Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Cautiously Optimistic

We just got home from our morning visit. We went a little later this morning because of being up so late last night. I think Beau explained all of that. This morning we got a good report on Gaines' blood gases. They were closer to normal than they had been in a long time. His nurse said they were much better. They also had his oxygen down to about 46% and his sats were holding really well. Because of this they decided to wean his ossilator settings some. This caused his oxygen to have to be bumped back up to about 65% but I think they were expecting to wean that back down as soon as he got used to his new settings.

This is such a relief after yesterday's issues over the blood gases. We didn't get to talk to a doctor, they were all meeting at the time we were there, so we aren't sure if they still plan to nasally intubate him or not.

He was very active while we were there. I think they like him to be more still so the nurse was trying to adjust some cushiony things around him. Right now they don't like to mess with him (which means we don't touch him either) unless they have to. He just does better when he's not agitated. Since she was already messing with him I asked if I could touch him. I got to touch my sweet baby! I put my finger in his open hand and he squeezed it. I hope he knew it was me. Just typing this now brings tears to my eyes.

We are "home" right now having lunch but will head back up around 3. Please pray for another good report and possibly even more progress. I don't want to put too much stock in this but his nurse today actually said that "maybe he's starting to turn they corner". Music to my ears. I'm afraid to get too excited about this report because he is still considered critical and not out of the woods by ANY means but right now we are cautiously optimistic that he's improving...some.

Your prayers are working...PLEASE keep it up.

Love to all,

Brittany

16 comments:

Stephanie said...

Praying praying praying!!!!!

What a glorious day...I am so happy you got to touch him...I know that must have done wonders for you!

Charlee said...

Hey,
We are still praying for you in Andalusia. We keep your Blog up on our computers and check it all thru the day. I pray this is the turning point for Gaines.
Charlee & Co-workers

Mab said...

You made me cry....too sweet you touching him...:)
praying daily...
Arlene

Giggles said...

Continuing the prayers.

Katie Spinks said...

PTL we will keep praying!!

Landon and Jen said...

Continuing to pray for your sweet baby!

Thomas and Jamie said...

Come on sweet Gaines - round the corner! Head for 2nd base! Before we know it you'll be headed "home!"

Unknown said...

Too sweet. I think the squeeze was to tell you he was going to be ok :) He's a little fighter!

Kelly said...

Hi there! I've been following your story since the beginning but haven't left a comment until now.

I am so happy to hear that Gaines is doing well! He's such a fighter. I have been praying for him and your family since I first read your story. God is good, of that there is no doubt. Gaines is so blessed to have been born into such a faith-filled family!

Our own son was born early at 32 weeks. We spent 6 very crazy weeks in the NICU with him. It is definitely a roller coaster ride! It was crazy to me how fast things could change - minute to minute, we never knew what was coming next! I remember well the scans for brain bleeds, the O2 sats, the eye checks, the blood transfuions...all of the beeping and alarms. And then one day, it was over and we were able to take our sweet boy home with us...and you will too!

Hang in there - prayers for you, always. God bless.

Amanda Scherrer Morris said...

Keep up the good work guys! I understand the tears and not understanding how to control your emotions. I do not consider myself much of a crier, but going through the NICU experience did it to me too! I am so happy for you being able to touch little Gaines, it is so comforting to let your baby know you are there even though you cannot hold or feed them which is all I wanted to do after our son was born. Just keep taking one day at a time and doing little things together when taking a break from the NICU. Thoughts and prayers!

Amanda said...

How fantastic that you were able to touch your son for the first time! Yay! Soon you'll be kangarooing with him and that's one of the sweetest feelings. Still praying.

Sara said...

Poor little guy doesn't like being messed with! My son was labeled a "touch me not" while in the NICU so I know how that is. As he gets older hopefully that will improve.

I continue lifting you all up in prayer. I check every day to see how little man is doing - and you too! Hang in there!

The Williamson's said...

That is wonderful that you got to touch your sweet baby boy. I pray that you get a good report this afternoon as well.
Your family is in our prayers.

Jennifer said...

I can only imagine how you long to hold him, but I'm sure his little finger wrapped around yours was amazing.

I love that you have talked about how active he was in the womb and now talk about him being the same way in the NICU. He has been working out for this fight. He is ready. I know you are too.

Jennifer in Indiana

D. Steindorff said...

We are so happy that things are going better for Gaines. Try to stay brave and know that everyone is praying even harder than ever for Gaines. Brit, I am so glad you are doing ok as well.
Love, The Steindorffs

Gretta said...

So glad Brittany is beginning to heal physically and that you were able to touch Gaines today. The power of the human touch is amazing! I posted a link to your blog on my blog today so that more prayers can be going up on Gaines behalf! We love you guys!