Monday, May 11, 2009

Monday Morning

Good morning all...we are starting the day off on a good note. Gaines had a good weekend and it has continued on into this week. His oxygen level is hanging around 28%...not too shabby for still being on CPAP. His blood gases were actually right in the middle of the normal range. They are only checking those once a day now. He's eating well. He is up to 10 ccs with less than 1 cc residual. His weight was up to 3 lbs 5.4 ounces this morning.

I asked his doctor last night when he'd get another head ultrasound and heart echo. The ultrasound should be Wednesday. Please pray that it shows the brain bleed has cleared up on its own. The doctor told me that he'd probably get another heart echo some time before he was released. Excuse me...what? Right now he looks so good clinically that they don't have a reason to believe there is a problem.

It seems like we have been MIA for a while. With Reed here we've just wanted to spend every spare second with him. He has been an angel and we have enjoyed having him up here so much. So much, that after MUCH thought and MUCH prayer, we have decided to keep him up here for a little while. Last night the thought of sending him home was enough to send me to tears. I expected it out of me but I was surprised that Beau had softened on his resolve to send him home. Beau didn't even think it was a good idea for him to sleep here this weekend and out of nowhere he changed his mind. Honestly, he had to sort of convince me. Obviously I want Reed here so much, but I was afraid of shafting Gaines of our time and energy. I don't know how I will ever have two children and not feel pulled between them. I just want to do what's best for both of them.

Having Reed here will definitely make life more interesting and it will certainly change our daily routine but I am committed to spending just as much time with Gaines as we have all along. He deserves our attention too...and he'll get it. We'll just have to make a few changes.

Please continue to keep our family in your prayers. Pray that having Reed here works and that Gaines continues with his stable progress. We pray for his lungs to continue developing, a healthy heart, the brain bleed to have cleared up and for him to keep eating well and growing.

Love to all,

Brittany

9 comments:

Reba76 said...

Such wonderful news. I know that God knows how much this little means to everyone and how much everyone believes in prayers. The Mother's Day card was so special and is something you will always cherish.

As far as having two children, don't worry. From all the letters you have written, Gaines and Reed are very fortunate to have had God chose both of you to be their parents.

Now having two children can sometimes be hectic, but in the end, it is always worth it. I don't believe that you and Beau will have any problems in that area. With God in your lives, He will help you do or ask what the right thing to do is. The main thing is just to love them.

Thomas and Jamie said...

Congratulations on the WONDERFUL news about Gaines, the beautiful card and the fact that you're holding your sweet Reed with you!! We're still praying and as always, our Almighty God is answering!!

Jen said...

How wonderful you spent some much needed time with your other little cutie.
I will definately be praying that Gaines' IVH (brain bleed) will heal up all on its own. Most of the time, it takes some time to absorb though, sometimes years. But like you said, an IVH 1 is amazing (if you have to have one), just simply another testimony to His goodness. (Grace is 21 months and still has her Grace II & Grace III, it does not affect her at all)
Praise God about his heart, incredable news.
Enjoy your time with your two little boys. How darling they are.

King J's Queen said...

I just think it is wonderful that you decided to keep Reed with you. While it isn't exactly a vacation for you, for him it probably is. Oh, and to be with Mommy and Daddy...how much better could life be?

So glad to hear Gaines is continuing to make good, steady progress. Praise God!

Take care and enjoy having both your little boys together (Okay, maybe not exactly together, but at least in the same city.)

Mobachs said...

Although I have never had a child in the NICU... trust me when i say you will be able to find time for both of your boys!! It might seem daunting at first but you will look back in a year and think... "wow.. that was easier than I though" and then when you add in # 3 and #4 etc etc.. it gets easier and easier!! You continue to be in our prayers.. Enjoy your sons!

Amy said...

Wow.. so glad Reed got to stay and Gaines is doing so well. We will pray you have a smooth week on all fronts! :)

Jennifer said...

I know having both of your boys close enough to touch will bring you such peace....even if it is exhausting. Have you noticed that your life is inching closer and closer to "normal"?

morgan823 said...

I think this is my first comment, I'm not sure. I'm from AL as well. I found your blog on Kellys Korner when you were first admitted and have followed yall ever since. I guess maybe because yall were from AL too, I don't know but your family has been in my prayers for a while now. I'm so glad you decided to keep Reed with you, I think that will help tremendously. I have an almost 2 year old and we're expecting our 2nd right now (14 weeks pregnant) so I can't even begin to imagine what your going through but I think him being there will help a lot.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad you guys are able to keep Reed with you. There's definitely enough love for both boys. :) You deserve the time with your family!