she has recovered well from her g-tube surgery and we've begun to learn how to use it. it's been a little overwhelming. we kind of feel like we've been given an advanced trigonometry test to complete and we haven't even passed pre-algebra yet. but we're slowing getting over the shock and the unfamiliarity of all of this and the anger of why my baby has to have a tube coming out of her belly. because. . .well we have to!
we met with her team of doctors today and received some good news. they did a sleep study this week to ensure she isn't having any issues with breathing or heart decelerations or anything else unusual we need to worry about when she's home. she had no issues and therefore, we will not have to use any monitors when she comes home. this is a big relief for us. so her only medical equipment will be the feeding tube and a suction machine that will hopefully get minimal usage.
we also met with the home nursing company who will provide our nurses when we get home. it looks like we will not need round the clock nursing. but we will need a nurse about 40 hours a week or so. this will ensure adam and i can both work and will also help supplement our care as emerson will require a bit more energy than your average baby.
so all in all, things are moving ahead. we still have our ups and downs, of course, and are still trying to come to terms with this hand we've been dealt. sometimes i feel totally upbeat about it and other times i feel completely deflated. i'm trying my best to get to a place of acceptance.
to all who continue to pray for us and support us with your sweet messages, thank you. i know we haven't (me in particular) been great about responding. but know that your thoughts and words mean so very much to me. lots of love.
10 comments:
Home sweet home, Baby Em! It's just around the corner.
Dawn-I know that this was the least expected of all of your expectations when starting out on this parenting journey. But, you have been and always will be a strong girl.
You will dig deeper, and go further than you ever thought possible.
And...you will succeed.
I have no doubt that in the coming days as your heart grows even larger with love for this sweet girl, so will your future. It will all become clearer, the fog will begin to lift earlier each new morn and the sun will begin to shine brighter.
You were somehow made for this and as such, each day will weave a new beginning for you, Adam and Emerson.
There are many questions that may be left unanswered.
But, one question has been answered above all others.
Your sweet baby girl was made for you and you only.
You are hers and she is yours.
And the blessings that will be poured out on the two of you will be filled with grace...Just as you have named her.
All my love and well wishes.
~K~
I am SO happy that precious Emerson will be going home with you all soon. I love these new pictures. She just melts me. I LOVE what your sister wrote!!!! Know we will be praying for you all continually. I cannot tell you enough how the Lord has carried us through the trials we have faced and sustained us when we have been weak. And He never ceases to amaze me when we seek Him for prayer. Benji gets sick really easy, and a common cold for him is a serious situation for his body. When he gets sick, he just gets worse and worse and we have to get his oxygen tested, breathing treatments, antibiotics, etc. Then I took him to church for prayer, and God has totally been protecting him through some really yucky viruses we have had. And He has carried us when things have been difficult. Trusting in Him for his next heart scan too. God is SO good and wants us completely depending on Him. He has taught me this often in the last few years. And taught me how powerful prayer is. So, I mean it when I say that I will be continually praying for Emerson and you and Adam. We are lifting you all up to Him. I have never been through what you all are experiencing, but I know how much God loves you and that baby girl of yours- He did create her for you. I can already tell that you are an amazing mommy. Your love for her is strong. And let me know if you need anything cause we are just up the highway. I would LOVE to help in any way I can. Much, much love to you all, Cara
So, happy to hear your sweet baby girl gets to come home! I love the new pictures! She is so precious! I know she will love feeling the sunshine on her tiny face! Love you! B
Though I have never been to "Holland", I can only imagine the beauty of spring there as millions of tulips are in full bloom. :) I am thinking of your journey with Emmy, and the future that awaits as you bring your beautiful 'tulip' home!! We are so excited for you and Ada. Be prepared..for sleepless nights, times when you totally feel like you can NEVER do this, but more importantly, to fall in love all over again. What God can do to and through Mommies will never cease to amaze you!
Praying for your family,
Cindy
Emerson is just absolutely gorgeous and the three of you look wonderful! I just want to hold and cuddle her!! Hang in there... Things are progressing so well for her I have no doubt that everything will work itself out and you will start to feel more "normal" before long! Whenever I hit a bump or block in the road, I try to think, ok, how is this going to look to me in a week, a month, a year... It will all be the past by then and you will be in a better place just around the corner. I am so excited that Em gets to come home to you guys - I'm sure that will improve everyone's morale faster than you can imagine. We love you guys and always hold you in our thoughts, prayers and hearts.
Love, Brie, Jess & Drake
That photo of the 3 of you together is so beautiful!
I am happy to hear you will be able to take your little girl home - such a big and important step forwards!
Sendimg good vibes your way, as always. :-)
Congratulations Dawn! I remember the day they told me we would be preparing to leave the NICU. Very exciting!
I've got a friend who brings supplies with her on medical trips to Africa and was going through all of my extra supplies to give to her but thought you might need some things.
I'd love to share them with you. When you have a minute, please email me direct me@shariabercrombie.com and let me know where to send them or drop them. And if you'll be using feeding bags or doing bolus feeding with the 60ml syringes. I've got extra of both.
I'm sure you have a lot of support but we are here too if you ever have any questions or would like me to come by to go over things with you. I know it's all intimidating when you first get home.
Best wishes,
Shari
Sending so much love to you all. Hugs!
Our hearts jumped for joy in learning that baby Em was coming home to you and Adam.
I know that life throws situations at you that can be completely overwhelming and devastating. I also know that each bump in the road of life has a lesson behind it. You will get through this and be that much stronger for going through it. I keep telling myself the only way through a tough time is just through it!
Baby Em is so lucky to have you as her mom. There is no greater love than that of a mother. She will bring you so much joy and love that will grow deeper each day.
Please know that Mike, Kaity, Tay and I pray for you, Adam and Em each and everyday. We love you!
Jill
Dawn & Adam,
You are amazing. Not only are you raising a beautiful, strong daughter but you are setting a solid example of love, faith, and determination for so many others. The Cravens and Prescotts are praying for you.
xo
Michelle
Post a Comment