It's Friday morning and I just returned from walking Megan, Bud and Jade to the bus stop. Briggor and I love the morning walk, especially this morning. As I write this, it is 61 degrees and you can feel the crisp cool fall morning blowing in the breeze. AAAAhhhhh, it is so refreshing. I think Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cool morning, the warmth of the afternoon and then the wonderful way it cools again at night.
I have a date with my husband at 10:30am this morning. Every year, the Kern Co Fair has one day that they are open early. We have gone to the Fair on this particular day, every year since we moved here. Just Mark, Briggor and I. There are no rides running at this time. No kids either!! Just nice quiet time for us. We usually have lunch together then it is time to head home to greet the kids from school. More on our date later......
Thursday, September 18, 2008
COLE UPDATE From my girlfriend Mindy
Physically, I am tired and I wonder how I keep going but I know that God gives me the strength I need to keep moving forward. I am working right now but as soon as Cole gets released then I will be taking time off to be home with him. I will be doing a few hours of work a day from home just so I can extend my time at home with him. I am hoping to stay out until after Christmas break.
Oh how I hate moving! We just did that less than a year ago and now it looks like we will be doing it again. I just laugh cause otherwise I might cry.
In case you didn’t get the other email here is what the update said.
> Cole continues to grow and improve. He remains on oxygen by nasal canula at 25-30%. He has not forgotten to breath or had any respiratory difficulty. He nipple fed 3 of his 8 feedings yesterday- taking 50 cc's each time. He continues to gain weight, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces. He has gone through tests to try to figure out why he has had urinary tract infections. He has had an MRI and other test to see if he has any seizure disorder (he came to Northridge on Phenobarbital but there was not a clear understanding on why that medication was started). He loves to be held and interacts with the staff as well as family really well.
> We are getting closer and closer in seeing Cole go home. He still needs to have more healthy lung tissue to get off the oxygen (but it is possible to discharge a baby home with oxygen). He needs to continue to develop his facial muscles to be able to take all his feedings by nipple and remember to suck and breath with good coordination. There needs to be closure to the urinary track infections- to be clear of all infections or at least a clear understanding why this occurs. There needs to be a clear decision to continue or discontinue the Phenobarbital where our part is to pray that there is no residual untoward effects from the trauma Cole went through in the past few months. I have spoken to some of the nurses who I know who work at Northridge and I am receiving very positive reports that Cole came through this very difficult time very well. I still get overwhelmed with how good God has been to Cole and us for I have seen things not turn out well on babies who have gone through so much less.
> Continue to pray for Tim and Mindy for their lease is up on their apartment and have not been offered a new lease so they may need to move. I asked the Lord how He wants me to pray about this and He prompted me to pray that He would close doors quickly and open doors quickly so it would be clear to Mindy and Tim the direction they should take. I ask God would cause them to walk in His grace and peace as they go through this period and that through it the room for Cole would be prepared at the exact moment he would need it.
> Continue to pray for God's wisdom to be given to all who care for Cole, that the Holy Spirit would continue to be poured out wherever Cole dwells, that His heavenly angels would guard over Cole, and that there would be a fresh blood covering over Cole as he continues to heal, develop and prepare for discharge. We are not to fear man but we need to remember the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom (Ps11:10). In the medical field as like any field, there are many whose hearts are not toward God. But by us standing in the fear of the Lord, that will usher in wisdom and wow is there a need for God's wisdom even with the not as serious issues of life. By us continuing to stand in humility before our God, doors open for clarity (Ps 19:9), strength, light, salvation (Ps 27:1) and a lack of nothing (Ps 34:9). That is our hope for Cole, that is our promise from God.
> I am anticipating the day to write an email to say Cole is no longer in the hospital. Cole's due date was yesterday 9/17. God has such perfect timing!
>
Oh how I hate moving! We just did that less than a year ago and now it looks like we will be doing it again. I just laugh cause otherwise I might cry.
In case you didn’t get the other email here is what the update said.
> Cole continues to grow and improve. He remains on oxygen by nasal canula at 25-30%. He has not forgotten to breath or had any respiratory difficulty. He nipple fed 3 of his 8 feedings yesterday- taking 50 cc's each time. He continues to gain weight, weighing 6 pounds, 8 ounces. He has gone through tests to try to figure out why he has had urinary tract infections. He has had an MRI and other test to see if he has any seizure disorder (he came to Northridge on Phenobarbital but there was not a clear understanding on why that medication was started). He loves to be held and interacts with the staff as well as family really well.
> We are getting closer and closer in seeing Cole go home. He still needs to have more healthy lung tissue to get off the oxygen (but it is possible to discharge a baby home with oxygen). He needs to continue to develop his facial muscles to be able to take all his feedings by nipple and remember to suck and breath with good coordination. There needs to be closure to the urinary track infections- to be clear of all infections or at least a clear understanding why this occurs. There needs to be a clear decision to continue or discontinue the Phenobarbital where our part is to pray that there is no residual untoward effects from the trauma Cole went through in the past few months. I have spoken to some of the nurses who I know who work at Northridge and I am receiving very positive reports that Cole came through this very difficult time very well. I still get overwhelmed with how good God has been to Cole and us for I have seen things not turn out well on babies who have gone through so much less.
> Continue to pray for Tim and Mindy for their lease is up on their apartment and have not been offered a new lease so they may need to move. I asked the Lord how He wants me to pray about this and He prompted me to pray that He would close doors quickly and open doors quickly so it would be clear to Mindy and Tim the direction they should take. I ask God would cause them to walk in His grace and peace as they go through this period and that through it the room for Cole would be prepared at the exact moment he would need it.
> Continue to pray for God's wisdom to be given to all who care for Cole, that the Holy Spirit would continue to be poured out wherever Cole dwells, that His heavenly angels would guard over Cole, and that there would be a fresh blood covering over Cole as he continues to heal, develop and prepare for discharge. We are not to fear man but we need to remember the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom (Ps11:10). In the medical field as like any field, there are many whose hearts are not toward God. But by us standing in the fear of the Lord, that will usher in wisdom and wow is there a need for God's wisdom even with the not as serious issues of life. By us continuing to stand in humility before our God, doors open for clarity (Ps 19:9), strength, light, salvation (Ps 27:1) and a lack of nothing (Ps 34:9). That is our hope for Cole, that is our promise from God.
> I am anticipating the day to write an email to say Cole is no longer in the hospital. Cole's due date was yesterday 9/17. God has such perfect timing!
>
Monday, September 15, 2008
COLE UPDATE From my girlfriend Mindy
Subject: Cole has been moved to Northridge
> Cole was transferred to Northridge Hospital on Tuesday per ambulance.
He weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces. He got to eat from a bottle on Monday for the first time and was able to drink 8 cc of his 40 cc meal but today they increased his feeding amount to 45 cc every 3 hours. He will be fed by an occupational therapist to help teach him to eat. He does not have IV's anymore. He has a urinary tract infection and is on Amoxicillin. He has already been very verbal to let the new nurses know what he likes and refuses to tolerate. He is still on oxygen per nasal cannula at 25%. God is, simple put, AMAZING! So many nurses have approached Mindy and Judi and have said "Do you know that this is a miracle baby?" Their response is "Yes". Sometimes I think after a miracle has happened, we have the tendency to to change our perception of what has just happened in our lives. I ask God that He would imprint on our hearts the magnitude of His goodness that He has given to each of us for Cole is only here by the miraculous hand of God! Let us never forget! Again: 1) Please pray Cole will not be stressed and is able to handle breathing on his own. 2) Please pray he will continue to be able to decrease his need for oxygen down to room air (21%). 3) Please pray Cole will be able to coordinate his sucking and swallowing, and he would develop his cheek muscles so he can eat well. 4) Continue to pray he will fight this infection and build up defenses to stay infection free.
5) Continue to pray there will be no negative outcomes from all he has been through- that he would be whole and perfect- the same when God "made him in secret- when Cole was fearfully and wonderfully made". 6) Please pray for wisdom to all who care for Cole. 7) Please pray for Mindy, Tim and Alyssa as they becomes Cole's caregivers, that they would rest in God and dwell in His peace. 8) And please pray that God continues to hold Cole in palm of His hand, with His angels posted guard around him, and His Spirit testifying to Cole peace and comfort. And THIS IS A NEW ONE!- Pray that Mindy and Tim would organize their to time to prepare their home for the soon arrival of their new baby COLE!
> Cole was transferred to Northridge Hospital on Tuesday per ambulance.
He weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces. He got to eat from a bottle on Monday for the first time and was able to drink 8 cc of his 40 cc meal but today they increased his feeding amount to 45 cc every 3 hours. He will be fed by an occupational therapist to help teach him to eat. He does not have IV's anymore. He has a urinary tract infection and is on Amoxicillin. He has already been very verbal to let the new nurses know what he likes and refuses to tolerate. He is still on oxygen per nasal cannula at 25%. God is, simple put, AMAZING! So many nurses have approached Mindy and Judi and have said "Do you know that this is a miracle baby?" Their response is "Yes". Sometimes I think after a miracle has happened, we have the tendency to to change our perception of what has just happened in our lives. I ask God that He would imprint on our hearts the magnitude of His goodness that He has given to each of us for Cole is only here by the miraculous hand of God! Let us never forget! Again: 1) Please pray Cole will not be stressed and is able to handle breathing on his own. 2) Please pray he will continue to be able to decrease his need for oxygen down to room air (21%). 3) Please pray Cole will be able to coordinate his sucking and swallowing, and he would develop his cheek muscles so he can eat well. 4) Continue to pray he will fight this infection and build up defenses to stay infection free.
5) Continue to pray there will be no negative outcomes from all he has been through- that he would be whole and perfect- the same when God "made him in secret- when Cole was fearfully and wonderfully made". 6) Please pray for wisdom to all who care for Cole. 7) Please pray for Mindy, Tim and Alyssa as they becomes Cole's caregivers, that they would rest in God and dwell in His peace. 8) And please pray that God continues to hold Cole in palm of His hand, with His angels posted guard around him, and His Spirit testifying to Cole peace and comfort. And THIS IS A NEW ONE!- Pray that Mindy and Tim would organize their to time to prepare their home for the soon arrival of their new baby COLE!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Bible Verse
When was the last time you received an email from me? It takes me awhile to read all the emails sent to me and more time to sit and send some out. If you take the time to read all the way to the bottom of mine, I have a bible verse at the end. People have asked me why? People have commented that they love that verse. Some know why it is my favorite. So, I am going to cover "Why it is my favorite?" so all will know. As I am explaining this, some of my girlfriends from high school that I still communicate with will probably remember this assignment.
Back in my senior year of high school, attending a Christian school, we were to sit and contemplate our "SENIOR" bible verse. What is a senior bible verse? In the yearbook, under your senior picture, your favorite bible verse will be printed for all the world to see. Think about it...all the verses in the bible and you had to chose ONE!!! Hard thing to do. This assignment ended up to be easy for me. Jeremiah 29:11 has been my favorite verse for years that by the time I was a senior, that choice was simple. Till this day, some 20+ years later, I recite that verse to myself to remind me that it's God's plan for my life...not mine. How simple! That verse has helped me through so much.
Jeremiah 29:11
(Living Bible)
"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "to give you a future and a hope."
What's your favorite verse? Please share and post for all to see that read my blog. Click on the notes link just below this post. If you don't have a favorite verse, I encourage you to find one and let me know what it is. My friends from high school, do you still remember your senior verse? No looking in the yearbook. LOL :) and remember, I have a yearbook too. I will check!!! LOL
Back in my senior year of high school, attending a Christian school, we were to sit and contemplate our "SENIOR" bible verse. What is a senior bible verse? In the yearbook, under your senior picture, your favorite bible verse will be printed for all the world to see. Think about it...all the verses in the bible and you had to chose ONE!!! Hard thing to do. This assignment ended up to be easy for me. Jeremiah 29:11 has been my favorite verse for years that by the time I was a senior, that choice was simple. Till this day, some 20+ years later, I recite that verse to myself to remind me that it's God's plan for my life...not mine. How simple! That verse has helped me through so much.
Jeremiah 29:11
(Living Bible)
"For I know the plans I have for you", says the Lord, "to give you a future and a hope."
What's your favorite verse? Please share and post for all to see that read my blog. Click on the notes link just below this post. If you don't have a favorite verse, I encourage you to find one and let me know what it is. My friends from high school, do you still remember your senior verse? No looking in the yearbook. LOL :) and remember, I have a yearbook too. I will check!!! LOL
The Kids and School
So, it's been a few weeks now and the kids have settled into their routines of school. Just a few updates on a few of the kids. Ryan has signed up for the guitar club at school. They have met a few times after school on Tuesdays but the rest of the year they will meet at lunch time. He has adjusted to high school just fine. I have to check with him again but he made a comment that he was running for Vice President of the club. So I will get back to you on that subject.
Megan and Tasha made the Chorus and are playing the flute. Megan is in her first year of both and Tasha in her second. They only offer Chorus and and Instrumental Music to 5th and 6th graders.
Bud and Jade are focusing on school work at the moment. They haven't decided what extracurricular activity they want to do.
Andrew is enjoying his Junior year. I think this will be a great year for him. More to come on that subject.
Megan and Tasha made the Chorus and are playing the flute. Megan is in her first year of both and Tasha in her second. They only offer Chorus and and Instrumental Music to 5th and 6th graders.
Bud and Jade are focusing on school work at the moment. They haven't decided what extracurricular activity they want to do.
Andrew is enjoying his Junior year. I think this will be a great year for him. More to come on that subject.
Decision Time
Last week I had to make a big decision! It was really a tough call but the Lord cleared that up for me. For those of you who read my blog, I started back to school to finish my AA degree. I signed up for my last 2 classes this Fall semester. I would graduate in December! But, with the move, my surgery and other commitments, my schooling was NOT a priority. I made the decision last week to drop the last 2 classes and wait til Spring to finish. It was so hard for me to do that. I wanted to obtain this personal goal of mine by Christmas. The Lord had other plans. It's okay, I think this is a test to see if I actually sign up again for Spring. How many of us say we will put it aside and do it later? Every one of us. After the decision was made and everyone was informed, the weight on my shoulders was lifted and the deadlines were no more. School will have to wait for Spring.
Update on the Mendenhall Move
Well....we are moved in finally. Through 100+ heat, kids starting school and what seemed like more impossible tasks....the Mendenhall's have finally moved. Though we have still have filled boxes sitting around, each day it seems they get fewer and fewer. We are thankful that the move was successful and that we have lived through it. Everyone is adjusting well and loves the new house. I am hoping to start writing more and more now that things have calmed down.
COLE UPDATE From my girlfriend Mindy
> Glory to God in the Highest, for He is Great. Let us all Praise the
Lord for He has given to us abundantly. God has shown us Mercy. How Great and Awesome is our God. Cole is off the ventilator. Cole is breathing on his own. Cole has enough lung tissue to live! How Merciful is our God for He knows what we can handle and will hold us close to His heart as we walk through the hard stuff. We are never alone. He is so mindful of our need. He is so loving and kind. How great is our God!
At 10PM, 9/6/08 Cole was extubated and a nasal canula was put in his little nose to transition him. He is receiving 40 cc of Breast milk every 3 hours through a tube. The next few days will be a test if he has enough chest muscle and whether or not his lungs are ready to do all the breathing. If he can hold his own, they will begin to offer his feedings by a nipple. 1) Please pray Cole will not be stressed and is able to handle breathing on his own. 2) Please pray he will continue to be able to decrease his need for oxygen down to room air (21%). 3) Please pray Cole will be able to coordinate his sucking and swallowing, and he would develop his cheek muscles so he can eat well. 4) Continue to pray he will stay infection free. 5) Continue to pray there will be no negative outcomes from all he has been through- that he would be whole and perfect- the same when God "made him in secret- when Cole was fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalms 139:14&15. 6) Please pray for wisdom to all who care for Cole. 7) Please pray for Mindy, Tim and Alyssa as they becomes Cole's caregivers, that they would rest in God and dwell in His peace. 8) And please pray that God continues to hold Cole in palm of His hand, with His angels posted guard around him, and His Spirit testifying to Cole peace and comfort. Cole's due date is September 17. Only God knows what day Cole will be able to come home but I thank God we have come this far and that home looks so possible.
Thank you again from my heart that you have taken this journey of upholding my loved ones sharing in such a huge responsibility. Only in heaven, will we see the constant prayer covering that was on Cole- as the Spirit whispered to each of us at different times to remember Cole at that moment and because we came together, powerful healing took place. Job 4:12- " Now a word was secretly brought to me and my ear received a whisper of it"; Matthew 18:19- "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." God bless each one of you!
>
Lord for He has given to us abundantly. God has shown us Mercy. How Great and Awesome is our God. Cole is off the ventilator. Cole is breathing on his own. Cole has enough lung tissue to live! How Merciful is our God for He knows what we can handle and will hold us close to His heart as we walk through the hard stuff. We are never alone. He is so mindful of our need. He is so loving and kind. How great is our God!
At 10PM, 9/6/08 Cole was extubated and a nasal canula was put in his little nose to transition him. He is receiving 40 cc of Breast milk every 3 hours through a tube. The next few days will be a test if he has enough chest muscle and whether or not his lungs are ready to do all the breathing. If he can hold his own, they will begin to offer his feedings by a nipple. 1) Please pray Cole will not be stressed and is able to handle breathing on his own. 2) Please pray he will continue to be able to decrease his need for oxygen down to room air (21%). 3) Please pray Cole will be able to coordinate his sucking and swallowing, and he would develop his cheek muscles so he can eat well. 4) Continue to pray he will stay infection free. 5) Continue to pray there will be no negative outcomes from all he has been through- that he would be whole and perfect- the same when God "made him in secret- when Cole was fearfully and wonderfully made" Psalms 139:14&15. 6) Please pray for wisdom to all who care for Cole. 7) Please pray for Mindy, Tim and Alyssa as they becomes Cole's caregivers, that they would rest in God and dwell in His peace. 8) And please pray that God continues to hold Cole in palm of His hand, with His angels posted guard around him, and His Spirit testifying to Cole peace and comfort. Cole's due date is September 17. Only God knows what day Cole will be able to come home but I thank God we have come this far and that home looks so possible.
Thank you again from my heart that you have taken this journey of upholding my loved ones sharing in such a huge responsibility. Only in heaven, will we see the constant prayer covering that was on Cole- as the Spirit whispered to each of us at different times to remember Cole at that moment and because we came together, powerful healing took place. Job 4:12- " Now a word was secretly brought to me and my ear received a whisper of it"; Matthew 18:19- "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." God bless each one of you!
>
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
COLE UPDATE From my girlfriend Mindy
> Cole continues to make tiny steps forward. He still weighs 5 Pounds.
He has been moved to an open bed which means he can keep his temperature
stable by himself. This declares to the staff a major step in maturity
has been achieved as well as an intact brain in the area of temperature
control. (In my NICU unit, babies have to reach 3 requirements to go
home; 1) able to maintain temperature in an open crib, 2) remember to
breathe for 5 consecutive days, 3) able to nipple feed all feeding for
24 hours with the demonstration of weight gain.) Cole has reached one of
the major goals - PRAISE THE LORD! He is now getting 13 ml of breast
milk every 3 hours. He continues to tolerate his feedings and the
amount continues to be increased very slowly so his body can adjust to
the volume. He is not and will not receive nipple feedings until he is
off the ventilator. The amount of fluids that he is receiving through
his IV (intravenous lines) decreases as the feeding volume increases.
His sedation medication has been decreased to .8 now so he is getting
very close to being off that medication. His antibiotics have been
discontinued since Monday which is now 3 days and there has not been a
set back. (Continue to praise God that Cole's infection has cleared and
will not reestablish itself). In my last email, I miss informed you with
a fact. I miss-understood the information regarding the ventilator
settings. The jet ventilator rate is 420, the highest rate that I am
aware of was 450. In my last email I told you it was down to 22 and that
was not true. The ventilator rate is sort of like the number of breaths
Cole is taking every minute. This continues to be very high which
indicates he is unable to breath as we do independently from the
machine. The amount of nitric oxide is now at 2 and his oxygen need is
at 31%. The plan is to continue to slowly decrease the nitric oxide and
then move to the ventilator settings. They were able to bring the high
pressure of 22 down to 21. The staff knows that Cole can tolerate the
changes based on his oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. His
CO2 level is 57 and the highest they want to see it is 60. As Cole's
muscles in his chest get stronger to move his chest to breathe and as he
develops more lung tissue, opens more alveolar, and the lung fields stay
clear of secretions and infection, his ability to move the CO2 out
increases. This process is in God's hands because He could miraculously
intervene and make Cole's lungs mature and healed or He can continue the
process with time. Either way, to God be the Glory! They still continue
to check his lung fields daily with xrays. Mindy, Tim and Alyssa are
still trying to juggle this stress with their lives. They are doing OK
but let us continue to hold them up as we pray for COLE. A while back,
there was a Sunday sermon on Amazement. The Word says the people were
amazed by His Words (Mark 10:24-27) and His miracles (Matthew 15:29-31).
God is amazed at their lack of faith (Mark 6:1-6) and their faith (Luke
7:1-10). Let us continue to stand together and be amazed at what our God
is doing and what He has SAID He has done. And LET US AMAZE our God
with our Faith!
>
He has been moved to an open bed which means he can keep his temperature
stable by himself. This declares to the staff a major step in maturity
has been achieved as well as an intact brain in the area of temperature
control. (In my NICU unit, babies have to reach 3 requirements to go
home; 1) able to maintain temperature in an open crib, 2) remember to
breathe for 5 consecutive days, 3) able to nipple feed all feeding for
24 hours with the demonstration of weight gain.) Cole has reached one of
the major goals - PRAISE THE LORD! He is now getting 13 ml of breast
milk every 3 hours. He continues to tolerate his feedings and the
amount continues to be increased very slowly so his body can adjust to
the volume. He is not and will not receive nipple feedings until he is
off the ventilator. The amount of fluids that he is receiving through
his IV (intravenous lines) decreases as the feeding volume increases.
His sedation medication has been decreased to .8 now so he is getting
very close to being off that medication. His antibiotics have been
discontinued since Monday which is now 3 days and there has not been a
set back. (Continue to praise God that Cole's infection has cleared and
will not reestablish itself). In my last email, I miss informed you with
a fact. I miss-understood the information regarding the ventilator
settings. The jet ventilator rate is 420, the highest rate that I am
aware of was 450. In my last email I told you it was down to 22 and that
was not true. The ventilator rate is sort of like the number of breaths
Cole is taking every minute. This continues to be very high which
indicates he is unable to breath as we do independently from the
machine. The amount of nitric oxide is now at 2 and his oxygen need is
at 31%. The plan is to continue to slowly decrease the nitric oxide and
then move to the ventilator settings. They were able to bring the high
pressure of 22 down to 21. The staff knows that Cole can tolerate the
changes based on his oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. His
CO2 level is 57 and the highest they want to see it is 60. As Cole's
muscles in his chest get stronger to move his chest to breathe and as he
develops more lung tissue, opens more alveolar, and the lung fields stay
clear of secretions and infection, his ability to move the CO2 out
increases. This process is in God's hands because He could miraculously
intervene and make Cole's lungs mature and healed or He can continue the
process with time. Either way, to God be the Glory! They still continue
to check his lung fields daily with xrays. Mindy, Tim and Alyssa are
still trying to juggle this stress with their lives. They are doing OK
but let us continue to hold them up as we pray for COLE. A while back,
there was a Sunday sermon on Amazement. The Word says the people were
amazed by His Words (Mark 10:24-27) and His miracles (Matthew 15:29-31).
God is amazed at their lack of faith (Mark 6:1-6) and their faith (Luke
7:1-10). Let us continue to stand together and be amazed at what our God
is doing and what He has SAID He has done. And LET US AMAZE our God
with our Faith!
>
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