This is a video taken a week or so ago of Rachael holding Jimmie. Mom- correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that is Nurse Carolyn- she is a very amazing nurse. So encouraging and caring. She always goes above and beyond...
Jimmie is doing good!
He still may have to have a blood transfusion. If the weekend doctor doesn't give him one than a decision will likely be made on Monday. He's just kind of hanging on-- right on the edge.
His sodium levels look good now!
No more lasix either. His lungs sound clear.
He is only in the 10th percentile with his weight and is having a bit of trouble moving forward. He tends to go a few steps forward and then a few steps back with his weight. He is gaining, but pretty slowly. The doctor feels this is because they are comparing him to babies who are usually still on the ventilator or cpap and don't work as hard as he does. He is such a scrappy little fighter. They feel slow weight gain is preferable to the ventilator or cpap though. So just pray for Jimmie to be able to steadily put on weight.
For the first time today Rachael is actually frustrated with some aspects of Jimmie's care. She asked for prayer to be able to stand up and be Jimmie's advocate in a graceful- but firm way. She doesn't want to be the annoying mother, but she also will not step aside quietly when she sees things she is not happy with.
I won't go into details, but it is definitely an inconsistency in his care. This goes with the territory of numerous different people taking care of your child. She feels respected and heard by some and not others. As Jimmie's mother she is the only consistency and knows everything!! So she is his best advocate. She wants to be respectful and respected. She's going to be practically living in this NICU for months.
So just pray she would have grace and wisdom to communicate her desires about Jimmie's care. And pray she would have the favor of everyone who works with Jimmie!
Pray all of these things for Justin too. Of course! (-:
Thank you so much!!!
Love,
Amber
I would highly recommend that Rachel ask if Jimmie can have a primary nurse. That is, one nurse that is the only one to care for him. In the event that she is not there ie her day off or not her shift, then someone else can care for him. We did this with my daughter and it was so nice. One nurse all the time instead of them rotating daily. It's worth a shot just to ask.
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled to hear that Jimmie is doing so well!! Keep up the great work little one!
God bless!
I found your blog through Jonah Williams' blog... I had to comment on what a beautiful boy Jimmie is! My cousin had her son last May at 23 weeks, 5 days. He was teeny-- just like Jimmie-- but now, at 9+ months, he is at home, off almost all his meds, and a whopping 14 pounds! I just wanted to let ya'll know what a miracle Jimmie is, and that you're not alone in your struggles.
ReplyDelete~Elizabeth in NC
I saw you comment on Jonah's blog and I wanted to hop over. I think what you are doing for your sister and Jimmie is amazing. They are incredibly blessed to have you!
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for Jimmie..that he will continue to grow strong and put on some good weight!!!