We are so grateful to be able to report that Tikvah Hadassah Kirkland was born on Friday, October 28, 2011. After about 2 hours of active labor and 2 pushes, she entered into the world weighing 7 lbs., 13 oz. and measuring 19″ long.
The NICU team whisked her away after a brief “hello” in order to stabilize her and confirm her diagnosis of transposition of the great arteries (TGA). They found everything as anticipated and scheduled her for surgery the following week.
On Wednesday, November 2, 2011, Tikvah had open-heart surgery to correct the placement of her arteries. The Lord brought her through the surgery and immediate recovery with flying colors. After waiting a couple of days to allow her heart’s swelling to subside, they were able to surgically close her chest cavity by Friday, November 4, 2011.
The next goal was to try and remove the breathing machine and begin weaning her off some of her meds. By Monday, November 7, 2011, she was completely off the breathing machine and off of all of her medication.
The final goal before the hospital could discharge Tikvah into our care was to get her to feed orally. It is not uncommon for babies to loose their ability to coordinate the suckling, swallowing, and breathing reflexes successfully enough to be able to feed from a bottle following such extensive surgery. However, God displayed His amazing grace once again in allowing Tikvah to take to the bottle right away. By Monday afternoon, she was feeding orally from the bottle and able to keep everything down. Today, we tried nursing and she latched-on right away!
Now, they are planning to discharge her as early as tomorrow morning! To God be the glory for the great things He has done in the life of this little soul. We are so incredibly humbled to have witnessed first-hand His amazing hand at work in the life of Tikvah Hadassah Kirkland. It will be such a joy to see the rest of His plans for her life unfold in coming weeks, months and (Lord willing) years!
Truly unbelievable, you guys! We sat and read this together and cried and praised God for His stunning grace. She is well-named!
As you say, soli deo gloria.