what we know:
--an MRI detected two small spots of injury on Em's brain (the basal ganglia to be precise). this injury is due to the oxygen she was depleted of during birth. she was taken out by emergency c-section after her heart rate dropped drastically and unexpectedly all of a sudden and didn't come back up. she wasn't breathing when she was born and had only a faint heart beat. doctors worked emphatically to resuscitate her and were successful by the grace of God.
--an EEG of her brain this week shows she has totally normal brain activity.
--an EKG shows her heart is perfect as are all of her other organs.
--she has progressed from being on a ventilator to supplemental oxygen to breathing entirely on her own. she also progressed from an IV feeding her through her belly button to a feeding tube that feeds breast milk (and some formula when I'm unable to keep up with the demand) into her stomach.
--she has picked up coughing, sneezing, crying, some sucking and very minimal swallowing in the 10 days since she was born. these are big strides!
what we don't know:
--when she'll be able to fully suck and swallow enough on her own to pick up nipple feeding. this affects when she'll come home with us. the goal is she'll come home when she can eat.
--how the damage to her brain will affect her long term. there is the possibility that her little brain can bypass these areas and rebuild around them and not cause her any long-term consequences. but we won't know for sure until we watch her grow and develop.
and i think that gets us up to speed. we are filled with hope and optimism. we have already seen little miracles every day and the impact of your prayers. thank you to all who have supported us, those we know and those we've never met, from near and far. i can't even express how humbled i am by your compassion.
and with that, i'll leave you with a photo of dear sweet dad holding little Miss Em today during his first time with "kangaroo care" (ie: skin-to-skin contact). i'm not sure which of them enjoyed it more.
6 comments:
Tears came to my eyes when I saw this picture of your hubby holding Baby Emmy....so precious. I'm still praying for all of you :0)
Shara
Good morning Dawn and Adam,
I know today holds a new challenge as your Kansas family prepares to leave, but a new horizon as Emmy continues to amaze you with progress. The news about her EEG and EKG is wonderful. As Kris, your encourager leaves, I want to leave you with some Bible passages that hopefully will keep your spirits calm.
The book of Isaiah 40 is entitled "Comfort for God's People". Also, Isa. 43:1-2 reads, "But now, this is what the Lord says, He who created you (Adam, Dawn , Emmuy),he who formed you..Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name;you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, They will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord Your God." This passage reassures me that God's strength is all you need to triumphantly survive trials.
Our prayers will continue, as I hope your updates will, since we have fallen in love with your little angel.
Cindy
Good Afternoon.. I am not sure how I happen across your blog. The last couple posts bring tears to my eyes. I will continue praying for you, your husband and your newest little one. I pray that she continues to get a little stronger each day and you will get to bring her home soon.
So precious.
I'll keep praying for steps in the right direction and God's healing hand on your little sweetie. It sounds like she's a toughy...that's a good thing:)
What a beautiful thing to finally love on your sweet little babe without so many tubes. "Kangaroo care" has got to comfort her soul as well as yours! We praise God for all the progress she's made in these 2 short weeks and look forward to more updates/pictures. (Ps 55:22) Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you!
Hi, I just stumbled on your blog today. I will be keeping Miss Em any your family in my prayers. I have three children and I just can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions you have going through. Keep your faith strong and I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. God bless you all.
Missy, WV
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