Monday, December 22, 2008

The Incredible Shrinking Baby

Jersey Girl is pulling through! Most importantly, she's lost the majority of her fluid. Yesterday alone she lost half a liter, that's 1.1 pints or 2.1 cups or 16.9 ounces, that's huge for her! Second very important item is she was able to have her chest closed on Saturday, her skin is closed but her sternum is still opened. The surgeon said she'll heal quicker when her skin is closed and her risk for infection is greatly reduced. We're still waiting for additional fluid to be lost before her sternum is closed but the doctors don't seem to be in any hurry. She's also being taken off her nitrous oxide (NO2). The reason she was on it is because it relaxes her bronchial muscles, which are constricted, allowing her to be better oxygenated. The doctors are also slowly weening her off some of her heart meds, the neosynepherine and epinephrine. Her blood pressure is SO much better, up from 30s/20s to 60s/30s, that's really good for her. While we want her to heal lightening fast we'll take the slow and steady, something is better than nothing.

She's finally looking presentable enough to bring Tatum and Tucker to the hospital for a visit. Tuck likes looking at her for about 2 seconds and then moves on to better things, like cookies. Chris asked if he'd like to be held up again to see Jersey and he responded, "No, I don't want to look at that." Some day he'll understand. Tatum on the other hand doesn't seem to see any of "that". She is thrilled just to touch her leg and rub her head. She loves to stare and sing to her. It's funny the difference. Is it the age difference? Boy vs. Girl? Personality? Perhaps all of the above.



Here's the Little Miss, and no she's not awake, she likes to keep her eyes open while she snoozes. While visiting her yesterday she was very awake, I've never seen her so awake and so active. Poor thing. She was given Adavan to knock her out again. Today she was on a constant drip of it to keep her asleep. Who would want to be awake during this, NOT ME! She is looking SO good! Her ears are better, we can almost fit a head band, and she can actually straighten a leg...well almost. And amazingly, her sweet foot and toes are looking better. They still look dreadful but they are pinking up in several areas. Looks like she'll still be able to twirl!



You know, it's funny what they say, but we can actually feel the prayers of the so many people who pray for our sweet Jersey. I admit, I've been quite the judger, when people would say they could feel prayers I kind of smiled to myself thinking "yeah, sure", but it's true. In so many ways we have been and are being humbled. It's very over whelming the love, sacrifice, and support others have given and shown us, and some we don't even know. From scrubbing our nasty showers to giving us money so many people have been amazing examples of love to us. When we've been too tired and heart broken to function we've felt nothing but love and encouragement. Our families have absolutely saved us and our ward is simply the best. How do you even begin to say thank you when thank you just isn't enough?

17 comments:

DEANNA said...

I just asked Shanen how your beautiful princess was doing today. I am so glad to see that things are slowly improving. Slow and Steady always wins the race.

I wish all the best for you and your family over the holidays and the coming new year.

Kim said...

Heidi,
your mom told me last night that Jersey girl had been closed up and that she had improved because of it. I'm so happy to hear that!

I love her hair!

Michelle said...

She looks so good. I'm glad she is doing so much better. And I can't believe the head of hair she has! We'll keep you guys in our prayers and I hope you have a good Christmas!

Shanen said...

Finally an update. I even talked to Crystal last night to "catch up" on how the weekend went. I am so glad to hear good news. I can't believe how much fluid she is loosing. What a great milestone to now be sewn up. What wonderful news. I hope you are feeling better. Take Care

MommyRohner said...

Sweet, Beautiful girl. I too love her hair. You might have to stop referring to your kids as the blondies : ).

We are so proud of her!

Ashleigh and Zebb said...

oh Im so glad things are improving still thats always good news! I hope you guys have a good Christmas this year! Jersey is such a special gift!

Jen H. said...

I've been checking back daily to see. What wonderful news!!! She looks so good and I just LOVE all her hair!

Penny said...

Hey Andersons! Just wanted to let you guys know that we are continually thinking about you and praying for you! Sounds like nothing but good news! You are such a strong family to pull through this the way you are, I know I would not do half as well as you are doing! Remember that your neighbors the Snyders love you and would like to help in any way. If you need a break from those "naughty times" (believe me, we understand!) let us know, day or night, rain or shine!
Penny

Nichols Family said...

Soooooo relieved she is feeling and doing better each day! She has beautiful big eyes like her mommy. Good to finally talk to you the other day too! Hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Love,
The Nichols

Kristin said...

yeah for Jersey Girl!!! I am so excited that she is was able to have her chest closed. One day closer to being able to hold her again. I can't imagine how thrilled you must be, baby steps are good, she has come so far already!

Heather said...

You write some wonderful words Heidi. I am so glad Jersey is improving, that you are feeling strong and peaceful and that the prayers are being felt. We will continue to pray for your sweet family. You know, you would never ask for a trial like this but as it continues and you grow in so many ways you never thought possible you are grateful for the things you have learned and grateful to the Lord for giving you this opportunity.

Mandi said...

I can't tell you how happy that makes me to see that she is improving! Thank goodness for doctors, and mostly thank goodness for miracles, which is what that sweet little girl is. I am so happy for you guys in any improvement that is made. I never thought I would say it because I didn't think I would see it, but Jersey has way more hair than Thomas. You go girl! I love it!

The Ridgway Family said...

Jersey is absolutely beautiful. It brings back so many memories to see her like this, but not one that I regret. These little ones are so very special and I know that Eden taught me more in her 4 months of life than I would have learned in a lifetime without her. I think of you all day and pray for you and your family and Jersey.

I think it can be difficult for our little ones to see their sibling this way. My older girl did not mind and would have spent hours with Eden talking and singing to her the entire time. Emerson on the other hand was bothered by her condition and would get very ansey at the hospital. He will come around, but I used to allow Emerson to leave the room whenever she wanted and I would always tell her that she did not have to go into the room if she didn't want. She did warm up to seeing her, it just took time.

Please write or call anytime of you want to chat.
kridgway@cox.net
Heart Hugs, Keisa

foreveryoung said...

What a great Christmas present! I'm thrilled that she is making progress and that they were able to close her chest! Her hair is so adorable, I can't believe how much she has and is that red I see?? I am still cracking up at the pictures of your kids pumping, ha!

Angie Whitman said...

Just was thinking about you today and how your doing. I hope you have continued good news and were able to spend a meaningful Christmas surrounded by those who you love.
As for saying thanks, I know exactly how that feels. When words aren't nearly adequate for the burden that has been lifted when someone is able to meet needs you didn't even realize were not being met or is in tune enough to just KNOW what you might need. The only thing I can think of is to pass what you've learned on about service by serving others when your turn comes. You are already great at that, so it will be natural for you. But, the compassion from going through trials brings miracles of understanding and knowing how to help.
Merry Christmas!! Love ya!

ammon & Kim Riggs said...

Way to go Jersey girl! She is looking soooo awesome. We are indeed grateful for this little girl in our lives and the way she's helped us gain a new perspective on life... especially at this time of the year. We love you guys and are anxious to see you when we get back in town at the end of Jan.

Cyndi said...

Oh, so glad to hear good news. She's beautiful!! I'm so happy to hear that she's improving. Hope you guys had a wonderful Christmas!!