Monday, May 13, 2013

Back to New Jersey

Been awhile since I've updated and I realize several of you don't look at our quick Facebook updates. So here's what's been going on. Haddie has been rolling along. 2 nights ago she had to have an exchange transfusion. She has Jaundice which is not a good thing. Basically the bilirubin in her bloodstream attacks her red blood cells. They keep that blue light on her to help her out. If the levels get too high it can cause brain damage...which is something Haddie definitely doesn't need. Her levels got a bit too high so they had to do the transfusion. There's a lot of risks for the transfusion but the reward outweighs the risks. It went well and so far her bilirubin levels have stayed low.

Our favorite time of the day has been going down and giving Haddie "mouth care". Kate pumps some milk and then we take it down to the NICU where Hadassah lives. We take a little Q-tip and dip it in the milk and let Haddie suck on it. She seems to like this.

Everyone asks how she is doing. Haddie is doing okay. She really has a long way to go and we don't know how everything will turn out. Today they once again explained the severity of her brain damage she suffered sometime after the fetal surgery. Level 4 on both sides of the brain they say. Might not be able to eat, breathe, or manage her heart on her own they say. It's not good they say. But they honestly have no idea how this will all play out. They don't know what complications she will have. Kate and I know she will have some. But we hope, pray, trust, and believe that we will bring her home some day. God brought us here for a reason. And if it's Kate and I's job is to raise a little girl with "complications"...well bring it on. It's a miracle that she is still alive. It's a miracle that she has proved that she can breathe on her own. She's a miracle...bottom line. And we love her no matter what.

Kate was able to be discharged this afternoon and now we are back at her aunt and uncle's in Hammonton, New Jersey. She's a bit sore and it will take a few weeks for her to get back on her feet. Our plan is to drive into Philadelphia once a day and spend a few hours with Haddie. We will also call the NICU at CHOP and they will give us updates as well. As far as timeline, we aren't sure how long she will be in there. She is premature, has a brain injury, and still has a surgery to remove what's left on the teratoma. So we know we will be doing this routine for a while. We know for sure that we will be here until her original due date which is August 8th. We just have to take it day by day and see what Haddie and the Lord decide. God is good.

We appreciate your continued prayers and support. Many of you have asked how you can help us. We are currently looking into that and will let you know. We appreciate all of the ways you all have reached out to us. Your prayers are what we covet most.

 Here's a video of Kate standing up and taking a good look at our daughter today.


7 comments:

  1. I have been following your journey through some mutual friends, so if I may be so bold, I am praying for best case scenario. Best case scenario is no last complications for anyone, and I want you to know that is what I am praying for--that God's glory and miracle will be made known and that the testimony your family, especially your daughter, will share, I pray that it will draw multitudes to relationship with God. This entire journey, no matter the outcome, I pray that you and your wife are comforted, supported, and wrapped in God's loving arms. I pray that your faith remains steadfast and that you are able to see that it is never God who steals, kills, or destroys, but it is the enemy of God who does. This is why I am praying for best case scenario. I pray God prevails, for it is always His will for healing and salvation which is why Jesus came in the first place. I believe you know these things, but I write them again because I am moved with such compassion for your family's situation and condition. I pray for full freedom in the Lord and that you will all be radically changed and emboldened by Him. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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  2. Travis and Kate, if I may say from experience. One of the best things people can do for you (besides PRAYING!) Would be gas money and gift cards for food around the hospital. It gets REALLY expensive traveling to and from the hospital each day. Andrew and I only had to do it for a month and we put over $1000 on the credit card. You will need it. Please let us all know what kind of gas stations and food they have in the area, and where we can send help :)

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  3. continued prayers Kate and Travis AND HATTIE!!! God is in the Miracle business and HE HAS PROVEN THAT THROUGH YOUR BABY GIRL!! We will take what we can get and be Thankful to God for it! Enjoy every moment and it is so heart warming to know that the two of you see each of those as a BLESSING... make sure you let us know when and how we can help out even in little bits with $$ ... God's HEALING, GRACE AND PEACE be with you all..

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  4. Travis and Kate,

    We have friend's whose first child was born at about 22-25 weeks. There were all the same predictions of horrible problems. Today, he's almost 18 years old, over 6 feet tall, super-intelligent with none of the predicted problems. He's a miracle child over and over. I'm praying and believing in the same brand of miracles for you and Haddie.

    Debbie (Chris' mom)

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  5. You are such special blessings to your little miracle! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! Praying for you and Haddie - so touched by your faith and trust in God! God bless you!!

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  6. Travis, Kate and Haddie, We continue to pray for you every day. Your faith is inspiring. May God give you strength and hope. We love you. Ted and Linda Blackwood

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