Friday, April 24, 2009

Phase Two

It seems that we are now in the second phase of this adventure God has put us on...the NICU phase.

The big news is that Gaines seems to be stabilized right now. I just spoke with one of the doctors in the NICU and they are currently switching him to his new machine. This new machine will be less stressful on Gaines than the ventilator. Pray that he takes to it well.

Praise the Lord, his oxygen saturation levels are back to where they needed to be after being given breathing treatments (nitric oxide I believe). Before we left the NICU this afternoon they had gone from low 50s to mid-upper 80s. The doctor I just spoke to said that he had been holding steady at 90. For a baby Gaines' size 88-90 is what they shoot for. However, she very quickly reminded me that he is still critical so please continue to keep Gaines (specifically his lungs) in your prayers. The first 24-48 hours of his life are so crucial.

What a long two days it has been. We started Thursday morning around 4 am with my contractions. After a few hours of that, they tapered off and I had a pretty normal day...just very on edge and very stressed at each twinge of my body. That afternoon around 4 I started having the contractions again. Needless to say they were very painful and we got very little sleep that night. I also had doctors constantly monitoring me and trying to decide if I was going into active labor.

After a dose of morphine and some other medicine that I can't remember, we were able to rest for about an hour. At 4 am this (Friday) morning they finally checked me to find that I was 3 cm dilated. So, off to the labor and delivery room we went. I had been in pretty severe pain since 4 that afternoon so after begging for and getting my epidural we were finally able to rest...for about an hour. Pretty quickly after that, my doctor checked me and I was fully dilated. About 2 minutes later there were about 12 people in my room and 2 minutes after that Gaines was here. I have truly been blessed to have had awesome doctors and nurses here. They have all been incredible.

Gaines came out crying and looked bigger than we expected. Later we were happy to find out he was 3 lbs 2 oz. It was so scary watching the NICU team work on and stabilize my baby. At the time they took him away they didn't think he needed to be on the ventilator but they realized soon after that he actually did. His little lungs are just very immature. Less than what you'd expect of a 29 weeker because of the lack of fluid.

The rest of the day has kind of been a blur. I moved rooms, showered, visited Gaines, my parents and Reed arrived and I had several housekeeping things to take care of (consent forms etc). When the NICU doctor came down here to talk to us our hearts dropped...the news was not good. Gaines had seemed so stable at my visit this afternoon. Beau and I were terrified. We went to the NICU and watched the machines. It was a bleak situation. A nurse asked if we wanted a clergy person to come up and baptize Gaines. That's when I really realized that they didn't think he would make it through. BUT, slowly but surely the numbers on the machines changed and he stabilized.

After we felt comfortable leaving we came back to my room to rest. My body is so sore from having contractions for so long, an epidural put in, labor in general, the emotional roller coaster of today and stress for about 37 days. I hadn't been able to eat or drink since 4 Thursday afternoon and my body felt like it had been hit by a truck. I did more today than I have in 37 days so you can imagine how weak I am.

Beau and I are resting right now, he's actually sleeping. We are headed back to the NICU at 9 to check on tell Gaines goodnight. I pray that everything is alright when we get down there. He really is a precious boy. He's opened his eyes for us a few times...especially when we talk to him. We've also been able to touch his little feet. We are already so impressed and thankful for the NICU staff here.

We knew that the NICU would be a roller coaster but this started off with more of a bang than we were expecting. I just don't think you can ever prepare yourself for what it actually is. We are going to have a rough time for the next several weeks. When you pray for Gaines, pray for comfort, peace and strength for Beau and me as well. This is SO hard but I know we will get through this. There is a reason God is putting us through this trial.

One last thing. We haven't gotten to see Reed as much as we'd like today but he is so precious and was a major bright spot in the day. He has learned so much the last two weeks and was a breath of fresh air in this room today. God has already blessed me with such a sweet and loving child...albeit rambunctious. I feel truly blessed to now be the mother of two little boys and I can't wait for them to grow up together. Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. We wouldn't be getting through this without them.

PS. I just heard from a NICU doctor that Gaines is on his new machine and is doing ok (they never say doing well I've noticed...it's always ok). His sats are up to 93 and he is down from 100% to 80% oxygen. They are doing another chest x-ray so they want us to wait until 9:30 to go down. Hopefully it will be a peaceful visit that helps us get a good night's sleep. One last thing...one of Gaines lungs had been working harder than the other. You could actually see it when he breathed but that has straightened itself out as well. Thank you all for your prayers today...Beau and I are truly humbled by every one's support.

Love to all,

Brittany

31 comments:

Mobachs said...

praying for you all the way up north in yellowknife, Canada... that God will give you all a super night!! Blessings on your family

Jennifer said...

I logged in about 20 minutes before you are going down to see Gaines. I pray that he is doing even better than your last report, that his lungs are clear and gaining in strength and working just as God designed. I pray also for you both, Brittany and Beau, for the ability to rest and recover tonight and you quickly regain your strength.

sheabetmc said...

I know that you do not know me, but I heard about your blog through a friend of a friend of a friend. The blog world is amazing. I have been following your blog for some time now and I pray for y'all often. I have been through the NICU roller coaster too. Stay strong in your faith and keep your eyes turned upon Jesus. He will lead you in the right direction. Praying for peace tonight and also for sweet Gaines' lungs.

Bethany McNease
Hattiesburg, MS

Amanda said...

Congratulations on the birth of your son!! So glad he is doing better on the new machine. Praying for strength and rest and peace for all.

Aubs said...

Praying for baby Gaines (he is absolutely PRECIOUS) tonight! Praying that God will hold him in His hands and bring healing and strength beyond anything you can imagine! Will also be praying for peace, comfort, and rest for the two of you. Can't wait to continue to watch God work!

Benjy said...

Brittany and Beau,

We are praying for you guys so hard. I know it is so difficult to have a little one there and not just squeeze them tight, but have faith you will one day!!

Take care of each other as well as you wait to take that little boy home! We love you all.

Uncle Ben

Ruthie said...

Well, it's almost 9:30p as I write this, so you'll be getting to see your sweet baby again soon! Praying that this new machine really helps and that all his stats keep improving and that no complications arise.

Brittany, I've given birth to two children, but I've never done so after being on bedrest for over a month. I cannot even imagine how tired you are physically, not to mention emotionally. You have just worked so hard to go through all of that labor and then the delivery. Good job! God is giving you such amazing strength. I'm praying you are able to rest and recuperate in good time.

I'm also praying that Beau can get the rest he needs to be the strong support you need him to be. I'm so thankful you have such a great husband! Good job Daddy!

And Reed, how neat he got to be there on the day his brother was born. Praying for him, as I'm sure all of this is a bit overwhelming and quite an adjustment to him...

Once you are discharged, where will you be staying???

Ruthie, in Ohio

Amy said...

Brittany,

Thank you for taking time out during this special and stressful day to update everyone on sweet baby Gaines. I commented earlier but failed to mention what a precious nose he has and that I LOVE the crossed feet! :)

Keeping him and you all in my prayers.

God Bless,

Amy

Jennifer said...

Welcome Gaines! Breathe baby boy breathe. Give those lungs a good workout.

I guess my 30 week package didn't work, but know you are all still in my thoughts.

May God give you the peace you need to be strong for that beautiful baby.

Jennifer in Indiana

Melody said...

I am so sorry you guys have had such a ROUGH day- I won't stop praying!! You have been through so much the past month (though I'm sure at times it seemed pretty boring!) and God has been there through it all. I am so blessed that you made it this far and I KNOW God has His hand on that little guy! (((hugs))) Thank you so much for sharing with us and letting us pray for you- & for keeping us updated!

Carrie said...

you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Candis Berge said...

Praying in Minnesota.

Congratulations on the birth of your precious son.

Sharon said...

Praying as ever in Florida. Gaines has always been on our prayer roll at church...when I called today to alert our pastor, he stopped and prayed for Gaines right away. Be assured our lil 'ole church is keeping you all lifted in prayer. Congratulations on the birth of this blessing!! :)

Marva said...

Still praying in Alabama!!! Gaines you are so loved by us all and Jesus too! Fight little warrior! Blessings!!!!

Michelle Gregory said...

What a precious baby boy he is!!! I know God truly has His hand in this and He has His hands on Baby Gaines right now!! I pray that He will give you and Beau comfort and peace to know that He is in control so that you can rest tonight. I pray that Brittany continues to heal physically. Tomorrow is a new day! Hopefully a much calmer one for everyone!! Continuous prayers from Pratville, Alabama!

Love,
Michelle Gregory

Ashley S said...

I was on bedrest for five weeks prior to my second son being born so I understand how weak you must be. Isn't it strange to get out of bed and walk around? Oh the things we take for granted. My first child was a preemie at 30 weeks and now is a healthy 4 year old. The first few days are the hardest, but things get easier. I will continue to pray for your family!

Collier Chronicles said...

you would think being in a ministry for the NICU it would get easier dealing with it, it doesn't. I will contine to pray for you. I will let you rest & be in touch through blog, Kim W AND kelly! keep the faith and hold on to the hope. buckle up bc it is a roller coaster & we are all riding with you!

Grammy Jane said...

Sometimes I don't sleep well--age, I guess. Each time I wake up tonight I will lift ALL of you up in prayer asking our Heavenly Father to be especially with little Gaines in these next few days.

Lori said...

You got our support and prayers. I can understand why your exhausted. I'll be checking in in the morning for updates. It's amazing how you keep us updated with all your busyness. WE APPRECIATE it VERY much.

Jeff Helms said...

Congratulations on your beautiful boy. We are praying for peace, comfort and strong lungs.

Stephanie said...

Praying for you and Gaines tonight. He's such a precious little boy!!!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers over these next few weeks.

Hugs

Lindsey said...

I've been away from my computer all day, so I've had to keep up with all of the updates via my phone. Hate that I haven't been able to comment throughout the day, but I've been praying!

I passed through Andalusia tonight on my way to Brewton and prayed my little heart out. I realized a little later that it was right around 9:30 EST...hope you were enjoying a nice visit with Gaines about that time!

Prayers for peace, rest and strength!

Lindsey

The Girls Mommy said...

I'm sure with all of the comments that you might not remember me, but I was one of the nurses that took care of Kathryn when she was in the NICU. Please, if you have any questions have Kelly call me or email me (if you feel up to it, you can get my number or email from Kelly). I am praying for Gaines and for peace over your family.
I'm sure that you have heard that the NICU is a roller coaster. It is. Hang in there!

Sarah said...

I pray that your precious little boy continues to stabilize throughout the night and that you can get some rest.

We're still going to the park tomorrow morning if Reed and grandparents need a fun diversion nearby...

And I forgot to mention it before, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! Awesome work growing and delivering that sweet baby boy, Mama. :)

Jennifer said...

Congratulations! I will keep you all in my thoughts and I am very excited for the day you will be able to hold your youngest son in your arms!

Kelli said...

God bless that baby boy with strong, healthy lungs! Still praying in Mobile County!

Trisha said...

Congrats on the birth of your beautiful baby boy! Our son (PROM at 19 weeks, born at 27 6/7) was put on an oscillator and nitric oxide almost immediately after he was born. He was on both for 1 week and then switched to a regular ventilator for 5 more weeks. (And then on oxygen until he was 10 months old) I know exactly what you are going through right now and my heart goes out to you. (BTW-our little man is now 3 and doing very well!) I will continue to keep Baby Gaines and your family in my prayers.

natalie said...

It's 11:45 on the eastern coast. My prayer right now is that you've seen Gaines again this evening with good news.

In Him,
Natalie
Macon, GA

KW said...

My thoughts all day have been for you all... God is good and He has his hands over Gaines! Praying for Gaines comfort and for yours and Beau's. One of my best friends had triplets early and you can read her blog here www.3peasinourpod.blogspot.com
Just thought it would give you a peace that this little guy will be able to pull through this! Sending love and prayers your way!

Jamie Lyn said...

You don't know me, but I learned of you from another blog and feel a kinship with y'all since I grew up in Geneva, AL, and currently live in Tuscaloosa. Tomorrow morning I will be walking with a friend and her family in Tuscaloosa's March for Babies (March of Dimes). Her little boy, born at 30 weeks, will be with us. (He is now 17 months old, healthy and beautiful.) You can bet I'll spend that 3.2 miles praying for the four of you.

Christy said...

Praying for you in Arizona (though I am originally from Tennessee and spent seven years at school at Auburn! War Eagle!=) Praying that Gaines has a good night and makes leaps and bounds of improvement so that he can be with his wonderful family at home soon. Also, praying for peace and rest tonight for you. God bless you.