I really don't have words to describe what my heart felt in the surreal moment of holding James Daniel for the first time. I will say, that embracing his delicate, perfectly formed, two pound body in my hands, and feeling his tiny back breathe in and out, confirmed for me more so now than ever, that I have been given the chance to be a part of GOD's miracle HE is unfurling before us all. I have said many times in the course of this experience, that GOD was performing a miracle before my eyes. I stand by that now, more than ever.
Dr. Mena said once a baby can breath comfortably on their CPAP machine with less than 30% oxygen, it is safe to hold them without causing distress in any way. Hopefully tomorrow or soon after, we will be able to hold John David. He, by the way, is doing well on his CPAP machine and we are so thankful for God's blessing there. The nurse even said, "He has done exceptionally well for just coming off the VENT yesterday."
Other moments from the day: Daddy was able to touch James and rub his face. Both boys had their first bowl movement (it was a wonderful moment). John David was tanning in his Billi lights and had one arm posed behind his head and both legs completely extended out as if he were the center of attention. Rob seems to think that he is going to be a bit of a "wild man". When Daddy was leaving the parking deck, he told the attendant he was here visiting his "DAUGHTER" in the NICU. I asked him if he corrected himself and he said no, because he felt like an idiot for saying daughter and not sons..hahah! I think the horomones are getting the best of him as well!
Please continue to pray for our little miracles and make sure you first THANK HIM for the amazing things HE has already done for James Daniel and John David.
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is given to us from our Father in Heaven"
John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have PEACE. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
13 comments:
As I sit here crying at the pictures of you holding James for the first time, I am overwhelmed. I know that moment was absolutely wonderful for you and Rob and I hope that you experience the same joy with John David soon. Give Rob a break- sons is a new word for him since he is only used to daughters! So happy the babies are doing so well! Prayers continue for growth and well-being. Love you, Amy
Dana, What a special time and what a beautiful picture - you & James getting some Mommy & Son bonding time. John's time will come soon too. I am so happy to hear your boys are doing well. Dr. Mena - what wonderful things I can say about him - he was my favorite doctor!!! Your boys are in the best care!
Take care of yourself during this time because James & John will be home soon!
WOW ITS CUTE BRAYLIN
Precious. Amazing. Beautiful.
Unbelievable!! What a beautiful picture! It's precious to see you hold your son in your arms!! Thank you so much for sharing these moments with us! I bet you never knew you could be so excited about poop - many more of those to come!!
Oh Dana! The new pictures are amazing. How wonderful to see the picture of James without even the CPAP...I love being able to see his whole face...and know that he is able to lay in your arms and breathe on his own. AMAZING!!! I can't wait until you get to experience the same with John David...I know it will be soon. Sounds like you guys have "Ellie 2" with Mr. John David. :) We love y'all and are still praying for these miracles!
Mrs. Pate,
I am Linda Sears's daughter in Nantes, France, this year with Campus Crusade. Our team is praying for you, your sons, and your family! God bless your precious boys! Love the pictures.
In His Love and Merry Christmas,
Melinda
God is SO good!
Your picture holding James is amazing! I pray that you are able to hold them both soon. Think of how God must feel as He holds all of us. Our Father is so wonderful.
Also think how good it will feel to be held by God...thats who is holding John David until you can take over!
Take care.
Love,
Christy
These pictures are joy redefined! So often we take holding our babies for the first time for granted. Thank you for sharing this precious milestone with all of us lookers-on. I can't wait to see the same blessing with John david!!!
hi,
someone sent me you blog and i just had to leave a comment. i have two year old twin boys and was sitting in your shoes almost two and half years ago, but i remember those days like they were yesterday. i know how hard it is to see your babies sick and not be able to touch them or take care of them like you want, but we all know that GOD is in control and is taking good care of them. keep your head up because you will have good days and bad days in the nicu. it is like an emotional roller coaster, but with all these people praying for you all they will be home in no time. try to take care of yourself as much as possible and get your rest because they will need you soon!
praying for you all!
jennifer (bhm, al)
What a wonderful day! I can't imagine how thrilled you must all be. Dana, you look like you could fly.
I can't wait to see pictures of Mose when he sees these babies. I know his heart is bursting right now. Rose checks in every day. She can't wait to get there.
God bless,
Aunt Jeanie
Thank you for being so faithful to update the blog. I check it several times a day to see how you and the boys are progressing. I get teary every time I read it and pray for you. God keeps you on my mind all throughout the day and I pray for you all continually. I know that God has such awesome things in store for all of you. I can't wait to see how He is going to continually be at work on your behalf. I know from our experiences with mom that God is SO faithful and that He still works miracles or she wouldn't be here with us today. It's because of how I see God using mom today, that I know that He will use you in a big way too.
I can't wait until you get to hold John David. I am praying that it will be very soon. I am continuing to keep you all in my prayers.
God has blessed you with two little miracles, and three more at home...what a wonderful plan He has for you and your family! My eyes tear up everytime I read your posts, I am so touched by your story and your strength. I'm so glad to see that you have finally been able to hold your precious boy, it sounds like it wont be long until you can hold both of them. Keep the pictures and updates coming! Give our love to your family
Post a Comment