Pep Talk

Brody's appointment went well on Thursday. He weighed...are you ready for this?..... 16lb 2oz. Wow, he has grown fast. He received 3 shots and cried a lot, poor Angel. He has started something new this week...he is getting really attached to Mommy and Daddy. We went to my parent's for Poppy Pancakes for lunch today and Brent and I were in the dining room and he cried without us. Poppy Pancakes are pancakes that my Daddy makes. Poppy is what all the grandchildren call my Daddy, so probably once a month he makes a breakfast smorgasbord and we all go over after church. Master Brody was just taking in all the sounds and sights. Looking at each person then hopping to the next. He really stared at my nephew Andrew, we think because he has hair, lol. Neither Brody, his daddy, or either of my brothers do. Boys with hair was a new sight for Brody. Well that way he can see how he'll look at every stage of life.

Saturday we went to Game Day on the MileGround to get a free football autographed by 3 football players. OK, we all know I am NOT a sports girl so...a guy named Mike, one named Adam, and another Grant. Nice guys to give up their afternoon for WVU Children's Hospital kids. Of course Bro couldn't go with us but we took his pictures. And proceeds that day went to the WVU Children's Miracle Network, so we helped the cause. Brent and I both bought new sweatshirts and some bibs for Bro. They've invited us to some Blue/Gold Game (or something like that) in the near future also. Brody can't get out yet and he is getting just the busiest calendar. Soon enough he can go everywhere with us.

Today one of mine and Brent's favorite teachers, Ed Young, was talking about "Entering the Door of Negativity". Ed is on USA at Sunday 8am if you ever want to hear some sound teaching. It has had me thinking. You probably have noted over the past 6 months that I am most days a pretty positive person. Ed was speaking of choosing the Door of Negativity today. Which indicated two things to me today; 1) Being negative is a choice. 2) Being negative is a temptation for some (I never thought of that before). I know lots of peps read this that have never met me but I have to say that life has given me several reasons to be negative. There have been times in my life when I have given into that temptation to be negative. But with the Power of Christ I clung to the Promise of Abundant Life and fasted my negativity. I have even rid my daily life of negative people.

Think of those you know that never have a positive word. Do others want to be around them? Do they make good leaders? Do they have effective relationships? We are charged to lead others to Christ, how can that be accomplished with a negative attitude? And negativity seems to be contagious (especially at work, church, or school).

The thought of Abundant Life used to overwhelm me. I didn't want an Abundant Life because I was afraid if I had an Abundant Life it would be taken away. Then God spoke to my heart, "Child you already have an Abundant Life." Wow!!! I did and I had it every day, yet I was negative because I kept waiting for something....I already had it all and I wasn't enjoying it because I was living in the past and wishing for the future. Do you want to take steps today to rid negativity?

1) Get rid of your big BUT - Negative people use but to justify their negativity. " I know I shouldn't say this BUT......"

2) Don't live in the past. - We can't change it, we can only accept it and move on, so do it.

3) Count your blessings - It's hard to be negative when you appreciate your life.

Philippians 2:5 (NIV)
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus."

Celebrity Status

Trying to help Mommy hold his bottle.

Well watch the TV closely because "Our" commercial has started. It starts with showing the front of Ruby then shows Nurse Tara handing Brody to me. The it interviews Tara and some other health care professionals then ends with Brody. And his pic was in The Dominion Post this past weekend. Also I have heard that there is a bulletin board in Star City. I was so excited when I saw the commercial all I could utter over and over was "Brody - TV, Brody - TV". I was in tears to see my baby on TV. He was very little still then and so sweet.

He loved his bath today, cooing, laughing, kicking and splashing. He is the sweetest guy. He went for another walk today and enjoyed the sunshine. And the other night we gave him some peas. Dr Lynch said to try it a couple times a week so he can get used to the texture and the spoon. He was sooooo funny; he kept sticking out his tongue, then kinda rolled the peas around in his mouth, then shut his mouth and out they came, lol. I don't think he swallowed any. I guess that's why we practice before we move to solids. At least he didn't make any icky faces.

Baby Christian is doing well still having problems learning the "suck-swallow-breath" technique but he'll get it and he's g-r-o-w-i-n-g, 4lb 13oz. Prayers are working. Thank you.

New Loves

My Baby Prince Charming Asleep

I just thought I should take a few moments to tell you about Brody's new loves.

One is his Glow Worm or Light Bright (I forget her name). But he will lay looking at her and touching her face for almost an hour. She plays music when you squeeze her tummy and he has hit her so hard he makes her sing. Brent and I were amazed when he did it. He will lay looking at her, touching her face, and talking to her. It is sooooo adorable. My dear friend, Deanna, got it for him and I laugh because Deanna was an incurable match-maker when I was in school. She finally made a match in my family.

Master Brody's other new love is his thumb. He has found it only a couple times before the end of last week but now....he loves it. I was really pushing the binky cause I can't take away his thumb :( Binky is out, the thumb won.

Brody's First Easter

We had a good day celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord. It is late and I am ready for bed. So I will leave with you pictures of Brody in his Easter outfit. In case you can't see the detail...it is green with little chicks. And a pic of him in his snowsuit with the teddy bear ears, although today we told him he looked like a bunny.

Christian is doing so well; off of all oxygen, doing some bottle feeding, dressed and bundled. He's an amazing little fighter too. Thank you for your prayers.

Happy Birthday

Even though it is now Wednesday the 19th (it's 2am I just fed Baby Bro and he's back to bed). I still wanted to acknowledge Master Brody's Birthday. 6 Months. Can you believe it? I hardly can. We went to see Dr Lynch today and he weighed 15lb 2.5oz, and to think at one time he weighed 2.5lbs. Dr Lynch is very pleased with him. We are still on 2 meds but are off everything else. No oxygen, no monitors.....it's so fun to carry him around the house now, without dragging all his extras, yeah!!!!!!

Brent is better, but since Brody was exposed to the flu and it is such a bad season for it he did get a flu shot (you have to be 6 mos to get it) and he got his Cynagis. The 1st shot (the flu) he didn't even pout but the 2nd :( he cried and cried. It's almost comforting to know he can though (because seriously he never cries - he is just the best little baby ever - Brent says I'm bias. The nurse at the Doc's office today said he was spoiled just because when we put him in a gown I put his puppy slippers on his feet so they wouldn't get cold and wrapped his legs in his puppy blanket, matching is not spoiled- it's fashion conscious).

I almost couldn't go to sleep Sunday night because I had "Talkers Remorse". My poor cousin Patty (so sorry Patty - I just haven't been out like that since December - you should have sat me by Crystal, lol - prolly why Mom sat by her and me by you), I talked her ear off at Baby Christian's Shower. Wow, I didn't realize how starved I was to be out and to hang with the girls. If Brody talks as much as Brent and I do, whew.... I just don't want to think about it, lol. Christian (or CJ maybe, Jill and Jimmy are trying it out) is doing well, he's back in the NICU, he is extubated and doing well. Maybe I'll talk to Jill tomorrow and see if they have started him on feeds again yet. I pray-pray-pray that this heart repair helps his belly digest and now he thrives.

If "Talkers Remorse" kept me awake can you imagine the remorse Judas felt after he sold-out Jesus? Unimaginable!!! Satan uses remorse/guilt to manipulate us into being unproductive. Judas' remorse made him commit suicide, you can't be any more unproductive then dead. Once we have asked for forgiveness, God grants it, it's over. I have known people in my walk who believe that they can't be workers for the Lord because of their past, I have known people that are so concerned about what others think of them because they haven't forgiven themselves, I have known people that don't get close to others because they think they will be judged because they haven't accepted forgiveness, and others who can't give forgiveness until they ask for forgiveness. All of this faulty thinking (to steal from Marilyn Meberg) creates unproductive people. And Satan rejoices. I hate Satan!!! I never want to give him reason to rejoice at my life. If he can't tempt us with lust, greed, addiction, etc...he will be very subtle. So laugh at Satan and be productive today---tell one person how much fun you had at church on Sunday, or invite a co-worker to a Bible Study, tell the check-out girl at the grocery "God Bless You", share a story about a miracle at lunch, tell someone about Brody and explain without prayer he wouldn't have made it; just be productive for Christ today. If we all do it we'd give Satan a crappy day----then we can laugh.

The Waiting Game

Baby Christian's surgery went well. Long time waiting.....I don't know how Jimmy and Jill didn't lose it. But they kept calm, I'm not sure I would have been able to do the same. Christian was taken at 10:45 for surgery. We knew it would take an hour to prep him and we saw Dr Gus walk down the hallway around noon and it is a 17 minute surgery, then close and recovery. We thought we would hear something from one of the PA's by 12:30. Well at 4:00 they came and told us Christian was in recovery and would be back up to a room in the PICU in about 30 minutes. Talk about being left in the dark. I so wish we were better informed. It was longer because they couldn't do the surgery like they wanted because something (aorta, artery, flap?) was too small and they had to use a piece of Gortex to fix his narrowing Aorta. When we left the hospital Jill and Jimmy were anxiously awaiting to see him. I pray he recovers quickly.

As for that cutie that lives with me.....Brody I mean. He is as usual an angel. He played today with his Aunt Chele while Brent ran to the office, and my mom and I went to the hospital. Now Aunt Chele is "in-love". He steals your heart instantly...so watch out for the middle of next month when we get out and about. You have been fairly warned to guard your heart. He is spitting up a lot lately but I guess that's just Brody. He is never fussy so I can do tons of laundry compared to him hurting. And for the other cutie that lives with me (grrrr, Kara) please remember Brent in your prayers he is still fighting a viral respiratory infection, he feels awful, he wants to love on us but he is so afraid he is gonna give it to me and Bro. It's so sad. Plus we do need that out of our home before we share it.

Waiting today made me think of when Christ was praying in the garden of Gethsemane because he knew he was going to his torture and death. He asked the disciples to pray for him for a single hour while he went into the garden and prayed alone. When he returned all were asleep. Why is that story in the Bible? Is it to show us that even today we can't wait one hour while Christ goes to the Father, even on our behalf for an answer, we plunge ahead without waiting for a response? Is it to show us that the disciples were human, it was late and they were sleepy? Or to show us that Christ gave up everything for us and we usually, in our busy lives, can't find an hour for him. Maybe to illustrate that this was a burden Christ had to bear alone. I'm not sure but I know it wasn't there by accident. God wants us to learn from that account. Today several family members gave their day to Christian (understandably and expectantly so) but tomorrow will I make time for Christ? Being on this ride since Sept 18th, I have to admit studying, serving, meditating, and praying (for anything/anyone other than Brody) has been out of my mind and heart. Today I was reminded while we sat and prayed Christ was still there waiting for us not just for an hour but for as long as it takes. Tomorrow.....will I return the favor? I'm sure gonna give it my best effort.

Pray-Pray-Pray

Another picture of cute Baby Christian.

Baby Christian's surgery is tomorrow at 10am. He needs all of everyone's prayers. I understand more tonight than last night about his condition. He has a narrowing of his Aorta. This causes blood to "back-up" in his heart. It may be what was causing his collapsed lungs because when the blood is backed-up in the heart too much blood can stay in the lungs. It also is most likely causing his digestive issues because there is not enough blood going into his belly to make everything run correctly. To fix this problem they will cut and remove the narrowed area and sew the Aorta back together. Master Christian only weighs 3lb 10oz, and although they would love for him to be bigger to do this surgery; it is a catch 22, how can he get bigger if he isn't digesting well?, so the surgery is necessary. He Bro's cuz, so strength (or is it stubbornness) runs in the family, Dr Gus is one of the best Pediatric Cardiac Surgeons on the East Coast, and prayer works. I will blog tomorrow and let you know how remarkable he did during surgery. Thank you for loving him too.

Brody is good today...no changes...just eating, pooping, sleeping, cooing, smiling, and snuggling. Say a prayer for Brent too, this virus cough is trying to kick his butt and he is working so hard to make sure he doesn't share with me & Bro.

Prayers for Christian

Sleeping with Daddy after a hard day's work

Baby Christian is going to have heart surgery either tomorrow or Friday. He has a narrowing of the main artery to the heart. Since I didn't talk to the docs, I don't understand it a lot. I do know that it can be called co-arc and the surgery should help Christian's other health issues. Christian's Dr is the same Dr Phillips that we love and he is confident that this is a pretty uncomplicated surgery but scary for Jill and Jimmy nonetheless. And I totally understand why. Christian is still less than 4lbs and he has had both lungs collapse during his first two weeks. So please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I will keep you updated.

As for Bro-------his rash is completely gone and he had a wonderful day. We got dressed and went for a drive in the sunshine (and to let Brent have quiet for a nap - he's still under the weather). Brody had a bath today which he tolerated. Only once has he cried during his bath. And sometimes he loves it and kicks and splashes but today he was indifferent. He had 5 5oz bottles and took his medicine like a champ. I have this cool little thing my cousin's wife got us that is a medicine dispenser with a nipple. Well when Bro came home he couldn't use it because the med would choke him and he would desat and brady so I would have to shoot his med very slowly into the corner of his mouth. But in the last few days he sucks it right down out of the little dispenser thingy (yes, that's the technical name). He even slept from 11pm to 7am. Our other Dr appointment for tomorrow was rescheduled to Tuesday (due to insurance coverage for Brody's Cynagis shot). He is such a good baby boy. I still can't believe he's mine. God's goodness is overwhelming.

Flying

Baby Bro played himself to sleep on his beloved Jungle Gym.

Master Brody went to the cardiologist yesterday. We stopped by the NICU to see our friends and to meet Cuz Christian. Both boys were adorable. Christian was just hanging out in his warm isolette, looking as cute as ever. He is doing well...still a wee moment on the roller-coaster.

Master Brody was adorable because he "performed" for all his nurses. He talked, cooed, laughed, and smiled at all his pretty nurses and NICU staff (and Rus too - Rus isn't so pretty, but we still love him). I really think he remembered them, he seemed sooooo excited to be there. In spite that he had a rash and hives all over his body. Our pediatrician, Wonderful Susie, thinks it was the last of that virus we had just saying goodbye. Today he is much better. But me and Brent on the other hand...not so good. I have a sore throat and Brent has a cough, sore throat, congested, ick. So please pray we don't give it to Baby Bro.

The cardiologist said Bro's EKG looked good and we don't go back for 3 months. Dr. Phillips will keep an eye on Brody's conditions and we will pray they remedy themselves.

Tonight as I think about all of the things Brody has over-come (and Christian, and Wyatt, and Addy, and Charlie, every preemie we have met), I leave you with one of my favorite verses, Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Are these little miracles not a breathing testimony to that? God strengthens them every day and every day they accomplish much. So today when adversity hits you...muster the strength of a preemie.....remember Jesus died for you....and succeed, just like the bumble bee. He flies because God told him to, his wings are too little to support his big body but he flies because Christ strengthened him too.

Baby Christian

This is my cousin's baby he was born at 30wks 5 days. My cousin's name is Jill and her hubby is Jimmy. Their new bundle of joy is Christian. Christian is 2 weeks old today, and has had quite a ride on the NICU Roller-Coaster. He was born weighing 3lb 6oz and dropped to 3lb 2oz and is back up to birth weight as of last night. He was born crying "Hello World" and did not have to be on a vent, then his lung collapsed and he had to be intubated. He was on billi loghts for a while but is off of those now. And he healed enough from the collapsed ling that he was extubated, and on the C-PAP (now you remember the C-PAP - these should all be familiar for you NICU veterans), and quickly he went to a nasal canula (not ka-nula Kerri). Unfortunately last night his other lung collapsed (not a common occurrence - just like Bro's hemorrhage - can you tell they are related?) So back on the vent he went and off of his feedings, he was up to 8-9cc every 3 hours. He is doing well today in spite of his "thrill" last night. But please pray for him and for Jill and Jimmy....from keeping up with us you know what a ride they have in store for them, poor Jill didn't sleep a wink last night. I asked Jill and she said I could share information with Brody's fan base (lol). Jimmy has started a page for Christian at http://www.caringbridge.org/ then type in christianjamesmiller in the Visit a Caring Bridge Website box. Thank you for being so good to us and now so good to Jill, Jimmy, and Christian.

Oops...almost forgot to tell you, Baby Bro is wonderful. If you don't believe me ask Grammy or Grandma. He is so cute and so sweet. He is getting so big that he keeps pulling his lead wires out of his electrodes on his AB Monitor. A sign to me that he is saying, "Mommy, I'm done with this machine." Just like he did with his vent tube and canula. God's goodness is evident every day in the Wilmoth home.

New Adventure

Yes, he has socks on his hands, they were cold...

Well...wasn't today beautiful? 74* I couldn't wait to take Brody on his first walk. I secured him in his stroller and off we went (me, my mom, Maddy, and Baby Bro). We all soaked in the sun's vitamins. Brody seemed intrigued, just wide-eyed, taking it all in; he did smile a few times. I told him wait till he's a little bigger, we'll go to the park across the road and he can swing in the airplane swing. What an awaited event for this summer.


This week is a down week for Master Brody but next week...we go to the cardiologist on Monday and the neonatologist on Thursday. I pray we master the germs better this time, last time we went to the doc I contacted a stomach virus and then gave it to Bro. I will be even more diligent about using my antibacterial gel. Thank you to so many who are anxious to visit understanding how sensitive Brody's lungs still are and that we have to be sooooo careful about keeping him healthy until his lungs heal a little more and get stronger. Thanks to dear family who visit through the front window (yes we really do that, ask Craig or Michele). I know many want to meet him and I appreciate your patience and understanding.


No updates on our friends tonight except Baby Waylon did not get to go home over the weekend and Baby Christian had to be intubated. That was from Friday so I don't know what's happened since. I'll update you when I know.