Dear all,
Isaac looked a bit better today and the doctor said Isaac is stable. Now that the IV is no longer going through his little belly, the doctor decided to have him sleep with his body facing down for a bit - as that supposedly help him digest my milk better. It was the first time for me to see his back and his butt. Poor little boy, he is so skinny and there is no meat on his butt at all!
They were also finally able to weigh him for the first time. He weighed 641 grams (around 1.4 lbs) when he was born but today, he weighed only 499 grams (around 1.1 lbs). He lost 22% of his weight!! So it wasn't Jong's and my imagination that he was getting really skinny. The doctor thought Isaac's weight was probably lower a few days before but started stablizing and gaining a bit since then. I think we agree because he doesn't seem as extremely skinny as a few days ago (when Jong and I both started panicking because he looked like he was being starved to death). They are feeding him 5 ml of milk per feeding today (8 feedings a day) and will try to increase it to 6 ml tomorrow (they used to increase by 0.5 increments but since he seems to be doing well and they want him to start gaining weight, they are going to try to increase by a larger increment). Please pray that he is able to digest all the milk and the increase in milk will not cause any problems with his digestive system but that he will actually start gaining more weight.
After a conversation Jong had with our insurance company's doctor, we are now thinking whether it makes sense to move Isaac to a different NICU - hopefully a more progressive one and if we are lucky, one with a Neonatologist we can communicate in English with and that is closer to home. We really don't know what is better so we are just praying about it right now. Pls pray for wisdom and guidance on this matter as well.
Today is Isaac's 2 weeks birthday (and he reached 25 weeks based on gestational age). Jong and I are very, very thankful to our Lord that Isaac was able to avoid any major problems during these critical first 2 weeks. We are praying and hoping that the next two weeks will be the same -- hopefully non-eventful and that Isaac will continue to be able to digest all my milk and grow. How my heart yearns for the day I can hold him on my chest and give him kangaroo care, and then the day we can bring him home.
I am also thinking of going back to work soon. I want to preserve the remainder of my maternity leave for when Isaac comes home. Plus I have been gone for so long and I know my boss has been getting so swamped. It will be interesting though - I will have to be the queen of efficiency between the breast pumping every 3 hours and the daily visits to Isaac (it takes us a total of about 3.5 to 4 hours every day).
Thanks as always for all your prayers and comments. Jong and I continue to be humbled and amazed by all your love, prayers and support.
God bless,
Sonia
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4 comments:
Praise God little Isaac is stable! may the Lord stabilize Isaac's digestive system and grant you much wisdom and discernment regarding care and your work situation. the Lord is truly good, isn't He? do not lose heart. may the Lord truly use your testimony to not only bring Isaac home with you guys, but also to bring people to Himself through your story and to raise you into a family that serves Him and Him alone. we love you with the love of Christ, and His tender heart and Spirit surely watches over you, and groans for you and your little Isaac.
i just realized Isaac was probably named like the original Isaac, Abraham's son. We pray that as you place him on the altar before the Lord that He will return him to you to raise and cherish according to His perfect ways. and Samuel, Hannah's son, dedicated to the Lord from his childhood.
may the Lord richly reward your surrendered hearts. you can only take it one day at a time, perhaps only one minute at a time sometimes, but the Lord will sustain you! how beautiful to Him are your cries for His mercy as you lean upon Him, the only one worthy of such dependence!
Sonia,
I am glad to hear that Issac is stable, that is wonderful news.I hope it will only be a little while longer until he can have more milk to become stronger, he sure is a sweetie. You and Jong are so strong, your daily stories tell that. I check your blog everyday, as I think of you daily and send prayers your way.
Hugs
Allison
(Ivf connections)
Sonja,
I have been following you and your baby from your link I found on Wren Eccles site. You are an amazing family!
I wanted to write to hopefully encourage you. My husband and I had a preemie 9 years ago...Emily was born at 26 weeks. She is a thriving, healthy 3rd grader today. Looking at her, you'd never know she was born so tiny.
You know, I often share my testimony of Emily's birth with various groups of women. I love to share such a miracle and the clarity of God's faithfulness.
Please be encouraged...this too will get better! The road can seem so long...and the doctors don't always paint a very optimistic picture for you. Statistics also can be frightening. Don't pay any attention to that stuff. You focus on your son...pray continually...focus on the steps he takes forward. Breath deep through the set backs. There will be some...but they will also pass.
If you ever want to chat, please feel free to e-mail us at dewesbunch@mchsi.com
We'd love to share encouragement with you.
For now, hang in there. It will get better and life will be normal again! It may be a new normal...but God is good in all things and as long as He is your unshakable center...you'll do GREAT!
Have a blessed day,
Nicole
Hi Sonia.
I'm glad to hear that Isaac's condition seemed to have stabilized. Stay positive for him and continue your vigilence in being his number one advocate.
Also, don't forget to take care of yourself as well. Remember, you need to stay healthy of mind and body to care for Isaac and provide enough milk for him to drink.
Let me know if there is anything I can do for you at our end.
Jin
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