Recent Happenings

Daniel was taken to the NICU a few hours after he was born, due to severe jaundice. We were aware this would probably happen due to the pregnancy complications that we have been dealing with in the past few months. He is under double bili lights, and sometimes has an IV of fluid as well. He is currently in the high-intermediate risk zone of Hyperbilirubinemia, and can only occasionally leave the bili lights just to nurse (and some days he is not even allowed that much, depending on how he is doing).

I got to come home from the hospital yesterday, but we're not sure yet when Daniel will get to be discharged. It all depends on how his bili level is doing. His most recent level is 15.6, at approximately 72 hours old. We are praying it will not get much higher, because if it did, he would need an exchange blood transfusion. We are hoping and praying that the level will come down. We are anxious to bring him home! The children want to meet their new little brother!

We so appreciate all the prayers and love that has been poured out for us. We are so grateful to the Lord for blessing us with our dear little Daniel, and for giving us so many dear friends and family who care!

Yesterday was Bethany's birthday. Four years ago she was in the NICU as well! Yesterday while visiting Daniel, we bumped into our favorite nurse that took care of Bethany when she was hospitalized! We considered that a special gift from God, since this hospital is huge, and this nurse doesn't work very often! Some of the ladies who worked in the NICU heard that Bethany was turning four that day, and that she had been there herself four years earlier. They made her a special birthday card with Daniel's footprint on it, and sent home a little gift for her. :) It is special to look at Bethany now--completely healthy. The Lord gave us strength and grace to go through that trying time, and He is doing it again, just as He promised He would!

"How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy He gives;
But sweeter still, the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He lives!

Because He lives I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives all fear is gone!
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives."

~Because He Lives, by Bill and Gloria Gaither

Update: As of 6:00 p.m. tonight (4/12), Daniel's bilirubin was 16.9.

Posted by Katie on 4/12/2010