Spence is doing well. His glucose is up and they are doing a blood culture to find infection. Since they are growing things in a petri dish it will take about five days before we have any results. He is at his maximum on the ventilator, if his Blood Gases continue to drop they will need to put him on a different type of ventilator. They will start him on Steroid treaments for his lungs if he does not make any progress in weening off the ventilator by the end of this week. Even though he is not doing as well as we would like this has been an amazing experience. We know that all will be well.
Kimberly and I cannot verbalize the gratitude that we feel toward our Heavenly Father and all of you. Thanks for all the comments and all the prayers. Those that do not feel inclined to make comments we appreciate your interest and concern for our little Spence. I have come to realize through this time that we do not always have a choice when or how we will suffer through some trial, but we do have a choice if we suffer alone. We have not had to do it alone.
"...the Lord will at times strip away from us our "comfort blankets" and expose our weaknesses and inadequacies so as to "force us to our knees." I am convinced that each of us--If we are faithful and earnestly strive to be true disciples--will be "forced to our knees" at some times in our lives--perhaps many times." Brent L Top
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
update from mommy
I just wanted to give you an update on little Spence. They started feeding him yesterday at 5pm and he seemed to tolerate the feeding well. At this moment in time they are only giving him trophic feeds to get his belly primed for the bigger feedings to come. He at this moment is only getting a 1/2 cc every 3 hours. Just to give everyone an idea of how small of a feeding he is getting, 5cc's equals 1 teaspoon and he is only getting 1/2 cc. I went up to the hospital this morning and was told that he is doing well by one of his Doctor's. The only thing the Doctor is concerned about is his struggle to come off the ventilator. Today they are going to start something called a diuretic which will help dry his lungs out and possible help him breath a little easier on his own. The reason they are going to do this is because his Doctor thinks that Spence might have some fluid on the lungs and the diuretic should help with that. The Doctor is also concerned about a possible infection in his lungs which with the proper antibiotics should help our little Spence breath a bit easier. To determine if Spence has an infection his Nurse Erin is going to send down samples of the fluid from his lungs to see if there is infection. I have some great news about little Spence's brain bleeds, As of yesterday the Nurse Practicioner said that the two little bleeds that they looked at last time seem to be getting smaller and are absorbing back into his little body. They also looked at the ventricles and they appear to be normal. Thank you for all the prayers on our little Spence's behalf, we know he must feel them because he is coming through his trials like a champ. On a cute note one of Spence's night nurse's named Delphine is an awesome photographer. She captured the most beautiful picture of our little Spence. I am going to have Joseph scan it into the computer so all of you can view her awesome picture of Spence. A Big Thank You to Delphine for Capturing such an adorable image. We love you all and are greatful for all the many prayers. I hope everyone is having a great day and I will try to have some new pictures on here soon ..
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
the Doctor did another scan of Spence's tiny head early this am and said that the results that came back are wonderful. The bleeds are still there but they seem to be shrinking in size and there are no new bleeds. Yippie !!!
He is also doing good with the Jaundice, he will hopefully stay off his light therepy but if his billirubin number goes up they will have to put it back on, but for now he is doing well.
They are going to try feeding him this afternoon, so we will know tonight how he tolerates feeds. He is now one pound twelve ounces and doing well. He is still on the ventilator but they are weening him little by little everyday so hopefully soon he will be off the ventilator.
He is also doing good with the Jaundice, he will hopefully stay off his light therepy but if his billirubin number goes up they will have to put it back on, but for now he is doing well.
They are going to try feeding him this afternoon, so we will know tonight how he tolerates feeds. He is now one pound twelve ounces and doing well. He is still on the ventilator but they are weening him little by little everyday so hopefully soon he will be off the ventilator.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
From Mommy:
On Saturday Mom and Dad came with Joseph and I to the hospital. They were able to see Spence for the first time and just adore him. While Mom and I were up there, the nurse said he had gained some weight. He is now at 1 pound 11 ounces, and that is without being fed milk, so he is doing good packing on some weight :) Unfortunately Mom and Dad were unable to touch him this time because the Doctors and Nurses prefer that the touching be limited. Even Joseph and I have to limit our touching, the nurses say it wont always be this way but because he is so small and doing so well they don't want to chance anything. One of the nurses, to ensure that others wouldn't touch him put a little sign on his incubator it reads " Please Dont Touch Me ! My immune system if very week. One day I will be big and strong! Thank You Spencer". I thought it was funny that she signed it Spencer , she said it sounded more athoritative so she used it instead of Spence. It warms my heart that the Nurses love our little boy so much. I am greatful that Spence is in a safe place, where people love him. While we were in there Spence opened his eyes, it is amazing how one little look can just melt your heart. Luckily I was able to snap a picture when he did it. (picture coming soon) Other than that everything is pretty much the same as friday. I am so greatful that he is doing so well.
On Saturday Mom and Dad came with Joseph and I to the hospital. They were able to see Spence for the first time and just adore him. While Mom and I were up there, the nurse said he had gained some weight. He is now at 1 pound 11 ounces, and that is without being fed milk, so he is doing good packing on some weight :) Unfortunately Mom and Dad were unable to touch him this time because the Doctors and Nurses prefer that the touching be limited. Even Joseph and I have to limit our touching, the nurses say it wont always be this way but because he is so small and doing so well they don't want to chance anything. One of the nurses, to ensure that others wouldn't touch him put a little sign on his incubator it reads " Please Dont Touch Me ! My immune system if very week. One day I will be big and strong! Thank You Spencer". I thought it was funny that she signed it Spencer , she said it sounded more athoritative so she used it instead of Spence. It warms my heart that the Nurses love our little boy so much. I am greatful that Spence is in a safe place, where people love him. While we were in there Spence opened his eyes, it is amazing how one little look can just melt your heart. Luckily I was able to snap a picture when he did it. (picture coming soon) Other than that everything is pretty much the same as friday. I am so greatful that he is doing so well.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday update from Mommy
Spence is doing well, his billirubin light unfortunately had to be put back on on Wednesday but today when I went to see him they had it off of him again, so that is good. The nurse said that his number for the jaundice was at a 2.8 so it was low enough to have him be without his light therapy. If for any reason it should move above a 3 they are going to put his light therapy back on. He is stooling on his own in his colostomy bag and the leftover stool that was in the bottom half of his intestine is working its way out into his diaper, which the nurse's say is good because it means that the nerves in his lower intestine were not damaged in surgery. His night nurse said that he is very active and shows no signs of discomfort, they are actually weening him off of his ventalator hoping that in the next few weeks he wont need it at all. Another good thing is that the Doctors seem to think that since he is doing so well that they will be able to try feeding him some mommy milk sometime next week. The Doctor came around while I was visiting and said that even though Spence has two tiny brain bleeds, she feels that they will correct themselves and have no permanent or lasting effects. They will still do another scan of his tiny head to be sure. He will be 2 weeks old on Sunday and things are going great for him. Heavenly Father is truly amazing and I know that he is with us always. Little Spence is wrapped securely in Heavenly Fathers arms and I know he is going to be alright. I want to thank everyone again for the prayers, we are definately feeling them. Chloe said to me today that she feels Heavenly Father in her heart and is thankful for prayers. This experience although it has been difficult has really shown me that we are all connected and that no matter what Heavenly Father is always there for us.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Update from Mommy
Joseph and I went up there last night and the Nurse said he is looking very good for someone so small. They took away his billirubin lights completely, which is a great thing because it means his jaundice isn't really an issue at this time. He is doing well after surgery, they say he is tolerating everything well and that his condition is stable. They did do a brain scan yesterday and unfortunately found 2 brain bleeds on either side of his little head. They are at a stage two right now. According to the Nurse and the Nurse practicioner a stage two is not that bad, and they are thinking that the bleeds might just re-absorb. They will be doing another brain scan on Tuesday the 19th and then they will be able to see if the bleeds are getting worse or if they are correcting themselves. They say it is pretty common in infants so small to have brain bleeds and that it could be much worse, so for Spence to only have a stage two is great. If for any reason the bleeds should get worse or if more should appear they would watch him very carefully and do scans frequently. If it came to that point they told us of one option which would be putting in a shunt to relieve the pressure on his tiny brain. Unfortunately if they do get worse it could lead to Neurological problems later on down the road. We are greatful that at this moment Spence is only at a stage two and only has two bleeds. We have peace in knowing that Heavenly Father has his hand in all of this, we just know that our little Spence is going to be fine. The Nurse also said that usually if a infant of this gestational age is going to have bleeds it usually occurs in the first 5-7 days of life, and what they see after that usually is just the residual and most likely will re-absorb. So hopefully most of the bleeding has already occured and what they are seeing in Spence's head is just the residual .. I am thankful for all the prayers, we definately feel them and I know little Spence is feeling them too
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Spence's Surgery
They took Spence to the OR at 7:30pm, they had to wait about 45 minutes to make sure that he was stable with the anestisia and they were finished at 9:15pm. Kimberly said normally Spence is really fiesty but he was a "limp noodle" with his mouth hanging open when they brought him back upstairs. His body temp was a little low, so they put a heating blanket on him.
The doctors thought Spence had a perferated valve. The nurses said that he was not suffering, his blood pressure was stable and he had a soft tummy, so they didn't think it was too bad. When they got Spence in surgery they foudn that there was no perferation. So they just cut his intestines where the blockage was and cleaned it out. So now he has really clean intestines. They didn't have to cut off any intestine. There's a little cut on his tummy that has 2 pieces of his intestine sticking out (where the incision they made in his intestine is). They're going to put a colostomy bag on it (which will connect the two pieces of intestine). Spence stayed stable during the surgery and didn't bleed much so they didn't have to do a transfusion.
When Spence gains weight and is about 3-4 lbs. they will sew his intestine back together. The nurses said Spence looks really good and is just relaxing. They hope to start to feed him in 14-15 days.
*Thomas S. Monson said during conference that he could feel the prayers of the people. Joseph told kimberly " I wonder what that feels like" - Kimberly said they now know exactly what that feels like. They are so greatful to everyone that is praying on Spence's behalf. They feel peace from Heavenly Father and its because of everyone that is praying for them.*
The doctors thought Spence had a perferated valve. The nurses said that he was not suffering, his blood pressure was stable and he had a soft tummy, so they didn't think it was too bad. When they got Spence in surgery they foudn that there was no perferation. So they just cut his intestines where the blockage was and cleaned it out. So now he has really clean intestines. They didn't have to cut off any intestine. There's a little cut on his tummy that has 2 pieces of his intestine sticking out (where the incision they made in his intestine is). They're going to put a colostomy bag on it (which will connect the two pieces of intestine). Spence stayed stable during the surgery and didn't bleed much so they didn't have to do a transfusion.
When Spence gains weight and is about 3-4 lbs. they will sew his intestine back together. The nurses said Spence looks really good and is just relaxing. They hope to start to feed him in 14-15 days.
*Thomas S. Monson said during conference that he could feel the prayers of the people. Joseph told kimberly " I wonder what that feels like" - Kimberly said they now know exactly what that feels like. They are so greatful to everyone that is praying on Spence's behalf. They feel peace from Heavenly Father and its because of everyone that is praying for them.*
Monday, May 11, 2009
X-ray update
The x-ray found a hole in Spence's intestines, which has been causing stool to leak inside his body. They are preping him right now to have surgery in a couple hours.
The surgery process:
they'll take his intestine out and see if they can find a dead spot. If they find it, they'll cut it out and try and sew back together.
The doctors said they think he'll do well.
He'll be on 4-5 antibiotics afterwards because they don't know how long he's been leaking stool inside his little body.
Everyone pray for Little Spence!!!
The surgery process:
they'll take his intestine out and see if they can find a dead spot. If they find it, they'll cut it out and try and sew back together.
The doctors said they think he'll do well.
He'll be on 4-5 antibiotics afterwards because they don't know how long he's been leaking stool inside his little body.
Everyone pray for Little Spence!!!
2:15pm Monday
Kimberly just called. She's at the hospital.
Spence has been going to the bathroom, sometimes, by himself, which is good, but he has some kind of blockage in his intestines. They are going to do a "contrast inama" (Libbi, maybe you can correct me on the spelling - i couldn't even google it, so I know I have it wrong). Which is an x-ray to show where the blockage is. They've done one before through his bottom and now they're trying one through his mouth. This procedure is about to begin. Then they will know whether or not they'll have to do surgery tonight. The doctors say that he is stable enough that they think he'll handle the surgery well. He's still intubated because of the gas problems he's having, but they did take away a bilirubin light today, so he only has one left.
Spence has been going to the bathroom, sometimes, by himself, which is good, but he has some kind of blockage in his intestines. They are going to do a "contrast inama" (Libbi, maybe you can correct me on the spelling - i couldn't even google it, so I know I have it wrong). Which is an x-ray to show where the blockage is. They've done one before through his bottom and now they're trying one through his mouth. This procedure is about to begin. Then they will know whether or not they'll have to do surgery tonight. The doctors say that he is stable enough that they think he'll handle the surgery well. He's still intubated because of the gas problems he's having, but they did take away a bilirubin light today, so he only has one left.
Update from Daddy
They had to change out the tube that goes in his mouth while we were there so they turned off the lights and took off his hat and we got this picture with his eyes open a little.
In the Mothers' Day poem it says 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'
Earlier today I took Kimberly to the hospital so that she could see Spence. She told me that she put her hand on his little head and on his behind and sang Jesus wants me for a sunbeam and I am a child of God and one of his alarms went off. His oxygen saturation had gotten too high. When they get agitated the 02 sats go down. When they get nice and relaxed they can go up. This little angel's mother was singing him a song and he was relaxed. How soothing the touch of a mother can be.
Everything is holding steady, his tummy is the same, his bilirubin has dropped which is good but the immediate concern is his bowels so they can start feeding him. He had a transfusion today and he has gained some more weight he is up to 1lb 9 oz
For all the females reading the blog they give him fat through his IV.
We want everyone to know that we feel the prayers in our behalf. We have a peace that is not man made. It is still hard but the Lord has blessed us and continues to do so.
Orson F Whitney said
"No pain that we suffer, no trial we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure, especially when we endure it patiently, builds up our charecters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God...and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation, that we gain the education that we came here to acquire and which will make us more like our Father and Mother in heaven."
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mothers' Day Kimberly!!!
A baby asked God, 'They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?' God said, 'Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you.'
The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'
Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'
'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'
'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'
'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'
God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'
The child further inquired, 'But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.' God said, 'Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy.'
Again the child asked, 'And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?' God said, 'Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak.'
'And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?' God said, 'Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray.'
'Who will protect me?' God said, 'Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life.'
'But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore.' God said, 'Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you.'
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, 'God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name.'
God said, 'You will simply call her, 'Mom.'
Friday, May 8, 2009
Update on Spence
Spence has gone a little backwards in the last day. They intubated him by putting the breathing tube back in. He lost a little weight but then gained it back, putting him at 1 lb 6 oz. Spence has been having some pressure in his bowels and so they are doing 3-4 x-rays a day on his bowels to see what could be causing the pressure, depending on what it is, he might have to have surgery. Although he's had some setbacks, he's still fighting and trying to stay strong. He is off his blood pressure medicine which, from what the nurses say, is great for someone his size. They want to start feeding him in the next couple days, depending on what the result is from the x-rays on his tummy.
Kimberly got to see his face for the first time yesterday. She told the nurses that she couldn't wait to get him home so she could see his face, and so the nurse unwrapped him really quick so she could get a peek. Kimberly said he has a sweet little smooshed face. He opened one eye and looked at her. And he has platinum blonde hair.
Kimberly is doing pretty well. She said that its hard around the house because Joseph, Chloe and Addison are all goofballs and she has to tell them lots to quit making her laugh because it hurts. Her sister-in-law, Jessica, is treating her to a pedicure today!
Kimberly said that she and Joseph were reading the blog and all the comments from everyone and they both had tears in their eyes. Chloe came in and said "there's too much cryin', he's coming home"
Kimberly got to see his face for the first time yesterday. She told the nurses that she couldn't wait to get him home so she could see his face, and so the nurse unwrapped him really quick so she could get a peek. Kimberly said he has a sweet little smooshed face. He opened one eye and looked at her. And he has platinum blonde hair.
Kimberly is doing pretty well. She said that its hard around the house because Joseph, Chloe and Addison are all goofballs and she has to tell them lots to quit making her laugh because it hurts. Her sister-in-law, Jessica, is treating her to a pedicure today!
Kimberly said that she and Joseph were reading the blog and all the comments from everyone and they both had tears in their eyes. Chloe came in and said "there's too much cryin', he's coming home"
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
A visit
From Mary Beth:
I got to visit Joseph and Kimberly at the hospital today. Soon after I got there, Kimberly was so excited to get her iv's out.
Joseph said I should've seen what she looked like just a day ago, all hooked up, with several different bags pumping stuff into her.
Kimberly had just gotten up and cleaned up when I got there, so she wanted her hair fixed. So I got to braid her hair. We also put a little makeup on, because makeup always makes a girl feel better.
The social worker came to visit Kimberly and Joseph - it was a lady that Kimberly had previously worked with. The lady said that Spence is off to a great start.
The pictures of the diapers didn't make me think the diapers were so tiny, until I saw one in person, it fit in the palm of my hand, and so I tried to take another picture to show just how tiny these TOO BIG FOR SPENCE diapers are
The nurse phoned to say Kimberly could go home tomorrow. Kimberly told me that Spence will be in the hospital until his due date in August. I could hear babies crying on either side of Kimberly's room. There were mothers' that were getting to hold their new babies and listen to them cry. But there is my sweet sweet friend Kimberly, having only seen her son 1 time since he was born, and has to leave the hospital tomorrow but has to leave him there for MONTHS. I can not imagine the emotions that my friends are feeling. But Kimberly has a beautiful smile on her face the entire time I'm there.
It makes me think of Heavenly Father speaking to Joseph Smith "...peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflicitions shall be but a small moment; and then if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph..." This is the beginning of a big challenge for Kimberly and Joseph, and for Spence. But if they endure it well, they will be blessed.
I got to visit Joseph and Kimberly at the hospital today. Soon after I got there, Kimberly was so excited to get her iv's out.
Joseph said I should've seen what she looked like just a day ago, all hooked up, with several different bags pumping stuff into her.
Kimberly had just gotten up and cleaned up when I got there, so she wanted her hair fixed. So I got to braid her hair. We also put a little makeup on, because makeup always makes a girl feel better.
The social worker came to visit Kimberly and Joseph - it was a lady that Kimberly had previously worked with. The lady said that Spence is off to a great start.
The pictures of the diapers didn't make me think the diapers were so tiny, until I saw one in person, it fit in the palm of my hand, and so I tried to take another picture to show just how tiny these TOO BIG FOR SPENCE diapers are
The nurse phoned to say Kimberly could go home tomorrow. Kimberly told me that Spence will be in the hospital until his due date in August. I could hear babies crying on either side of Kimberly's room. There were mothers' that were getting to hold their new babies and listen to them cry. But there is my sweet sweet friend Kimberly, having only seen her son 1 time since he was born, and has to leave the hospital tomorrow but has to leave him there for MONTHS. I can not imagine the emotions that my friends are feeling. But Kimberly has a beautiful smile on her face the entire time I'm there.
It makes me think of Heavenly Father speaking to Joseph Smith "...peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflicitions shall be but a small moment; and then if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph..." This is the beginning of a big challenge for Kimberly and Joseph, and for Spence. But if they endure it well, they will be blessed.
Update from last night
The nurse gave Little Spence a bath and he cried the whole time!
That is good news.
He also opened his eyes for a little bit.
He is very active and, while he is not out of the woods, he seems to be doing good at this point!
Daddy said he's stubborn like a Freeman, so he's fighting strong.
That is good news.
He also opened his eyes for a little bit.
He is very active and, while he is not out of the woods, he seems to be doing good at this point!
Daddy said he's stubborn like a Freeman, so he's fighting strong.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Diaper Size
Here are two pictures of Spence's diapers. Remember that these diapers are still TOO BIG for him.
Pictures
Once I get some pictures, which will hopefully be today, they will flood this blog!!!
-"Aunt" Mary Beth
-"Aunt" Mary Beth
Message from VoVo
Dear Friends and Family -
I am not sure who knows what so I am just updating everyone! If you have already received this information via other channels of communication, sorry for the duplication!
Kimberly had an emergency C-section last night and Joseph Spencer Freeman, Jr. was delivered about 11:10 p.m. He weighs 1.45 lbs and is 11 inches long. They had no choice but to do the C-section. The placenta was separating from the uterus and every time Kimberly had a contraction, Baby Spence's heart rate would plummet. When they got in, they discovered the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times. Kimberly will probably be in the hospital at least until Thursday and will have a pretty lengthy recovery from the surgery due to the type of incision they had to do. According to the doctors, both baby and mother are doing fine. The next few days will be critical for Baby Spence so if you could please keep him in your prayers, we would be most grateful. He got good scores on his tests at birth so we are hopeful for a good outcome.
I am not sure who knows what so I am just updating everyone! If you have already received this information via other channels of communication, sorry for the duplication!
Kimberly had an emergency C-section last night and Joseph Spencer Freeman, Jr. was delivered about 11:10 p.m. He weighs 1.45 lbs and is 11 inches long. They had no choice but to do the C-section. The placenta was separating from the uterus and every time Kimberly had a contraction, Baby Spence's heart rate would plummet. When they got in, they discovered the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck 3 times. Kimberly will probably be in the hospital at least until Thursday and will have a pretty lengthy recovery from the surgery due to the type of incision they had to do. According to the doctors, both baby and mother are doing fine. The next few days will be critical for Baby Spence so if you could please keep him in your prayers, we would be most grateful. He got good scores on his tests at birth so we are hopeful for a good outcome.
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