Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Infection Update

Dear Friends and Family,

I apologize for my previous blog entry. I was in a hurry earlier and did not realize I rambled so much with medical mumbo-jumbo. Reagan had a better day yesterday. She is still very sleepy and does not like to be touched. I think with all the needle sticks yesterday she would just like to be left alone. She did better with her oxygen on the vent and tolerated her procedures better than expected. We received results from her lumbar puncture and so far everything looks great so we can rule out meningitis for now. (Praise God) I don't think mommy or daddy would have dealt well with more bad news. Her urine output is down so please pray she will fix this problem soon without having futher complications with fluid retention. I am so thankful Reagan made it a month without any infections or major set backs. Hopefully she had time to gain strength, grow and will be able to fight off this infection quickly. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

I too would appreciate your prayers as I seem to become an emotional basket case at times. I am learning how difficult it is to see your child sick and you feel so helpless. I have moments where I feel physically, emotionally, and spiritually spent but then God sends someone along to lift my spirits and I make it another day. I was very excited yesterday to see a little girl I took care of in the NICU, who was 22 weeks gestation and weighed 15 ounces at birth, celebrate her 1 year birthday. Her mom brought her by Baptist and it was so encouraging to see how she has grown and seems to be right on schedule developmentally. She seemed very interested in Robert and talked a lot of baby talk to him. I don't believe this was just a coincidence; God knew Robert and I needed some encouragement. Isn't it amazing how when you feel like you're at your lowest God shows Himself in a miraculous way and lifts you up again?! We didn't think that little girl had a chance at life, but God is a mighty, powerful Physician and she is a beautiful, healthy baby girl.


As always thanks for the continued support and prayers!

We love you guys!

Amy and Robert

17 comments:

The Knipps said...

I am so glad God sent along some encouragement for you guys! That is awesome! I hope that is just the start of all the encouragement you will be getting.

I am also glad to hear she is doing better. I find it funny and cute that she already has so much of a personality. :) It sounds like you and Robert are in for it! :) I hope that spunkiness returns and she kicks this infection to the curb.

fashiongreentbags said...

Dear Reagan,
We all know how hard you struggle. You are fighting with more energy than your fragile beautiful body shows on the scale. Please know that we are fighting even harder in spirit and love.

You're a precious life and gift to the world. We wrap ourselves around you with a blanket of love and affection.

Mommy and Daddy, our blanket is for you too.

Anonymous said...

Hey baby girl's and Robert,
So good to see you hanging in there at your lowest moments. I too seem to be an emotional wreck these days but I know "our God is an Awesome God" and somehow He does seem to give you an extra boost just when you need it most. I love you ALL 3 so much. Amy, I know that helpless feeling of seeing your baby girl hurt and sick at heart and you feel so helpless. I too would gladly bare it all for you if I could. Hang in there. I'm so proud of you! Please know I DO love you with ALL my heart. I love you so much it HURTS!!! Great BIG THANKS to all of you bloggers and especially for your prayers. This site has been a real source of encouragement to Nana and Papa too. Lots of love to ALL!!!!
xoxoxoxo
Nana
PS Grow Reagan GROW!!!!!

Unknown said...

My cousin was born 2 and a half months early... and is now getting ready to celebrate his 18th birthday. He is smart, and strong, and fun to be with, and your little girl will be too!

My thoughts are with you and Reagan! She is a very strong little girl with very strong parents!

Anonymous said...

God is Great, God is Good. He knew exactly what you needed.
WHEN WE CAN'T, GOD CAN !!!

We pray for you daily,
Love.
Charles & Janet

Anonymous said...

"God's clocks keep perfect time" was an expression we heard often at GBS. How true it is. And how wonderful to know that the God who rules this huge universe "arranged" to have just the right person at the right place at the right time. What an awesome God we serve.

Praying for you all.

Discussed and prayed with some of my students that know you all how Reagan is doing.

Carl and Sara

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy & Robert,
Hope you remember us, we were there with our twins when you arrived with Reagan in the NICU.
I just wanted to let you know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers each day. Now that we are home, mom has LOTS of time to pray while nursing and taking care of the babies.
Your family's faith and strength is a beautiful testimony to the love and greatness of our Father in heaven. Keep it up, and keep looking for those opportunities to minister love and encouragement to those around you who may not know Him yet.
We will be back next week sometime and hope to see you all.
In Christ,
Larry & Sarah Cheek

Scott Bulger Photography said...

My best wishes to both you and your little one. I'm sure that the well trained medical staff will do everything in their power to help your daughter.

ZenithJade said...

Wonderful artisans on Etsy are cheering you on here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5549171&page=1 ... Not too many posts yet, but I'm sure you're garnering a lot of prayers from those reading!

May hope be your strength!
~Andrea

Patti said...

Such a beautiful child...my heart and prayers are with you all!

Valerie said...

Robert & Amy,

That is so awesome you got to meet that little girl! Just more proof that God answers prayers!

We are continuing to pray for you every day!

Love,
Valerie

Luke, Avery, Monroe's Nanny said...

Amy & Robert,

I read your blog daily to keep up with Reagan AND the 2 of you! Amy, I understand how sometimes it's harder to deal with things when you are a nurse--ignorance can be bliss!! I know that you fully understand what can go wrong, and for that I ask God to give you complete & total peace of mind.

When we go through these tough times, a day-or sometimes an hour--at a time, we wonder how in the world we'll make it. It's easy for others to tell you that God is is control, but truly He is! And His timing is impeccable!

Know that ALL of you--Reagan, Amy, Robert, and all 4 grandparents--are in our prayers. I can easily slide myself into the position of the 2 grandmothers!

Love,
Linda

Anonymous said...

Dear Amy and Robert,
I am soo glad you had such an encouragment. I know God is showing you each day that He has the whole world in his hands. Little Ragan is indeed a blessing. She has already touched soo many lives. I am praying for you and Robert each and every day that God will continue to give you strength to get through each and every day. I do beleive God has His hand guiding and directed you each step of the way. Remember, we love you and are praying for you, Robert and little Reagan.
Love and prayers,
Jeff and Diane Spangler

Holly said...

I know this past month has been a long, emotional road for you all, and I wish there was more I could do to help you carry this burden. I would like to share a verse that was in Luke's devotions the other night - I am amazed at how the Lord often uses a preschooler’s devotion to touch my heart - I hope it brings peace and a reminder of just one of His many promises to us "My sadness has worn me out. Give me strength as you have promised. Psalm 119:28 NIrV the NLT says it this way (which is cool too) "I weep with grief; encourage me by your word." I pray that His strength would be full in you all every time you need it.

I love you all so much and pray that as you continue to walk this path that each and every physical, emotional and spiritual need that the 3 of you have will be meet!

All my love,
Aunt Holly

Anonymous said...

What a lovely little girl with very precious parents. My daughter was born at 31 weeks. She had many ups and downs but God had His hand on her. She is now 28 years old. Keep the Faith. Your blog is such a blessing! Thanks for taking the time to keep all informed. I will be checking on her tomorrow and know that she will be doing better and better.
Vicki Parks

Anonymous said...

Praying for you!

Anonymous said...

I think your daughter is adorable and what a miracle! I know that you were our nurse many times in the NICU and can only imagine being on the other side of what you see everyday! God has blessed you and your family! Thanks for your wisdom and care to our 2 girls! They are doing well and blossoming like beautiful flowers everyday, just as your little girl is doing. We are praying for you! I remember not being able to fathom the day when I would take my little ones home, both at 4.5 pounds, but one day it will be a reality for you! I'm sure you can hardly wait!
The Deans'--Crystal, Bradley, Makayla and Mallory