Thursday, December 18, 2008

Still Hanging In

We are still here. I finally got a new computer so I should be updating the website more often than once a week!
Little Reed still does not have a new heart but he is doing great! This is his new breathing mechanism for this week. It changes all the time. This is called Vapotherm which looks a whole lot better than the CPAP. He may get a little tired on this so they may rotate between this and the CPAP.
The crazy thing on his head measures the amount of oxygen going to his brain. This is to just make sure that everything keeps functioning like it should.

Braden is already tired of Reed getting all the attention. It is still a toss up for who is going to be more spoiled when this is all said and done. Sweet Brothers! Thanks to nurse Jessie for the boys' WubbaNubs which are the pacifiers attached to the stuffed animals. These are great because the boys can hold on to the animal which helps keep the paci in their mouths.
Happy One Month Birthday on December 12, 2008!

Braden's first snow. I know, I am a terrible mom for having him out without socks on and no blanket. We were only outside for a minute! Hopefully Reed will get home soon so he can experience his first snow if we get another one!! Crazy hats that I will only be able to get away with putting on my boys while they are little. If you know me, you know that I absolutely love Christmas, so I couldn't resist these outfits! This Christmas tree hat is one that someone made for children in the NICU. The ladies at the front desk at Vanderbilt always let me get one for Reed and Braden. We have been able to hold Reed just about every day this week. I LOVE being able to do this. We had him out of his bed the other day for about 6 hours and he tolerated it very well. My dad, a.k.a Paw Paw, holding Reed for the first time. He even held him for over an hour this past Sunday.

Specific Prayer Requests:
1) Reed will stay healthy as he waits for a heart. It is very important for Reed to not get any type of infection. If he were to get an infection, then he would have to be pulled off of the transplant list until the infection is clear. Please pray for him to reamin healthy!!!
2) That a healthy heart will come SOON.
3) Pray for the family that will be making such a selfless decision to give their child's organs to help another child like Reed.
4) That Ryan and I will maintain a balance between watching over Reed, caring for Braden, Ryan 's work, and just going through each day with a positive and grateful attitude!


We owe a huge thank you to friends and family for the food provided, babysitting for Braden, calls of concern, and most importantly the prayers! God is Good!!

17 comments:

Julie said...

I love all the new pics! The Christmas tree hat is too cute. We are praying for all of you every day!

The Parker Family said...

We are praying for Reed and your family daily. Thanks for keeping us updated on your specific needs. All the pictures are precious. I love the one of your dad with Reed. Let me know if you need anything.

The Speck family said...

Those two boys are just the sweetest Christmas gifts ever~ Reed is such a fighter and we pray for you guys and think about you all day every day....much love, Kelly, Travis & Bennett

Amanda said...

I love the pictures! The Tree hat is adorable. I have the same pj's for E.C. and Will, we will have to get a picture. Paw Paw looks very happy! E.C. just said her prayers and said a special prayer for Reed. After we prayed she asked when she gets to meet him too! WE love ya'll and are praying for you.

Anna said...

I love the Christmas outfits, especially the tree hat. Your boys are so beautiful! I won't be see you guys until after Christmas, and I just hope that I'll be seeing outside of the NICU.

Anonymous said...

We love you and we are always thinking about you, here in Sulphur Springs,TX.

Natalie Church said...

I love all the new pictures! I know you are anxiously waiting...we all are! We cannot wait to meet Reed soon!

Elizabeth S said...

They are just precious!! Praying for a heart to come soon. You guys are doing great.

Audrey said...

We are praying for you all! Hang in there!

Audrey

Gavin's Mama said...

The boys are just too cute!!You are such a great mom!Heart Hugs and prayers!!

Michael and Hannah said...

Thanks for the specific prayer requests... that really helps us know how to spend time bringing Reed before the Lord. So grateful that Reed is remaining strong. That Christmas tree hat is adorable! I've never seen anything like that. Such handsome boys.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE MY NEPHEWS! They are getting so big. We wish we could see you all more often. Much Love
- Uncle Sean

Anonymous said...

Wanted to let you know that the Cromers and our entire church family here in Texas are praying for you, Ryan, Reed, and Braden. We love you guys so much!

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for your sweet family. They are really growing! By the way, I think you are great mom to take him out in the snow for just a minute! You can show him that picture and tell him that story all his life! Love, the Schwieger's

andrea said...

I love the hat pictures...too cute! I can't believe they are already 1 month old...Happy 1 month.

Anonymous said...

They look so cute laying next to each other, I love it! :) Glad things are going well this week and happy 1 month guys! :)

The Hadfields said...

Glad to see the update. We're still praying for you and thinking about you guys often!!!