Ups and Downs, Hills and Valleys. We were well warned going into this that it would be no quick fix for Jerome, so we geared up for battle but secretly held out hope that he would set a new record for recovery. With the amount of people praying for Jerome, I had Guinness World Records on stand by. The doctors have done what they can to speed everything up, but his intestines are proving to be quite stubborn. He has taken a substance for the second and last time to open things up. If it does not work the doctors will resort to what was described to me as "a reverse enema." Not too pleasant sounding, so we hope he turns a corner real soon.
There have been two wonderful developments in Jerome's life recently. To our surprise one day, we walked in to see Jerome not in an incubator, but in a small bed open to the air. This is wonderful because it indicates that he has reached a better stage of immunity and it allows us increased access to our baby. I am not so sure the nurses or other parents in the room are as happy about the change. Word is that when we are not there, our little mighty mouse fully utilizes his mighty little lungs which are no longer enclosed in the incubator. Although we hate to think of him crying, this somewhat amuses us because when we are there he is the most content baby in the room not flying high on a pain killer IV. He is just letting the nurses know that he is fully aware that they are not his mommy.
Last week one of the Psychologists recommended that we use what is called Kangaroo Care. If you are not familiar with this, it is essentially long periods of skin to skin contact with the baby on mother's chest under her shirt, like a Kangaroo's pouch and hence the name. It is most commonly employed with premature babies and it yields great results. We had read about it before he was born, and so we were delighted to hear it was a recommended way for us to spend our time with Jerome. You can only imagine how much mommy enjoys this. Still unable to breastfeed and forced to part with her baby every night, this has given Duquesa a much needed special connection time with Jerome, and it is the highlight of our day. Baby and momma argue over who likes it more.
We really appreciate your little encouraging messages and prayers. Please don't stop yet!
Make it a point to appreciate your family, an incredible gift we all take for granted too often.
6 comments:
What wonderful news. I am so glad Jerome and his very patient mommy are getting some quality time together. He looks like he is in heavin in the pictures. He has gotten so much bigger since he was born! He is looking better and better with each posting! What a beautiful little one! What a blessing. I will continue to pray for your family and Jerome's little intestines. I pray for you every day along with many others. God Bless you and your beautiful family! Julia Johnson
Oh Duquessa I am so glad yall are getting to spend some qaulity time with that precious little boy. You both look like you are glowing in the pictures. It is good to hear he seems to be doing better everyday. Your family stays in my prayers. Luv, Brittany
I never knew the "sweetness" pictures could be!! Thank you for taking the time to make such special moments for us..
Hugs from Honey!!!
Reckon little Jerome needs a new nickname..."little Joey" for his Kangaroo care! How wonderful that Duquesa is able to hold him so close.
Please let bambino know that this cyber auntie says he is welcome to hollar and fuss all he wants to...and she will pray for him even more! blessings to you all -
Oh I am soooo glad that little mighty mouse has made it out of the incubator...one step closer to the warm italian sunshine!! I know that your "roo-time" must be pure bliss, for you and baby. Isn't it miraculous how the little guy knows his parents from everyone else he comes in contact with? I just love it. And you just tell him honorary aunt Kateri says he can holler at those docs and nurses all he wants- its only fair after what they have been doing to him!:-) What a cutie. Thanks for your wonderful updates...it makes the world seem smaller for all of us who love you but are so far away.
i am praying so fervently for you, jon, duquesa, and your little mighty mouse! i love you all so much and hope to see more and more improvements (although from the looks of him, jerome is so perfect i don't know what God could do to make him any better- although i guess maybe he could help his little intestines along- otherwise, he is perfectly beautiful) i hope Jerome will love to see his grandparents and aunt soon and i very much hope that he can spend more and more time with you! i love you all so much and my school is always praying for you! God bless you! love emma johnson
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