Update on Joshua

Hi Everyone,

I am not sure where to begin...we are so THANKFUL for all of the prayers.  I can't even imagine how many prayers have been sent up to Heaven for Joshua and Jeff and myself.  We feel overwhelmed by the love and support we have been given.  You all are truly wonderful people and I know that God has heard our prayers!

Being up here on the Pediatric unit definitely breaks your heart.  Hearing your own baby cry, other babies crying...makes you feel helpless.  But thank goodness for a loving God who comforts each of us.  

Currently, Joshua is sleeping peacefully in his crib.  He was taken off continuous oxygen this morning...Praise the Lord!  He is currently receiving blow by oxygen (a mask near his face that is just oxygenating the air).  This is definitely a step in the right direction.  He didn't even need blow by earlier but later this afternoon, it appears that when he begins to fall asleep, his breathing patterns change and his O2 sats dip a little lower (low 90's upper 80's).  

He is such a wonderful baby!  He is much more alert when he's awake and is sooooo cute :)  He and I had some good conversation earlier today :)  I thought maybe he would smile but no.

He is still receiving antibiotics (gentamicin and ampicillin).  His IV came out earlier today and so we had to go through the whole process again of finding another vein to use.  After a stick in each foot, we got one in the crease of his elbow (antecubital).  He cried for a little while, but as soon as it was over, he fell fast asleep.  So precious!  He has been fever free since yesterday evening.  Praise the Lord!

The doctor came in today and said if all goes smoothly from here, we may get to go home tomorrow.  I am not holding my breath on it but it would be wonderful if we could.

Physically, I am drained.  I was up all night.  The constant monitors going off, breathing treatments, feedings, vitals, etc allowed me no sleep.  Plus I have a sinus infection so I felt pretty miserable.  5am came and after I was done feeding, I tried to burp him and he WOULD NOT BURP.  Normally, I wouldn't care but the sleep deprivation was a little to much to handle.  I called Jeff's name about 5 times before he woke up :)  I said "Jeff I need your help.  He will not burp!"  Jeff immediately took him from me and told me to GO HOME.  So I did just that.  On my way home I just balled, feeling guilty for being mad that a sweet little baby wouldn't burp, because I was so thankful he was doing better, because I was so sorry he was sick, because I felt like him getting sick was my fault, etc. Needless to say, it was the longest drive home. I think I hit every red light at 6am.  I left Jeff some milk sitting out for his next feeding and went home and slept from 6 to 11.  I think I could have slept the entire day but I set my alarm so I could be back up here to feed him at 11:30.  So a good 4 hour stretch is more than I have had in 5 and 1/2 weeks!!  

Well that's all there is right now. Thanks again for all the prayers!

Tiff (and Jeff and Joshua)

Sweet baby Joshua

Hello everyone! Amy from TonagelTeam here. I am writing to update everyone on sweet Joshua and his condition. He was admitted to the hospital last night after reaching a 101.4 degree temperature and throwing up several times after each feeding. Jeff and Tiffany called the doctor to seek further guidance. They were encouraged to bring him to the hospital to have further tests taken. When the family arrived, the nurse immediately called the pediatrician on call and urged her to come check out Josh immediately. She did so and after many tests, pokes, and prods, they concluded that Joshua has a severe case of RSV. This was bad news but also great news all at the same time. They were happy to rule out pneumonia and meningitis. He is severely dehydrated and hooked up to an IV to help regain his fluids. Joshua was a trooper through it all as they had to stick him 6 times to get an IV started AND survived the spinal tap. He slept through it all (as this was an indication of the severity of his condition). Please pray that Joshua is made better soon. Whether God chooses to heal him immediately or heal him through medical intervention, Jeff and Tiffany continue to seek Him and praise Him through this storm. Also, please pray for these wonderful parents as they face these challenges and the couple of rough days ahead. They will remain in the hospital a minimum of 48 hours, but could be there up to a week. Your prayers, thoughts, and encouragement are greatly appreciated for this awesome family!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phillipians 4:6-7

First Hoodie

4 Weeks Old and a Sleep-over!

I can't believe how fast time has gone!  Joshua is 4 weeks old today.  And each day gets better and better!  He is still eating and sleeping great.  Last night, he went 3.5 hours and 4 hours between feedings! Thank you Lord! Maybe they will start staying that way?? He has been having gas and I think I have figured it out thanks to Amy's mom.  I told her that when he eats, he gulps it down and usually gets choked on my milk once a feeding. She suggested I burp him several times on each side and that has helped so much.  It has even cut down on hiccups and spit up.  One thing that's still pretty funny is that when I stop him to burp him, he acts like he is going to starve.  We call him woody woodpecker because he bobs his head frantically until he can eat again.  He is such a sweet baby!

We took him to the hospital yesterday to get weighed and he was 9 lbs 15 oz! (no clothes or diaper on!) We definitely have a big eater :) He is already wearing 3 month clothes.  

He is just so much fun! And we love that his eyes are open more now.

Below was this morning hanging out with momma.

Below is about 20 seconds later :)

Cute feet :)

Below was when he was first born.  What a difference!

Last night we got together with some good friends of ours, the Tonagel's and the Younce's for a cookout to celebrate March Madness.  There was plenty of it here at the house with 2 toddlers and 2 babies :)  It was a great time!  Both the babies were asleep when everyone got here.  I'd like to say it was Joshua and Will's first sleep-over together.  We are already getting them used to each other.  I think they will be best friends :)

Several Firsts

This past week has been a week of several firsts!  

#1 - Joshua is a tummy sleeper.  His congestion was causing him to be SO noisy when he slept on his back.  And he has recently found out that his arms can fling around and hit him in the face and wake him up.  Solution - sleeping on his tummy.  He is such a big boy! He had been able to lift his head up almost from day 1 and is now very good at lifting his head up and changing the direction he faces.  So I haven't even been worried when I go to sleep.  Thank you Lord. 

#2 - I am using a pacifier!! I thought I never would.  But this baby likes to suck.  Even after he's done nursing, he wants to continue to suck on something and I can't get anything done if it's me :)  So I have been using it to help him get to sleep without using me. 

#3 - He hadn't pooped at all on Tuesday and I got a little worried. He was grunting and turning red in the face as if he was trying to but just couldn't.  Well needless to say, on Wednesday, he had a blowout and got all over his white onesie so I cut the onesie off of him.  I haven't been a mom long enough to know some of the tricks to get poopy clothes over the head without getting it all over him.  But, my friend Amie told me I could roll up the poopy area at the bottom and then take it off. Great suggestion!  Thank you :)

#4 - He got to ride on a private jet!!  Thank you to Dr. Smith, who graciously offered to let us new mommas go with him to Branson to watch the tournament.  I had been planning on driving with my parents but an 1.5 hr trip seemed much quicker and easier with a 3 week old :)  Our friends, Ryan and Amie Ott went along with us.  Ryan and his dad, Gary are pilots and flew us out there.  Thank you so much! It was a fantastic flight and a lot of fun to be a 3 week old on a private jet!  Here is Amy and I really giddy with excitement before we left.  

Here are the two little ones getting ready to get on the plane.  Joshua on the left, Will on the right.

And here's Amy and I again.  We both nursed on the plane.  Poor Dr. Smith, he was such a good sport and didn't even act like he noticed.  Thank goodness for "Hooter Hiders"!

Here's Amy with her 1 week old.  She is in much better shape than I was when Joshua was 1 week old.  I was still crying every night at 5:30 :)  She has beautiful blue eyes doesn't she?!

And here's Joshua sleeping away.  When he wasn't nursing, he was doing this the entire flight. 

He sleeps with his mouth open a lot (just like his momma).  

And here's our friend Amie.  She has 2 of her own.  I am hoping being around babies this weekend will make her want another one soon :)  

And here's me using the hooter hider.  What a great invention!

On another note, the IWU wildcats lost this weekend in the Elite 8 game against Oklahoma Wesleyan.  They fought so hard to win that game.  We will miss our seniors so much!!! The team had a great season.  Best finish in school history with being regular season champions, conference tournament champions, and a trip to Nationals and the Elite 8.  Our coaches are pretty amazing (I may be a little biased :)  And our team is really special!  But after the season ends, I think us wives and our husbands go through a little depression.  It will get better but it's so hard to see the season end.  Ok, well I hope everyone has a great week!

First Cold :(

Here is Joshua during his first stroller ride (to visit daddy at work).

Joshua has his first bug :(  Friday morning I noticed his nose sounded congested.  So as a first time mom, I had a meltdown.  Thankfully Jeff was home that day so he was able to help me work through my emotions.  I took him to the Pediatrician that afternoon just to make sure everything was ok.  He didn't have a fever and he wasn't cranky.  He continued to eat and sleep like normal but I still didn't want to take any chances.  The doctor just said to use some saline nasal drops and suck out any snot.  So we have been doing that all weekend.  It just makes me feel so bad. I tried so hard to keep sick people away and make people wash their hands. So I felt really guilty.  I have had to work through the worry and guilt often. And it is definitely hard for me to trust the Lord for his healing when you feel so responsible for this little baby.  I have had to ask the Lord for peace MULTIPLE times a day.  I keep praying the same prayer "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything with prayer and petition, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".   

My sister surprised me on Friday for a visit! She and my mom showed up right before we left for the doctor's office so they got to keep me company during that time.  

So far, he hasn't gotten any worse so I am so thankful. We are just waiting it out right now.  I am up at my parents house this week since Jeff left with the basketball team this afternoon for Branson, MO.  :( We miss him so much.  We are planning on driving down there Thursday as long as Joshua is doing better.

Hope everyone has a good week and stays well!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Greg, Amy, and Jace on the birth of William Hugh Tonagel!! He was born at 5:03 pm tonight, 7lbs 3oz.  Joshua can't wait to meet his new best friend :)  We are so happy for you all!  Love you!

Prayers Needed

My best friend Amy and her husband Greg are headed to the hospital this afternoon to be induced.  She is expecting her second son.  Greg and Jeff will be leaving on Sunday for the NAIA National Tournament in Branson, MO.  This way Greg will get to meet his son before he leaves and won't have to chance missing the birth.  It's hard to know why labor hasn't started on its own, but we also know that God is in control and I have full confidence that things will work out wonderfully.  I know they would appreciate all prayers tonight/tomorrow.  My next post will be to announce the birth of their son.  :) YEAH!!! Joshua and Baby Tonagel will be best buds, I just know it.  Thanks everyone!!

Second Post of the Day...Never thought I would say this...

But I told Jeff I am ready to be pregnant again!  I love Joshua so much!!  And I loved being pregnant! And looking back on my delivery, I loved that too! Am I crazy?????  And I didn't even cry yesterday at dinner time.  That is a milestone! :)

First Doctor Check Up and Congratulations!

Joshua went to the Pediatrician's office yesterday for his 1 week check up (10 day check up for him).  He weighs 7 lbs 7.6 oz!!  Yeah for a 12 oz weight gain since Wednesday.  He has grown half an inch, his head circumference grew 3/4 an inch and everything looks great!!   Praise the Lord!!

Congratulations to The Henry family on the birth of Selah Joy and Jadah Hope born last evening! Praise the Lord for two health baby girls! We can't wait to meet them!