Tube Fail

Just a short (& disappointing) post to let everyone know that the tube didn't work.  They tried 3 times and couldn't get it down, the last time it *may* have gone down at first but then he threw it up.  After that, Jeramy and I decided we weren't cut out for holding him down & shoving a tube down his throat while he gags. So, we asked to be discharged so we could come home and at least have a comfortable night's rest in our own bed.  Finally, they did let us go.

So, we're back at home, tubeless.  We put the special formula into his bottle last night though and he did drink it while he was sleeping.  We're praying that will be the key.  The next step would be surgically installing a port in his belly to feed him through.  So--please pray that he continues with the night feeds.  Thank you all again for the prayers, we definitely need them.

Nasogastric Tubes & such...

I'm writing this blog from Dell Children's hospital in Austin....room 436.  We voluntarily admitted Clark for placement of an ng feeding tube because he hasn't gained weight in 5 months.  It was time, in other words.  Sure, he gained an ounce here & there, but next thing you know, he'd lose it again.  Just for reference, in June, he was 18 lbs 15 oz and today he was 19 lbs 2 oz. 

So, shortly a nurse will be in to show us how to place the feeding tube (it will be in one of his nostrils) and feed him via the tube.  The plan is to supplement him at night with around 400 calories of formula (Boost Kid Essentials 1.5).  During the day, he'll be free to eat as he pleases.  Recently, he's been eating really well...for a toddler.  But, not anywhere close to enough to get him caught up. 

Fingers crossed---hopefully this is the ticket to a healthy weight for Clark.  Thank you all for the prayers.

At our church's yearly service at the campground.

Well, today is the big (possible) feeding tube appointment.  Pray for us.   <3

***UPDATE***

Our appointment went well today.  Clark gained a whole 6oz and avoided a hospital stay and a feeding tube.  Yessssss!  Thank you for all of the prayers.

Medical Stuff...

So--it's been a long time since I've posted one of "these" type posts.  I guess I was trying to keep everything positive & upbeat (if a bit sparse) on the blog.  But, this is kind of a big deal.

Clark was given a short-term (2 week) time frame in which to show decent improvement with his weight.  Just as a refresher, he's 20 months old and is hovering close to 19 lbs.  Yes, he's about the weight of the average baby 1/2 his age.  If he doesn't show improvement by Monday, he is going to be admitted to Dell Children's in Austin for a nasogastric (nasal) feeding tube.  He'll likely be there for several days, if admitted.  I assume that if he is admitted & if he shows improvement with the NG tube that we'll be given the choice to surgically install a g-button (feeding tube directly in his belly).  But, I think that we would also have the choice of keeping it in his nose.  That is something we have to pray/think about.  It's all pretty extreme, especially the surgical route.

That's where you guys come in.  We need lots of prayers in the next 5 days, specifically for weight gain.  I must admit that this feeding tube business isn't a battle I want to fight.  I just want him to eat and gain like any normal baby would.  As I've learned though--it doesn't quite work that way with Clark.  But, I've also learned that prayers work.  Just remember when he was in the NICU fighting for his life.  You guys prayed for him, and here he is!  Feisty as all get-out.  (I have to constantly remind myself that I promised God I'd take whatever he gave me as long as I could bring Clark home.)  Suffice it to say, Clark is really feisty.

 These days, he's up to his nose in books.  He'll tell you about cats & cupcakes or Bruce Wayne & the batcave.  He and Kade have the best time playing, one of their favorite phrases is "I want to play!"  He's started wearing his glasses regularly, so that's progress.  He also loves green beans  (too bad they're not packed with calories).

Thanks for taking the time to read this, wish it was more upbeat.  Please pray for pounds.  Until next time...

After dilation at an eye appointment

Happiest with MaMa