Scaring Satan

Christmas Eve we had a candle light dinner on the card table complete with table linens, china, and champagne. We sat by lil Bro's cradle. We had a wonderful dinner and the best Christmas Eve.

Master Brody is doing so well we are working on weening him off of his oxygen. We are up to 4 hours a day without it and he is doing so well. He is growing, we go back to the Dr. on Jan 2nd, I can't wait to see what he weighs now. We have had to weight-adjust his Prevacid. He eats every 3 - 4 hours. He has moments where he spits up more often and others when he's not that bad. He loves to be held and we love to hold him, lol. He loves his mobile and his little vibrating seat. Music calms him, especially when we sing to him. His eyes follow sounds, he smiles often, and he has several hours a day when he is very alert. He is more active every day. He is somewhere in between his ages. He definitely doesn't act like a three month old but then again he acts older than a newborn. He's just perfect, he is such a good baby, he rarely cries, and when he does he is either scared or starved. Even when he cries he is adorable (spoken like a true mommy).

God's mercy is never-ending. I thank God daily for how he has healed Brody. From the miscarriages to the hematoma and the pulmonary hemorrhage. Brody is anointed by God. Like the dragon was waiting for Christ to be born so he could kill him, I believe Satan didn't want Brody to be born or survive his extremely premature birth. But my God had other plans. Brody is going to do great things to further the Kingdom. Have you ever thought that you frighten Satan? Weird thought I know, but once Brent said that to me, that I frighten Satan. I have overcome a near-death experience, I have over-come other obstacles in my life and I still praise,love, and obey God. This is why we are to be thankful for our hardships. Just as Our Father had faith in Job, he has faith in us to continue to worship and follow Him when under attack. I thank God that Brody is going to be such a warrior, he has already proven that he is a fighter. So daily, frighten Satan; strengthen your faith, praise God, and pray. Isn't that empowering? You have the power to scare the most beautiful angel. Wow! My son, even unborn, frightened Satan. Go Brody Go, I can't wait to see what he does for God.

Pictures for you

Being Carried by Daddy

These are pics of when Brent was carrying Brody to the car leaving the hospital. Baby Bro was adorable looking around his new environment then when he realized he was safe he relaxed and fell asleep. I sat in the back seat with him and he slept all the way home. Did he know that his daddy had him covered? I doubt it, but not too far in the future he will realize that when his daddy has him he is covered in love.

And today I remind myself of this fact. I am a "Daddy's Girl" (I know most of you are thinking that is a major understatement) but I have always known that in my daddy's arms I find comfort and love. Today, we have found out that our little Maddy's (our fur baby) back is more serious than we thought. It does seem to be something degenerative and may change her daily living drastically. Any meds we can give her to help with the pain and swelling can cause damage to her other organs. Not the news we wanted to hear. Brent and I have poured our parental love into Maddy for the last 9 years, she is like our child too. And she loves Brody so much. She lays near his cradle and if his monitors beep she comes and gets me. I was so looking forwart to them being great buddies. Therefore, today I remind myself that I am in the arms of my heavenly Father, where I find comfort and love, two things I drastically need today.

Long Good Day

We went to two Dr's today. We left the house at 10:30 and left the hospital after 4pm, whew. Baby Bro's eyes are 100% healed. Alleluia!!! He has gained weight. He now weighs 8lb 8oz. Can you believe it? I barely can. He is such a good sweet boy. I can't express enough how much I enjoy the privilege of being his mommy. Isn't he the cutest? He doesn't mind his bath now that it is in water instead of a sponge bath. He also loves his mobile on his bed that plays classical music. He hates anything cold on his skin. And his smile is adorable. He wrinkles his forehead just like his daddy and he Loves to cuddle. Oh and one more thing you must know he loves to eat, obviously by his weight gain, lol.

Taking Care of Business

As you can see Brody really likes his pacifier. And mommy is glad because I can take away a pacifier but not a thumb. We are just busy busy feeding, playing, and doing laundry. A baby with reflux requires lots of burp rags and outfits. I am sleepy from the 3-4 hour feeds and the monitors beeping at all hours but am more rested than going to the hospital at least 2 times a day. I love taking care of my little man, he is so sweet and so much fun. I can't believe God chose me to be the mommy of such a special soul. He has had few spells and not deep ones. We are doing just great, praise God.

Doin Great

Sorry I haven't blogged I have been busy taking care of Brody and lovin every minute of it. He is the sweetest little guy. We have been getting along great. He has desated a couple of times but nothing bad (he came right back up on his own or with a little tap) and we are getting used to dragging the oxygen and monitors around the house with him. Lots of wires and cords for one little man. I'll blog more a little later, right now Baby Bro is sleeping so I think I should too. Thanks soooooooooooo much for your prayers, support, and love.

Home Sweet Home

We're home. Life is so sweet and God is so good.

Tomorrow Tomorrow

The plan is that Master Brody is coming home tomorrow. I spoke to Baby Bro's nurse a little bit before 11pm and he had a good afternoon. And he had a good day also. So we are still planning on tomorrow but as you know we have had that plan before. I know it is God's plan and His timing. So if tomorrow is right it will be.

Santa is not the only fat boy this season!

Can you believe it Brody is weighing in at 7lbs 7oz. He looks so much bigger in the last 4 days. His spell have gotten less and not quite as deep. All this means the exit for Monday is looking better and better. Deedee and I are ready, and his room is ready, His little "fur sister Maddy" is ready. Let us all pray that God in his infinite wisdom declares that Brody is ready to come home. Thanks for all the prayers and support.

This is Brody's fur sister Doesn't she look like she's waiting on her little brother. She has been walking around the house looking for him ever since Deedee came home from delivery. She is always sniffing his laundry bag as if we have him hidden in there. Seriously she never left Deedee's side when she was expecting and Maddy has been wondering "Where is that extra heart beat?" ever since. She will most likely be the best apnea monitor for Brody. At least that is what we are hoping. ---Brent

I agree with Brent, Maddy will probably watch Brody and be the most reliable monitor we have. Today I have been thinking about how Satan has tried to attack us while God has carried us through this uncertain time. Some small things and some not so small; Brent's lap top crashing at the office - which he replaced with a new one, my desk top at home crashing - which miraculously has nothing wrong with it after it arrived to our IT guy in Roanoke, cool huh? and the refurbished old lap top returned in time for me to use while mine went across state lines, my cellphone completely dieing, one night while holding Brody Brent saw a spot on my ear which I had our Dr. Kovach slice off (the spot not my ear, lol) - he said he was scared with our family history that it was melanoma but guess what - not, when we had the big snow last week my Mountaineer wouldn't start - easy fix new starter (after a frustrating new battery), then our sweet Maddy hurt her back playing in the field and is on steroids and has to go next week for x-rays. All of these things have been frustrating and most of them were not too costly or troublesome to fix but why did all of this have to occur in this 12 week time frame? Because Satan is our enemy and he wants to see us crack, he wants one more thing to push us over the edge so we pull away from God. I often include in my prayers that neither Brent or I fall away from Christ. The minute we deny it could happen to us is the time that we fall away. I pray that God heal Maddy quickly so she can enjoy her new baby Bro when he comes home. And I pray that God continue to bless us, protect us, and heal us, and that we never never fall away from Him. ~~~Deedee

Letter To Brody

Brent is apart of a group of men that have been studying together for 7 months to become strong Christian leaders; in their homes, communities, and congregations. I'm sure Brent thought the change in him during this strict study time would be immeasurable but honestly it's not. I can say with the utmost sincerity that my husband is one of the greatest leaders I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. And knowing him the way I do; I can't imagine a leader having a more genuine desire to do right. His assignment this month was to write a letter to his son; a letter that touched my heart and I wanted to share it with you.

Brody is doing great. Only 1 spell in 24 hours and he only desated in the 80's. Good Prayin Seth (and everyone else).

December 7, 2007


Dear Brody,

You have been everything your Mom and I prayed for. Many years before you were ever born your mom and I were in prayer for you. It is amazing to me that you have already been with us 12 weeks. You display so many of your mom’s characteristics and mine. Your movements and gentle demeanor show by no doubt that you are our Son. I love you more than I could have ever imagined and my hopes for you are endless.
It will be a great adventure to see what you become. I intend to make sure every day of your life is an adventure and I hope to show you all the joy in this life that God intends for you. It is not my desire to plan your life for you, I am anxious to see what your interest are, what will you enjoy, what will captivate you, what will you have natural talents in, what will you struggle with? So much remains to be seen.
There are a few things that I want to make sure you do have and they are as follows:
1) A deep respect and Love for your creator God.
2) A relationship and acceptance of your Lord and Savior Jesus
3) A hunger to get closer to them.
4) An obedience to Gods due to your love for him
5) A respect and love for your Mom
6) A respect for all women
7) A true friend to all you encounter
8) A pleasant personality
9) Self respect and a love for yourself
10) An intent to leave things better than you found them.
11) A true courage for all encounters knowing that God has you covered.

Brody as your life grows and you encounter many wonderful, and some not so wonderful opportunities I pray that you will seek God’s guidance and you will know without any doubt that you can approach your mom and me. It is my vow to always be accessible to you as your Mom and you are my #1 priority and will continue to be. I will always try to give you useful advice and try to aid in your ability to make good decisions. My goal is to empower you to become all that God intends for you, and assist you in overcoming any and all obstacles. I love you and know that you are a perfect gift from God.


Your Dad;

C. Brent Wilmoth

Pictures :) and More

I wondered how long before a revolt. Good for you Shelley for demanding what Brody's public wants, lol. I hope you like these pics.

Baby Bro was doing well tonight. He ate that icky barium contrast for his upper GI like a champ today. I think he'd eat anything. We add 1 tbs of cereal per 1 oz of formula and he sucks it down, it is so thick I don't know how he does it. He is gaining weight so quickly because of the cereal. He now weighs 7 lb 1 oz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I hardly can, when he weighed 2 lb 5 oz 11 weeks ago. The upper GI isn't official yet but it looks like his reflux is just severe and no other problems but we will get the official report tomorrow.

He is so sweet, all of the nurses love him. They can't believe how well he eats because most babies with reflux won't eat because it hurts, not Brody. He rarely fusses or cries although he does grunt and growl. It is a preemie thing, it's funny. I asked one of his nurses when they stop doing it and she said she didn't know cause we take them home, lol.

We love our NICU staff soooo much. I am truly going to be sad to not see them all on a regular basis. They do amazing work and love the babies so much. The closer we get to leaving the sadder I sincerely get to think of being out of the NICU loop. I won't hear stories about their families. I won't know how the expecting nurses are doing. I won't know what new babies are there and how to pray for them. These nurses are beyond words; I saw two of them individually pray for a procedure this week on a baby, so heart warming. It has been easy to fall in love with such a bunch. Maybe they will let me and Baby Bro come hang-out in the lounge once a week. No matter what - the NICU staff, the work they do, and the babies will always be on my prayer list and I hope from us sharing our experience with you , that they will continually be on your prayer list too.

Test Today

It took us 2 hours and 20 minutes to get to the hospital last night. We left in time to do his 5pm feeding and by the time we got there it was the 7-8 shift change break. So we had dinner in the cafeteria and visited with Master Brody from 8-9:30. Unbelievable that we were gone from the house for 5 and 1/2 hours and only saw Brody for an hour and a half. The weather wasn't that bad but it was grid lock on Patteson Drive. One hour and 45 minutes of the trip was from the coliseum to the hospital. Whew....

Master Brody is having an upper GI test today at 2pm. The doc wants to rule out any anatomy problems since his reflux is so severe. I'll let you know later tonight how it went. I just wanted to give you a quick update.

What's Another Week

I have waited for my baby for 35 years. I know most of you think, "How is that so when she is only 25.", lol. First of all I am unbelievably 38, secondly I have wanted a baby since I was 3. Ask my cousins I always wanted to play babies or be the barbie that had the baby (never the Stewardess Barbie - sorry that's not politically correct, Air Flight Attendant Barbie/Ken). I never excelled at academics or wanted to go to college. I reluctantly did and earned two degrees. I am not a sports girl, no laughing from my kids at that statement of the year. I never wanted to be a career girl. I have always wanted to be a wife and a mother. To say I have been saddened by our 4 miscarriages would be a vast understatement. Being a wife to Brent has been a joy. He is so appreciative of every little thing I do for him whether it's making cookies or cleaning the bath. And I am so appreciative that I get the luxury of being a house wife and not a career women. Do you know the Scrubbing Bubbles commercial? Where the bubbles say, "We work hard so you don't have to." Well, if you ever hear me call Brent Mr. Bubbles now you know why. He works hard so I don't have to. I love taking care of our home and inviting others to fellowship with us. But all of that has never squelched my desire for a child (I should write son because I have always known God would give me a son).

So waiting on God has been something that I do best. About 2 years ago while at Good News at the mall I saw a tea cup I had to purchase. It says, "Delight yourself in the Lord...and He will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4" I have prayed that Psalm for 2 years, believing it, echoing it in my head, and etching it in my heart. God has granted me the desire of my heart. Am I sad and disappointed that Brody is not coming home tomorrow or that he has spent his first 11 weeks of life away from home, yes. Am I angry, not on my life. God is good, all the time. Our dear friend Patrick said maybe this was the only way God could get a baby to us. Maybe God wanted to give me my desire but with my/our genetic make-up this was the only avenue. I don't know. But I do know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is in control and Brody will come home in perfect timing, when it is safe. Thank you for your prayers, I know they gave Dr. Lynch the right answer from God to wait.

Brody is still having his usual "spells". They are getting better and they are reflux related, which means he will grow out of them. We will re-evaluate Master Brody at the end of the week and decide if there is another target exodus. He is growing and doing so well he just needs to mature a little bit more. I tease the nurses that he is not having these spells any longer and that they are making up stories on him because they love him and don't want him to leave. Everyone at the NICU loves him or they are all really good liars and actors. I can't believe it's been 11 weeks and he still isn't even due until December 13th. Like I told Dr. Lynch, "After 13 years of marriage, 4 miscarriages, and 11 weeks in the NICU, what's one more week?"

Psalm 27:14Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.
Psalm 33:20We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Pray for the Exodus.

Ok, after a long weekend and a day and night Sunday in the parenting room Deedee and I have "Demonstrated" that we are comfortable with the monitoring equiptment. We may be heading for the door. Our little man has a couple more things to prove. Less to no desat.. spells and his blood count numbers need to be stable. If all this is good then out the door we go. As you know last time we were to come home we lost power that night due to storm that night. Well my Dad and Mom has taken care of that option by donating his generator as a back up plan. (Thanks Dad and Mom) you guys are awesome. My father and mother in law have tirelessly been helping us with the remodel that was needed to bring him home and so much has been donated to us that it fills our living room floor. I feel like one of those family's that get a new home from Extreme makeovers. This is what it means to be held. God has used so many of you to encourage Deedee and I and I must say I have seen the face of Christ by looking into the face of all of you that have been there for us. I can't tell you all enough what you are now to Deedee and I. My office family has been awesome! Linda, Pam, Jim, Missy, Shawn, Ray, Ramone and Brandon, oops I mean Dustin:>) you guys have truly made my time available to that little bundle of joy. I owe you all Big time.
I pray that all of you that have read these Blogs over the past 12 yes 12 weeks have or are searching for a Church family like we have at the Morgantown Church of Christ and you have Bro's and Sis's like we have. If not please consider Deedee and I now part of yours.. It has been amazing how God has used this little boy to unite so many. I don't even know how many people have prayed for Brody and us. It is overwhelming. I can't tell you the number of Church's that this little guy has been prayed for. Places we may never get to visit or even know of so please let me take this opportunity to say THANKS and May God Bless you and multiply you 100 times over. Last but not least. First and foremost. I thank God!!! Deedee and I have a son. We have spent so much time on our knees for this little miracle as have many others that it is hard to take it all in how Faithful God really is. He is an Awesome God. It is with a tear in my eye that I write to you all tonight to pour out thanks and I hope we can encourage you the way you have encouraged us. Weeks ago we mentioned the movie "Facing the Giants" if you have not yet seen it please rent it and know that Deedee and I watched that just weeks before we learned that Dee was expecting and we had pledged to "Love God no matter what" as we saw in that movie. And I can't explain it but Brody is here. So by all means watch it and catch up on the whole story. If some one some how gets a message to the Church that made that movie we are in great gratitude to you for that amazingly inspirational message and renewing of our faith in God's Faithfulness.
So one more request I make of all of you. Pray that we can bring him home Wednesday. That it is God's will and is right for Brody and us.
Thanks!

Quick Update

Sorry I haven't posted. Busy busy. With getting the house ready and wanting to be with Baby Bro every chance I can it seems like time just slips away....then it's 11:30 ans I am so sleepy. Plus meeting the home health care gal and learning the 2 monitors and the oxygen we will be using at home, whew. Remember no news is good news with me. He is still just as cute as ever and growing like a weed. Yet still doing his little desaturations. The deep saturations are getting less often. And I haven't stopped at Wal*Mart and had my new pics put on a disc to download to show you, maybe today. You all are gonna hang me. Most of you know that we will be quarantined when we get home because it is RSV season (this can be fatal for preemies) so I joke and say that I will have "showings" at certain times. Open the curtains and hold Bro up to the bay window so you all can see how cute and big he is, lol. Because we have been told no visitors and keep Brody in except for doctor visits. I am a homebody and as much running as I have been doing in the last 10 1/2 weeks I can't wait just to stay home. No news on our friends today. We have met a new family. The parents are Ty and Carissa and their baby is Caden (not sure of spelling) and he needs our prayers. He is having a lot of issues and the investigating is going on as to why. The are a young, sweet, strong Christian (married) couple.

xoxo,
Baby Bro's Mommy

Not Home Yet

Well......we couldn't post last night because our power was out but we did not get to bring Master Brody home. Praise God too because had we brought him home then no power for about 9 hours wouldn't have been very comforting. He had a couple spells where his saturation numbers went too low. Dr. Lynch will re-evaluate things tomorrow. As of now we do not have an idea of when he may come home, maybe a couple of days, maybe another week. I say, "When we have waited 10 years for a baby and been in the NICU for 10 weeks, what's one more week?" In the grand scheme of things......no time at all. As my niece said, "It's not like he'll start kindergarten from the NICU." We would much rather err on the side of caution. Soon enough....soon enough.....

Brody is still doing well, gaining weight like a monster (6lb6oz). I just can't believe he weighs that much. He still has "spells" but they are reflux related but they are what's keeping us from coming home.

On another note. I talked to Shane and Tabby today. They are hanging in there. It is really rough for them. Please continue to pray.

Also from Sunday's blog there is a comment from another couple, Andrew and Sheena, we have met. They lost one of their twins, Isabella, and their little Adyson is still fighting her hardest. You can go to their blog and check it out, Sheena gives the blog site on her comment. (Thank you for doing that Sheena :) They need our prayer desperately also.

Tonight makes me wonder, "Did God long for Christ to come "home"? As Jesus was walking this earth, did God look down upon His son and desire for him to be home in heaven with Him? God could have made that happen in an instant but He chose not to because He wanted to save mankind. I don't know....I just know I can think of nothing I want more than Brody home and how nothing fills that hole. Then I think there is nothing we experience on this earth that the Holy Trinity hasn't experienced already.

Can You Say Castaway?

How many of you remember the Tom Hanks movie of a few years ago, Castaway? Where he was deserted on an island after his plane crashed and he was the only survivor. He had only some packages that were scheduled for delivery via FedEx , some tropical fruit, and his own whit. He learned to survive in that dismal experience and went through many challenges. He had even made a few feeble attempts at getting off of the island only to find that his life raft could not get over the breakpoint. He finally figured out how to do it with the use of some of the remains and there is a scene where he successfully makes it out to sea,(where this is his only chance of being rescued after 4 years on that island) and there is a distinct look on his face. One that Deedee and I can now identify. Even though he desired to get off of that deserted island he had learned how to survive there. Even though it was miserable, it had become comfortable, he had no way of knowing if his raft would survive the ocean waves or not, but he knew that if he stayed on the island he would never be rescued. So he had to break over the waves, get out to sea, enter the unknown, and take his chance amongst the waves and the unforgiving sea.This is the feeling that we share as tomorrow Brody is scheduled to come home. We have so anxiously awaited this day, the staff says he is ready and they celebrate his homecoming with us. Yet we look back at the NICU as our "island". These last 1o weeks have been gruelling and exhausting but we now know what to expect as NICU parents. Like Tom Hank's Island, it's not the life we want but it is safe. None the less we must charter out into the unknown, for this our ultimate desire. Although the sea may be rough at times and we are certain there will be "unknowns". We do know God is already AT Sea waiting for us, guiding the waters. That is the biggest encouragement; knowing that Our Savior lives in the realm of what we call "unknown" for he is already waiting on us there and we know He will take care of anything that could arise.

Sad Day

Baby Trevor didn't make it through the night. Please pray for Shane, Tabitha, and their families.

Knee Time

Brody is good. Basically still the same just waiting to "grow" out of the desating so we can come home. He had his immunizations yesterday and his RSV shoot today. He is a lttle cranky because of these but still a sweet boy.

But tonight I sincerely ask for Deep Prayers for our new friends (and brother and sister in Christ), Shane and Tabitha. Their Baby Trevor is needing The Great Physician now more than ever. Trevor had heart surgery last week and has had a rough time recovering. He has required more oxygen and an oscillator to pump that air into his lungs. After surgery he had a lung collapse. And his heart slowed down at one point that CPR was required. Tonight..... his saturation level is dangerously low. Before Brody was born I had no idea what this meant, so I'll explain. Saturation is the level of oxygen we carry through our blood to the rest of our body. Shane and Tabby are staying in the NICU tonight. This is their first baby after a miscarriage last year. Trevor will be four weeks old on Friday. They need God's healing hand immediately. Please earnestly pray for them.

Be thankful for all things comes to mind tonight when I think of Shane and Tabitha. I would have done anything for Brody not to have been born early and had to endure all that he has but I wouldn't have met Shane and Tabitha, or Miranda and Tim, or Gabe & Michelle, or Michael & Barbie, or all of the wonderful NICU staff, and for that I am thankful. Isn't it amazing how God ALWAYS includes a silver lining?

P.S. Sorry for the goof on the picture last night. I must really like that one since I had Brent post it again. It's fun to be me (oh bear of little brain).

Closer to the Door

For the first time we are talking discharge. Brody got his circumcision last week, his immunizations today, and we will be taught CPR this week. We have also been offered to stay a night in the family room before we go home. The family room is a room where we would stay, just the 3 of us, and take care of Brody through the night to see how we handle if he has a spell. But he is not ready yet. We are just heading in the discharge direction. He needs to have at least a 24 hour period where he doesn't have a deep spell. He had one bad spell last night and 4 other less significant ones. Much better than so many the nurse needed another sheet of paper to write them all down. Therefore, staying in the family room may or may not help us depending on whether he has a spell. We could stay 1 night in the family room with no spells and then get him home and he spell on the first night. Plus we still have to accomplish the "Car Seat Challenge". Brody has to sit in his car seat at least the amount of time it takes to get home (plus time for traffic, accidents, etc) without a spell. Babies have been ready to go home then have to stay because they "flunked" the challenge. We are not talking a discharge date just walking towards the day.

Speaking of discharge, Hannah Grace went home today. Her momma, Miranda, and I joked about how we will stay in touch and have an arranged marriage. So when they left Miranda said to take care of Hannah Grace's husband. We will see them next week because Hannah will be back for a follow-up. It was such a joy to see her little legs kicking today. I think her surgery will be 100% successful.

Baby Trevor is still fighting hard. Please keep praying hard. His mommy and daddy are just the sweetest people ever and it is so disheartening to see them so sad and troubled.

Why when it rains it pours? Right after Brody was born Brent's lap top died at the office. So he had to buy a new one. Then a couple of weeks ago my mobile phone died. So he had to buy a new one. Then over the weekend our desktop died at the house. UGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! Fortunately, Brent's IT guy bought a second hand motherboard and fixed his broken-down laptop. That is what I am using at the house now. But unfortunately ALL my pics were saved on my desktop. So now we need to get the desktop to the IT guy in Roanoke to see if we can recover my "stuff". I have yet to re-load my pics onto the laptop (it sounds like a big job to me). So no pictures for your viewing pleasure today. Sorry :(

xoxo,

Brody's Technically Challenged Mommy

(oh wait Brody's Daddy just came home and got one added to the hard drive for your viewing pleasure isn't he soooo adorable?! Brody that is :>)

Again Night night.

All Done

Today was a day of "All Done". Master Brody is all done with his reflux study, with his circumcision, and a higher care room. We got moved to the step-down room today (we have gotten moved to lesser care before then moved back, so hopefully this is for good). Little man is groooooooowing. He weighed 5lb3oz tonight(just for you Aunt Naomi). And now 17" long. Can you say, "Put me in the game, coach."? I think he's almost ready to suit up for those Mountaineers (huh, Pappaw?). I used to say he was a pack of sugar now I say he is a bag of sugar, either way he is so sweet. His spells are better but not gone. Hopefully in another week he will have matured out of them.

Bad thing about being moved is we didn't get to see Shane & Tabitha. So we don't have any updates on Trevor. Maybe tomorrow.....

xoxo,
Brody's Mommy (obviously since there were no references to Philistines)

They're gonna cut where?

Tomorrow my son will no longer be a Philistine. For those of you a little behind on your old testament, Brody is scheduled for his circumcision. I think the look on his face says it all; "They're gonna cut where?' OieVay!!! This little fighter has been through so much I hate for him to have to go through one more thing, but this is encouraging news as it is a sign that he is improving well enough to take on this procedure. Ofcourse, as his dad, I might add that it is a Major procedure :>) Anyway, it has been a decent day but not without some spells, if he can just get this breathing thing down we will really be on our way.

As Brody's Daddy, I want to thank all of you again for all the prayers and encouraging words, they have certainly helped to carry Deedee and I through. I want to say how much love and support we have received from our parents. Thanks Mom and Dad, Big E and Gram Cracker. Our Sib's... (D and I are truly blessed with awesome Bro's and Sis's and our In-laws are "in" not outlaws.)

Updates on other NICU families; Baby Trevor is stable, but still in need of much Prayer. Hanna Grace is still on schedule to go home early next week, And there have been so many admissions this last few days Deedee and I are sure we will be meeting many more families.

I want to Praise God Almighty that he has trusted Deedee and I with this opportunity to reach out to other families. I still am amazed that he uses me in his service and gives us the privilege of inviting others into His Kingdom. All are welcome and all are wanted, God sees us all as his children and He Loves you and I the same. I can understand how he loves Deedee as it is hard to know her and not love her, me on the other hand is a little tougher. I am not down on myself I just know myself way better than anyone else does and I am tough to love. But this verse tonight that I am going to share with you all sums up Brody's day tomorrow and how God views us all.

Colossians 3:11 Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

So, therefore, I look forward to meeting all the other NICU parents and Hope that Deedee and I can encourage them as Christ has encouraged us through so many of you.
Thanks!

Just a Swingin

Here's a picture of our little man on his Slope & Swing. He is doing so much better today. I pray he continues. It was one of those "ugh" days in the NICU. We couldn't get in to see him from 1:30 til 4:00 because of a procedure on another baby in his room. We, hopefully, will get the results of the acid belly probe and the apnea monitor tomorrow. He was supposed to have a test on his kidneys on Monday but he was "spelling" so bad they held off. He then was supposed to have his circumcision today but needs to have the kidney test first. So those two things are coming up soon but not sure when.

Baby Trevor is stable and healing today. His mom & dad (Tabithat & Shane) are holding up ok but need your prayers. Tabitha has health issues of her own and the NICU pace and roller coaster will be hard on her. They are so sweet and need our support.

Yesterdays Update Today

Brody is doing the same. Doing well with bottle feedings, having a little reflux, but still desating and turning blue. Mommy & Daddy do not like these "spells". His stats fall hard and fast but the team is working hard to find a cause, it may still be maturation and he'll "outgrow" it as quickly as next week. It may be central apnea. They did apnea monitoring for 24 hours, it will be downloaded and analyzed. Master Brody had a hearing test yesterday which he passed with an A+. He also had a repeat eye exam, he got an A. His eyes are 95% formed, he will have one last follow-up in 3 weeks. Yesterday he was 8 weeks old.

I have an update on Trevor. He had his surgery yesterday to close his PDA. He did well during surgery then after surgery his lung collapsed. He is stable but they are watching him closely. He is a fighter. His middle name is also Michael, just like Brody, named after the Arch Angel. These little guys are warriors and they fight hard. Please just keep praying for baby Trevor. He has a long road ahead of him. (And so do his mommy and daddy, Tabitha & Shane)

Glad I gave you a picture last night becausse the picture thing isn't working again. lol

Short and Sweet

A picture for your viewing pleasure. I'll update tomorrow morning with all the new updates. xoxo.

Don't Worry Be Happy Now!

Master Brody has had a good day. Mommy too. I've been up there most of the day. I fed him his bottle 3 times today. He does so well. Most of the time he eats more than the requirement, which makes up for the couple of times he doesn't. He is still having his usual problem. Desating then into bradycardia. These "spells" are clustered around his feedings (even on day 3 of the new drug for his reflux). He was started on an apnea monitor that will give a more accurate reading of his spells. Now it's an investigation game to uncover the reason and fix it.

I didn't get to talk to Hannah Grace's parents today. She should still be going home soon.

Waylon's parents went home to Parkersburg for a few days to re-group, rest, and re-set (therefore I do not have any updates on him). Poor Michelle went to the doctor one morning and by the end of the day was in Morgantown via ambulance then a week and 1/2 later delivered Waylon. Needless to say she wasn't prepared mentally or physically for an extended vacation at the Ronald McDonald House.

Our new friends, Shane & Tabitha need prayers for baby Trevor. He will undergo heart surgery tomorrow to close the PDA. He is still very little and they are very nervous and have asked for our prayers.

I told Tabitha that God is already at tomorrow, so don't worry. I say that often sometimes people don't get it and think I'm crazy (ok kids I am crazy but everyone doesn't know, shhhh). But God is ever-present right? So he is in yesterday, today, and tomorrow at the same time. He knows tomorrow today. He is waiting for me in tomorrow today. I don't have to worry about tomorrow because God is already there. God is in tomorrow knowing what the day holds, knowing what I need before I do, waiting to hold me or cheer for me.

Worry does no-one any good. It only eats at the worrier and does not change the circumstances even a little. Nada!!! The more I have learned to truly trust in God my worry has escaped (thank you Jesus). Worry can be debilitating and when we are debilitated Satan wins. If I lay in bed and worry if Brody is breathing doesn't change whether he is or isn't. But it will change what kind of mommy he has tomorrow. And if Shane and Tabitha are up all night with worry about Trevor's surgery it won't change the outcome. But sleeping well tonight and praying during the surgery will. I pray we all learn to throw our worries away, God wants that for us. Try it, it's exhilarating and life changing.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?

Matthew 6:25 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

Finally a Blog

Master Brody wore these on Halloween after he took off his Dr. Pete costume.

Too cute. Thanks Sissy!

I'm sure the people at church that told me they were mad at me for not blogging for a few days are not alone. Please forgive me? I guess I needed to precede it with a note that no news is good news. After 8 weeks, more fatigue brings less words and creative thought. I had a great suggestion that if I have no words left after being bombarded with medical info for the last 8 weeks that I should post some pictures for your viewing pleasure. So here on out if you see pics and no words, we are good just fatigued.

Over the last few days Brody's reflux has gotten the best of the little guy. He was moved back to a higher care room (which is fine with us). He started a new drug yesterday. It is a drug on a drug study (he qualified for this study because his reflux is more on the sever side than the mild side). Several of the staff have told me that they have seen babies make an amazing turn around after being on the drug for only the 6 day study time. His bottle feeding went up to 4 in a 24 hour period, then back down to 1 in a 24 hour period, then 2 in a 24 hour period. Now since he is on this drug he is on all bottle feedings starting today (8 in a 24 hour period). Tonight he took 47cc. He did so good. They mixed some rice cereal in it to thicken it to help with the reflux. He had two "spells" while we were there where he desaturated and had bradycardia. That's what we need this new reflux drug to fix. Since being on the "Slope & Swing" (for the reflux) his little legs and feet are swollen form the constant angle. He is also doing really good at keeping his body temperature warm enough. And.........once again he was cuter today.

A baby passed away today in Brody's room. Once again a hard reminder of how fragile life is in the NICU. It made a long day for us as we were out of the NICU and couldn't see Brody so that the family could have some private time. We have not gotten to meet this family but we spent the afternoon in prayer for them and will continue to do so, please join us.

Since being moved to another room we met another couple. Shane & Tabitha. Their baby is 2 weeks old. He was 27 weeks gestational age and weighed 14oz. The umbilical cord was underdeveloped and he wasn't getting enough nutrition. He should have weighed about 2lbs. He is holding his own and his parents ask for prayers. His name is Trevor and he has a long road. They also attend the Church of Christ in their home town.

Waylon had a little set back with a perforation in his bowel. So please pray this heals quickly and he gets back to growing.

Hannah Grace!!! She should get to go home this week. It will be bitter sweet to see her go. I have enjoyed getting to know her mommy, Miranda, soooooooo much. They are such a sweet family. Hannah's prognosis looks good, keep praying that she gains full use of her legs. I can't tell you how pretty she is. She has an angelic round face with big eyes and lots of dark hair. She is beautiful. Maybe Miranda will share pictures with me that one day I can share with you.

Once again just so grateful for our gift from God in Baby Bro. He is so sweet and we know what a blessing it is that he is continuing to heal and grow. It will be an awesome Thanksgiving. PTL

He Keeps Getting Cuter

I didn't think it was possible but everyday he gets cuter. This picture shows how big those tiny hands are in comparison to his wee self. I keep a hat on him (sometimes mittens too), the nurses will put a tee-shirt under his sleepers and socks sometimes. Because occasionally he has a problem keeping his temperature up. So many things for such a little guy to do. Whew!!

This picture shows the hemangioma on his check (you may have wondered about it in earlier pictures). It wasn't there when he was born. It can be a preemie thing or it can be hereditary but since neither of our families have it, we're thinking it's a preemie thing. It's a cluster of capillaries. It started out as little red dots and grew. It may get bigger then it will start to fade. It should be gone by the time he is 12 - 18 months. We had it checked by awesome Dr. Kovac (he treats all of our family skin cancer - unfortunately for the Walker clan). He said it is nothing to worry about and that it will go away on it's own. PTL (praise the lord) because some are under the skin and cause problems or require surgery. One more way God takes care of us before we even ask.

Master Brody tired-out taking 2 bottles in a row then 2 NG feeds. So today he did a bottle in the morning then one in the evening. He did really well with that. He starts a new reflux med tomorrow so I hope that does the trick for him. We did find out that he had had an Urinary Tract Infection in October that somehow wasn't relayed to us. There was a follow-up test yesterday to make sure it was gone (so far so good - no infection growing in the culture) and he'll have to have a test next week to make sure it won't be a reoccurring issue.

I learned how to do some baby massage today. It is good for him on so many levels. I learned how to touch him to reassure him that I wasn't going to do any tests. Since he has had so many heel sticks for blood tests I learned how to make his feet less sensitive. The therapist, Debbie, said some preemies are so sensitive that they walk on their toes. I also learned how to help with the edema in his legs from the Slope & Swing. Debbie also taught me some moves to help with constipation.

Our NICU friends are great. Hannah Grace is working on her discharge papers. And Waylon is off of the ventilator ALREADY and on the CPAP. Something that took Brody weeks to do. I pray pray pray their roller coaster ride is less exciting than ours. He doing so well. PTL for sure. Yeah!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise!!!

Well. This is the surprise. Brody had his first bottle yesterday. He did so well, yay!!!!!!!!! He had 26cc (30cc is an ounce). Then this morning he had 37cc at 11am and 33cc at 1pm. He then did 2 feedings by the NG tube and will do his 11pm and 1am feedings by bottle. Basically feedings alternate 2 bottles and 2 NGs. He is doing really well with eating. Unfortunately he is still not doing well with his reflux. It is really bad and he is so good. Most babies are so fussy because they are uncomfortable but he isn't. He is an angel. The reflux makes his breathing unstable still. Prayerfully it will be better soon.

Baby Waylon is doing well. Mom, Michelle, is healing well too. She was walking well today and was so happy because she got to take a shower. Such a blessing when you have been on bed rest for over a week.

Today

Brody had a great day! That's all I'm gonna say about Breezy's Man Cub.

Gabe and Michelle Kirby named their little guy. His name is Waylon Joel. He is doing really well so keep praying.

Little Hannah is recovering so well from her spine surgery. She got moved into the room with us today. Her parents are so sweet, they are extremely thankful for your prayers.

But to find why we had such a great day you have to wait til tomorrow............................

A night on memory lane.

Tonight I will make this short because it's late and we are weary. Brody is doing well. Still having some issues while he is digesting. But he is still in his crib and has kept his body temperature up. Tonight he weighed 4lb 8oz. We long to bring him home and to hold him with out all of the cords......

Tonight we had a shock. While looking into the LadyBug room we saw a brand new preemie. He is the son of the couple we asked you to pray for last night. He came early. He is 25 weeks gestational age, about a week and a half earlier than Bro. He weighed 1lb 14oz. Gabe, Michelle, and their new little one needs our prayers, love, and support. We feel so blessed to have gotten to know them. And we are weary for them because we know all too well the road that lies ahead for them in the NICU. We know how scared they are tonight and how shocked they are from the days events. It was truly an dichotomy of emotions. We didn't know whether to be happy Brody was here or be sad because he was here way too early and I am sure they are feeling exactly the same way tonight. I will keep you updated on them too. Tonight I ask that you earnestly pray for his first few days, they are so critical.

Just a reminder of where we have been and where we are. And the road the Kirby's will travel.

Counting My Blessings

We just got home from visiting our little man. He was extra sweet tonight. We graduated today....to a crib! Woohoo!!!! Out of the isolette and into a crib!!! He's much easier to kiss. :) He weighs 4lb3oz. This should be enough weight for him to maintain his temperature. He will be watched closely tonight to make sure. Mommy's afraid he will get cold so I put on his scratch mittens and his hat. This also means that he has been moved to the Slope & Swing. This contraption will help with his reflux. He lays on a wedge at a 45 degree angle (I think) in a little swing (so he doesn't slide down the wedge). The swing ties to the spindles on the crib to keep him secure. He was adorable when we first put him in it. He was looking all around. I think he was thinking, "hey, this isn't my bed, where am I, what's that noise, it's brighter in this bed, I can see more, I can hear more, wow."

He is doing really well at sucking his pacifier. And tonight he got a hold of his thumb once and a finger before that. This week he started making little noises especially while he's being fed, it's too cute. He still doesn't like his bath. But bath night was easier tonight in the crib rather than the isolette. Good week!!! Definitely a wheeeeeeeeee on the roller-coaster.

Please pray for a new friend, Michelle Kirby. She is at Ruby on bed rest. Her pregnancy is at 25 weeks and she will be at Ruby for 7 weeks. As those of you that have gone through this with us you know how dangerous it is for a baby to be born before 30-32 weeks. That is the gestational age they are trying to achieve for Michelle's baby. She has a long 7 weeks ahead of her as does her husband, Gabe. So I ask that you add them to your prayer list. Also we have met a family in the NICU that their grand-daughter was born with spina bifada. Her name is Hannah Grace. I asked them if there is anything we could do to help them (being that they live 4 hours away and came with only the clothing on their backs) They asked for one thing - Prayer for their Hannah. That I can do.

These last 6 1/2 weeks have been surreal. I was raised to count my blessings; to see my cup as half full never half empty. Sometimes that is hard to do. Life can hand us unfair situations. As I look around the NICU my heart breaks. Babies with parents that don't visit, babies that have not survived the night, babies that will be permanently disabled and I have my Brody, finally. And although Master Brody took his time getting here and although he had a very rough start. He is Good!!! My blessing are so great! Praise the Lord!

No Worries - Just Christ!

This pic shows my two guys having a deep conversation, probably about camping, tractors, or cars. Brent and I love to tell Brody all of the fun things we are going to do together as a family. We have such hopes and dreams of the things we will all do together. When I think of this I think of how God has been telling our hearts since before our first breath of all the things He wants us to do. Sometimes we don't hear those things; sometimes we don't take time to listen. One specific time in my life I felt like God wasn't communicating back to me - then like a light bulb; I got it, God doesn't leave voice mail. We need to be still to hear His voice in our life telling us what He wants us to do - as a family. One of my seasoned teens sent me a cool thought this week that I'd like to share with you tonight (technically very early morning, oh well). (Thanks for thinking to send me this Skillet, I needed that reminder too, xoxo dude)

As you got up this morning, I watched you, and hoped you would talk to me, even if it was just a few words, asking my opinion or thanking me for something good that happened in your life yesterday. But I noticed you were too busy, trying to find the right outfit to wear.

When you ran around the house getting ready, I knew there would be a few minutes for you to stop and say hello, but you were to busy. At one point you had to wait fifteen minutes with nothing to do except sit in a chair. Then I saw you spring to your feet. I thought you wanted to talk to me but you ran to the phone and called a friend to get the latest gossip instead. I watched patiently all day long. With all your activities I guess you were too busy to say anything to me.

I noticed that before lunch you looked around, maybe you felt embarrassed to talk to me, is that why you didn't bow your head? You glanced three or four tables over and you noticed some of your friends talking to me briefly before they ate, but you didn't. That's okay. There is still more time left, and I hope that you will talk to me yet.

You went home and it seems as if you had lots of things to do. After a few of them were done, you turned on the TV. I don't know if you like TV or not, just about anything goes there and you spend a lot of time each day in front of it not thinking about anything, just enjoying the show. I waited patiently again as you watched the TV and ate your meal, but again you didn't talk to me.

Bedtime, I guess you felt too tired. After you said goodnight to your family you plopped into bed and fell asleep in no time. That's okay because you may not realize that I am always there for you.. I've got patience, more than you will ever know.... I even want to teach you how to be patient with others as well.

I love you so much that I wait everyday for a nod, prayer or thought, or a thankful part of your heart. It is hard to have a one-sided conversation.

Well, you are getting up once again. Once again I will wait, with nothing but love for you. Hoping that today you will give me some time. Have a nice day!

Your friend,
GOD

I can't imagine one day Brody not talking to me. Can you imagine how God feels when He has plans for us and we don't even give Him the time of day? So I encourage everyone to talk to God today and see what He wants you to do today. (I hope He has a lot of holding Brody planned in my day.) Love you all!!!

Master Brody had another great day. He had his eye test earlier this week. We are 80% clear on having to have anything done. He will have another test in two weeks. His feeds have been moved up to 32cc over 60 minutes instead of 90 minutes and he is doing very well with that. He is gaining weight. He now weighs 4lb2oz. Soon he will weigh enough to be out of the isolette. His reflux still bothers him. When he gets out of the isolette he can be on a slope & swing to help with the reflux. All forward steps this week. Unfortunately, that makes me apprehensive, I have learned the NICU roller coater, I pray there is no loop de loop ahead. But if there is - God's already there waiting to pull us through. AMEN!!! I'm so glad I don't have to have it all covered because He does. That's why I have a twist on the Outback slogan. No worries - Just Christ!!!!!

Best Costume Awarded

This is Master Brody in his costume. Awards are usually not presented to the NICU, but today an exception was made. We won an embroidered WV Children's Hospital blanket. Brody wanted to dress as his favorite MD, Dr. Pete Yossuck (We love Dr. Pete!) This was hard to accomplish because Dr. Pete is quite a fancy dresser and he loves his Italian leather shoes. Brody was dressed before rounds so Dr. Pete was sure to see him. There was a host of people in our room waiting to see Dr. Pete's reaction. It was alot of fun. Plus Brody shared a pumpkin full of candy with the unit. I even made an ID badge for Brody with a picture of Dr. Pete I pulled from the WVU website. I couldn't find clothes small enough so my little man is swimming but still sooooooooo adorable.

Be sure to notice the "Italian Leather" shoes, lol, and his mini name badge.

Dr. Pete's reaction! He was a little shocked but he recognized the compliment and was appreciative and a good sport. We had the entire 6th floor buzzing. In this picture you can see Brody's "Doctor Kit" on top of his isolette.

Brody is still doing very well on the nasal cannula. He had a good day in spite of his mother playing dress-up with him.

Round 5

Let's give it another try. Today Brody came of the C-pap for another go at breathing on his own. He is doing great as of 9:00 pm this evening and showing great signs that this time will be the one. He is going to have a special costume for tomorrow (be sure to tune in for pic's) and is continuing to get awesome care. As for Deedee and I we are holding steady. God has been so good to us this week, in spite of a bad weekend we have gotten to meet another wonderful couple that has came over from Parkersburg that is currently trying to stop her labor as she would be only 26 weeks at this point. We have reassured them that the NICU can handle them but we are praying that the delivery team will be able to hold he out at least 4 more weeks. Also Sunday one of our teen boys accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and tomorrow we may get to witness a new friend of ours confess Christ and be Baptized. This is always for us an amazingly Joyful time. So we have much to be glad about this week. By the way one of may favorite conversations about Jesus is this. He is called Lord and Savior, did you know that you only get to pick one of them? This is what I mean Jesus is Lord of all whether or not all acknowledge him makes no difference he is still Lord. That was decided by God. We do however get to choose him as our saviour. I pray for all reading this that you have acknowledged him as both.
Goodnight from Brody's Daddy.

Better Day :)

We just got home from seeing Master Brody. Much better day today, thank you for the prayers. I will see during "rounds" tomorrow how big of a set-back this is. After his 2 transfusions he is breathing sooooooooooo much better. No more spells. We won't know til tomorrow afternoon about the infection.

Rough Day

Not much to say today....we are so tired. Brody had a bad day. I praise God that Brody had such a wonderful nurse (Erin)to take care of him today with all of these changes. He is off of the nasal cannula and back on the CPAP mask. He is getting another transfusion while I write and will get yet another in the middle of the night. His oxygen level is consistently higher than it has been in weeks. With the CPAP his reflux is worse but they had to do it because his spells were so frequent and bad this morning. His central line in back and he has already had another round of antibiotics in case his bad spells are due to an infection (again). We won't know about the infection for 24-48 hours because it takes time for the cultured blood to grow. If I sound disappointed, I am. Today has set us back 10-14 days. That's 10-14 days longer before he comes home. That's 10-14 days longer before we see how he sucks-swallows-and-breath, a big step in the life of a preemie. The high settings of oxygen and the higher assisted breathing (although is keeping him alive) comes with greater risk of consequence. Like detached retina and Chronic Lung Disease. His seasoned nurse tonight, Michelle (who we have had before and love), says if she had to bet, he will be a new baby by morning after he gets this blood. I pray she is right. Therefore, I sign-off disappointed, last night while his daddy was holding him, Brody sucked on his pacifier, digested food through his feeding tube, and breathed. I was so hopeful that we would be attempting bottle feeding by the end of the week. The NICU Roller Coaster - whattaride!

Joy and Happiness

Have you ever seen what Joy looks like? This is one image I never get tired of looking at. (By the way for all of Deedee's fans it's the substitute tonight. I am always a little embarrassed to post any coments in light of how amazing Deedee's writings are but here goes). Back to the image you may think that the Joy I am speaking of is the look on Deedee's face as she is loving on her baby boy, but the Joy I am speaking of is from my perspective looking on my two Perfect gifts from God. They both just captavate me. I have been trying to explain to Brody how much fun he is going to have growing up with a mom as creative as his. She will make so many things fun that he will be happy most of the time but Joyfull all the time. Am I confusing any one yet? Let me elaborate, Happy is a feeling that comes and goes, Joy is built to last forever. Like for example so many people with the best of intent have said how happy they are for us. I would like to explain that Deedee and I are Joyfull that we have a Son but we are not happy that it has been such a rough start. We are Joyfull that he is doing better but we are not happy that he still has a few apnea spells. Does that make any sense at all? We are Joyfull in the Lord so It does not matter if we are Happy. Don't get me wrong we are doing well and having some good moments but I guess I want every one I know to spend more time pursuing Joy and less pursuing happiness. Happiness is fleeting, its a moment, Joy is permanent even in tough times I can rejoice in the Lord because I have Joy in Him. Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."Nehemiah 8:9-11
See the choice food and sweet drink would bring happiness but the Joy of the Lord is my strength and that is permanent. While I may grow weary at times I rest in knowing that I can call on the strength and Joy of my Lord. So I don't even have to chase happiness cause I have Joy. As Ed Young said in his latest book I hope it becomes "outrageous, contageous, Joy."
I hope you all catch it, cause it is the only way real happiness can come any way. I am sure I have everyone confused and saying "please give us Deedee back:>)" can't say I blame ya,
but just know we are doing good and Honestly we are Joyfull, just not always happy and that is ok. We know the end of this long road is near and it will all be good, He is going to come home healthy and God has us covered.
He did well on his canula again today had a few spells, and my mom got to hold him. She was sighted floating back home at around 30,000 feet. I am quite sure she has not landed yet.LOL
Feeds still doing Ok mild reflux, and as always receiving excellant care. That NICU team is outstanding! Thank God for them all. Pray blessings on every one of them.
Thanks to all of you for your prayers. May you have a JOYFULL day in the Lord with that wondrefull Image of Mother and Son so in love.
Brody's Daddy.

Brody's a Celebrity

Fulfilling on Brent's promise here is the story on Brody's big celebrity interview. We were asked yesterday in the NICU to be interviewed for the upcoming Children's Miracle Network Telethon. So with Brody in my arms and our prized prayer blanket draped beside us we answered questions about our experience in the NICU at WVU. The telethon will air in December and we will receive a copy in the mail of our "spot". Brody did very well and wasn't nervous at all. His super-sweet nurse, Tara, brushed his hair with his soft toothbrush (that's what they use in the NICU). And he had his CPAP mask off and the cannula on so more of his adorable face was seen. I will let all of you know when to watch for our debut. Those of you that "know" me won't believe it but I was so excited to show off my new son that I didn't even think to check my lipstick. I will probably look like a ragamuffin but Brody will be adorable. They may call us after we get home and do a follow-up interview also.

Today......Compression feeds moved to 1 hour and 1/2 from 1 hour to help with the reflux. Doing ok on nasal cannula not great. But he is getting stronger just by doing it. No other changes today. I got to hold him today for a long time and it was awesome (we are not going to get anything accomplished when he gets home except snuggling).

Cannula Ready?

Little Man is on the cannula today. He did really well this morning then is having to work a little harder this afternoon and evening. If he can just do it through the night and tomorrow he'll have it whipped, because he will get so much stronger in just those two days. His weight stayed the same. This is the part where we just wait and see. It's kinda numbing to be inbetween this outcome and what comes next. We believe he is going to do great but again we just have to wait and see. Many of you have ask when does he get to come home. To answer that is not available at this time as his Doc's are not even talking about a date, it's more to do with when he can breathe, proccess food, then gain some more weight. There are a few more battles to win and a few more giants to face but no time line as of now. We just wait and see. It is a building process that requires him to breathe on his own first so this outcome is crucial to the next step.
We will have more to post in the morning as we are just about completly whipped for tonight. Be sure to stay tune for Brody's first big celebrity interview. But again Deedee will tell you all more tommorro. Signing off for tonight with this verse from Hebrews 12.

7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13"Make level paths for your feet,"[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Good night from Brody's Daddy.

Watching Him Grow

Master Brody enjoyed time in his daddy's arms last night. He was so adorable, we really enjoyed our time together as our little family :) We noticed small changes that weren't apparent even last yesterday. When he is awake and looking around, it is like he is exploring. When he sleeps he is more peaceful. He is maturing right before our eyes. I know this might sound weird but he is more like a baby, he even got a little fussy when it was time for his milk to go into his feeding tube. Poor little guy these past weeks was struggling for almost every breath, his brain not formed enough to make him remember to breath. He has matured from basically a fetus to a baby right before our eyes. The growth changes are amazing, not just physically but mentally also. He has gained weight, grown in length, his brain tells him now to breath (almost all of the time), that he is hungry, that he is mad or uncomfortable, his little face is more defined, his ears aren't as flimsy, his skin isn't transparent anymore, his eyes aren't just open but looking around, he has an awareness that he didn't have before.

But if those exploring eyes are open and visiting hours are over Mommy's heart breaks every time I walk out of that door. The feeling to grab him and run has crossed my mind more than once but since I have enough since to know he needs the care he is receiving to breath, I don't . But I want him home so badly. The feeling of helplessness is overwhelming. And him being in the isolette makes him just out of reach. The times I have just longed to lean in and kiss his head but can't are uncountable. Do you remember the old movies where the little kid sees the perfect Christmas gift in the toy store window, usually a train or a dollhouse? I feel like that. He is there, I can stand and stare at him but I can't "play" with him. Sometimes nurses are great about including "mom" other times not so much. I never want to interfere so I don't change diapers, bedding, or clothes unless I'm asked to participate. These nurses have an amazingly important job they may have to hurry to do these "tasks" to do something more life-saving for another baby. To me they are not tasks, it is caring for my baby, and I can't do it. I want to help, I want to fix it but I can't. I sit and stare longingly at my "train".

But as a parent I am learning this lesson about 13-17 years early. Do you agree teen parents? Don't you watch longingly and want to fix the mistakes your kids make? Don't you want to change their clothes into something less trendy. Don't you wish they would eat veggies instead of chips? I remember my mom during my teen years advising; "It's not what I would do." It's not what I would say." "It's not what I would wear." And me thinking, "She doesn't understand." Then having to admit (to myself only) that she was soooo right. And my daddy's favorite response to anything is, "Whatever" I believe it's because of raising three teenagers. And don't you think God sits in Heaven and wants to stop us from making mistakes, especially the ones that can crumble our lives? But He doesn't. He lets us falter, learn, and grow. So I sit and watch Brody in the isolette falter, learn, and grow.

Update:
Brody gets fed 30cc (1 ounce) now every 3 hours with a pump that takes an hour for the feed to go in. Today they are stepping up the pump, it will take 30 minutes. His reflux is doing well with the meds so prayerfully he can handle stepping it up. His lungs still sound good, no fluid build up and he isn't getting puffy again with fluid retention. A relief!!! They are lowering his settings a little more on the CPAP today and scheduled to try the nasal cannula tomorrow. God will make sure he is ready!! Brody needs to take this next step. With the fluid gone I think this is a real weight - he is up to 3lb 12oz. Yesterday was 5 weeks. I am sorry all I have is old pics, that he doesn't look like anymore and I keep forgetting to take my camera (I am not a picture person). I will take tons of pictures today for your viewing pleasure....

Facing the Giants

Brent and I watched the movie Facing the Giants shortly before we found out Brody was on the way. (If you haven't seen it, buy it.) We watched this movie cuddled on the love seat and by the end we were holding on to each other and crying making promises to each other about our commitment to Christ. Before watching this movie, I had always hung tight to praise God in my storm, through the heartaches of infertility and other issues with my health. But after this movie Brent and I both committed to God that we would love Him no matter what. No matter if we never conceived again. No matter if we had yet another miscarriage. No matter if we never had a child. No matter if my Fibromyalgia was healed. No matter if something else happened in our lives. We would love God, not only praise Him but truly love Him. We then had to share this movie with our Home Church Family. It was humbling to hear Brent give our tearful testimony about our commitment. There is something so powerful about a public commitment, I think that is why God asks us to do this when accepting Him as our Lord and Savior.

We have often thought about writing to the small church that wrote and produced this life-changing movie. This movie had to be packed with prayer because it changed our life. After 3 1/2 years of waiting to conceive we did, and after 4 miscarriages Brody's here. Why? I don't know. Is it because we made a vow he had been waiting to hear from us? Is it because we finally truly submitted to His will for our life? Is is because we sincerely put Him first? or Is this how God had it planned from the beginning? Only God knows. But I do know that my heart changed. Many storms may come into my life and I will praise Christ in the midst of them but more importantly I Will Love God - No Matter What!!!!

Just as David faced Goliath and triumphed, just as we have faced infertility and won, Brody will face the nasal cannula this week and succeed. Our little man needs to progress to this step. I know God will grant Brody this goal this week. He is doing so well today. During rounds Doc Pete said to change nothing today because Brody was resting so well and all of his numbers were good. Maybe the rest today is to be ready for tomorrow - maybe we will give the nasal cannula a run for it's money. Please pray that our little guy takes this important next step.