Jordan's Journey: Week 2

Our baby boy turned 2 weeks old on Monday! Wow! It seems like it's been months since I was admitted...crazy. If there's one thing I've realized, it is that time is precious. Make each day count.....and that's exactly what we've been doing.

God has continued to show his faithfulness! He has not failed us yet and we are continuing to stand on His promises. Shortly after updating the blog last week we received a phone call from the NICU with not so good news. Again, we were prepared for ups and downs, but can you really ever be fully prepared? Absolutely not. The doctor was worried. Jordan had been diagnosed with PDA.

From what the doctor told us, PDA usually closes after babies are born. Since Jordan is premature, the duct is open and began leaking blood--causing him to need blood transfusions ( a total of 3 thus far). They couldn't treat the PDA because his blood pressure was too high. So naturally, we were worried but we prayed. We asked friends and family for specific prayers---prayers for the duct to close and to stop leaking, for Jordan to gain weight and for his blood pressure to go down. Now, I thank God for the doctors and their wisdom, but we owe all thanks to God (who gives the doctors wisdom). Praise Break: The PDA is still there but today we spoke with one of the top neonatologists and she stressed that we not focus on the PDA, but on Jordan's 3 goals.

Jordan's Goals (Chandler made the one-eyed Valentine)

Apparently, PDA closes in approximately 80% of patients and 20% will need it surgically closed. We are praying that Jordan is in that 80%. Actually, I know he will be---I just believe it. Although the road has been a little shaky and we still have a long way to go, we like to focus on the small victories and celebrate each milestone. I am happy to say that although the duct has yet to close, there has been no more blood leaks! His blood pressure has gone down so they have been able to wean him off of the Dopamine (blood pressure medicine), Insulin (blood sugar medicine) and they've taken him completely off the pain medicine. In addition, he has gained weight..Jordan was born at 1 lb 1 oz and now weighs 1 lb 5 oz! Lastly, they have increased his feedings. They stopped his feedings last week because he was irritated and they were trying to get his vitals stabilized. They have since upped his feedings to 4 mL every 3 hours (they've gone up gradually since 1 cc every 3 hours). Oh, and did I tell you that the 2nd head ultrasound showed no brain bleeds (once again). Doctors said this is a true miracle, as most babies this small have significant brain bleeds. I just can't thank God enough,y'all. In the midst of it all, my baby is still as feisty as can be. Now, you can't tell me prayer doesn't work!! I KNOW it's because of your prayers and again, we thank each of you! I could just shout! These were our specific prayers and God answered each of them! Again, we know we have a long way to go because his little lungs are severely underdeveloped, but there's no doubt in my mind that our baby will be okay. I have a peace that I did not have before and I can now rest knowing that God is truly in control. 

Last week I told you that we were moving into the Ronald McDonald House. Well, we did---but it was short lived. The house is amazing. I am so grateful for those who make constant donations so people like Joey and I can stay close to our baby. Unfortunately, it just did not work out for my emotional well-being. Although I was close to Jordan, it did not feel like home. Nothing in my life is normal right now so I need something--anything to give me comfort. With Joey headed back to work, I knew I would be extremely lonely at the RMH so I contemplated moving back in with my sister. I thought about it for a few days because I felt so guilty for leaving such a wonderful place. Being at the house allowed me to see Jordan everyday, but I realized that I have to take care of myself so I can take care of Jordan. One of my sorority sisters sent me this and it really spoke to me. 

But again, all things happen for a reason. A few of my sorority sisters came to visit me on Sunday. I had been feeling blah all day, but thought seeing them would make me feel better. While visiting, my head began to hurt worse so Roy (a nurse at St. Jude and the one who sent the photo above) decided to take my blood pressure. Unfortunately, it was high and Joey had to take me back to the hospital. The doctors monitored my bp for a few hours and finally released me. I knew then (and Joey insisted) that I had to slow down and take it easy. Sometimes I forget that I did have major surgery just 2 weeks ago. So, we thanked the RMH housing staff and moved back to my sister's house. I pray that us leaving opens a spot for a family who may not be able to see their child daily. I made the best decision for me....because I have to be well for Jordan. Thankfully, I am still able to see him everyday.

I apologize for the long update, but I wanted to get everything in. I know I say it all the time but thank you, thank YOU, THANK YOU for your continued thoughts and prayers. Prayer requests for this week:
1. good oxygen levels
2. increased feedings
3. weight gain

With sincere thanks, 

Joey, NaToya and Jordan 

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