Avery's growing

Avery wants to be held most of the time he's awake - and that's most of the time... Nat tried the baby carrier so she could work on Christmas projects at the same time.

Natalie, Avery and Thoughts for Sunday

Natalie and Avery - they both look great! You'd never know she is getting so little sleep.
Some thoughts for today...

OK, maybe I need to tone it down a bit. This was meant to be an introduction to the article and I couldn't help but display some of my frustration about people who don't actually read the Book of Mormon (they close their mind against it or are convinced it would be dangerous to even read it). It was pointed out that my words may have been a bit harsh and they sounded demeaning - not my intent at all! After having witnessed so much in the way of prejudice against my own religion, it would be very hypocritical to put down others'.

I absolutely try to not run down any group or religious body for their beliefs unless they trample on those of others (like the ACLU and those pushing agendas that harm others or remove their basic rights in the process - I probably do in those cases). And I would not want my comments to sound like those I abhor. We do get tired of some of the same old stuff of what people think of Mormons or hearing people tell us we aren't Christian because we don't prescribe to a particular definition of "following Christ." And we definitely hate the stereotyping as a group. (There are some groups who would elect Hitler before they would a Mormon).

At least in Utah among the non-LDS, Mormons are fair game and it's "open fire" that I deal with every day at work and elsewhere. People who would never dream of putting down gays or blacks, Hispanics, Hindus or Jews think nothing of doing the same with Mormons (and they get away with it - even those in leadership positions).

So, to those I offended, I apologize. I think I'll delete comments to keep this blog more positive. As most of you know I have a whole family of non-LDS so it's not just friends who may have been insulted by this. I may be disowned by my extended family. (I have to remind myself that they don't have to read this)

So, for the article referenced...
Of course I realize not everyone is interested in this. But, for those who are, this article is quite interesting.
http://www.mormontimes.com/studies_doctrine/research_discoveries/?id=4205 (as usual you can click on the post title to be taken to the article).

I know many people don't believe there is any scripture beyond the New Testament and if they never read it with a sincere heart, there never will be for them. Some even discount the Old Testament because to believe the words of both parts of the Bible would sometimes bring up discrepancies they don't want to think about and they prefer to think that the New Testament replaced all of the Bible rather than enhancing it. With Christ's birth and death some practices were done away, such as animal sacrifice, but the two books work together and in spite of what some may choose to believe, The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ, does too.

Read the article if you are interested in knowing a little more from a Hebrew scholar's perspective, but this is not intended as a missionary tool. Testimony of such things only comes from God after reading and studying with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, along with sincere desire. If that scares you, skip the book altogether. For those who believe the book was "written" rather than "translated" by Joseph Smith, I challenge you to consider the likelihood of this from a largely uneducated young boy, done in 12 weeks while experiencing duress and persecution and with a scribe rather than a computer. It's nothing short of miraculous.

On another subject - last Sunday President Boyd K. Packer of the Council of Twelve Apostles made this statement to close his talk,

"I pronounce upon you an Apostolic blessing. Comfort our children. Little children can be afraid of things we might not think of. Comfort them and strengthen our families. Turn off the television and focus on family. Pay your tithing. The promise is there – pay your tithing and you’ll be watched over. You’ll be alright. None of us is exempt from trials. If hard times come upon you and your income dwindles, remember that tithing is equitable for everyone: 10%. If you have nothing, then it’s 10% of practically nothing. Pay your tithing, do what you’re supposed to do. You’ll be comforted. Sure trials will come. Because of them, faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You’ll be glad to be alive at this time. It’s a good time to be living. To be raising children. I leave this testimony, counsel, and blessing with you in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

We will be comforted and helped through hard times with faith and obedience to God's laws. May the voters in California, and all of us, have the foresight to plan for a brighter and safer future. May the elected leaders, whoever they are, be receptive to spiritual guidance - they will certainly need it.

Just for fun

Just can't resist cute newborn photos. Here's Avery.

Behind in Blogging

I was attending an OB/Newborn nurses conference for a couple of days so no blogging, no computer. I was having withdrawal! I had pre-set a couple of posts so it would look like activity was going on. (The magic of the internet). Sometimes I have more to say than days to say it in so I just schedule it ahead.

For those who were watching the Avery update - he was discharged yesterday afternoon as Natalie had hoped. But, at this point we didn't take anything they said too seriously until it actually happened. So, they're all adjusting to life with the family now and very glad to be home. I just got home from Midway and I'm catching up myself. By the way, the colors in the mountains are spectacular and the weather was perfect! We got to have long lunch hours so we could go outside and enjoy it.

Visitors, Update and My Take

I have to give some credit to this hospital. IMC has done a remarkable job of helping Natalie to be able to stay with her baby. With breastfeeding difficulties and the baby already having forgotten how to do it after being NPO for a while, it was especially important for the nursery to not give bottles. What a great concept to allow people to use an unused hospital room. Nat was able to get rooming in to facilitate breastfeeding now that Avery was moved to a regular nursery while he completed his course of antibiotics. The nursery nurses have been fantastic! We have nothing but praise for the IMC regular, well-baby nurseries. NICU staff are very skilled and we are glad they are there for the sick babies but there are some control issues, they are not all as kind, compassionate and sensible as we would like. OK, some are Nazi-like! As you know I am very upset by the way they used threats to try to coerce Natalie into doing something she did not want to do. I'm sure most people would cave and they are used to that technique working to get their way. Fortunately there are some good nurses there to help balance things overall and God surely sent the great doctor on Saturday!

Coincidentally, I will be spending the next two days in Midway at IHC's Women & Newborns Outreach Conference. I've recently seen first-hand what is happening at their premier hospital so it will be interesting to attend the conference.

Natalie may not be ready for the bombardment that will surely come when they get home. Here she is surrounded by Rob, Ashlie, Emma, Olivia, Alex and me (Jenn was there too but she took the photo).
Emma was happy to finally meet her cousin.
Olivia was pretty possessive!
Too much fun! Everyone is checking out the baby (Olivia, Alex, Grandma, Emma, Ashlie)
The Jackson kids
He still has an IV
Ashlie and Jenn with Avery
He will not be lacking for attention!

What's Happening?

Natalie's in-laws have really been doing the rounds this past month. Her father-in-law, Harv had surgery on his spine and he had some complications. Then Megan (Rob's sister's daughter) had a burst appendix. The doctors pointed out it did not just rupture, it literally burst, spewing infection throughout the abdominal cavity and affecting many organs. They had to remove a fallopian tube and section of bowel. She came home just before Olivia's baptism but a few days ago had to go back in because of an abscess. They drained lots of yucky stuff over a few days and they are very worried because she has a fever of 103. This happened right after Avery was born, so Harv and Joanne are dividing their time between LDS and IMC hospitals.

Avery is doing well and will finish his antibiotics on Tuesday night. They hope he will be discharged at that time. So far, so good. Keep praying!

My computer karma continues to be bad! My new computer died. The boys said, "Impossible!" and had to see for themselves. They realized I was telling the truth but said, "Macs just don't do this." Apparently the bad part is covered under warranty so it's off to the Apple home again and I'm back to my old computer which keeps telling me there is not enough disk space. I've cleared off almost every program on here that I can spare and still it won't handle importing my photos. So, the new pictures which are on Jenn's camera are on a memory card with too many others and I can't import the ones I want of the baby. Stay tuned and I'll try to figure out a way.

Avery's Improving

Well, fortunately Natalie's assertiveness paid off and she spoke with the pediatrician who not only supported her breastfeeding efforts, but praised her, told her how it was even more important for a sick baby because of the numerous benefits - antibodies, antibacterial agents, etc. and it's the perfect food for her baby. This doctor was a different one covering at this hospital. Dr. Cosgrove is a well-loved pediatrician in the valley and we believe it was a direct blessing he was the doctor doing rounds today. He released Avery to be assigned to the regular nursery and they are just checking vital signs, recording his activity, and giving the antibiotics.

Natalie was also able to get rooming in on that floor (thanks to the social workers) so she can be there to take care of him. They are all very happy in spite of the continuing IV which has had to be changed several times already. At least he doesn't have to have IM meds. I'll post pictures later but it's late and Natalie's kids have been pretty wound up here tonight. It's finally settling and I'm heading for bed.

Thanks again for prayers on our behalf.

Progress!

Transitioning....

Natalie was pleasantly surprised when the NICU staff offered to allow her to do some special "rooming-in" right by the NICU. There are a couple of rooms sponsored by generous benefactor families. As available, the parents can have a room for a night when their baby is in the NICU. Natalie lucked out and they gave her the room for the past three nights. The rule is only one night but since they were not in demand they let her have it. This is to help facilitate breastfeeding. The double surprise came when they decided to take Avery off oxygen and let her have him in her room. They wheeled the monitors in and they are just a phone call away if she needs them. They will also check in on the baby regularly.

It's nice to see the staff go out of their way to help this little family. Right now it's a day at a time and she may not be able to keep the room but it was very nice for her last night. The NICU nursing staff has been great!

Please Keep Praying!

Avery is still in the NICU at Intermountain Medical Center and he is back on oxygen. We really don't know why he isn't able to get enough oxygen without assistance. The doctor is saying 7 days on antibiotics at a minimum. The jaundice has resolved and he doesn't need any more phototherapy and he is trying to learn to breastfeed - something he took to right away the first few hours. Now he has forgotten how and he has had some nipple confusion as they have tried to feed him pumped milk from a bottle in the NICU.

A Little Setback

Avery did not actually graduate from the NICU. There was a delay as they were looking for lost labs and in the meantime it seemed he was having apnea spells often enough they decided to keep him there with monitors. I had assumed the transfer had been made. We'll see how tomorrow goes I guess. Keep praying. We don't know why this is happening.

Avery Update

I'm hoping interested parties are checking here for updates. I'm trying to actually function at work and don't really have time to make a lot of phone calls so this is easier. If you have questions, call me. Otherwise I'm trying to get back on track, though I have Fridays off now so it will be better on the weekend, I hope.

I saw the baby and Natalie this morning. The pediatrician came in while I was there. Avery is looking and doing much better. He is hungry (duh!) and was finally given the go-ahead last night to nurse. He has jaundice (another duh - he hasn't been allowed to eat and you can't get rid of the bilirubin without feeding). So he is now getting phototherapy and after his 10:00 and 11:00 dose of antibiotics they are going to transfer him to the regular nursery where he will continue to get antibiotics and some kind of lab testing will clue the doc into when he can have the meds stopped.

Of course it is difficult for Natalie to get to the hospital for round-the-clock feedings while getting some rest herself but she is very happy he is making good progress. We appreciate the prayers in his behalf and can feel the strength and healing that has come this way.

Newborn Pneumonia

Ashli raised a good question. Why is a baby born with pneumonia? Click on the post title for an easy to understand article that discusses the condition of neonatal sepsis which can be localized in the lungs - pneumonia.

Often the newborn with pneumonia got it from aspirating fluid - blood, meconium (especially in the post-dates baby) and amniotic fluid. It seems unlikely this is the cause for Avery since he did not breathe at first, thus, not breathing prematurely while still in fluids. But, perhaps because he didn't get a lungful of air. I can only assume it might be related to the rough start, even though he was quickly resuscitated. Somehow the squeezing out of the lungs in the process of birth makes the lungs able to fill with air. It has long been known there is a higher rate of pneumonia in C-section babies and it is believed this is the reason. So, maybe a baby born vaginally can also be deprived of some of this normal process because of the stress of the tight cord around his neck. I'm speculating here....

We are very grateful he is in a hospital with a good NICU so he can get good care.

News on Avery

Well, he is still in the NICU and they expect he will be for 3 to 5 days but he is now breathing room air on his own so that's progress. The doctor is thinking pneumonia since the chest x-ray is showing infiltrates and white cell count was up but coming down a bit now. At any rate they are just continuing the same course hoping he will get well and will have 3-5 days more of antibiotics.

Thanks for all the continuing prayers in his behalf.

Not yet out of the woods...

Please add the new baby to your prayers. His name is Avery Robert Jackson and he is having some respiratory problems, needing oxygen, so they put him in the special care nursery. They also started antibiotics and they don't know why the distress so it's watchful waiting and he could end up needing the NICU. At any rate he won't be discharged with Natalie so this is very emotionally upsetting. We are putting his name in the Temple and appreciate all your prayers.