Unofficial word

So..today we received good news. The nurse told us that the theophylline is out of Jaeden's system and that the pneumogram will most likely be done on Sunday into Monday. Ok, a pneumogram is a 24 hour recording of heart rate, respiration and O2 Saturation. Oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen. This will evaluate Jaeden's respiratory activity to confirm that Jaeden is ok with breathing well on his own and is clear to go home. We pray that he will pass the test and then we can move on to the next test, which is the car seat test. This test also looks for stable respiratory and heartrate patterns while Jaeden is sitting up in the car seat. So it looks like we are looking at Jaeden coming home before the end of next week. Whooo hoooo!!!!!!

I say Thank you to the Doctors and the Nurses at the NICU for the unofficial word that Jaeden will be home. This is a great Birthday Gift. He is not home but the news was surely great enough to make my day!!!!

Prayer for Jaeden's friends' HEALING!!!

Dear Father, it is with a humble spirit I come before you in the name of Jesus, first to give thanks for Annie, Jaeden, Kingston, Mekhi and Tristan. They are truly a blessing from you and that is how we all hold them to our hearts. These children are a marvel and we know it is all because of you. Lord, you said if we ask anything in your name you shall do it. Heavenly Father, I ask that you heal Kingston and Mekhi from their ailments. They have had surgeries and I ask that you keep them in your care and please do not turn away from them. I know you have the perfect plan for them and I ask that your will be done, always! I ask that you watch over Annie as she has her test done in order for her to go home. Her family is ready for them to come and they are ready to end this emotional roller coaster. Please heal Annie that all may be well so she can go on home with her parents and her big brother who anxiously awaits her to get home. Please watch over Tristan and heal him. May his family be encouraged and see all the good and the possibilites for Tristan. Tristan is strong and he will overcome everything. It is my prayer that his family will believe that and know that you have full control over everything. All these families are ready for a healing and ready for deliverance from this most trying time. Father, you know my heart and while I may not have the perfect words at this time to ask of you for these babies and these families you know what they need and what they should have. I just want them to be happy, healthy and together. There is no more room for sickness. May all these families receive their healing in the name of Jesus. Father, I also pray that you will continue to watch over Jaeden. Lord, I am faithful and I know that you will bless everyone according to your plan. In Jesus name I thank you for everyone's healing. I already claim the victory for Annie, Jaeden, Kingston, Mekhi and Tristan. In Jesus name I pray..

AMEN!!!

(7-30-08 post) Getting Close

What an interesting day it was. The plans for today were to do Jaeden's laundry so I could take more clothes to him in the afternoon. Daddy had different plans for us. Unfortunately, Mr. Gibbs, Daddy that is, hurt himself. He left work early, we went to the Emergency Room and after about 3 1/2 hours and some test the diagnosis was achilles tendonitis. So now Daddy is on crutches and somewhat out of commission for a couple days.

Needless to say, after doing the laundry at 6:30 am and spending over 3 hours in the ER, I was Whuppped!!!!! We opted to go to sleep for a few hours before we going into the city to see Jaeden and possibly make it for his 10 o'clock feeding. 8 o'clock came around but I was working in SLOW motion. We did, however, make it in right on time for Jaeden's 10 o'clock feeding and let me just say that the little man is not so little and surely was ready to eat. It was our first time hearing Jaeden cry because he wanted to be fed. Daddy held him for a few minutes while I prepared his bottle and all of a sudden we realized the he stopped crying. Of course, when I turn back to find out what had him so intrigued to take his focus away from eating, I see this little one with his thumb in his mouth and his lips just going. I know you saw the picture of him sucking his thumb so I guess it is official. Jaeden has discovered his fingers and he will be a thumb sucker. I suppose I can let him get away with it...FOR NOW!!! ;-)

The Big news is that....

JAEDEN IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!

All the signs show that he is a healthy little boy. He is a preemie but he is a soldier who has been fighting to beat all the odds and we can say that he definitely has. He is getting really close to being home and we are all so excited. We are just beside ourselves as his discharge day arrives. We don't have an exact day, but at the rate that Jaeden is going it is around the corner. He is drinking 2 oz (60 cc's) of milk now and is just a few grams shy of 5 lbs. It doesn't get any better than that. Well, actually, his arrival home will be priceless, but we are loving all the progress he has made and continues to make. I left my camera home, but you can see the tremendous difference in him instantly. You can see the weight on him and he is just a completely different baby. Jaeden did forgive us for not going during the day. We explained the whole deal to him and after seeing us during the night shift, I think we made it up to him. ;-)

Thank You Father!!

Isaiah 63:7 - I will tell of the kindness of the Lord,

the deeds for which he is to be praised,

according to all the Lord has done for us -

yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel,

according to his compassion and many kindnesses.

***********************************************************************************

Jaeden is holding on strong. He is in great spirits and seems to be doing very well post circumcision. It will take about a week for him to heal completely but he is recovering and doing great. His feeds are between 45 and 50 cc's and his weight is 4 lbs. 14 oz. Can you say "5 lbs is around the corner?" Go Jaeden! Go Jaeden! We are waiting for the Theophylline to get out his system so we can see how he will perform without the medication. We will be home very soon. I have no doubts. Daddy fed Jaeden again today and got a real good and loud burp out of him. Daddy was very excited.

Jaeden is going on his eighth week in the NICU. It has been very trying on our spirits but our faith has always remained very Strong. Prayer changes things! God is truly the Great Healer. He is indeed a miracle worker. To see Jaeden now and remember how we started, there is no doubt that God has the perfect plan and he is in charge. As I see each accomplishment Jaeden makes, and all the steps he has taken forward there is no way that I could waver or believe that the Good Lord did not have a hand in his healing.

From day one things could have played out totally different. Jaeden has undergone three blood transfusions. He has been on and off phototherapy. He had a central line for a series of IV's. He has overcome so much by leaps and bounds. Every time a nurse said it would take time for Mr. Gibbs to do X Y and Z, Jaeden turned around and proved everyone wrong.

The biggest concern my husband and I have had regarding Jaeden was the IVH. (Intraventricular Hemmoraghe -Stage II). This has been monitored via head ultrasounds on a regular basis. Every week, I would dreadfully ask about the ultrasound hoping for the best knowing there would be a possibility to hear the worst. Week after week, we went through this and today we received the best news confirming that God is AWESOME!!!!! and he alone is worthy of all the praise!!!! The clot in Jaeden's brain HAS COMPLETELY RESOLVED ITSELF!!!!!! IT IS GONE!!!!! YES, you read that correctly.......There is no more IVH. Is that a miracle or what.

My Jaeden is truly a miracle child and we owe it all to God!!!

We are happy and truly thankful.

Recovering

The day started off rather great. Jaeden is 4 lbs 12 oz. and still drinking 50 cc's of breastmilk and holding it down. Sleeping, eating, pooping is pretty much the normal routine of the day. The last dose of theophylline was 6 am this morning. Now we shall wait a few days for it to get out of his system and pray to God that all continues to go well and that he will breathe on his own without medication with NO problems or causes for concern.

This evening Jaeden was circumcised and now he is recovering. He seems to be ok for now and all is well. The procedure was quick and over before you knew it. It is heartwrenching for me because I was not there for him today. Kiara's Girl Scouts had family swimming day so that is where I was with her and Tyler. The girls had a ball which is great. We will be sure to get to Jaeden as early as we can tomorrow. Daddy, however, was with Jae and definitely was stressed. I think he felt the pain more so than Jae. Daddy told me that Jaeden consoled him more than he consoled Jaeden. They had their bonding time. Daddy held him, fed him, burped him and put him to sleep. They had their eye contact and their quality time. How SPECIAL!!!!!! Awwww! Jaeden continues to recover and I trust he will be just fine.

Please keep praying with us!!

Running Things

NEWS FLASH FOLKS!!!

Jaeden is the official ring leader of the NICU Step Down Room. He has announced that no one can leave until he is all set to go. Tomorrow, they take him off the theopyhlline and he needs his support system close by to root him on. Sorry Annie, Kingston and his twin Collins girls. It looks like Ramnarine may get away but that's ok. We wish him all the best and hope he and his family go in great health. We will continue to keep them in our prayers.

Jaeden's feeds are going well. We made it in for his 4 o'clock feed and he guzzled down 50 cc's like a champ. His weight for today was 4 lbs 10 oz which means he is gaining the weight even now without having to be on the special care formula, so that is awesome. His diaper rash is getting better. He's a little cutie patootie. We love him lots and cannot wait to take him home.

For those of you reading this, please keep Jaeden in your prayers and will him to do phenomenally well as he comes off his theophylline. It will take a few days for it to get out of his system and for us to really get to see how well he really breathes on his own. We know that Annie, Kingston and the Collins girls has his back as he does theirs. He really wants everyone to be able to go home. He just needs a little support this week. We hope that you don't think he's being selfish. Lo siento mucho! (So Sorry!!)

So Much Love

Oh what a wonderful day. Jaeden was on his best behavior. He is eating almost 50 cc's of breastmilk only. They took him off the special care formula since he is now weighing 4 lbs 9 oz. He is three quarters of the way to getting himself home. EXCITING...EXCITING...EXCITING!!!

What is even more exciting is that Daddy took Jaeden's temperature, changed his poopie diaper, fed and burped him today. No folks, I don't think you understand. Daddy, did this all by himself. I think that is rather impressive. He made us very proud. Go Daddy! Go Daddy!! Daddy Gibbs certainly was the talk of the NICU this evening. He made us moms, the nurses and Jaeden very proud.

Jaeden had a whole bunch of visitors today. The love was definitely overwhelming and Jaeden must have known that special trips were made from far away just for him because he did try to be a trooper to open his eyes and keep them open for almost everyone. He tried and did very well. Apologies for those who didn't get to see him with his eyes open. A preemie must get all the sleep they can so they can grow and get stronger. ;-)

Ms. Arlanna, Jaeden said the next time you come he will open his eyes just for you. Nick was lucky today, but he will make it up to Arlanna which will be when he gets home. Jaeden was very happy to meet you both. He did tell me that. ;-)

A very special thank you goes to Jaeden's God Parents from Maryland. They drove (car accident and all) here last night just to see Jaeden today. Jaeden opened his eyes for God Daddy Steve and I just knew that God Mommy Erica would take that up with Jaeden since he didn't open his eyes for her, but we let her hold Jaeden for a little while so I think they're cool now. ;-) No hard feelings. Jaeden fought to stay awake for Nashawn and Domenisha and they were able to see him. ( I sure hoped I spelled your names right. I'm so sorry if I didn't)

God Mommy and God Daddy: THANK YOU for all the gifts. We will definitely take pictures and post them up for you to see, so stay tuned. We love you guys very much. Thanks again!!!

It means the world to Arthur and I when folks come to visit Jaeden. It feels good that you all would take time out your day/weekend and not find it robbery to come and sit for just a few minutes with him. It touches us greatly and we are very thankful to you. We love you for it!!

Just another day in the neighborhood

Today was great. I was able to spend a lot more time with Jaeden. I bottlefed him three times today and he was simply wonderful. His feeds increased to 40 cc's and then decided that they would give him whatever he wanted to drink after that. The 10 o'clock wasn't so successful because the little man preferred to sleep rather than eat. He did give me a hard time with that one but it was all good.

All of Jaeden's vitals are great. He continues to behave very well and he's enjoying his company. The Three Muskateers are hanging tough in the special care unit. (Annie, Jaeden and Kingston) I truly believe that they do not want to leave until they can all leave at the same time. They have their own plans and they are bigger plans that what the parents have in mind. Hmmph! So there!

Bottoms Up

Overall, Jaeden continues to be overwhelmingly well. Everything pretty much remains the same. Not much change. Somehow, Jaeden developed a rash on his bottom and has been prescribed an ointment. (Nystatin) This will now go on for about another week. I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, compared to the more serious things Jaeden has had to overcome, this is a walk in the park.

Today was his follow up eye exam and all appears to be going well. Jaeden is a preemie so his eyes are not fully developed but things are going as they should and he will still need more follow ups to make sure things continue to develop as they should.

Today Jaeden is officially 35 weeks gestation and tomorrow he will be 7 weeks old. I still cannot believe it has been 7 weeks. Sheesh! It actually went by quick. We have about 2 more to go.

Bring on those bottles

Once again, Jaeden insists on emphasizing who IS the BOSS. We went from one bottle per shift to now being fed ONLY by bottle. Jaeden has been fed by bottle since 4 o'clock yesterday. The tube came out his nose, so the only way he can eat is by bottle. So far so good. And hopefully the same will hold true tonight as well.

Jaeden is looking remarkably well. He is showing off and is really acting like a big boy. His weight is up 2 grams. While it is not much, every little bit counts.

Today, is Daddy's Birthday and Jaeden gave him a few smiles and we believe he said Happy Birthday Daddy! At least that is what we're going with. We are sticking to that. Right Jae? ;-)

Could it be..???

Say it isn't so. Mr. Man was bottlefed last night twice in a row and I was able to bottlefeed him twice today. Jaeden may actually be getting the hang of this bottle thing. I tell you, this little guy sure knows how to surprise us. I'm totally convinced he just likes to show off. Taa daah!!!! Look mommy I got this. ;-)

Jaeden gained two ounces. He's back up to 4 lbs. 3 oz. You can already tell, he loves to eat. His lips start to going and his tongue goes to work overtime. He lets you know for sure that he is ready to get his grub on.

We got word from the nurse practitioner that we are looking to bring the little guy home in two more weeks. Monday will be his first day off the theopholine. (That's what was/is helping him with his breathing.) It will take a few days for that to get out his system and then the doctors will monitor him closely to see how he does without it. During that time, he will continue to master his skills with the bottle. God willing, all will go well and he will be home the first or second week in August.

Any more where that came from..??

Jaeden finished a whole bottle!!!! Woo-hoo! After he was done, he was looking for more. But he had to wait for his next feeding. The fact that he finished an entire bottle is awesome. Usually he would only get to half and no longer wanted to do the work so he ended up being gavaged. (feeding through the tube)

His weight is down to 4 lbs 1 oz. Apparently he is not gaining weight as he should so his feedings need to be changed. He will now alternate formula (24 calories) and the breastmilk. Hopefully, this will be beneficial and put some weight on him. We shall see what happens by the end of the week.

Next Thursday, Jaeden will make the 36 weeks gestation. In order for him to come home, he needs to be 4 lbs 6 oz and he will need to be able to feed from a bottle. The whole bottlefeeding is where the challenge lies. It seems that Jaeden aka The Boss, is not to fond of bottlefeeding. He really does not want to do the work. He prefers to be gavaged and is not so interested in the bottle. I am praying that he will learn to love it and get on board. No pressure. ;-) I did have a chat with him and told him the only way he can come home now is if gets this whole bottle thing down. He did wonderfully at the 4 o'clock feeding. He made us very proud. He knows now that he has to continue that pattern and then maybe we can get that tube out his nose and the next stop will be HOME!!!!

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO BELOW...JUST A LIL SOMETHIN' FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.

Milk run...

Jaeden continues to do wonderfully well. His stats are terrific, he's been sleeping, getting all the rest he needs and eating like a champ. Today, the nurses ran out of breastmilk, therefore, had to give him formula. He tolerated it quite well, but Mommy made it her business to fight through Sunday evening traffic, what a horror, to make a special trip tonight to get some breastmilk to the Big Man. I managed to make it to the hospital right before his 10 pm feeding.

I usually see Jaeden during the day, but I must say spending time with him during the night hours is quite a treat. I loved it!!!! It is much more peaceful and relaxed. Jaeden was getting a bath right when I got there. Afterwards, he was happy as a clam and the mellowest I have ever seen him. His resting heartrate was at 122 and that is definitely the absolute lowest I have seen it. His breathing was also relaxed. I will have to see to it that I spend some time with him in the evening again.

Due to the fact that I was rushing to get the breastmilk to Jaeden, I forgot my camera so I could not take pictures of him. But please take my word for it, when I say, he is the cutest thing ever. ;-) I guess coming from a mom, that's a little biased. Oh well, so what? ;-)

Big Boy Status

Go Jaeden! Go Jaeden! Go Jaeden!

Jaeden is doing very well in "Special Care." Mr. Man is now weighing 4 lbs 3 oz and still doing his bottlefeeds once a shift. It will remain like that for a while because Jaeden is not able to drink the whole bottle. He is still being gavaged for the other feedings.

Today, Daddy and I were able to hang out with him for a couple hours and it was truly a pleasure as always.

He's looking great and keeping up the terrific work. Jaeden is making Mom and Dad very proud.

Making Moves

What a day for Jaeden. Today lil man has graduated and made his way over to special care. Remember when we said that was the step right before HOME!!!! Yessss!!!! Jaeden is 4 lbs, has been moved to a crib and is now in the special care unit. I think Annie had a lot to do with that.

;-) Thanks Annie....we owe you!

So, when I arrived the nurse allowed me the pleasure of changing Jae's dirty diaper. What fun? That was something....it has been a very long time since the last time I changed a pamper. LOL But I managed to get it done. I gave him his bottle for the shift and he did very well with that. He left just a few cc's of milk.

Jae was extremely alert and very interactive. He kept is eyes open for a long time. He looked at his sisters and they were very excited to see him with his eyes open for as long as he did. He actually did not even fall asleep as soon as he finished eating. That was truly a shocker.

Daddy was in complete shock when he arrived to see him and noticed that we were sitting in the special care area. He had no idea because I did not even call him to let him know in advance like I usually do. That was a great surprise for him. We stayed for his 7 o'clock feeding but before his feeding Mommy had to take his temperature and change his pamper again. What are the chances that I would get to change his pamper twice and they were both poopie diapers. Shame! Daddy managed to make his way out of having to change it. That's OK, we will get him next time.
We look forward to seeing Jaeden again tomorrow.