Progress--From survive to thrive.

     Recently Dixie wrote a post 7 new babies admitted in the last 24 hours (Please read that first)… And I can’t help but share the progress on two of the seven. These two little boys have captured my heart. One hurt by pure neglect and one hurt by a lack of education but both loved by the nannies, nurses, volunteers and staff here at GLA. Both boys names start with J so I'll refer to them as J1 & J2.

     J1 is a 7 month old baby boy who first came to us in early January. All of the GLA staff worked together to get him to a healthy weight of 8lbs 5.5oz. Five days after he left, he came back to us, referred to us by Samaritans Purse again because he had diarrhea and vomiting while he was back with his mama. Mama fed him one meal of boiled plantains that he vomited and then she had not fed him again. On arrival January 30^th, his weight had dropped to 7lb 3.5oz (Yes, more than a pound in 5 days). Now, February 16^th he is gradually gaining weight and is at 8lb 4oz. Thankfully, he is becoming the happy baby we had seen glimpses of before. 

     J was also referred to us by Samaritan’s Purse. Mom says he’s one, but as you can see he is a big boy… Length wise! Mother has breast fed him his entire life. However long that is, we still do not know. J is such a sweet boy and his smile has captured my heart. We have been practicing standing and trying to gain muscle strength in his arms, legs and back. When he came to us he couldn’t bear weight at all; I know it doesn’t seem long but he is able to stand for 15 seconds while holding on to the edge of the crib… He just needs help to stand himself up! Joseph was 17lb 4 oz on arrival January 30^th and he is now up to 18 pounds thanks to Medical Mamba (Protein enriched peanut butter), love from his nannies, nurses, volunteers and staff here at GLA and God.

 

     These few pictures give just a glimpse into the boys progress from January 30th to now. J1 and J2 are two very special little boys. They continue to need a lot of extra attention, love, support and physical therapy. Both of them are currently at GLA for assistance and will eventually return to their families. Please pray for them as they continue to grow and learn how to thrive not just survive.


Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." -Mark 10:27

…to be continued…

-B