a prayer request

I hope the title doesn't throw anyone off...Coy is doing really great! We had a visit to the High Risk Pedi today (they are the docs affiliated w/ the Hermann NICU, Coy will follow up w/ them until he is 2 years old) and the doctor thought he looked "great." He is now 3 days old adjusted age (developmentally he should act like a 3 day old newborn, not a 4 month infant) weighed in at 5 lbs 14 oz and is 18.5 inches long! That's awesome growth since we were discharged from the hospital a little over 2 weeks ago! To my surprise, we will not have to go back for 6 months! Since we have a Pulse Ox (to measure his blood oxygen level), they are giving ME the authority to wean his oxygen! I was planning on doing it anyway, but cool that I now have the doctors permission. So, to wean oxygen, we will test him daily off of it and watch his sats--he needs to say above 92% to wean off successfully--this may take some time, but we've already noticed how his lungs are maturing and becoming stronger by the day!

My prayer request is this: pray for Coy's reflux to diminish! He has not been officially diagnosed w/ reflux, but it is becoming more and more obvious to Dr. Mom. He tends to arch his back and grimace during some feedings (meaning he is in pain), and at times spits up more. I know all babies spit-up, but he's spitting up in correlation to the retching pain--a sign of reflux and it is becoming more often. We've all had acid reflux from time to time and it doesn't feel good---so I want to get hold of this issue before it becomes larger. We are trying him on regular breast milk (not fortified) to see if that helps; if not, he will most likely need reflux medications. So please pray for the reflux to go away! He has had good weight gain which is a good sign, but like I said, I don't want it becoming worse! Most "normal" babies will eventually grow out of reflux, but with preemies, the effects can last longer. And of course, I've heard horror reflux stories where babies will just stop eating because they are in such pain!

Chris and I are doing better and better with the round-the-clock feeding schedule! This weekend, Chris "babysat" and I went to the mall and Target (my favorite, I could spend a million dollars there, no seriously)! It was a much needed break and good to feel like a normal part of society.

Thanks to all who have donated to the March of Dimes! We appreciate it so much!
Also, thanks to all who came to the blood drive and gave LIFE! You're awesome!

the DUE date

well, today was the day; the day he was due...
for the past 4 months, i have dreaded this day...
I have wondered how i would feel today....
....and today, i can happily say, i am celebrating God's gifts...
I have my baby boy home with me, I am able to hold him, play with him, bath him, sleep close to him...by the grace of God, I get to do all the things I longed to do...
I am not struggling anymore with the "what ifs"...I am now rejoicing each day and am so THANKFUL for every second.
Even with all we've been through, I feel like the "luckiest" person on earth; so grateful for God's healing of Coy...
this journey has taught me so much; I am not sure why we've been "chosen" for this path, but I trust in God's plan, a plan so great I cannot understand...
my baby boy is absolutely perfect, a perfect child of God...
Thank you Jesus

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

big and chubby

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

I'm happy to report Coy is doing great here at home! He is really getting big and chubby! He loves his milk! We are all adjusted to NO sleep now; actually, Coy has really improved on his sleeping habits over the past 4 days. At first, I thought he had his days and nights mixed up, but he is now sleeping in his cradle between feedings at night. This gives me about 2 hours of sleep at a time! It's awesome =)! He has been congested for the past day or so; I have been using the bulb syringe to extract some VERY large boogers--yes, gross, but true. He sounds much better today but absolutely hates the suctioning. Other than that, he is your average newborn--eats, poops, sleeps, repeat....

Please continue to pray for Coy's total healing and complete development! We don't have any MD appts this week--next Monday we will see the High Risk Pedi.

The March of Dimes Walk is fastly approaching. We invite you to join team Coy if in the Houston area and come walk with us! Click the link on the right of the page for more details!

Blood Drive

During his stay in the NICU, Coy received many blood transfusions. We are so THANKFUL to those of you that donated and that there was blood available when Coy needed it to save his life. We are blessed that he is home now and no longer has an immediate need for blood, however, the need around the country for blood is still substantial. There is a blood drive this weekend in Coy's honor. If available, we invite/encourage you to come and GIVE life to a person in need. Thanks for all your continued love, support, and prayers!

CCA- Alvin/ Pearland- Replenishment Drive for BABY COY KOLKHORST
Blood Drive
Saturday, March 29
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Donor Coach @ Bass Pro Shop
1000 Bass Pro Dr. Pearland, TX 77584
To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and enter sponsor
code P558 or contact Rob Blake at (281) 993-1243.

Happy Easter!

Coy with his Cousin Ryder

5 lbs!

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary; and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40: 29-31

Sorry for the delay in posting y'all! I have to say I have a new found respect for all parents out there! Geezz....I was never expecting it to be this hard! I now get excited for a 2 hour "nap" when before I required AT LEAST 8 hours of sleep! I hear it all gets easier.....

So, although it's been much harder having him home than I expected, I am cherishing every last second. My favorite time is actually early in the morning when I'm feeding him and he falls fast asleep on my chest. He seems to like sleeping on me, I usually attempt to put him in his cradle after he falls asleep but most of the time this does not work. My heart just wont let him be fussy for too long---I have to pick him back up and hold him. I just think about him being in the NICU for so long, and for so long, we weren't there to hold him at night. I am blessed to be able to do that now. And I am getting sleep when we have great help around!

We had the first Pediatrician visit on Tuesday; we really liked the doctor. She thought Coy looked great (he weighed 5lbs!) and we didn't have to wait a second in the waiting room, we were escorted right back to an exam room! He tolerated the car ride there very well and we were back home before we knew it! We weren't suppose to see her again for a few weeks, but yesterday (Thursday) I woke up and noticed Coy's abdomen was more distended than I'm comfortable with. He also began spitting up a bit more with his feedings on Wednesday night---not alot, but more than normal for him. So, we saw the pediatrician again yesterday---she was also a bit concerned with his increased abdominal girth and decided to give him a suppository in the office--turns out he really had to poop and was full of gas---he actually pooped on the doctor. I guess I should have warned her to what was going to happen--it was quite funny!

Today his belly is much softer and smaller. He is taking in alot more food than ever before so this is also a reason his belly is larger than normal...his new norm is 70ccs per bottle!

We also had an appointment with Dr. Hittner yesterday to check on his eyes. She said "the baby looks good." Turns out, she's a big baseball fan--Chris and her had their own conversation about baseball while I'm there trying to ask about eye drops and stuff....we go back and see her in 2 weeks!

We've discovered traveling with Coy is quite difficult. He is connected to an Apnea monitor (detects if his heartrate drops below 70bpm or goes above 225bpm and if he stops breathing for greater than 20 seconds), oxygen tank, and pulse ox (detects his blood oxygen level.) So managing all those things, keeping him happy, getting the stroller packed and un-packed, takes some work! I'm sure we will be pros in no time! And don't get me started about the darn apnea monitor! It sounds like somebody put a blow horn next to your ear when it alarms! The company has been out to our house 3 times, once at 230am, when they thing decided to quit working! Anyway--I'm glad for the monitor because it does help us rest easier, but that's only when we think it's working properly! Most likely, we'll have to put up with it for a few more months.

Thanks for the continued prayers and support! Please continue to healing of Coy's heart, brain, eyes, lungs, and stomach! We are so grateful to you all!

Of course, here are some more pictures at bath time! He really likes his camo towel (and it has matching burp cloths!) I guess I should start taking pics at other times too! And we still LOVE our paci!

home sweet home

"Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?" Jeremiah 32:27

So, Coy has been home for 3 days now; the past 3 days have been absolutely amazing. I still am in shock that he's home. I don't think it's fully sunk in yet. I am always looking at him, holding him, changing him, feeding him. Life with a "newborn" is challenging, but so blissful at the same time. I am loving our "new" normal. Although I'm so glad Coy is home, I do miss all the staff and families in the NICU. Those are people I will always be thankful for; I can't express our gratitude enough to them.

He seems to be adjusting well to life at home. Chris and I are becoming acquainted with less sleep. I have always been one that needed lots of sleep; so to say I'm tired is an understatement. Saturday night, Coy, was up every 2 hours starving for food. He was taking 60cc's each time we fed him which is WAY more than he would take at the hospital. One of his awesome primary nurses called to check on him yesterday and when I excitedly told her about his new feeding schedule she told me that we shouldn't be feeding him so much! I just thought--baby hungry, feed baby. But I guess he shouldn't gain weight "too" fast as his favorite nurse told me. He has now been waking up hungry every 2.5 to 3 hours; he gets so hungry, so fast I hardly have time to heat up his milk!

One of the Docs called with Coy's MRI results today. All in all, the MRI looks good for a 23 weeker. There are a few abnormalities in his brain, however, small and hopefully fixable with therapies and love.

Please continue to pray for the progress of Coy. Pray for total and complete healing of his eyes, lungs, and brain.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) is our first visit to the pediatrician. Please pray for us as we take him out of the house for the first time! Pray he is not exposed to any "sick" kiddos. Hopefully we can sneak in and out of the office. We have been advised by all his doctors to steer clear of any and all public places and people. Of course, he has to go to doctors appointments, so we will do the best we can.

Our God is the Great Physician. There is nothing too big for him. Coy is home against all odds. He was home 2 weeks before his due date. He is sleeping in my arms as I type this. We are so blessed.

Here are some pics from today. We both love bath time! Note the attachment to the pacifier in every picture! He can even hold it in himself!

Saturday fun....

Bath time...

Coy with Aunt Stephanie..

Sleeping on mommy after eating..

We're Home!

"You are my God, and I will give you thanks; you are my God, and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." Psalm 118: 28-29

I am very happy to report........COY IS HOME! Sorry for the delay in posting for those who have been checking all day---I didn't have time! All I have to say is "WOW! I'm tired!" Last night (Thursday) Chris and I did "Care by Parent" at the hospital...this was the first time we were Coy's "caretakers" all day & night...it was a very long, but awesome night....

This afternoon we said our bittersweet goodbyes to the amazing doctors, nurses, and staff in the NICU and made, what seemed like forever, our drive home!

We are settling in and are adjusting to having a baby in the house! Today was so surreal. Words can't describe how I am feeling right now.

Please continue to pray for us...pray for all of us to adjust to home life! Pray for Coy to breathe, eat, sleep, pee, poop, and grow...

We are so overwhelmed by all of your love and support!

Here are a few pics from today.......
Leaving the hospital...

We're HOME!



Stretching out in his craddle..

almost...

Keep praying y'all....plan is still for Friday! Chris & I will be staying down at the hospital tomorrow night (Thursday) doing "Care by Parent." This is to be sure we can handle everything...we were trained on the apnea & pulse ox monitor and oxygen tanks/regulators today...

Since I wont be blogging again until we have him home on Friday, pray for a safe commute home!

Coy had another eye exam today that looked good! Great news, I was really nervous about this!

Can't wait to post "We're Home..."

getting closer...

"For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love." Psalm 33:4-5

This will be brief due to my lack of energy...

We are getting closer & closer to bring Coy home! His discharge planner is busy scheduling all his appointments for the next few weeks (pedi pulmonary, cardiology, high risk pedi, regular pedi, opthamology). She has also found a home health company with the correct O2 tank we need; they will bring it to the hospital tomorrow (Wednesday) and hook him up--if he does okay on this oxygen setting, we will be home on Friday...

Please pray that all goes well in the next few days...pray that his eye exam in clear tomorrow; pray for him to tolerate his new oxygen settings...pray for Chris & I as we prepare to bring him home...

waiting game

"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever." Psalm 125:1

We were blessed to have another wonderful weekend with Coy. He continues to grow and thrive in level 2--he's now 4lb7oz! I'm still standing firm in the vision that God has given me--Coy will be home by next weekend. But, per his Neonatologist "He's actually doing 'to good' to come home within the next few days"---I'll explain because I was confused too when the doctor told me this today--He was weaned to 1/10L of oxygen last Thursday (the lowest it can go) and his blood oxygen level has been above 95% majority of the time. For his eye health, his saturations need to be kept between 85-95%, if it goes above 95% there is greater risk for eye damage--there is a correlation between high saturations with oxygen and ROP disease. And since Coy already had ROP disease that required surgery, we can't leave his oxygen like this. So, they have tried to take the oxygen off all together twice and he didn't do as well as they would like--so we're kinda stuck in a holding pattern. Per his doctor--if he required slightly more oxygen, we'd be home within the next few days--but because he's requiring just a minute amount, (which is unavailable with home oxygen tanks) we have to wait to wean him off the oxygen completely before discharge. Yes, very frustrating to think "if he was only requiring more oxygen, we'd be home..." Today, they changed his flow back to 1/4 L and put him on 21% oxygen (room air). He would be able to go home if he required 1/8-1/4L at 100%, but since 1/10L at 100% (again, which is the lowest it can go) is too high, we have to wait. Does that make sense? So, over the next few days, we will try to wean if completely off the oxygen....Grandma Kolkhorst has a vision that he will not be on oxygen when sent home---so let's pray for our combined visions--that Coy will be home this weekend w/o oxygen!

I stressed my concerns to his doctor today--yes, Coy is doing exceptional for a 23weeker (we are still 2 weeks 5 days from his due date) and are talking about discharge (one of his nurses said this is "unheard of" for a 23weeker) but I am not willing for him to "hang out" in a hospital for weeks to wean off oxygen--not with the Flu and other infections/ illnesses that run rampant there. I am not wanting Coy to come home before he's ready, but I also don't want him in the hospital a day longer than he needs to be. The doctor is currently looking into home oxygen tanks that can give a fractionized amount of O2--he's says it's not likely we will find one, but he will try.

Anyway--that was the kinda frustrating, doesn't make logical sense news we got today...but I am trusting in God and know that he will take care of everything...

But on the plus side...Coy continues to nipple all his bottles and his now taking as much milk as he wants! He has to take a minimum of 34cc, but takes up to 50cc with each feeding! He is just the cutest thing ever when he's eating...for preemies to take bottles it takes alot of energy, so after each bottle, he is practically asleep before the bottle is out of his mouth! He did have two bradys this weekend with feeding---please pray that he gets stronger and has more endurance each day with feeding!

My amazing and awesome Sister & Sister-in-laws threw us/me a Surprise Baby Shower this morning! My sister lives close to Chris and I and asked if she could come to church with us this morning--I said sure and when we got to her house at 920am, all of our families and two best friends were there waiting! I was in shock! It was early! But lots of fun! They are awesome and so caring for doing that...we got lots of goodies for Coy!

Please continue to pray for complete and total healing of Coy! He is making progress daily! Please pray for him to come off oxygen this week so we can be home by the weekend! Pray for his eyes to be completely healed! Pray for his MRI (to be done on Wednesday) to be normal!

going HOME (soon)!

"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." Hebrews 10:35-36

Okay so, yes, it's true; the plan is to take him home "before next weekend." Can you believe it?
Needless to say, he had a AWESOME day and took all 8 bottles, weaned his oxygen and is doing everything they are expecting him to do.....
The discharge checklist has begun. They attempted to do his Hearing Screen today but he wouldn't fall asleep like they need him to be, so they will try again tomorrow. He will also have a developmental exam on Monday. He will go home on a "whisper" of oxygen (1/10 L) so they have ordered the oxygen tanks and Apnea monitor for us. They are starting to schedule ALL the appointments we will have to make it to within the next few weeks.

Please pray that Coy continues to thrive and take all his bottles w/out desats or bradys; pray that his Brain MRI is normal; pray for us as we prepare for our little man to be home; pray that we are able to take him home next week. Please pray that we are able to bring him home next week.

God told me last week that Coy would be going home soon. My heart is at peace and full of joy. There are many things that could happen between now and next weekend that would prevent our discharge, but I am not going to stand in fear of those things. God has promised me and I trust in Him.

GOOD DAY!

"I know that my Redeemer lives." Job 19:25

God continues to bless Coy (and us) in ways I could have never imagined. To look back at where we started just overwhelms me with emotion.

Coy was weaned to 1/10 of a liter of oxygen today! His doctor wrote an order to increase him to 100% O2 and wean the liter flow. They have to do this because the "take home O2 tanks" deliver 100% oxygen only; the hospital has what they call a "blender" so he can be on any liter flow and they can adjust the oxygen he receives btw 21-100%; at home, we can't do this, so we have to find his "happy place" with the liter flow. So he started at 1L and sated high, so she turned him to 1/2L and he still sated high; so she turned him to 1/4L and he still sated high; so finally he was at 1/8 L and he still sated high--this is the lowest it could go! So his nurse called the doctor back and asked him what he wanted to do--(remember doctor told me before that if he got to 1/8L 02 and taking 8 bottles we'd be out the door)--so he wanted to find a flow meter that would go to 1/10L. They had to go to the Pedi floor to find this; he was on room air for awhile and sated okay; but for now he is happy on 1/10 L oxygen.

He also took ALL 8 BOTTLES today! So we're at 1/10L and 8 bottles. Pretty amazing day. He is the cutest bottle feeder ever. He burps so loud and his face has such a look of relief after it gets it out. He gets so tired after eating; I just held him all afternoon. He slept on me and I could hardly breathe. Not because he's heavy (4lb3oz) but because I can't believe this is real. I can't believe it. We just cuddled together for hours.

Please continue to pray for our baby boy. Pray for total healing of his body. Pray for no desats or bradys; for healing of any damage to his brain; for healing of his eyes; for continued growth; for maturing of his lungs...

Here are some pictures from today! Notice his NG (feeding) tube was removed! Yes, he looks just like Chris!

miracle of life

"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building." 1 Corinthians 3:7-9

Coy is now 4lb3oz! He has chubby cheeks and fat on his legs! His P/S (preemie small) diapers are fitting so snug! And he's filling out his clothes! Wow, wow, wow....how far God has brought us...His nurse today kept telling me how "small" he was...I was like, "oh no, he's BIG, you should have seen him at 1lb4oz!" I'll take 4lbs, that sounds good to me!

So Coy continues to defy the odds and baffle the doctors. They are in awe of him. All his nurses are telling me to "get ready" at home. I am at peace now; I have a feeling he will be home soon. They have told us from the beginning that "IF" he ever makes it out of the hospital, it would be "miraculous" to go home on his due date. We are 3 weeks from his due date (3/28/08).

Well, Coy is now attempting all 8 bottles per day! He did get sleepy with one feeding, so we had to put the remainder of the milk down his tube, but the others he took like the little champ he is.

He's now holding his own temperature in an open crib and loves looking around! He even has a mobile! I think I played the same song for him 20 times today before I realized it played others!

His eye's were examined again by "the General" Dr. Hittner. She said they look good! (She really is a very nice lady...)

And God has finally given me the "go ahead" to get Coy's nursery ready at home. It's painted, the crib is assembled, his 'stuff' is organized and waiting...

Please continue to pray for our little man! Pray for his lungs to fully mature and function normally; pray that his oxygen will be weaned soon; pray for Coy's energy and stamina during his bottle feedings; pray that he doesn't brady or desat; pray for his brain MRI to be 'normal' that is scheduled for next Wednesday; pray that his eyes continue to heal...

quick update

"The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him." Lamentations 3:25

Coy had a good day in his new found home. He was weaned to 1L on his oxygen and stayed between 25-30%. He took all 6 bottles yesterday and is working on another 6 today! In a few days, his will attempt the big 8! He did desat some and had a few bradys, but nothing significant...

Please pray for total and complete healing of Coy! Pray that he will NOT get the Flu or any other infections/ illnesses! Pray for his oxygen requirement to remain low and for his heart rate to stay regular without bradys!

(Sorry this is so short, I'm really tired--will post more tomorrow sometime...)

Level 2!

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Well, Coy made the journey across the hall to Level 2 today. He was moved to an open crib as well (another big hurdle!) So, we packed up all his stuff (hard to believe how much stuff a baby can accumulate in 13 weeks!) and we wheeled him to his new home! He was so content and sucked on his pacifier the whole way (it's not that far), he then fell asleep and didn't wake up til it was almost time to eat. We've already noticed how much quieter Level 2 is; the alarms aren't always ringing, there's not doctors in and out every minute, it's just more peaceful. We're told this is where he should be now--a quiet place to eat and grow. I am excited, but still anxious with our new home. I hope I don't have to get use to it; I am hoping we're home before that!

Since it's a new month, Coy has a new doctor. He also started with his new NPs today. His doctor was talking about "going home" with me today...he said "If he takes all his 8 bottles and continues to gain weight, he will be going home soon..." Although Coy is still on oxygen, new MD thinks its better to be a home and wean off the oxygen there than stay in the hospital to do it. So, that was nice to hear!

Coy is now taking 2 bottles in a row followed by a gavage feeding (through his NG tube). So he will be getting 6 bottles today if he keeps it up tonight! We tried this over the weekend and he became too tired; he handled much better today! I was able to feed him 3 bottles; he did great; only had one brady which was at his 9pm because he got tired on me...

I admit that I am a paranoid mom, but we found out tonight that Coy's neighbor for the past few months (who shared the same nurses!) was diagnosed with the FLU yesterday! My anxiety level was through the roof today! I mean seriously, how does a baby who has never been exposed to the outside world get the FLU? Yeah, so I'm glad we're away from him (he's now in isolation) but scary to think Coy might have been exposed as well! So, the plan to take Coy home ASAP on oxygen works for me!! So far, he's fine; like I said, just paranoia!

Thanks for all your prayers! Some specifics...

• For Coy to grow stronger by the day


• For Coy to take all 8 bottles!


• For Coy to take all 8 bottles effortlessly without any bradys or desats


• For Coy to poop daily


• For Coy's eyes to be healed completely!


• For Coy to maintain his temperature and stay in open crib


• For Coy to come home ASAP!

We are so grateful to you all! Thanks for praying for our little miracle!

Here's a picture of him on the scale tonight..

4 pounds!

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness, to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever." Psalm 30:11-12

Coy weighs 4 lbs and is 17 in long! I can hardly believe that he is so big! He's "maturing" into a term baby more and more each day; he is waking up hungry, sucking on his fingers and he has a new trick now--he can keep his pacifier in his mouth all by himself. This entertains Chris and I to no end; we just crack up at him. We were able to give him a bath tonight; he really likes baths and we really enjoy bathing him. He is now taking every other feeding by a bottle. He is doing so well; he sucks them down in 15 minutes and is still hungry for more!! It is tricky to feed him though; he can easily "brady" or desat if he gets "ahead" of himself--I am getting more and more confident with feeding him; Chris has fed him once; soon, we'll both be pros. We finally got his holter report back--Pedi Cardio said it looks good; nothing they are worried about; we will just need to follow up with them one month after discharge.

Tomorrow will be a big day for us...Coy is moving to Level 2. I have mixed feelings about this. I am excited because this means we are closer to going home, but I am anxious about meeting new nurses. Coy has had wonderful Level 3 primary nurses who we love and who love him. We are going to be sad to leave them. He is also changing nurse practioners; we will miss them too; they have been very supportive; he will now be assigned to a less critical team; please pray for this transition to go well!

We are so thankful to have spent an amazing day with our baby boy. We are beyond blessed to have spent these past 13 weeks with Coy. God is so good. Let's all praise him!

Here are some pictures from this weekend....

Chris feeding Coy for the first time...




How Coy felt about Daddy's bottle feeding skills...


Mommy and Coy...


So content after Mommy feeding him...


After his bath tonight...