The Ride Continues

As I sit here writing this blog, I reflect back on all that has happened over the last 23 days here in the NICU. Wow...that pretty much sums it up. They say we're going to be here until at least mid September...and everyone keeps saying it will continue to be a roller coaster ride. What a ride we have already been on! We hope and pray that we started with the worst ride in the theme park and all that are left are the "Kiddie Rides".

Drake and Kennedy are definitely celebrities at the NICU, Drake is a record holder here for longest to hold their bladder (7 days). Kennedy is his cheerleader, every time we look at her she is waving her hands in the air.

Tomorrows roller coaster will begin with X-rays of Drake's knee. It is extremely swollen and badly bruised. The doctors were telling me that one of the risks and side affects of the diuretics is calcium loss which could make their bones brittle. They are worried that he might have a fracture in his little knee. All the heel pricks they do for blood work, four times per day, result in them bending their little legs up to get the blood. They were telling me stories of some that fractured their foots with light touching. This would be adding so much more stress to an already traumatized little boy. If it is fractured or broken he would have to have a splint on it until it heals. My heart absolutely breaks to think he would have a fractured knee or bone. I will be praying extra hard that the X-ray comes back negative, please join me in doing the same.

He is still continuing to produce really good amounts of urine and it is over the minimum they would like to see. As I mentioned earlier, the fight he must put up will continue. They are continually watching his electrolyte levels; some are rising some are falling, give him this, take away that. It's a never ending process with his blood work and medicine changes. Please continue too pray that his kidneys are not too damaged and they continue to function when they begin to ween him off of the diuretics.

Kennedy is doing well and resting from her continued feedings...2# 10oz now! The nurse just called me over to see a first for Kennedy...She was sucking on her thumb. She is absolutely adorable and has completely melted herself into my heart. She can have a bit of an attitude at times, but she quickly makes you forget about that when she looks you in the eyes. She is beautiful!

Picture: It is dark, but Kennedy is sucking her thumb and enjoying her evening.