray that the Lord comfort and strengthen you and baby Gaines during this time. Rely on the Lord- he has you and your precious baby in His arms. Please let us know if we can do anything.

"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord they are plans for good not for disaster to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11

In His Grace
Kim Wilson
Footprints Ministry, Inc.
334-391-1594
www.nicufootprints.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

All of us at Anchor are thinking about you and praying for you! There is always a Master Plan. Keep your spirits up and know that we are cheering for Gaines!

Unknown said...

You, your family and the doctors are in our prayers. This is a situation that only God has control of you, that is why we will be praying regularly on your behalf.

Michelle Bice RRAA said...

Beau and Brittney,
All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. This brings back memories for me. Stay strong and know that you have a great support team behind you.
Let me know if I can help with anything.
Michelle & Scott

Sandra Carroll, NAS said...

Beau and Brittany,
Please know that you are in our prayers. We serve and AWESOME God and He is still in the miracle business. We pray that you will have peace throughout this time and give God all your cares and concerns. They will be in good hands!

Isaiah 43:2-3a

When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers,they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior

He has you in His hands and there is no better place to be!
~Sandy Carroll, RRAA, NAS

Jeff Helms said...

Brittany and Beau--

Laurie and I are praying for you. I have recently found comfort in Isaiah 49:16, "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me." This reminds me that whatever is going on in our lives, God knows about it and cares. He doesn't just think of us every once in a while. Our needs and concerns are ever before Him. I hope you find this comforting as well. Laurie and I will continue to pray for your family and especially Gaines.

Stoney said...

Beau and Brittney,

You are all in our prayers. If you need anything just let me know.

Stoney and Gayle

Psalm 55:22
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you;he will never let the righteous fall.

Smile said...

Hi Brittany, I hope you are haveing a good Friday. I will be thinking about you and lifting your name to the Lord asking for his hand to be on your shoulder and helping T.G.D. to grow stronger every minute.

Benjy said...

Brittany and Beau

We are thinking about you guys and praying for you. You know you are in our hearts! We know this is a difficult time but have faith in God's Plan and ALWAYS Stay positive and be there for each other!

Benjy, Linda and Ryan

william mikel said...

Brittany and Beau
Just let you know that we are thinking and praying for you. We know the Lord answers prayers,and prayers are going up for you. We love you all.
Grandmother and Granddy mikel

Lauren said...

Have you looked into the Ronald McDonald House at all, in terms of a post-hospital place to live? You can also ask to speak to a social worker at the hospital and see if he/she has any ideas or resources to connect you with. I'm also imagining that with the real estate market being what it is, it could be fairly easy to find a rental house for a month or two....

Your family is in my heart and thoughts tonight.

Lauren said...

Here's a link to Ronald McDonald house in the DC area:
www.rmhc.greaterdc.org

The Kennedy's Journey said...

My name is Nichole and I work with your daddy and have just recently heard about Baby Gaines. I know the pain that your feeling right now is overwhelming and very scarey but know that GOD is not going to leave you. I went threw the same experience only at 31 weeks and I know it's a very humbling experience. I would highly reccomend the ronald mcdonald house, we stayed there for 5 weeks and it was where we called home. It was so nice when our 3 year old would come because there was really big playground and just give him somewhere to play other than the nicu waiting room. I know your really scared but you just lift Baby Gaines up to GOD and know that he is with you each step of this journey. I'll be checking in each day and you and your family will be put on our prayer list...

Ashlee said...

I will keep your family in my prayers. We recently went through an 8 week NICU stay with our daughter who was born with pneumonia. We stayed at the Ronald McDonald House, and I highly recommend it. The DC area has two, and the NICU or someone at the hospital can call them and refer you to be a guest. Our house had volunteers that cooked supper for the guests every night, and it was so nice. We were so thankful to be able to stay somewhere so nice for very little money. I'll pray you can find a good home away from home where maybe Reed can spend more time with you as well!

Lori said...

I will keep you and your family in prayer and thought, I pray that Gaines will wait patiently for a few more weeks and will grow before he enters this crazy world, he has a life time to check it out please stay where you are Gaines.

Becky said...

Hi Brittany and Beau,
I came here from Kelly's blog and will be praying for you guys. I myself am pregnant with a baby boy due on July 11th. For the sake of all precious babies, I will be praying for your sweet little man Gaines, and hoping with so many others that he stays in the womb as long as possible, and then comes out fighting strong. May God bless your family.
Becky

April - Team Tottle said...

http://www.kanalen.org/prom/

This is an awesome informative site and forum about PROM (premature rupture of membranes)