Prayers for Brooks

On Thursday, January 22nd, Brooks experienced his first ride in an airplane. 

Unfortunately, it wasn't on the way to Disney World like we thought his first plane ride would be. Instead it was a medical plane that was his ambulance to Sanford Children's Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Brooks came down with a runny nose and little cough on Monday night but he continued to eat well and stay alert. On Thursday he began sleeping longer and not eating as well.

While holding him in my arms Thursday evening, he stopped breathing. I was able to revive him 2 times but it was clear we needed to get to the Emergency room. He was pale almost to the point of being transparent. We rushed to the ER while a friend of ours stayed with Marie and Bennett. 

While at the ER he continued having periods of apnea. The doctors decided we needed to transfer him to either Omaha or Sioux Falls for his care. It was clear that he had become very sick. His first diagnosis was pneumonia but we were still unclear as to what was the main cause of all his symptoms.

While Brooks flew to Sioux Falls, Andy & I went home to say goodbye to Marie and Bennett and pack a bag. They stayed at home with Grandma Nel for the night. Although they were sad to see us go, we had remained as calm as possible for them and they knew it was necessary for us to be with their baby brother.

While we were driving to Sioux Falls, we received a call from the doctor at Sanford asking for permission to intubate Brooks as soon as possible and put him on the ventilator. Breathing was too hard for him and he needed to rest as much as possible so he could heal. 

Next would begin a series of tests and tubes.  He is sedated and connected to a ventilator to help him breathe, he has a central line in his neck for fluids, medication, and monitoring, NG and NJ tubes for feeding and stomach decompression, suctioning for the removal of mucous and secretions, blood pressure medication, and he has a catheter for his urine output.  

He continues to make strides but is still very sick.  It was confirmed that he also has RSV which is a respiratory infection. Because he was a preemie, his lungs and body are not equipped to handle this infection like a term baby would be able to. However, he is feisty and fights the ventilator which is inspiring to see. 

He is a tough little guy and we are in the right place for his care. 

Marie and Bennett have been with Uncle Chris, Aunt Mindy, Grandma Nel, Aunt Keri & Uncle Paul. 

They have stayed busy with tractor rides and all kinds of fun. 

We look forward to our first visit with them on Sunday. 

Brooks is getting superb care. His nurses are very loving towards him and he has had many visitors. He enjoys the noise and laughter that our family brings and seems to thrive on it. His vital signs are always the best when the room is noisy...I'm guessing he will prove this point when he hears Marie and Bennett's voices soon.

We are reading books, singing songs, watching basketball, and he even gets a massage now and then. 

Andy & I feel very helpless at times but we are finding strength we never knew we had. 

We covet and appreciate all thoughts and prayers while we are on this journey with Brooks. 

God brought us to this and he will bring us through it stronger than before.