Into Heaven

It is with a heavy heart that I write this...

Skyler Gabriel Dolen has been scooped up by God's loving hands. We last updated that Sky's heart beat had dropped and he was just getting tired of fighting. When I got to the hospital I touched up Shelly's make-up and sat back and watched as she and Micah shared some special moments with their precious little man. Though his body was shutting down he made a few last efforts to open his eyes and be in the moment with his parents. Micah asked for the big boys to come see their brother and it was emotional for them as well. Asher didn't quite understand, but Grayson was struck with emotion and didn't want his brother to leave.

We gathered as a family and watched as Shelly comforted Skyler in her arms until he took his last breath. I can't even describe the emotion that swept the room, but Skyler's face was that of peace. For almost one month we've had the pleasure of knowing Skyler. He was quite the fighter. He's in good hands now and I know he will be waiting for his parents and brothers to see and play with them some day in Heaven.

A prayer sent to me by Erin that I had to share:

"Jesus, wrap your strong and loving arms around sweet baby Skyler as you carry him away from any pain and into the peaceful kingdom of heaven. Deliver him into his heavenly Father, and lay your healing hands on the hearts of his family as they hand him over to you."

Thanks for your continued support and prayers.

-Auntie Kylah

Heart rate dropping

I just got a text from Shelly and it said...

Sky's heart rate is dropping. This is new & scary. His body could be showing us the fight is too much.

PLEASE PRAY

-Shelly

Matchbox Cars

Update from Shelly just now....

Early this afternoon We took a field trip to Swedish Issaquah to get some stuff so Micah could work from here today. It's good for him to keep busy it drives him crazy to sit and watch the monitors. When we walked in Dr. Lawson happened to be standing right there to give us the formal night- morning update. Sky is critically stable. He's still having breathing dips but he's at 50% oxygen now and yesterday he was at 100%. (21% is what we breathe) We all are going to leave him alone as much as possible today to let him rest, grow, & heal. They are upping his calories to 26 calories per hour (his feeding volume will stay at 5ccs they are just adding extra calories) to help him grow (pray for lung & kidney growth). He loves to eat & excels at tolerating his feeds & pooping. (The big boys love that he poops a lot.) He has had good urine output for the last 24 hrs despite all the other drama. I just praise God for this day with Sky and the sense of hope we have for today. As we were walking in the sky was clear and blue. I take that as a sign for a better day and so far it is one! Pray that, that continues. 

Kell is doing well. They are planning on trying the CPAP again soon (maybe early next week). He's a good eater, too. He eats 8ccs per hour with 27 calories (see how impressive Sky's eating is!?!) added. He's starting to plump up a bit which is awesome to see. He's reached the milestone of surpassing his birthweight. Micah was able to catch Kell being alert & social on video today. I love seeing his facial expressions. He tuckered himself out and is now napping. 

Micah and I are having a much better day today. Micah brought the boys their first matchbox cars. Sky's is a black & green '71 Mustang and Kell's is a red '71 Maverick. They are hanging above their isolettes. Typical Micah trying to make them into little gear heads already! Yesterday, I made a big mistake....I said that I would buy Sky a motorcycle, a gun, a knife, a car, a sharp stick, and a pair of scissors he could run with if he'd just be a healthy boy. Micah will not forget that and is probably shopping for motorcycles as I type this...have I learned nothing in our 10 years of marriage!?! 

Thank you all for your prayers! We're so thankful for a better day today and are praying to heading out of the critical phase soon. We so desire to bring home two healthy boys to create the blissful chaos of a four boy household. Bring on the melamine dishes and carpet cleaner!  

Lots of Love,

Shelly

The best gift...

I got this email from Shelly last night...

A few weeks ago, a mommy friend contacted my friend, Jessica, to tell her about Pictures of Hope (local photographers come to the NICU and donate the gift of those precious newborn pictures) Jessica, being the little researcher that she is, looked into it right away only to find out that a friend of hers was one of the photographers. She called me to see if I would be okay with her connecting the two of us and of course I was. Mimi Inglin (Inglin Photography) came to the NICU on Jan. 24th for the boys first photo shoot. Mimi was fabulous! It was her first NICU shoot and she was so flexible with all the constraints that go with being here. It can be a little scary for people to see babies so small hooked up to wires and tubes but she took it all in stride not showing it at all if she was a little freaked out.

Today has just been a yucky day. I have been avoiding my e-mail mostly in the hopes to not cry for the millionth time today, (I swear I have broken a seal in my tear ducts and now I can't stop it!) but this evening tucked in my inbox was the perfect 4 week gift....a slide show of the boys photo shoot. While I did cry, it was tears of joy. God has given me such beautiful boys and I am so thankful for the amazing gift of fabulous pictures of them!

http://www.inglinphotography.com/slideshows/dolen

*The slideshow starts with Keller then goes to Sky. After Sky there is a picture of me and Doug's back (the respiratory therapist that day) we are both standing by Keller's isolette and Sky's is the one with the blanket over the top. (This is how both of the boys spent the majority of their days.) The slide show ends with photos of Keller getting his cares and new tape for his tube. 

Lots of Love,

Shelly

I believe in miracles

Update from Shelly...

Sky is swinging between critical & critically critical. He is receiving all the support they have to offer him so we're praying God has a miracle in store for him. We had conversations today that I hope to never have again. They left both Micah & I emotionally exhausted. Glenda is Sky's nurse today and she lifted the lid off & put down the sides of the isolette so I could give him some kisses and be close to him. I soaked him in...his smell; he has the most beautiful long eyelashes, his long delicate fingers & toes; his soft (& fuzzy) skin, his light brown hair smoothed down by laying in his little bed; baby perfection. He tolerated our short time well and it was an amazing gift for me. It has been such an emotional day to say the least, not quite the way I thought we were going to ring in the twins turning 4 weeks old. Praying for miracles for my sweet little Sky.

Lots of Love,


Shelly

It's not looking good...

JUST IN FROM SHELLY....


Sky is fighting so hard but it's not looking good. The Dr actually said, "I'm really worried about Skyler. If there is one more bump he's not going to make it."


PLEASE PRAY!!!

I am your Shield

Update from last night...

Today was a good day just as I expected! Micah and I are doing this awesome devotional together it's called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. Each night I read the one for the next day so we can let it marinate and wake up with a renewed focus on Him. Today's devotional said, "I am your strength and shield. I plan out each day and have it ready for you long before you arise from bed. I also provide the strength you need each step of the way. Instead of assessing your energy level and wondering about what's on the road ahead, concentrate on staying in touch with Me. My power flows freely into you through our open communication. Refuse to waste energy worrying and you will have strength to spare.

Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that I am your Shield. But unlike inanimate armor, I am always alert and active. My Presence watches over you continually, protecting you from both the known and unknown dangers. Entrust yourself to My watchcare, which is the best security system available. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go."

Psalm 28:7; Matthew 6:34; Psalm 56:3-4; Genesis 28: 15 Isn't it good!?!

Now for the update on our sweet boys!

Sky is back on a low dose of dopamine. His urine output had dropped again and was back up after the dopamine had a chance to kick in. I guess the low dose was doing something after all! The cardiologist from Children's ordered another echo for tomorrow to try to pin point the exact effects the PDA is having on Sky's lungs. Overall, he had a good day. I pray for another one tomorrow.

Keller was feeling much better today. He was scooting his little body around his isolette. He loves to keep the respiratory therapists busy!  Doug (today's respiratory therapist) scored me a diaper change for Kell today. While he was in to check Kell's vent the nurse said she needed to change his diaper. Doug said that I knew how and that I should do it. I was thrilled when she agreed to let me. It was wonderful to get called off the bench to care for one of my boys. Kell greeted me with wide eyes and a finger grab. (Oh how he melts my heart!!) I'm hoping for some cuddles tomorrow!!

Thanks for all of your prayers!

Lots of Love,

Shelly