God makes a promise.
Faith believes it.
Hope anticipates it.
Patience quietly awaits it.
These four short sentences seem to completely summarize our entire experience thus far, here at the NICU.
There is still no urine output, but the fight Drake is continuing to demonstrate is absolutely remarkable. We met with the doctor this morning and it shows that he has impacted them as well. The doctor said she was driving in this morning and thinking about us, putting all her concentration and thought into what else we can do. She said she had another trick up her sleeve, it is kind of "Old School." She didn't even have it out of her mouth and we were on board. She ordered another diuretic that is used to reduce the swelling and fluid retention caused by various medical problems. It causes the kidneys to get rid of unneeded water and salt from the body into the urine.
Let's do this Drake...Friday the 13th is a LUCKY day!!!!
Kennedy and mommy are doing another kangaroo treatment...it looks like they will have a date at 11:30 every day to do this. I'm pretty sure neither of them will be late for this...Kennedy and mommy absolutely love this. A sense of calmness completely takes over both of them.
Picture: Kennedy holding my wedding ring. (I think I spent 5 minutes scrubbing it with sterile wipes, I am now a father you know,)
I pray this new diuretic idea of the doctor's works!!! Love the picture of the Kangaroo treatment. C'mon Drake, let's do this!!
ReplyDeleteGreg
That is the most precious photo ever, of mom and daughter, with your wedding ring being held by her tiny hand :)
ReplyDeleteIf the water pill (diuretic) they give Drake is anything like the ones I take for my high blood pressure, he will be going like he has never gone before soon :) Praying that it gets that extra water out of him and fast, as I know holding it in that long is no fun, so can only imagine how ready he is to use that restroom :)
Praying constantly for you four, it is amazing how much God has shown that he is in control right now, with each passing hour taking care of you all, and every one of us knowing this story being blessed by you two's strength to protect and take care of your little ones... they will grow up and be told one day this story of their birth, and will know their mom and dad love them so much.
God bless you four and every one in that hospital with you, and keep fighting the good fight, and let Drake know we are behind him and rooting for him to tinkle!
Watching and Praying, I cannot tell you how precious it was to see your post that Drake is still fighting. God must surely have some wonderful purpose for him. He has worked so many mirracles for him already.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you all. Vicki Shultz
I have been following this blog daily and it makes my heart happy to hear some encouraging news! U guys are amazing and I pray that God hears and listens to each individual prayer. Thanks for all the updates...the Thomas Family are now forever a part of Team Kennedy & Drake! Keep fighting babies!!
ReplyDeleteI do believe in miracles! Prayers are flowing. Your updates are so appreciated as you are all on my mind all thru the day and night. Love you all!
ReplyDeleteKelley
What a perfect message- so true! Kennedy, you look so peaceful on your mommy feeling her heart beat for your and your strong brother! Drake, you completely amaze me and consume my thoughts! I cant wait to hold both of you!!!! Don't give up! I pray this new diuretic works! Again, thanks for keeping us posted- it means so much to me being able to share this journey with you all! Continuing to love and pray for you...
ReplyDeleteSo good to hear Drake is still fighting and to hear the doctor is trying something new. Drake - you can do this sweet baby boy, I just know it! Praying this works and your kidneys are soon functioning as they should be. What a beautiful photo of mom & Kennedy and dad's wedding ring! Continually praying for you all. Come on Team Drake & Team Kennedy! Thank you for keeping us updated! Praying today is the day of miracles! God Bless! Sandra
ReplyDeleteAnnie and Kennedy - you are absolutely beautiful - what more can I say?
ReplyDeleteDrake - you are such a fighter - God is in your corner. Go for it!
Brian - you are the wind beneath everyone - you hold them strong with your faith and love.
Absolutely awesome.
Thinking of you and sending prayers,
Noni
Sometimes we have to get back to Old School methods. Thankful that God is putting the Gilstrap's at the forefront of the doctor's mind. Today is going to be a good day with the diuretics work! Praise God from who all blessings flow!
ReplyDeleteCristi, Kennedy
Matthew 17:20 says,"....If you have faith of a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto a mountain , remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about your determination, your faith, and your hope I am inspired! Just think about all the friends, family, and strangers that are standing in faith for you, Annie, and your precious babies. If your faith starts to fade from exhaustion just grab onto ours! There is an endless amount of faith, prayer, and love flowing on your behalf. What an honor it is to be a member of Team Kennedy & Drake!
Kicking it Old School style - I love it! I think Drake needs to go by "Rocky" he has so much fight in him! Keep it up little guy! Annie and Kennedy look amazing together - absolutely gorgeous! Keep growing and getting stronger - little sisters can set good examples for big brothers! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you guys! Heidi
I am watching your blog closer than I have ever watched anything (other than FB) in my life!!! I am still praying and thinking about you guys every free moment I get. COME ON DRAKE!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletePS this picture brings tears to my eye of Kennedy!!! She is looking bigger every picture you post!
Praying this new diuretic works! Go Drake, go! I am sure the 11:30 date will be a highlight of both Kennedy's and Mom's day. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrdc75t18Ik&sns=em
ReplyDeleteThought of this song when reading your story.
"You are greater, greater than the fight that rages for my life. I have found my rest is in You. You are brighter, breaking through the night, lighting up my sight. I have seen my rest is in You."
Ashlei
Lets go Drake....We know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteLove and Prayers are with you all
Praying the diuretic works...sometimes old school is still the best! Love seeing Annie and Kennedy having a wonderful bonding time. Praying it won't be long before Drake gets to have his special appointment with mom everyday. Thank you Brian for the daily updates. It is a blessing to those of us who care about your precious family to know what is going on and it helps direct our prayers more specifically.
ReplyDeletePraising God for what he is doing!
Teresa Garrett
I'm praying for your family and especially Drake. He is one tough little guy!
ReplyDeleteI believe that the NICU staff is comprised of angels and they are particularly fond of the precious micro-premies. My little girl spent a week in the NICU in Austin and those nurses were amazing to us during our short time there. But, no matter how great they were to us, they we miracle workers for the micro-premie in our bay. I truly believe everyone in the NICU felt like she was their own and were determined not to let anything bad happen to her on their watch. God had placed your babies in loving and capable hands.
Hang in there parents. You are stronger than you ever thought imaginable.
God bless you.
Regular dialysis might not work, but what about peritonial dialysis? It is another "old school" treatment that I have seen Chuck order. (Or maybe just talk about.) Anyways, we are continuing to say prayers, and I have requested you be added to a friends prayer chain at her church. I will also add you to the Vesper service at my work for Sunday's service. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing wrong with a little old school! We are in your corner Drake! The picture of Annie and Kennedy is quite possibly the most precious picture I have ever seen. What little blessings the two of you have :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad this doctor is willing to try something new for your little fighter. I hope and pray this will be the much needed answer for Drake.
ReplyDeletePictures are worth a thousand words and you can just feel the love that is being exuded in that photo. Brian thank you so much for keeping all of us on the outside up to date so that we can continue to pray and hope for amazing miracles to happen.
Yvonne and Sydney
I don't know if she sent you this, or if you've already tried, but a friend sent me this:
ReplyDelete"Have they put the babies together to let them touch each other at least an hour a day? They say when twins come out and they are separated the weakest of the 2 need that touch from the other and that has saved many struggling twins life. We are praying for him."
I do not know your precious family, but mine is praying for you and lifting you up every chance we can. God Bless you all!
ReplyDeleteBrian and Annie, you're two of the strongest people that we have ever known. We are completely in awe of your courage and resilience. Your faith in your family is encouraging your little ones to fight and we know that miracles are still in store for your family.
ReplyDeleteLittle Kennedy, we are so proud of your progress! You are such a beautiful little girl. We know you look forward to your kangaroo treatments as much as your parents do. Keep it up Kennedy!
Drake, your amazing fight and determination is so inspiring to us both. You are such a strong little man and we are so proud of you. Keep fighting Drake! You can do it!
Our prayers and best wishes continue for you all.
Love,
Robyn and Jason
Thought abt you all often today. Praying for Drake's resilience and strength in the coming days. Hang in there!!
ReplyDeleteGinger
Also praying that the new plan takes effect quickly. When my 24 week twins were in the NICU, the song "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson gave me comfort and strength during the hardest times. It kind of became my theme song to remind me of God's love for us even in the darkest times. If you get a chance, you can see it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0704_oGFX1w. Still praying for your sweet babies all the time. God's blessings.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Drake, I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of you doing Kangaroo care too!
ReplyDeleteAnnie and Brian, I CANNOT stop thinking and praying for you and your beautiful babies! I am sending positive thought and love your way and I KNOW Drake will pee SOON! I truly believe in the power of prayer and its healing abilities. Ya'll were such a strong couple in college, and you are still today. Alll my love, Kristen Brown Horabin
ReplyDeleteYou tell that little fighter that each battle is won thru small victories. Praying for the "old school" technique to kick those kidneys into action. Praying for continued grace from God, that He may be glorified thru this whole ordeal and that Kennedy and Drake with have beautiful stories to tell when they need to motivate the loved ones of their lives. Praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteJG (Anna, TX)
Love, love, love is a beautiful thing. From my family to yours we are sending you all our love and prayer. Your babies are strong and will continue to be strong. I am so proud to see wonderful parents, friends and family sticking together and using the power of positive thinking.
ReplyDeleteI don't know your family, but I learned of you through two different facebook friends who likely don't even know each other. I have now shared the post and asked others to pray for your family. The circle of prayer grows around you. We ask for God's blessings upon your family.
ReplyDeletePraying for the old school technique to work. That photo of Kennedy and Mom is just priceless. Our whole family and community is praying for you all everyday.
ReplyDeleteSuch amazing babies ya'll have!! Continuing praying for you all. Especially for the babies but also for strength and trust in the Lord for Mommy and Daddy.
ReplyDeleteI learned about your family through a fellow preemie mom. I have 25 weeker twins that were born almost two years ago to the day yours were. We are praying for your sweet babies, praying God heals Drake and praying for your strength. God works miracles and he hears our prayers.
ReplyDeletePsalm 91:14-16 says: Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honor them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.
Brian, Annie, Drake and Kennedy-I read your blog each day with tears in my eyes. I know your little babies are fighting so hard because they can feel all the love around them. Kennedy looks so sweet in her mama's arms, I hope Drake is there soon. We continue to pray for their positive progress and strength for mom and dad.
ReplyDeletePam and Ronnie Dickens