Timothy James

I was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 8th because my amniotic sac was leaking and I had begun to dilate. I was ordered to lie flat on my back until the baby came ( I was due April 2nd!). Well, on Dec. 17th my water broke at 7:15pm and Timothy James decided to come early. He was breech and already on his way out, so the doctor did an emergency C-section and at 10:20 pm he was delivered. He went straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and has been there ever since. Timothy was only 25 weeks along in his development (a "normal" pregnancy lasts 40 weeks) so he still has a lot of growing to do.

Psalm 62:8 "Trust in Him (God) at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge"

Actual Age: 4 months
Adjusted Age: 1 month
Weight: 5 lbs. 11 oz.

Timothy has been having some seizure-like symptoms so they will be taking some blood tests to check his seizure medication level. He is also scheduled for an MRI on Monday to take a look at brain activity.

Praise - calcium level has increased; electrolytes are beginning to balance out
- mommy has learned how to give feedings through the G-tube in his stomach; and how to suction out his trach

Prayer - that doctors would get the seizure issue under control
- patience as we wait for the results of the eye exams
- continued balancing of the electrolytes
- healing of the right arm (he has an x-ray on Monday)

Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God and the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

We have definitely experienced the unfathomable peace of God through our prayers and the prayers of all you who have been lifting us up. Thanks!

Actual Age: 4 months
Adjusted Age: 1 month
Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz.

Timothy had his eye exam today and then a 2nd doctor did another one for a second opinion. Tomorrow they will be discussing their findings, but it looks like there may be some new growth of blood vesssels in the retina where they don't belong. If so, he may need to have lasar eye surgery again.

The doctor is still trying to balance out his calcium and phosphorus levels. Today his calcium was very low and phosphorus very high.
It looks like his right arm may finally be beginning to heal.

He still requires extra oxygen through a mask placed over the trach site in his throat, but we are able to hold him twice a day when he is awake.

Praise - still doing well off the ventilator
- fever is down from yesterday's reaction to immunization shots
- tolerating his feedings very well

Prayer - calcium/phosphorus levels to be balanced
- wisdom for eye doctors as they make decisions
- health of lungs and respiratory system
- be able to be weaned down on amount of extra oxygen required

Psalm 54:4 "Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul."

Actual Age: 4 months
Adjusted Age: 1 month
Weight: 5 lbs. 8 oz.

Timothy is doing wonderfully. He has been off the ventilator completely since Monday night! He still receives oxygen through a little mask that sits over his trach.

He no longer receives anything through an IV. It all goes through his G-tube into his stomach. Feedings are at 45 cc's every 3 hours. That's 1 1/2 ounces every 3 hours or 12 ounces in a 24 hour period.

He has awake/alert periods as well as good sleep periods.

Yesterday and today he received a total of 3 immunization shots and today he has a fever of 101. They are keeping a close eye on him.

Praise - he's been off the the ventilator for 2 days
- looks like his arm is beginning to heal
- on more of a sleep/wake schedule
- his doctor is beginning to talk more about getting ready for him to come home

Prayer - eye exam on Thurs. morning; pray that ROP is decreasing
- mommy and daddy have to begin learning how to care for his trach, G-tube, and his Broviac (special IV line) in order for him to come home

Nahum 1:7 "The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him."

Actual Age: 4 months
Adjusted Age: 1 month
Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz.

Timothy is continuing to rest very well since having his tracheostomy. He is no longer receiving any sedation or antibiotics.

Feedings have been increased to 40 cc's every 3 hours (30 cc's= 1 oz.)

He spent several hours this morning and this evening off of the ventilator, receiving only oxygen through a mask placed over his trach. He did great breathing on his own!

Praise - he is tolerating the feeding increases very well.
- he is adjusting well to his new feeding schedule
- he is sleeping very well (and a lot!) throughout the day
- we have seen God do some remarkable healing in Timothy's little life!

Prayer - continued rest
- healing of the lungs and the trach site
- boost in his calcium and phosphorus levels to aide bone healing and growth
- strength for mommy & daddy as we continue to make at least 2 daily trips to the hospital