Saturday, September 22, 2007 - Update

Update from Mommy:

How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings. - Psalm 36:7

It was so nice to see Logan and Olivia today, although we didn’t get to spend too much time with Logan. He really preferred it to be dark and quiet today. They did have to start him back on the dopamine. It seems that his urine output is greatly reduced without it. Once they start him back on the dopamine, he begins urinating again. Poor thing retains so much fluid . . . it just breaks my heart. They did get to turn down his vent settings just a bit and his oxygen has been around 60%. Logan did have to have another transfusion today, as did his sister.

They increased Olivia’s feedings to 16cc of milk and she seems to be tolerating it fine. Her oxygen has still been low at around 30%. She also had her vent settings turned down. Olivia was sleeping very peacefully when we were there today and looked just like a little princess. Oh, and she was sleeping in her isolette (not isolet) This blog has reached the nurses in the NICU. . .I seem to be explaining things fairly accurately, but I’ve been misspelling that one little word. Please continue to pray for the nurses and doctors who care for my precious children. Please pray that Logan and Olivia grow stronger each day and that they always know how loved they are!

Olivia 9.21.07

A new picture of beautiful Olivia

Logan 9.21.07

A new picture of handsome Logan

Friday, September 21, 2007 - Update

Jesus said "I have come that you may have life, and have it to the full"

- John 10:10

I’m happy to say that today was a better day for all four of us. Ryan and I actually went out to eat at Olive Garden which was the most normal thing we’ve done in weeks. Ryan took the day off as he didn’t get much sleep last night. He woke up at 2 am when I got up to pump and had finally gotten back to sleep when the phone rang at 3:30 am. Getting a call from the NICU at 3:30 am in the morning is one of the scariest experiences that I’ve ever had (and I’ve been robbed at gunpoint.) Logan’s tracheal tube had come out. They had to put a mask on him and bag him until one of the doctors was able to put a new tube in. He was never without oxygen and is doing fine. He also seems to be doing a little better today. His oxygen is a little bit lower. . his urine output keeps fluctuating, however. They thought about starting his feedings again, but have postponed that for a bit. We were able to spend quite a bit of time with him and were able to read him a story. Ryan got to change his little diaper.

We were able to spend some time with Olivia as well. She seemed to enjoy her story and she loves it when momma holds her. Her abdomen has looked a little blue lately, so that is something that they are monitoring. She is on 14cc of my milk. . that’s it. . .they stopped the IV fluid. They have added a human milk fortifier to add some calories for her. It’s wonderful that I’m able to nourish her body with my milk when I feel unable to help her most of the time. What a sweet little girl she is!!

We’re happy to say that Olivia’s weight has finally surpassed that of our smallest guinea pig, Persephone. She has a ways to go, however, to surpass all of them as I believe Bailey is close to 3 lbs. Oh, I have 6 guinea pigs and 2 rats, by the way. (Rats, you say?? My rats are actually two of the smartest, gentlest, most affectionate little creatures ever.) My animals helped me get through some tough times when I was unable to get pregnant. They continue to be a source of comfort for me. Ryan is my biggest source of comfort and I think God uses people (and even animals) to provide comfort to us in our times of need. I’ve felt so much better today just spending time with Ryan which is what I needed. I have to say that I feel like I have the strongest marriage in the world. No matter what is going on around us. . .I know that our love is strong enough to get through it. I also know that God is taking care of our babies. I know that He is hearing all of your prayers and I could never thank all of you enough. If you ever wonder what you can do for us. . just pray, pray and pray some more.

Thursday, September 20, 2007 - Update

I always read Jodi's posts before I load them onto their page. Each time I receive an email from Jodi I hold my breath and pray that I will read that it was a good day for Jodi, Ryan, and the babies. When they've had harder days, my breathe catches in my chest as I read the update. Today's update was particularly touching. Jodi has been my best friend for as long as I can remember and she has been there no matter what I have been going through. She has comforted me with her words when I've cried and has reassured me that indeed things will get better. Everything happens in His time according to His will.

That being said, I wanted to take a moment to reassure Jodi and Ryan that so many people are praying for each of you. Each day you are being lifted in prayer. Each day you are all in the hearts and minds of so many. I know the struggles you've faced, the road you've walked, and the pain you've felt while praying and trying for Olivia and Logan. The journey was long to get to where you're at today - and while you have your babies, the journey is not yet over.

Remember that each day is a new celebration. A celebration of the two lives that God has blessed you with. He chose each of you. You were hand-picked to be Olivia and Logan's parents. God knew that you would love them, provide for them, and fight for them. God does not make mistakes and this is no exception. There will always be the 'what-if's', but you must each know that Olivia and Logan were born at His choosing. You each did everything you should have done and could have done.

As I tell Jodi in our private emails, I am so amazed at her and Ryan. Through their children they are all reaching so many people. They are showing God's love through the most difficult time that either of them have experienced. God is working in their lives every day - but I believe he is also working in the lives of those who read this blog.

Please join me tonight by wrapping the Glunt family in your prayers. Please also be in prayer for the family who lost their little son.

Stacie

"Jesus says: 'Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also on me'" (John 14:1).

Today has been another difficult day. I just want to crawl into bed and never get up. Logan’s neighbor, a little boy named Johnrey, passed away today. Please keep his parents in your prayers and allow God to surround them with his love. It’s so hard to see the empty spot next to Logan and I wonder why such an innocent little life is gone. You know, I was given Percocet to help with the pain from my surgery. . . I don’t have to take it too much anymore, but when I do it gets rid of my pain. I wish there was a pill to take that would get rid of the pain in my heart. It’s just so hard being in the NICU every day. Sometimes it’s the hardest place in the world to be, but my babies are there so it’s also the only place I want to be. Sometimes I get so angry and wonder why I have to go through this? Why couldn’t I carry them to term and then take them home with me like most people do? Why do I have to read about all of the problems and disabilities that premature babies sometimes face and wonder if my child will face those problems too? Doesn’t God know how much we’ve wanted and prayed for these children? Then, I remember that anger isn’t going to help my babies. They keep fighting, so Ryan and I keep fighting and we’ll never stop. Whatever obstacles we face, we will get through them together. Logan and Olivia will always know that we will do anything for them and that they are so loved by so many people. I probably shouldn’t be posting in the mood that I’m in. But, I’m just reminded that life is so fragile. As much as we sometimes complain about life and its little annoyances, be reminded of all the people (big or small) that are fighting to hold on to theirs.

Anyway, on to the update. . . Logan is doing about the same. They’ve been doing a treatment on him called CPT that helps with his lungs. When we were there today he did not tolerate it at all. I don’t know how many times they had to bag him. He looks like he’s retaining some fluid again, but seems to still be urinating. His oxygen requirements have been a little lower today. Logan’s liver sonogram came back normal. I also believe that his endocrine doctor is going to monitor his thyroid levels throughout the next weeks to see if there is any cause for concern. He needs so many prayers to get him through this rough patch that he’s in.

Olivia is doing well, although, she had a major desat episode while she was being suctioned. She normally doesn’t have that many problems with suctioning and seems to be doing okay otherwise. She was increased to 12cc of milk and her oxygen requirements have still been pretty low. They had thought about removing her IV fluids today, but have not yet done so. Please continue to pray that she grows stronger every day.

Weight Update:
Olivia 1 lb 11 oz
Logan 1 lb 12 oz (some of this may still be fluid)

Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - Update

Jesus says: 'Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened. And I will give you rest for your souls'" - Matthew 11:28

Logan continues to need an increase in prayers. His vent settings were moved back up and he’s still requiring 80-100% oxygen. They are going to run some tests on his thyroid and we’re still waiting on the results from his sonogram yesterday. They believe that his neighbor might have contracted a bug. If that is the case, his neighbor will have to go into isolation. Please pray for that baby and his parents and also that Logan doesn’t contract anything. I can’t imagine his body having to fight one more thing.

We did get to talk to their doctor tonight. When I asked him about Olivia’s progress he said, “She has decided to fly!” He also thinks that this could possibly be the turning point we were praying for. She is doing so great. . . her oxygen requirements are between 23-30%. They may remove the IV fluids as soon as Friday and she will be fed only milk. I did get to take her temperature and change her diaper tonight (I was a little more successful than I was last night.) You see. . .I have changed a fair amount of diapers especially in my babysitting days. Nothing prepares you for changing a diaper on a 1 lb 10oz baby. First of all, you have to stick your hands through the portholes on the sides of the isolet while watching her monitor out of the corner of your eye. There are IVs and tubes and wires to contend with and you don’t want to use too much pressure because she feels so delicate. Their nurses make it look so easy. J

We called it an early night tonight and got home around 7 pm. Some nights we stay up there and forget to eat supper, so tonight we’re going to try to relax a bit. Ryan has been getting up at 6 am, working all day and spending all evening in the NICU. Just being in the NICU (especially when your baby is having a rough day) is enough to wipe you out. So, we’re going to try to take care of ourselves tonight. Please keep my babies in continuous prayer.

Olivia 9.18.07

Daddy Holding Olivia

Look Closely ... Can You See Olivia Trying To Open Her Eyes? What a Beautiful Sight!

September 18, 2007 - Evening Update

Logan is doing a little better tonight. He has started urinating again due to the dopamine that was given. His blood pressure is better. His vent settings are still 28/6 (pressure) but with a rate of 30 breaths per minute. His oxygen requirements have still been sitting at 80-100% He had some additional tests run today including a sonogram of his liver. We don’t yet know everything that is going on with him, but he’s a tough little boy and he’s fighting so very hard. Please keep him in your prayers.

Olivia is doing well. She is now being fed 9cc of milk and had her first spontaneous stooling without the help of a suppository (who would have thought that these kind of things would just make our day.) Daddy was able to hold her tonight and also take her temperature and wipe her mouth. She is opening her eyes a lot more and it’s so heartwarming to look into her little eyes. She is now up to 1 lb 10 oz!! Please pray that she continues to get stronger every day.

Logan Update - September 18, 2007

What is impossible for people is possible with God.
Luke 18:27 NLT

We just ask for some extra prayers for Logan this afternoon. Ryan talked to Dr. Hsiao and they don’t really know what is going on with Logan. They’ve ordered some tests, but some of those won’t be back for weeks. They’ve given him some dopamine and he is urinating again, but his oxygen is still around 85%. . .vent settings the same. We’re just not quite sure why he’s struggling so much right now. Please keep him and Olivia in your prayers.

Olivia 9.17.07

First Time Mommy Got To Hold Olivia

Logan 09.17.07

Monday, September 17, 2007 - Update

For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 NLT

Well, Logan has had a really rough day and has been struggling quite a bit. His oxygen requirements have been between 80-100%. His vent pressure settings are 28/6 and the highest pressure setting that the doctors like to give is about 30 (the higher the pressure, the greater possibility of damage to his lungs.) He has gone back down to 35 breaths per minute, but was at 40 for a while. His blood pressure has also been really low today and this evening they finally got it up to the minimum amount that they like to see. They had to stop his feedings and he has not been urinating very well. I think he has only gone 9 ccs all day. He is retaining A LOT of fluid. . .so much so that his weight has gone from 680 grams to 810 grams in only one day. So, we can’t really tell you a valid weight for him tonight. Please please please increase your prayers for my little boy.

It was one of those really difficult nights tonight. It’s so hard to see your child struggling so much. It was also hard because Olivia was doing really well tonight and that made me so happy. Feeling happy about Olivia made me feel guilty about Logan and feeling upset about Logan made me feel guilty about Olivia. Her progress has been great, however. They increased her feedings to 6.9cc and her oxygen requirements have been between 30-40%. Her vent pressure settings are 25/6 with 23 breaths per minute. Olivia now weighs 1 lb 9 oz. And. . . .she has been opening her eyes!! I also got to hold my baby girl tonight while they changed the bedding in her isolet. The nurse was surprised with how well she did while I was holding her. The nurse seemed to think that she knew her mommy. We also learned that she loves it when I read to her and daddy hand hugs her. What a precious baby girl she is!!!

Please continue praying for my precious babies!! Please pray that Logan has a better day tomorrow and will be able to get through this rough patch. Please pray that Olivia continues to improve. They still have such a long way to go.

Sunday, September 16, 2007 - Update

This is an update I just received from Mommy.

Please continue to keep Ryan, Jodi, Olivia, and Logan in your prayers. God is working miracles in their lives.

The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Psalm 27:1 NLT

I don’t have a lot of news to report today which I consider a blessing. Olivia’s feedings have gone up to 5.1 ccs. Logan is still taking 3 ccs. We did ask about their lengths today. Both of them were 11.5 inches when they were born. . .Olivia is still 11.5 inches, but Logan is now 12 inches long. They still continue to struggle with their lungs and fluctuate on their oxygen. We also wanted to report that Logan’s left index finger is looking wonderful. I don’t know if all of you know, but after he was born the tip of one of his fingers was black. For a time, the doctors had thought that he was going to have to have the tip of his finger amputated. Later a skin doctor examined him and thought it would be okay. Last night we noticed that his finger is no longer black and it is healing nicely.

It does my heart so much good to see them every day. Somewhere in the midst of my exhaustion, my anger, my fear and my sadness is pride. I’m so proud to be Olivia and Logan’s mother for they are so fragile and yet so strong. I’m amazed by how they have ministered to so many people before turning 3 weeks old. How many people can say that? I often wonder how many people have grown closer to God by praying for my babies. I’m so proud to be married to Ryan. His love and devotion to me and to his children is unwavering. Logan and Olivia are so lucky to have him as their daddy.

We also ask that you begin praying about a brain scan that each of them will have in about a week. It is a scan that checks for something called Periventricular Leukomalacia or PVL. PVL is one of the main causes of cerebral palsy and other long term handicaps. It is primarily seen in premature infants with the most prematurely born infants being the most likely to have this problem. PVL is damage and softening of the white matter, the inner part of the brain that transmits information between the nerve cells and the spinal cord as well as from one part of the brain to another. As does any parent, I want the very best for my children and the thought of them enduring any hardship just brings me to tears. Please continue to pray for their development and for God to give them the strength to get through each day.