Friends and Family,
Join us in praising God that our precious little Clark has turned the corner and has had a better day today. They finally got control of his blood gas levels and got them normalized. Meanwhile, they have been able to wean him off of many of the medications that he was on last night and continues to improve.
That's the good news, the bad news is that he has a problem with his heart that is more common with preemies born at 25-28 weeks, not 32 weeks. There is a heart valve that is open only during pregnancy that is suppose to close off within 24 hours of birth. Clark has been so sick, his body has not done this important task. So, they have started him on a medication that sometimes closes this valve for him. If this doesnt work, the only other way to fix it would be surgery, which is not possible at this point because of how sick he is. The doctors are telling us that this is more likely to be a result of his problems, not the root of his problem. Unfortunately, they still cannot figure out why he is having such problems ventilating. Please continue to pray for Clark. He is less critical today, but a long ways from being out of the woods.
More good news:
Jen is doing remarkably better today. Her fever has all but disappeared and she seems to be on the road to recovery. She FINALLY was able to go up and spend some quality time with our beautiful boys this afternoon and tonight. She was lovin' the time with her baby boys! Please pray that this continues and that tomorrow is an even better day for her.
Also, Henry, Brooks, and Isaac continue to thrive and are doing wonderfully. Isaac has been on a vent since the evening of his birthday, but he is doing very well on it and they anticipate him coming off of the vent in the near future. Henry and Brooks are doing wonderful and seem to be starting the race for who gets to go home first. Isaac may join them in that race in the near future. Since he has over a pound on him, who knows, he may beat everyone home once he comes off that ventilator.
We praise God for four days of life for our four little boys.
More later,
Brad, Jen, and the Blue Crew
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21 comments:
I can't believe how wonderful this news is. Coming from someone who just went through this in October, don't say the H-O-M-E word. We were all so excited to hear that word from our DR. The next day they all stopped eating. Also my biggest baby was the last to come home. She wasn't sick. She just liked being fed from the tube. It was easier. We will continue to pray for the boys.
Kimberly and the Guinn Girls
I am so glad things have improved for Jen and for Clark. I want to tell you that many babies on our site have PDS's (if that is what you are referring to) and all of them have closed with the medicine. I don't want to get your hopes up to high but its very possible it will work. My girls also had PDA's but they were able to close without meds. Anyway, if you post I am sure many will tell you the medicine did the trick. Praying for that result!
Congratulations new Mommy and Daddy! Sorry I haven't posted sooner- I was out of town and couldn't read the site....I was thrilled when I got home and saw the wonderful news! I am still continuously praying for all the babies, especially Clark. So glad Jen is doing better! Can't wait to see more pictures! God bless all of you! :)
That's good news! I will let our prayer chain know to pray specifically for the medication to work and for Clark's valve to close. So glad to hear that Jen is feeling better too. I hope this frigid weather is gone by the time the boys are ready to go home. I enjoy reading all your comments as well. Isn't is great to know you have a large core of people supporting you in prayer! God bless and have a Happy Jesus Day!
<3 Sheryl & Co.
You don't know us, but we received a link to your blog from a friend in Indianapolis. We are in Michigan and are praying to the God who hears, heals and knows for you and yours. Blessings today and prayers to follow. :)
Brad and Jen, Again, Brad, thank you for blogging all this information. For the "enquiring minds," it is a huge blessing. My girls required endocin to be used to close their PDA (unfortunately, this isn't "public display of affection). It worked, and no surgery was required. We will pray that it will work well for Clark.
Sandy P & P
We are continuing to praise the Lord for what He has done. You are going to be such a testimony to His provision to many. Thanks for keeping us updated, and know we are praying and thinking of all of you often.
Shane & Rachel Frazier
We are praying for Clark and Jen and all of you. Can't wait to hear you are all home.
God's grace be with you.
Steve and Mickie and Sarah Benson
Our little Isabelle (born at 26wks) had the heart valve issue as well and we prayed asking God to close it with just the use of the medicine. Praise God He answered that prayer. We will pray that He will close Clark's valve as well and heal him quickly from these issues. COntinue to trust in Him!
I am so glad to hear that Jen is feeling better, and that Clark is improving. I am saying daily prayers for all of you. The boys are beautiful!
Donna
This is wonderful news, Brad. I will be praying for Clark that the meds work for him. Keep positive thoughts. And I'm glad to hear Jen is doing well. I know I didn't get to go up to see my kids until day 5 after they were born, because I was so sick. It was a great feeling. I would think if all goes well you'll have some of the kids home in the next 2-3 weeks. Keep us posted! Julie Burgess
Praise the Lord!
I'll keep you all in my prayers!
By the way (as shallow as this sounds) did you guys watch the super bowl? I was thinking about you guys. Back in the day, Kirb could have pulled some strings for you all to meet Tony Dungy or something. Actually, maybe he still could, I guess.
I've been thinking about you all.
Praying for you all. If you don't mind, I'll send this along to the prayer warriors at church.
Brad and Jen,
Congratulations! What excitement you must be feeling! We watch your blog every day for updates. We pray that it won't be long before you are chasing them all over the living room and wondering if the sea diapers will ever end. Medicine is a wonderful thing, but faith is even better and with the two working together miracles are bound to happen.
Best Wishes,
Rick and Jill Snodgrass
Yeh, I couldn't wait to get home and check your blog for an update!! Of course all this snow and mess gave me extra incentive to get home as well:) I am so thrilled to hear Jen if doing better; I knew she would, I just was praying she wouldn't have any of those bumps. We will be praying for all the boys but especially for little Clark and his miraculous healing. Love ya, Leona
I have hestitated to leave a comment the last couple days, because you all have been so overwhelmed with so many difficult situations. However, I am continuing my prayers for all, (especially Clark at this time). Thanks Brad for taking the time to keep us updated - it helps with praying specifically for what is needed! Nancy
Brad & Jen,
Our family prayers are with you & the boys at this critical and yet amazing point in all of your lives.
Your faith is an inspiration and as you know, THE key to see you through this. I'm proud and honored to have had you as a former student Brad. May God bless your entire (and instant!) family.
Professor Doug Acheson
I am so happy for everyone and glad to hear that Clark and Jen are doing better. Such a miracle couldn't happened to two better people. We are praying for you and wish you the best.
-Molly G.
& baby Colleen :)
My prayers are with Clark, as well as the est of the boys and Jen. I am so glad that she is starting to feel better, I'm sure she loves spending time with her boys.
Jennifer H-Momo board
Yea Jenn - I am so glad you are starting to feel better. I know you are itching to get to those baby boys! We'll be praying for all of them but especially Clark (He has a great name after all - I LOVE, LUVV, Clark Gable - Gone with the Wind - my favorite movie...who did you name him after?) Anyway - we love you and are praying for you.
LOL I meant to write PDA's not PDS's. I guess thats what happens when you stay up too late. Glad to read about the improvement!
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