Baby Eden

Suggested help...

2010-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

We have had friends, neighbors, and church members give us my kind cards, service, gifts, and love. Here are a few books and a talk that helped us. I thought I would recommend them.

Mother's Grieving Therapy & Memory Book:

"Mending Invisible Wings; Healing From the Loss of Your Baby,"
A Healing Journal,

by Mary Burgess with Shiloh Sophia McCloud

isbn# 978-0-9674214-7-6

Children's Book:

"Sarah's Cloud,"
by Deborah J. Merrill,

Illustrated by Brian D. Call

isbn# 1-57008-955-8

Grieving Help Book:

"Gone Too Soon; The Life and Loss of Infants and Unborn Children,"

by Sherri Devashrayee Wittwer

isbn# 13: 978-1-55503-655-3

66 Min. Talk on CD:

"Five Scriptures that Will Help You Get Through Almost Anything ,"

by John Bytheway

Distributed by Deseret Book Company

Happy Valentine's Day Eden

2010-02-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

We love you Eden.
Happy Valentine's Day

Grandma Karen helped us decorate Eden's graveside.

We ordered a beautiful headstone for Eden's grave

and hope to have it finished in a month or so.

The Eternal Refiner and Purifier of Silver

2010-02-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

My Uncle sent this to me a week or two after Eden's funeral. He has known of our hardships. Ever since we moved to Idaho two years ago almost to the day, I have felt as if we have been in the refiner fires. The passing of Eden has been our hardest tragedy to endure so far. Yet there were so many wonderful, special, spiritual, memorable, and sweet moments within this hardship. Maybe the quote below will help others during their own trials and tragedies.

The Eternal Refiner and Purifier of Silver-- Malachi 3:3

Malachi 3:3 says: "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness."

This verse puzzled some students in an Old Testament Sunday School class and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the students, a woman, offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next class.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire to heat it up. He explained that when refining silver, one needs to hold the silver in the middle of the flame where the fire is hottest and thereby burn away all of the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot. Then she thought again about the verse that says: "…He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver..."

She asked the silversmith if he truly had to sit there in front of the fire closely monitoring the progress and make adjustments the whole time the silver was being refined.

The man assured her he did, and that he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on it the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left even a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?"

He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy – when I see my image in it."

When you are personally feeling the heat of the fire, as we all sometimes do, remember that God has His eyes on you and will keep closely watching you until He sees His image in your countenance.

Thank you for the love.

2010-02-02T15:33:00.000-08:00

Heartprints

Whatever our hands touch---

We leave fingerprints!

On walls, on furniture,

On doorknobs, dishes, books,

As we touch we leave our identity.

Oh please where ever I go today,

Help me leave heartprints!

Heartprints of compassion

Of understanding and love.

Heartprints of kindness

and genuine concern.

May my heart touch a lonely neighbor

Or a runaway daughter,

Or an anxious mother,

Or, perhaps, a dear friend!

I shall go out today

To leave heartprints,

And if someone should say,"

I felt your touch,"

May that one sense be...YOUR LOVE

Touching through ME...

---Author Unknown

Thanks to all those whose left heartprints on our family. We have felt a lot of peace and love during this difficult time of loss. Thank you for helping us to endure and to grieve.

Love,

The Swensons

Jeremy, Rachel, Noah, Paige, and Eden

2010-02-02T15:20:00.000-08:00

1/31/10

The first person to hug me at the end of Eden’s funeral was a stranger. She introduced herself as someone I didn’t know, but she knew of Eden and our story and wanted to simply give me a hug. I responded with a smile and said, “I will take as many hugs as I can get. I would love a hug. Thank you for coming.” I felt the strangers love and I loved her as we embraced sincerely. Then she walked away as I was greeted and hugged by other loved ones. I don’t even know her name, but I will always remember her.

I have been thinking about the sweet woman who hugged me at Eden’s funeral…thinking about her has made me think of missionary work…of the many people whose hearts Eden touched. My paradigm on missionary work has been shifted.

This last week, I noticed that Eden’s blog has been visited over 8,000 times. I began the blog when Eden was born to inform family and friends of Eden’s progress and to find prayers from all who were willing to pray for Eden. I can’t imagine how many people Eden and her story impacted. Just seeing her and her perfection at such a young age and such a small size testified to all that witnessed that there is a God and miracles happen every day. Through our experience with Eden, she has strengthened Jeremy’s and my testimony of God’s love, His will, Christ, the atonement, and the importance of family. Eden was a missionary for us.

Eden was also a missionary to those whose testimonies had dwindled because of neglect, those that never knew they had a testimony of a higher being, those who were searching for spirituality and truth beyond what earthly man can give them. Before Eden passed away, multiple times, Eden’s story led a new friend or stranger and I or Jeremy into a spiritual conversation. Sometimes about God and sometimes about gospel principles. The conversations were not forced, but easily woven into our everyday conversation and open on both sides. It would be nice if it could always be like that. There is a reverence in the NICU that allows these conversations to easily take place; most of us come together as believers in God and miracles and are driven to our knees having just witnessed a birth of a baby and the chance of losing them.

Differences in churches is not an issue. It is nice. We come together as believers in God. I have found, especially in the last few years, that all religions have much in common. It saddens me when people spend more time focusing on the small differences and let that pull people a part, when the abundant similarities should pull us together.

To my little missionary Eden, God lives, and you have testified that to us. Even during times of hardship and sorrow, I do believe He is a loving and kind God, and loves us all. Thank you Eden.

Love, Your Mother Always,
Rachel

Eden's Funeral

2010-01-18T21:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from Eden's funeral last week at Meridian Cemetery on January 12, 2010. It was very nice to have so many family and friends there supporting Eden and our family. Thank you to all that attended and to those who helped make the funeral so special. After the graveside service our church Relief Society provided a luncheon for all of us at our church. We have have been surrounded by everyone's kindness. Thank you.

Preparing for the Eden's Funeral

2010-01-13T12:15:00.000-08:00

Grandma Cami making Eden's casket lining. A friend of the family's father made Eden's casket. It was beautiful and tiny, like Eden.

Noah and Paige Hold Eden for the First and Last Time

2010-01-13T11:46:00.000-08:00

At the funeral home, visiting Eden a couple of days before her funeral. Eden looked so sweet swaddled in a blanket and lying in a basket woven bassinet. Touched by seeing Eden, Jeremy and I asked my mother and sister to bring them to the funeral home to see Eden. Paige and Noah took turns holding Eden. We didn't pressure them to, but let them decide. Paige of course asked to hold Eden just after she saw her. She tickled Eden and sang Rock-a-Bye Baby. Noah waited to hold Eden after Paige had a turn. They were both so sweet and loving with Eden. They each wanted to hold her for a long time.

2010-01-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

2010-01-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken by a non-profit organization, "So You Lay Me Down to Sleep." The organization consists of local professional photographers who volunteer and give their services free to parents of critically ill babies in the NICU that will soon or have passed away.

Graveside Service for Baby Eden

2010-01-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

So many have put forth their love and prayers and service towards Eden and her family. Many have followed the blog and kept in contact with us through Eden's short life here. Because of this we have decided to open the graveside service up to anyone who wants to come show their love and support for Eden and the Swenson family.

The Graveside Service for

Eden Camile Swenson

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

at 11:00 a.m.

Meridian Cemetery

895 East Franklin Road

Meridian, ID 83642-5903

Funeral Services Provided by

Accent Funeral Home

1303 North Main Street

Meridian, Idaho 83642

(208)-888-5833

Swenson family contact,

Grandma Camile 801-319-9776

Saying Goodbye. We love you Eden.

2010-01-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Eden Camile Swenson,

only ten days old, passed away last night,

January 7, 2010 around 5:40 p.m.

in her mother's arms at St. Luke's NICU.

Little Eden had been struggling to breathe since early Sunday morning. The NICU staff did their best to try all medications, steroids, and breathing machines to help regulate her oxygen levels. Being so little, the small amount of alveoli of her fragile lungs were injured from the oxygen machines. She was having difficulty getting oxygen to the rest of her body consistently and healing her lungs. The last two days she was getting more ill and last night her little heart just couldn't take it anymore. The NICU staff brought her back but she couldn't hold on. Jeremy and Rachel were present during the whole time. When her heart was giving way the second time, they were able to say good bye and hold her. Rachel was able to hold her for the first and last time. The NICU staff was very wonderful to give the amount of time and privacy and care for Eden and her parents during her passing.

Eden is loved greatly by her family and she will be missed until they meet again. She was such a strong spirit and everyone she touched felt it. Many of her NICU nurses commented on this. Jeremy, Rachel, the NICU staff, and Eden all did their best to prolong her life, but ultimately she is needed at this moment with her Heavenly Father.

Funeral services are still being decided upon.

Photos From Last Week From Grandma Cami's Camera

2010-01-06T16:05:00.001-08:00

Last week Grandpa Roger and Grandma Cami stayed with us and helped with Noah and Paige. Here are photos from their camera. The first two photos are of Jeremy and the kids and Grandpa and Grandma in the NICU lounge. The next photo is of Jeremy and Rachel touching Eden, I think for the first time. The other photo is Rachel touching Eden's hand. The last photo is just after Eden was born and whisked away to the NICU then Rachel was put on a gurney and whisked to the NICU to see her too.

NICU Service Project

2010-01-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the family members that helped with our NICU service project. We bought from Costco two microwaves today. Grandpa Val picked them up for us since we were called to Eden for her breathing problems early today (she is stable now). Val and Jeremy brought the microwaves to the NICU once Eden was stable. The microwaves are for the two NICU lactation rooms. The NICU staff, especially the lactation nurses, were ecstatic; very grateful to say the least. The hospital maintenance people are installing them today and tomorrow.

I am very grateful too, because I have such a great family willing to give to others, and now I can use the lactation room microwaves to sterilize my pump equipment for Eden along with all of the other NICU nursing moms. This donation will be useful long after Eden graduates the NICU. These NICU moms are such champs to pump for months for their babies. I look up to them. It takes real commitment, desire, and work. Mother's milk is so good for the ill and premature babies in the NICU. Thank you. Thank you.

Eden Day 9

2010-01-06T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is a photo of Eden getting a new IV today. Jeremy said it was a good thing I had left the room while this was happening. Eden didn't like it much either. Today has been a little hard for Eden. Her oxygen levels are not where we need them to be and anyone bugging her (such as nurse care sessions) cause her blood pressure to go up and her oxygen levels to go down (in layman terms). They called Jeremy and I to the hospital at 11:30 a.m. today. The calls for us to come are always scary and mean she is in trouble. They have also tried giving her a few different medications so we will see. Jeremy and I will be at the NICU all day. Too nervous to leave. Maybe Eden just missed us. Her abdomen is still dark and gray, they did x-rays on it and couldn't find anything, so they are treating her for a staph infection or fungus. They took cultures to find out but don't want to wait for results before medicating these micro preemies. They try to catch everything at first signs of a problem. Bless her little hard working soul. And of now she is still critically ill but stable.

P.S. Paige is a little emotional over mom being gone so much (she has been so good for the last 2 weeks but now her emotions are starting to show). She refuses to talk to Grandpa Val or answer any of his questions. I told him not to take it personal. She just misses me. I told Val that she told Grandpa Roger last week that he could go home, because she would be fine without him, and that if he goes to his home, then her mom will come back home. Poor sweety. She is hanging out at the NICU with us now. Hopefully we can give her enough parent time to get her to tonight.

Happy 1 Week Birthday Eden!

2010-01-05T16:02:00.000-08:00

Today is day #8 for Eden!

She is still critically ill but stable today with tiny improvements in the breathing area. But as the roller coaster goes, other things have come up with the discoloration of her abdomen. Anyhow, we are just thankful for a beautiful baby stable today. Here are some photos I took just a little bit ago. She is no longer under the billirubin light so she doesn't have to wear her beauty mask and I get to take it home for a souvenir. I love being able to see more of her face and am excited for the day when she starts to open her eyes.

Jeremy and I are trying to take turns now at the hospital so that we can shower, get sleep, see Noah and Paige and Jeremy can work a little.

A Test of Faith

2010-01-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Eden has had a rough last 24 hours starting mainly with her lungs and oxygen intake, and then every thing seemed to start being issues that never were (such as edema, not urinating, high and then low blood pressure, pain tolerance, breathing, CO2 output, etc.). It has all been very scary for Jeremy and I. I am glad we were together the whole time during this because all I could do was sob and yet they needed us to make some major decisions for aggressiveness to keep her going and the many risks short term and long term that go with those. Remember, the world of medicine is all about risks and benefits.

During this difficult 24 hour period, Jeremy gave Eden a father's priesthood prayer, then he and a new friend who is a bishop and has a baby in the NICU too gave her a priesthood blessing for the sick, we have prayed for her over and over, we fasted, we have filled her room with love, and are trying to do all we can to help her, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It got to a point that all I could do was sit in a rocking chair in her room and read to myself (we, including nurses, are trying to not touch or talk to her since she is feeling so ill). I read this month's Ensign, the third article was titled, "Walking Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death," I thought, "great, just what I need (sarcastic of course)." But as I read the article I was inspired and I can tell you how with one little quote,

"Believing in miracles and the power of the priesthood is important. But faith sufficient to accept the Father's will may be more important."

I shared the article and my thoughts with Jeremy on it. He felt the same. This is a test of faith for us. We have done all we can do and now we have to have faith and be willing to accept God's will no matter the outcome. With that, we decided to leave Eden to go home and sleep and shower and go to sacrament meeting. It was hard to leave and yes, we got our first phone call in the wee hours of the morning letting us know that Eden wasn't doing well, and then a few hours later we were called by the doctor to come in immediately to the hospital. We then had our first group counsel (a meeting with the doctor, RN, respiratory nurse, patient care rep, and us) on our next step for Eden which needed to be done in a timely manner.

Eden is still critical but she is stable. We are happy to say she has started to urinate again and her oxygen levels are stable. We just received information on her latest head ultrasound. Good news, no brain bleeding. She is kept alone under a blanket tent over her incubator. She is still very ill, but we are happy compared to yesterday and we try our best to stay hopeful. Once again the other micro preemie families here have patted us on the back and told us it will all be OK, it is a roller coaster, it is scary, but the babies are surprisingly strong. Their words bring comfort. Baby Jackson's parents just got the news that they are going home with him today after 90 plus days in the NICU. Way to go for Jackson. See, these micro preemies are so brave and so strong.

A Baby's Hand

2010-01-04T08:07:00.000-08:00

I stumbled on this quote while searching for something else on the web. It was sweet to read...

First, let us consider the hand of a child. Who among us has not praised God and marveled at his powers when an infant is held in one’s arms? That tiny hand, so small yet so perfect, instantly becomes the topic of conversation. No one can resist placing a little finger in the clutching hand of an infant. A smile comes to the lips, a certain glow comes to the eyes, and one appreciates the tender feelings that prompted the poet to pen the lines:

A baby … that sweet new blossom of humanity, fresh fallen from God’s own home to flower on earth.

As the child grows, the tightly clutched hand opens in an expression of perfect trust. “Take me by the hand, Mother; then I won’t be afraid,” bespeaks this confidence. The delightful song the little children sing so beautifully at once becomes a plea for patience, an invitation to teach, and an opportunity to serve:

I have two little hands, folded snugly and tight. They are tiny and weak, yet they know what is right. During all the long hours till daylight is through, There is plenty indeed for my two hands to do.

Kind Father, I thank thee for two little hands And ask thee to bless them till each understands That children can only be happy all day When two little hands have learned how to obey.

(Children’s Songbook, no. 272.)

Ensign » 1990 » August
First Presidency MessageHands
By President Thomas S. MonsonSecond Counselor in the First Presidency

A Parent's Love

2010-01-04T07:54:00.000-08:00

I was staring at Eden on Saturday and overwhelmed with love. This made me ponder the mysteries of a parent's love for a child. Even though Eden is so new to our family, I have a great love for her that came right away. It was the same for Noah and for Paige. I thought about how lucky I am to be a mother and experience falling head over heels in love every time I have a baby. It is such a magical feeling. It is also amazing how love doesn't replace other loves and that a parent's heart just grows bigger and loves each child individually and with a deep love. As I hugged Noah and Paige last night before they left the hospital I was filled joy from the love I have for each of them.

This new love affair is what makes it so hard to leave the hospital and not be with Eden 24/7. It makes it so hard to think about letting Eden go. It is a miracle she is here on her 7th day and yet, now we have her, we don't want to ever let her go. We are smitten.

Please Join Us This Sunday, January 3, for a Fast for Eden

2010-01-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Our family and ward are fasting with us for Eden this Sunday. We would love anyone to join in on the fast. Eden is stable but her lungs are her biggest issue.

Thank you so much for the continuous prayers.

We love you all.

Love,
Rachel

Put Your Trust in God

2010-01-01T23:07:00.000-08:00

It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is.It all works out. Don’t worry.I say that to myself every morning.It will all work out.Put your trust in God,and move forward with faith and confidence in the future.The Lord will not forsake us.He will not forsake us.If we will put our trust in Him,if we will pray to Him,if we will live worthy of His blessings,He will hear our prayers.

Gordon B. Hinckley,

“Put Your Trust in God,” Ensign, Feb 2006, 63

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T22:20:00.001-08:00

Happy New Years from the Swensons! Here we celebrate New Years Eve with dinner together in the NICU waiting room. Grandpa and Grandma Morris took the kids to "Princess and the Frog" movie before coming to the NICU. Jeremy and I were going to go to the movie too, but we couldn't make ourselves leave the hospital, so it was nice they came and we had dinner together and hung out for a while. We thought we would bring the New Year in with a group photo.

Many thanks from the Swensons for your kindness!

2010-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all of the support and celebration of baby Eden's birth. We have appreciated so much all of the flowers, cards, baby gifts, meals, play dates, little gifts for Noah and Paige, the nice emails, texts, and the general love and compassion we have felt in this last week. We know we have a long road ahead of us and it is so nice to have family, friends, and neighbors as a support network for our whole family.

Eden's New Years Day

2010-01-01T20:00:00.001-08:00

Eden is stable on her 4th day of life. She has had 3 brain ultrasounds and no brain bleeds so far (which is uncommonly good for micro preemies). She also has had good blood pressure, no need for medication to regularlize it (which is also uncommonly good for a micro preemie). Our biggest concern is her lungs right now because the ventilators are rough on her and she is sick and so on, but things are under control right now. Another issue is closing a hole in her heart (which is normal for micro preemies and some times the doctors can close the hole with meds or they surgically close the hole). We could write a book on all of her hurdles and the "risks and benefits" to all of the machines, meds, procedures, and everything going on. But we are happy she is stable thus far. We are so blessed. Micro preemies amaze me. What strength!

Interacting With Eden in the NICU

2010-01-01T15:04:00.001-08:00

Jeremy came just before we finished Eden's afternoon care.

Rachel helping in Eden's care.

Rachel brushing Eden's teeth.

It is difficult to not be able to hold your new baby, feed her, change her, or comfort her. We sometimes feel helpless. We are however able to do some things and we try to do as much as possible:

Cuddle Blankets: The hospital gave me two and my mom made 16 more so I don't have to worry about washing only two. Cuddle blankets are small flannel blankets that the mommy wears under her clothes, close to her skin to absorb her scent. A baby this small has their sense of smell the strongest. The baby knows their mommy's scent. Every day I wear and bring Eden a new cuddle blanket to place next to or touching her head in her incubator.
Touch: We are allowed to touch Eden. We try not to disturb her too much but we are able to place a hand on her head, on her hand, or her feet. We have to be still and use direct, light pressure and no stroking or rubbing. This is more comfortable for her and her nerves.
Care Participation: Eden is so little so they try not to bother her more than they need to. They do let Jeremy and I participate in her care, such as moistening/cleaning her mouth and gums with, taking her temperature, helping with linen changes (I am jealous, Jeremy was able to hold Eden up last night while the nurses changed her linens, I had gone home to sleep), and there may be other ways the further along, more well, and older she gets.
Containment: Since Eden is not in her mother's womb she does miss having her limbs be contained. Much like swaddling a newborn. If she is stressed, we can gently place our hands over her like a human hand swaddling and contain her limbs so she feels safe. This works well to calm her and it is nice for Jeremy and I to touch her.
Pumping: My job is to eat, drink, pump, eat, drink, pump, etc. every 2 to 3 hours. It isn't ideal. Being my third child to nurse, I would much rather have a baby to nurse than a pump, but it defiantly is therapeutic to help me feel like I am helping her. All of the mother's milk is frozen right now but we are looking to the near future use of it. Noah and Paige are excited about the fact I can make milk for Eden and cheer me on. They like to see how much I pump and cheer me on.
Reading to Eden: Jeremy has read to Eden. First "Goodnight Moon," and then today he started the Harry Potter series. Eden can only take one stimulus at a time right now. So either it is touching with direct, light pressure or talking to her, but not both.
Singing: Grandma Cami sang some primary songs to Eden. We also are having Noah and Paige read and sing to Eden on a tape recorder that we can play next to her bed. This helps the kids feel involved, especially when they can't go see their baby sister. Noah said he wants to be a scientist and study germs so he can make it so kids under 18 can visit their baby siblings in the NICU. Smart kid.
Photos and Drawings: We have hung various photos and drawings for Eden from the kids and Jeremy and I next to Eden's bed and at home so we think of her when we are home.
Prayer: We have had a few prayers with Eden. It is difficult to get alone time, but if we have a minute alone with her, we do prayers together.

HOPE

2009-12-31T16:53:00.000-08:00

There is always hope.

Many have commented via email and so forth that they are amazed at our positive attitude during this scary time. To be quite honest, I am an emotional wreck and Jeremy is the one that from the moment she was born he has been her biggest cheerleader. Just after she was born the NICU nurses/doctors were having to bag her to help inflate her lungs. Jeremy stood next to the nurse doing the bagging and cheered/encouraged her to not stop. He told her if she made it to 70, he would give her a high five. He even at one point massaged her shoulders to keep her going.

That was the first of many moments he has kept me encouraged and positive. I didn't even see him cry till last night while looking at Ayla and Zoey's last photo together on their blog (micro preemie family we just met). I look up to him so much in so many situations of his calm coolness and willing to take charge when everyone is crumbling around him.

When I start getting down, he picks me up and reminds me of the many miracles and blessings that have happened so far with Eden. Jeremy is such a blessing to have as a husband and father. He keeps finding out positive ways we can support Eden with love, spirituality, and hope.

Last night, Jeremy and I spoke about how we can't even think or talk about, "what if..." in a negative way. As if the thoughts are pushed out of our minds and feelings by some other force. This led us to talk about Eden's pregnancy and how so many times we had scares of loosing her from October 13th on to now. Every time we had an inkling of despair we would be amazed and comforted by her healthy heart beat or ultrasounds of her looking like a happy, normal, healthy baby right on her gestational target age. Even with all of the constant bleeding, cramping, pain, low amniotic fluid, repeated pre-term labor, and extraordinary birth; she reminded us constantly of hope and faith that she was ok.

Even, as tiny and premature as she is and with so many odds against her, every day, every hour, she reminds us of hope and faith. How can we deny her as a miracle and all of the many tiny miracles she has made us witness. Hope gets us through and keeps us smiling at our beautiful and tiny little girl Eden.

We are so humbled and thankful for the fact, "there is always hope."

From the Nurse's Camera 12/30

2009-12-31T16:43:00.000-08:00

Eden's nurse told us we could leave a disposable camera by her bedside and they would take photos of her when they change out her tubes and uncover her face. So we did. They took this photo yesterday morning. She looks really red in the photo with the special lighting in her bed. She really is more pink in person than red. Her eyes are not yet open, they will be fused together for a few weeks or so. Each baby is different when they open their eyes.

As Jeremy and I have learned, we hear, "It depends...," "Every baby is different," on every explanation of issues and time lines for Eden.

We will let you know when changes happen.

Our Meeting with the Hospital Social Worker

2009-12-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

The hospital is nice to just send the NICU lactation specialists to us, the Chaplin, the financial aide person, the Parent Networking person, and so on. It is good because parents like us are stunned, in shock, emotional, physically drained, and overwhelmed with information, so it is nice the hospital knows what we need and just takes over bringing the specialists and support teams to take action helping us.

Jeremy met with the hospital Social Worker yesterday. After speaking with us and reading about Eden, she has a family in mind to be a support for us. The family is the same religion and have a daughter (soon to turn one) that was a micro preemie here at St. Luke's NICU. That same day, the husband Ryan called to talked to us. Jeremy talked a long time with Ryan and was given a lot of good advice, information, and inspiration. Ryan and his wife Heidi met with us at the NICU the next day. They even brought us a basket full of goodies and a gift for Eden. What kindness was felt from essentially strangers.

http://www.amazingayla.blogspot.com/ this is her and her twins website too http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/aylazoey

We also met Marilyn, her son is a micro preemie in the room next door to Eden. He was born at 25 weeks and he is on his 89th day in the NICU but things are going well. She comes up from Twin Falls during the week and her husband comes up on the weekends. It was wonderful to talk to her and hear Marilyn and Jackson's story to inspire us and warn us for what may come. Here is Jackson's blog http://www.tarkalsonbaby.blogspot.com/

These long term NICU families are amazing.

Here is another micro preemie website. I don't know the people personally but it was a good website to look at to find more inspiring stories.

http://www.micropreemie.com/

What is a micro preemie?

2009-12-31T15:02:00.000-08:00

Many of you may be like Jeremy and I, "What is a micro preemie?" Well Eden is a micro preemie. Before she was born, we had never seen such a small and perfectly formed baby in real life. We didn't know that micro preemies existed. She amazes and inspires us.

From a medical website: "Preemie" is the common term used when referring to a premature baby. The dictionary definition of a preemie is “a prematurely born infant”. A preemie is born before 37 weeks gestation while a full term baby is born at 37 weeks or after. Preemies require a very different start in life, and this can vary dramatically depending on the level of prematurity. Micropreemie and preemie are the two terms used to help define the degree of prematurity.
To an NICU medical professional, a micropreemie or micro preemie is defined as a baby that is under 1 3/4 pounds (between 700-800 grams) and is generally born before 26 weeks gestation, but most people prefer to loosen this term up to include any baby under 3 pounds (1500 grams) or under 29 weeks gestation. Micropreemies require a lot of medical attention in order to survive, and many more micropreemies are surviving than ever before in history. The statistics for the survival of a micropreemie can range from 10-80%.

Some of the many difficulties that a micropreemie experiences are immature lungs, an underdeveloped digestive system, cerebral hemorrhaging, high risk of infection, incomplete feeding reflexes, severe anemia, neurological delays, physical handicaps, and long term health issues. Because of so many problems associated with being a micropreemie, medical intervention to keep micropreemies alive include biliblankets, blood pressure monitors, cardiac monitors, endotracheal tubes, isolettes, intravenous pumps & tubes, nasal CPAPs, nasal gastric tubes, nasal prongs, oxyhoods, oxygen saturation monitors, phototherapy lights, pulse oximeters, respiratory monitors, synthetic surfactant, temperature probes, UACs, ultrasounds, UVCs, and ventilators. So much more information is being made available to parents of micropreemies than ever before, allowing parents the opportunity to educate themselves on their micropreemie's needs.
Here are some websites to read inspiring micro preemie stories. Jeremy and I find the many stories in the preemie scrapbooks we read at the NICU and meeting other families of micro preemies that we gain a lot of information, and hope.

Eden Has Made it Through the First 72 Crucial Hours and is Still Stable!

2009-12-31T14:45:00.001-08:00

We celebrate today our strong little girl Eden fighting for her life.

The first 72 hours with a micro preemie are the scariest. There are so many things that they watch for and control. So far no brain bleeds, her lungs and heart are good giving the situation, her breathing is as good as it can be considering, her infection signs are improving but she will still remain on antibiotics for 7 days, they are giving her treatments for her PDA in her heart, and they keep her sedated most of the time so she is as comfortable as can be outside the womb adjusting to her new surroundings and healing. Her coloring and skin is looking better too. There are so many other daily battles and hurdles to overcome, but we are thankful so far for the first few days going as smooth as one can hope for in her situation. What a miracle baby.

Thank you for your continuous prayers.

The First 72 Hours are Crucial

2009-12-31T14:12:00.000-08:00

We don't want to leave her side for the first 72 crucial hours. Here Jeremy is camping out in the lobby. I read, type on my laptop, talk to nurses and other families, eat drink, pump, eat, drink pump. The hours seem to go by quickly when we are at the NICU. We didn't go home the first night and Eden's nurse set up cots for us in an empty room to sleep a few hours. We didn't want to leave her side. Especially Jeremy, I couldn't drag him out at 3 a.m. an it had been snowing all night so I didn't want to drive in the snow by myself. So we stayed till 9 a.m. and then went home to shower and I napped while Jeremy went to work for a few hours at the office. Then we went back and stayed. Grandma Cami and Grandpa Roger brought us dinner from our ward friends and the Noah and Paige. We ate in the waiting room and played scrabble, read books, and colored for a couple of hours. The kids really want to see Eden but with Flu Season and H1N1, no one under 18 is not allowed in the NICU. Even then, only parents and grandparents are allowed to visit. We always scrub up as soon as we get there and then take turns visiting Eden and sending out our love and encouragement.

Last night we had dinner in the waiting room with the kids and our Morris Grandparents again. We read books and hugged and then the kids went home with Grandpa and Grandma. Jeremy and I stayed till 2:00 a.m. Last night was the first time Jeremy has slept in his own bed for at least a week. When I was bed rest at home, the couch was more comfortable on my hips so he slept on the floor by my side. Then in various rooms in the hospital, he slept next to me where ever he could. What a sweet heart and so sleep deprived. I am amazed he hasn't broke down yet. My strong man.

Eden's NICU Home (Second email sent to Friends and Family)

2009-12-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

A picture of Eden’s NICU home…the family info sheet and photo of her family that is hanging next to her in the NICU…Jeremy and Rachel in the waiting room (he has been a rock to lean on and always helping us stay positive, I cry most of the time and then smile at the positive things around me)…a photo of Rachel holding Eden’s (Pampers) diaper…A photo of the nurse’s hands in with Eden so you get an idea of her size.

Good news for today December 30, 2009…Eden’s right foot is no longer purple…Rachel’s milk started to come for nursing (amazing - a mother’s body makes the type of milk that a gestationally aged baby’s needs, Rachel is freezing the milk at the NICU till Eden can have it)…Eden’s coloring looks better today and her vital signs on the monitors have stayed good through the night and now it is 7:30 a.m. We never left her all last night, so we are relieved for another good night for Eden.

Thanks for your continuous prayers.

With Love,
Jeremy, Rachel, Noah, Paige, and Eden Swenson

Eden's Arrival

2009-12-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

Eden Camile Swenson
Born on December 28th, 2009
At 9:02 a.m.
St. Luke’s hospital, Boise, Idaho.
1 lb. 1 oz.
10.4 inches

Eden was born almost 4 months early, at 23 weeks and 2 days gestational age. Her due date was April 24th, 2010. She is currently in stable condition in the St. Luke’s NICU. We hope she continues to do well and stays in the NICU for at least a few months and then eventually home with us.

Eden came early due to pregnancy complications. Rachel was on strict bed-rest at home since December 22nd and on bed-rest at the hospital since December 26th. Rachel had been bleeding since October 13th due to SCH or Subchorionic Hematoma (a gathering of blood between the membranes of the placenta and the uterus). The bleeding usually resolves, but in Rachel’s case it never did. The constant bleeding began irritating the uterus in December causing cramping, which then caused contractions, which led to pre-term labor over and over, and then her water broke. Once Rachel’s water was for sure ruptured and signs of infection were showing, her doctor decided not to stop labor anymore. Jeremy and Rachel depended on bed-rest and prayers to make it another week.

On December 28th, in the most miraculous birth, Eden was born in Rachel’s hospital room. Luckily Eden was caught by her nurse, Heidi, who responded within seconds to Rachel’s emergency call from the bathroom. Within seconds 15 NICU doctors and labor and delivery nurses crowded into Rachel’s room and took over Eden’s care.

Like we said, Eden is currently in stable condition, given her size and age in the NICU. Premature babies like Eden go through a roller coaster of health issues. The next 48 hours and then the next week are very crucial. Being so little and fragile, we would love prayers from everyone. She is a fighter and has already survived so much. We call her our miracle baby.

Rachel, feeling up to it, decided to check out of the hospital December 29th and after a brief visit home to shower and see Noah and Paige, Jeremy and her returned to the NICU. Currently Rachel and Jeremy are camped out at the NICU most of the day and night together for the next week. Like we said it is a very crucial time for Eden.

Rachel’s parents, Camile and Roger Morris from Utah are watching Noah and Paige for this week. Our church ward has been wonderful to prepare meals for them the last few days. Next week, Jeremy’s dad, Val Swenson from Utah will be watching the kids. The following week, Rachel’s sister, Hillary will be watching the kids and then the next week after that Camile again will take over. Rachel and Jeremy will try to spend as much time going back and forth from home to the hospital.

We are so blessed to have Eden as part of our family and love her so much. There are several ways we can interact with her in the NICU and hope to do all we can to help her continue to thrive. There is a quote on the wall in the NICU that says, “Every birth is a miracle and every baby is a gift from God.” Eden really is a gift from God for us. Please keep her in your prayers. We will keep you updated. Feel free to forward this to anyone we may have missed.

With love,
Jeremy, Rachel, Noah, Paige, and Eden Swenson