Gavin Christopher Owens » May 2008 Journal Entries » AboutMyBaby - online baby scrapbooks, photo albums, videos, birth and pregnancy announcements

< May 2008

Wed, May 14, 2008 5:00 PM
We went down to duPont this week for Gavin's appointment at the seating clinic. I was totally amazed at how helpful and knowledgeable they were in regards to finding Gavin the right kind of chair. We picked out a Kid Kart Xpress, which although I was not prepared to get this particular stroller, they assured me that this kind of "wheelchair" would give Gavin the support he needs, allow him to be more involved in his environment as well as help me in lugging around his equipment. The chair will take a few months to come in and then we will go back for a fitting.

We got a call from the Doc yesterday informing us that Gavin needed to come in for blood. We will be traveling once again tomorrow for a transfusion.

Things are going pretty well. We are still having concerns with Gavin's lipid and fevers but Omegaven is still being worked on. We are gong to start daily Ethanol locks on Gavin's line to help with infection. (basically we inject a small amount of alcohol into his catheter in hopes that it will kill all the bugs that may have gotten in.)

Please be sure to sign up for the blood drive in honor of Gavin. This week we were once again reminded how Gavin and so many other's depend on your selflessness!

Thanks!

Comments:
Ron: We're so happy that things went well at the seating clinic. I'm sure the Kid Kart Xpress will be exactly what you need to allow Gavin more access to your daily routines. I'm also hoping to donate blood in honor of Gavin. You all are an inspiration to so many people. It's truly a Blessing how God brings good from any and every situation. God Bless You!!!!!!!!!!!!

Katrina: Glad the wheels are in motion, both figuratively and literally. More freedom for Gavin, YEAH!!!

gwen: Yeah! Ivey just got her Kid Kart Xpress last week. It will make your life easier. Amazing that a seat could do that huh? Plus, Ivey is happier, it is holding her up straight so she isn't working quiet so hard, and now is able to focus on other things. The only down side, I have to lift it in and out of my mininvan. Ugh, my back is doomed. We have been getting out more. I am so happy for you!
Good luck at the doc. You need a little ray of sunshine.
Gwen

Fava Family: Thank you God for making it possible for Gavin to get the stroller that will make things easier for the whole Owens family! We continue to pray that Omegavin will be available for Gavin sometime soon and that it will help him to thrive. We pray that Gavin stays free of infection and fever and gets his energy back. Although I cannot commit to a specific time on the 22nd I will call that day in hopes that they will have a time slot open for me to give blood. Our prayers are always with your family (:

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Thu, May 8, 2008 9:39 AM
So far so good! Although Gavin has been very weak and is having some fevers with his TPN he is doing great. We have been spending most of our days outside playing and enjoying life.

Please consider donating blood in honor of Gavin on May 22nd at Morning Star Fellowship. Please visit my blog, linked on the home page, for some life saving information on blood donation. Please contact the church @ 610.369.1960 to schedule a time or sign up at the information desk.

Comments:
Fava Family: Happy Mother's day Karen! Enjoy your day, you truly deserve it.

Ron: I'm so happy you are home and enjoying life. What a great Mother's Day gift. We all want to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. God Bless You and Your Family.

Mary Alice Carpenter: No one deserves this wish more "Happy Mother's Day" May you receive the blessing you so much have coming your way.

Melanie G.: Karen & Family,
We ALL miss you at Moms Club, but are wishing you a stress-free(if that's possible) weekend at home. I will definitely be contacting M.S. Fellowship Church to donate blood.

dawn: Wow- 3 out of 3 people who can't donate blood but WE all love and support you guys. I am believing for a full house of donors that day!
Enjoy the rainy day inside with your kids!

Terri & Bruce: AWESOME news that you're still home and Gavin is doing OK...I can't give blood either because of Jenna having hepititis C...but I will pass it on..Love you guys...P. Bruce and Terri

Shari: Rats: it bothers me so much that I can't give blood products of any kind because I have had cancer. I WILL, however, direct others and tell them to please donate. If not here then over your way! Blessings! Shari

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Sat, May 3, 2008 5:08 AM
Home sweet home.

Comments:
the Gardners: YEAH! We are praying that you guys can enjoy your time at home! Hope the new stroller and pump are working out and you are feeling blessed! Please, keep us posted about the blood drive as Matt would love to do it!

Fava Family: Thank you Jesus for bringing Gavin and his family home! Please continue to bless them and to make Gavin grow stronger every day. Please allow them to get all of the medical necessities that are needed to heal Gavin and to make their lives easier. We will continue to pray for your family's strength.

Matthew and Amy: YAY!!!!!!!!

The Biker Church: The Biker Church is praying for all of you!!!

Melanie G.: May your time at home be relaxing(as well as it can be) and peaceful. Our prayers & support are with you all. Melanie Guerrette & Family

Ron: YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!! Welcome home. We continue to pray for all of you every day.

katrina: Good to hear!!! Now go play!!!!

The Rich Family: Yea!!!!!!! ENKOY!!!!!!!! Take it all in !!!!

Shaun & Angela: I almost called you yesterday to see if you were home! We are so happy for you all. I know life is at least more normal for everyone including Madison when you are home! We are praying for another 4 or more weeks of being home!

Ali: I am so happy to hear that! I hope to see you soon!
Enjoy!

Katy: I can't wait to see you guy again.
I am so happy for you.

Randy & Marilyn: Praise you Jesus! So glad to hear you are home. Have a Blessed day! Praying for you.......

The Hannum's: Yay, yay, yay God! Good for you guys! There is much rejoicing in our house knowing that you are in yours! And a strong confirmation of Debbie's sentiment- your steadfastness through this is an unmatchable faith builder. Your need has inspired a committment to pray in my sons like nothing I've ever seen. My youngest talks to God about Gavin all the time... sometimes you even make it into 'saying grace'! So let me add my thanks, as well...

Shari: Yay! I am so glad you are home. I am continuing to pray for Gavin and your family everyday.

Debbie Heisey: Hallelujah! I am praising God that you are home. Also, glad to hear that you are getting the pump upgrade...the kangaroo is soooo last century! Seriously though, I can't imagine how difficult things have been for your family, but this I do know, your family is such a blessing to so many people. Our struggles do not define us,our identities our found in Christ and in Him is our strength. As I read your families blogs, your genuine faith shines through and it encourages me in my faith in the midst of my own struggles. For this, I thank you. Be blessed and be safe in Him! ~Deb

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Thu, May 1, 2008 12:18 PM
For those of you who check this site often, sorry for the lack of updating. It has been a rough past 24 hours. Gavin has been very bradicardic (low heart rate in the 50's) and he has been becoming more and more lethargic.

We receiving a lot of disappointing news today including that we are not able to place the antibiotic coated line. This line is not made with a cuff that sits under his skin to keep the line in place. The risk of it falling out is very high and can be life threatening. Gavin is back in the OR now getting a new double luman regular line.

Gavin continues to not tolerate his feed and they have been shut off since last night. We hope that once we can get him some nutrition from his TPN his body will "wake up" and be able to tolerate more through his gut.

We have an appointment at the duPont seating clinic next week to get Gavin's adaptive stroller. I'm very excited about this. We are also getting a new infinity feeding pump, which for those who use it, know it is the best and puts the stupid kangaroo pumps to shame!

After Gavin comes out of the OR we will do labs to make sure he does not need any blood and then we may be able to go home tomorrow.

We are planning a blood drive through Miller Keystone in honor of Gavin to help replenish the blood supply that he has used. Many people ask how you can help our family -- this is one practical way. Gavin and so many other children depend on the donation of others. I'll keep you posted on the date and time.

Thanks!

Comments:
Katie: I am so glad you are home. There is no place better! I never knew that about the antibiotic line...bummer! You will love the infinity pump. Both kids have it and I wouldn't trade them for the world! You'll never know how you survived with the other! Make sure to get the little backpack to go with it! Take care and enjoy the time at home! I have a gut feeling we'll be back at the Hotel DuPont very soon!
~Katie
www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexanderlindemann

Mary Alice Carpenter: Home .... no place like home. Thank God. Things must have gone your way for now. Hope the new stroller makes it easier for you to get Gavin around and take the kids for walks as Madison gets a twinkle in her eye when she is outdoors. I hope the appointment this week bring you some hope for the future. Prayers on the way.

dawn: I am happy about the new "wheels" he is getting!
Sorry about the line..that is a bummer.
we love you!

Barry & Lovell: We are praying that the line and the TPN is working and that Gavin is gaining strength every hour. So glad to hear about the "long awaited" stroller. Hang in there! We love you guys!

Shaun & Angela: Praying that everything went well yesterday and that you are able to bring Gavin home today!

Christine: Donating blood is a wonderful thing. Many lives are saved by that simple act. I am hoping that the next few days brings positive changes to your family.

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