Feb 4 afternoon update

Afternoon update:
Thank you for the extra prayers today and everyday!!!!While Kolton has now been put back on the ventilator, he is starting to stabilize. The echocardiogram from today revealed that the hole in his heart is still open; however, it is small. As a result, there has been an increase in the amount of prostaglandin (the medication to help keep the hole open). This is difficult news as there a fewer options if the hole closes. While he is tolerating his feedings, they have cut them slightly and started to supplement with an IV drip of nutrients (called TPN). This is just to have him doing less work so that he can focus his energy on breathing.The medical team has also put him back on antibiotics to fight any infections. On a positive, Kolton gets weighed every night around midnight. He is now at 2lbs and 14.5oz! Grow Kolton Grow! We're almost at 3lbs! We are aiming for 4 to 5lbs in order to do the corrective heart surgery. His normal coloration is back and he is resting peacefully. I could not kangaroo with Kolton today due to the chain of events, but I did pray with him and spent a great deal of time giving him a pep talk. He knows he has a huge support team and that he is not alone in this fight. Thank you again for the extra prayers and support! It keeps us going.
Love and peace,
Gretchen

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 04, 2009 08:00 AM, CST
Good Morning! Gretchen here, asking for continued prayer throughout the day. Kolton has had a rough morning. He is really tuckered out and not breathing deeply. When I arrived at the hospital this morning, the doctor was manually pumping air into him to assist him. He is still on the CPAP, but now also has a machine that gives him 15 breaths every minute. The next step will be to put him back on the ventilator. On a positve note, he does continue to gain weight! And the faster he can gain weight, the sooner they can correct his heart. He is a fighter, and we know we God's help and your prayers he can pull through! Keep the positive vibes flowing!
Kyle has incredible strength as he has been maitaining his job hunting and interviewing. Today he is in Milwaukee for a final round of interviews. Kyle's biggest fans (Tavyn, Kolton, Me & Naboo) are all routing for him!
God grant us all strength!
Love and peace,
Gretchen