Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Day Four...I wish I could take away her pain

The hardest thing for a dad is seeing a child struggling, and not being able to do a darn thing about it. Thinking back with Miya and Jayden, if it got too hard for them, Id just dig in a fix it...OR AT LEAST KISS IT BETTER FOR CRYIN OUT LOUD!! This morning was different.

Our little girl really struggled last night. She went a long ways backwards. They checked her blood, and there was several things that were tanking. Her white blood count went down to .96, and number thats dangerously low. Also her blood gasses were very low. She had gone from nearly leaving a ventilator because it was set on the lowest settings to being soley dependant on that ventilator because she's not initiating breaths on her own. There was also talk about switching to the other high tech ventilator (dont know the name of it) if things dont improve. They gave Melanie a blood transfussion to help with her white blood count. They also put her on some anti biotics to help with any sickness they think she might be getting. They are giving this because they arent sure if she is sick, but they know something isnt right. They want to be ahead of the game, rather than trying to catch up later. Also, they gave up on feeding her for now. Not exactly sure why, but I wasnt up for telling them my thoughts (like ive had soooo much experience in this area, being able to give them advice..HA!) So...now that shes dependant on the ventilator, they are going to give ultrasounds on her brain and heart to see what those look like. Hopefully no bleeding in the brain, and the artery closing in her heart.

So, back to the only thing this dad can do for his baby right now. Praying. Hopefully, if its the Lords will, things will improve, or we're going to have troubles leaving her by herself tonite at this hospital. Really not excited at all about taking Nicki home yet, but, we'll do what we have to.

Thanks for the prayers for our baby. One request while your praying...her mommy and daddy need more patience. Kind of struggling this morning. Im sure you are praying for us already, and we truly appreciate it. We'll give you another update later tonite.

I Peter 5:6-7 "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you"

10 comments:

Heidi said...

Praying, praying and praying for you all!!

Renee Breuker said...

Thinking about you guys! Praying for patience and understanding for you two. Also keeping all three of your girls in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
Bryan, Renee, Dakota, and Colten

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff and Nicki,
I heard about Melanie through friends of ours that used to go to Holland church. My husband and I have had to go through the trials of neonatal life as well. Our daughter Joelle (now 3 yrs old) was born at 26 weeks, 5 days. She spend 3.5 months in the neo before being able to come home.

There will be many many 'up days' and just as many downs...but God will give you so much grace and unbelievable strength to endure that you will stand amazed! On top of that, you have great support of family as well as church family - such blessings and much needed at this time in your lives!

Praying for you both, especially today when Nicki comes home. It's not easy leaving your baby back at the hospital but remember tonight at home when you're trying to sleep that God NEVER sleeps! He's watching over her at all times!

May God give you peace for today and a bright hope for tomorrow!

Keeping your family very close in prayer,
Dena Dykstra
(denadykstra@yahoo.com)

The VanderZwaags said...

Thinking and praying for you all! I just read the past few blogs and didn't realize that Melanie had made her entrance! I pray for the doctors and nurses that are caring for her! I pray for peace and patience for you both (as well as the girls at home!) God is the great healer and He has a plan!
Praying hard!
The VanderZwaags

Lynn Mossner said...

Six sets of prayers from the Mossner's. You are both amazing parents and faith filled friends.

God's continued blessings for you both and baby Melanie.

Love,

Lynn, John, and the kids

Anonymous said...

Westra's
We are praying for your WHOLE family in this difficult time. You are on my mind often.
I would love to help with the girls...anytime. Or just sit with mom at the hospital. Please call when you need us!!!

Holly Kellum

Anonymous said...

Jeff and Nicki,

Please know that you and Melanie are in our thoughts and prayers all day. God bless your whole family!

The Witter family

Marcy Yonker said...

Nicki and Jeff, we have been praying for you guys as soon as we found out on Friday morning! We have also been praying that God would wrap his arms around you tightly, on that night when you would have to leave the hospital without little Melanie. This is the hardest possible thing! You know that she is in the best place possible, but it is still INCREDIBLY hard not taking her home with you! I remember sobbing the whole way home and wanting to turn around when we got off the exit! Just remember that you can call them anytime of the night to check on her, and they don't care how many times you call :) We love you guys and pray that God will continue to give you guys strength during these ups and downs as they are very emotional. Continue to trust in Him!
Eric and Marcy

Anonymous said...

What a disappointment when we read your update. But we know God is in control. Praying for you all. We are waiting for a update yet tonight, Jeff. You do very well writing these updates.

May God give you peace tonight as you ALL go home tonight.

Bern and Marcia Ten Broeke

Joshua and Sharla said...

Jeff and Nicki -

Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you! May God grant you patience and strength during this time. (I, Sharla, grew up in Hull PR with Jeff)

Joshua and Sharla Hoekstra