Dear Family, Friends, and Prayer Warriors,
Hello, it’s me Adalynn, writing again to
update you on my status. Dad and Mom told me that many of you appreciated
my personalization of the last update, so I told them I would happily write to
you again. On October 6, the day after I
wrote you last, it was confirmed that I truly had pneumonia. I was given antibiotics for ten days to help me
feel better. I like to think I have recovered well. My doctor, Dr.
Morales, (I like to think I am his favorite patient), said that this pneumonia
diagnosis may be common for me even after I go home since I haven’t learned to
swallow yet. He told my parents that they will have to watch me closely
and gave them some pointers on signs that could mean I might be getting sick.
Dr. Morales said Dad and Mom will know me better than anyone and will be the
best judge of when I might need to see the doctor. I have to agree with
him as Dad and Mom devote time every day to bond with and care for me.
Please pray for Dad and Mom that they will have the wisdom to know when I need
to go to the doctor for extra care.
Speaking of home, people want to
know when I might get to go home. Would you believe I am writing you from
home right now!! I came home yesterday, October 18th!! Before I could
make my big debut at home, we had to make sure the equipment I need was
delivered and ready for use. Dad and Mom also needed lots of education
before bringing me home. They are bit nervous sometimes about making sure
I have everything I need, but I think they will do just fine. All three
of us will have to learn what life outside the NICU is all about; and we will
do so together. Dad and Mom say that’s what family is for…sticking
together through the changes in life. I’ve found out my whole family is
good at this.
I understand many of you like specific ways to pray for
me. Below is a list of some prayer requests and praises:
·
Pray for Dad, Mom, and me to adjust to life at
home. I still don’t like a whole lot of extra stimulation so we are
trying to figure out the balance between letting me sleep and having people
come visit. For this weekend at least, Dad and Mom warned me that I can’t
have friends over yet, so I’ll keep you posted!
·
Pray for my breathing and need for oxygen
support. Earlier this week, I tried telling everyone that I was done with
the oxygen support and that they should remove it from my nose. Well, I
won!!! I have had no oxygen support for a few days now, so please pray I
can maintain my oxygen levels without it on. The doctors and nurses have
warned that I am at a high risk for needing oxygen support anytime I get sick
though. I still have lots of fluid in my nose and mouth that needs to be
cleaned out with a suction machine on a routine basis.
·
Pray for me as I continue the long journey of
therapy and seeing doctors regularly. I will receive occupational
therapy, physical therapy, and therapy from a speech pathologist. Therapy
sessions will assist me to grow strong and make sure I continue to improve to
the best of my abilities.
·
Pray for continued healing of my brain and body.
Only the Great Physician knows all my needs and can heal me beyond what any
earthly doctor can!
·
Praise the Lord! Please thank Jesus for
the opportunity to come home and start life in my house. God is truly
good as we weren’t sure 5 weeks ago if I would ever come home!
·
Praise the Lord! I have begun finding my
voice a little bit at a time. I still don’t cry, but I sure let people
know when I don’t like what they are doing by grunting loudly. I also
have started “sighing” in my sleep. My mom loves just listening to me
sleep with my cute “baby noises.”
·
Praise the Lord! Just as I am starting to
vocalize my dislike for certain cares, I am also learning to squirm away from
those cares. I have started trying to turn away from things I don’t like
such as having secretions suctioned out, getting my heel poked to draw blood,
or getting my lips cleaned. I also like to put my arms in the way so it’s
a little harder to perform those cares that I don’t like. I am moving and
squirming much more the last several days and they say that is a good thing!
·
Praise the Lord! I would also ask that you
thank the Lord for all the nice doctors, nurses, therapists, family members,
and everyone who has helped care for me for the last 5 weeks. God has
truly blessed me and my family with many GREAT people who love and care for
me. I had lots of doctors, nurses, and other hospital people stop in to
say “bye” and “good luck” yesterday when I was discharged at the
hospital. Mom and Dad tell me (and we thank Jesus) how grateful we are to
all those who have helped take care of me.
Well, I would love to write more, but Dad and Mom say it’s
almost time to eat and then its bedtime. I will keep you updated on how
life at home is going. Thanks again for all the love, support, and
prayers you offer me on a regular basis. Our God alone can heal and has
the power to save! In Him alone we trust!!
Love,
Adalynn
