Thursday Night

Ansel continues to do well with his feeding tube. Tolerating additional milk daily, he is up to taking 4.2 cc each hour on Thursday. Testing continues to show optimistic hopes; his PDA has closed and there is still no hemorraging in the brain. Kerri & Cody get to hold Ansel for a few minutes each day. Cute, little eyes peer from the blankets to check out Mom & Dad.

Kerri, gaining strength every day, continues having a myriad of procedures performed. On Thursday,she had new lines attached surgically to her neck for the dialysis and a PICC line inserted in her arm to lessen the needle poking for IVs, etc. Dialysis continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The rash on her face is lighter, but is still heavy on her back and chest. The staples were removed from her stomach on Wednesday. Doctors now use wet compresses on her stomach to cleanse and slow the oozing of her incision. Although she doesn't have much toleration for food yet, Cherrios seem to stay. We are impressed with Kerri's great attitude, she is a real trooper throughout the ordeal.

Cody continues to spend most nights at the hospital and works construction during the day. It's fun to see his strong hands holding little Ansel so gently.

Two Weeks Old

Tuesday evening marks the two week birthday of Ansel. We are passed the critical period marked by the Doctors. Now the numbers are on Ansel's side.

Each day Kerri shows improvement. The rash is fading, the kidneys are putting out more. Dialysis was performed Monday and is scheduled Wednesday. The need for dialysis will be evualuated before each session. Wednesday doctors will again examine her tummy and perhaps remove some staples if the wound is oozing less.

Kerri is now strong enough to perform some of Ansel's care. Last night she bathed, diapered, & weighed him in the isolet - and discovered another milestone - Ansel is now 2lbs 4.9 ozs, officially passing his birth weight. Kerri's loving, gentle caresses and soothing hums while peering in the isolet are quite special.

Thanks again for all the cards, well wishes, and visits. Your love and concern are much appreciated.

Christmas Day

Merry Christmas from Kerri and Cody to all that are reading these updates. They send their love and appreciate all everyone has done.

Kerri continues to improve and increase her strength daily. Tonight she plans to change Ansel's diaper. Cody already completed this test, and will be onhand for coaching.

The best news is the kidneys are finally starting to dribble some. Cheers erupted from the nursing staff upon the news.

Ansel continues to do well. His feeding rate was increased again today. A blood transfusion was given to replace blood taken for testing. His respiration was somewhat high, and the treatment tonight will be for Kerri to roo him.

Kerri and Ansel continue to make good progress.

Christmas Eve

Today brought a battery of tests for Kerri. Gaining strength daily, she is walking better and further. Ansel gained a little weight, almost 2lb 3oz, close to his birth weight. Doctors are increasing the milk feedings and Ansel is tolerating them well. Glucose levels were lower today, so that is also good news.

The highlight of the day was visits by Kerri's parents, sisters and nieces. Tonight, after spending time with Ansel, Cody and Kerri prepared to celebrate their second Christmas together. Three stockings were hung in the hospital room, gifts were placed under a small tree, and the Bible Christmas story was read. During the past couple of days, several families have brightened the hospital with Christmas carols. The family is still together and doing well.

Kerri wants everyone to know she appreciates everyone's prayers and concerns, and wishes everyone a Merry Christmas.

Friday Night Update

Now in a private room, Cody and Kerri are preparing for Christmas at the hospital. The room is adorned with a Christmas tree, ginger bread house, flowers, gifts and items from friends and family.

Saturday, Kerri's family will be able to visit from Springfield and Tulsa. She is in good spirits and we all are looking forward to a special Christmas.

Friday was busy, starting with dialysis, then several visits from doctors and friends. The white cell count is up, and staying up. There are no other signs of infection. Kerri is slowly getting her strength back. She is able to eat a little at a time. The abdominal pain and drainage is slowing getting better.

Ansel is being watched carefully for any signs of infection. He didn't gain weight today, but typically weight will go up and down. He does cry when his little heal is poked for blood. The dedicated nurses are content with his progress.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and comments. We continue to print the comments and read them to Kerri. She keeps the notes close and rereads them from time to time. She sends her love.

Thursday Night Update

The ICU is behind Kerri now, as she moved into her own room close to Ansel in the NICU. Last night the ICU nurses stayed up late chatting with Kerri, washed her hair, and wheeled her down to the NICU for a visit with Ansel, about 3am. This morning, when a room opened up, goodbyes were said, and Kerri promised to return and visit sometime. Her doctor gave her a nice gift basket with a book, soaps, chocolates, creams.

Ansel is now 2lbs 3 ounces, gaining about an ounce a day. Grandma n Grandpa heard a cry, so a high five was performed. The doctors and nurses are carefully monitoring his progress and are making adjustments as things change.

Momma and Baby enjoy being together. Ansel goes right to sleep during the Roo, then likes to streatch and move after being put back in the isolet.

We are grateful Kerri is gaining strength everyday, and her spirits are very good.
Kerri and Cody appreciate all of the gifts, flowers, cards, and thoughtful expressions from everyone as well as your prayers

Wednesday Night Progress

After a few days of incremental progress, Kerri made super strides today. This report will be the most fun yet. Kerri is feeling much better, is cleared for a general room when one opens up close to the NICU. The meal menu has been upgraded to a full liquid diet and Kerri loved her first taste of milk. Tonight, ICU nurses packed her up in a wheelchair and rolled into the NICU, where Kerri and Cody visited Ansel. Kerri and Ansel did their first ‘Roo’ (kangaroo care, see link on right). Early tomorrow morning, Kerri and her nurse are plotting a return to the NICU around 4am! Hope they don’t get caught. Tomorrow’s plans include starting Kerri walking again, along with trips to the NICU. Dialysis was done again today, as the kidneys haven’t awakened. With everything else perking up, we hope the kidneys won't stay asleep much longer. Your prayers and wishes have made a big difference. The change in Kerri’s condition from last week is truly miraculous.

Ansel continues to progress. The nurses are pleased with his growth. The vital signs are good and strong. Tests don’t indicate any intracranial hemorrhages (bleeding in the brain – common with low weight babies). There is no sign of infection yet, but nurses caution that one is inevitable, and they are ready to handle it. Ansel is tolerating eating well. Ansel’s nurse describes him as having ‘an attitude’ - that is music to our ears.

Notes:

Tuesday night, Aunt Rachel and Grandma Jeanne made their way to the outside window to watch Ansel. Maneuvering for a better view between the blinds, Grandma accidentally smashed her nose hard against the window, announcing their presence. Warning to future peepers – beware of nose print on glass.

Kerri was smiling and chatty when we read today's comments. She remembers each student that left a message, and told us all about each relative and friend.

It seemed all the nurses in the ICU close to Kerri’s room stopped to ask about Ansel. They truly love and care for Kerri, and go out of their way for her.