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Sunday, June 29, 2008 

Our youngest precious one.

 

Hayden loves his baths!

 

All tuckered out....

...after a bath:



...after his first attempt at a bottle:

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 

What's in a name?

Both of our boys have lived up to their name in mighty ways. I hadn't realized how Hayden had done this until my friend Kerin came over today. Sweet woman that she is, she brought a couple meals and her scissors - scissors for a looong overdue haircut (since Christmas!). As we were talking, the meaning of Hayden's name came up. I joked around that we weren't sure how Hayden would fulfill "Hedged Valley". Then Kerin shared with me something she had been thinking about: "Valley" can often times mean a low point. However, "hedged" means protected. So far, Hayden has definitely lived up to his name by being so protected by God during his early start. Those words meant so much to me! I pray that Hayden will continue to be protected by our Father when he is at those low points, and that he will be completely dependent upon Him in such a way that his confidence remains strong with God has his refuge.

I had another friend who had mentioned praying for God to give them a name for each of their children. As we were chosing a name for this little boy, I would ask God to show us what He wanted us to name this baby. When we decided upon the name, I didn't really feel that God had "told" us to name him Hayden. I just felt neutral about it. I have to say, however, that this along with other events, has seemed to point to God specifically planning this little one's birth to be early. I praise Him for the peace He's given about it from the beginning! :)

 

Most of the fam.. :)


 

I call this look.... Blue Steel.




 

Let's play ball! (not sure which one yet..)


 

Our big crazy boy!


 

Einstein or Nutty Prof.??


 

Our sweet baby Hayden is now at 3 lbs 6 oz!! Praise God for making him pack on the weight! :)


 

Just before bed.


 

Playing in the sprinkler with Dad.



Friday, June 13, 2008 

Sleepy baby Hayden


 

Jackson practices his cheesy grin at bedtime :))


Wednesday, June 11, 2008 

Nathan's ring on Hayden's wrist. :)


 

Quick update

Ok, now that I have a little time to post, I’ll try to fill in some of the missing details. Hayden was born at 28 weeks and 3 days. The doctors were encouraged that we had made it to the 28 week mark, and that the cortisone shot had a sufficient amount of time to work on his lungs. He’s been doing well, considering, from the beginning being on minimal support. Even though he’s needed the billy ruben light a couple of times (for jaundice), his count has been rather low. Currently, Hayden is off the light, and does not have any IV’s or breathing tubes! They are going to see if he can continue to gain weight on milk alone (rather than adding extra fats and sugars via IV). He’s handling the food well, and they are steadily giving him larger quantities. At this point, Hayden needs to reach the following goals in order to come home:
- Eat via bottle or nursing (this usually begins around 32 weeks)
- Hold his weight and continue to grow
- Keep his temperature outside the incubator
- Not need any IV’s or breathing monitors (There is a monitor on his stomach that lets the nurses know if his heart begins to slow down at a fast rate. At this point, Hayden’s heart will sometimes “remember” to start beating at a regular rate on its own, or a little jostling from the nurse is needed. This is very common among preemies, and should improve with time.)
That’s it for now! We can’t tell you enough how much we appreciate your prayers on our behalf. God has done amazing things with our situation, and we continue to praise Him for the joy and protection He’s giving our family.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008 

The size of a 32 weeker!!

Well folks! Our second son has arrived, and we are blessed beyond measure. God has been incredibly gracious with our family. Thank you all for your many prayers on our behalf, as well as the help you've given and offered during this time!

Hayden Michael Richmond

was born on

June 1, 2008 at 7:48pm.

He weighed in at

3 lbs 3 oz and measured 16.25".

While I was spending time with Hayden today, the nurse said he is the size of a 32 week old baby, and she would hate to have seen how large he would have been at full term. Uh, ya... you and me both, honey. ;) He's currently breathing the regular amount of oxygen that we all breath (vs. needing a higher oxygen level), and has a tube for food. We're praising God for the minimal support he has required! The little man already cries loud at a quick rate - taking after his big brother when he was a newborn. I mean, why build up to a holler when you can let your voice be heard right away?? :) Will try to give more updates as time allows. We are not sure how long Hayden will need to stay in the NICU as there are still a few goals he needs to reach before being stable enough to come home. Jackson loves seeing pictures of his little brother, and prays for him every night. His tender heart has been awesome to witness. Hopefully we will be able to get some pictures up soon!