Six months ago today, James William Gjertsen came into the world. Although he had a rough time, we believe that the people he has met (and heard from) so far have helped show him that this is a world with love, kindness, and gentleness–echoes of God’s beautiful character in our fallen humanity. Thank you all for representing those qualities for his brand new heart and mind. We celebrated this milestone of James’s life by putting half a candle in one of the scrumptious desserts that have been provided by our friends at Orlando Grace:
Today the GI nurse, responding to our concerns about James’s painful gas and retching, said gas is just part of pancreatic enzyme replacement (I guess he won’t win any burping contests in elementary school, but he can win the other ones). However, when she talked to the GI doc, Dr. Bornstein said to try switching him to a different formula. Instead of mixing Neosure and rice cereal into his breastmilk, we are going to start using Pregestimil LIPIL with the cereal and breastmilk. Hopefully it helps. It has smaller milk proteins, so they are easier to break down; it is supposed to be for babies with fat malabsorbtion. We checked the change with Dr. Yang, and the only thing he had to say is that his poop was really going to stink. We’re ready to brave the stench if it helps in the gas department.
In addition to the age department, James set a new record in the blood sugar department today. He has had three readings of “HI” (above 584) in the last 6 hours. Dr. Desrosiers thinks I gave his Lantus in a spot that was scarred up too much, so it didn’t take. That is easy to remedy for tomorrow’s shot, but in the meantime we are trying to correct with regular insulin without overdoing it.
Happy Birthday James!!! You look great buddy! Very chubby and extra cute these days! I forgot that we shared the same date on the calendar! I celebrated my birthday today (the 26th) too!….except I’m a lot older 🙁
We love you and your mommy and daddy!!!
Marnie
Happy 1/2 a year birthday to a pecious one who is dearly loved and blessed. Hugs to all of you!
James, that pumpkin hat is da bomb. I’m glad to see your folks are already instilling you with good fashion sense. 🙂 Happy 1/2 Birthday!
Happy 1/2 Birthday James! May the rest of this year, and all of your years to come, be filled with health, growth, happiness, and blessings!
We love those chubby cheeks!
Love,
The Changas Family
Happy Birthday James! Seems like not too long ago I was taking care of you day 1 of life! You have gotten so big buddy! Congrats Mom and Dad on a beautiful boy… you guys are trully a blessing and few parents could handle as much as the two of you do. God put your son in the perfect hands to take care of him and love him. Love the blog and hopefully you guys can make another visit to WPH, maybe during nightshift? Otherwise I’ll keep checking in. God Bless you all!
What a precious little pumpkinhead! Happy Belated Birthday! I am a lover of birthday celebrations! You simply can’t have too many and they are never too elaborate!
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the life of James and celebrate your mighty work in his life. We thank you for the faithful relationship You have with his parents and for the endless strength You give them. May Your wisdom continue to be with the physicians and may Your healing hands steady the path for James’ future (especially the blood sugar levels). Thank You for Your endless love and a faithfulness beyond comprehension. Amen!