Despite the fact that we weren’t with Rudy today, we kept abreast of what was going on at the CTICU over the phone with Dr. Robert, Dr. Abel and Nurse Victoria. Today was a day of gradual progress. The kidneys continue to function and the right numbers are going down. The team is trying to dial in the right levels of diuretics as they found they can’t back them off too far or the urine output drops. Now that the chest tubes are out, the plan is to increase nutrition so that he’ll be strong enough to make progress on his breathing.
The team started stomach feeds again, so that’s another thing to pray for–we want Rudy to be able to handle these well. They’ve also started a respiratory treatment (the name escapes me now) four times a day which pushes air into the lungs at a rapid rate to expand them. We’re hoping it will all help him when it comes time to make progress on the ventilator without lung collapses and the other setbacks that can happen.
We’re so grateful for the last couple days as last week had some really difficult times. We’d love God’s favor on Rudy so he can put a lot of these challenges behind him. For our own encouragement, it would be nice to have him sail through an obstacle or two. He tends to meander or take a path with more twists and turns. Unfortunately, this journey is rife with pitfalls so it would be a great Chirstmas present to dodge some of the ones we know are out there this week. We’d appreciate your prayers and ask that you pray with us through this time:
1. That Rudy’s chest would remain clear of fluid; there was a trace amount on the left side of his Xray today which the team will watch closely.
2. That his kidney function would continue to remain stable and improve.
3. That his stomach would process nutrition well and allow him to build strength.
4. That he would be able to make progress toward breathing on his own.
As always, we are so grateful for you journeying with us. As unique as this Christmas will be for us, one of the things that will remain in our minds is the faithful company of friends, far and near, that surround us. Thanks for being part of this. Tomorrow we’ll head down with the kids to be with Rudy until late on the 25th. In case we don’t post with as much frequency, know that we have days of family and fun planned which we’re hoping to savor. We pray you’ll be doing the same.
Rudy's Beat 
We will be praying for Rudy and the safe travels for all of you down to see him. I know that everytime you are all together in his room it gives him the strentgh that only family can give. I know he is looking forward to coming home and being in his crib.(which ever room he is in). We love you all!!
Thanks for the update. I will continue to pray for Rudy and your family during these blessed holidays. Peace.
You got it! Thank you Jesus for all the answered pray. Such a precious baby. Go Rudy Go!!!! Love you all so much.
Our prayers continue to be with you all and especially Rudy. I hope you guys have a very Merry Christmas together! I love you!
Rudy, We’re praying that you and your parents and brothers and sister will have a glorious Merry Christmas time together!
The little Lord Jesus is there right with you in your crib…he’s actually really big, but he became very small once, and I’m sure he still gets small just to be with you…and he is helping you get better! You’re gonna love him, the more you know him!
We won’t stop praying for you!
Loves and hugs, the Van Fam
Merry Christmas to all of you. God bless you as you celebrate His birth and Rudy’s too. Thank you for giving us a list of very specific things to pray for….it helps us cover them with confidence that God knows our hearts and desires for this precious one. You are on my heart and in my prayers many, many times each day. xxooR