Back in mother's arms 6/29/2011

6/26/2011 3 lb 15 oz
6/27/2011 3 lb 14 oz
6/28/2011 4 lb 2.1 oz
6/25/2011 4 lb 3.4 oz


Aliyah progressed enough to allow Christal to do Kangaroo Care.  Everyday, they back off of the breathing support and increase her feedings.  All the test results have come back negative.  We still don't understand why she got sick, but we are thankful for her healing!  God is faithful!

Aliyah was back to smiling again today!  Christal was trying not to stay at the hospital as much the last few days because she wanted the baby to get some rest.  When Christal went Monday, Aliyah got excited and was kicking with excitement.  That is so exciting.  I want to believe she recognizes us.  She did open her eyes a little bit yesterday when I was there visiting her as well.


We love you so much Aliyah.  We are praying and have many other people praying for you as well.  You will be well soon and coming home with us!  You are strong and mighty.  You are talented both physically and mentally.  You will make an impact on all you encounter.  In Jesus name!


Barry G.

Progress continues 6/28/2011

6/25/2011 3 lb 13.7 oz
6/26/2011 3 lb 15 oz
6/27/2011 3 lb 14 oz
6/28/2011 4 lb 2.1 oz


Aliyah looked great today.  She is doing better.  The antibiotics will continue.

I decided to visit Aliyah today.  I'm not typically at the hospital on Tuesday.  I'm usually trying to study somewhere, but it was important to go and visit.  To be honest, I felt like my head was about to explode.  The last couple of days, I have been receiving a lot of calls for permission to run tests.  Thankfully, all the tests have come back negative.  However, I've been trying to rationalize in my mind why they are performing all of the tests.  Needless to say, I've been close to the edge :).  I've not been focused as much at work because I've been thinking about Aliyah.  After visiting, I was re-assured that she was ok.  Man, this parenting thing will take some getting used to!


I'm praying that Aliyah will continue to make progress.  I pray this little episode will be completely behind us next week.  I noticed the checklist on the wall yesterday.  We have a lot to accomplish before we can come home together!  Aliyah, lets get to work!!!!



God Bless you,
Barry G.


P.S.  
My mother came to visit you today Aliyah.  Your Aunt came as well, but she hasn't been able to see you yet due to the visitation rules.

A call from the hospital ... 6/27/2011

6/24/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/25/2011 3 lb 13.7 oz
6/26/2011 3 lb 15 oz
6/27/2011 3 lb 14 oz

Today, I was sitting at work on the phone when the caller ID showed Plano Presbyterian.  I put the co-workers on hold.  It was Dr. Santiago.  Aliyah was ok, but they wanted to do a spinal tap to get some spinal fluid to run more tests.  WHAT!?!?  My mind begin to race a little bit.  Dr. Santiago explained the procedure is normal, and we had nothing to worry about.  Of course I had a few questions:
1) Why is this neccesary?
2) Are the doctors not telling us everything?
3) Is her condition worsening? 

All of the blood work being examined came back negative for any bacteria.  Because of her breathing apnea episodes, the doctors wanted to make sure there was no evidence of bacteria in her spinal fluid.  At this point, I had a few things on my mind.  It was a bit difficult to focus on work.  I really wanted to be at the hospital.  To make things worse, I had class after work.

When Christal got to the hospital, the procedure had already been performed.  Christal calmed me down a bit telling me that she looked great and everything was ok.  The doctors will continue to keep Aliyah on antibiotics for a week and start feeding her again.  They began with 5 mL today.  I pray all the tests continue to come back negative and she will began to kick butt with respect to whatever is attempting to attack her right now.

Aliyah, you have overcome so much.  This is just one more hurdle meant to prepare you for your journey.  We claim the victory right now, in the name of Jesus!  


Barry G.

Staying strong 6/26/2011

6/23/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/24/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/25/2011 3 lb 13.7 oz
6/26/2011 3 lb 15 oz 

Aliyah had a lot of activity around here today.  Her weight gain is a bit deceiving.  She is on the ventilator again, so part of the weight gain is contributed to the ventilator.  She had her eyes examined today.  The doctor stated she was not regressing, but her eyes will be monitored every 2 weeks to make sure nothing changes.  She will remain on the I.V. with no feeding (antibiotics).  The doctors will continue to check her blood for any sign of bacteria or anything that would be responsible for her getting sick.


Aliyah was resting as well as she could under the circumstances.  She had I.V.'s running from both hands, tubes in her mouth, and her eyes were dilated for the eye exam.  She is definitely one tough cookie.


We won't be able to hold her until she gets off the ventilator.  It was good seeing her today. 

God Bless,
Barry G. 

Not singing...but smiling in the rain 6/25/2011

6/22/2011 3 lb 11 oz
6/23/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/24/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/25/2011 3 lb 13.7 oz
32 mL

Aliyah's blood work showed she may have an infection.  Struggling to maintain her breaths were the first indication that something may be going on.  This occurred hours after she received the last vaccination. 

This also caused the doctors to put her back on a ventilator (tube down her throat to her lungs).  They tried the CPAP, but she was still struggling.  Christal and I went to visit her again last night.  We hadn't seen her that way since she was born.  The results of the blood culture are expected this morning.  It will tell the doctors specifically what type of infection she is dealing with.  


During our visit, with two tubes in her mouth, Aliyah managed to smile multiple times.  This was so encouraging to me.  Ignoring all that was going on around her, she was smiling.  Is that not a lesson for all of us......Tough times don't last.....tough people do!  Go Aliyah.  Show us how it's supposed to be done.  We are cheering for you and can't wait to bring that smile home with us.


God bless each of you and thank you for your continued prayers!


Barry G.


PS:  Happy 2 month birthday.

Rebounding well 6/24/2011

6/21/2011 3 lb 9.9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 11 oz
6/22/2011 3 lb 13 oz
6/23/2011 3 lb 13 oz
32 mL

Unfortunately, Aliyah has an example at  a young age who she can and cannot depend on.  

Psalm 121

 ¹ I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
         From whence comes my help?
 ² My help comes from the LORD,
         Who made heaven and earth.
  
As Christal spoke with the doctors and nurse on Thursday, they were shocked to find out what happened.  It is one mistake to miss a feeding.  It is another one to give a baby 1/6th the amount of normal intake to make up for the mistake.  When the doctors normally increase the feedings, they move up 2 mL.  The nurses on duty increased it 5 mL!  It wasn't just the nurse that make the mistake.....it was 2 shifts after that who participated in the practice.  At work the next day, I continued to think about it, and I was upset.  

I'm so thankful I understand who is in control.  

Christal and I also moved closer through this situation.  Understanding each other a little bit better and how we should respond and react in similar situations and to each other.  

Aliyah, you continue to live up to your name.  You have a purpose in this world.  Never forget it!

Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words and prayers.
Barry G. 

New Challenge, New Opportunity for God 6/23/2011

6/20/2011 3 lb 9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 9.9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 11 oz
6/22/2011 3 lb 13 oz
32 mL

A lot happened today.  1st and foremost, today represented our 4 year anniversary.  This is the first anniversary with Aliyah.


Aliyah had some challenges today.  Here heart rate dropped many times today.  It is hard to say why.  
1) She missed a feeding at 6:00 a.m. this morning.  (Nurse forgot to start the machine)
2) She received two vaccinations today.
3) To make up for the missed feeding, they added 5 mL to every other feeding


I was not happy about the missed feeding.  


When Aliyah is fed, she has milk pushed through her tube over an hour.  As the feeding gets close to the end, she normally has issues with breathing.  Her stomach gets full, and it leaves very little room for her to breath.  Since she missed a feeding, the feeding was a little more than normal.  I'm not sure if the additional feeding or the vaccinations can be associated with her difficulty keeping her heart rate up.  She had been pretty stable prior to today.  Christal and I both prayed over her today.  I prayed over the room, for the nurses, and the doctors.  Prayerfully, we won't have any more mistakes like the one seen today.  


I'm not going to say much more.  I'm not feeling very good today.  I held her hand for a while, and I didn't want to leave the hospital tonight.  I really wanted to stay by her side.  I lost a lot of confidence in the nurses.


Please pray that nights like tonight are not repeated...in Jesus name.


Barry G.

In the eye of the storm 6/22/2011

6/19/2011 3 lb 7.4 oz
6/20/2011 3 lb 9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 9.9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 11 oz
32 mL

I hope today is the busiest day we will have for a while.  Aliyah continued to do her thing...eat, poop, and sleep.  She is almost 4 pounds!  Here weight gain by itself is a testimony.  I remember when the doctors were having a hard time getting her to gain weight.


Christal was tired from her busy day.  She mounted an assault on the house.  She did an awesome job of moving some things out so that we get make the home more homely for the baby.  As soon as I finish writing this blog, I'll be rubbing her back :).

I'm also happy that I've completed one more class.  I took a final tonight.  I spent most of the day today and yesterday studying for it.  Let Christal tell it, I've not really talked to her a lot lately :).  That will change tomorrow.  After all, I can't be that way on our anniversary!  I'm thankful that this classed ended the night before.  Tomorrow, I'll do what I can to remind Christal why it was a good idea for us to hook up 4 years ago :).  


Well, I should go now.  It's getting late and her back is still looking at me.


God Bless,
Barry G.

It's official 6/21/2011

6/18/2011 3 lb 7 oz

6/19/2011 3 lb 7.4 oz
6/20/2011 3 lb 9 oz
6/21/2011 3 lb 9.9 oz
32 mL

Aliyah had a ok night last night.  Her heart rate fell only once.  She gained a little weight and she had a smile on her face :).  

With every new arrival comes a set of questions:
1)  Boy or girl?
2) How much did they weigh?
3) What is their name?
4) ?? I give you 1 guess

Your right.  #4 is "Who does the baby look like!"  I normally avoid answering this question.  For me, it didn't really matter.  The only thing I cared about was her ability to fight!  I honestly believe she has that quality.  She is definitely a fighter.  As a member of the "Preme Club", I can now say I understand what these little humans have to endure.  It is a fight from the time they enter the world.  I'll never forget the doctor tugging on Aliyah as he pulled her out of Christal's stomach.  It was hard to watch because she was so little and he literally had to pull her as if she was caught on something.  Immediately after that, the doctors begin to put tubes down her throat to help her breath.  It all happens very quickly.

Fast forwarding to today, Christal made it official.  I was given the news around 7:56 pm.  Along with the fighters heart, Aliyah also favors me.  Upon hearing the news, I didn't know what to do.  I couldn't scream because I was in the library studying :).  My response back to Christal was: I feel like I've left a mark on the world forever...I don't know what to say!  Prior to her official declaration, I heard rumors that was the case.  I didn't want to buy into the hype however.  It would be too much on me if I got my hopes up only to be deflated by the truth later.  At any rate, I want to give thanks to God for giving me this opportunity and to Aliyah for choosing me over her lovely mom!

I also want to thank all of you out there who voted me for this award.  Please keep praying that the news only gets better!

God Bless,
Barry G. 

Aliyah Strikes Back! 6/20/2011

6/17/2011 3 lb 4.9 oz

6/18/2011 3 lb 7 oz
6/19/2011 3 lb 7.4 oz
6/20/2011 3 lb 9 oz

Well, Aliyah had a nice weight gain.  She continues to grow and provide entertaining diaper changing stories.  Depending on how she feels, you may go through a couple of diapers before you can get a good one on.  Well, today was one of those days.  Christal went through about 4 diapers before she could get a clean one strapped on to the little one.  In order to prevent another premature poop, Christal decided to push on Aliyah's stomach (attempting to push the rest of the poop out)!  Is this a sign of abusive behavior????  I couldn't believe she did that to my baby!  Well, Aliyah was going to let that slide!  When Christal held her during feeding time, Aliyah saw the enemy was vulnerable.  Her weapon of choice.....she FARTED on Christal!  HA!!!  That will teach her to push on my baby's stomach!

Aliyah, always know you daddy won't treat you like a tube of toothpaste!


Well, I hope everyone had a good Monday.  Aliyah continues to bring joy to ours.  She is definitely a spunky one!


God Bless,
Barry G.

Father's/Family Day. I'm Living the Dream 6/19/2011

6/16/2011 3 lb 4.8 oz

6/17/2011 3 lb 4.9 oz

6/18/2011 3 lb 7 oz
6/19/2011 3 lb 7.4 oz

As many of you know, today is Father's day.  Unfortunately, I'm not able to be with my Father in Longview.  Anyone who knows me intimately knows how important family is to me.  It isn't something I take lightly.  The time we have with our family is to be cherished.  Father's Day is a day I grew up celebrating with my family.  As a kid, I looked forward to presenting my dad a gift that my mother paid the majority of.  As I got older, I was able to buy something with my own money.  Most of the time, dad would still be in the bed when we presented him the gifts.  He worked a 12 hr. night shift at the can plant in Longview.  Sunday morning was usually the end of his shift.  He would get home at 6:30 a.m. in the morning, get a few hours of sleep, and wake up to go to church.  

Today was a different Father's day for me.  Today, I traveled to the hospital with Christal to wake-up Aliyah!  She didn't get off work this morning, but she has her hands full learning how to breath and maintain her own body temperature.   We got there in time for feeding.  Aliyah is still receiving 30 mL of milk every three hours.  During this feeding, I held her in the cradling position.  This is the second time I've held her this way.  Normally, we are skin to skin (kangaroo).  The cradle position allows me to look at her and kiss her as she eats through the feeding tube.  We gave her a pacifier to suck during feeding.  It is important for her to get her jaw muscles built up so that she can begin nursing in a few weeks.  Yesterday, Dr. Santiago indicated most premes born before 30 weeks stay after their original due date.  He hinted that Aliyah may leave on or before her's!  I will be praying that to fruition.   

Today Aliyah's nurse Stacey took the most important picture to date.  It was a picture of our family!  The 2nd picture is another one I will cherish.  I always put my finger out with hope that Aliyah will hold it.  She held on today for a while.  I loved every minute of it.  She is a special little girl!

Aliyah, I want you to know mom and dad are preparing a place for you.  We can't wait to bring you home.  You made my day today!
  
God bless each and everyone of you.  Happy Father's Day!  

Barry G.
 
P.S. Thanks for the great dinner today Christal!  You know what you mean to Aliyah and I!

Thankful 6/18/2011

6/15/2011 3 lb 2.4 oz

6/16/2011 3 lb 4.8 oz

6/17/2011 3 lb 4.9 oz

6/18/2011 3 lb 7 oz

In the hustle and bustle of the day, we can often find ourselves complaining about what we don't have time to do, money to buy, opportunities to explore.  Tonight, I want to just give thanks.

I'm thankful for another day to hold my daughter.
I'm thankful for the opportunity to kiss her 3 times today.

I'm thankful for the many prayer warriors who pray for us daily.

I'm thankful for the hospital bills that have arrived and will continue to come.

I'm thankful for the neighbors who continue to bless us (Tim & Stacey)

Thankful for our church members and friends who supported Christal's shower today:

Susan 

Amy

Jeremy

Angela

Crystinah

I'm thankful for another day to deal with issues I wish would go away.

I'm thankful for the time I did have to study.

I'm thankful for the work I was asked to do on a off day.

Today, I made a choice to be thankful.  We don't always ask for the things we have at the times we have them, but it could be worse.  
Someone lost a loved one today.  
Someone didn't have a job to go to.  
Someone didn't have the resources to go back to school.  
Someone didn't have anyone pray for them today.  
Someone didn't have a friend to lend them a hand in time of need.  

I'm more than blessed.  I'm covered by God's grace.

God Bless each and everyone of you.

Barry G.

Will she love daddy also? 6/17/2011

6/14/2011 3 lb 2.8 oz
6/15/2011 3 lb 2.4 oz

6/16/2011 3 lb 4.8 oz

6/17/2011 3 lb 4.9 oz

Today is the first day Aliyah was able to wear clothes!  If you can't see her shirt, it says...I love mommy.  Question:  Will she ever love daddy???

Christal told me today that we have a very happy child.  Evidently, she likes to smile.  I would like to think she has a lot to smile about!  She did well last night with respect to breathing.  I asked the nurse last night if she would be ready to go home next month.  Of course that will depend on Aliyah!  I'm believing she won't be there until Aug.  My prayers are she will be able to come home in July!  She is very strong and she will continue to beat the odds.  There is NO doubt she is my favorite child (and my only child :)) I'm pulling for her.  I do like her style.  She fighting with a smile on her face.

As I write this, I realize how many people have been praying for Aliyah.  It is absolutely amazing what prayer has done for us throughout this process.  It also came to me that her joy is the joy of the Lord. Aliyah's strength and fight are a direct reflecting of the prayers and grace that have been extended to our family during this season.  Aliyah = Ascending Imani = Faith.  Our faith is definitely been ascending :).  God bless each and everyone of you. 

Barry G.

A new look for our...Queeeeeen tooooo beeeee! 6/16/2011

6/13/2011 3 lb 1.3 oz
6/14/2011 3 lb 2.8 oz
6/15/2011 3 lb 2.4 oz
6/16/2011 3 lb 4.8 oz


Good news...Good news....the CPAP is off and the cannula is on!!!!  What an exciting day!  Aliyah is doing well and she was smiling again today.  Christal took my favorite picture thus far today (see below).  As they took off the CPAP, she took the opportunity to let us know how happy she was.  Man, it is hard not to smile when I look at it.  She seems so happy.  The cannula will allow her to be held a lot easier.  It will also give her a chance to suck on her pacifier.  She needs to build up her endurance and coordination before she can come home.  Can you believe that!  She must learn how to breath, suck, and swallow all at the same time!  I'm glad I have that last sentence in context......standing alone, that doesn't sound very holy!  When she gets closer to 4 lbs, they will try to start feeding her through a bottle.


She also gained a great deal of weight.  She rebounded well from a slight drop the night before.  I was really excited watching her in her bed today.  She looked so comfortable laying there.  We will also be able to see her face and hair for extended periods of time.  I'm so thankful for the little things.  Being able to see her hair, face, and eyes simultaneously is something I'm not used to.  Most of the pictures posted on this blog are taken during cleanup.  


The medical staff was able to turn down the heat in her bed as well.  She is beginning to regulate her heat better.  We are at 31 weeks now (she was born at 24 weeks).    


If you haven't guessed it, the title was stolen from one of the best movies of all time....
Coming to America ;).


God Bless each and everyone of you.  Thank you for your prays.
Barry G.

Training wheels about to come off! 6/15/2011

6/12/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/13/2011 3 lb 1.3 oz
6/14/2011 3 lb 2.8 oz
6/15/2011 3 lb 2.4 oz
Feeding: 30 mL

The last time this was attempted, Aliyah did well for about 36 hrs.  The next day, I remember Christal calling me upset.  She couldn't stay in the room.  Aliyah had a really hard time maintaining her breaths after the doctors took the assisted breathing away (5/27/2011).  During that time, she was just getting a constant flow of air without the pressure to inflate her lungs.  Her heart rate dropped repeatedly creating a great deal of anxiety.  Today, her tests convinced the doctors she was ready to try it again.  I pray the results will be much better this time around!  I'm very confident she will handle up!

Below is a video.  Underneath all of the blankets, you can see a head full of hair.  She doesn't move a great deal in this video.  I can't wait until the the CPAP is off.  It will make it so much easier to hold her!

Continue to pray for Christal that she will remain strong.  Her value to our family can't be measured.  I owe her everything!  When seeking motivation, I have to look no further than across the room.

Barry G.

When a woman loves...she loves for real. 6/14/2011

6/11/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/12/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/13/2011 3 lb 1.3 oz
6/13/2011 3 lb 2.8 oz
Feeding: 30 mL 

Aliyah had another good day today.  She grew despite the change in her ventilator settings!  That is good!  Her numbers last night were very encouraging to the doctors.

From the time Christal began to dilate, the doctors and nurses have always told us Aliyah's chances for survival are good because she is a girl.  Statistically, premature girls have a higher survival rate than boys.  Going through this process, I'm humbled by the strength of our daughter as well as the strength of my wife.  Pregnancy, birth, and care-giving have given me an appreciation for the strength of women in general.  It definitely leads one to believe God made them strong from the beginning to prepare them for motherhood! 

It is often stated how strong women are, but I don't think men will ever understand just how much.  It hurts to watch my wife everyday.  I've never been the kind of person to watch other people work.  It is not in my nature.  I thought I was doing SOME good by holding the baby for a couple of hours over the weekend (giving my wife a break).  I found out today that it actually benefits the baby more to be held by the mother because the mother gives the child antibodies.  WOW.  I'm useless!  Christal is not the only one out there making sacrifices.  Everyone woman does.  Sleep deprivation, aches, pains, pumping, and etc.  The list goes on.  I want every woman reading this blog to know that you mean so much and do so much....and receive so little credit for what you do.  I love the recent song sang by R. Kelly...When a woman loves....she loves for real.  This song has a different meaning today than it did a few months ago.

God bless each and woman/mother everywhere.  You are truly worth far more than rubies!
Barry G.

Steady Growth 6/13/2011

6/10/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/11/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/12/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/13/2011 3 lb 1.3 oz

Miss Aliyah weighed in over 3 lbs!  That is good.
The ventilator setting moved from 10 breaths per minute to 5 breaths per minute.  That is good.

Aliyah hit two new milestones today.  Prayerfully, the doctors will be able to remove the ventilator completely at the end of this week or next week.  The last time they put her on regular CPAP, her lung partially collapsed.  The approach this time around is to gradually decrease the aid of the machine to make the transition easier. 

I only spoke to Christal briefly today.  It was one of those nights where I get in and she is already sleep.  That is good.  She needs the rest.  

Below is a new picture of Aliyah without the CPAP on.  The strip going across her face is a piece of velcro.  It holds the CPAP in place to keep the prongs from coming out of her nose.  She also has the feeding tube going down her mouth.  Before she leaves the hospital, her muscles will have to be strong enough to nurse.  She still tries to suck her thumb from time to time.  It is not as much as it used to be.  There is so much stuff around her head and in her mouth, it makes it difficult for her.

God Bless each and everyone of you!
Barry G.

Beliving the report of the Lord 6/12/2011

6/9/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/10/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/11/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz
6/12/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz

Christal and I went to visit Aliyah today.  She was doing ok.  Her bottom is still raw, but it is improving.  She did well last night as well.  The doctor came by while I was doing Kangaroo Care today.  He said that Aliyah is progressing nicely.  Monday, they may take another positive step to reduce the help she is receiving from the ventilator (moving from 10 breaths per min. to 5 breaths per min.)

Later today, the eye doctor came by.  He indicated Aliyah had an eye condition.  The veins in her eyes are enlarged.  This condition leads to blindness in 1 out of 4 children.  I choose to mention this because this is a mild report compared to the many negative ones Dr. Santiago gave us on 4/20/2011 (The day Christal was admitted).  At that time, he gave us all the risks associated with given birth to a 23, 24, and 25 week old premature child.  It was his job, but it was not encouraging.  At that time, Christal and I both made a choice to believe and have faith in God and his promises.  Today, we choose to believe Aliyah will have full function of her limbs, full brain capacity, and 20/20 vision!

Aliyah, you will be able to read this one day.  I pray you understand fully how many things you truly overcame and how special you are.

God bless all that have been praying for our family!
Barry G.

A need for butt out diapers 6/11/2011

6/8/2011 2 lb 12 oz
6/9/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/10/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/11/2011 2 lb 15.6 oz

Well, today was a busy day.....but a good one.  It started with Aliyah and me with some daddy daughter time.  She did really well today.  Right before I held her, the respiratory therapist lowered her ventilator frequency from 15 breaths per min. to 10 breaths per min.  I was expecting her to have a lot of trouble, but she was up to the challenge.  They will check her again on Monday to see if she is ready for the next challenge....(breathing on her own with little assistance from the ventilator).  Let's pray her stats come out well.

As you can also see above, Aliyah is almost at 3 lbs!  I pray she can cross that barrier tonight.  With the change in her ventilator settings, I'm not expecting a big weight gain. 

I'm sure you are wondering why do we need butt out diapers....well Aliyah is a little raw on her left booty check.  It was really red today.  I cringed when I saw how sensitive it was.  To make me feel better, the nurse said, "It's getting better.  It's not bleeding."  I was like WHAT....It was worse than it is now!  Dang!  That was the reason she was "Doing the butt" yesterday when I walked in.  The nurse will be laying her on her stomach with her diapers off every day to continue to "air it out".  All I'm thinking is...my little girl is EXPOSED!  I hope this rawness clears quickly.

The fact that she is raw also makes changing her diaper harder.  The nurse is applying powder and creme attempting to protect the spot from the Christal's favorite poop.  The nurse and I went through at least 3 diapers today trying to change one.  Every time we got her cleaned up, she would begin to poop again.  I guess we needed Christal there to grab it for us instead of wasting so many diapers.  Where is Stinky Hand Christal when you need her.

My mom was also here for Christal's shower along with my sister from Houston with her twins (boy and girl @ 4 weeks).  Hopefully Aliyah will be able to see them next time.

Thanks to everyone who came out to Christal's shower today.
See the guest below:
Horest & Evelyn Wilkins
Carvell & Crystal Lucas
Gwen Smith
Darnell & Brianna Lucas
Forest & Kendra Furlough
Freda Whitley & Family
Aunt Lindia Lucas
Andrew & Bethanie Babb
Billie & Jeramiah Johnson
Amery & Rachelle Lucas
Jaann & Jimmy Garrison
Debbie & Aunt Yvonne
Aunt Joann Boyd
Kendra Shepard
Velindia Lucas
Kamille Lucas
Bridget
Mr. & Mrs Kenneth Lucas
Melinda Wiley & Family
Jimmie Garrison
Lola Fraizer

Thanks a lot for the prayers and words of encouragement.  God Bless.
Barry G.

Doing the butt......6/10/2011

6/7/2011 2 lb 10 oz
6/8/2011 2 lb 12 oz
6/9/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz
6/10/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz

Christal and I went to visit Miss Aliyah this evening.  She was doing just fine.  Christal indicated Aliyah had a good Kangaroo session as well.  Her heart rate dropped briefly, and her vitals were also very good.  The picture below was taken when the nursing staff were changing out her CPAP.  During that time, she was able to breath on her own for 5 min!

Her weight did not increase last night, but that was expected.  When they lower the settings on the ventilator, Aliyah has to work harder to breath.  Since she is working harder, she burns more calories.  I'm expecting a small increase tomorrow for two reasons.  1) She will be stronger.  2) Her feeds increased from 24 mL to 26 mL.

I was caught off guard when I walked into the room.  I looked into the glass shield and my baby's bottom was exposed (sticking straight up in the air).  I was like, "What is going on here!".  Aliyah has a small yeast infection on her bottom, and the nurse wanted to "air it out".  No poop in the bed though!  Christal states she doesn't poop unless her diaper is on.  I beg to differ.  Based on the last blog, she also poops when mom's hand is down there!

I'm on duty the next two days to hold her.  It will be a long day tomorrow.  Christal has her baby shower at 1.  My mother will be in town as well.  I'll have to figure out some way to divide my time between baby, relatives, and homework.  I'm sure I'll figure something out ;).

God bless each and everyone of you!
Barry G.

Does Christal like playing in Aliyah's poop? You decide!

6/6/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/7/2011 2 lb 10 oz
6/8/2011 2 lb 12 oz
6/9/2011 2 lb 13.5 oz

Well, you'll never guess what happened today!  Christal was playing with Aliyah's poop!  You don't believe me....below are her text messages from the hospital.

....When I was changing her diaper, she projectile pooped all over my hand while I was wiping her....
....I was catching it in my hands to keep it from messing up the work I'd done....
...It was warm, runny, green, smelly, and did I mention that there was a lot?
...The smell is still on my hands after washing 3 times....

In my Bernie Mac voice, "America, why is she repeatedly smelling her hands?  Is she addicted to the smell?"

Truthfully, all of those quotes came from Christal's text messages.

On a serious note, Aliyah is progressing well.  The level of oxygen being provided by the machine is down.  She is receiving less breaths from the breathing machine also.  She responded well to the changes and is holding her own. 

Please pray Aliyah has a good eye exam on Monday and for continued maturity of her respiratory system.

God Bless you,
Barry G.

A time for rest.....6/8/2011

6/5/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/6/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/7/2011 2 lb 10 oz
6/8/2011 2 lb 12 oz

Prayer does work!  The lactation specialist gave Christal a "rest" schedule!!!!!  That is good news.  I need Christal healthy.  I didn't know how long she could continue the pace she was on.  I had encouraged her to rest also....but what do I know....I'm just her husband right???

Christal didn't do any Kangaroo Care today at the advice of the nurse.  Aliyah gained 2 oz today.  She has really amazed me.  I can still remember her at 1 lb 4.5 oz!  I can also remember hoping she would poop the 1st time, open her eyes, pass the brain scan (checking for bleeding in her head)....I could go on.  Aliyah has come a long way.  She still has more work to do, but I'm happy with the progress she has made thus far.

I hope Aliyah will one day read this blog.  I want her to have some sense of how much she means to us and how much her mother has sacrificed.  We will have many stories to share about all the nurses we have meet (both good and bad) leading up to and after her birth.  Christal and I had an opportunity to meet some amazing nurses at the hospital.  They were really a blessing to us!  The hospital stay was a time that Christal and I grew in ways we could not have before.  It is always easy to say "I do for better and worse" when in a tuxedo and a wedding gown.  It is something else to go through something that test the very words you say.    I'm blessed to have the flexibility I do to be here with my wife and daughter during this time.  Lord knows, I don't take that for granted.

I'm also thankful for all the comments, prayers, and support.  God bless each and everyone of you!  I pray God returns 10 fold the blessings you have sent our way!

Barry G.

A time to exhale 6/7/2011

6/4/2011 2 lb 6 oz
6/5/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/6/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/7/2011 2 lb 10 oz

Well, Aliyah's Kangaroo time today with Christal was much like yesterday.  She had some times where her heart rate dropped.  She did gain a little weight.  That is good.

I must admit I'm more concerned about mom than I am Aliyah.  Christal is tired.  Can't say it any other way.  There's not much I can do for either of them.  That is the difficult part for me.  To top it off, there was also a small conflict in the NICU. 

From time to time, the respiratory therapist will drop by to help place Aliyah in the bed after Kangaroo Care is done.  They are responsible for placing the CPAP on the babies face.  Tonight, there was a miscommunication with the therapist and the nurse.  They left the hood up on Aliyah's bed.  Most of the time, there is a heat lamp that is on when hood is up.  Tonight, that was not the case.  Well, Christal informed the nurse the hood was up 15 min. after the fact.  30 min. later (45 min. total), the nurse comes in and states, "Oh, I didn't know the heat lamp was off".  Aliyah temperature was 95 degrees.  It should be around 98.  This upset my wife greatly.  Needless to say, the nurse was replaced.  We normally don't have this type of issue in the NICU.  Tonight was an outlier.  I'm glad Christal came home.  She needs to rest.  Sleeping at the hospital is not good rest.  Nights like this make me wish I was out of school.

I'm praying for a peaceful night for Christal and Aliyah.

God Bless each and everyone.  I always read and appreciate the prayers and well wishes!

Barry G.

Well, it was a Monday....6/6/2011

6/3/2011 2 lb 8.6 oz
6/4/2011 2 lb 6 oz
6/5/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz
6/6/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz

I raced home tonight trying to get an update before Christal went off to dreamland.  I didn't get much of an update, but it was better than nothing.  Thankfully, I caught her in during a pump cycle.  It didn't last long.

Basically, Aliyah didn't gain any weight today.  Christal's Kangaroo Care wasn't very good either.  Christal mentioned the CPAP wasn't aligned very well on Aliyah's face.  This may have contributed to her heart rate falling many times today.  Days like this really make you appreciate the good days :).  There are times when you think she will be coming home next month.  Days like today grow our patience.  One thing I DO know, we are one day closer today than we were yesterday.  We all have to walk and grow individually.  In life, we have to run our own race.  Aliyah will be fine.  She just has some more growing she needs to do before she comes home.  No doubt, tomorrow will be better and we will be one day closer to coming home together.

God Bless,
Barry G. 

Daddy Daycare Day 4 6/5/2011

6/2/2011 2 lb 7.2 oz
6/3/2011 2 lb 8.6 oz
6/4/2011 2 lb 6 oz
6/5/2011 2 lb 8.2 oz

Aliyah and I had another opportunity to bond today.  Most of the day was good.  She had one period where her heart rate dropped to 50 (from 150), but most of our Kangaroo Care was good.  Yesterday, the nurse showed me some bumps on her backside.  The concern was potential yeast infection.  To counter that, the they have been using a medicated ointment. 

She also got the hiccups today.  In the mist of beeps and alarms, she would squeak.  Under normal circumstances, I would have thought it was cute, but I must admit I was wondering if it was hurting her breathing.  They lasted for 10 minutes.  It is hard watching her squeak and jump every 2 sec (as if there is anything I can do about hiccups).  In retrospect, I can see how easy it is for parents to over protect and do too much for their children.  It is a natural impulse. 

That being said, I declare before everyone reading this blog, Aliyah will NOT be spoiled :).  I'll have to do everything I can to restrain from doing too much for her as she grows older.  I'm glad my wife is around.  I'm sure she'll keep me in-line.

Looking for a another good report tomorrow.  I won't be able to see her.  I have class after work.

God Bless,
Barry G.

Father and Daughter Day #3

6/1/2011 2 lb 4.8 oz
6/2/2011 2 lb 7.2 oz
6/3/2011 2 lb 8.6 oz
6/4/2011 2 lb 6 oz

Well, I guess Aliyah took my last blog seriously.  She lost of few ounces last night!

Today was the 3rd time I was able to hold Aliyah.  I went in for Kangaroo Care today.  Today was much better than the previous.  Kangaroo Care is difficult for a couple of reasons:
1) You have to sit with little freedom to move during the entire feeding
2) One or multiple parts of you body tend to fall a sleep
3) You end up playing with the medical equipment to keep the alarms at a minimum

Previous sessions I've had with Aliyah were also difficult due to her heart rate fall due to her breathing patters.  Today, her heart rate only dropped 1 time.  After that, I made a small adjustment to her mouth (keeping it closed so the air wouldn't be lost).  It was a good half-time adjustment if I do say so myself.  The rest of the time period went very well.  I remember the first time this happened.  I would get so nervous.  I would try to stay calm, but I could feel the beads of sweat forming on my head.  Thankfully, Aliyah is growing and her heart rate doesn't fluctuate as much as it used to.  Another sign of growth.

She took in 24 ml during her feeding period today.  After the feeding, the nurse noticed she had another blow out.  THANKFULLY, I was spared.  The diaper caught it all.  It was almost a smelly ride home for me!

I'm thankful for the time spent with my daughter.  Christal and I are thankful for how much she is blessing both of us.  God bless each and everyone of you.  I can't say enough how thankful we are for the prayers and best wishes!

Barry G.

Steady as she blows 6/3/2011

6/1/2011 2 lb 4.8 oz
6/2/2011 2 lb 7.2 oz
6/3/2011 2 lb 8.6 oz

You can clearly see a steady climb.  Aliyah looked good tonight.  She is filling out very well.  It was good to see her cuddled up with mommy.  I'll be there in the morning to hold her.  This will be my 3rd time.

As her body continues to fill out, her diaper does the same.  Aliyah had a least 3 blow outs today.  She kept the nurses busy changing out linens and diapers.  The ONE good thing about this situation is having the support of the nurses with respect to the diaper changes!  (Hey, I'm trying to find as many silver linings as possible!)

I was very tired when I got to the hospital tonight, but when I got there, it was difficult at times to take my eyes off of her.  I'm so thankful for my daughter and my wife.  I'm also thankful to all of you who have supported and prayed for us.

God Bless,
Barry G.

Does Aliyah need to go on a diet? 6/2/2011

6/1/2011 2 lb 4.8 oz.
6/2/2011 2 lb 7.2 oz!!!!

What is going on???  Christal...what is in that milk?  The nurses were so surprised, they measured Aliyah twice!  I'm going to have to watch Aliyah a little bit.  She is too young to be out of shape!  We may have to start doing some breathing exercises to keep it tight!

I also received multiple reports that the pope was flowing today!  Do all babies like to poop when their diapers are being changed?  Aliyah is making a habit of this.  Aunt Jimmie was asked by the nurse if she wanted to change the diaper, and she declined.  She wanted NO part of that mess ;).

Aliyah's CPAP was moving around a little bit today.  She is in-between sizes right now.  The doctor gave her a good report, but her alarms were going off a lot primarily due to the CPAP coming out of her nose.  Christal was also able to get a lot of sleep today (YAY).  It was good to see her getting some rest.  Christal is tired a lot for obvious reason. 

Hope to see Aliyah tomorrow. 

Barry G.

What a day

As I write this blog, my wife is driving home from the hospital.  My class let out at 9:30 p.m. and Christal left the hospital around 11:30 p.m.  Times like this will help us appreciate staying up with the baby when she can't sleep :).

Aliyah is now at 2 lb 4.8 oz.  Christal said Kangaroo care went well today, but the CPAP problems reared their ugly head again.  The CPAP came off her face while Christal was holding her.  This happened at the beginning of the kangaroo/feeding session.  When this happens, the parent is basically trying to get the child to cooperate (keeping their head steady) while affixing the breathing equipment.  Take my word for it, this is not an easy task. 

Well, I guess I'll cut this one short.  Christal just made it home.  I should probably spend some time with her before I go back to work in the morning!

If you interested, we have a short video to show some of the preparation required when placing the instruments on the little one!  God Bless! 

Barry G.