Consistency in the NICU is the best thing you can wish for. They continue to tell us that "No news is good news"...I am fortunate to say that today comes with little news.
Drake had a goal of 50 cc of urine last night, he got 82cc! He continues to defy all expectations set forth for him. The X-ray on his knee did not show any fractures or breaks, that is such great news! It is pretty black and blue so they are going to continue to monitor it for potential ligament damage. He is getting to go up slightly on his feeds, this is so much better than the IV drip nutrition he has been getting. He will be slowly weened off of the diuretics as he is beginning to get too low on some of the valuable electrolytes that were life threateningly high last week.
Kennedy is up to 9cc of milk and she is continuing to grow quickly. I actually enjoy changing her diaper, for now, because it gives me an opportunity to get in there and interact with her. She is such a sweet baby and has beautiful eyes.
In the next few weeks, Drake's swelling should go down. We can't hardly wait to be able to get in there and interact with him again. It is so difficult when the only interaction is from the outside looking in.
Great news!!!!! So glad the X-rays had such a great report!! I am sure he will improve even more when you are able to touch Drake!!! What a miracle these babies are!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome news! This time last week I remember patiently waiting as each hour slowly ticked by, hearing once again that nothing came out, and every moment keeping Drake in my prayers, asking God to keep him going and give him the strength so he could pull through the battle and keep going onward for more. It looks like this week is a new week, full of new hope, refreshing all of our spirits, and increasing all of our faith in God, as he heard our cries for help for Drake and is slowly but surely healing him as he, the great physician, can :)
ReplyDeleteKennedy is growing up like crazy it looks like, which is great as the more she grows, the more stable she will become, and the sooner you two can bring her home from the hospital, and start the rest of your lives with her :) Drake growing as well size wise, but shrinking swelling wise is great :)
Hopefully you two had a great lunch together the other day, and enjoyed the peace and relaxation away from the NICU, even though I am sure you two had your cell phones on the table, awaiting a message constantly, but hopefully you two were able to enjoy a nice meal together and that it helped to lift your spirits even more :)
Slowly but surely it looks like things are going much better overall, but we know there might still be battles ahead, which is why we all need to continue to pray for Drake and Kennedy, and everyone else watching over them, so that they continue to win every battle in their path. The strength and determination of these two little children is amazing, and I know that one day they are going to change the world, as at just barely past 3 weeks old, they are already touching the world :)
God bless you Gilstrap family :) Soon that picture on Facebook of you two with the two little pairs of shoes in the middle, can be replaced by a picture of the four of you standing there instead :)
Yay!! Another score for Team Gilstrap!
ReplyDeleteI'm so pleased with the little to no news :-) God is good!
Get used to those diaper changes Daddy--soon there will be double!
I love you Drake, Kennedy, Brian & Annie!!! I already miss ya'll! I cannot wait to see them crawling around all over the house chasing Harley and Ella!! I am so happy things are calming down and going smooth. Hugs & kisses!! Auntie
ReplyDeleteGod continues to hear and answer our prayers for Drake and Kennedy! Praising and thanking Him for all the many blessings you are being showered with by His grace and mercy!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing turnaround from a week ago. It just seems like your updates get brighter and brighter.
ReplyDeleteHi - I've been following your story and am so happy to hear things are moving in a positive direction. You and your precious children are in my prayers every day! I pray God's healing, strength and peace for you all. May God continue to bless you abundantly.
ReplyDeleteThanks be to God! God is good! HE is so good!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Josh & Kim
PS.....our little 4 1/2 boy / girl twins are praying for Team Drake and Kennedy too!!
Hi! You don't know me, but a friend directed me to your blog, and I have been following your journey. I just wanted you to know that I am pryaing for your family and sending only my very best thoughts your way. I hope things continue to improve and your precious little ones continue to grow and thrive.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Kathie Kelly
Hi. We don't know each other, but a friend of my passed on a prayer request for your sweet babies last week. I have been following their journey since then. I wanted to send some encouragement as the mother of formerly micro-preemie multiples. My triplets were born in 2005 at 23 weeks gestation, and while the memories of their time the NICU have faded somewhat, I do remember the same types of ups and downs that you guys are facing. I also remember very well the power of prayer. Please know that you and your precious little ones remain in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Amanda Kongthong
Happy to hear that there isn't much news to report. I can tell Kennedy has already got you wrapped around your little finger (or should I say with just a look in her eyes). We are so happy to hear the babies are exceeding everyone's expectations.
ReplyDeleteKeep fighting Drake and keep growing Kennedy! We love you!
Yvonne and Sydney
So happy the x-rays were negative for Drake. And so thankful they are both exceeding expectations. Drake keep up the great work and fighting and getting better. Kennedy you keep on doing great as well. Praise be to God for all His blessings and miracles in your lives. Continuing to keep you all in my daily thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for updating us every day of what is going on. I look forward each day to their progress reports and seeing the prayers being answered. Keep it up Team Drake & Team Kennedy. God Bless. Sandra
ReplyDeleteDaily thoughts and prayers continue to come your way!
ReplyDeleteGod is still in the miracle business. Please know it is a joy and privilege to pray for your dear family. <><
ReplyDeleteDrakes goal was 50 and he did 82. That's 164% to goal. He's already an Annual Achiever. Way to go Drake. Way to go Brian and Annie. Way to go Kennedy. Keep the faith and the fight.
ReplyDeleteBill W
Prayer is amazing! Thanks for sharing your amazing journey of your two beautiful miracles with us. Keep healing and growing Drake and Kennedy!! Many prayers being sent for you and your family Brian.
ReplyDelete