Jordan's Journey: Weeks 8 & 9

This time last week we were pacing the floors, biting our nails (well I was) and going over consent forms with Dr. Dodge-Khatami, the Cardiothoracic Surgeon who performed Jordan's ligation. We prayed with the team & proceeded to the OR. Of course, we weren't allowed to go back, but of course I wanted to ride the elevator and give my baby a pep talk. As the elevator doors opened and they wheeled his incubator out, my heart dropped. Yes, I have faith and I refuse to question my God...but a part of me was terrified. This is my baby...my 3 lb baby going into surgery. I refuse to speak negative thoughts but you can imagine the thoughts running through my head. I immediately went to my quiet place and prayed that every ounce of worry leave my body....and it did! I knew that God would take care of my baby. 

After surgery we met with Dr. Dodge-khatami for updates. He assured us that surgery went well--free of complications. Praise God! They wheeled Jordan back down to the NICU and we were thrilled to see him lying there like such a big boy. Yes, he was sedated but in mommy's eyes he was completely unbothered. Take a minute to visualize the team wheeling him by while we were lined against the wall smiling from ear to ear. LOL! It was like a pep rally. I'm tickled typing this. I'm sure the team thinks we are insane and for some odd reason, I'm okay with that. 

Jordan's recovery has been everything we prepared for. It hasn't been easy, but he's showing signs of improvement each day. While I truly appreciate the "How's Jordan?" questions, please understand that such a simple question requires a complex answer. Oftentimes I'll catch myself saying "getting stronger everyday" to prevent giving you pages of notes that I've compiled during rounds. Yes he is making strides in the right direction, but keep in mind he is in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) so most days the best way to describe his status is "stable". 

We knew that surgery wouldn't be a magic cure and we also knew it would be a rough recovery for his little body. But we rejoice each day because we know God is in control and he has brought us this far. I understand that the doctors and nurses want to see constant improvements, as do we. However, I often remind myself that God's time is not our time. God's timing is perfect. We've already claimed victory and a complete healing, in Jesus' Name. So now we wait. We let go and allow God to do the work that he's been trying to do all along, but we were holding on.

Praise report: Jordan hit 3lb prior to surgery but hasn't been weighed since. He also turned 2 months old on the 22nd!! 

Prayer requests: Please pray that his lungs get stronger so they are able to wean the oxygen support & that he stays free of infection. 

Thank you for the constant thoughts, prayers & sweet messages. 

With love, 

Joey, NaToya and Jordan 

Jordan's Journey: Week 7

First and foremost let me report that my big boy is 2 lb 11.5 oz!!! We are so proud of his progress. He's truly living up to the nickname the nurses gave him, Super Jordan! 

The echocardiogram on Monday showed that Jordan's PDA is still open....but that's ok! Just because God didn't doesn't mean that he can't...he just chose a different route for us. He is still faithful and in control. As of now, Jordan will have surgery Monday afternoon. We've been told that there's a strong possibility that his procedure may be pushed back if there's another baby that needs emergency surgery. So, as of right now we are preparing for Monday. 

The surgery is called a PDA ligation. Although the thought of surgery on my little baby is terrifying, Joey and I find peace and comfort in knowing this is the most common procedure in preemies. In fact, we know about 3 families that went through the same procedure & did just fine. 

So please continue to pray for  

1) our strength 

2) Jordan's health 

3) the team of surgeons who will be operating 

With love, 

Joey, NaToya and Jordan 

Jordan's Journey: Week 6

Everyone said the NICU life is a roller coaster and it's so true. Last week Jordan was gaining weight like crazy..I mean 1-3 oz a day! He got up to 2 lb 6.5 oz, was eating 19cc of breastmilk every 3 hours and his PICC line was removed! (There's always a but). During rounds the division head, Dr. Savich, decided to give him another round of Ibuprofen to try and close the PDA. We were told that it's a very small chance that it'll close, but it's worth a try ...anything to avoid surgery. So they decreased his feeds to 13 cc and started the treatment. The next day he lost 2 ounces but his belly looked a little full so they stopped feedings all together. We were a little bummed because he lost some and because they had just taken his PICC line out and now had to put an IV in....but they had to do what they had to do. Last night he was given the final dose of ibuprofen. Dr. Desai will repeat the echocardiogram Monday to see if it closed. We've prayed and prayed and now we need your prayers---please pray that the PDA closes. We know surgery is an option but we really really want to avoid it. So please pray with and for us. We are already claiming it because God faithful. So whatever happens, is in His will. 

Jordan also had his eye exam earlier this week. Lots of preemies have what's called Retinopathy of Prematurity. (Google lol) His exam went well and they will repeat it in 2 weeks to make sure it doesn't show any signs of progression. They also warned us that he might be a little irritable after the exam and not to be alarmed if they have to go up on vent settings. The minute they said that I knew what to expect because I know my son. They  went up on his RR for a day because his CO2 levels were really high. However, he's back down on all settings! Thank God! 

As of today they've started his feedings again & will gradually increase over the next few days. They will make no changes to the vent until the echo on Monday. 

This journey isn't easy and it really doesn't get better, but we are getting use to it---you have to or fear and stress will consume you. I use to cry every time I walked into the NICU, but now I walk in and greet each doctor & nurse with a smile. None of this really makes sense but we know that one day it will. For your glory, Lord. 

With love, 

Joey, NaToya & Jordan