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