UPDATE to the update: I expressed frustration and sadness at my pathetic pumping attempts. I just visited Archie to see how it went with my offering. My husband and the nurse told me the amount I sent was EXACTLY on-the-nose what the doctor ordered him to have! To the mililiter! Totally buoyed by that little bit of news and had to share.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THANK YOU, everyone, for your prayers. I am completely overwhelmed by all of you. I am completely overwhelmed.
Archie held steady through the night with fast respiration rate (think 100+ per minute), 100% oxygen under his little Spaceman Spiff helmet, 2 different antibiotics via IV, blood draws, chest x-rays, and general caring unfriendliness. God bless those nurses! I could never do their job.
This morning’s x-rays look a little better, but show air in his chest, streaking and “consolodation” on his right lung. The scariest thing about last night’s news was that his heart was muffled and not in the “right” place! It was in the center of his chest. Today, his heart appears to be where it is supposed to be—on the left. How, why, HOW? Why? Thank God, is all I can say.
The plan of action is to monitor him very closely (he has the bed closest to the nurse’s desks), keep up the antibiotics since the blood cultures aren’t back, and allow him to eat via tube (but only a little). He will also have labs and x-rays, of course.
My update is courtesy of pumping—which isn’t going that well. Archie has only been around for a day and half, and only nursed for about 20 hours, so my milk supply isn’t fantastic and pumping just isn’t doing it. It is milk, not colostrum any more, so there is a positive. You should have seen the bottle I sent with my husband back to the NICU—wouldn’t feed a flea. Please pray my mammary glands pull it together. I really want him to have mama milk, but understand if he can’t.
Thanks again for your prayers and even for posting about him on your own blogs. I’ll update more later, when I can.
Thank-you so much for the update! You’ll be in my prayers all day (and night.) I know it sounds silly, but try to relax while you are pumping. And don’t forget to drink lots! I know that sounds easy but is sometimes hard to do with all that is going on. How are the rest of your kiddos doing?
Joanne’s last blog post..Quiet
Echoing Joanne – thank you for the update. We will continue in prayer for you and your little one. Stay hydrated and rested up – try not to worry about the milk – it will come. He’s tiny and really doesn’t require that much right now. 🙂 Hugs!
Karen {simply a musing blog}’s last blog post..Mary Had a Little Lamb (The Christmas Version)
I’ve been hoping you’d have a chance to update. We will still pray. Hope you are able to pump more too, but you know, it’s okay if you can’t. You know that. Sometimes we need to hear it again.
Megan’s last blog post..Gretchen’s Baby
I wish I had some words of comfort. I will be keeping Archie in my prayers. And about his heart? That is amazing.
So glad for the update and hoping that they find an answer soon. We are continuing to lift you up in prayer.
Hey there from the Dec. 01 group! Continued prayers for little Archie and momma… His swift wisk away is so similar to Maddie’s 7 years ago–just for different reasons (also unknown at that time). I agree with relaxing and drinking water while pumping, as difficult as it may be, it’s the all-tell remedy. You’ve obviously nursed several children to various ages therefore the milk is there. You just have to tell your body that for a short time period it has to express the milk differently. I remember that first week thinking there is no way Maddie would survive with the milk I was making because it barely filled the bottom of the collection bottle, but with time I was filling the big 8 oz bottles! It’s a stressful time, but it’s all in God’s hands, so let Him be in control. Hugs!
Jill’s last blog post..Now I introduce Mr. & Mrs. B…
My family is praying for your mammary glands (not in those words exactly) and, of course, for you and your baby and for the nurses and doctors.
Bonnie’s last blog post..Project 365 – Day 6
You, Archie, the rest of your family and now your breasts are constantly in my prayers.
anonymouse’s last blog post..11.24.08
God is a continually amazing God and so good to us! Thanks for giving us the good news and I’ll still be praying for complete healing.
So glad little Archie is doing better. Sending continued prayers for little Archie and Mommy too. This little guy is bound and determined to keep you on your toes!!
I’m so happy to hear Archie is doing better. Continuing to pray for him, you, and your family! (((HUGS)))
Melanie’s last blog post..Day 6 of 365
I too, have had children in very critical condition from a car accident. These verses from God’s Word helped me tremendously, so I want to share them with you.
Psalm 103:1-6 (KJV)
A Psalm of David.
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
We tend to use “all” in a relative fashion, but when God says ALL, He doesn’t mean “some”. Focus on that word “all”. It will help build your faith.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (KJV)
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 5But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Again, the word “surely” stuck out to me. God means what He says. And “if we pray anything according to His will, and doubt not, He will give us what we ask.” I spent a lot of time reminding myself that “surely” the stripes of Jesus were for my healing.
I’m not just blowing words around. Initially the doctors told me two of my four children were dead. But because we refused to let them turn off the life support, they lived. Then they told us they were brain dead. God did daily miracles, as you have already seen He will do. Both my children are healthy, normal teenagers now, nothing short of miracles. I chose to believe all the things God had spoken to me about my kids through the years instead of what the doctors were saying. All they know is what they see. They don’t know the plans of God. I thank God for doctors and I was so blessed to have the best medical attention in the state, but I remembered that my trust was in the Lord and when the doctors were done, God was just beginning. His Word is powerful, “living and active!”
My prayers are with you and dear little Archie. I can’t wait to see photos.
cyndi’s last blog post..I Am So Tickled!
Your body is going to give that sweet boy just what he needs, the same way God is going to give YOU just what YOU need during this trial.
Have been a NICU mom myself before, and yes, those nurses are heroes. Certainly your boy will be getting amazing care.
Praying for you, your boy, and your family–
I am glad to hear your update. I am continuing to keep you and little Archie in my thoughts.
That sounds almost the same as my Zachary last year. He was in the NICU for a week because of fluid in his lungs due to the C-section. My poor baby looked terrible. We did different antibiotics, chest tube, feeding tube, iv’s, x-rays, etc. Thank god! He is now a thriving 1 year old little boy.
Thanks for the update. I exclusively pumped for six weeks for my son. If you’re looking for help or suggestions, there are a TON of things you can do. Google ep (exclusive pumpers, etc.). There is also several yahoo groups that can answer any questions/problems directly. Hope you find something helpful!
Congratulations on your son.
I am continuing to pray for you and for Archie. I’m sure that your milk will come in over the next day or so, so please try not to put yourself under any more pressure or stress.
Archie sounds as if he’s a little fighter. He has so many praying for him and his family.
Take care of yourselves,
Tania
hang in there… its wonderful to hear your milk was just what the doctor ordered 🙂
Courtney from Mommie Blogs’s last blog post..hitting snooze on my biological clock
I echo what others have said about trying to relax, stress can affect your letdown so even if there is milk there it won’t come. Try pumping in a quiet place with no distractions and see if you can have something that smells of Archie as that can really help.
Take a look at http://www.kellymom.com too, it’s got loads of info!
Praying for you and Archie and your family!
Wonderful news. We continue to pray wisdom for Archie’s doctors and MUCH peace (and pumping prowess) for you.
Kelly @ Love Well’s last blog post..Fire Hose Drinking
Gretchen,
I read often but rarely comment. I have been praying and waiting to hear good news about little man.
I am so glad to hear the good news, and eager to hear more, better news soon. I totally understand how busy you are, but I look forward to when you can relax and have enough time to post pictures! I hope your pumping efforts are rewarded generously!
Gretchen (the other other one!)’s last blog post..Ice
Oh, Gretchen! I’m so glad the news on your little guy is more encouraging. Praying and praying.
Beck’s last blog post..We Three Kings
Oh my sweet friend Gretchen! I missed the 911 update, but am so thankful to read the updates now. I will be praying mightily for Little Man Archie, for your milk supply (yay for just the right amount! praise God!), for you and your husband to have strength and peace, for your other little ones who must feel very scared right now, and just that God will show Himself mighty in every moment of this.
I love you and my heart and prayers are with you!!
Megan@SortaCrunchy’s last blog post..Laura’s Story, Part 1
I am so glad to hear things are looking up!! Still praying many prayers for your little Archie and looking forward to the miracles to come.
Valerie’s last blog post..First Injury of 2009
Wow…missed the news yesterday but you and Archie and your family are in my prayers. Hang in there with the pumping! It’s no fun. May you find grace to help you in time of need.
edj’s last blog post..12th Night
I want to encourage you about your pumping. My son (who is now 7) had to be hospitalized 10 days after he was born.
Prior to taking the little guy in, I quickly pumped about 2 ounces. 3 hours later at the hospital I had a mere 5 ml (that was from both sides). The stress had essentially caused my milk to dry up.
My heart had been set on breast feeding so I started pumping every time my son would eat. I supplemented with formula until my milk production kicked in again. It was a little bit of a hassle, but well worth it.
Hang in there. If you stick with the pumping, your body WILL start producing Mama milk for sweet Archie.
Praying for more good news!
Wanted to add my prayers to those already here. Glad it is looking better! When Emma was in the NICU my pumping experience was similar to yours. I was embarrassed to bring my 1 teaspoon of milk into the NICU! I was sure I wold never get more. But sure enough my demand increased as she needed it. Somehow in that eternal mother child connection my body knew what to produce to drip down her gastric tube. And within a few weeks I could overflow my pump if I was not careful! I will pray it is the same for you. I will also pray Archies NICU stay is short. It has been 9 1/2 years and those frightened and helpless feelings from when Emma was in there still bubble right to the surface when I hear of others in the same situation.
Beverly-Sugarplum Dec 01
Sending healthy and milky thoughts to you and Archie, Gretchen.
Lori in Denver’s last blog post..Perfect Moment Monday: Indulgences
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I was a NICU mom for almost 2 months. My son was born via c-section due to placenta previa and his lungs were very sick when he was born. He had inhaled some blood at some point before or during delivery and developed a chemical pneumatosis. They say that inhaling blood is worse than meconium. He got better with lots of time and medicine. The nurses and doctors in the NICU are fantastic.
One thing I will say is that you know what your baby needs, more than you think, even in the NICU. My son was on diuretics initially and did great. They weaned him off and he kept having desats. I knew he needed the meds back but they were hesitant to do so because their rules were to not send a baby home on diuretics. Well, it’s what my baby needed. I wish that I had been more persistent to see a true pediatric pulmonologist not associated with the NICU. When he was discharged, he did see one on a regular basis and she was shocked he wasn’t on higher doses than he was currently taking. She helped take away the worries we had at home by being super conservative in her doctoring.
Good luck and remember that you are your baby’s advocate.
Hooray! Praying still, that Archie will be full of spunk and fight through whatever is wrong, and that you, your hubby, and the other kids will be strong in your faith through this trial.
Minnesotamom’s last blog post..My Incredible Life
Keeping the prayers coming for Archie (linked here from Beck….)
Jill’s last blog post..Pop Quiz!
Woohoo on the update!!!!!! That is so way cool. Isn’t that reassuring that God knows exactly what is going on with your sweet baby boy and He will provide?
Joanne’s last blog post..Quiet
Hang in there with the pumping – it is the hardest thing on earth… but amazingly your body will do what it needs to do. Take care of yourself and get lots of rest. Still thinking of you.
se7en’s last blog post..Tubby and the Lantern and a Se7en Lamp Extravaganza…
I just wanted to say I’m praying for you. Praise God for the miracles you’ve already had and more to come!
Amy @ Hope Is the Word’s last blog post..Book Review?Jane of Lantern Hill
How happy to read your update. Isn’t it amazing how God keeps track of how many milliliters of mama’s milk little Archie needs and then helps you give it to him? He is so good.
Hang in there kiddo…pumping is not for wimps! You can do it. Don’t forget to drink and eat and take care of yourself, too!
Kimberly’s last blog post..Is this worth a post of its’ own?
SO glad to hear!!!
Steph
Adventures In Babywearing’s last blog post..My Springtime On A Snowy Day
Thank you so much for the update, and I’m glad Archie is holding steady.
I will pray that God will bless you with an abundant milk supply, so that Archie can have every advantage.
Our house is praying for yours, Gretchen. Much love.
Goslyn’s last blog post..Please Pray
Pumping didn’t seem to go that great for me when H was in the NICU, but you only get a little at first with the colostrum, your milk will come in, those pumps are really great.
I’m sure you would have posted if you knew, but where is the air coming from?
Continuing to pray! I know it sounds crazy, but try to relax when pumping, it’ll help!
Stephanie’s last blog post..So much alike
Thinking of and continuing to pray for you and Archie.
Dawn’s last blog post..Update
This is my first visit here (but won’t be my last!) — I had to stop by and send my best wishes to your family and Archie.
Tatiana’s last blog post..Door Closure Test
Woohoo and woohoo! (One for each update.) I’m so happy to hear he’s doing a little better and receiving wonderful care. That his heart is suddenly in the right place is just amazing. Amazing. No, MIRACULOUS. Praise God!
I’ve been thinking about you and praying for little Archie all day — and will continue to pray that his health improves and you can both go home soon. Thanks for taking a moment during all of this to give us an update. Hang in there!
I’ve done the pumping thing for two babies. The oldest one I got to nurse for a couple of days before we found out she was very sick and had to leave her in the NICU. The youngest one went from the delivery room to the NICU, so I had to pump from the get-go. That didn’t go very well at first either, but after about a day, my supply kicked in. It is so incredibly tough to drag yourself away from the baby to go pump every 3 hours. With the youngest one, they actually brought me a pump into his room so I didn’t have to leave him. I don’t know if that’s possible where you are, but it might be worth asking. Also ask to talk with a lactation consultant — they have fantastic ideas for getting your milk supply up.
But in the end, you can only do what your body will do. So don’t beat yourself up if it doesn’t work. I’ll be praying for little Archie, and for you.
Joy’s last blog post..Our Last Family Portraits
Oh Gretchen, I love his name, I love to see all of these wonderful women sending prayers your way, and I love to hear the strength in your voice even as you struggle with dire worry. I’m adding my prayers to theirs; surely with such a powerful faith contingent, the most powerful of course being your own wonderful family, things will be well.
Inkling’s last blog post..Wrapping it up.
What wonderful news!! Prayers continue to go up for ya’ll!
Kisses for Archie Angel from Loveland!!
Melissa D’s last blog post..I’m A Classpert!!
Oh my prayers are with you !
YAY! Yay, yay, yay! I’ve been thinking about you constantly. Go Archie go! Praise God.
Heth’s last blog post..Quiet
What an awesome update to read. God is with you. I continue to pray for all of you.
nicole’s last blog post..Running Wild
You and your sweet little boy will be in my prayers!
Joy’s last blog post..I Believe The Term Is “Nesting”