Monday, March 29, 2010

Big Day

Before I get to Gaines' big day, I just wanted to thank all of you who still read this blog...even if you just check in from time to time and especially for those of you who have prayed for Gaines and our family. Today's good report was due to your continued prayers. Reed and I visited Andalusia over the weekend and actually got "out" a little. I ran into so many people...some that I do not even know well...that would ask me how the zoo was, or if Gaines was crawling yet. I was just amazed at all the people that actually cared about my little boy and family and were still keeping up with us. I tell you, there are a lot of bad and crazy people in this world but for everyone of them, their are five good ones.

Moving on...

Our little Gaines has had a big day. He had a doctor's appointment in Birmingham today with his pulmonologist (more on that in a second) and when we got home this evening...he crawled! I cannot even begin to tell you how proud I am of him. As soon as I saw (and confirmed that he was actually doing it...you know how I feel about giving him false credit) I got the biggest smile on my face. I have not been that excited in a while.

I know mothers are always proud of their kids' milestones but Gaines' are just extra sweet. There are so many things that we haven't been sure about for so long and to see him do something like crawl just makes me so happy. There is just no way to know if Gaines will have any sort of problems from his spells of not wanting to breathe correctly until he actually marks something off his milestone list. Let me clarify...he's not crawling marathons or anything, but he crawls a few little "steps" at a time. Beau got it on video...its at the end of this post. Also, I think he might be pulling up in the next few weeks. Things are just really starting to click for him and I could not be happier.

In medical news, Gaines had a great check-up today. We've been given permission to turn him down to a half liter on his oxygen. I'm waiting on him to go to sleep tonight before we do it. He's just still when he sleeps and we can get a good sat reading on him and really tell if he's handling it ok. Say a little prayer that it will go well.

The plan oxygen-wise is just to leave him at a half liter until his next appointment (in two months). Hopefully by then he'll have gained enough weight (he was 16 lbs 13 oz today) that we can cut his other two diuretics. Once he gets big enough, he'll have sort of outgrown them. I'm hoping that at his next appointment we can cut the diuretics and have a plan to wean oxygen over the next couple of weeks. They explained to me today how they will know when he is ready. I won't bore you with all of it but one part was by watching his carbon dioxide levels. At his first appointment his was at 39 and today it was at 33. When his is around 28, we'll know he's ready to go without oxygen. So...prayer requests, 1. Weight gain! We want to lose those diuretics. 2. Lower carbon dioxide levels and just all around lung development. All in all, his doctor only had great things to say and even commented on how well he was doing developmentally. A gold star appointment.

Oh, we've also gone to albuterol treatments as needed and not twice daily...yay! Hate it for you CVS.

On a more serious note...I never leave Children's Hospital without being thankful that we are only dealing with Gaines' lung issues...problems that will get better. There are so many kids at that hospital that would be grateful to have Gaines' problems. I mean, you see those little kids with bald heads and you know what they are there for and it just breaks your heart. Or kids in wheelchairs or you hear your doctor talk about his chronic ventilator patients. Everytime I'm in the parking deck there I think, everyone of these cars is here for a sick child...and that is just on one given day. Be thankful for healthy kids and please say a prayer for all of those that are not...and the ones dear to my heart, the ones who aren't born yet but are fighting to have a chance to try. Little ones like my Gaines who is not only trying but succeeding. Was that a little cheesy? Sorry...but he is. That little joker is a miracle.

Now...I hope you all appreciate the sacrifice I made for you tonight. I will wake up in the morning and my house will not be straight and no one's clothes will be picked out and I'll be rushing around with a little extra "my house is a wreck" stress but at least you all will be updated. Kidding of course...but my house really has been neglected tonight. Does my sarcasam come through or do I need to specify the kidding? Either way...

Oh...I turned Gaines down to a half liter and guess what? He's satting 99. Granted he's sleeping flat on his face which could account for a 99 but wow! Please pray that it continues.

Love to all,

Brittany

16 comments:

Michelle Bogart said...

I am continually amazed at how far these babies can go that I have followed.

Lousy about commenting but I am one of your voiceless pray-ers. And I am thrilled at how far he has come and hope we get a crawling vid soon.

Not to leave Reed out-he is a DOLL

Penni said...

Whohooo!! I'm THRILLED!! I still check you out every day. And there's not a doubt in my mind that we could show up to your front door right now and your house would be completely "company ready".

Kelsey said...

I don't think I have ever left a comment but I have been reading since you were on bedrest. I love reading your updates on both of your kids. Your paragraph about being thankful for healthy children really touched me. Sometimes I complain about my kids and (potty training issues, etc.) and I should just be thankful that they are healthy. Thanks for the reminder!

Kelsey
Washington State

Terri Teacher said...

I am laughing and crying. Talk about God's Work, what a joy and blessing o see him crawling! Hooray for Gaines Gaines!!

otherwise known as mom said...

What a great post. We continue to pray for his complete healing. Thank you for taking time to update. I know what a priceless commodity time is when raising little ones.

Karen said...

Praise God that Gaines is doing so well! It's such a blessing to see how he's progressed. I enjoy your updates too (even though I don't post too often either). I'll continue to pray for your family.

Karen in Virginia

Diana said...

Go Gaines Go! I am sure that a year ago, you all couldn't have imagined having a little boy who is active and doing so well. Praise God! I will be praying for your specific requests. God bless you all!

Thomas and Jamie said...

WOW? CRAWLING??? My son was born on time and waited a while to start crawling so WAY TO GO GAINES!!! Will begin praying for the specifities of weight gain and CO2 levels!!!

Abby said...

YAY, Gaines! I know that is such a great milestone to meet. He is doing so well. Seriously, Wills wasn't crawling by his first birthday. I think the Lord is taking away your worries! We will continue to pray for Gaines.
Love,
Abby and Findley
www.absgab.com

Emery Wilkerson said...

Yay!!! Still reading although I don't comment nearly enough!!! So happy for ya'll with Gaines' progress! I know that just makes your heart feel good!!! Keep the posts coming & of course the pictures of your sweet little boys!!! My Hudson is 9 months old today!! This is such a fun age!

carles said...

wow!! what a great video and update. I still check in often to see his progress. My Grandson that was born at 26 wks weighing 1lb 1oz will be 6 in June. He lost his first tooth today. We still celebrate every milestone. He has come so far!!
So happy for all of you!!!

Unknown said...

Brit:
I watching your crawling video laughing and shouting "go go" like I was watching an Auburn game! He's precious! ms angie

Anonymous said...

YAY Gaines!!!!! As I sit here in my hospital bed, tears running down my face, I pray that our Reagan will defy the odds just like you have been and will continue to do. What a special little boy you are and what an incredible testimony you will have. Praying for y'all always!!!

In Him,
Lauren Straub :)

Deanna said...

So glad to see a good report on your little guy! God is doing great things in your family!!

sanjeet said...

I am thrilled at how far he has come and hope we get a crawling vid soon.

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Terri Teacher said...

I watch this video when I think about home.