John David Pate-3years old

James Daniel Pate-3years old

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Praise First, Pray Second!

Praise: James has grown and caught up with John David. He doesn't appear to have any signs of stress. Doctor G was initally worried about him because he was showing signs of not "thriving" as well, three weeks ago. God is so gracious, He heard our cries, my plea and prayer for growth, and He granted it.



Pray: John David is showing signs of stress. Basically, Doctor G looks at the velocity in which the blood flows through the belly and brain. He compares the numbers of each to make sure the brain is not compensating for the belly. Thus far, the brain numbers have always been double what the belly numbers are, which is good. Today, though, John David's numbers were even. This is really not good because what essentially happens is for him to continue to "survive" his brain blood flow will be sacrificed for his belly blood flow. Obviously you don't want to sacrifice your brain nourishment and growth for your belly. Many times this problem occurs earlier around 20 weeks or 22 weeks and parents are left with not much to do. We of course want to grow them in the womb as long as possible, however, it may be that we have to take them out to prevent something terrible from happening in the womb within the next week.



Dr. G will scan again on Thursday or Friday and make a decision then. He said if the numbers were even and stabilized, he would come back in a few days and scan again. If John David's numbers decrease in his brain anymore, he feels certain we should take them out.



I asked what usually causes this, and he said probably pinched cords and lack of blood flow.



We are on a mission for the next two days...PRAY GOD USE HIS POWER TO STABILIZE JOHN DAVID AND ALLOW US AT LEAST ANOHTER WEEK OF GROWTH.



Everything we have prayed for thus far has been answered. I want to make that point very clear. I said from the very beginning of this journey, that "if " these babies make it, God will be the one responsible for it. Our chances from the beginning were so bleak. Do you guys remember our 40% chance of surviving the pregnancy. And then all the "complications" along the way. Baby A's two vessel cord that "might" detach or not function properly, and then the two cords of each baby were tied together in a knot, and we were told at any moment one baby could turn and tug enough to tighten the knot and we'd lose them both instantly, and then the growth concerns that if one didn't thrive we couldn't save one without the other because they share blood throughout the cords and placenta. The list goes on and on....But look how far we have made it....Just wanted to give HIM glory because all of the concerns and risks were lifted up as prayers to HIM, and you know what, He took care of them.



I remember when they found the knot between the cords at 20 weeks, we prayed for no restriction and safe babies. I remember when twin to twin transfusion was a BIG worry and scare early on, and we prayed for babies to grow evenly. I remember when Baby A (James) appeared to be not growing as well as baby B (John David), so we prayed James would grow and catch up to John David. Isn't it awesome to witness HIS POWER???



2Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, MY POWER is made perfect in weakness."



Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears"



Please continue to pray for these miracle babies.

4 comments:

Tricia said...

I am praying... thank you for sharing all your answered prayers! Our God is truly amazing! He holds your precious boys in His hands, and He is in control!

Praising God for your faith and trust in Him, and praying for more divine interventions...

Blessings!

Unknown said...

Dana, I am a member at Westwood and met you briefly. I am a friend of Tricia's and found your blog and story. Praying for you and your boys. You are such an inspiration. May your faith increase and your testimony tell the story of God's grace and power.
Marsha Roach

Christy said...

Dana,
I am praying for you and your boys.
God knows these boys better than you do. He is an amazing and loving Father that is answering all your prayers!

Charline H. said...

Dana,
You are all in our prayers through these days. We praise God for holding you all in His hands through this.
Here are some verses--
"You are my hiding place from every storm of life; you even keep me from getting in trouble. You surround me with songs of victory." Psalm 32:7
"Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10
"He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord God always, for in the Lord is your everlasting strength." Isaiah 26:3-4