Update October 15, 2007

At the bottom of this post is a video player box. You can watch a little footage of Sierra Rose that I shot over the weekend (turn on your speakers). (If the video doesn't work properly I'll try uploaded it again.)

PRAYER REQUEST Sierra's milk rate was increased to 13 cc/hour. The goal is 15 cc/hour. As an update to yesterday's post, Sierra Rose did not have the feeding tube run through her nose today. The therapist said that Sierra's sucking reflex still isn't strong enough. The therapist will be working with her two times every day this week to see if Sierra will be able to use a bottle. If Sierra isn't able to use a bottle but she is otherwise ready to leave the hospital, she will have to have something inserted into her stomach to be fed that way. Please pray that Sierra Rose will suck strongly enough to use a bottle well. We don't want her to have to endure something inserted into her stomach. We're counting on your prayers! God is strong.

Update October 14, 2007

Today was another good day for Sierra Rose:
-She was awake several times throughout the day.
-Her feeding rate was increased to 10 cc per hour.
-Her hyperal level (IV fluid) was decreased.
-Her weight has increased. She weighed 5 lb. 11 oz. at birth. Now she weighs 7 lb. 10 oz.

Tomorrow Sierra's nurses will remove the feeding tube from her mouth and run it through her nose. This will free up her mouth for more sucking lessons. Later this week she may be able to use a bottle.

PRAYER
-Pray that Sierra will be able to digest the milk well. Usually she does all right but sometimes she doesn't digest it all.
-Pray that Sierra's sucking reflex will strengthen.
-Pray for Sierra's complete mental healing.

PRAISE
-Sierra Rose has been doing very well over the past several days. This is a great encouragement to everyone.
-Thank God for friends and family. All of you have been absolutely wonderful! Thanks for your friendship and for your faithful intercession on behalf of Sierra Rose and the rest of the family.

--MK

Update October 13, 2007

Sierra Rose was still doing well today. Nurses slightly increased the amount of milk they are giving her. Sierra was also able to suck on R's finger for several minutes today. This is a good sign--it indicates that she has a sucking reflex. Having a good sucking reflex will enable Sierra to drink from a bottle and then to nurse.

I shot a short video clip of Sierra and will try to upload it Monday.

It was good to be home this weekend. I got to hold Sierra for the first time!

Thank you for your inquiries as to everyone's well-being and thank you for your continuous prayers.

--MK

Update October 12, 2007

Today there's not much to report. Sierra Rose continues to remain more active, moving her arms and legs throughout the day. She also opens hers eyes. At this point, we're not sure what the extent of her vision is, but she did pass her hearing test this week.

Since Sierra Rose has been doing well physically, it's time to pray for her mental healing. As you may recall, doctors said that she had brain damage in the following areas:
1. Decision making--one side of the brain
2. Vision--one side of the brain
3. Sleep--both sides of the brain

We believe that God can heal her completely if that's what would bring Him most glory. Please join with us in prayer as you have been doing so faithfully already.

--MK

Update October 11, 2007

As promised, here's a more recent photograph of Sierra Rose.

Update October 10, 2007

Dear Friends,

Thank you for praying faithfully. Sierra Rose has experienced continual improvments over the past several days. I'll try to post a more recent photograph of Sierra here tomorrow.

IMPROVEMENTS
-Sierra was removed from the ventilator on Monday and she has been breathing well on her own.
-Sierra has just one IV (and she's only taking seizure medicine) and a feeding tube.
-Sierra's warmer has been turned off. She has been able to maintain good body temperature on her own.
-These improvements have allowed her parents and family members to hold her much more easily.
-Sierra has continued to be more wakeful. She opens her eyes several times each day and wiggles around a lot.
-Sierra has been digesting milk well. Nurses increased the amount she receives to 5 cc (cubic centimeters) per hour.
-J's family is in town. They have been a huge blessing to the family.

AREAS OF PRAYER
-Sierra's myoclonus is up and down, but mostly down. Pray that it continues to subside.
-Pray that Sierra will be able to digest even more milk so that she can graduate to a bottle.
-Sierra appears to have at least a mild sucking reflex. R and a therapist are going to train her even more. Pray that Sierra's sucking reflex will increase so that she can graduate to nursing.
-Pray that Sierra will be able to process and eliminate the mucus and other elements that accumulate.

Thank you for being our friends. It's encouraging for us to know that so many people are praying for little Sierra Rose and the rest of the family.

--MK

Update October 9, 2007

Sierra Rose has been off the ventilator since yesterday. She is doing well. Look for more information (and hopefully a picture) tomorrow.

Thanks for your prayers!