Sadly, we missed church today. Graham has a cold so he tried to get some extra rest throughout the day. We're praying that he recuperates quickly and the rest of us stay healthy. He kept his distance from Josiah today.
I didn't think I was allowed to heplock Josiah's PICC line but the visiting nurse said that I could. The theory is easy but the challenge for me is just dealing with air bubbles while pulling two different liquids into the one syringe (heparin and saline). Today's nurse did one syringe and I did the other (Josiah has two lumens on his PICC line and they each need to be heplocked daily.) This week I'll try to do one of the lumens each day with the visiting nurse and then I'm hopeful that I'll be able to do it on Christmas so that a nurse doesn't have to come and see us. We've already said that we won't need the shift nurse on Christmas in the hope that he'll be able to be with his family.
My brother came over today so Isaac and Josiah had some quality uncle time and Graham and I had some rest in addition to quality brother time. Other friends from church came over and blessed us this evening. It's always nice when others are able to hold Josiah. He's definitely a chunk. We're rethinking the amount of his feeds. At the hospital we had reduced his feeds to 75 mL every three hours but then when the dietitian here said he'd lost weight we decided to increase the amount of his feed if he tolerated it. He certainly tolerated it in that he hasn't had reflux with his feeds; however, it's difficult to say if it's made him fussier. We shouldn't have been surprised that he had lost weight and we originally reduced the amount so that he would be more comfortable. On the other hand, some of his fussy times seem to be about a half hour before his feed, possibly indicating that he is hungry. If only he could tell me clearly what he's feeling! We pray for wisdom and believe God gives it.
"Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him." (Psalm 127:3) Josiah is a beautiful gift and we thank God for him.
Thanks for your prayers and support!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Hello Elizabeth and Graham.
ReplyDeleteJesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and forever. Hebrews 13 v 8.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him. Lamentations 3 v 24.
For ever, O LORD, Thy word is settled in heaven.
Thy faithfulness is unto all generations; Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. Psalm 119 v 89-90.
Thinking fondly of you all. Get as much rest as you can Graham and when you recover, you can learn to heplock Josiah's PICC line also, and thus you and Elizabeth will be able to support each other as usual. Be kind to yourself Elizabeth. It is beneficial for you to get out from time to time. I am pleased you and Isaac visited your Mum and Dad and you went to the mall. Thank God you have help from the shift nurse and others, as Josiah needs much care and you must keep well. You have constant responsibility and so much intricate attention to detail with the medications and tube feeds as well as pacifying Josiah when required. You are a capable mother and it would be lovely if you, Isaac and Josiah could go out for a drive in the car by yourselves, but unfortunately this is not possible at this time. I do feel deeply for you as you convey a little of what you are experiencing. You have been through more than enough, so I ask our Heavenly Father in Jesus’ name and in the power of the Holy Spirit that God will keep you uplifted in mind and body, and that Josiah relaxes more as the Faulkner home is surrounded by God’s love, healing, calming and good safe nights sleep to all. God guide you as to the right amount of water and feeds that satisfy and nourish Josiah and may he feel like smiling more as his breathing improves and he feels good. Thank you God.
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51 v 10.
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing. Zephaniah 3 v 17.
In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Thy comforts delight my soul. Psalm 94 v 19.
Isaac’s valuable prayers are endearing.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6.
Love and prayers from your auntie Julia.
Praying for a quick recovery for Graham and for wisdom and confidence as you care for Josiah's medical needs. So happy to hear that Isaac continues to be easy going and able to adjust to whatever comes his way!
ReplyDeleteWe continue to think of you and hold you up in prayer.
Love,
Aunt Sheila