Eyes Wide Open

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 9:00pm


Overall, Morgan has had low key day and slow progression. Morgan is a tortoise, not a hare.


The lungs continue to be our biggest battle. We are extremely concerned about the overall health and development of them. The doctor said today that her lungs are developmentally delayed by about three weeks, hence some of her struggles. The x-ray this morning showed a teeny-tiny improvement, but we will take it and celebrate in this small victory. The biggest concern is that she needs to grow new lung tissue. This is important in order for her lungs to be able to function properly. This, in turn, effects the ability for the lungs to properly process oxygen. Due to these factors, she continues to be on the high frequency ventilator. Any measurable results, big or small, regarding the steroid regimen that is being administered are not expected until after 48 hours. We are extremely prayerful that it is helping our little Morgan. God is the ultimate Physician and Healer, and we know He has Morgan in His hand... and Houston is tugging on God's pants asking for Him to keep an eye on her. The good news is that in time, Morgan's lungs can catch up to her gestational age, but it just take time and much patience on her parents' part.


At this time, there is no sign of infection in Morgan's body. Her platelets are on the low side but not enough to cause alarm. They will continue to watch this, and her white blood cell count in the coming days. As long as these counts stay in the appropriate ranges, then she can continue to receive the steroids.


Morgan's feedings have been reduced in quantity to 1/2 ml an hour. She seems to be tolerating her feedings well, but like any person, her appetite fluctuates. Ideally, we would like her to continue to digest all that is given to her, but the doctor has told us that is normal to fluctuate. Morgan needs to eat so she can gain fat, or as Aunt Augusta says, "get fluffy." Fat is what is going to give her strength to fight and grow the new tissue for her lungs. Her tummy is one of the last areas to develop, so we are still prayerful that there are no hindrances to the maturity of the digestive system.


There is not change on the status of her brain or her heart. Protection of these two organs is still a priority.


Our prayers continue to be 1) Morgan's lungs - on all accounts 2) Her nutrition 3) the lack of any infections 4) protection of her brain 5) and the healing of her heart. As always, please keep the doctors, nurses, and care givers in your prayers.


This afternoon, I was talking to Morgan. While she was sleepy, she would blink at me, as if to acknowledge my presence and our conversation. I decided to read aloud to Morgan the prayers sent to me via my email/texts concerning her. As I began to read these prayers, her eyes opened wide as she listened. I was humbled by this 21-day old infant who knew the power of prayer already. Certainly, awe inspiring.


As always, thank you for your love, prayers and support! We are so blessed!


Love,

Elizabeth and Seth McCoin