Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Christmas Eve







Greetings, All.


Elsa and Jonas continue to grow! It is hard to believe that both are now slightly heavier than their birth weights. Both lost a bit the first couple of days and have slowly been putting on 10 grams here and 10 grams there. Being in the NICU everyday makes it sometimes difficult to notice the small changes and daily victories that they are making. I know that we sometimes get caught up thinking months or years down the road but are really thankful for each day and moment we get to spend with Elsa and Jonas.

Elsa has an infection in her blood and the doctors are now treating her with one, perhaps two later this evening, antibiotics to help her. Once she has gone 48 hours without a positive infection result, she will receive her PICC line. This line will allow doctors and nurses to better deliver the necessary medicines and fluids to her body. We continue to pray for her brain and her blood.

Jonas continues to work with his high frequency ventilator. Sometimes when he takes his own breath in this is in conflict with the machinery so it really is best that he rests and lets the machine do the heavy lifting for now. He has seemed relatively stable with his oxygen and breathing the last couple of days.

Last night there was what I can only describe has a moment of calm in the NICU. I might have mentioned before that there are so many machines and monitoring devices at work for all the babies that there is seldom a second or two of quiet. However, last night there was a minute of absolute silence...no beeps...no alarms...peace. I'd like to think that Jonas and Elsa made a deal with the other kids to keep down the noise as an early Christmas present. So very sweet.


A dear friend mentioned to me that Elsa and Jonas were born on Day of our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12th. How apropos that our little miracles were born on a day centered on miracles!


God Bless and Merry Christmas to all!

Dan & Mari


8 comments:

  1. Merry Christmas and God Bless you Dan, Mari, Elsa, and Jonas!

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  2. Wow Dan, thanks for keeping us all informed! You're in our thoughts! Love

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  3. Merry Christmas to you all! Dan, Mari, Elsa, and Jonas! You are all in my thoughts and prayers on this special day! Elsa and Jonas are miracles!
    Sue

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  4. Merry Christmas Kiddos (yes, that includes you Dan, and Mari)! Big bear hug!

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  5. Merry Christmas Dan, Mari, Elsa, Jonas....we are all thinking and saying prayers for you. We think of you often, and lift you up for God's tender care. Thanks for the special writing of Elsa and Jonas time in NICU; it makes us feel like we are there. Love, Auntie Jane, Uncle Ralph and family.

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  6. Greetings from Minnesota, Finally leaped into the 21st Century. Thanks so very much for keeping us atuned to the good news and great care for Elsa and Jonas. Even though we are so very far away, your notes of expert medical attention have helped us remain close. We are looking thru the NICU window and holding your hand and praying right with you for strength and support. Jonas and Elsa have those Minnesota genes in them-toughness, strong willed, and steel determination. Blessings, little ones, as each day you grow with the support of all medical skills and and the protective and secure arms, a promise from our Lord and savior. We're right here with you.
    Don and Delores and Grandma Mabel

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  7. I should add that the previous note came from BOTH Grandma Mabel AND GRANDPA MORGAN.

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  8. Merry Christmas to all.... We pray for Elsa and Jonas everyday. Thank you for keeping us updated.

    Love Carol and Gabrielle

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