The Ball Dropped...

Well, one of my biggest concerns with Zachary happened today, but the Lord took care of us even in this.

I took Zach to our pediatrician for a well check, and during the examination Zach had his first seizure. My fear before today was having Zach at home on my own when that first seizure happened. The Lord was so good to me and allowed Zach to be in the hands of a doctor when it happened!

Zach is at the Toledo Peds ICU. Our doctor decided to admit him because of Zach's so many other issues. An EEG and MRI will be done, so tomorrow will be full of waiting.

We are so thankful that Craig's mom, and my parents were able to take Aaron on such short notice, and all that Aaron knows is that he gets to hang out with some of his favorite people!

Please pray for wisdom for everyone involved in Zach's care.

God is good!

In 3 days, Zach has put on 13 ounces with the NG tube and the higher calorie formula! Our goal was that at a minimum he would gain an ounce a day! Praise the Lord!

Hard to hear...

Zach only gained 2 ounces in the past 6 days. That is less than 1/3 of what he is supposed to gain. The nurse tried to prepare me for the likelihood that an NG tube (feeding tube that goes through the nose into the stomach) will need to be placed. I think sometimes I try to pretend that Zach is "normal". This definitely shatters that. Right now feedings are taking about an hour each time. This is hard on me and Aaron, who unfortunately is watching way more TV than I would like. With the tube in place, feeding time would be cut down considerably. Zach will also be getting the calories that he so desperately needs. Even knowing all this, it is still hard...

Another gift of a Son!

No, we are not pregnant! But coming into this season, I am reminded about another baby that was given to the world. Because of His coming, He will swallow up death forever. This first baby has given hope to my baby. Thank you, Jesus!

Not much has happened in the past few months regarding Zach's care and condition. I have actually felt like a normal mom and all the worries, frustrations, and joys that it brings.

On November 10th we met with the neurologist. No tests were ordered. Essentially his job for Zachary is to help manage the seizures when he begins to have them. We have seen no sign of them yet, and we know that God could choose to intervene. We leave it all in God's hands.

Zachary has been having weekly weight checks for a while now. I have had the privilege of exclusively nursing him for the first 4 months of his life. On the 22nd of November, our meeting with the cardiologist changed that. Zach had slowed down and was gaining less than half the recommended amount for his age. He was still around 10 lbs (depending on what scale you use.) We needed to start supplementing with formula. Easier said then done with a baby who had no interest in changing to a bottle nipple! I was also upset about having to give it up earlier than I'd wanted. It was a hard week and a half but he finally transitioned. I didn't want my baby going hungry, especially because of his weight gain issue. I am still able to pump breastmilk and then add some powdered formula to it to beef up the calories. Again we trust God with Zachary's feeding needs, as they will continually be an issue in his life. We have another weight check today and we are hoping for at least 11 lbs!