Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wednesday Update

Every day of this process with Nathan and Jacen in NICU has been a reminder of how God's timing and ours rarely match up. We would all like to see huge steps and immediate improvements in the conditions of Nathan especially, but remain thankful and faithful as we see evidence of the small baby steps that are taking place.

Today, Nathan showed a number of small improvements. His blood pressure and heart rate have lowered to more acceptable levels compared to what was seen yesterday. His doctors would still like to see them even lower, but the decrease is encouraging.

Also, Nathan's urine output increased to a new high of 60 CCs, which shows his system is eliminating more fluid than before. Keep in mind that last week he was only producing an output of 2 CCs in that span of time. Still, doctors would like to see the output be even greater as they begin to add nutrients to his diet.

Speaking of inputs, today was a marker day since it was the first time Nathan received formula through his feeding tube. His is a watered down and much smaller amount of what Jacen is receiving, but the hope is that heavier "food" will spur his system to increased efficiency.

In regard to Jacen, he is continuing to take a bottle every three hours. His nights and days seem to be mixed up, as he is more alert and surpassing the required intake of 48 CCs (30 CCs = 1 oz.) of formula in his night feedings. In the day, he is a little more "lazy and stubborn" (as his dad put it) and takes 20-25 CCs. If he does not reach the 48 CCs required by the doctors, Jacen receives the remaining formula through his feeding tube (still attached through his nose). The doctors need to see a consistent and increased intake through his bottle before he will be released to go home.

So...

Even with the signs of improvement, now is as crucial a time as ever to lift up Nathan and Jacen in your prayers. God is faithful and that is so evident at this time. Keep going! Please also lift up Kyle and Stephanie as they remain strong for their babies!

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Luft family, for keeping this blog site updated with daily reports. It is very helpful as we join together in prayer for these precious babies.

Marcelia

Conklins said...

I agree! Lets also not forget that these 2 babies are such a blessing!! They are 2 tiny miracles that God has given Kyle & Stephanie, as well as their family & all of us to love on and see God through. We praise God that Stephanie is healty :) and that the babies are slowly improving. They are in God's ever loving hands and God has a perfect plan for both of them...whatever that may be. We praise God for every minute that Nathan & Jacen have been with us, and we continue to praise HIM for every minute & day, week, year they will continue to be with us. Would it be possible to include a specific praise we can pray for Jacen and a praise we can pray for Nathan with each post??? Thank you for all you are doing with this blog & for the Philips family!!!!