Melanie had a great night last night. I called down to her bedside around 2:30 this morning, and pretty much nothing changed other than tiny blood gas improvements from 9 last night to 11 this morning. Everything looks great. I totally attribute that to her poop yesterday! Shes got to be a lot like her dad that way. Im not very happy if im plugged up either :) If you hadn't heard about it, go to yesterdays post at around 10 and get all the details.
So...they also did another head ultrasound, and the spot on her brain didnt change, so they are going to begin Ibuprophin to help shut down her PDA (heart valve that needs to be closed). That is a three day process, and then she would get another heart ultrasound to see how its going. If, at the end of the three days it isnt closed yet, they will repeat the process. Then, if that doesnt work, the heart surgery will probably take place.
Melanie is again on 'lazy breathing'. Her O2 amount is at the lowest setting, and her setting is at 30 breaths per minute from the machine, however, she is initiating about 50 to 60 on her own, so the machine isnt doing much...What does this mean??? yeah, you guessed it...the ventilator will probably be taken off again...however, they are gonna give her the day off and wait til tommorrow to do this since she is so tired.
I also want to tell EVERYONE who has posted a message, sent a text message, left a voice mail, wrote a facebook message, called Nickis phone, etc that if we havent responded back, I am truly sorry. We are recieving them all, reading them all, and sometimes shedding some tears to a few of them. We feel all of your love! And dont be afraid to comment on these posts if you want to. Its enjoyabe seeing those. We spend quite a bit of time checking the comments, so if you want to, please leave one. You are all wonderful, and if we dont respond back, its not because we dont appreciate what you are saying...its just a little hectic yet.
Thanks for all of your support! We'll update again around 10!
2 months ago
16 comments:
Jeff and Nicki~ I think I probably speak for most of us out here anyway, that we do not expect you to respond to us all! We just want you to know that you are loved and prayed for and in our constant thoughts. You just concentrate on taking care of yourselves and that beautiful baby girl!! So glad to hear of that fabulous poop!! :) Brenda
Dear Jeff and Nicki,
I havn't commented b/f b/c I wasn't sure how to - hope I'm doing this right. Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, Melanie! Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers daily since her birth. Thank you so much for the updates, it helps us to know what to pray for.
Continue to lean on the Lord for strength for all that each day may bring. Knowing that God is bringing about all that He has fore ordained for Melanie's life and each of our lives is a great comfort in our trials. We praise the Lord for tiny little Melanie who is "fearfully and wonderfully made" and we pray that He will continue to give her growth and strength. We trust in God's sovereign guidance over all who are
responsible for her care. We pray that you may know and feel the Lord's nearness and grace in this way that He is leading your family.
Love, Aunt Verna
Jeff and Nikki~ We're so glad to hear Melanie is having a good day! You and your family are constantly on our minds and in our prayers! We love to see your updates on your baby girl-- it's the first thing we do in the morning and the last thing we do at night! We pray God gives you and Melanie strength for each new day!
Corey and Brenda
Jeff&Nicki, Wow I have been looking at your blog. then I saw the music at the end, I click on Streets of Heaven. Holly Cow, I cried like a baby, great song.
We are keeping all of you in our prayers, Melanie is in great hands. Hope all of you are getting your rest. I know that's very hard to do. Also patients, patients, patients. Remember God doesn't give us more than we can handle.
Kevin,Jodi and Kids
Constantly thinking of you guys! Thanks so much for updating so often - it's wonderful to know what to specifically pray about. It's been uplifting to just read about how both of you are being so strong during all this and keeping the faith. Melanie is one lucky girl to have such great parents! We'll keep on praying and rejoicing when we see posts with such positive updates.... she's one tenacious girl:)
Just checking in on ya via your website - a couple times a day routine now. I think it's great that "poop" was so exciting for you, knowing how that has not been the case in the past ;-). Hang in there. Lots of prayers happening..
John Mossner
Jeff amd Nicki, There is a first time for evetything. Mom wrtting on a blog. I was just thinking about you guys.(I like how Glenda said it.) I was haveing a Melanie moment, and just praying for you all again. Love you guys mom b
Nicki and Jeff and Berens family-
Wow-what a journey you have been put on. Please know that we are praying for you all. May God bless little Melanie and give her the strength she needs along with her mom and dad and sisters. Thanks for the blog (Alyssa gave to Elly) so we can see specific needs to pray for.
Sally, Brian, Elly, Josie and Tess VanderVeen
Do not worry about responding...that would be impossible! We are just happy to see updates and know how things are going so we can keep you in our prayers.
Peter & Christiana
Jeff & Nicki, our dear friends. I send you love and hugs from our family. Melanie is such a lucky baby girl to have wonderful parents. Love, Kate, Rod & Alex
Dear Jeff, I met you briefly at Michelle's and knew immediately how wonderful a family you have and how much FAMILY means to you. It showed in your eyes and smile while you were speaking to me. I know you will be strong for ALL your girls....they are ALL beautiful. Give a little hug to Nicki (even tho I don't know her), and tell her she and the family are in my prayers. Melanie's picture is frail, but VERY BEAUTIFUL...it must be so hard not to be able to pick her up and squeeze her to let her know how much you love her. She KNOWS you are there for her, I'm sure, and you will be holding her soon. God bless you all, Michelle Bjork's mom, Susan Chadwell
Jeff and Nicki,
We want to start off by saying Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl! She is absolutely goregous and amazing! Ryan and I were unaware of her arrival. We want you to know that your family is in our prayers and if there is ANY at all that you need us to do we are here to help! You are two of the most amazing and strong people that we know! We have always looked up to you and you never fail to keep giving us a reason. And Nicki, your blog the other night was something that hit me right on the nose...lets hurry up and get you to bed and say your prayers.... that really hit me on the nose, b/c I am always doing that with Trenton and Marissa. I am going to make sure from now on that I take that time and much more! Please let us know if there is anything we can do and we are looking forward to seeing you soon. WE LOVE YOU GUYS & WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU. You take care of that baby girl and yourselves!!!
Jeff and Nicki ~
Thank you so much for the updates. Everyday we check in to see how little Melaine (and parents) are doing. We love to read your updates - they usually bring many tears and sometimes a little chuckle! :) Remember that you are in our thoughts and prayers always. What a comfort to know that God's almighty hands are guiding those of the doctors. May you also feel His arms around you both as well.
With much love and many prayers,
Steve and Denise Uittenbogaard
Hey guys, glad to here things are improving at least a little bit. I thought I'd quicky share with you a poem that my sister wrote - I think it fits in very well for a time like this.
O Lord, You are my rock in this world of uncertainties.
O Master, You are my high tower in an ever changing world.
O Savior, You are my fortress, a safe haven where I can go in times of trouble and despair.
My Rock and Almighty Friend is the ever present unchangeable Alpha and Omega, my God and Redeemer.
Be well my friends, we are all thinking about and praying for ya!
Hey Jeff and Nicki:
We just wanted to send a quick note saying that we are both praying for you, your family, and precious little Melanie. (We go to church with Duane, Sue and Alyssa) We just found your blog, and are greatful for a way to stay updated. I can't imagine what you guys are going through right now, but I do serve a God who does know what you're going through, and a God who cares about you and every last possible detail of your day. We will pray often and boldly for this awesome gift that God has given to you.
Blessings, Aaron and Heidi
Hey Nicki and Jeff,
Melanie looks really good! The time I spent working in the NICU was very memorable and very much a challenge. But looking at her, she looks strong just from the pictures! Just wanted to let you know, Jeremy and I are still thinking of you and praying for her to grow strong and fast.
Love,
Jaime
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