Sunday, July 15, 2012

Clearer skies

Yesterday's rainbows in our lives definitely have provided a brighter day of hope; our bodies emotional weather forecast has been quite rainy the last few days. Until we received the message of the rainbows, we felt our forecast was quite gloomy.

Drake has been given every medicine known and even some unknown including some unconventional tricks on the body to get his kidneys to produce...Drake has had more urine output in the last 5 hours than he has had in the last 6 days!!! We are not at the point of a steady flow that we need to get him out of the critical edema and electrolyte overload, but we are making pee!!! (never thought I would be so excited about urine, but I am ecstatic.)

I feel confident that we have been and still are witnessing a miracle in action; being performed right before our eyes. Yes medical science is dong it's part...but speaking directly to everyone reading this, it is our belief and prayers which are allowing Drake to fight on and giving him the ability and strength to heal. Thank you, thank you, thank you! He will continue to get 1 cc of mommies milk every 6 hours and another round of the oral diuretic/protein mixture this afternoon.

Kennedy is continuing to move forward. Her breathing and ventilator settings are doing great. She will be receiving caffeine for stimulation, and she should be moving to the CPAP soon. It is the ventilator that simply provides airflow in the two small tubes under the nose...she will have to do all the breathing on her own. Unfortunately, she will not get kangaroo time for three days. This is because moving them can be traumatic for short periods and they want to give her time for her lungs to adjust and breathe on her own.

"Keep the faith, never lose hope, continue moving forward"

Picture: This is the picture of Drake and mommies finger before he got sick. It has been photoshopped to have him amidst rays of light.

34 comments:

  1. Many people around the globe are celebrating URINE! The fight that these babies are putting forth is so inspiring.. as is yours and Annie's dedication! I can't thank you enough for all the updates. May God keep smiling down on all of you...especially those babies!

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  2. I can't help but smile reading this news! People all over the world praying for him will be happy for pee too! This is a true testament of Gods amazing grace. Keep fighting Drake! Kennedy you are making so much progress! I know you and mommy will miss kangaroo time for a littlebit but think about all the love she has for you. You'll be back in her arms soon! Annie and Brian continue to stay strong.
    Theboth of you and your babies have ignited feelings in so many people! We love you all very much!!!

    Yvonne and Sydney

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  3. Yay for pee! So excited to hear this news. Hallelujah! Great news on Kennedy moving to CPAP soon too. That is a huge step! Way to go Drake and Kennedy.

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  4. Today in church, I sang amazing grace... but instead of the traditional "I once was blind but I now I see", it was sung by me with a smile on as "I once was bloated but now I pee!" I know many see the song as a sad one but today it was a joyful song. God's grace has been over Drake and Kennedy from the start.

    Keep it up Drake! Pee buddy pee!!!

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  5. God is good, God is great, let us thank him for this...pee!!

    I told Teresa this morning, that when I was driving home last night there were pockets of lightning in the distance...I told my husband it looked like God was working furiously on something up there and that hopefully it was Drake's kidneys...&YAY!! IT WAS! Go Amazing Drake, Go!

    Super Kennedy is on a roll! I think its all the mommy and daddy time she is getting!! I am praying the weening from vent to cpap and then to her own is smooth-- Keep it up super star!!

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  6. Praise God!!! This is amazing news, and what we've all been waiting to hear, more PEE!! My heart is overjoyed to hear the news of what God has done!! Love you guys! Go Team Drake and Kennedy!

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  7. Praising our loving Father God for this miracle!

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  8. PRAISE THE LORD!!! I was so happy when I read your post just now! I have to believe it is God's will that Drake continues to improve and ultimately comes through this! May the love of God keep surrounding all of you!

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  9. Yay!!!!! Go drake!!! You are such a fighter, it amazes me more and more everyday! I'm sure Kennedy is going to miss kangaroo time just as much as her mommy is, but its good to hear that Kennedy is
    Getting even stronger :)

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  10. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!!! Continued prayers for Drake & Kennedy. Also Mom & Dad - strength & comfort to endure this roller coaster which is the path set before you. I am SO excited to see the next page of God's plan for you all - adding to your testimony. Thank you for posting.

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  11. Kennedy, Will and I are doing the tee tee dance for Drake! God is good! Where more than one gather to pray....miracles are abound!

    Criti

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  12. Thank God for all things!! Drake is a miracle - totally defying medical science!! God is always in control - and His plans are always the best plans - just wish at times we could undersatnd and comprehend them - but that is whay we have faith and belief in God! You are both incredibly wonderful parents - and an example to all other parents on how to give total love and commitnemt to your children. Drake and Kennedy are precious gifts from God! The Parker family continures to pray - and our church in East Texas prayed for all of you this morning. You will never be able to comprehend the enormous scope of the prayers you are receiving nor the positive effect you are having on others, It is like the pebble in the water - the ripples go on and on - touching people everywhere.

    God bless you all. So look forward to getting the updates on your little angels!

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  13. This is such good news! Hooray, pee!
    We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
    Cori

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  14. Such amazing news!! What amazing miracles your children are. They have brought people so many people together praying for the same outcomes, your family's continued healing and the strength to overcome the adversities you guys may encounter.
    Drake (to the Nemo chant) just keep peeing.
    Kennedy it is amazing to hear of your continued progress. I will be praying for a smooth transition to cpap.

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  15. This is so amazing!!!! Probably one of the most amazing things I have heard in a looong time. Thank you God and I pray you continue to do a mighty work in Drake.

    Greg

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  16. I am so excited for you guys!! We have been doing the pee pee dance for your guys and FINALLY Drake let 'er rip! Good Boy!! Kennedy , mommy and daddy keep up the good work! The strength of the Gilstrap family is amazing.
    BTW - on Tuesday when I was dropping my older two off at camp I was thinking of you all the night before and the only song that came on was by Big and Rich - "That's Why I Pray" and the lines that have stuck with me since that day are "I want to make a difference even in the smallest way,
    I’m only one person, but I can feel it working
    I believe in better days, That’s why I pray". Thank you for the proof in "better days". Stay strong! Love, the Smiths

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  17. Brian and Annie - God is amazing. He has blessed you in so many ways - your children, the miracles, the prayers from so many that have been prayed and will continue to be prayed. This is such good news. I am so happy for all of you.

    Thinking of you,
    Noni

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  18. Go Drake Go...Pee Drake Pee! Such a blessing to hear. So wonderful! God is unbelievabley great!

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  19. "For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard." Acts 22:15
    This verse has been on my heart for you as I have been praying for your family. You are witnessing something miraculous...we all are as we read your story and participate through prayer. I want to sing praises and tell everyone God can do anything. Bless your sweet babies and prayers for continued healing and growth.

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  20. I have read your blogs every day and look forward to each new one. Your family is so blessed. I have been praying for Drake and Kennedy and think of them daily. God is awesome!!!

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  21. That's amazing!! You know at church this morning the sermon was about prayer and the power it has. I couldn't help but think about Drake. Thats the best news I could have heard today!

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  22. Such wonderful news-tiny steps can lead to a great recovery! Continuing to pray for you all!
    Pam and Ronnie

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  23. Hooray!!! I am so, so very glad to hear this. Keep it up Drake and team! (And I'll keep praying!)

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  24. What wonderful news! Drake and Kennedy are true fighters, continuing to send prayers!

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  25. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory. Eph 3:20-21

    I thought of Drake this morning as I heard the sermon about this scripture. He has done immeasurably more than we can imagine with Drake. I'm so happy to hear of his progress

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  26. Thanks for the updates. Praise God for all he has done in the babies lives, as well as yours.


    Giggles

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  27. God is so good! Thinking of you and your family often. Lifting you all up in prayer. Keep up the good fight little one ones! Your Mommy, Daddy and all of the world are so proud of the progress you've made. I will continue to share your story. Prayer brings forth miracles like yours!!

    Chanti

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  28. Andrea & family,
    Just heard about this and started reading your blog. I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through this very scary time, and so glad to read about Drake & Kennedy's progress, and to see all the love and support you have around you. You all have a beautiful family, and you're all in my thoughts and prayers.
    With love,
    Lindsey Collins

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  29. http://www.kaylaaimee.com/scarlettes-story/preemie-resources/ This is a friend's website who also had a 25 weeker-- she put together a pile of preemie/NICU resources!

    Praying for you from GA!

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  30. I am so thankful! Overjoyed at this wonderful news....this IS a miracle. Drake: Keep up the fight! Kennedy we are so proud of you! We will all continue to pray.

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  31. God is awesome!! I want to thank you for sharing your life... I have been praying for baby Drake and your family, more than I have prayed for anything in a long time. I believe in miracles and truly believe we are witnessing one! Or should I say two! Thanks be to God and I will continue praying.

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  32. This is great news!!! Still praying for both babies!! Those babies are fighters! God is so good! What a b,easing to have been able to keep up with your blog! It is amaze ng to read about miracles!!

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  33. Jan and I are very excited to hear the good news. God works in amazing ways and prayer is powerful. I am not a big fan of FB but I have been following the blog since their birth. I have been on FB more in the last 3 weeks than I have in the past year. As I read your blogs it brings back a lot of memories of the NICU. That constant roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs , good days and bad days. We wish y'all the best and hope and pray for many more happy and health days ahead. Stay true to the Lord and keep keep the FAITH.
    Russell and Jan Morrison

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  34. This is WONDERFUL news!! Way to go Drake!! You are such a fighter. You and your sister make your Mommy, Daddy, family, friends & everyone else following your story very proud!! You all continue to be in my prayers <3

    Love,
    Leslie Thomas

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