Friday, September 08, 2006

PINK!!! and Specific Prayer Request

THis is a post from Jen to all of you. Please note a SPECIFIC PRAYER request at the end for Gigi.........

GiGi is as PINK as pink gets!!! She had a blood transfusion on Tuesday, partly due to her anemia, as well as the simple fact that she's had so much blood tapped from her for testing, that her little body can't reproduce it fast enough. Her "depletion" was putting a strain on her, and the transfusion became neccessary. Fortunately, she tolerated it fairly well, and seems more comfortable, and much more "PINK"!!!

Praise God!! ALL of her lines have been removed. The only "tube" remaining is her oralgastric feeding tube through which she is fed 18cc's of breastmilk every 3 hours. She also gets a calorie booster and vitamins mixed with the breastmilk. Praise God! This was a huge achievement, because she needed to reach the intake level of 18cc's set by the Nutritionist in order to have her PICC line nutritional support removed!!!

She continues to breathe independently with oxygen via nasal canula (40 - 50%). The increased fluid volume she received from her blood transfusion unfortunately resulted in some "overflow" of fluid into her lungs, causing more labored breathing. She received a diuretic(thus, lots of very heavy,wet diapers!) and her breathing has improved considerably since her body is free of all that excess fluid!

A HUGE prayer request is for the healing of a small bleed that was detected in GiGi's brain via head ultrasound this week. It is an IVH.... Intra Ventricular Hemmorhage... Grade 1-2. This a fairly common in preeemies, and will be monitored weekly with head ultrasounds to ensure it is resorbed and not worseneing. We feel confident God is managing it and that Gigi will not have any complications, but ask you to lift this matter in prayer.

My mom was here until Weds, and Drew's mom arrived Weds to help us until the weekend. It's been great having them here, and Kelly and Conor have really enjoyed the time with them. Next week, it's back to just the four of us!!!

It's been a scary week in the NICU for us, but every time we felt fear, we called on God. He faithfully answered us, providing peace and the knowledge that He is in control! He has placed prayerful friends in our path each day, feeding us encouragement and love. Thankfully, we feel him ever present (to quote Michele). He also blesses GiGi and us continually with wonderful nurses and physicians caring for her around the clock!

Thank you for all the love and prayers!!!
Jen

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Jen, we have a Texas prayer group that has been active even before Gigi was born. We were so glad to see YOU Labor Day weekend. We hope to see two little girls playing with one another when we come to VA after Christmas.
Love, Carlene Partain

Anonymous said...

Jen, Drew, Kelly, Conor and Gigi,

Just a note to let you all know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers. Three little girls in PA have added their new friend to their nightly prayers.

With love from Mike, Monica, Claire, Caroline and Nora

Anonymous said...

Hey Miss Jen!

Gigi is really a 21st century girl! Rather than a prayer chain, she has her very own BLOG! I just wanted you to know that I've been praying for you guys and I'm praising the Lord with you for little Gigi's progress! She has such a special place in my heart and I haven't even met her yet. :)

Anonymous said...

GiGi! I cannot wait to meet you and play with you! Until then, I am following my borthers and sister and praying for you. They tell me that Jesus loves the little children and that He hears our prayers. Kelly and Conor will teach you all about Jesus, too! Sleep, grow and grow and sleep!! Love, Emily