The roller coaster ride continues. Yesterday (Saturday) was probably one of our best days yet with Faith and Makaila because we got to hold and cuddle them for an hour and a half, but it has since been somewhat overshadowed by learning that they both had a difficult night and Makaila has since gotten worse. This morning (Sunday) we received a phone call from the doctor supervising their care last night, which has never happened, so we were very concerned that she was phoning. Faith and Makaila had a difficult night with their breathing last night, and if things got worse, then they would need to change the setting on their respirators to one that is more aggressive and takes over the entire process of breathing. I'm not sure I understand why, but this setting shakes their entire body, so it will be very difficult to see our little babies in this state. As I write this, Karyn is on her way to the hospital to be with the girls.
About an hour after she left, I received another phone call from the resident supervising Faith and Makaila's care today, which again meant that we were probably in for some more bad news. Faith remains in the same condition as she was last night, but Makaila has gotten much worse. She has been switched over to the new setting and is on 100% oxygen saturation, which means her lungs aren't working at all on their own right now. They say that she is "sick" but don't know for sure what she is sick with. They believe that it might be chronic lung disease which can be developed in premature babies as young as Faith and Makaila. The resident assured me there are still ways of treating it so that it can go away. There is still hope, but she is very ill right now. I am not heading out to the hospital yet because I am leading the Young Adults group tonight at our church, but I am very concerned about Karyn being there on her own. If she needs me, I will go out to the hospital tonight. If she is ok, then I will go out tomorrow afternoon.
The struggles with their breathing seem to be the biggest and only challenge for Faith and Makaila right now. They have been eating lots (Faith is up to 9 ml of milk every 2 hours and Makaila is having her feedings upped at a faster rate and has been responding well). Being able to hold and cuddle them yesterday was a huge blessing. Karyn and I sat in rocking chairs by their incubators. Karyn held Makaila and I held Faith. We were able to cuddle with them for about an hour and a half and the next time they are stable, we hope to hold them even longer. They are so tiny, warm, and often squirmy, but mostly they were very peaceful and calm resting skin to skin with their Mom and Dad. It was a beautiful moment we will cherish for a long time to come. I took lots of pictures and captured some of the moments on video so I will try to post them when I can.
Please keep Faith and Makaila in your prayers...especially Makaila as she battles this lung ailment. They need God's breath in their little lungs. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.
Blessings,
Graham
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8 comments:
Hello McMahons,
We prayed at St. John's Anglican Church in Courtenay this morning for your two precious girls. Our two precious girls were with us and we hope that you continue to receive support from your immediate community as you do from your larger family.
Take care of each other.
Love Debra & family
Dear Heavenly Father,
We do not understand the things that happen, your plans are mysteries to us. In times like these it is hard to find peace of mind. These little babies we leave in your hands. We believe you are watching over them and that things will get better, but just help us with our unbelief! Strengthen their bodies, breath your breath of life and healing into their lungs. Sustain them, strengthen them, and help them to feel your presence. Send your angels to comfort them and Graham and Karyn. May you bring comfort and strength to them as well as this roller coaster ride is very emotional, stressful, confusing and taxing. Protect Isaiah as well as he deals with mom and dad gone a lot, distracted with all these things going around, and not understanding the emotions his parents are dealing with. Just embrace the whole McMahon family at this time, Lord. Give the doctors and nurses ultimate wisdom when providing the best health and medical attention. May they be alert and attentive, not missing a beat in providing the right procedures needed with what ever comes their way. Bless these little girls I pray with all my strength. In Christ's name I pray, Amen!
Karyn and Graham,
I will keep praying. Keep trusting God. He is so faithful. Many people here in Saskatoon as well as my family are praying for you as a family and for Faith and Makaila especially. I will remind them to pray very specifically as changes happen daily. Everyday when I go to my computer, Olivia asks "Babies? Babies?" She loves to see their pictures and I know in her own way she is praying for them too. We love you!
Laura, Kevin and Olivia
(Thanks for the updates and stories to share in your laughter and your tears - you are a gifted writer, Graham.)
Amen Melissa. Amen.
Karyn and Graham,
My prayers are continually with you. I would love to get my bible study to pray for you. If you don't mind. I can not imagine how hard this is for you to go through. Just am lifting you and your family up in prayer. Especially your precious little girls. Try to get some rest and may God bless you all.
Dear Karyn and Graham
Our hearts rejoiced when we read of your special bonding time with the girls. We weeped when we heard of the struggle you are facing right now. We pray for your whole family as you deal individually and together with each change thrown your way. Jesus loves your little girls. He is with them even when you are not able to be there, holding them, surrounding them with His love. Through your writing we have grown to know the girls and love them. May you feel His strength and comfort during these difficult times. We will continue to hold you up in prayer.
Love to you all,
Cheryl and George
Hi Graham & Karyn:
We got your blog address yesterday and have read much of what you have written. What journey God has taken you on, but be assured that our prayers are will you and your twins. Congratulations! We will continue to uphold you in our prayers, asking God for strength and grace for you as parents, and for his healing power to flow into Faith & Mikaila for their ongrowing growth each day.
"He is able!"
Blessings,
John & Erna Schmidt
Dear Karyn & Graham,
I made it to Kelowna :) I spent much time praying for the girls...I miss you all already, and it has been only a few hours.
My number here is 250-862-5889 :)
Again, I love you dearly...and I know that our Father is holding Faith & Makaila...they are are precious to His heart.
Much love, Jennifer
Hi Karyn (and Graham),
My name is Esther and I met you at the mom's group at Grace Church. Just want you to know your family is in our prayers during this challenging part of your journey. May God bless you & keep you, may he make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you and give you peace. Praying for God's favor to be heaped upon you daily.
Esther
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