Thursday, September 29

Sorry to leave everyone hanging out there from Tuesday's post.  I didn't have the energy to write last night.  Isaac is doing well.  He is having more of the bradys than before Tuesday night.  So the doctors and nurses are trying different things.  One is that they feel as if he has gotten a lot of mucus from the nasal cannula which is in the to photo on the blog.  So they have been suctioning it out every so often so he has fewer bradys.  He does not like it.  In fact he seems to get mad at the nurses and holds his breath inspite of their efforts.

One of Isaac's doctors was there when I was there tonight.  She said that today's nurse seemed to think that Isaac had some reflux and that might be why he has so much mucus in his throat.  So they might try another medication to get him to move forward through these bradys.  She told me that he might even be on it for over a month.  I of course don't like that.  I hate giving medication to babies.  BUT right now if it helps his lungs to mature than what choice do we have?

Isaac has also nursed very well for the past few days.  I am so happy with his progress.  He doesn't nurse very long because he gets tuckered out really quickly.  I have started calling him my champion.  Truly this little boy has been through more than what I went through when I delivered him.  Thankfully he will not remember any of it. I almost forgot that Isaac is now 4 lbs 1 oz! 

I went to see my doctor today and he said I am free to live my life as normal, to do the things that I was banned from for a while. I asked him if he could keep the ban on exercise and he said he couldn't do that.  Here I thought Doctor Johnson and I bonded through this ordeal and he was on my side...

Good night faithful readers!  Much love to you and your family!

Tuesday, September 27

Okay, everyone, this does end well.  I have to tell you what happened to me tonight.  I went to see our darling son.  He looked so peaceful wrapped up in his open crib sleeping soundly.  The nurses have changed Isaac's feedings to be around 5PM so I can nurse him when I get off of work. He did very well yesterday.  I went in tonight thinking the same thing.  He was very sleepy as I tried to wake him up to nurse.  The nurse was standing over my shoulder as he did start to nurse.  Just like yesterday he started to brady (quits breathing and heart rate drops). However yesterday his heart rate came back up immediately and he kept nursing.... today a different story.  His heart rate kept dropping and dropping.  The nurse had me hold him up right and lean him forward as she thought he must have gotten some milk that he didn't know how to swallow.  Preemies have to learn how to swallow after being fed through a tube for so long.  Needless to say he turned blue and was lifeless.  The nurse took him from me and put him in his crib as she was trying to stimulate him to start breathing.  I asked if she needed help and she asked me to get a nurse from outside the room.  When I asked the 3 nurses, who were sitting there, for the specific nurse they said she had left.  I told them that Isaac's nurse needed help.  To which they sprung into action.  Immediately (okay, it felt like forever) 5 nurses were by his bedside helping.  I needed to leave the room as I couldn't stand there and watch him.  I started pacing up and down the hall praying... then I started saying out of my mouth that Isaac shall live and not die and he will declare the works of the Lord, no weapon formed against him shall prosper!  I tell you, I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life.  It felt like forever but in reality it was probably a matter of 5 minutes from beginning to end.  I felt sick to my stomach as I stood there watching the color come back to his body and he started to cry.  He had been stripped down to his diaper and they had taken out his nasal cannula in order to stablize him.  They brought out the air bag which later I was told breaths for him when he couldn't.  The doctor was called out of a delivery to come and assess him.  She said he was back to normal and it was most likely that he had gotten too much milk at once and didn't know what to do. They also said that preemies don't know how to cough out anything that might be stuck in their throat.

After it was all over with I was left with him and the original nurse as we changed his diaper and dressed him. I just started weeping.  I couldn't stop... my sweet son. She let me hold him in order to feed him through the tube in his nose. My tears were like Mary's washing Jesus's feet, soft and steady.  However my tears were a release of pressure from the build up from the past 2 months and everything that has gone on in my life.  My tears dropped onto Isaac's soft little sleeping head.  He laid in my arms with his two fingers in his mouth like nothing ever happened.

I called the nurse around 7 tonight since her shift was over then.  She assured me that it was an isolated episode and that I should not be scared to nurse him again tomorrow. Thankfully she will be there again tomorrow and hopefully she will have Isaac again.  The nursing staff was great at how they handled the event.

Please pray for him to get stronger and stronger, for him to learn how to suck, swallow and breath at the same time. 

Thank you for your love and prayers.  I hope to never have to witness that again!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Well today Isaac has moved to a room with a view.  In a way it's a promotion.  Not that we ever doubted that he would get better.  It just means he's progressed to a point where he doesn't need to be where he was.  He now weighs a whopping 3lbs. 14oz and nursing like a champ.  He took to it right away and was soooo happy when he was all done!  It is so nice to have that cpap off of him.  I know I've said it before, but it truly makes a difference when T and I can see his face and kiss him on his precious head.

Got to hold him for a bit today.  He was so relaxed that his heart rate dropped a few times (a.k.a. "brady").  If it falls below 130 beats per minute an alarm will go off alerting the nurses.  It only takes a few pats on the butt or rubbing the back or scratching the head.  Really anything to stimulate him so he gets back up to 150-185bpm.  Feels so right holding him. 

The hardest part for me right now is not having him home.  T and I usually split time with him.  I'll come after work early in the afternoon then go home.  T will then come after work around 4:30pm.  This means Arianna and I are by ourselves for dinner without our fearless Captain Meals (a.k.a. Mommy) leading the way...ARRRRRRRGH!  In all honesty it will be such a relief when he comes home.

Thank you once again for allowing us to share our hearts with you.  Your friendship and prayers mean everything to us. 

In His loving arms,  Papa Ivy.

Sunday, September 25

Another beautiful fall day here in Illinois.  It cool and nice and sunny.  I think the weatherman was misinformed, they prodicted rain?

Isaac is still doing quite well.  I was alarmed the other day when the doctor said it could be soon.  I asked him if he would give me a warning and he said yes.  But he didn't tell me how much of a warning.  I have some things to do before he gets home (grandmas, if you are reading this let's plan a visit... smile).

Isaac has also started nursing.  He has nursed two times and he has done amazingly well.  It was as if he knew exactly what God had designed for nutrition.  The nurses have been amazed at his ability to take to both a bottle and breast. All I could do was smile and praise God for His goodness to the Iverson family.  David is off visitng Isaac now, he is coming home so I can go visit. The Chicago Bears play @ 3, which we always like to watch (except when they are losing). I told David, "very soon we will be a family of 4 watching the games from our own TV).

Enjoy the new photos.  They were taken just a few days ago.

P.S. Arianna is still stealing David's and my heart with all of her cuteness.  She is such a delight.... Taco II is still alive and swimming.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Isaac has definitely been busy the last few days.  He's up to 3lbs. 11.5oz and growing.  Off the bubble cpap and in a big boy crib now.  Soooo much more accessible to kiss him on his head.  Wearing preemie clothes instead of the hospital issued garb.  Spoke with the in house preemie physical therapist and she said he is where he should be developmentally speaking.  Oh and by the way he is now feeding off of a bottle.  He's only eating a small portion this way because it tuckers him out.

We're excited and things are beginning to pick up.  That's all for now.

Wednesday, September 21

Okay, before I start, please forgive me if there are typos in this post.  I find myself tired again this week.  Isaac isn't even home and mama is tired! 

So, I called the NICU around 9:30 this morning.  Again, nothing new today, C-PAP, gained some weight, etc.  THEN..........I get a photo texted to me from David.  Isaac is in a big boy crib!  An open crib!  They moved him right after I called.  He is itty bitty in it but what an exciting day. They are trying to see if he can regulate his own body temperature.  As of tonight when we were in the NICU he was doing fine.  It was weird though because the bed is wider and he is in the middle. I can't reach him as well.  but I can sure see him!

Arianna came in with us tonight too.  She did so well in the NICU tonight, probably the best ever.  She sang twinkle twinkle little star to him. She got so excited too when he opened his eyes a few times.  She kept wanting to touch him.

Isaac's heart rate kept elevating.  I asked the nanny about it and she said that his heart rate typically goes up when he is awake.  But when he is resting, it is back to normal.  However, when she went to feed him around 6 PM she pulled out a large air pocket out of his tummy.  I think he might have had gas and that was giving him a tummy ache.  Once the air pocket was out he rested peacefully again.  I actually think he cried louder than Arianna did as a newborn. It will be so fun getting to know him when he is home!

Tuesday, September 20

Not too much new to report today.  Isaac gained just a little bit today.  They did start him on a steroid to work on getting his lungs stronger in order to get him off the C-PAP. They call the lung condition some kind of lung disease. I wish they wouldn't call it a disease as his problem is becaus he is simply young not because he caught something. Oh well. David held him today.  Isaac got kind of fussy even when David was holding him.  David said that Isaac even let out a scream at one point.  If I remember correctly, he used to do this before they removed the C-PAP the last time.  Maybe he is ready again.  He is also back to not opening his eyes very often and I think it is because he has the C-PAP hat on.  At least they aren't using the chin strap that makes him look as if he is wearing a football helmet.  We are a football household but this is too early to fit him for his first helmet...

HMMMMM what else to write.... Taco II is still alive!  I think that the excitement has died down a little bit. He might be forgotten, good or bad thing is that he is a Betta and I guess they only need to be fed every other day.  Problem... did I feed him yesterday or was that today... I think David is keeping track.

We went to Dairy Queen after dinner tonight (my sugar fast is't going very well).  On our way there we kept telling Arianna that she was getting a surprise.  We realize she is calling surprises Surpresents.  Again, I don't want to correct her because it is too cute!!

Have a great night.. hoping tomorrow is the start of the nasal cannula!  A mom can hope!

Monday, September 19

Isaac is still on the C-PAP and sleeping like a log.  I guess it is true what the nannies are saying... it gives him a good rest from the nasal cannula which causes him to work harder since he has to breath more on his own... When I visited today he was on his tummy with both hands up by his head.  He didn't even open his eyes once.  He had his buns in the air... I guess the Iverson children are going to sleep alike.. Arianna still does the same thing. When I see her with her buns in the air and she is fast asleep, I want to go in and pinch them!

Isaac is now 3 lbs and 6 ounces.  That is one full pound (and then some) more than his birth weight.  That is AWESOME! The nanny said today that is great news since he is even on the diuretic which would cause him to lose a lot of water weight and he still gained.  I think that I am secretly trying to gain for him.  I am watching the scale go up instead of down.  That is so wrong!  I thought breastfeeding (pumping) would cause me to lose weight... One of the nannies said that some women just pump to lose weight, they don't even nurse... funny.

I only spent about 20 minutes with Isaac tonight.  I told the nanny I feel bad because he hasn't been held in two days.  She said that technically he should still be in the womb where I wouldn't get to hold him. Also, that he is resting so well that he is growing and it is alright to not hold him.  I left thinking that when he gets home I don't think we will want to put him down!  I hope this isn't going to cause him to be a baby who doesn't want to be held. Is there such a baby like that???? I wonder.  The time of him coming home seems so far away.  I do still feel as if I am living someone elses life and that this really isn't me. People ask me if it is hard.  I tell them not really.  I think it is hard to believe that this is my life.  But I just do what I need to do day by day and know God's grace is sufficient for me.  Even when I do not know what to pray for, He will pick up the slack and take over.  He is upholding my family with His righteous right hand.  He will not let us down!

Oh, I don't think I mentioned yesterday that I spoke to the Dr. that goes to our church.  I asked her what we could specifically pray for.  She said complete restoration is a major prayer.  I thought, I should know that but have been meditating on what she said.  Yes, restoration in all areas of his body and mind. 

Off I go to join my family in sleepy time!!  Have a great night.

Sunday, September 18

We went to church today but had to sit in the overflow room.  Arianna is still battling a cold.  She had a runny nose so we couldn't send her to Kid's Town.  She sat with us which wasn't much fun for any of us.  She is getting very spicy these days.  Don't know if she is feeling the change with Isaac and our visits to the hospital or if she is just testing the water.  Sometimes I think "Is this really my sweet Arianna?" When she would whine  I would whine back to her in the same voice she was talking.  She would look at me funny.  I would say that is what you sounds like.  I think I will start that up again.  It couldn't hurt for her to hear how she sounds.

David and I took turns going to see Isaac today.  David watched the Bears lose the game while I went to see him.  He looks good.  He has good coloring and surprisingly had gained quite a bit of weight He is still holding onto the 3 + lbs.  I am proud of him!  He is on the C-PAP but without the chin strap underneath.  So it isn't as cumbersome.  When I was there his heartrate kept elevating over 200.  The nanny came over and thought that maybe repositioning him would work.  Sure enough, when she set him on his tummy with a body pillow under his chest and a pillow for his head he calmed right down.  When I first saw a baby sleeping on their tummy in the NICU I was concerned.  Then I was reminded that all of the monitors would alarm the nurses if anything was going on with their breathing.  I asked the nanny what will happen when he comes home wanting to sleep on his tummy.  She said that they will train them to sleep on their back once they are in a regular crib in the NICU.

When I asked the nanny how he was doing from last nights episodes (it was the same woman as yesterday), she said everything looked good, no infections and few desats and bradies.  So they do believe he was just tired from breathing with the nasal cannula.

I keep falling asleep as I write this.  Have a good night and happy Monday!

Saturday, September 17

We are back on the C-PAP.... sad.  I received a call from the NICU tonight around 6:30.  Isaac had more bradies and desats than they want this afternoon.  So they did some more blood work to see if he has another infection and everything came back normal.  The doctor thought maybe he was just tired from the nasal cannula so she put him back on the C-PAP as well as he is going to be on a few more rounds of the diuretic to remove some more fluid.  He did lose a little bit of weight over the night.  But I thought he had gained too much in one day any way so I am wondering if yesterday's weight gain wasn't actually accurate. She said to not be surprised if he loses more weight over the next few days due to the diuretic. Can i have some of that?  I could use the weight loss.

I went in this morning and kangaroo held him.  Wow, how nice, his head was right under my chin and I kept kissing his head.  He slept on me for about an hour. He sure is snuggly.  I kept falling asleep too.

Please pray for the doctors and nurses to have wisdom about what is going on and for Isaac to become stronger and stronger every day.  I spoke in his ear, before they lowered the top of his isolette, and I reminded him that he is a strong boy and that he is going to overcome all of these challenges.  I assured him that I loved him and that he couldn't do anything to change that. 

David and I know our son is coming home one day and that he will live and not die... sometimes this rollercoaster ride isn't very fun.  I gave up rollercoasters in my late 20s... they make my stomach queasy, kind of like how some of the phone calls I receive from the NICU make me feel.

Friday, September 16

Whew!  The first week down!  Exhausted.  But I did it! 

I did not go to see Isaac today... the first day of his life that he hasn't seen me or heard my voice or felt my touch.  I am a little sad but honestly when David and I decided that I wouldn't go after work tonight I felt so relieved that I instantly felt tired.  David has been cooking and having dinner ready for me when I get home from the hospital every night.  He is such a huge support!

BUT!! I did call and the "nanny" said that he gained a lot of weight. He went from 3 lbs 1/2 ounce to 3 lbs 4 ounces... hmmmm what day was his breastmilk from and let me keep eating that, right!  It was probably one of the days that I had some chocolate cake for my birthday and the fat content was high! I must eat more cake! David did go see him today and held him for over an hour.  Tomorrow, it is my turn and I can't wait.

Oh, and we have Taco back.  Well, Taco II really.  This time Taco is in the form of a Betta fish.  They said Bettas are stronger and maybe they will survive the Iverson household.  I just hope the tank won't smell like the goldfish tank did, yuck.  I am glad it is only a gallon tank.

Thank you again for reading! Have a tremendous weekend.

Thursday, September 15

It is so hard to believe tomorrow Isaac will be 5 weeks old.  I came up with a new response to when people ask if he is home yet.  I am going to say "he is currently living with his 24/7 nannies and the best part is insurance pays for part of his care!" Does that sound believable?

Anywho, Isaac is currently 3 lbs and 1/2 an ounce.  So he is getting there.  I think his cheeks are actually chubby. Oh and he is off the C-PAP again. He isn't even on high flow oxygen, he is on low flow oxygen.  My little over achiever.  I tell you he is something else.  I think his thighs are even bigger.  He was more active today then I have seen him since Monday.  His eyes were opening again and they were opened at longer intervals too.  I changed his diaper tonight and when I was doing so I couldn't get the clean one back on him.  One bun kept creeping out.  I had to get one of the "nannies" to help me.

I am glad it is Friday tomorrow, I am exhausted being back to work.  This morning I thought I would sleep in for a little bit.  Well, the rest of the morning was a bust.  Ari kept crying "I don't like my pants." (okay mom, don't laugh).  Literally, she was crying about it.  I reasoned "but that outfit came as a set." anywho, she stayed in her pants and kept asking "I want gum for the road."  My response..." we have to eat breakfast first".  Then to top it all off my 2 mile/10 minute commute turned into 30 minutes.  I know, I know most people have a really long commute.  But when you are running late already it truly makes it for a more difficult morning. 

Have a good Friday!  I know I will....

Wednesday, September 14

We have a 3 lb butterball on our hands!!! He is just 3 pounds today! yippee. For some of you who might be thinking "How much does he have to weigh to go home."  They told us he doesn't have to weigh a certain weight before going home.  He needs to have a continuous weight gain, be able to hold his own body temperature and one more thing I don't remember at this time of night.

Isaac is also wearing clothes for the first time in his life.  It was yesterday actually which was his first day.  He was wearing one of those ugly hospital baby shirts... so needless to say I am washing his preemie clothes tonight and taking them tomorrow so my little guy will woo all the nurses!  They do fight over who takes care of him... i don't mind as long as she (just because they are all women in this NICU) takes good care of him.

Overall he "looks" good.  He is filling out and his face is getting chubbier.  Today they tried to put an IV in him too many times for my taste.  He has a blood mark under the skin on his other hand, prick marks on both feet and one on his leg.  They ended up putting a pick line in  right under his armpit (or so it looks like).  A pick line is one that can stay in him for at least a month.  Since he is still getting the antibiotics they needed to do this.  Me being the typical mama thinks he is sleeping more than he had been.  But I try to remember that he is doing a lot of things.  The nurse said today wore him out from him crying due to being poked so many times. I did get to hold him to which I told him when he comes home he will not get poked and proded at home so hurry up and gain weight and get those lungs strong.

Oh, by the Taco did die yesterday  morning.  I got up and went to have Arianna feed him.  I looked in the tank and Taco was on the bottom.  Not knowing what to tell her at that point I had her feed him anyway. To which her quick mind said "He not moving... mommy make him move." Still not knowing what to tell her, I said, we have to go, I'll try to get him to move tonight.  David removed Taco from his tank and cleaned it.  David swears that I killed him because I didn't rinse the rocks before I filled the tank.  Okay Mr. Fishman!!!Last I knew he had cats and dogs when he was younger...hee hee. Ari didn't notice even up until tonight that Taco was no longer.  Then as we were talking to Grandpa on the phone he proceeds to say something about Taco not moving.  Ari turns around, looks at the tank and says "Taco not in there, Taco dying?"  That girl is quick. 

One more Ari story for the night.  We went out to eat before going to the hospital.  I think she took a talking pill because she was non-stop talking.  Anyway, she and I were talking and she said "you have something in your teeth." I smiled at her and she says, "oh yeah, there it is, I get it out?"  I laughed so hard.  I have to be on my toes around here these days.  She also spelled the word pie on her own tonight... amazing.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Papa Ivy here and today I got to hold my son for the first time in a few days.  Isaac is now off the medication that helps get the fluid off of his lungs.  He will still be on antibiotics for another week.  He was completely calm and at peace when I got there today and remained that way until I left a while later.  The spot on his arm and his left hand continues to improve and look better and better.  You can barely tell they were there at all.  Talinda found out that one of the doctors in the NICU goes to Life Changers.  Talk about divine Providence!

Isaac had a weight gain of 15grams today which puts him just one ounce under 3lbs.  He's catching up to daddy fast! 

We love you all and appreciate your prayers and support!

Peace,

Papa Ivy

Monday, September 12

I started back to work today...exhausted.. already and it is only Monday night.  Hopefully I will at least lose some weight out of this deal...

Okay, so I saw Isaac tonight for a little while.  We are still on hold to hold our son... sad but know it is the best for him.  He is still on the C-PAP (yuck) and he lost 5 grams.  However, they think it is from the diuretic that they are giving him again to get rid of the fluid on his lungs.  So they aren't concerned about the weight loss.  They will give him the diuretic for 2 more days.  He also has a red and irritated mark on the inside of his elbow.  They are treating it with an antibiotic because they aren't sure how he got it.  It looks like an infected something or other... The back of his other hand has a blood line under his skin where they drew blood.  Needless to say he doesn't "look" too good.  He is still healthy though and I try not to go by what I see.  I have a friend who has said that these Drs and nurses seem to be proactive rather than reactive with their care for him.  Which I agree with him and know that they are giving Isaac the best care he could get anywhere.  Plus the nurses put up with all of my questions and saying "that doesn't look right," "what is that?"....

Please pray for his eye exam tomorrow.  As if he doesn't have enough going on, he will be having his eyes examined at 8:40 am tomorrow.  From what the nurse says it isn't a very fun exam for all those involved.  They have to hold him down in order to get the dilating solution in his eyes, hold his eyes open and examine each of them.  The nurse said that it only takes 15 seconds per eye.  But to me, if I were there watching, it would be 30 seconds too long as they hold down my son.  Which you have read, he will not be in favor of that since he likes to move.  So the nurse tonight said we most likely won't be able to hold him again tomorrow due to all of the handling and stress for him... sniff sniff...3 days in a row.  They are looking for the blood vessels in the back of the eye to see if they are torturous... which basically means growing in a wrong pattern... not painful. One funny thing is that during dinner tonight we received a phone call.  It was an automated appointment reminder for Isaac Iverson's eye exam. It asked if I wanted to confirm... I almost cancelled it but thought it best not to get involved.

Just for those who are wondering (as I am amazed by this) TACO LIVES!!! His tank already smells which I am not fond of but we have managed to keep a fish alive for 3 days. Way to go Iversons!

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Today was a day of remembering and honoring those who lost their lives and those who gave it willingly.  I remember listening to the Bears game on the radio today during the opening events.  The fans gathered at Soldier Field were informed that there would be a short video, then Taps would be played followed by a 1 minute pause to honor the fallen of 9/11, then the National Anthem would be sung.  Well,...the video and Taps went off without a hitch, but somehow the minute of silence turned into a chant of USA, USA, USA.  So much for following instructions I guess.

But I digress.  We had our own version of terrorist attacks of our own today.  Talinda called the NICU after church and was informed that Isaac's white blood cell count had gone up which is a sign of possible infection somewhere in his body.  Also found out that he had some extra fluid on his lungs which has happened before and successfully treated. 

I remember before Isaac was born that the NICU staff had come in to talk to us and said that there would be days where it would seem like tremendous progress was being made and then there would be days where we'd take a couple of steps back.  We both said "Ok" and didn't think anything of it after that.  Now that we're in the thick of it, it's a lot different. 

He's back on the bubble cpap now(which none of us like, including Isaac), and they have drawn some blood to work up cultures to see what is going on with our child of promise.  Talinda was there for a little while and said he didn't look too good.  Ari and I had called T to see how things were going.  After we got off the phone, AJ and I prayed for Isaac and Mommy.

We had just gotten out of service when T had called to check in.  That's when she received the news that he wasn't having the best of days.  Tomorrow the doctors will receive the results on the final culture to determine what is going on with Rocky.  We're standing firm against pneumonia or even the thought of it, which is a concern right now.

From day one the devil has tried his best to take Isaac out of commission with sickness and disease and has failed EACH AND EVERY TIME!  God has tremendous plans for our son and I can't wait to see what He has in store for him.

Be in agreement in prayer for:

1. Continued wisdom for the doctors and medical professionals concerning Isaac.
2. For a report of no pneumonia in Isaac's body.
3. For any infection that is there to be cursed from the roots.
4. That Isaac is healed by the stripes of Jesus and free from pain in his body.

God had a word for T and I today at church,...It may feel like you're praying every Psalm with King David and quoting every Proverb with Solomon, crying out to God when it feels like He's so far away, but,.....from this day forward, GOD WILL BLESS US!

We love you and appreciate each and every one of you!  Peace,....David

Saturday, September 10

I received a call this morning that Isaac's red blood cell count was low.  Therefore they had to start a second round of blood transfusions. The first one was on August 17th.  The nurse (our favorite Alex), said that it is great that this is only his second.  Isaac gained another 15 grams as well.  So he is still gaining which is great news.  Last night when David and I were there I thought his hand looked too white.  I said something to David but not to one of the nurses.  Then today when I was there, I could see a noticable difference in his skin color.  He is definitely pinker and has a better color to him.  He looks good and today he opened his eyes a lot when I was holding him.  It is so fun to talk to him and see his little eyes open and just look around.  He is getting stronger by the day. 

Today we have come up with a name for the fish... sort of... Taco or Paco.  I can't decide which it is as I think it changes to whatever suits Arianna's fancy at the time. We watched Grandma and Grandpa drive away today toward their house.  Arianna sat on the front step and said "we wait here until they come back." It would be a long wait... they won't be coming back this week like they have been for the past 6 weeks.  They have been such a blessing to my family.  David and I wouldn't be where we are today without our parents... a huge thank you to GIGI, NENA and POPPY!!! We love you so much! You have kept us a family by driving, cooking, cleaning, watching Arianna and so on and so on and so on!! We believe God to bless you back for your sacrifice and love!

Friday, September 9

We have added another member to our family.  Today we did purchase a goldfish.  The name still is to be determined.  My mom wants swooshy (Arianna can't say it).  So we wait for our 2 1/2 year old to name the fish. The realization of 3 adults from a trip to the pet store with a 2 1/2 year old:
1. Do not let the 2 1/2 year old carry the fish afterwards: Ari looks up at me and says mommy, look...the bag is upside down.  Praise God for the clerk who rubberbanded the top very tightly
2.  Make sure the bag the fish is taken home in is short enough to not drag on the ground while the 2 1/2 year old is carrying it... conversation while getting in the car "oh my, the bag is leaking... give me another bag." My dad "I think we lose about 20 drops of water every mile... how far are from the house."
3.  Do not take a tired 2 1/2 year old to get a fish... While this conversation of the leaky bag is going on, Ari proceeds to arch her back and fight with Grandma because she wants to hold the fish and doesn't want to get in the car...
Nonetheless, the fish and everyone arrived home safely...

Isaac is doing well still today.  He had another 15 gram (1/2 ounce) weight gain last night. When I went to see him this morning he proved to still be a busy boy.  His little hands were up by his face then I saw something moving right under his chin... his foot appeared out of the top of his blanket.  Wow is he limber. David & I went back tonight to see him.  It is true, you can love 2 children with equal amounts of love. I never thought it was possible... but it is!

Thursday, September 8

Not much to report tonight.  We are in a holding pattern again... Isaac did gain weight again today.  If I remember correctly it was a 10 gram weight gain.  So we are on the up and up and up!!! They gave him a good bath today and as I look at his hair it is lighter... sad.  It is more of a dark blonde than a dark brown. Hmmm I guess time will tell.  I think I have heard that babies lose their first head of hair anyway.  RIGHT???? His eyes were opening up a lot.  If I could read morse code I think his eyelids were saying "I love you mommy".

Isaac has now been on the high flow cannula for 2 1/2 days off that C-PAP.  I did speak to the doctor again tonight and he mentioned that we do have about 2 years of seeing specialists after he is discharged from the hospital.  This will be for physical therapy and developemental things.  At least the doctor's office is only 15 minutes away from us.  I think after this stay in the NICU we will be able to handle the drs. visits.

We haven't gone to purchase Arianna's fish yet. Hoping tomorrow sometime.  I have been trying to find clothes to wear for when I return to work on Monday. Since I haven't lost the baby weight and I can't technically wear maternity clothes... ummmm not a fun feeling. I have my 4 week check up tomorrow to make sure I am cleared to return to work....

have a great weekend!

Wednesday, September 7

Another successful weight gain!  Isaac is now weighing 2 lbs 11.7 ounces. He is still on the high flow oxygen as well.  When I arrived to the NICU this morning Isaac was so alert. He was trying to open his eyes and look around.  As I held him this morning face to face I saw how slender his head truly is.  I think that is an Iverson characteristic.  I really like seeing his dark head of hair.  I hope it stays dark. His face is a little scrunchy as it needs to fill out by gaining more weight. It was so good to just see him free from the nose tube, the hat and the chin strap. Still working on getting our camera fixed. Hoping to have new photos for everyone soon.

As for the fish front and Arianna... we will be adding a new member to the family this week.  She has earned her fish.  Nena (grandma) and I set up the fish tank tonight... not realizing it needs 2 to 3 days to filter and work out all the icky stuff before you can get a fish... I think Nena added a few good behavior points while I wasn't here this morning in order to help Arianna.  I keep telling Ari that Nena is one of her greatest advocates and that she better be nice to her all the time!

Tuesday, September 6

Okay everyone, prayers are being answered!  Isaac gained another 5 grams yesterday. Not much, but it is progress in the correct direction.  Today when I arrived to see my son I saw a gorgeous head of dark brown hair, a cute little nose, two little ears.... which meant.... no C-PAP!!! They had put him on high flow oxygen at around 9:30 this morning.  I arrived around 10 and he had good oxygen saturations.  Better than the other day when I held him and they removed his oxygen and he quit breathing.... I think that was Thursday or Friday's post.  Anyway, they said he might not stay on the high flow but they were trying it.  I held him for about 20 minutes before nurse Alex said he should be put back in the isolette.  While I was holding him he had some bradies and desaturations so she thought it was best to return him.  However, when David went back this afternoon he was still on his high flow... So... he still needs to gain weight to improve the strength of his lungs.  I guess once he starts gaining weight a lot of things will change.  I think I have told everyone that though.

They are increasing his food intake to 25 mls every 3 hours still.  Trying to get him to gain weight.  If you know much about breast feeding, they want me now to bring in only hind milk to boost up the calories.  Otherwise they might give him a high caloric formula every other feeding to help increase his weight gain.  They are going for 15 to 20 grams a day.

My parents are back up helping me this week to prepare for me returning to work next Monday.  I hope to be ready physically, mentally and spiritually... oh and hoping to have a house that doesn't need cleaning or any laundry done.... I know the first week will be tiring for me but like I always say to myself "I am Talinda Iverson and I can do anything and overcome anything!"

Oh, I forgot to tell you... Arianna is on her way to earning some fish for her fishtank that Nena and Poppy bought her.  She gets rewarded for good behavior and she needs one more good behavior mark to earn herself some fish!!! However, if she has some bad behavior (pouting, telling someone no, etc) then she has a good behavior mark removed... Come on girl!  Earn your fish!

Monday, September 5

I am posting this Tuesday morning, sorry about that.  Supposedly Isaac had another 15 gram weight gain yesterday.  However, they are still having a hard time with consistency in his weighing.  So the nurse he had yesterday, Alex, was frustrated with it again.  We like her.  She is truly one of his advocates for him progressing.  She even took pictures of him yesterday because she knew we didn't have any without any of his headgear. He might need a red blood cell transfusion too as his count went fro 38 to 32 in the past week.  They are going to wait to see for certain but it is a concern. They are going to x-ray him today to see if the water on his lungs has gone down.

So we are in a holding pattern still, waiting for him to grow in stature! When he grows it will do so much for his little body and his lungs.  Alex also yesterday noticed that he had been swaddled for the past few days and his isolette was colder than she thought it should be.  This would cause his body to have to regulate it's own temperature which cause him to lose weight as well.

If it were only that easy for us adults to lose weight.. I would stand outside, in the dead of winter, with only my undies on just to lose 5 lbs!!!!

Sunday, September 4

David, Arianna and I got together tonight with some dear friends.  I tell you we almost felt normal again, like life was the same as it was before the birth of Isaac...our lives has changed drastically over the past month and a half, wow, time sure can go fast or slow, depending upon what is going on in your life...Somedays drag on and some are as slow as molasses. 

Isaac has had another day of weight gain. Keep up the good work son! He is now 2 lbs and 10 ounces.  Today they took an x-ray of his lungs and found them to be wetter than they want.  They gave him a dose of a diuretic today to have his body rid itself of the excess fluid.  They also started him on an inhaler for preemies to help him progress off of the C-PAP.  They say he really likes it and doens't act like he wants to move forward off of it. Please pray for this inhaler to work.  The doctor said it could take up to a week before they see results.  he is getting his dosage of the inhaler every 12 hours.

When I called to check up on him tonight the nurse was cleaning up his bedding.  She said he had urinated through his diaper.  Way to go Isaac!!! That diuretic is working like a charm. Sorry nurse Jennifer....

I was able to kangaroo care him this afternoon.  Our favorite nurse, Alex, mentioned to me yesterday that it is really good for him to still kangaroo care/hold him.  So many studies have shown the benefits for his weight gain and overall growth and health.  Although I enjoy seeing his little face and talking directly to him, this time isn't about me but getting him stronger and ready to face his amazing life!

Have a great day off tomorrow!

Saturday, September 3

Another gain!!! He now weighs a huge 2 lbs 9.1 ounces!  We are extatic. Now he needs to keep it up up up!  When I arrived this morning the nurse said when she had his head gear removed and was changing it all out that Isaac has a dimple in his chin.  She said it is hard to notice because his chin is so tiny but he has one...

I am going to try to go to church for the first time tomorrow since July 24. Hoping to make it.  David isn't feeling well. He couldn't even go see Isaac today because he has a runny nose and is sneezing.  We are looking forward to having 2 full days together.  David works on Saturdays and he arrived home today later than normal.  We badly need a family day and 2 in a row are even better. 

Have a great Labor Day!

Friday, September 2

Isaac is 3 weeks old today.  He is gaining weight and has great color.  It seems that everytime Talinda or I hold him, he's gotta let loose in the caboose.  I never knew that sound could come out of a little body.  Sounds like a gorilla with a toothache!  He is still swaddled up so his movement is restricted so he can gain weight.  I asked him to settle down, put on a little more weight, come home,....then rip around the house with dad all he wants! 

Time has truly gone by in the blink of an eye.  We are constantly reminded to cherish every moment, soak it in to the full, because when it passes it cannot be replaced.  God is the Restorer and is more than able to help us recover all that was lost.  Priorities come into focus clearer than ever.  Roots go deeper even when we feel that nothing is happening. 

I am grateful and humbled by the outpouring of love, prayer, and kind thoughts & words that are continually coming to our ears.  The food we've been getting hasn't been bad either!  Maybe I can sneak some into the NICU for Isaac.  If it does to him what it's done for me, he'll put on those pounds and be home in under a week!

Be in agreement in prayer with us for:

1. Continued healing & strength in Isaac's body.  Consistent and steady weight gain.
2. Wisdom for all the medical personnel concerning our "child of promise".
3. Strength for Talinda & I to be a godly example to each other, our precious Arianna, and to those around us.
4. Endurance to run the race set before us.

There are times when I look in the mirror and feel like a shell,...just going through the motions.  However,...I am reminded of a phrase that someone instilled in me long ago: "Tough times don't last.  Tough people do." - Van Crouch

We cease to strive in our own strength and simply rest in His.

God is with us,...He'll never leave us nor forsake us.  Our family, marriage, children, finances, relationships shall live and not die and declare the works of the LORD.  

Until next time.  We love you.

Thursday, September 1

Welcome September... what a great month you are!  The last night of the Bears preseason games too.  GO BEARS! 

Isaac gained weight today!!! yippee... kind of... they weighed him today with all of his head gear on, which they didn't do yesterday.  So it isn't an accurate reading.  However, I did get confirmation from one of the nurses that they will weigh him consistantly from now on and that is with his gear.. until of course he is ready to move out of it.  I did receive good news.  My breast milk does have enough calories and fat per ounce.  They were concerned that might be the reason he isn't gaining... so I will continue to pump every 2 hours...

I held him today just in my arms, like a normal baby.  It was glorious.  I got to talk directly to his face.  Inches away.  Oh my sweet boy!!! However, I was short of punching the respiratory specialist today. The doctor came in and suggested since the C-PAP isn't bubbling consistantly to move him to the nasal cannula. You have seen this type, it is just the prongs in the nose that has oxygen flowing to them on a continuous basis.  Well, when they tried it, he started to not breath and turn blue... while I was holding him.  I wanted to cry.  So when they go the C-PAP back on him and stable, in walks the respiratory specialist who proceeds to think he needs new prongs.  They removed the prongs again and as she was putting the smaller ones on the tube, she dropped them on the floor...again, while he was in my arms.  There were 5 people standing around me at the time.  Finally the head nurse comes over, after they got the C-PAP  on him again and said "let mom enjoy her boy." So everyone walked away.  Afterwards I spoke the word over him, declared peace and that no weapon formed against him shall prosper.  I sang to him too. He even had tears in his eyes from the whole ordeal. The nurse said he was so mad his heart rate went high.  She said that she was not going to let anyone but daddy touch him for the rest of the day.  Of course they did what they needed for him, but nothing excessive.

When I left he was wrapped like a burrito to keep his arms and legs from moving. I was temped to stop by Taco Bell on the way home to get my own burrito!!

Thank you for your prayers and reading my babbling!  Here's to tomorrow's weight gain! I love you all!