Sept 11, 22009

Kelsey's finally growing!!!! She's up to 5 lbs 2 oz, but she has a long way to go before she can come home. She's still struggling to get her breathing stabilized and off the oxygen help she's getting. They can tell her liver is getting smaller but it's still way to big for her little body and hinders her breathing (it's pushing on her diaphragm) and eating larger amounts of food. So, to help her gain weight they have add calories and protein to my milk. And that seems to be working. : ) She is also still having problems producing the right amounts of red blood cells and platelets. She's getting a blood transfusion today because her red blood count got to low. Since red blood cells bring oxygen to the body this is also affecting her breathing. Unfortunately, her heart is starting to cause her some problems that we hope can be fixed/maintained with medicine until the small holes (VSD and ASD) and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) can close on their own (vs worst case open heart surgery later). Right now they are monitoring everything and will do another echocardiogram next Friday. The heart problems are also affecting her breathing because it's putting some fluid on her lungs, but again they are hoping the meds will help until the holes (VSD and ASD) and PDA can close. She's still on a feeding tube until she can breathe better. She can't learn to suck-swallow-breathe until she can breathe better. And, she can't come home until she can eat all 8 feedings on her own.

So, to summarize, Kelsey needs to start making her own red blood cells and platelets, her heart (and lungs) and liver need to continue to heel...all so she can start breathing better and get off the oxygen support...so she can start self feeding...so she can come HOME.

Thank you so much for all the prayers, encouragement and support. It's amazing to see the hand of God work though his people. We know God is in control and loves Kelsey more than we do. We can't wait to bring her home but know we have to wait on God's timing because it's always the best.

Also, pray for Keeton as he's having a tuff time adjusting to not having mommy and daddy around all the time. And, pray for me I'm going today to have an ultrasound to see if I have gallstone. ugh!!! And for poor Andy who has to be the rock for all of us. He's doing a wonderful job dealing with a sick baby girl, cranky son and stressed out wife in pain.

Thanks again for all your prayers,


Andy, Patti, Keeton and Kelsey


Pictures.....

Here's Kelsey looking up at her daddy. She loves her daddy!!!!



Here's momma holding sweet little Kelsey's hand. She's still just a little girl.

Here's our sweet baby girl!!!

Kelsey looks just like a little doll in a sweet outfit Grandpa bought her.

Kelsey's smiling here!!!!