Meriah update (August 25, 2pm)

Brief update from Adam:

Still no results on the MRI.  Meriah's oxygen tube has been removed, which means there are no more tubes on hear face.  (We'll try to get some new photos this evening.)  Meriah is now nursing every three hours.

Meriah update (Sabbath, 10am)

I just arrived at the hospital.  Adam and Crissy spoke with the neurologist earlier.  He says that he is seeing some glimmer of hope.  He saw some response when shining the light in Meriah's eyes, and said her shoulder is stronger.  This is just a small positive sign, but it is enough that he has recommended keeping her on the ventilator to avoid adding additional stress to her body while we watch for additional improvement.

Adam, Crissy, Reed, and Marti anointed Meriah this morning after many of us prayed late into the night.  We are feeling encouraged.  Please continue to pray with us.

Pray for baby Meriah

Adam and Crissy's little girl, Meriah Gail, was born yesterday morning after a transfer to the hospital -- they had planned a home birth.  The baby was born, but suffered from severe Meconium Aspiration Syndrom.  Later that day, Meriah was transferred to the UVA medical center, where she is undergoing treatment.  The prognosis is not good, though the doctor at UVA sounded somewhat more positive than the initial prognosis.

Keep baby Meriah in your prayers.

Meriah Update (Wednesday, 9pm)

Somer is on her way back from visiting Meriah in the hospital.  Meriah is heavily sedated to keep her still.  Her body temperature has been lowered as part of the treatment process.  Somer said it's kind of scary to feel her so cold.

Meriah is monitored 24-7 by a rotation of nurses; she always has a nurse focused 100% on her.

Meriah's condition is considered stabilized but still critical.  Various tests indicate that she suffered significant oxygen deprivation.

On Friday, they will begin bringing Meriah's body temperature back up to normal.  This process is stretched out over a 12 hour period.  Assessment of possible brain damage will begin after this.

Marti (grandma) said that she thought Meriah squeezed her finger.  When she visits, Marti puts her finger in Meriah's hand, which reflexively closes; but Marti thought that one time there was a bit of a squeeze.

Please continue to pray that Meriah will not have any permanent damage.

Ask questions; I may have forgotten something.

Meriah update (August 25, 7:30pm)

We have arrived at UVA and are visiting with Adam and Crissy.

They have received MRI results.  The head doctor said there are brain abnormalities, but they can't say what the outcome will be.  They can't say that there are serious problems, but there is widespread evidence of oxygen deprivation, which causes physical changes from what it should be.  They don't know exactly what it means.  They will have to keep checking Meriah's brain's development periodically.

Right now Meriah is doing everything normal for her age.  The head doctor had a more optimistic tone.  It could be that nothing is wrong, or that she'll have a limp, or be near sighted.  There could be potential problems with seizures.

Meriah's tremors are only occasional now.  She is not doing all the odd tongue movements that she was doing, but she is still on the phenobarbital, which may be inhibiting this.

Meriah's feeding tube was removed.  She is still getting some nourishment via IV.  She continues to nurse eight times a day.

Meriah is back on oxygen because she had a hard time maintaining her oxygen level while nursing.

We don't know the status of the seizures at this point, but keep this in prayer.  Pray that she will be able to get back off of oxygen.  Pray that she will be able to get off the IV and nurse on demand.

Meriah update (Sabbath, 10:30am)

Adam and Crissy have spoken with the head doctor.  His recommendation is to go ahead and take Meriah of the ventilator.  He says that her lungs are completely clear now.  He expects that she will be able to breathe on her own now; she is initiating every breath on her own.  He says that more time on the ventilator will not improve her prospects.

Before taking Meriah off the ventilator, Adam and Crissy have to decide what to do if she does not continue breathing on her own.  The doctors say putting her back on the ventilator will sustain her, but that if she can't breathe on her own now, she won't be able to do so later.

If little Meriah can breathe on her own, but needs supplemental oxygen, they will provide this.

Pray for wisdom and peace for Adam and Crissy in deciding when to take her off the ventilator and what to do if she cannot breathe on her own.

Meriah Update (Thursday, 4:30pm)

Somer just got off the phone with Adam, who just talked with the doctor.  The doctor is not positive.  He says that Meriah is not heavily sedated, but is not responsive, and has not been trying to breathe on her own today.  He says that babies with lowered body temperatures can still respond to stimuli, and they are not seeing this.  Because of the extended time with low oxygen levels, there is significant concern of brain damage.  Adam and Crissy, who had been feeling a bit more hopeful, are naturally taking this news hard.

The doctors opinion seems to be quite the contrast with the encouraging opinions of the nurse watching her.

The doctor said they will begin warming Meriah up around noon tomorrow (Friday).  He wants family to be available to be with her 24 hours a day.

The doctor's opinion is that, short of a miracle, things are not good.  However, it is a miracle that this baby was brought into the world; and it is a miracle that she has survived.  God's arm is not to short to provide the miracle of healing.  Please continue to pray.

Meriah photos and update (August 25, 9pm)

This evening's update came before we visited Meriah in the hospital.  What a change in the last several days!  When I entered the NICU, I found Meriah swaddled and sleeping soundly.  At around 9pm, Adam began to talk to her and stroke her back.  After a diaper change (expertly executed by her father), Meriah was fully awake.  She looked around, cooed, moved her arms and legs about, smiled at baby talk, showed interest in peoples faces, sucked on a pacifier, fussed when picked up by the nurse -- everything and a bit more than what we would expect from a week-old baby.

Adam and Crissy are looking forward bringing their baby home.  We don't know exactly when, but doctors are speaking in terms of weeks, not months.

Enjoy the photos.  I also have video that I will post later.

Meriah update (Sabbath, 4pm)

Meriah continues to breathe on her own.  She is currently in a deep sleep, which is not a bad thing.  Before she dozed off, there were a number of encouraging signs.  She has moved her arms and her head some.  She opened her eyes again, though just a squint.

I have been told that Meriah is actually still somewhat sedated with dopamine.

Adam and Crissy are back at the Ronald McDonald house for some much needed rest and food.  Pray for strength for them both, but especially for Crissy; she is very tired.

Meriah update (August 26, 12pm)

Adam called with an update.  Meriah has been moved to the other side of the NICU where the less critical babies are.  This is a good sign, though Adam and Crissy (and perhaps Meriah) had become a bit attached to their nurses.

They are going to let Meriah start ad-lib feeding, that is, feeding on demand.

Once she is off the IV, they will be able to move Meriah to a more private room for the last several days of her hospital stay.  Crissy will be able to stay with her.

Meriah is at the very lowest level of oxygen.  They may try to take her back off of it today.

Adam said they get a different feeling now when the doctors come around; everybody is a bit more upbeat and cheerful.

Adam and Crissy appreciated the one-week birthday well-wishes.

Adam expressed his appreciation for the thoughts and prayers of so many people.  Adam does periodically check NoLessDays to read the comments, though he hasn't had time to answer them at this point.

There have been several donations to help with the various costs associated with Meriah's hospitalization and follow-up care.  These are much appreciated.  I've asked Adam if he has an idea what their financial impact will be, but he doesn't know yet.  They are hoping most of the hospitalization up to this point will be covered.  Even if the present medical expenses are covered, your gifts will help with the various extra expenses as the new Williams family transitions back into normal life.

Adam and Crissy have not asked for financial assistance, but if you feel impressed to help, you can donate here, or by clicking the donate link in the upper right-hand corner of this page.  On the PayPal page please specify that the donation is for Meriah.

Please continue to keep Meriah in your prayers.

Meriah update (Friday, 12pm)

Just called Somer for the latest:

They've talked to the doctors who are still not very optimistic.  Meriah is not warming as quickly as they hoped she would.  Earlier today she wasn't breathing on her own, but since then she's been breathing about a third of the time.

There is still quite a bit of concern.  The neurologist came by and shined a light in her eyes and rang a bell by her ear, but she was not very responsive.  In the last hour, after the neurologist came in, her breathing has increased.

Earlier today Judy, Crissy's mom, touched her leg and she kicked in response, but now she's hardly responding at all.

When Meriah gets warm, Crissy will be able to hold her.  Right now her body temperature is at 93 degrees.  They have to warm her up more before she can be held because they don't want her to warm up too quickly.

Meriah hadn't been peeing, so Adam told her to pee, and she did.  Later he told her to breathe and regulate, and soon after the nurse came and said she was.

Watching her is a minute by minute roller-coaster of ups and downs.

Even if baby Meriah can breathe on her own, she could still have other severe brain damage.  Inability to breathe properly would indicate damage to the brain stem.

Doctors are slowly taking Meriah of her medications.
 

Meriah update and video (Saturday, 11pm)

Somer just came back from visiting Adam and Baby Meriah, who continues to amaze us.  She is much more active now, moving her arms and legs a little bit totally on her own.  She tries to lift her head a little bit.  She makes quite a few little crying sounds.  Somer said it seems like her body movements are a bit more normal -- clearly not only reflexes.

Meriah is now off all pain meds.  She yawns frequently, and the nurse wonders if the yawning is due to withdrawal.  She'll be watching for other signs of withdrawal.

The nurse gave Meriah a pacifier, but she didn't like it.  She gave her a second, which she sucked on for a little bit, but didn't seem to like to much either.

Meriah's breathing is still a bit erratic; it's still a bit faster than normal.  Her lungs are still a little rattly, but not real bad.

There is a little piece of tape across the side of Meriah's mouth, but she's been moving her mouth around so much it went into her mouth; she would stick her tongue on it.

We don't know if Meriah can swallow yet.  The nurse put a tube down into her stomach, but she didn't gag.  This isn't a positive sign, but it doesn't mean she doesn't have a gag reflex.

God is hearing our prayers, and it seems that His will is for this little girl to continue to improve.  Thank you for the continued prayers.

Below are some video clips I shot earlier today:

Meriah's warming has begun

Meriah's warming has been moved earlier; it began at 5am.

Meriah update (Friday, 3pm)

Update from Somer:

Meriah's breathing is significantly better, but she is not response except for reflexive movement.  Doctors would expect her to be moving at the temperature she's at now.  If you put your finger in her hand, it will squeeze, or if you touch her foot it will twitch, but aside from these reflexes, nothing.  Somer says she doesn't open her eyes at all.

Her temperature is about 96.3 degrees.  At around 98 degrees, Adam and Crissy will be able to hold her.

At some point tonight or tomorrow, they can try to take her off the ventilator.  At this point she is taking enough breaths to breathe on her own, but its not clear that she would survive without it.  Adam wants to wait until tomorrow to giver her a bit more time -- maybe something will change.

At this point seems like it will have to be a total miracle.  We're not looking at just some brain damage; it looks like very significant brain damage.  Short of another miracle, and if she does survive, she would be on a feeding tube and unable to recognize anybody for the rest of her life.

If Meriah does breathe on her own, there are some additional tests they can do.

Adam was present for the latest news, but Crissy had gone to rest; She doesn't know the latest yet.

Please continue to pray.

Meriah update (Sunday, 10:30am)

I just stepped in for a quick visit.  Adam is holding Meriah.  She does little scrunchy faces.  He said she had her yes wide open, and looked at his eyes.

Meriah was awake most of the night.  The staff are a little concerned that she could be over stimulated.  She's having some little shivers.  They want her to sleep to help calm them.  She has had some seizure activity. 

Meriah's EEG has not changed.  The head doctor and neurologist are concerned about this and also the seizure activity.  They have taken her off the EEG, but continue to monitor her heart and breathing.

Meriah is acting more like a normal newborn.  She let out a cry when they pulled the EEG sensors off her head.  It was sticky and probably hurt.

They gave Meriah some breastmilk on a pacifier.  She seemed to like it.  They may let Crissy nurse her, but they don't want Meriah to get too much at this point; they are concerned that her stomach might not be able to handle very much milk yet.

Meriah video (August 25, 9pm)

Meriah wakes up, gets a diaper change, cries, waves her arms and legs, smiles, looks about, etc. You'll hear Mozart in the background playing on an old cell phone Adam was given.  These Mozart songs are supposed to be good for the Meriah's brain.

Meriah -- off the EEG

They've taken Meriah off the EEG.  We get to see hear little head now!  As Adam said, don't take for granted getting to see your child's head.

Meriah update (August 27, 2pm)

We haven't been receiving much news today.  Ron and Marti, Adam's folks, were visiting last night and said that Meriah was very smiley.  Today we have only heard that Meriah is really sleepy, and that Crissy isn't feeling well.  Keep Crissy in your prayers.

Meriah update (Friday, 10pm)

I arrived safely in Charlottesville, and was able to spend a few minutes with beautiful baby Meriah.  I had caught a brief look at her before she was rushed away from the hospital in Harrisonburg, but it wasn't enough to realize what cute little gal she is.

During the few minutes that I was there, her breathing was very good.  We tickled her toes a bit; she would respond by spreading her toes, bending her feet, and shaking her legs.  Sometimes tickling one foot resulted in a response on both legs.  I could touch her on the ridge of her nose and she'd squint her eyes just a bit.  She has a very strong grip.  I was overall surprised at the strength of her reflexes -- but alas that appears to be all there is.

She appeared to have hick-ups.

Aside from all the wires and tubes, she looked like any sleeping baby, that you might wake up if you spoke to loudly.  I couldn't help but smile at this little miracle of life.

We continue to pray for the next miracle: the restoration of her mind.  Adam, Reed, and I will meet later this evening to pray.  Please continue to pray with us.  Our prayers are heard!

Baby Meriah Gale

Some recent photos of Meriah.

Meriah update (August 28, 2009)

Adam called me on his way to work this morning.  They will do another EEG today to look for seizure activity.  If seizure activity has subsided, they hope that Meriah can get of the phenobarbital earlier.  Adam is asking for specific prayer in regards to the seizure activity. If there is any, we are asking God to heal it.

Meriah is now receivng her phenobarbital orally.  Yesterday, they gave it to her before nursing, and she promptly went to sleep -- it appears the phenobarbital is making her sleepy.  Today they will give it to her after she nurses a bit.

Doctors have said tentatively Meriah will be discharged on Tuesday morning after she finishes her antibiotic.

Crissy is feeling better.  Judy is feeling better too -- they think she had food poisoning.

Photos of Meriah opening her eyes!

Meriah update (Agust 30, 11:30am)

Meriah and her parents have moved into their private room.  This means they also have a private bathroom, a fridge, a microwave, TV, etc.  It is very nice and comfortable according to Marti.

They received results for the EEG earlier than expected.  The doctor said the EEG showed no seizure activity.  They don't know if this is because of the phenobarbital, but either way it is good news.  The doctor did say there were some minor abnormalities, but he didn't  seem to concerned about them.  He said that it might not be that abnormal for Meriah.

Meriah is still hooked up to several monitors so they can't move her around very much.

Adam and Crissy are both tired, so they will try to rest today.  Hopefully having their own room will make this easier.

It turns out Meriah doesn't finish her antibiotic until Tuesday morning -- not Monday, as previously thought.  We still expect Meriah to be discharged on Tuesday.

Meriah update (Sunday, 1:30pm)

Adam and Crissy's parents are now with baby Meriah.  Crissy has left to get some nourishment and some rest.

Baby Meriah has been opening her eyes a lot more, and has had some very regular newborn sounding cries.  Somer and Barb were in with her earlier, and they felt like Meriah was turning her head towards their voices when they talked.

Crissy nursed her little daughter briefly.  Meriah was able to suck a little but.  Somehow, the nurses were able to verify that Meriah did get a little bit of milk, which seems to indicate that she was able to swallow.

There is still some seizure activity.  She is not being medicated for it, and we are praying that she will not need to be.

Meriah video (August 29)

Another diaper change, and lots of funny faces.  Enjoy!

Video: Meriah cries and looks around

I entered the NICU to the sound of a baby crying.  As I neared Meriah's area, I realized it was her; she was uncomfortable.  I got out my camera just in time to catch the tail end of her crying.  She wanted to be swaddled and settled down when she was comfortable.

Notice her squint when the bright light shines in her eyes near the end of the video

Meriah update (Sunday, 9:15pm)

Good news!  Meriah can digest.  They gave her some breastmilk via her feeding tube, and when they checked this evening, it was nearly gone.  They are going to give her some more breastmilk via her feeding tube.  The fact that she can digest is a good step.

Meriah is on phenobarbital to slow down her brain activity.  She has continued to have excessively frequent tremors.  Medical staff are concerned that these and some abnormal mouth movements, may indicate seizures.  By slowing down her brain activity, they can give her brain a bit of a rest; the sub-clinical seizures are a strain.  The medication is being given in a mild dose, such that it should not be having a sedative effect.  Meriah should be able to get into a regular sleep / wake routine.

Sub-clinical seizures can turn into regular seizures, and frequently do.  It is not unusual for children with this trouble to be on medication for a long time.  We don't know if this is what doctors are planning to do for Meriah.

Meriah is currently more alert, but she is still doing some of the odd mouth movements and is having tremors, but she seems to no longer be agitated.

Adam is very happy with her ability to digest.

My dream about Meriah

The night Crissy was in labor I couldn't sleep. I was restless and woke every hour praying fervently. I had a sense of anxiety and concern that I couldn't explain. I dreamed several dreams about both Crissy and Meriah, but when I woke up I could only remember one of them.

In my dream I walked into my parent's house where Crissy had been laboring. She was on the couch and her new baby was not lying in her arms, but at the other end of the couch. I was concerned and couldn't understand why they were apart and she wasn't holding her new baby. Then the dream flashed forward and I re-entered the room. Crissy was now lying on the other side of the couch where the baby was. She had the baby in her arms and was nursing her. I felt such relief and joy to see them together, and then I awoke.

This dream was a comfort to me during the dark time when we didn't know if Meriah would live. Christopher also had a clear impression from God "this child will live" as we drove to the hospital the day she was born. Jade was given the words, "she will yet live" repeatedly on the Friday when the doctors seemed to have no hope. While it was certainly easy to doubt, these words gave us hope and a promise to hold on to.

It is so amazing to now see that promise fulfilled.

Meriah photos (August 29)

These are the photos from our visit on the 29th, that I said I would post several days ago.  These are the last of my photos of Meriah in the hospital.  I'll post a status update soon!

Meriah update (Monday, 10:30am)

Somer just spoke with Crissy.  Here's the latest:

Yesterday, Meriah had digested food, but through the night she had some trouble digesting.  We're not clear on what the problem is.  Sometimes she is able to digest, sometimes not so well.  There may be issues.  We're not sure.  Keep this on the prayer list.

They have been able to get Meriah to suck on pacifiers.  Last night she got to the point where she would actually suck well.  They will try nursing her today since she seems to be able to suck and digest.

Meriah will probably be on phenobarbital for the next several months, but it is not sedating her.  She has established a regular sleep / wake pattern.  She sleeps better when she is held.

Crissy's folks, David and Judy, stayed with Meriah last night, and held her a good portion of it.  Crissy and Adam are with Meriah this morning.

Crissy and Adam have not talked to neurologist yet today, but they did talk to the head doctor.

The tremors and funny mouth movements have settled a little bit.  Last night the nurse was concerned about her eyes and wanted to know if she had been given an eye exam.  (Of course she hasn't since  she's only begun opening her eyes recently.)  The nurse thought Meriah didn't seem to track well, but the nurse this morning thought the eyes were normal and wasn't concerned.  Crissy thinks Meriah tracks her, but it is not clear if there is an issue.  Keep this on the prayer list.

Doctors will probably order an MRI tomorrow.  They want to see what's happening with Meriah's brain and determine if the phenobarbital is helping in regards to the seizures.

Reed and Jade are bringing a large quantity of food for Adam and Crissy.

For those that may be curious about the birth statistics, I finally have them:

• Brith weight: 7lb 6oz
• Birth length: 19.5"
• Time of birth: 9:53am, August 18, 2009

Current statistics:

• Weight: 7lb 10oz
• Length: greater than 20"

Meriah is a day short of a week old.  The continued prayers are much appreciated.

Meriah update (Monday, 6pm)

Jade, who has been visiting the new Williams family today, just called Somer with an update.

Meriah nursed earlier today and is nursing again now.  Meriah also took a bottle with some breastmilk -- they wanted to see how much she was taking in.  For now, they are going to let Crissy breastfeed Meriah three times a day, but this will increase over time.  They will continue to feed some with the feeding tube, but they do think she is digesting the breastmilk.  Praise God!

They said the tremors are subsiding -- they think it might have been withdrawal from medication.

Meriah sleeps better when she's held.  Crissy was trying to get her to sleep earlier, but Meriah wouldn't settle.  Jade came in, and when she and Crissy started talking, Meriah settled down. Jade enjoyed talking about baby stuff with Crissy.

A social worker told Adam and Crissy that often it is easier for the father to bond quickly in these situations, while the mother can take a while.  She explained that the dad's role isn't particularly different then it would normally be, but the mothers role is mostly taken away, and the bonding may happen more gradually. However, there is definately bonding taking place here!

They are planning an MRI for possibly 2 am tomorrow.  Please pray in advance that little Meriah's brain will be healed and that the seizure activity will be gone.  If you can, pray at 2am too!

We are getting the specific prayers we pray, answered one by one.  Now the specific prayer is for the brain seizures to subside and for the bonding process to continue.  Also pray specifically for Adam and Crissy that they will have the strength they need to deal with whatever may come.  They need strength as new parents.

Meriah update (September 1, 2pm)

Meriah was discharged from the UVA Medical Center around noon today.  Meriah is doing great!

The neurologist said that the last EEG was better than the first one, though it is not completely normal.  (The neurologist hadn't said this before.)  Meriah has a follow-up appointment with the neurologist in 2 months.

Adam and Crissy are happy to be home.  Adam says the whole experience feels like a dream.

Meriah's parents look forward to meeting with visitors; however, they would prefer fewer visitors this week as they settle.  If you would like to visit them, please call ahead to make sure it is a good time.  The doctors have said that Meriah should not go out publicly for several weeks and that she shouldn't be held by very many people.  If you are able to visit, please don't expect to hold Meriah.

What a journey.  Praise God!

Meriah update (August 25, 10:30am)

They did do the MRI last night, but we are waiting on the neurologist's report to know what the results are.  The nurse said she thought it went well, but we really don't know yet.  They had to sedate Meriah to do the MRI.  Later they tried nursing her, but she's still very sedated.

We hope to have the neurologist's report back before the end of morning.  We will post an update as soon as we have more information.

Somer and I will be traveling to Charlottesville this evening.

Happy birthday Meriah!

Happy birthday Meriah!  She is one week old!  Comment to share your well-wishes!  I will carry them with us to the hospital this evening.