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Sunday, May 15, 2011

Update and Pictures as of 5/15/11

I had planned on what I was going to say when I updated the blog tonight, but then I logged on to our blog and noticed the bible verse for today.  It might have changed already, but it was Ecclesiastes 11:5, "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things."  This verse really spoke to my heart tonight.  You see, for the last few days, Mark and I both have been asking God, "why?"  I have been so angry at times that this is happening.  This is the hardest thing we have ever gone through.  I get physically sick each and every time I walk into the NICU and see my babies struggling for their lives.  The hardest part is that there is nothing we can do about it.  If we could give our own lungs to Henry, we would.  If we could give up every material thing we had just for Harper to get bigger we would.  We would do anything to make this all better, but we can't.  I may not understand why this is happening, but I know that God has a plan for all of us.  And no matter how high the waters rise, we won't quit trusting that God will see us through.  There is a song by MercyMe that Mark and I sang to the babies a lot before I was admitted to the hospital.  The lyrics talk about being made for so much more than all of this.  How we are sacred, we are treasured, and we are HIS!  We are resting in knowing that God is still in control because we belong to Him.  He created us! 

As far as an update on our sweet babies, not much has changed.  The goal is still to get Henry stable enough to take off of the oscillators so that he can be transported to LaBonheur.  A nurse told us today that it may be more like a few months before Henry is stable enough for surgery, but that he will more than likely have to stay in the NICU until his surgery.  Mark and I are trying to prepare ourselves for being here that long.  Harper is still hanging in there.  She is so sassy and such a little fighter.  The nurses have all laughed at how much she hates being dirty.  If she has a dirty diaper she lets EVERYONE know.  The nurse said she went through 15 diapers just in one shift.  She is still having some distention in her belly, and yesterday there was a scare that she may possibly have to have surgery, but as of late this afternoon, the distention had almost completely reduced.  The surgeons have decided to just monitor her, and see if it comes back after her first feeding, which is scheduled for tomorrow. 

Once again, we just ask that you please keep praying for our babies.  We are so grateful and humbled by all the love and support that has been shown for Henry and Harper.  May God bless each and every one of you for being such strong prayer warriors.  We can assure you that not one prayer has been said in vain.  I've included some pictures tonight so that everyone can see the sweet little faces of the babies they're praying for. 

Much love,

B.J. and Mark




Sweet Henry, only a few hours old



Mommy and Daddy with Harper



 
Kangaroo Care with Harper




Harper with Daddy's wedding band



Daddy loving on Harper



Henry sleeping today

22 comments:

William said...

PRECIOUS pictures of precious babies! I was just telling Russ tonight that I would love to see pictures. Please know that Russ and I are praying for you, Mark, and these sweet babies. Let us know if you need ANYTHING!

Megan said...

Oops...that was me signed in on Russ's account. Sorry! :) Still praying!

Anonymous said...

They are so beautiful! I am so glad to see their pictures! Now I have two little sweet faces that I can see when I pray for them! Stay strong and know that so many are praying for them and for you and Mark!

Shannon Smillie Grimsley

Rebecca said...

Thanks so much for the update BJ! We are praying so hard for all of ya'll! They are both beautiful! I got on the computer so many times this weekend, just to see if you had updated! Praying, praying, praying!!

katie ray said...

Henry and harper are so adorable! We are praying, and have everyone we know praying! Your faithfulness during this storm, is changing lives. I love you!

Andrea Rose said...

Oh, BJ, they are beautiful! Those are two gorgeous little miracles you have right there. We continue to keep those two little bundles of joy in our thoughts and prayers. Sending loads of love to a very special mommy, daddy and babies.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad to see pictures! They are both so precious! I love you all so much and am praying for you all the time!

Claire Windsor

Jessica said...

Thank you for the update, BJ! Thinking of ya'll and praying for all of you each day! Those babies are precious! Such sweet, sweet little faces - I will be thinking of them each time I send up a prayer!

Tiffany said...

They are BEAUTIFUL!!!! WOW...I mean beautiful!!! Still praying so hard for Henry and Harper. I wish so badly you and Mark were not having to go through all of this. Everytime I think of yall sitting in the NICU I get sick to my stomach. Sweet Harper sounds so much like her mother! She knows her mommy will always keep her clean so in that NICU she knows she deserves no different! So glad that you got to hold her...you will always cherish that moment :) Thinking of you both constantly, Tiff

Anonymous said...

Such little blessings from from God. I am praying for your family and for strength for you and your sweet babies to get through this tough time. How great it is to know that God will take care of everything. "Be still and know that I an God. " Psalm 46:10

connieandevelyn said...

We don't know you but know some of your wonderful family. Seeing your precious pictures, comments, dependance/trust in our God, etc., causes our spirits to connect. We have been praying since we were alerted to Harper's and Henry's condition a week or so ago. We will continue to pray for these two precious babies to grow, for them to gain strength, for each little body part to mature to where it needs to be to function on its own, for the parents' strength/health/faith, etc., according to God's will so that each member of the family can serve our Lord more fully. Praise our Lord for what He has already done and for His plans to prosper you. Love in Jesus, Evelyn & Connie Drown

Anonymous said...

Those are one of the cutest babies I have ever seen!!! Henry has touched me so much. I love the picture with his Daddy's wedding band. It's soooo sweet!!! I will pray for you for God's strength and power each day as you care for your babies. You are doing everything right!! I wish I could hug you all physically but my heart is doing that now. I will pray and pray and pray for you all. You are all wonderful and our God is a great God who loves us so!! I have been deaf since I was 10 years old. I struggled a lot with God but today with my struggles and disability he has opened doors, relationships, and experiences that I would not think to have. I am truly grateful for the protection he has given me thru my deafness. Protecting me from what, I still do not know. But I trust Him daily with my life. Remember this for all of yours!! I love you!!

Unknown said...

loved seeing the pics of those beautiful babies. Praying that Henry stabilizes soon and Harper feeds well.

Susanne said...

They are both precious little gifts. We love you all and are praying for divine intervention for those sweet babies. We are praying that your faith will grow and that you will feel the love of God and all of your friends, who love you very much.

Amy Carmichiel said...

Precious, precious babies!! I think Harper may take after her aunt S.B. by voicing her opinion strongly ;) Ya'll are constantly on my heart and in my prayers.

Allen and Sandi Smith said...

They are beautiful, love seeing the pictures of the sweet babies we are praying for.

Tammy Pace said...

Your precious babies are absolutely beautiful! I am so glad to have their sweet faces in my mind as I pray for them. I cannot begin to imagine what you are both going through. You two are amazing and such a testimony of what it means to truly put your trust in God as you walk through this. You have touched so many lives with your faith, trust and unfailing hope in the power of God.

Maggi said...

I am glad you have doctors who are supportive of Kangaroo Care! That's one of the best things you can do for your sweet babies. <3

I'm praying for you all.

~Maggi

Unknown said...

So, so precious! You're sweet family is in my constant thoughts and prayers! Thanks for posting pics of these little angels.

Unknown said...

I DON'T KNOW YOU PERSONALY. BUT I KNOW HILLARY AND RUSSEL. I HAD A PREMIE AND GOD BROUGHT US THROUGH. SHE IS 26 NOW. I PRAY FOR YOUR AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL BABIES. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU

sandy said...

BJ and Mark, I have passed these prayer requests along to our church in Nebraska, and we will be praying for the babies and you all.

Sandy Hetzler

Anonymous said...

BJ and Mark,

They both are so precious and beautiful. We continue to keep you all in our prayers.


Tee