Adjusting to a new norm

Today we checked into the Ronald McDonald House. It's crazy how you never realize the importance of things until you need them. I've always heard of the RMcD House but of course I've never had a reason to stay there. I didn't know much about it, nor did I ever try to do any research on it. While I was in the hospital a lady came by and said that families whose babies are in the NICU are automatically eligible to stay in the RMcD House. So, we put our name on the waiting list and got a call today! Joey will be back tomorrow and mom is leaving tomorrow so it's bittersweet that I have to stay here alone tonight, but I'm thankful to be close to Jordan. We will forever be tied to this house and the other families staying here. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude, as the house is equipped with everything we need----I mean EVERYTHING. It's such a blessing and I'm thankful for those who volunteer and donate each month. 

I think it's finally settling in----the fact that this is my new normal. I won't lie and say it's easy because it's not---but again I say, this is obviously God's plan for us and we just have to be faithful and watch it unfold. 

Some of you have asked how I am doing....I'm okay...taking it day by day. I had Jordan via c section so I am still very sore but getting better each day. Some days it's a struggle to get out of bed and get to the hospital, but I'm thankful to have a baby to go and see. So, this is life as we know it. Please continue to pray for our strength and Jordan's healing. I'll post his 2 week update Monday. 

Jordan's Journey: Week 1

Our lives were forever changed on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm. Jordan Kingsley Sanders entered this world. Although his entrance was shocking, unexpected and not how we planned, we know that God's plan is far better than our own. 

The outpour of support has been tremendous and we could never truly express just how much your thoughts and prayers mean to us. This has definitely been the most exhausting week of our lives, but we are standing on God's promise and thanking Him in advance for the miracles we know only He can perform. It's nearly impossible for me to update everyone, so I'll be using my personal blog to keep you abreast Jordan's Journey. 

Again, this past week has been very difficult but each day God has placed someone in our lives to show us that everything will be okay. Jordan came into this world weighing 1 lb 1 oz so he is currently in the NICU at UMMC in Jackson, MS. As you can imagine, the week has been full of ups and downs but we are thankful that most of his complications are due to him being extremely small (no major health concerns). So far he's had 2 blood transfusions because his hematocrit levels were low. We hit a bump in the road when he began to bleed from his lungs but within a day it stopped!...so naturally they've been monitoring it several times a day. His O2 sats have been up and down but mostly up. The 90s are where they should be and Jordan's have been between 90-97! They are having quite a time trying to figure out which oxygen machine is best for Jordan so they've been between 2 for the past week. We are praying that they will find his happy medium very soon. His oxygen levels have also been up and down. One day he was on 100% oxygen which means he was not breathing on his own, but since he's been weaned from 80 to 70...60..50 and one day he was even on 40%! He's gone back and forth all week but he's never been back at 100% and for that we are thankful. 

Today they had to give him pain meds because he was a little irritated so he's resting pretty well. They plan to take out the line in his umbilical cord so hopefully his blood gases will remain stable so there will be no more need to use the line. They have increased his feedings from 1cc every 3 hours to 3cc every 3 hours so we are claiming that my milk will give him just what he needs!

None of this was part of our plan. If Joey and I could take Jordan's place, we would. But, we realize this is Jordan's Journey and it's the path God chose for him. So, we continue to thank God for what he has done and for what we know he can and will do. Again, we can not thank you enough for your continued thoughts and prayers. They are the only thing (besides our faith in God) that has brought us through week 1. We have a long road ahead so please continue to pray for us as well as a few specifics: that the 2nd ultrasound shows no brain bleeds just as before----that all bleeding from the lungs stop and they are able to find his happy place with the oxygen machines---that our little one gains a little weight----and lastly just pray for our strength. 

Thank you, 

Joey, NaToya and Jordan 

20 down...20 to go

Well, we are halfway there...I guess you can say things are getting pretty serious! On January 4th we went for our 18 week appointment. We knew that if baby cooperated, we would find out the gender. I was sooooo nervous the entire day--like couldn't focus. So, we get to the ultrasound room and there it is...that strong heartbeat. ::cues:: "open the floodgates..." honey when I say I let the waterworks flow..I mean it. A week prior I started getting really nervous because baby stopped moving (or so I thought). So hearing the sound of that heartbeat was truly a feeling I can not describe.

After wiping tears I heard the tech say, "You see that little thing right there?" I said "Is it a boy??".....yup, it's a boy!!!!! You would have thought Joey won the Superbowl. The smile on his face was one I'm not sure I've ever seen. I mean, we've had lots of milestones and of course our wedding day was special...but this was different. This baby is something that WE created....a blessing from God. We thought about doing cute mailings for the gender reveal but after finding out, we were too anxious to keep the family waiting. So, we made call after call and enjoyed hearing every laugh, squeal and "I knew it". Of course, daddy had to go shopping for his son. He left for the gym and came home with this.

How cute is this??

Pregnancy really has been good to me since finding out that my prenatal vitamins were making me sick. I conducted somewhat of an experiment because I knew I shouldn't be sick every night after every meal. After going back and forth with my pills and my diet, I realized that I would only get sick when I took the vitamins. So, I talked to my doctor and had to switch to those without DHA. Now I feel pretty good...despite the CONSTANT urge to use the restroom. I swear this little boy does karate all day long and then when he gets tired, he tap dances on my bladder. It's so funny but painful at the same time.

I'm really enjoying this journey. I find every little thing amazing! I just thank God for allowing me to experience it. Each night we thank God for his many blessings and pray that he continues to guide us. Ahh the joys of pregnancy...20 weeks down...20 to go!

Pregnancy Highlights

How Far Along: 20 weeks 

Size of Baby: About the size of a banana; he was 8 oz at our 18 week appt so I'm excited to see how much he's grown!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I only gained 1lb since my last appointment, so that makes 8 total for the pregnancy.

Maternity Clothes: I bought a few pair of maternity leggings and a sweater (that says mom to be hehe)

Gender: It's a .........BOY!

Movement: He's rarely still...like his mama! I freaked when I felt no movement for 3 days but ever since he's been doing karate and practicing his football kicks. I get so tickled every.single.time I feel a kick.

Sleep: Any suggestions on how to get a fairly good night's sleep? Joey said he would buy me a pregnancy pillow so I'm hoping that helps. I just can't seem to get comfortable.

Cravings/Aversions: I absolutely HATE bologna but one day I called my mom and told her that I wanted the one thing I hated most. She automatically knew it was bologna. I wanted it fried...with a few burnt edges and mustard. Sadly, the craving went away and I'm back disgusted.

Emotions: They are actually on the up and up! I'm feeling much better these days. However, I did get overwhelmed when thinking of all the things I have to do to prepare for life with a tiny human!

What I miss: Nothing really besides having control of my bladder lol

Symptoms: I've been feeling really well. I found out that the DHA in my prenatal vitamins was making me sick...which is why I kept throwing up at night. Since switching I feel much better. This past week I was really tired and it's been harder getting up our stairs but I'm making it!

What I'm looking forward to: Buying stuff for my baby boy!