Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Happy 2 Week Birthday!

Our precious little one is two weeks old!

Although crazy and very hectic, life is good. Our God is great.

This week has ushered ups and downs for Tessa; all part of this preemie experience, I suppose.

Yesterday, her primary nurse was changing her diaper. As she lifted her legs to take the soiled diaper off, Tessa had a massive explosion all over the back of her isolette.

She's already giving people crap.

I am getting to see more of her personality this week. Even in just the last few days, she has been awake more often and loves to grab fingers and tubes.

I now understand the two steps forward, one step back mentality. Just when everything seems to click- feedings, breathing, pooping- one of them has a set back.

She went back on cpap Wednesday, and that has brought quite a few adjustments. It fills her stomach with air and messes with her ability to process food. Sometimes I can tell her stomach aches, and it is so hard not to pick her up and cuddle her when she is uncomfortable.

Tessa was discharged from the residents on Friday. There were a group of five that would round every morning to plan out her day. Apparently, she is too boring.

I am thrilled with boring.

When she is not happy, she is starting to hit and swat at her nurses. She cries loudly and makes herself known! From a girl they never thought would have lungs, I can attest to the fact that she has them and loves to use them.

I still marvel when she cries.

This week has been full of many cuddle times. Tessa loves to be held, and likewise I love holding her!


The little baby I mentioned before passed away last night. I have only met the family on a handful of occasions, and yet it hit me hard.

Josh called me in the early evening as the oxygen tanks were wheeled from the room, and I knew it was not good. Seeing the family gathered around with Bibles in hand, knowing that death was imminent, was heartbreaking. Please keep Reed's family in your prayers.

Other Prayer Requests:

The next two to three weeks are a critical in terms of infections. Her PICC line is scheduled to come out in the next few days, so that would greatly reduce her risk from that source. NEC, if it is going to happen, usually shows up in the 2-3 week range. Please just pray my sweet girl stays free from infection.

That she could come off cpap. She seriously hates that thing.

For Tessa to tolerate feedings.

Kayden and Bryce- that during this time of life, they would feel loved and appreciated even when they only see one parent at a time. We are both trying to give them a fun summer in the midst of this chaos.

As always, peace.

Psalm 33:22 "May your unfailing love rest upon us, Oh Lord, even as we hope in you."

5 comments:

Kathi said...

I am so happy for you and your family. I love the updates on Baby Tessa and am praying hard for you and your family. I work in a hospital and I know that the babies in rnc are in good hands. Before you know it, baby Tessa will be home and your family will be complete and yes God is good. He takes care and listens to us when we need him.

Jackie Weesner said...

Thinking of you all! We have been praying for little Reed and his family too. We are friends of the family. A strong christian family.

Ashley Nederveld said...

Happy 2 week birthday Tessa! :D

Judy said...

Happy 2wk Birthday Tessa!! Jamie thankyou so much for this detailed update on Tessa. We will continue to pray for strength & protection from infection for precious Tessa and strength & peace for you and Josh.

Anonymous said...

Jamie, this is Jany Nykamp. Two of our boys had Josh as a teacher, and they were both school "buddies" with your two boys. I emailed Josh at school, but don't know if he's checking that account. If you'd like a place for your boys to go for a few hours, our boys would LOVE to entertain them.... having 3 boys, we have lots of boy stuff to do... a basement full of legos, a back yard with a huge sandbox and playfort.... feel free to call anytime and we'll try to make it work out!