Thursday, May 31, 2012 10:00pm
Our little one has continued on the same path for several days now. Morgan is still on the nasal cannula and seems to be very happy! She is recovering and gaining her energy back. She has been doing more activities, as she will tolerate it. Or, as she wants. For someone who does not have a voice yet, she sure knows how to get what she wants!
Morgan has had a few more tantrum episodes. In truth, it is more of a bronchial spasm. The doctors seem to think could be side effect of a medication. As a result, they have changed to a different medicine. We are hopeful that the spams will end with such a simple change.
We have good news to report about Morgan's glucose levels. Over the past few weeks, they have slowly weaned Morgan's steroids. The steroids are weaned weekly and she has few more weeks to go before she is off of them completely. However, we have been able to see positive results of the wean in her glucose levels. As we mentioned earlier, the steroids were causing her sugars to be out of balance. Each time a steroid wean happens, Morgan body has required less and less insulin. As a result, today, the insulin pump has been turned off! Yay! Praise the Good Lord! The nurses will continue to check her glucose levels to make sure she is able to maintain it in the appropriate range. If needed, they will give her an insulin shot to help her get her sugars back into the normal range.
It has been good to hold and love on her again! The team at the hospital wants us to hold her, love on her, and interact with her as much as possible. It is extremely good for her development, healing and growth. Naturally, it is so healing for our hearts and souls, as well!
Please continue to keep Morgan and her caregivers in your prayers! Thank you for all your love and support!
We are able to press forward each day holding unto hope and trusting in the Good Lord. That is what sustains us. That is how we can get up each day. That is how we can smile and find joy, despite the long, exhausting road we are travelling. Thank you for the words of encouragement and prayers that you give our family!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Temper Tantrum and Swim Practice
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 10:00pm
Today, Morgan continues to be on the nasal cannula. When she is calm, she is a very happy and content little girl. She plays, sits up in her bumbo seat, and watches her movies. She is very active. Our prayer is for calmness and rest. When she is relaxed her little lungs can heal and grow.
That said, we pray against any temper tantrums! She had one today that lasted for two hours. When she gets upset, she labors to breathe and it often takes a while to recover. Imagine yourself when you come up for air after being under water too long. That is what it is like for Morgan when she labors to get a deep breath.
Our future gold medalist is already practicing her breast stroke kicks! Up, out, kick, up, out, kick! When she was upset today, her little legs were practicing her moves.
We thank you for your continued prayers for her lungs and healing! She is such a cutie pie and a pistol! We love her so much and just want her to get better rapidly!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Today, Morgan continues to be on the nasal cannula. When she is calm, she is a very happy and content little girl. She plays, sits up in her bumbo seat, and watches her movies. She is very active. Our prayer is for calmness and rest. When she is relaxed her little lungs can heal and grow.
That said, we pray against any temper tantrums! She had one today that lasted for two hours. When she gets upset, she labors to breathe and it often takes a while to recover. Imagine yourself when you come up for air after being under water too long. That is what it is like for Morgan when she labors to get a deep breath.
Our future gold medalist is already practicing her breast stroke kicks! Up, out, kick, up, out, kick! When she was upset today, her little legs were practicing her moves.
We thank you for your continued prayers for her lungs and healing! She is such a cutie pie and a pistol! We love her so much and just want her to get better rapidly!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Monday, May 28, 2012
Short & Sweet
Monday, May 28, 2012 10:50 PM
Precious Morgan has strung together a few great days in a row. She moved off of the CPAP and back onto the nasal cannula yesterday. To be honest, it's nice to see her sweet face again, with minimal obstruction. She is doing very well and we are so excited that she is moving in the right direction. She seems comfortable, attentive and cute as ever.
There is not much to report, so this update is very brief. I like these kinds of updates...
Thank you all for your prayers.
Seth & Elizabeth McCoin
Precious Morgan has strung together a few great days in a row. She moved off of the CPAP and back onto the nasal cannula yesterday. To be honest, it's nice to see her sweet face again, with minimal obstruction. She is doing very well and we are so excited that she is moving in the right direction. She seems comfortable, attentive and cute as ever.
There is not much to report, so this update is very brief. I like these kinds of updates...
Thank you all for your prayers.
Seth & Elizabeth McCoin
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Sleep, What is Sleep?
Thursday, May 24, 2012 10:00pm
Miss Morgan has behaved for the last two days, mostly. She continues to be on the C-PAP and tolerating it well. The settings are very low, in fact, low enough to take her off of it. However, the doctor wants to take it slow and give her a day or so more of rest. We are thankful for his caution and know that is probably best.
We all know that Morgan is not a text book case and doing everything the way she wants! She often plays opposite day. Morgan keeps her doctor and nurses on their toes! Start praying for us and her teenage years, now.....
Morgan has not slept in 36 hours or so. She has cat-napped, but she has not gotten into a deep, restful sleep. For the most part, she is content. This afternoon she was a little more fussy, but who wouldn't be after no sleep? We are hoping for a restful and peaceful night full of much sleep. She needs to quit fighting it and really sleep.
Despite being tired, she has not lost her spunk. She proceeded to pull out her feeding tube today with her hand. Then, she worked it out a second time with her tongue. Of course, that meant two additional outfit changes today. As her nurse said, that is Morgan and if she was not acting this way, then she would be worried! That little girl!
As she has adjusted this week to the C-PAP, the team continues to monitor her closely and adjust her medicines as necessary. We ask for prayer for her little body. We pray that it continues to learn to function properly as medicines are weaned. We pray for her lungs and all other organs. We pray for overall healing. We pray against inflammations and infections!
While she is on the C-PAP we cannot hold her. Since Mother's Day, neither of us has gotten our snuggle time with her. We are itching for her to get back to the nasal cannula so we can hold her in our arms. We look forward to rocking her, taking her for walks and giving her a bath.
We thank you for your many prayers for our little girl! It is humbling how many people care our family, who genuinely love us. Thank you for all your love and support.
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Miss Morgan has behaved for the last two days, mostly. She continues to be on the C-PAP and tolerating it well. The settings are very low, in fact, low enough to take her off of it. However, the doctor wants to take it slow and give her a day or so more of rest. We are thankful for his caution and know that is probably best.
We all know that Morgan is not a text book case and doing everything the way she wants! She often plays opposite day. Morgan keeps her doctor and nurses on their toes! Start praying for us and her teenage years, now.....
Morgan has not slept in 36 hours or so. She has cat-napped, but she has not gotten into a deep, restful sleep. For the most part, she is content. This afternoon she was a little more fussy, but who wouldn't be after no sleep? We are hoping for a restful and peaceful night full of much sleep. She needs to quit fighting it and really sleep.
Despite being tired, she has not lost her spunk. She proceeded to pull out her feeding tube today with her hand. Then, she worked it out a second time with her tongue. Of course, that meant two additional outfit changes today. As her nurse said, that is Morgan and if she was not acting this way, then she would be worried! That little girl!
As she has adjusted this week to the C-PAP, the team continues to monitor her closely and adjust her medicines as necessary. We ask for prayer for her little body. We pray that it continues to learn to function properly as medicines are weaned. We pray for her lungs and all other organs. We pray for overall healing. We pray against inflammations and infections!
While she is on the C-PAP we cannot hold her. Since Mother's Day, neither of us has gotten our snuggle time with her. We are itching for her to get back to the nasal cannula so we can hold her in our arms. We look forward to rocking her, taking her for walks and giving her a bath.
We thank you for your many prayers for our little girl! It is humbling how many people care our family, who genuinely love us. Thank you for all your love and support.
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Another Restful Day
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 10:15pm
Our little miracle is having another good day. Similar to yesterday, Morgan has been very quiet. She has rested, slept, and watched her mobile. She also got out of the bed today to swing. She is very content. So content, in fact, that she does not even want her pacifier. That is big!
Like yesterday, the team is purposely trying to keep her quiet and allow her little body to adjust to the C-PAP. They have not weaned the C-PAP settings for the same reason. Baby steps. Baby steps are fine with us. We do not want her to go backwards ever again! Forward, Morgan, forward only.
Our prayers for Morgan's glucose issues are being answered. The past 24 hours they have remained more stable than they have in weeks. Yay!
Morgan has begun to receive her milk again. So far, her little tummy and body has tolerated it well. Another prayer answered! The doctor started her on a small amount and they will continue to increase it over the next day or so until she gets back to the appropriate amount.
Honestly, that is all there is to report. As we have mentioned, it is so hard to see her so sick and not be able to "fix" her or trade places with her. Please keep praying for our little one's healing, her lungs, her glucose and other fluids levels to stabilize, her over all development and, of course, her doctors and nurses. Her doctor came in her room today, looked at Morgan, and commented to the nurse wondering what exactly caused the turn around. Her nurse answered, "Prayer"! Amen! Thank you for all the prayers for Morgan and her parents! We appreciate you!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Our little miracle is having another good day. Similar to yesterday, Morgan has been very quiet. She has rested, slept, and watched her mobile. She also got out of the bed today to swing. She is very content. So content, in fact, that she does not even want her pacifier. That is big!
Like yesterday, the team is purposely trying to keep her quiet and allow her little body to adjust to the C-PAP. They have not weaned the C-PAP settings for the same reason. Baby steps. Baby steps are fine with us. We do not want her to go backwards ever again! Forward, Morgan, forward only.
Our prayers for Morgan's glucose issues are being answered. The past 24 hours they have remained more stable than they have in weeks. Yay!
Morgan has begun to receive her milk again. So far, her little tummy and body has tolerated it well. Another prayer answered! The doctor started her on a small amount and they will continue to increase it over the next day or so until she gets back to the appropriate amount.
Honestly, that is all there is to report. As we have mentioned, it is so hard to see her so sick and not be able to "fix" her or trade places with her. Please keep praying for our little one's healing, her lungs, her glucose and other fluids levels to stabilize, her over all development and, of course, her doctors and nurses. Her doctor came in her room today, looked at Morgan, and commented to the nurse wondering what exactly caused the turn around. Her nurse answered, "Prayer"! Amen! Thank you for all the prayers for Morgan and her parents! We appreciate you!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Monday, May 21, 2012
Improvement After a Long Weekend
Monday, May 21, 2012 4:15pm
After a roller coaster weekend, I am pleased to report Morgan is having a better day. Morgan has been a very brave, fierce and strong little girl. This morning, the doctor was able to move Morgan to the C-PAP, taking her off the ventilator. Praise the Lord! Our prayers worked! We appreciate all the prayers and words of encouragement.
We feel like we can exhale, a little. A teeny tiny bit. Morgan is still fragile and has to continue to improve, but we are so so thankful she is off the ventilator. We are hopeful and prayerful she will continue to progress and her little pint-sized body can fully recover.
At this time, we do not know fully what has caused this set back. The team has some speculations, but the cultures are not back. She is being treated and it seems to be working.
Morgan continues to have glucose issues. Please pray for these to stabilize and for her body to make the necessary sugars so they do not have to use insulin anymore. In addition to her glucose, and because she is on a fluid diet, several of Morgan's other body fluid levels are out of sync. Please pray for her little body to get these under control, too. This should resolve itself when they resume her feedings, but we do not know when that will be.
We, also, do not know how long she will be on the C-PAP. For us, it is most important for her to fully adjust to being off the ventilator before trying the nasal cannula again. We would like to give her lungs a chance to recover, therefore having the best chance to breathe with the cannula. We do not want to rush it just because we do not like the C-PAP. We are trying to be patient.
Morgan has had a pretty quiet day, thus far. She has adjusted to the C-PAP well. She has been resting and watching her DVD’s in bed.
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the prayers and support this weekend. We knew we could call on the Prayer Warriors to join us in lifting her up. We know the Lord hears our prayers. We know the power of the Lord's healing is at work in her little body. Please continue to pray for Morgan's recovery and strength in the lungs. We pray for relaxation, calmness and no agitation. Pray for full healing.
While at this time we do not know when she will come home, we pray with the expectancy, faith and trust that she will one day be able to get in our car, meet Wagg and spend the night in her own crib. We so look forward to that day!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Continue to Pray
Saturday, May 19, 2012 2:45pm
Please continue to pray for Miss Morgan. Yesterday, she seemed to be improving on the ventilator and headed in the right direction. Early this morning, she decided to act up again. Without going into lots of boring details, Morgan had a rough morning. We thank the Lord she pulled through and has begun to settle down. She is still very critical, but we are praying and hoping she has made a turn around. The team has suspicions of what might be bothering her, but they are waiting for the cultures to confirm. Regardless, they have begun medicines to help her. Please continue to pray for healing. Pray for strength for her little body. Pray she will no more 3am hiccups! :). It is very scary to see and hear her be so sick. We are confident in the Good Lord and continue to pray and know He is in control. Please join us in continuing to lift up Morgan in prayer! Love, Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Friday, May 18, 2012
Please Pray
Friday, May 18, 2012 7:00am
We write to ask for your prayers for our Morgan. Early this morning, Morgan went back on the ventilator. She was getting very air hungry and her CO2 levels were climbing. The C-PAP wasn't able to provide the relief she needed. at this time we do not have a plan, as her primary team of doctors will be arriving soon. Please pray for Morgan and her lung healing.
Despite all the breathing drama, our little Houdini managed ton find a way to get het index finger out of the wrap that is holding her iv in place. She hasn't lost her spunk!
Thanks for your prayers,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Time Out Chair
Thursday, May 17, 2012 2:30pm
Mischievous Morgan needs a Time-Out Chair! Is she too young for spankings? My my, that little one! If she weren't so stinkin' cute....
Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP. Just when you think she is resting and recovering and about to come off the C-PAP she pulls one of her stunts. Morgan has found various ways to pull her tricks. She will pull the C-PAP off her face. She will fuss and hold her breath. She pull out her iv. She will pull out her feeding tube. She pitches a royal fit. She is just being a bad little girl! She needs a spanking!
Overall, despite being on the C-PAP the doctor is very pleased with her. Obviously we would all prefer to be off the C-PAP. She is currently on very low settings and tolerating it well. They did turn the nitric oxide back on. During one of her stunts last night, she indicated she might need it. While we realize that at any given moment Morgan's condition could worsen, the doctor has encouraged us by saying that this just part of her lung condition. This is one of the flare up moments discussed in the previous post. During these flare ups, the team does everything possible to try to support Morgan as she weathers through it.
While she has been a little trouble maker, she has found very sweet ways to let us know she loves us. I had my hand on her chest lightly tapping her while I was talking to her. Suddenly, Morgan brought both her hands together on the back of mine as if to hug my hand. She held her hands together for several moments and loved on me. I could have lived in that moment forever!
We continue to pray for the healing of her lungs and the return to the nasal cannula. We pray for a quick recovery. We pray against any infection or other issues. We pray for rest and quietness. We pray against the devil filling our minds with doubt. We pray for complete healing of her little body.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Mischievous Morgan needs a Time-Out Chair! Is she too young for spankings? My my, that little one! If she weren't so stinkin' cute....
Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP. Just when you think she is resting and recovering and about to come off the C-PAP she pulls one of her stunts. Morgan has found various ways to pull her tricks. She will pull the C-PAP off her face. She will fuss and hold her breath. She pull out her iv. She will pull out her feeding tube. She pitches a royal fit. She is just being a bad little girl! She needs a spanking!
Overall, despite being on the C-PAP the doctor is very pleased with her. Obviously we would all prefer to be off the C-PAP. She is currently on very low settings and tolerating it well. They did turn the nitric oxide back on. During one of her stunts last night, she indicated she might need it. While we realize that at any given moment Morgan's condition could worsen, the doctor has encouraged us by saying that this just part of her lung condition. This is one of the flare up moments discussed in the previous post. During these flare ups, the team does everything possible to try to support Morgan as she weathers through it.
While she has been a little trouble maker, she has found very sweet ways to let us know she loves us. I had my hand on her chest lightly tapping her while I was talking to her. Suddenly, Morgan brought both her hands together on the back of mine as if to hug my hand. She held her hands together for several moments and loved on me. I could have lived in that moment forever!
We continue to pray for the healing of her lungs and the return to the nasal cannula. We pray for a quick recovery. We pray against any infection or other issues. We pray for rest and quietness. We pray against the devil filling our minds with doubt. We pray for complete healing of her little body.
Thank you all for your words of encouragement and support!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Another C-PAP Day
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 11:30pm
Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP. She will likely continue to have this assistance through tomorrow. If her little body rests and tolerates everything she will get to come of it then. If not, she will earn herself more time on the C-PAP. Her doctor spoke with several other specialists about her care and believes they are on a proper course for her. Please continue to pray for her lung healing and growth.
This may help describe Morgan's condition. The doctor made the analogy of a person with arthritis. This person can go days and weeks feeling normal and having no pain or flare ups. Then, unexpectedly, their arthritis flares up, causing pain and setbacks from their normal routine. In Morgan's case, the arthritis is her lung condition. Most days she will plug along normally, however, there will be those days when it flares up, causing issues. It will calm down, but we have to help her weather the storm.
Today has been very emotional. It is so very hard to see Morgan in what appears to be a cyclical pattern. I wish there was some magic drug or treatment to help her over this hump. In my mind, I can accept that she needs time to heal and that these hiccups are just apart of her lung condition. However, it is just plain hard. Honestly, sometimes it feels like an out of body experience. I can go through the motions, but sometimes do not even realize what I have said or done. There is little rest or down time. Both us of work full time and also find time after work to spend at the hospital with Morgan. Often our day does not stop until our head hits the pillow around 11pm. My mind is tired, my body is worn and emotions are everywhere. It is taxing. We are exhausted.
We are ready for Morgan to be in our home with us! We are ready to love her all day and help her progress. We are ready to say "Adios" to the hospital, with, of course, the condition that our friends come to visit us on Montevallo Road. We are ready for our new routine and normal.
I fully believe our Lord has Morgan in His healing care. I fully believe He is giving us the strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other. I know He has not given us more than we can handle. I believe.
Today, we have several very good conversations with Morgan's doctors. We are grateful for physicaians who are willing to spend time with us. Who seek us out to check on us. Who patiently answer our million questions. Who encourage us. Who listen our concerns and fears. Who love our daughter. Who go to great lengths to seek the best treatments for our Morgan. Who genuniely care. We could not be more thankful!
We also have wonderful nurses who love Morgan as if she were their daughter. They give her unconditional love. They give her superb care. They play with her. They research and try to help find helaing treatments Morgan. They answer our questions. They are investing in our lives. They have become dear friends. They are amazing! We could not be more thankful for each one of them.
We thank you each one of you, our family and friends, for the love you have extended to us. We are thankful for your prayers and constant support.
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Morgan continues to be on the C-PAP. She will likely continue to have this assistance through tomorrow. If her little body rests and tolerates everything she will get to come of it then. If not, she will earn herself more time on the C-PAP. Her doctor spoke with several other specialists about her care and believes they are on a proper course for her. Please continue to pray for her lung healing and growth.
This may help describe Morgan's condition. The doctor made the analogy of a person with arthritis. This person can go days and weeks feeling normal and having no pain or flare ups. Then, unexpectedly, their arthritis flares up, causing pain and setbacks from their normal routine. In Morgan's case, the arthritis is her lung condition. Most days she will plug along normally, however, there will be those days when it flares up, causing issues. It will calm down, but we have to help her weather the storm.
Today has been very emotional. It is so very hard to see Morgan in what appears to be a cyclical pattern. I wish there was some magic drug or treatment to help her over this hump. In my mind, I can accept that she needs time to heal and that these hiccups are just apart of her lung condition. However, it is just plain hard. Honestly, sometimes it feels like an out of body experience. I can go through the motions, but sometimes do not even realize what I have said or done. There is little rest or down time. Both us of work full time and also find time after work to spend at the hospital with Morgan. Often our day does not stop until our head hits the pillow around 11pm. My mind is tired, my body is worn and emotions are everywhere. It is taxing. We are exhausted.
We are ready for Morgan to be in our home with us! We are ready to love her all day and help her progress. We are ready to say "Adios" to the hospital, with, of course, the condition that our friends come to visit us on Montevallo Road. We are ready for our new routine and normal.
I fully believe our Lord has Morgan in His healing care. I fully believe He is giving us the strength to continue to put one foot in front of the other. I know He has not given us more than we can handle. I believe.
Today, we have several very good conversations with Morgan's doctors. We are grateful for physicaians who are willing to spend time with us. Who seek us out to check on us. Who patiently answer our million questions. Who encourage us. Who listen our concerns and fears. Who love our daughter. Who go to great lengths to seek the best treatments for our Morgan. Who genuniely care. We could not be more thankful!
We also have wonderful nurses who love Morgan as if she were their daughter. They give her unconditional love. They give her superb care. They play with her. They research and try to help find helaing treatments Morgan. They answer our questions. They are investing in our lives. They have become dear friends. They are amazing! We could not be more thankful for each one of them.
We thank you each one of you, our family and friends, for the love you have extended to us. We are thankful for your prayers and constant support.
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Monday, May 14, 2012
Little Miss Diva
Monday,
May 14, 2012 10:15pm
Little Morgan continues to be her diva self! Surprise, Surprise!
Last Friday she stayed on the C-PAP as a preventative measure because she had high temperatures. A side effect of her lung condition, BPD, is fevers. While the team is convinced that was all it was, they left her on the C-PAP to prevent her stressing her lungs out.
Morgan spent much of Sunday similar to Saturday. She was content. We did a few exercised on the beach ball and she fell asleep while being rolled around. However, at various times of the day she was having trouble keeping her oxygen saturations in the appropriate level. With a little encouragement she was able to get her saturations back to normal and continue on.
The first thing I do when I get up each morning is call and check on Morgan. This morning presented good and bad news. The good news is her temperatures and glucose levels were fine all night long. The bad news was she was on back on C-PAP. Early this morning, around 6:00am, Morgan began to work harder to breathe and therefore her saturations would not stay up. The doctor decided it would be best to put on the C-PAP and assist her.
Little Morgan continues to be her diva self! Surprise, Surprise!
Last Friday she stayed on the C-PAP as a preventative measure because she had high temperatures. A side effect of her lung condition, BPD, is fevers. While the team is convinced that was all it was, they left her on the C-PAP to prevent her stressing her lungs out.
Early
Saturday morning, Miss Morgan was back on the high flow nasal cannula! She was a relaxed and happy girl all day
long. She swung, played a little and
watched her dvds. She took a long
afternoon nap in my arms and rested.
Morgan spent much of Sunday similar to Saturday. She was content. We did a few exercised on the beach ball and she fell asleep while being rolled around. However, at various times of the day she was having trouble keeping her oxygen saturations in the appropriate level. With a little encouragement she was able to get her saturations back to normal and continue on.
The first thing I do when I get up each morning is call and check on Morgan. This morning presented good and bad news. The good news is her temperatures and glucose levels were fine all night long. The bad news was she was on back on C-PAP. Early this morning, around 6:00am, Morgan began to work harder to breathe and therefore her saturations would not stay up. The doctor decided it would be best to put on the C-PAP and assist her.
It
is likely Morgan will be on the C-PAP through tomorrow to let her lungs rest
and her body relax. While she hates the headgear
and the stuff on her nose. However, she was so calm at in the afternoon that one therapist
asked if she was sedated… nope, she was resting, for the moment!
Tonight, Morgan was feisty and back up to her old antics. The C-PAP equipment began to bother her. She worked herself up into a tizzy and her breathing became labored. She was not happy. With some encouragement and help, Morgan was able to settle down and let the machine work. We hope she will settle and rest all night long.
Please join us in praying for Morgan. We are praying for rest and sound sleep. We are praying for good, deep breaths. We are praying for healing of her lungs. We are praying that she will become stronger. We pray for the Breath of Life to be breathed into her little body and heal her. We know our God hears our prayers and is healing Morgan.
Seth and I hate seeing Morgan like this. We hate to see her little body fighting so hard and courageously. To be honest, we are fearful of her getting worse or being put back on the ventilator, so we pray against it. The emotional roller coaster is very hard. I ask for selfish prayers for us both, too.
Thank you for all of your support!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Tonight, Morgan was feisty and back up to her old antics. The C-PAP equipment began to bother her. She worked herself up into a tizzy and her breathing became labored. She was not happy. With some encouragement and help, Morgan was able to settle down and let the machine work. We hope she will settle and rest all night long.
Please join us in praying for Morgan. We are praying for rest and sound sleep. We are praying for good, deep breaths. We are praying for healing of her lungs. We are praying that she will become stronger. We pray for the Breath of Life to be breathed into her little body and heal her. We know our God hears our prayers and is healing Morgan.
Seth and I hate seeing Morgan like this. We hate to see her little body fighting so hard and courageously. To be honest, we are fearful of her getting worse or being put back on the ventilator, so we pray against it. The emotional roller coaster is very hard. I ask for selfish prayers for us both, too.
Thank you for all of your support!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Lights, Camera, Action!
Thursday, May 10, 2012 10:45pm
Today, we have good news, bad news and, hopefully, more good news. So, first, the good news...(drum roll)...WE HAVE A MOVIE STAR! Okay, okay, she was featured for 3 seconds, but it's her first role and she nailed it! Her role was "Super Cute Baby #1," which plays a stunningly cute baby in a swing...she was perfect. (Mr. Spielberg, please read through the rest of these updates to find Morgan's email address and feel free to contact her, directly...or me, her agent.)
UAB Medicine put together a short movie to tell a quick story about how wonderful the nurses are and the hearts the job requires to work in the NICU, day in and day out. We encourage all of you to follow this link, not only to see our little movie star, but to look inside and see how amazing these people are as they live their life of service. Follow the link here (pay attention at the 2:28 mark!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k40zCcC8_EE
Now, as one of Morgan's nurses put it, "The YouTube stardom must have gone to her head with all the diva drama today." Morgan found herself back on the C-PAP around lunchtime. Her oxygen dependency increased, she was tight in her chest and lungs and she was noticeably putting forth great effort to take each breath. The decision was to place Morgan back on the C-PAP for precautionary purposes. The machine is on very low settings and only there "just in case" we need to kick it up a notch. She is resting well on the C-PAP and not fighting the machine's much needed aid. It looks like she just needed a break. The good news is that we are hopeful that she will be off of the C-PAP tomorrow morning and maybe before all of you have read this update.
Thanks to all of your for your prayers and thank you to all of the wonderful nurses in NICU's everywhere...especially UAB and St. Vincent's, where you are so dear to our hearts.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Today, we have good news, bad news and, hopefully, more good news. So, first, the good news...(drum roll)...WE HAVE A MOVIE STAR! Okay, okay, she was featured for 3 seconds, but it's her first role and she nailed it! Her role was "Super Cute Baby #1," which plays a stunningly cute baby in a swing...she was perfect. (Mr. Spielberg, please read through the rest of these updates to find Morgan's email address and feel free to contact her, directly...or me, her agent.)
UAB Medicine put together a short movie to tell a quick story about how wonderful the nurses are and the hearts the job requires to work in the NICU, day in and day out. We encourage all of you to follow this link, not only to see our little movie star, but to look inside and see how amazing these people are as they live their life of service. Follow the link here (pay attention at the 2:28 mark!):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k40zCcC8_EE
Now, as one of Morgan's nurses put it, "The YouTube stardom must have gone to her head with all the diva drama today." Morgan found herself back on the C-PAP around lunchtime. Her oxygen dependency increased, she was tight in her chest and lungs and she was noticeably putting forth great effort to take each breath. The decision was to place Morgan back on the C-PAP for precautionary purposes. The machine is on very low settings and only there "just in case" we need to kick it up a notch. She is resting well on the C-PAP and not fighting the machine's much needed aid. It looks like she just needed a break. The good news is that we are hopeful that she will be off of the C-PAP tomorrow morning and maybe before all of you have read this update.
Thanks to all of your for your prayers and thank you to all of the wonderful nurses in NICU's everywhere...especially UAB and St. Vincent's, where you are so dear to our hearts.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sportin' The Camo
Wednesday, May 9, 2012 9:00pm
Today, Morgan has been very fussy! Despite having a restful and quiet night, Morgan was moody today. At times she would rest well and at other times, she would pitch a fit. Sometimes the fit would last for an hour or more. We hope these fits become less common. During these fits, she requires more oxygen to recover because she is crying and taking short breaths. We are prayerful for the healing of her lungs and then these fits will be thing of the past.
Her cough is still bothering her. Not only does it sound deep from her stomach, but also from her upper respiratory areas, as well. Crazy I know. I am not sure there is much the doctor can do for it at this time. Please pray with us that it will go away and quit bothering her.
Other than the fussiness, which causes shortness of breath, Morgan has nothing else to report tonight. I hope she finds great rest tonight and will have a better day tomorrow.
Our little princess, is turning into a tom boy, already! She is preparing herself for her days in the great outdoors and time hunting in the woods. One her wrist, she is sporting pink camo wrap that is covering her iv. And have no doubt, she knows she is very cool in it. She swings it around to show it off to everyone! Plus, she has convinced her nurses to save the roll and use it again next time! That little girl!
Thank you for all your love and support! We appreciate the prayers for Miss Morgan and her care givers!
Love to you all,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Today, Morgan has been very fussy! Despite having a restful and quiet night, Morgan was moody today. At times she would rest well and at other times, she would pitch a fit. Sometimes the fit would last for an hour or more. We hope these fits become less common. During these fits, she requires more oxygen to recover because she is crying and taking short breaths. We are prayerful for the healing of her lungs and then these fits will be thing of the past.
Her cough is still bothering her. Not only does it sound deep from her stomach, but also from her upper respiratory areas, as well. Crazy I know. I am not sure there is much the doctor can do for it at this time. Please pray with us that it will go away and quit bothering her.
Other than the fussiness, which causes shortness of breath, Morgan has nothing else to report tonight. I hope she finds great rest tonight and will have a better day tomorrow.
Our little princess, is turning into a tom boy, already! She is preparing herself for her days in the great outdoors and time hunting in the woods. One her wrist, she is sporting pink camo wrap that is covering her iv. And have no doubt, she knows she is very cool in it. She swings it around to show it off to everyone! Plus, she has convinced her nurses to save the roll and use it again next time! That little girl!
Thank you for all your love and support! We appreciate the prayers for Miss Morgan and her care givers!
Love to you all,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Happy Nurses Week
Tuesday, May 8, 2012 10:00pm
Morgan would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of her nurses! She says Happy Nurses Week! She wants them to realize her appreciation for all they do for her. She absolutely loves them! Seth and I are thankful to have such a wonderful care team of nurses who truly adore our daughter and care for all three of us! They have certainly made this journey bearable! We love them all dearly and consider them family! Thank you, from the bottom of all three of our hearts, friends! Thank you!
I am happy to report that there is not much to report on Morgan today. She held her course and did not have any cause for concern. The doctor has told us that he likes for her to have days like today. He has explained to Seth and me that days like these are good. Ultimately, she is healing and improving. The changes are subtle and not as obvious as they once were.
Recently, Morgan has gotten a deep cough. The doctor seems to think it is coming from her stomach. Nonetheless, it aggravates her, sometimes even causing short breaths. At this time, there is not really a treatment for it. Please pray this will go away.
Her glucose continues to fluctuate, albeit, not as much as it has in the past. We hope that this is due to the wean of her steroids. Seth and I would like her off the steroids asap. We realize we are not doctors and Morgan's doctor is weaning at the appropriate pace. Please pray for her body as it weans from the medicines and learns to function without them.
Oxygen wise, Morgan has been on the same liter flow for weeks now. There is an occasional increase if she is upset, but then the nurse is able to bring it back down. The doctor is holding her on this particular liter flow in order to wean and decrease other medicines.
We are humbled daily by our friends and family who constantly support Seth and me. Thank you for your love, friendship and support. We realize there are even blog followers and friends who do not know us but have prayed and loved for our family. Thank you for your continued prayers for our daughter's healing and her parents. This road is long but we find rest that our Lord is in control and healing our daughter!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Morgan would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of her nurses! She says Happy Nurses Week! She wants them to realize her appreciation for all they do for her. She absolutely loves them! Seth and I are thankful to have such a wonderful care team of nurses who truly adore our daughter and care for all three of us! They have certainly made this journey bearable! We love them all dearly and consider them family! Thank you, from the bottom of all three of our hearts, friends! Thank you!
I am happy to report that there is not much to report on Morgan today. She held her course and did not have any cause for concern. The doctor has told us that he likes for her to have days like today. He has explained to Seth and me that days like these are good. Ultimately, she is healing and improving. The changes are subtle and not as obvious as they once were.
Recently, Morgan has gotten a deep cough. The doctor seems to think it is coming from her stomach. Nonetheless, it aggravates her, sometimes even causing short breaths. At this time, there is not really a treatment for it. Please pray this will go away.
Her glucose continues to fluctuate, albeit, not as much as it has in the past. We hope that this is due to the wean of her steroids. Seth and I would like her off the steroids asap. We realize we are not doctors and Morgan's doctor is weaning at the appropriate pace. Please pray for her body as it weans from the medicines and learns to function without them.
Oxygen wise, Morgan has been on the same liter flow for weeks now. There is an occasional increase if she is upset, but then the nurse is able to bring it back down. The doctor is holding her on this particular liter flow in order to wean and decrease other medicines.
We are humbled daily by our friends and family who constantly support Seth and me. Thank you for your love, friendship and support. We realize there are even blog followers and friends who do not know us but have prayed and loved for our family. Thank you for your continued prayers for our daughter's healing and her parents. This road is long but we find rest that our Lord is in control and healing our daughter!
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Monday, May 7, 2012
If Sleeping Were An Olympic Sport...
Monday, May 7, 2012 10:00 PM
Morgan is really settling in and acting like she wants to make strides toward coming home. She is doing so well, with only small fluctuations in her oxygen dependency, but these are only due to her general fussiness of not being able to get what she wants, nor having the ability to tell us to make it happen! Who isn't like that, right? While she still has barriers to overcome, our little chunkmeister is staying the course and enduring her battle. Her overall report from the doctor today was that he is pleased with her progress. We look forward to continuing to receive reports of this nature.
Today, her essential steroids were weened. Her current level puts her approximately three weeks away from being steroid-free. Of course, this timeline is following the expectations of "normal" results, but we are dealing with an extraordinary child in terms of medical standing and overall cuteness. One of my friends' mother's told them that, "normal is only a setting on the washing machine." I can't help but to look in Precious Morgan's eyes and chuckle while remembering that tidbit of wisdom. While we certainly hope that this happens expeditiously, we have been humbled enough to temper our enthusiasm and simply pray that she responds well to the weening.
In relation to Morgan's steroids, Newton's laws of motion ring true, stating that "to every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction." As we have mentioned, Morgan's glucose levels have been bouncing like the rubber balls that we used to get at the dentists' office. This is the direct result of her dependency on steroids. As she receives her steroid treatments, her glucose shoots to the sky, while skydiving as she settles down. Therefore, this relationship will certainly be improved with her lessened requirement for steroids. Obviously, this is more motivation to push Morgan's body to live without them.
One indicator that things are going in the right direction is that Morgan has become a World Champion Snoozer. She has proven that she can sleep in any circumstance. The hope is that her steadfast ability to sleep is a sign that she is healing and growing. I promise, if we could lobby to get "Sleeping" included as an Olympic sport, the US has found its gold medal from the games in London later this year. I will add that she looks absolutely darling as she sleeps and doesn't mind if you kiss her forehead, chubby cheeks or her little button nose while she slumbers.
Finally, our little butterball got a bath tonight. Of course, the decision to bathe her came while she was sleeping, so the surprise of the her touche hitting the water woke her up to a serenade of "Rubber Ducky." (of course made famous by Ernie from Sesame Street.) With rubber ducks, inter tubes and other bath toys floating around, we got into every crevice and under every roll to make her squeaky clean. We dried her off, placed her back in her crib, turned on her DVD and Snooze-A-Palooza '12 picked up right where it left off.
Of course, I cannot post without expressing our gratitude and appreciation for all of those that take care our sweet girl and for all of you for loving her and praying so diligently.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Morgan is really settling in and acting like she wants to make strides toward coming home. She is doing so well, with only small fluctuations in her oxygen dependency, but these are only due to her general fussiness of not being able to get what she wants, nor having the ability to tell us to make it happen! Who isn't like that, right? While she still has barriers to overcome, our little chunkmeister is staying the course and enduring her battle. Her overall report from the doctor today was that he is pleased with her progress. We look forward to continuing to receive reports of this nature.
Today, her essential steroids were weened. Her current level puts her approximately three weeks away from being steroid-free. Of course, this timeline is following the expectations of "normal" results, but we are dealing with an extraordinary child in terms of medical standing and overall cuteness. One of my friends' mother's told them that, "normal is only a setting on the washing machine." I can't help but to look in Precious Morgan's eyes and chuckle while remembering that tidbit of wisdom. While we certainly hope that this happens expeditiously, we have been humbled enough to temper our enthusiasm and simply pray that she responds well to the weening.
In relation to Morgan's steroids, Newton's laws of motion ring true, stating that "to every action, there is always an equal and opposite reaction." As we have mentioned, Morgan's glucose levels have been bouncing like the rubber balls that we used to get at the dentists' office. This is the direct result of her dependency on steroids. As she receives her steroid treatments, her glucose shoots to the sky, while skydiving as she settles down. Therefore, this relationship will certainly be improved with her lessened requirement for steroids. Obviously, this is more motivation to push Morgan's body to live without them.
One indicator that things are going in the right direction is that Morgan has become a World Champion Snoozer. She has proven that she can sleep in any circumstance. The hope is that her steadfast ability to sleep is a sign that she is healing and growing. I promise, if we could lobby to get "Sleeping" included as an Olympic sport, the US has found its gold medal from the games in London later this year. I will add that she looks absolutely darling as she sleeps and doesn't mind if you kiss her forehead, chubby cheeks or her little button nose while she slumbers.
Finally, our little butterball got a bath tonight. Of course, the decision to bathe her came while she was sleeping, so the surprise of the her touche hitting the water woke her up to a serenade of "Rubber Ducky." (of course made famous by Ernie from Sesame Street.) With rubber ducks, inter tubes and other bath toys floating around, we got into every crevice and under every roll to make her squeaky clean. We dried her off, placed her back in her crib, turned on her DVD and Snooze-A-Palooza '12 picked up right where it left off.
Of course, I cannot post without expressing our gratitude and appreciation for all of those that take care our sweet girl and for all of you for loving her and praying so diligently.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Growing and Progressing
Thursday,
May 03, 2012 10:00pm
Little
Miss Morgan has been behaving today! Honestly,
there is no news to report. She
continues to hold her course medically and enjoys playing when awake. She loves to watch her mobile and dvds. Morgan also listens to lots of music
throughout her day. She continues to
love to swing, too!
Morgan
is growing and progressing. Morgan weighs 10 pounds 10 ounces. She has
gotten big enough that propping her on the boppy causes her head to fall
back. During tummy time, she is scooching
around and pushing up. She will
sometimes turn towards one side when she lying on her back. I am excited to see her make these movements
and look forward to her developing and growing even more.
Please
continue to keep Morgan in your prayers.
Pray for her lungs, her development, her healing and her overall health. Please pray for those charged with Morgan’s
care. Each one of them has become family.
Thank
you for all your love and support!
Love,
Elizabeth
and Seth McCoin
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Wrong Side of the Bed
Wednesday,
May 02, 2012 9:15pm
As Seth mentioned, Morgan’s is still battling glucose issues, although, it seems to be improving. The weaning of the steroids is very slow, so it is likely that this will still be checked for several more days. The team adjusts her insulin as needed based on her blood glucose levels.
For the most part, Morgan seems to be moving in the right direction, post her pneumonia and setback. We are prayerful that this will continue. We need to avoid any viruses or infections that would cause another setback. Several times we have felt close to bringing her home and have had a hiccup. Seth and I cannot wait to shout from the mountain tops that she is coming home, but we are trying to be patient, although we are not very good at it. We know the Good Lord is healing our little girl and working miracles in her body. She has defied so many odds that there is no doubt the Lord is at work!
We are humbled by your continued prayers for Morgan and us. Thank you for continuing to support and encourage all of us.
I was asked to post Morgan’s email address again. Please feel free to send her a note. We read them to her and we will also have them for her when she gets older.
morgan.mccoin@yahoo.com
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Our
little princess woke up on the wrong side of the bed! After a good night’s rest,
Morgan woke up early and woke up fussy! She
was so upset that she worked up herself up into a sweat. Maybe she just wanted to be naked, because
that is what she earned when she got hot and sweaty!
Due
to her fussiness, Morgan strained her lungs and took shorter breaths. This of course, made her more and more cranky! The respiratory therapist gave her a breathing
treatment. What she needed next was rest. But, Her Feisty Highness said she was not
going to take nap and fussed all morning long.
Later in the afternoon Morgan was able to finally calm down and go to
sleep. Thanks to her nap, she was able
to get good breaths and relax! Since then, she has been calm and happy.
As Seth mentioned, Morgan’s is still battling glucose issues, although, it seems to be improving. The weaning of the steroids is very slow, so it is likely that this will still be checked for several more days. The team adjusts her insulin as needed based on her blood glucose levels.
For the most part, Morgan seems to be moving in the right direction, post her pneumonia and setback. We are prayerful that this will continue. We need to avoid any viruses or infections that would cause another setback. Several times we have felt close to bringing her home and have had a hiccup. Seth and I cannot wait to shout from the mountain tops that she is coming home, but we are trying to be patient, although we are not very good at it. We know the Good Lord is healing our little girl and working miracles in her body. She has defied so many odds that there is no doubt the Lord is at work!
We are humbled by your continued prayers for Morgan and us. Thank you for continuing to support and encourage all of us.
I was asked to post Morgan’s email address again. Please feel free to send her a note. We read them to her and we will also have them for her when she gets older.
morgan.mccoin@yahoo.com
Love,
Elizabeth and Seth McCoin
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Just Rollin' Along
Tuesday, May 1, 2012 9:45 am
Morgan continues to progress. Her glucose levels are coming down. We are confident that this is a direct result of weaning her steroids. This will continue to be monitored until it is fully under control.
Along with her steroids, her nitric oxide was weaned yesterday. This is another crucial part of her journey home and it seems to be going well.
Other than that, there are no real changes in Morgan's medical status. She continues to be closely monitored for infections, but all seems well. The weekend was quiet and as parents, we like that.
All that said, Little Morgan continues to grow cuter with each day. She has wonderful people around her praying for her, cheering for her and assisting her on her journey. We are so thankful for all of them and all of you.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
Morgan continues to progress. Her glucose levels are coming down. We are confident that this is a direct result of weaning her steroids. This will continue to be monitored until it is fully under control.
Along with her steroids, her nitric oxide was weaned yesterday. This is another crucial part of her journey home and it seems to be going well.
Other than that, there are no real changes in Morgan's medical status. She continues to be closely monitored for infections, but all seems well. The weekend was quiet and as parents, we like that.
All that said, Little Morgan continues to grow cuter with each day. She has wonderful people around her praying for her, cheering for her and assisting her on her journey. We are so thankful for all of them and all of you.
Seth and Elizabeth McCoin
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