This post is extremely long! It is a log of all my status updates through facebook regarding Jaxon over the course of the 3 months beginning with the pregnancy complications to his first month in the NICU. If you would like to read about the specifics of the complications and his delivery, please see the other 2 posts about him. The first one is entitled "Jaxon Jeremiah" and the second is entitled "Jaxon's Arrival"
OCTOBER 2
OCTOBER 2
"Holy
cow I'm anxious! What do you think it's gonna be??? We shall know in an hour.
(think in more anxious over this one than the first 3. Probably because this is
the verdict that establishes my family forever! Today I find out what my final
family count is) :)"
"Ok,
since my husband jumped the gun..........it's a boy!!!!!!!"
OCTOBER 8
"Took
kids to the park yesterday and nic wanted to play on the teeter-totter but
aubree and belle were on the slides. Nic sat their yelling, "can my ~TWIN~
come play w me!!??!!?! I want my ~TWIN~ to play with me!!!!! Mommy, make my
TWIN come play with me!!!!!!" so I went to aubree and said, "aubree,
nickle wants his twin to play with him. Who do you think he means?" and
she put her finger to her lips and looked up as if thinking then pointed to
another little girl and said, "maybe she can be his twin!" (so, I
guess having a twin doesn't ALWAYS mean you have a buddy)"
"Alright
people! I need baby boy names! Give me what you got! :)"
OCTOBER 9
Destiny
shared Donald Wetzel's photo.
Poor
dog she won't let go
"Annabelle's
new toy! she's always loved stuffed animals, now she's decided they got nothing
on the real thing"
OCTOBER 14
"my
last week of school! whew! hasn't been so bad. well, one quiz and one final due
this week so, maybe i should wait until next week to decide for sure."
"Just
love feeling baby J moving inside! kicks are getting so strong now, i'm hoping
he's gonna be at least a 10 pounder!! 4 months to go..."
OCTOBER 16
"Santa
backdates gifts now!!! He is so awesome! Just his way of helping people
suffering from the econmy :)"
OCTOBER 18
"For
everyone asking, Jaxon's heartrate was good and everything looked good. They
are not really sure what was going on but scheduled me an appointment with my
doctor for next week and gave me instructions to take it easy and rest (and
Donny is being amazing to help make sure that happens with the kids and house
and all) but all in all, his heartrate was great so I am so happy about that! I
believe it is totally a God thing too! Thank you so much for your
prayers!!"
PRIVATE MESSAGE SENT:
October
18
Hey!
Yesterday morning I woke up bleeding. We went down and they admitted me into
labor and delivery but after monitoring and checking for a few hours the
bleeding had stopped and everything looked great and they couldn't find what
caused the bleeding in the first place. Everything seems great now but they
wanted me to still take it easy until my doctor can check everything out and
confirm
It's
funny that the twins pregnancy was actually my most UNeventful pregnancy! Donny
doesn't work the next few weeks though so at least he's home to help w things.
October
31
So,
saw the perinatologist. My fluids are really low. He checked baby's anatomy and
everything looked great so he is not sure why it is depleting. Said it is
possible that the baby contracted parvo which caused him to retain fluids
meaning less fluid in the sack but that he should be fine because parvo is not
dangerous to babies so once he recovers then the fluids will be released again.
He is going to meet back with me in 4 weeks because he said it should only take
about a week or 2 for the fluids to regulate if that is the reason. At my 18
week scan my fluids were great so he knows that it has only been the last few
weeks and he asked if I have been leaking any fluids and I told him not enough
that I have noticed, he thinks that the baby being sick is the best answer.
They took me off bedrest (well, I think at least...he didn't say I had to stay
on it) so basically he will just check in a few weeks but since baby's anatomy
is good, he didn't seem too concerned. (oh! and he said that when an in-utero
baby gets sick that sometimes it irritates the placenta and the placenta's
reaction is to release small amounts of blood so it would also explain the
intermittent bleeding)
OCTOBER 20
"Could
really use some more prayers. After being discharged from labor and delivery
Thursday afternoon (after about 3 hours of monitoring) I've been taking it easy
as directed but now I'm having the same issues again. Waiting to see if they
subside again before heading back down. Please pray they do and that it is
unrelated to baby Jaxon's health! (I'm only 21weeks, 3days- so waaaay too early
to have to be concerned!) thanks for your prayers!!!"
"I
mentioned to donny about us cleaning up the backyard for the puppy because I'm
nervous the feisty little guy might find a black widow to challenge. Donnys
response: "he has a better chance with a widow than with our kids"
.......true, so I let him back out."
"well
well, just want to announce to everyone that I am officially done with my class
and am happy to announce that despite the crazy week i have had, I still
managed to get a B on my final and therefore the class!!! YAY! I feel so elated
now!"
OCTOBER 21
"don't
u just love when someone calls you and you just BARELY miss the call but call
them right back immediately and they don't answer..."
OCTOBER 22
"Day
5 of bed rest. Agh!!! I made it full term with twins without even a day of it.
I don't know how any of you moms who had to do it for an extended period even
managed. I'm going NUTS! I'm so sick of watching tv, reading, Facebook and
pinrerest. I just wanna go to work or clean something!! (and I can't believe I
just said that!)"
"so
it begins...kids are all in bed when belle comes running and screaming and
crying to Donny, "a monster! the monster gonna bite my feet! I
scary!" and is hysterical about this ~monster that's gonna "bite her
feet"~. After asking her why she thinks that, she tells Donny that NicNic
told her the monster is gonna bite her feet. Little stinker! Nickle came out
and confessed to the crime and had to assure his sister that there is no
monster and he was just messing with her. Oh goodness! The poor little girl.
She is still standing here saying, "there's no monster. Monster is all
gone!" as if she's trying to convince herself :("
OCTOBER 23
"my
mom is so amazing! just had my first outing in the last several days. she took
me to the pumpkin patch. LOVING this weather!!!"
OCTOBER 24
"Ok,
so I definitely have the most amazing big sis EVER!!! Just sorted through 3
years of baby clothes and carted away 9 full garbage bags of them to deliver to
different people for me and also organized my kids closets for me! Seriously,
if anyone needs organizing, you should TOTALLY hire her! She's amazing!"
OCTOBER 25
"Update:
had my apt this morning and my dr couldnt find the cause so he is having me
meet w a perinatologist. That apt is Tuesday so a few more days of rest and
"taking it easy" and then hopefully they will figure it out. (if
you'd like details please pm me, I don't wanna post them here) thanks for all
the prayers!"
"So
sad when u get so excited that gas is "only" $4.15"
OCTOBER 31
"I
was about to message this to everyone who keeps asking but then didn't want to
miss anyone because I appreciate all of your concerns and prayers so I am just
going to post it here so everyone can see:
So,
I saw the perinatologist. My fluids are really low. He checked baby's anatomy
and everything looked great so he is not sure why it is depleting. Said it is
possible that the baby contracted parvo which caused him to retain fluids
meaning less fluid in the sack but that he should be fine because parvo is not
dangerous to babies so once he recovers then the fluids will be released again.
He is going to meet back with me in 4 weeks because he said it should only take
about a week or 2 for the fluids to regulate if that is the reason. At my 18
week scan my fluids were great so he knows that it has only been the last few
weeks and he asked if I have been leaking any fluids and I told him not enough
that I have noticed, he thinks that the baby being sick is the best answer.
They took me off bedrest (well, I think at least...he didn't say I had to stay
on it) :) so basically he will just check in a few weeks but since baby's
anatomy is good, he didn't seem too concerned. (oh! and he said that when an
in-utero baby gets sick that sometimes it irritates the placenta and the
placenta's reaction is to release small amounts of blood so it would also
explain the intermittent bleeding)
so...I
thought it was interesting because he told me something I didn't know, that
babies in-utero can contract sicknesses even ifit passes straight through the
mother's immune system. This is why it is important for pregnant moms to get
flu shots. ...just thought that was interesting."
NOVEMBER 6
"Please
pray for us everyone! I'm 24 weeks tomorrow but we are back in labor/delivery.
It looks like my water may possibly be broken but still waiting for the
detailed ultrasound to see. A little nervous but not scared. Just always trying
to see what the Lord is working on! Need jaxon to bake another 3 months!
:)"
"Update:
looks like I will have about 2 weeks of hospital bed rest. I'm in a nice big
room so that's good. Perinatologist will come in the morning and give us more
info. Got steroids and antibiotics in to help develop baby's lungs and prevent
infection just in case."
"Aw!
Just got some flowers! Suddenly the hospital isn't so horrible! Thank you
Taylor family! You guys are such an amazing blessing to my family always!"
"??????
!!!!!!! ?!?!?!?!?!"
NOVEMBER 7
"Been
up over an hour now, was hoping interesting things had been posted by friends
to entertain me while confined here, then realized its 3am and the people who
are up at this hour NEVER post anything interesting."
"Dang
it! Just realized the hospital never set the clock back and it's actually only
4:30!!!!!"
"Update:
well, it's official. I'm here until delivery. My delivery date moves up 6 weeks
so I will deliver (in the doctors words) "not a day later than 34
weeks". Hopefully he will make it all the way until then! Have to stay on
constant monitoring for the next 24 hours bc of a few dips in heartrate but
that is not too concerning bc it always goes back up immediately but then
hopefully we will move to antepardum (sp?) where I will have a little more
peace. Please keep us in prayers! Jaxon needs to make it to at least 28 weeks
which is still 4 weeks away. For prayers, pray that no infection will set in
and also that his heartrate remains strong. These are most important! Thank you
everyone for prayers! If you're in or around Fontana, come visit me! :)"
"This
is difficult. I'm going against all instincts by not researching preterm birth
complications. My whole family will be shocked to know not only have I not
googled it, but I also set aside the pamphlet the dr just gave me without even
reading it. I'm amazing myself!"
"Ok,
I'm taking over ALL of your facebooks. If u want to avoid this for the next 3
months, unsubscribe from me now! ;)
But
now i wanted to say, We have a middle name!!!:
Jaxon
Jeremiah wetzel
Jeremiah
1:5 (ESV) 5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you
were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the
nations.""
NOVEMBER 8
"Update:
last night we had a LOT more fluid leak but only tiny amounts throughout the
morning so that's better. I'm still in the high-monitoring room however they
are working on limiting it to see if I can work towards getting moved to
antepArdum. I'll now have 2 ultrasounds a week, 2 blood draws a week (to check
hemoglobin count) and daily heartrate monitoring but off all IVs so that's a
plus!!! Keep praying, still got a lot of time we need him to bake here! Thank
you everyone for praying!"
"Hi
everyone! So, due to an increase in my monitoring, just have to ask everyone to
call or text before u visit. If u don't have my number, u can private message
me. Thanks! And keep praying. Still got a long road ahead"
NOVEMBER 9
"Update:
we had a great night! Got a lot more sleep than I've been getting. My first
night this week that I didn't have any big issues. No decells, only light
leaking. Had ultrasound and there is a total of just over 3.5cm (which is still
really low but a little higher than its been) so I'm excited about that! Still
hoping the tear will reseal but even if it doesn't, God knows what He's doing
and Jaxon Jeremiah belongs to Him anyways so fully trusting and depending on my
BIG and GREAT God to take care of me and my baby boy! We have now been moved to
a better room
And
I have a window now!!!! 9 weeks, 5 days to go! Keep praying!"
"Yay!!!!!!
I get to see my beautiful aubree in just a few hours! Haven't seen my babies
since Tuesday morning so this mamas gettin a bit crazy! Can't wait til she gets
here!"
"Psalms
121
I
lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from
the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who
keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber
nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep
you from all evil; he will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out
and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore."
"Prayer
for tonight: I'm breaking out in a rash. Please pray it stops!! EXTREMELY itchy
and uncomfortable! Thank you!"
NOVEMBER 10
"Update:
great night of sleep last night! Heartrate was great this morning! Donny's
bringing me del taco! Thankful for another beautiful day! Wish I could
experience a beautiful cold day in the desert (my absolute favorite) but
thankful I can at least see it out my window :)"
"Well,
I'm so far behind but since I got nothing else to do, here goes,
1.
I'm thankful for my amazing Lord Jesus who loves me and protects/cares for me
2.
I'm thankful for an incredible husband who takes amazing care of me
3.
I'm thankful for my firstborn, aubree faith for being the little spirited
bubble of joy she is
4.
I'm thankful for my handsome, intelligent Nicholas William and his little
teasing humor
5.
I'm thankful for my baby girl Annabelle Jayde and her stubborn, shy and sweet
little self
6.
I'm thankful for my parents who raised me to love the Lord first in everything
and to trust Him
7.
I'm thankful for my sisters and brothers who are my very best friends and
always try to make sure I'm stress free and taken care of
7.
I'm thankful for all my amazing friends (even many of u I have never met
personally) but u are all such a blessing to me!
8.
I'm thankful for all my extended family and that u care enough to stay in
constant touch w us over a lot of distance!
9.
I'm thankful for great medical insurance! ;)
10.
I'm thankful for all the (p)PROM moms I've met in the last few days who have
shared their amazing stories of their pprom babies' survival and health! It's
the most encouraging thing I can have right now
So
much to be thankful for!!!"
NOVEMBER 11
"Psalms
103:1 Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his
holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who
forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life
from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you
with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
"Ugh!
Still got this stupid itching! Going crazy! Please! Just-stop-itching!"
Everyone
please pray that infection will stay away. Apparently I'm allergic to
Some
of the antibiotics and since they don't know which ones, they're taking me off
them all. Now I have to just be super aware of any signs of infection. So far I
don't have one but we have to keeping that way for several more weeks now!
Thanks for prayers"
"So
Jaxon means "son of a gracious God"
My
itching is gone and the rash will be soon too. Thank You Jesus for an amazing
nurse who is really going over and beyond to make me comfortable!!! (her name
is Karen for anyone delivering in Fontana- you will want to request her!)"
"Fyi:
pinterest is NOT good when you're stuck in a hospital! Too many delicious
looking recipes that make me hungry but can't make it!"
NOVEMBER 12
"Ultrasound
a little later so please pray that Jaxon's fluids have increased!!! I'm
extremely hopeful that they have, but it's all in the Lord's hands and I'm even
more hopeful in that! He's so good, through easy and difficult times He is
good!"
"So
proud to have a veteran brother! Thank you to all our veterans and their
families for their sacrifices and service!"
NOVEMBER 13
"I've
officially completed week 1, only 9 more to go..."
"Question:
what is One Direction?"
"Well,
the reason I haven't updated is bc radiology hasn't yet posted my results even
though they did it around 9:00 this morning! My nurse has been great trying to
push them to hurry up but now they are telling her that the dr will give me the
results during her rounds in the morning. :( I'm sure everything's fine though
bc if anything were bad they would be doing something about it. I'll update as
soon as they know"
NOVEMBER 14
"25
weeks today!!!!! Yay for me and Jaxon Jeremiah for making it another week! :)
thank You Jesus"
"Update:
so, there really wasn't much to update after all. :) good news is the fluids
didn't really decrease, but they didn't increase either so I'm still around
3.5cm. But that's ok bc it means he still has some fluid to help his lungs!
Just bc s lot of u keep asking, even if I were to reseal and fluids dramatically
increase, they still will not send me home. The risk of me re-rupturing is too
high. I know a lot of u were praying I would be able to come home but I am
perfectly fine w that. After all our scares, I would rather be here knowing
that it's the safest place to be for Jaxon whether we have days, weeks or
months. Please just continue praying that no infection sets in, his heart rate
remains good and my mind remains at peace. Thank you everyone for caring for
and living us do much! We are so blessed by you all!"
NOVEMBER 15
"Somebody
play words with friends with me! My username is DestinyCiera"
"Amazing
how I seriously don't feel anything at all when they draw blood anymore"
NOVEMBER 16
"Update:
well, fluids are still decreasing. Last Friday they were 3.9, Tuesday they were
3.1 and today we are at 2.8. BUT....his heartrate has been perfect since Friday
and he is playing football in my stomach like a pro! So, we're still doing
great, no signs of labor or infection and I am so glad we are pulling our way through
week 26! (I'm 25 weeks, 2 days today) just under 3 weeks to get to our next
milestone!!! Keep praying! I'm hoping for fluid increase on tuesday! I'm
drinking water like its a black Friday deal (haha! Just heard that on tv
today)"
"Anyone
know how I can watch person of interest episode from last night? They don't
replay episodes online and I fell asleep before it came on last night. Or does
anyone know if it replays during the week?"
NOVEMBER 17
"Yaaayyy!!!!
I have my favorite nurse again today! Hope none of her other patients go into
labor bc they keep taking her from me"
"So
glad my mother in law got me a big pack of twinkies before all this craze!!!
It's kinda funny to me though that for years everyone has made fun of me that I
love twinkies and now suddenly they're the hot item! ;)"
"I've
already been asleep for almost 6 hours now...pretty sure I'm not gonna be able
to sleep tonight"
NOVEMBER 19
"I
have to drink 96oz of fluids today! Ugh! For most people that wouldn't be too
big of a deal but I am super horrible at at keeping really hydrated, i just
don't like drinking anything unless I'm snacking. Ultrasound is tomorrow though
and since my fluids have been steadily dropping my nurse is hoping this new
goal will boost my numbers!!! It's worth it. Pray it works!"
"Glucose
test....ick!"
"Waiting
for my man and my mini man and soooo excited they're spending their afternoon w
me!!!!!!! First time I've seen my little pickle since being admitted two weeks
ago"
NOVEMBER 20
"2
weeks down, 8 to go!! Tomorrow I will be 26 weeks which means only 2 more til I
reach our next milestone!!!! Had ultrasound this morning and although she
wouldn't tell me anything, she did turn the screen so I could see. Everything
is hard to understand bc they use weird abbreviations and symbols for
everything but I know there were 4 pockets of fluids that were measurable bc I
saw her measure them and they all looked decent sizes. Then on her report page,
I think the spot that calculates the fluid said a 6. Like I said, it's hard to
tell bc everything is like another language, but I'm hoping I'm right. If so,
that's the highest I've had in over a month!"
"Yay!
Yay! Yay! Yay! I'm do excited!!!"
"Oops
didn't mean to hit post, but I'm just so excited! Jaxon is head down and bc of
his position, he has plugged the hole and now my fluids have doubled!!! I have
6.9cm and he is 2pounds! The Lord is so good!!! He is so faithful and
wonderful! Jaxon is doing great! He now has enough fluids for his lungs to do
great! Praise You Jesus!!!!! Pray that he stays plugging the hole so the fluids
can keep rebuilding. Also, I failed my glucose test so I have to do the 3 hour
one so pray I pass it. My nurse said all 4 of her other antepardum patients
have the diabetes and that it's more common for bed rest patients but I really
don't want to have to deal w it so pray I pass!!!"
NOVEMBER 21
"Just
sat here for the last hour writing an entire blog post and went to save and the
whole thing got deleted!!! :-( it was really good too. Now I'm mad at my blogger
app"
"3
hour glucose test is now in process. Pray I pass!!!!!! If I fail it means
special diet and finger pricking every day and I really don't wanna add that to
everything else"
"So,
done w my glycine test. Now have to wait for the results. Pray I pass!!! Also,
my sisters posted an update on my wall so I'm not gonna repost but please read
it and pray pray pray!! Thank you"
Posted
by Jessica Jones:
“We
need everyone to start praying for Donny, my sister and baby Jaxon...she has
started leaking more and the Dr said that it looks like the placenta is tearing
away, he believes that she will be delivering in the next week or so. We need
Jaxon to stay in there for at least 2 more weeks. We are extremely thankful for
amazing doctors and nurses, but we also know and believe wholeheartedly that
our God is the best doctor and He knew Jaxon before he was even formed in
Destiny's womb and He knows what's best for baby Jaxon. So please pray that the
Lord will protect this sweet baby and that the Lord would give Destiny and
Donny the strength and grace for these next several months whether he is born
soon or he waits a several more weeks. Thank you all for your faith, love and
support for my sister and Donny during this time, it means more than you will
ever know.”
NOVEMBER 22
"Really
missing my beautiful desert this morning but of course, thankful to be taken
care of by amazing doctors and nurses! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!"
"A
good friend sent this to me this morning and it was so perfect I just wanted to
post it so everyone could read it when they wake up:
Psalm
139:13
"
for you formed my inward parts; you covered me in my mothers womb. ...my frame
was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret and skillfully wrought in
the lower parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance yet unformed . And in
Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me,when as yet there
were none.""
NOVEMBER 23
"If
someone brings me some cheddar bay biscuits and snow crab from red lobster
right now, I will name my baby after you!!!"
"18
days down, 53 to go!"
"Update:
I'm starting to understand what people mean when they say back and forth
battle! So, my levels were consistently decreasing for three weeks and then my
ultrasound Tuesday showed they had more than doubled to 6.9cm so we were
ecstatic! But then I started leaking a LOT so I increased my water intake to
try to keep it high and today's ultrasound showed the lowest count I've had
yet. :( I'm now at 1.83cm. Luckily jaxon is head down and all the fluid is
right around his face so he is able to swallow it which is what is important
for his lung development. Also, minus a couple insignificant decells in his
heartrate, it has been nearly perfect and he is moving a lot which is also
really good. Please keep praying for us!"
NOVEMBER 24
"My
husband is so awesome! Sometimes I think, how the heck did we end up together?
Then he does something that makes me realize there's not a person in this world
that would be a better match for either of us! Some girls like getting flowers
and dates nights, I like watching stupid YouTube videos with him and having him
serenade me with goofy made up songs and he just understands me! And the
craziest things happen when I'm with him! No really, like the CRAZIEST
experiences! Life just would not even be interesting without him"
"Has
anyone had gestational diabetes that could help me think of ideas for snack and
meals?"
"Trying
to eat up the last of the junk food laying around my room before the nurses
confiscate it! :) tested positive for gestational diabetes so now I start a
yucky diet with blood sugar tests every day. Looks like I'm gonna fail today's.
:F
(I
told mom apparently I'm being too happy in the hospital, they're gonna try even
harder to get me down! They just don't know what kinda challenge they've
created for themselves) ;)"
NOVEMBER 26
"You
know you're missing your toddlers when all alone in the hospital room you find
yourself watching Octonauts! ...and enjoying it! ---day 20 of hospital bed rest
and our little Jaxon Jeremiah is amazing all my nurses and doctors by remaining
so strong inside me! 1 week and 2 days before we reach our next milestone of 28
weeks!!! 51 days to get to our ultimate goal of 34 weeks!"
"Update:
please keep praying! As if there's not enough going on already, now I am being
tested for cholestasis. :( if the test comes back negative, it's likely I have
PUPPS. Either way means I will be terribly uncomfortable and itchy for the rest
of the pregnancy. PUPPS will not affect the pregnancy, but does add another
stress factor for me as well as possible scarring. But cholestasis can cause
infection and labor. Please pray it's neither of these and it goes away like
NOW bc I'm so sick of being itchy everywhere. I swear, I feel like Job! Just
one thing after another. On the plus side, Jaxons heartrate was totally perfect
this morning and my blood sugar has stabilized! Ultrasound in the morning so I
will update his size and fluid count then"
NOVEMBER 27
"Prayers
needed everyone! They are coming in to do my ultrasound this morning! Please
pray my fluids have increased! Last night I had a couple contractions but then
no more so I'm praising my amazing Lord for that!!! Today marks the end of
three weeks in this hospital and tomorrow I will be 27weeks along with only 1
more week to reach our goal of 28!!! The Lord is so amazing that He has brought
us this far! There's no end to His goodness and Jaxon Jeremiah is already a
blessed little miracle baby! Thank you all for your continued prayers!!!"
"Update:
another great Tuesday!! (Tuesday's always come through for me. I think this
little man just might end up being a Tuesday baby! We'll see) so, haven't got
his measurements yet but the big news: my fluids
are.....6.92cm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is now officially the highest they have been
in over a month! So excited! My leaking has slowed so I am doing everything
possible to try and keep my AFI high for my little man! this is great news for
his lung development. Of course, I know it will go up and down (last Tuesday it
was 6.9, then by Friday dropped to 1.8) but every moment I can give him w this
much fluid is great for him! Also, the fact that my fluids are still capable of
increasing is awesome! Keep praying, still a long journey. Hoping to get in our
full 10 weeks here in the hospital so still have just over 7 weeks left. I have
Jeremiah 1:5 hanging all over my hospital walls and love every time the nurses
come in and they ask what it means! Our declaration over our little Jaxon
Jeremiah: "before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, and before you
were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the
nations." if you haven't read it already, please read my blog post about
the Words the Lord gave me about our sweet little miracle
baby:www.destinybroughtyoutome.blogspot.com"
NOVEMBER 28
"Does
anyone have lifetime or hallmark Christmas movies on DVD that I could borrow?
If so, could you get them to either my mom or mother in law? Thanks! I have a
tv but don't get any of those good channels and Christmas movies are one of my
favorite parts of this season!!!"
"Update:
so got some great news today! First off, our little man is a rockin 2lb
8.2oz!!! Such a big guy huh? Gonna be just like his daddy! More good news, the
perinatologists are projecting based on my stats up until now that I am very
likely to make it to my full 34weeks!!! That's huge bc they have all been
saying before now that I didn't seem likely to get passed 28. Of course I know
things canchange and the Lord will have His way no matter what, but it is
always nice to hear such great news from the specialists! More great news: my
aubree is coming to see me w my mom today!!!!!!! Yay for good news! Oh, and
although I am freezing cold having to keep my thermostat at 62 degrees, the
itching is no longer too bad on my arms which makes bed rest more tolerable! My
nurses are gonna have to start wearing coats when they come in here :)"
NOVEMBER 29
"A
little bit of a scare this morning. Had a lot of bleeding tjrough the night so
the doctor sent me back to labor and delivery for constant monitoring and took
away eating privileges- just in case of delivery- but after 2 hours of
monitoring I never had any contractions so as nurse was prepping me to go back
on iv, perinatologist came in to evaluate everything. Did ultrasound and found
that I haveonce again lost all the fluid I had accumulated but my dilation is
only 1 1/2 which is good and means labor is not progressing so they did
bloodwork to check my blood count and got me back to antepardum. He was not too
concerned about the fluid loss bc he said I'm ruptured so he expects it.
Tomorrows ultrasound will give me an exact count. Whew! Busy morning but now
back to my regular schedule again!"
NOVEMBER 30
"Update:
Just had my morning ultrasound. Lost a lot more fluid and blood last night so I
was really nervous what my afi would be but there was a definite 2 cm and a
possible 4.5cm so very happy about that! His heartrate has been perfect the
last 3 days straight too!!!! Perinatologist is making rounds soon so should be
getting exact measurements as soon as he gets here! Praying for a good day and
that bleeding/leaking will slow down! (I'm pretty sure after all these
ultrasounds I could probably by now perform one on myself!) :)"
DECEMBER 1
Here
he is - Jaxon Jeremiah. 3 lbs. 1 oz. running lots of test to determine health.
He was 12 and a half weeks early.
"Jaxon
Jetemiah. Born at 5:09pm. 3lb1oz. Born 12 1/2 weeks early looking a bit like
his gorgeous big sister aubree. I'll post details of everything a little later.
Still numb in recovery but doing well!"
DECEMBER 2
"Update:
Jaxon is off cpap and now on very little oxygen (through the nose tube) and
breathing at 98%!!!!! He's doing amazing! Has feeding tube of course but is
only being fed through iv for now. He has pooped and peed a lot which is
amazing! He will have brain scan in a couple days to check for bleeds which is
first step to see if there is anything there so please be praying for his
health and specifically that there are no brain bleeds. Thank you all for your
prayers and support! We are so in love with our little miracle man!!!"
DECEMBER 3
"Update:
well, everyone continue to remember our little Jaxon in prayers! The Lord has
been so good through all of this. I was able to connect with many women through
Facebook who have been and are even now going through exactly what I went
through and I really believe that was just God's way of comforting me in
advance bc I learned so much through those women that has really helped me be
truly at peace with everything happening. I just love how He works! Even
Facebook is being used by God! :)
Anyways,
they had to turn Jaxons oxygen up to 46%. He is just getting a bit tired of
working so hard but that's ok. He deserves a little break if he wants! Also,
his jaundice level rose (which is common with extreme preemies bc their liver
is not yet fully developed) so he is now "under the lights". He is
now showing possible signs of having a PDA which if I understood correctly,
means the heart valves are not fully closed. (if anyone knows more about this,
please message me and explain. Doctors give me so much info that a lot of it
falls right outta my head) :) so his doctor has ordered an heart echo to be
done today to check for that. Results should post by tonight. They just did his
brain scan and those results should also post by tonight. He is doing so
amazing though and the doctors are gonna let me stay one more night so I'm
grateful for that! Keep praying. Our little guy still has a long way to go.
Thanks for all the love and support!"
"Aw!
Jax has new neighbors: triplets that we're born at 34 weeks today! So
adorable!"
"Jaxon
is back on the ventilator but is now breathing well again. His scan and echo
results have not come back yet so we will probably have to wait until morning
to get those. As for me, my recovery is not quite as wonderful as the first two
csections but I know it is just bc of all the weeks of bed rest and losing the
muscle during that but today has actually been great. As long as my meds are
ontime, my pain is minimal and I'm already walking around great! I'm mixed
feelings about going home tomorrow. On one hand, I get to be w my older three
kids as well as good food and bed, but on the other, I'll be over an hour away
from my little man during this hard time for him so please pray for our entire
family. Can't wait until aubree, nic and belle can meet their baby brother!!!!
It just might be one of the best 3 days of my entire life!!!"
DECEMBER 4
"Jaxon
has dropped to 2 pounds, 10ounces. They expected a little drop but that's a
little more than they wanted so they are increasing his caloric intake. Doing
well on vent. Brain scan came back- no bleeding on the brain! Praise the Lord
for that!!! He does have a 5.5mm cyst on his brain so they will run tests just
to be sure it's not cancerous. If everything is fine with it (which they think
it is) then it should shrink with the antibiotics. Heart echo still has not
come back yet so I will post once I find out. I get to stay one more night but
will definitely be discharged tomorrow making my total hospital stay 4 weeks
and 2 days! Tomorrow Jaxon will be 28 weeks gestation meaning if I were still
pregnant, tomorrow would be my first day in my third trimester. Its crazy to
think that I never even made it into my third trimester yet he is doing so
well!!! God is amazing that He has allowed doctors and technology to come so
far. Not long ago at all Jaxon would not stand a chance at survival but now
here he is doing amazing!!"
"Sorry
everyone that I have missed responding to! I am overwhelmed by and
extraordinarily grateful for the love you are all pouring out to my family! I
am trying to respond to everyone but I know there are many I am missing. I get
on my Facebook about 5 times a day right now and every single time I have
anywhere from 30-50 notifications and messages so it has just been really hard
to make sure nobody is missed but just want to say that if I have missed
responding to you, please know that I am reading everything (even if i dont get
to respond) and I appreciate so much and all this support and encouragement is
what has helped me get through all of this with a smile! If you missed updates
and would like to see them, you can either scroll back on my page (October 18th
was the first post about complications, November 6th was when I got admitted)
or you can see on my blog:www.destinybroughtyoutome.blogspot.com
It's
easier to read the blog, but the Facebook posts cover every single detail.
Anyways, just wanted to make sure that each and every one of you knows how much
we love you all and are so blessed by you and by hearing how our little Jaxon
has touched your lives! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!"
"So,
I have a new prayer request! Please be praying for the family next to Jaxon!
She's a little girl who shares his birthday and was born at 32 weeks gestation.
Her mother just got discharged and cried as she had to leave her beautiful
little girl behind. I remember that moment 3 1/2 years ago leaving the twins
behind and I'm not looking forward to it again, but having my babies at home
does soften the pain for me. This is their only child though so please just
pray that the Lord will comfort them and that as we share this nicu journey
with them as our neighbors that opportunities will be opened for us to share
the live of our amazing Father! I'm not sure if they are believers but by the
end of this experience, I would like to know that they are! Maybe jaxon will be
the youngest evangelist in history!!!! Awesomeness!"
Destiny
shared a link.
Destiny
Brought You To Me
DECEMBER 5
"Update:
in about 5 minutes, I will be walking outside the hospital doors that have kept
me prisoner for just over a month now! Kinda nervous! Pray for me :) also,
jaxons bilirubin count dropped to 5 so they are able to take him off the
lights!!!!!! The best news of the day though is that his heart echo results
came back and he had a large PDA. They treat with meds if the number is above
1500 and his was 2000. However, bc of his amazing breathing skills, the dr
decided to wait before treating it and retested him last night and this
morning, it was at 700 which means it is possibly closing on its own!!!!!!!!!
So excited he's being such a good boy and so strong! Just love him so
much!"
DECEMBER 7
"Update:
Jax is continuing to amaze me every day!!! He came off the vent last night and
now is breathing on 31% with the canula. His feedings have been increased to
2ml every 3 hours and he is tolerating them very well! Today he weighed 2lb,
10oz. He should start putting on some good weight now with his feedings! He got
to meet his aunt Krystal Rees and uncle Ricky today so he was pretty excited
about that! So proud of my little man! Love him so much!!!!!"
DECEMBER 8
"This
time last week I was being told that we were probably gonna have to deliver my
sweet little guy! At almost 13 weeks early, I was so nervous about the
possibility but trusted the Lord to do whatever He wanted. Now my little guy is
1 week old (28 weeks, 3 days gestation) and is doing amazing!!! I'll be seeing
him in a few hours now to celebrate his first week with him!"
"Update:
Jax got his picc line inserted today and everything went great! He is now on
28% oxygen through the cannula and they will be removing the umbilical line
tonight. Eating 3ml every 3 hours and doing great with it! He is 1 week old
today! This time last week I was still "under" and my little man was
just arriving in the nicu being checked over. I love him so much and can't wait
until he can come home and meet his big sisters and big brother!!!"
DECEMBER 9
"Update:
Continuing to be amazed at my little man! Has been doing great with his
feedings so today they are increasing to 4ml every 3 hours then every 4
feedings they will increase by 1ml!!!! He gained some weight but I forgot to
ask how much so I will let you all know this afternoon once we get down there
to see him! Still on the cannula but breathing great on it! They are giving him
a rest today since he had a lot going on yesterday with getting the picc line
inserted. Me and Donny enjoyed a good evening and morning with the other three
kiddos too and each day I'm feeling better. Had a reaction to the benzine they
put over my incision but it is getting better each day. Aubree is fascinated
with my incision and the fact that Jaxon came out of my tummy right there. She
keeps wanting to take care of me! Future doctor??? I'm
Good
with that! :)"
DECEMBER 10
"Got
some amazing news- Donny starts back at work tomorrow!!! After a few months of
waiting for this next job to start, the day is finally here. But not gonna lie,
I cried bc as much as we need him to be working, I don't like him not being
with me at all times. :) my biggest concern was that I might not see Jax every
day since I can't drive for five more weeks but he's so amazing and promised
that even if he gets home late, he will drive me down to him every day that I
want! He is the most amazing husband and dad ever! There is not a person in the
world I would rather go through all of this with ever!"
"Update:
Jax is back on the lights- his bili went up to 8.7. Also he has a heart murmur
but the dr is not going to treat it yet bc it could be due to his PDA closing.
They will keep check on it to be sure though. He did lose a little more weight.
He is now 2lb 10.9oz. They are continuing to increase his feedings though so dr
expects he will gain by tomorrow. He is now at 6ml every 3 hours and at
midnight will increase to 7ml. He is tolerating his feedings wonderfully! Gonna
see him
This
afternoon and hold him for an hour! (I can now hold him for 1 hour every day)
he is now 9 days old and currently at 28 weeks, 5 days gestation."
"Pray
for my Jax! Doctor just called 30 min ago. His blood gases this morning showed
elevated carbon dioxide so they checked again a few hours later and it had
risen even more. Dr doesn't like that it is rising. It means his lungs are not
getting rid of the co2 so they are gonna check again at 10pm and if it has not
gone down, they are going to re-intubate him. :( also, his PDA number jumped.
It was originally 2000+ then went down to 740 but they just did another check
and it jumped to 1500 so they are going to do another echocardiogram in the
morning and may have to start him on the PDA meds. He has been doing amazing
from The start then when I went to see him this afternoon, he had ~12 desats in
the 1 1/2 hours I was with him. Got as low as 42%. I couldnt hold him bc of
thst and also his respirations were maintaining around 130s. I just started
crying there in the nicu. I know this is what 27 weekers typically go through,
but this was his first bad day that he's had so I just wasn't expecting it
today. For the first time I watched him as I thought how frail and pitiful he
looked. I usually beam at how strong he is but I just didn't see that today. :(
oh, and his bilirubin was high too so that just kinda topped off the kinda day
we had. I'm going to bed and hoping for a better tomorrow!"
DECEMBER 11
"Update:
just talked to Jaxons dr and they did NOT have to intubate him last night! He's
still having desats on the cannula but not bad enough that she wants to intubate
him yet so she will just have his nurses watching closely and let me know if
she decided to. They are doing another echo this afternoon and she said even if
it's only open a little, she will go ahead and start the meds. He will have to
come off his feedings but will still get nutrients through his picc line but
said not to be too concerned if he loses more weight. Friday they will do
another echo to see if it closes and then they will know if he can start back
his feedings or another round of meds depending. Gonna see him this afternoon
thanks to the amazing G-Ma!!! I will post some more pics later"
"Update:
echo results came back already. He still has a large PDA so they are starting
his meds now. Just realized that he is now 10 days old and that is exactly how
old the twins were when they came home from nicu. That seemed like an eternity
then. :)"
DECEMBER 13
"Usually
I'm all about the rain and snow but it's trying to stand between me and my mini
man and I am NOT ok with that!"
"Update:
so Jax's PDA meds finished yesterday and he had another heart echo done this
morning. Results came back and the PDA is still open and it is still large. :(
doctor is starting another round of the meds which should finish tomorrow night
and then she is going to let him rest for the weekend and depending on how he's
doing, she may order another echo on Monday. Right now though, he is still
struggling a bit bc of the PDA. His oxygen is at 44% and he is still having
lots of desats so he needs prayer that this second round will work so he
doesn't have to have the surgery. If he does have to have it though, I'm at
least glad to know that it is a simple surgery and will make him feel so much
better so whatever is needed is fine w me! Even though he is off of his
feedings, he did still gain weight so I'm happy about that. He's 2lb, 12oz I
believe. Keep praying for our little guy! He's doing great but still has a lot
to overcome! Donald Wetzel"
"Update
#2: so, Jax was on 40% and is still not doing great on the cannula. He has had
5 bradycardia episodes since this morning. They are doing another blood gas
test in about ten minutes and if it is not good, they are going to intubate him
again. Had to turn his oxygen up to 50% a little while ago and that helped and
slowly they have brought it back down to 46% but looks like that's as low as
he's gonna tolerate for now. Please just pray his PDA closes so we can just be
done with this phase!!!"
DECEMBER 14
"So
excited Donald Wetzel will get to see our Jaxon today! He hasn't seen him in a
few days bc of work and I know our little Jax is missing his daddy!!!"
DECEMBER 15
"Update:
Jax looked great today! He was peacefully sleeping most the time we were w him.
They are still keeping his oxygen between 30-40%. He will have another heart
echo Monday to check his PDA but nurse did not hear a murmur today so hoping
that means its closed. Really, pretty much no changes since yesterday. Just
love my little tough guy so much!"
"Happy
30th birthday to my wonderful amazing husband!!! You are the funniest,
smartest, most skilled man I've ever met! I love you so much!"
DECEMBER 17
"Update:
when I arrived to see Jax today, he was on 51% oxygen w the rate at 30bpm. They
soon after had to turn it up to 60%. Seems once he hears his mommys voice they usually
have to turn it up but after being there for about 30 minutes, I got to hold
him and while I held him his oxygen was turned down to 40% and he did great
with that!!! Makes me wanna sit and hold him all say every day! :) I was able
to hold him for an hour and a half though which is the longest yet! They
started over w his feedings bc he was not tolerating them yesterday so they did
scan on his intestines and bowels but everything looked great so dr decided to
keep feedings at 3ml for now and increase slowly starting tonight. Had his
heart echo this afternoon but won't hear results til morning. Dr and nurses all
seem to think the PDA has probably closed though so hoping and praying they're
right! Overall he looked amazing again! Hopefully we will have more success
weaning from ventilator this weekend but if not, at least it's giving him a
break. Love my beautiful baby boy! Tomorrow marks 6 weeks since I was admitted
to the hospital and I just can't believe where we are at since that day. For a
few days I thought I would be delivering any day with an extremely grim
outlook- so thankful for the millions of miracles the Lord has performed for
this little guy! He has so much favor on his life already that is just so
evident by what he has been able to overcome!"
DECEMBER 18
"Will
anyone be heading UP the hill tomorrow anytime between 12:00-2:00-ish? I have a
ride down to the hospital but just need a ride home. Please message me if you
will be headed back to the desert around that time. Thanks!"
"Update:
Jax is not having such a great day...with the exception of the hour mommy was
able to hold him. He is having a whole lot of desats even with oxygen as high
as 54% and at a rate of 30bpm. Right now it is on 40% but his nurse is
continually patting his bottom to remind him to breathe. They have not been
able to lower the rate for a few days now. On the up side, feedings have
increased to 5ml and he is tolerating that well. Oh! And forgot to mention
earlier, the endocine worked and his PDA is now closed!!! Whew! One big
obstacle outta the way but now we just gotta get this little guy breathing on
his own here. He's just not understanding why he should have to do so much work
when the machine can just do it for him."
DECEMBER 19
"Update:
Jaxon is now 18 days old (30 weeks gestation today!!) and he now weighs 3lb
4oz. His PDA is still closed so that is good. He is having another not-so-great
day today. His rate on the vent was decreased to 28bpm but he is now on 80%
oxygen and still having many desats as low as 40s. He is also only functioning
one lung at a time although both lungs are good, they just seem to switch back
and forth- one will do the work while the other folds then they switch. Also,
he is having to have his lungs suctioned every 20-30 minutes because he is
having so much secretion (most intubated babies are auctioned once every 3
hours or so). This could mean any number of things from pneumonia to improper
tube placement to several other things so dr is on her way now to evaluate him.
Please pray that we get past this step now. He is so tired and irritable from
being messed with so much. On the positive side, I was able to hold him for 2
HOURS today!!!! During that whole time he only had 2 desats so I think all this
fuss is just that he wants mommy to hold him some more! ;)"
"Update:
wow! This has been a crazy day for my little man! His lung secretions tested
positive for staph so with the way he's been acting, it's possible there is an
infection. Also, his platelet count came back low so they are getting ready to
do a blood transfusion. A few other tests won't be back until tomorrow or
longer but at least this is a start and hopefully the antibiotics and
transfusion will boost him a bit and help his lungs start working better. Keep
praying, he's got a LOT going on for now"
DECEMBER 20
"3
little monkeys tucked snugly in bed, 1 little monkey safely in his isolette, my
favorite comfy pj's, hot cocoa, caramel chocolate chip cookies and lifetime
original Christmas movies! Ah! It's a wonderful life!"
Destiny
wrote on The Preemie Project'stimeline.
"New
here, my son was born at 27 weeks on December 1st after my water broke at 21
weeks and hospital bed rest at 23 weeks. He is now 19 days old. I have a
question: did anyone's baby have the steroid, dexamethasone to help them come
off ventilator? Jaxon has just been labeled as "ventilator dependent with
no known cause" and bc of this, his dr is considering doing the steroid,
however, she wants me to read up on it bc she said there are possible long-term
side effects. Just wondering if anyone else knows about this that could help me
out. Thanks!"
DECEMBER 21
"Donny's
taking the kids to pick out Christmas presents for me today so aubree asked
what I want. I told her I'd like a necklace or bracelet so she asked, "you
want jewelry?" then immediately turned to daddy and said, "daddy, can
we get mommy markers?" then she spent the next 5 minutes trying to
convince me that I like markers and I want markers for Christmas."
DECEMBER 22
"Although
I'm super excited and anxious tosee my mini man again this afternoon, I am so
glad I got to spend some real fun time tickling and chasing and loving on my
other three this morning! First time since surgery that I've felt good enough
to do that! I've missed runnin around with them, good to be back at it finally!
Oh! And Jax is 3 WEEKS OLD today! That is insane to me!!! This very time 3
weeks ago, they were checking him via ultrasound and trying to figure out why I
was in labor. We were still hanging on the fence about whether to deliver or
wait and hope it stopped. Crazy how quickly life changes!"
DECEMBER 23
"Update:
our little Jax is getting to be a big boy! ;) he's now 3 pounds, 9ounces. He is
still taking 16ml feedings but they are fortifying it for an extra 25calories
so should help him start packing on some pudge! They were able to wean him down
on the vent from
26
to 24bpm. He is still fluctuating from 40-60% and he's still having desats but
not quite as many so hopefully that will continue improving! The staph, it
turns out, was not yet infected, it was just in the beginning stages of
infection but the antibiotics have already gotten rid of that so it is no
concern now. Still having lots of lung secretions but X-ray is showing a vast
improvement! His vision tests will be starting soon after he is off the vent.
Overall he's had a great day!!"
"Trying
to keep my husband from telling me my Christmas present is stressing me out!!!
Sheesh! This boy can't keep anything secret! Looks like Christmas is gonna have
to be tomorrow bc 2 days is gonna be waaaaay too much to ask of him! ;)"
DECEMBER 25
"Heading
down to see my boy on his first Christmas!"
"Update:
Jax is 3lb 12oz. His feedings are doing great. Please pray bc we are hoping he
can come off the vent tomorrow!!! He just finished meds that are supposed to
prepare his lungs to come off so hoping they worked and I will get to hold him
tomorrow without that crazy tube!"
DECEMBER 26
"Update:
The steroids did their job! Jax is being extubated at 11:30 today!!!!!!!"
DECEMBER 27
"Update:
Jax is having some pretty severe apnea with the spells lasting around 90
seconds each and very frequent. Tried caffeine but didn't work so he now has a
bedside nurse at all times. Still on high pressure through the cannula so
hoping this will improve and he won't have to be intubated again. I'll know
more once I get there this morning.
Oh!
And guess who's a California licensed driver??? THIS girl! :)"
"Update
again :) - please prayfor my Jax! If the apnea doesn't improve over the next 6
hours, they will intubate him again"
DECEMBER 28
"It's
a multiples madhouse in the nicu! 2 sets of triplets and 3 sets of twins and 2
babies who are twins (not w each other) but flying solo."
"Update:
sorry forgot to let everyone know. :) so, I got to hold Jax yesterday for about
2 hours. The previous night he'd been having 2-4 apnea spells every hour but by
the time I'd arrived they were down to 1 every 1-2 hours. While I held him he
had zero, in fact didn't even have a single desat. The rest of the day and last
night, they decreased even more. He only had 4 through the entire night. He has
only had 1 today. Thanks for all the prayers!!! They will NOT be intimating him
again. His doctor, who by the way is the most phenomenal doctor in the entire
world, just wants to five him time and opportunity to learn to "fix
himself" without the need for intervention. I'm telling she is my soul
mate doctor! He's doing great today. They slowed his feedings to help give him
a break so he is at 15cc and will increase by 1cc every 3 feedings. His vent
rate is at 40bpm but the o2 is only at 28%. They will likely cut antibiotics
today bc it does not look like there is any infection. Blood gases and blood
counts are all great! He is sleeping peacefully right now. Thanks again for
prayers!!! Oh! And he is now 31weeks gestation which means in 2 weeks they will
let him start practicing nursing as long as everything is good!!!"
DECEMBER 29
"I
will be walking in April to raise money for March of Dimes in honor of my sweet
baby boy! Please consider walking with me on team "Jaxon Jeremiah
1:5" and helping me to raise money for this great organization that does
so much for babies who are premature or born with birth defects. "
Destiny
updated her status.
"Much
needed hair cut today then going to see my little guy!!! Praying for a great
day for him!"
"Just
suddenly hit me that my baby is FOUR WEEKS OLD today! I can't believe it! And
he's not even due for another 9 weeks! WOW! Time is flying by!"
DECEMBER 31
"Playing
around w nic I told him, "I'm gonna take your face" he said,
"you can't, it has to stay on me for a long long time." then he
started feeling his face w his hands and said, "it can't come off. It has
too much glue on it. It's stuck. All my pieces are glued together!" ...I
think it's so cute to hear little kids' perspective on the world! So glad God
glued all his pieces together really tightly ;)"
JANUARY 1
"Happy
1 month birthday to my amazingly strong little man!!! I can't wait until my
little Jaxon Jeremiah is home in my arms for good! I just may never put him down."
