Abigail's Page

Caregivers Hall of Fame

dscody — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:55:03 +0000

Be sure to visit the Caregiver Hall of Fame. We are so thankful for all the people that helped us during our stay at Cabell-Huntington!

Shooting Star

dscody — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 17:15:28 +0000

We are thankful to God for the continued health of Lori and Abigail. They are both doing well at home. Sadly, we received a phone call that Baby B passed away on Thursday — 9 days after being born 4 months before her due date. In spite of their strong faith, this is a very difficult time for that family. Please keep them in your prayers.

Sometimes, the most extraordinary lives are the shortest ones. Baby B’s story touched dozens of people and her 9 days on this earth clearly glorified God. She was a shooting star…

November 5 — Finally Home!

dscody — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 18:01:40 +0000

The WSAZ news team rushed to the hospital to interview proud papa when they heard that Lori and Abigail were going home today!

OK…just kidding about that! They were at the hospital for something else entirely, but they were kind enough to pose for the picture! Not the best picture of yours truly, is it? I guess you can see effects of the long night just prior to this photo.

In spite of mama feeling bad (worst day for her since the delivery), we were all sent home. Lori was discharged on Tuesday and planning to spend the night on the bed in the NICU. However, the NICU needed Abigail’s room so they moved her to the Pediatrics ICU where there are only chairs for sleeping! Lori had a rough night! We did stop into the doctor’s office to confirm Lori was well enough to go home.

Photo Caption Contest

I’m going to do something new with this one and ask you to suggest a caption for this photo. Just click on the comment link below. Lori and I will judge all the entries and the winner will get…um…probably nothing more than the satisfaction of making people laugh!

We had a wonderful greeting when we got home!

Abigail’s doctor suggested that we protect her as much as possible for a few weeks from things spread during the “cough and cold season.” He sent some masks home with us for Morgan and Peyton. (I think PJ enjoyed wearing his!)

November 4 — Homeward Bound!

dscody — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 06:37:51 +0000

Lori was released today! Praise God! She will be staying at the hospital one more night in Abigail’s room.

Abigail has one more night to spend in the hospital, but she has been moved from the NICU to the Pediatrics ICU. Apparently, there was a newborn that needed her room more than she did.

Thank you all for your prayers and please continue to pray for Baby B (see Perspective on Fallen Pines) as well the other children and families.

I plan to continue to update this site; but with the primary crisis past, I cannot promise the frequency! Please check backas I will be adding a “Caregivers Hall of Fame” to honor all of those that helped us so much here at Cabell-Huntington.

Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

Psalm 111 (ESV)

November 3 — Dinner Time!

dscody — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:47:19 +0000

Even though Lori’s BP remains high, the doctors have decided that she is out of the danger range. They plan to keep her only one more day.

Yesterday, Abigail’s 2nd chest tube was sealed off and today it was removed. The plan was to have a nurse remove it, but Abigail apparently got tired of waiting and removed it herself! She did a great job, however and there were no complications. Now, lets see if I get a bill for that procedure! The feeding tube was also removed (by a trained professional this time!), so only the IV, oxygen sensor and heart/respiration leads are still keeping Abigail tethered to the hospital. For the first time, the doctors have suggested that she should be able to go home as early as Wednesday!

With the feeding tube gone, Lori was able to nurse for the first time — within 2 minutes Abigail had become a pro! Lori will begin sleeping in Abigail’s room so she can feed her throughout the night.

Feeding time is hard work! Mama and baby need to rest!

…and rest…

…and rest!

Did I mention that nursing is hard work? (Someday, I’ll probably be sorry I posted this one!)

dscody — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 15:56:32 +0000

Thanks for visiting. The early updates on Abigail and Lori were posted on my main blog page. Click on the following links to see the original posts on Abigail’s birth. Scroll on down on this page to see the latest posts.

Post #1 — Interruptions and Milestones — Redux

Post #2 — Abigail’s Early Battles

Post #3 — New Challenges and Progress

Post #4 — Some Pictures

November 2 (Evening) — The End is in Sight!

dscody — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:04:13 +0000

In spite of the doctors’ deciding to keep Lori at least one more day, the end is in sight for both Lori and Abigail! Lori’s blood pressure is increasingly reading in the normal range. Only time will tell if she will have any lingering hypertension.

Today, we were able to hold Abigail for the first time since the brief few moments immediately after her birth! We have been told that Lori will be able to nurse her tomorrow!

Mama is all smiles! (Abigail seemed to like it too!)

If Abigail’s performance sucking on Daddy’s finger is any indication, she will do GREAT nursing!

Janet — one of the “angels” sent to take care of Abigail during the past few days.

November 2 — Another Day

dscody — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 18:31:19 +0000

Abigail’s left tube has been removed and she continues to do well without the CPAP and on room air. The doctors have decided to “water seal” her right side today to see how she does. We are still being told that she will be in the NICU at least until Wednesday.

Morgan’s tender heart had a hard time dealing with the fact that Abbie cannot yet be held in her arms.

We were supposed to attend a Reformation Day costume party last night. Apparently, Abbie was having a party with the night shift — just not sure which Reformation hero she was portraying!

November 1 — Improvement for Mama and Abigail

dscody — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 00:02:38 +0000

Mama is feeling much better! She has been taken off the magnesium sulfate which is primarily intended to reduce the risk of seizures, but her blood pressure has remained uncomfortably high. Doctors are working to determine if this is still related to the pregnancy or if she has developed chronic hypertension. She has been moved back into a regular room.

Today was sibling day in the NICU. The normal age requirement is 14, but from 1PM to 4PM on Saturdays, siblings over the age of 4 can visit. Peyton and Morgan both got their first close look at their little sister! Here is a happy big brother! He’s been “built tough” to protect and defend his little sister!

Sisters — precious moments of bonding between future best friends!