First off, Happy Thanksgiving! I was able to spend a few hours this morning with David. We turned on the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. I think David had his eyes mostly closed, but I tried to show him Chase from Paw Patrol since he’s Eli’s favorite and then Santa at the end. Mr. David was kind of grumpy this morning – it seemed like he had a lot of gas that was causing him discomfort, but did enjoy being rocked in my arms. He wore his little Thanksgiving outfit to try to be festive. Otherwise, it was a fairly calm day. Speech came by and watched him eat and gave some pointers on how to find comfortable ways to feed him once we’re at home. The endocrinologist came by as well. David’s newborn screen labs were not run when he was first born, and by the time they were run, his thyroid levels were no longer those of a newborn. Due to that, they have been watching his levels. Today the endocrinologist said that his levels were at a normal value; however, he should be retested again in a couple weeks to ensure they stay at a normal value. The rest of my morning was just spent snuggling with him. Adam then came to hang out with him in the afternoon while I went home with Eli and Anna. We are finding that David seems to really like the snuggles now and doesn’t like to be set down when we have to leave him. I can’t say that I blame him. It will be nice to have him home and not have to choose between being in one of two places all the time. Adam is now back again there for the overnight, and David is in a swing – they found a setting he seems to enjoy! Another first for him.
Eli’s still running a fever, has his horse cough, and small appetite. We got the test results back from the lab overnight, and he has parainfluenza virus 1. It’s a respiratory illness, so we’re are trying our best to keep those germs away from David. Anna really wants to go visit him again, but we need her to avoid it. We’re starting to feel the nerves of having David home and exposed to more germs. With his fragile lungs and heart, it could very easily send him right back into the hospital and onto the ventilator.
As I’m sitting here in the quiet and allowing myself to ruminate over these past few weeks, months, even the year, I can’t help but feel thankful. It’s hard to express in words everything each one of you and your prayers have meant to us.
First and foremost, we are thankful for our God of miracles. David would not be here without a miracle. I still don’t know how he went from being diagnosed with nutmeg lung to breathing with no support and no sign of nutmeg lung without divine intervention. From our understanding, nutmeg lung is not reversible, which is why the mortality rate is so high.
We are thankful for everyone who has offered prayers for David and us. We are currently walking this journey with a smile on our faces, because we have been blessed with infinite more time with David than we ever thought possible.
We are thankful for our family and friends who have walked with us on this journey, offering support and comfort when we needed it. We’re thankful for our congregation and all the ways they have supported and lifted us up. We’re thankful for our workplaces who have offered us flexibility and understanding.
We’re thankful for the people we have met in the medical field from before David was born until now. Even when the outlook was bleak, everyone was supportive of our decisions to give David a chance at life. We are so thankful for those who have been involved in his care because he would not be here without their expertise and good decisions. I take comfort in the fact that the nurses will take him out of his bed and snuggle with him at their desk when they are charting in the evening while we’re home for dinner and bedtime.
So thank you to everyone of you who have reached out and offered support and prayers. We are so thankful to all of you.
I love David’s Thanksgiving outfit! He is so precious…..his expression while in his seat is priceless, he knows that he is going home soon! You and Adam have done such a fantastic job in balancing everything out and keeping up on updating everyone. You are truly an inspiration to us all. I thank God for all the blessings that he has given your family. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I thank God for you, Jessica and Adam! You are amazing parents to all three of the children God has blessed you with. Always remember that you are covered in prayer by many, many people, and that will continue. Your thankful attitude is a true blessing.
David is the cutest “little turkey” I have ever seen :). He is indeed a miracle. My prayers for strength and hope and the joy of wonder and gratitude continue for you and your glorious little family.
There is so much to be grateful for with our Little David. He is such a miracle. Thank you Lord. You are such awesome parents. Prayers for Eli to get better. You guys are in my thoughts & prayers everyday ❤️🙏🤗🥰
My prayers also for Eli. Hope he gets over this virus soon and hope that it’s not passed to any other family members. I am so very thankful for the progress David has made. He is truly a miracle.!!
Wonderful you could be with him! We are so grateful for you all, too, and your messages and pictures here. Happy Thanksgiving indeed! Thank you for reminding us of all the people and parts that go into this good outcome… your gratitude is contagious! You are in God’s hands, as we all are, our loving God who we praise now also for the amazing life of David. And what a cutie he is!
Thank you for sharing his progress with us daily. It has become the highlight of my day to read it over my dinner. I think of you all and praying daily for his continued healthy progress. He is a tiny speck of humanity and all that God makes us remember how great his love for us is. To be a small part of this miracle child’s life is a great gift to me. I am proud of you Adam and Jessica and Eli and Anna. For all of the work you have embraced wholeheartedly to make every moment of his existence knowing he is loved.
Thank you for sharing this adventure with your family. Many prayers and love.