A Little Something Extra

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

A good night




Micah had a good night last night. They supplemented his epidural with a bit of acetaminophen because he was showing signs of pain. It will be a few more days before they remove the epidural. He is still under the bili light and blanket under him due to jaundice. It will take a bit more time for that to be removed than normal just because of his intestines not moving yet (due to surgery), and that's the primary way the body removes biliruben. He still has the nasal oxygen running, but it's atmospheric level. They're keeping it on for another day or so just because it forces some oxygen into him.

We met with a cardiologist today and she told us that his heart defect is "balanced." So nothing should need to happen before his surgery other than medication. They're hoping he can make it to 4-6 months of age so that he'll be bigger (easier to operate on a larger heart/baby). But overall, it's very good news from a heart perspective.

His EEG came back normal (there was some concern he might be having seizures, but he isn't). Praise God!

Our next step is to wait. His small bowel has never functioned before, so until it starts working, we can't feed him anything (he is receiving nutrition through a PIC line). Then we'll be working with him to teach him how to eat. The estimate is still about 4 weeks in the NICU. Please pray that his intestines will get working quickly.

Our current plan is for Mark to remain in Milwaukee with me through Sunday and get back to work on Monday. We think it would be difficult to have Nathan stay at the Ronald McDonald House with us until I'm able to get myself up overnight without needing assistance getting out of the bed (due to the c-section, I still have a decent amount of pain and my abdominal muscles aren't strong enough to pull my own self out of bed). So we're playing it by ear for next week. I'll need my mom with me at the House regardless of what we do with Nathan. Please pray for my healing as well.

We so appreciate all of your prayers, friends. God is truly working through Micah's life!

14 comments:

Rachel said...

Good to see an update and more pictures. I love the pic. of the three of you together. Jenny you look great. Praying you soon feel well. We are also praying for Nathan to feel lots of love while he is away from his mommy.
Rachel

Rachel said...

Good to see an update and more pictures. I love the pic. of the three of you together. Jenny you look great. Praying you soon feel well. We are also praying for Nathan to feel lots of love while he is away from his mommy.
Rachel

Tom said...

That's good news (about Micah's heart). I hope the days ahead bring many more smiles...

Kacey Bode said...

Praise God indeed!! I am so glad to hear that everything is going good, especially the news about his heart!! Keep adding pics!! I love the picture of the 3 of you, are you sure you just had a baby? Jenny you look wonderful!

Melanie said...

I hope you are in less pain soon. He looks great.

Anonymous said...
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notagagirl said...

jennie, mark, nathan, and micah,

it is wonderful to see you all looking so well. micah is beautiful and i am praying from him and for a quick recovery for you as well, jennie.

love from TN,
jenn

Anonymous said...

Thanks for update. The pictures are great. Micah is beautiful. You all remain in our prayers.

Uncle Dick and Aunt Judy

Anonymous said...

He's so cute! I'm glad to be able to be part - even is only by reading - of your journey, and is amazing how perfect does God work.

You don't know me, but I really wish you the best in this new chapter you are beginning, it will be a huge blessing I promise!

Kris Delaney said...

All good news! Thanks for the update and pictures. He's so tiny and beautiful! Now, Little Guy, do what you need to do to get out of that NICU! Hope you're feeling better soon, Jennie. God bless, Kris

Anonymous said...

Welcome to the world, Micah Louis! Jennie & Mark, we have been following your story as the Lord weaves it together. Thanks for keeping us all updated; we are praying alongside you.

Love, Andrea for all the Sullivans

Anonymous said...

Oh Jennie!....He's adorable!!! I have baby Micah in my prayers! Congratulations!!! Please keep us posted!

God Bless!
Liz

ATLKrafts said...

You look great Jennie, and do so well at explaining things so clearly! Will be praying that things continue to go well for Micah, and that things happen for Nathan's care that are helpful to you!

Anonymous said...

Dear Jennie and Mark:

Have loved seeing the pictures, and love the name that you have picked out for dear little Micah. He is so beautiful, and I am so thrilled to hear of how well he is doing. You remain in our prayers. We are so proud of all of you! I know that God is using you and will continue to use all of you for His glory! Love you all!