01/02/2007

Hello everyone! I first want to say thanks for all of the support and phone calls. I hope everyone understands that I can't talk to everyone, and it gets really hard repeating everything over and over so please feel free to visit this page for all of the latest updates!



Many of you know by now that Emery was born on December 18, 2006 at 9:38 p.m. 15 weeks early at 25-6/7 weeks gestation (so really, just about 14 weeks early). I don't know why the web page says we're expecting. Truth be told, I really really wish we were still expecting.



Anyway, Emery was born because I had severe preeclampsia and it apparently was better for mom and baby for him to be out rather than in. So now, Erik and I have entered the NICU nightmare, which is some days horrid and other days joyful. The NICU staff has been very gracious, as has everyone.



Emery is stable. He has some complications, such as a patent ductus arteriosus and respiratory distress syndrome. As of right now, he has been receiving medication to try and close the PDA. If it isn't closed with this next round of medication then he will get surgery. Please keep Emery in your prayers. Though the surgery is sort of 'standard' in preemies, it's certainly not common or easy because he does only weigh about 1 pound 10 ounces. He seems to be a fighter, though, and loaded with personality already! We've discovered that he is happiest when no one talks to him or bothers him, so he is antisocial just like his parents. It's okay, though, we'll get him into therapy later.



As of right now, Erik and I travel back and forth each day and then spend weekends at the Ronald McDonald House. Feel free to post and ask questions. It will be easiest for me to keep everyone updated here. Thank you all for all of the prayers and donations. God has certainly been working through all of you and meeting our needs before we even ask! Much love, Sarah

01/04/2007

It's a miracle! For all of you who have been praying for Emery and his heart and lungs, I want you to know that the Lord has listened. Erik and I spoke with one of the doctors tonight and we learned that Emery's heart condition is considered no longer there. The PDA is closed after his last round of medication. Emery had an echocardiogram today and the nurses and doctors listened to his heart. They saw no PDA on the echo and heard no murmur. As of right now, there is no heart surgery planned. The doctors are planning on 'watchful waiting' to see how he progresses, and I'm hoping that they will up his feeding tomorrow so that he can get the appropriate nutrition. He still needs lots of prayers for his lungs. I want to thank all of you for your comments and prayers. They have meant so much. Last night, Erik and I had a chance to go back to the Furnace and tell the kids about what was going on. I miss them all so much. I have to remember that God has blessed me with many kids and not just one. The kids prayed for us. They've twice given us $$ that has paid for traveling expenses back and forth to Iowa City. I am amazed at how much God is everywhere right now in this tough situation. Though this is the hardest thing we have ever been through, just knowing that so many of you are praying is a source of tremendous comfort. Thank you all for being there and for being supportive. The nurse last night actually caught Emery on film with his eyes open, so I'm hoping to have those scanned and on the site soon. Again, thank you all so much. You are all gifts from God. I can tell you that neither of us feel quite worthy of all of the love and support you have given us, so I will never be able to thank you all enough. I have been praying for you all as well, though, and throughout all of this we are still praising and thanking God!

01/07/2007

Well, Erik and I are home from our weekend with Emery. We are both having a hard time being home. When we are there it really doesn't matter how he's doing, but when we leave we struggle quite a bit. Emery is doing pretty good. The doctors have upped his feedings to 4 mL every 4 hours, and he's doing okay with those but still has some residual on occasion. He can still use all of your prayers obviously. It's possible he will need heart surgery when he is 6 months of age, and he has all of the usual complications of a micropreemie. It's basically a waiting game. Whatever pops up, the doctors treat. It's frustrating and tiring, and yet I hope throughout all of this our faith will be strengthened. So many of you have come together to pray for him already, and that in and of itself is a miracle. Many of you have put Emery on prayer lists at your churches. Would you all be willing to let me know what churches he is on the list? I have a hope that some day Erik and I can take him to each of the churches who prayed for him and offer thanks. Anyway, he is still gaining weight, and most importantly, he's still here! Thanks for all of the support. Love, Sarah and Erik