Feel the awesome.
22
Dec 2010
Here We Go
Yesterday we had an appointment with Paxon’s cardiologist. After another 2 hour ultrasound, it’s looking quite probable that Paxon is going to need to have a heart surgery shortly after he’s born. Nothing is set in stone yet, but the doctor is already planning for Paxon to receive a certain medication when he’s delivered, and to only feed him a solution with nutrients instead of milk so his heart doesn’t work too hard. He will get an echo about 90 minutes after he’s born and then the decision will be made at that point. They are thinking he has a coarctation of the aorta (narrowing of part of the aorta). They haven’t specifically seen this on the ultrasound, but they are seeing other problems his heart is having (enlarged ventricles, enlarged valves, blood leaking back into the ventricles, and a few other things) that they feel pretty confident the coarctation is causing all of this. Jeremy asked the doctor if they knew what else it could be if not the coarctation, and the doctor said it would probably mean that Paxon’s heart was abnormally formed from the chromosome deletion. So, even though this heart surgery is scary, we would rather be dealing with something we can fix than a weak heart. They are planning to perform the surgery about 3 days after he’s born.
Since so many doctors need to be involved in Paxon’s arrival and care, we are scheduled for induction for next Thursday the 30th. Jeremy and I are swimming in emotions right now. We’re terrified, yet we’ve been talking through every single problem and scenario we’re going to be dealing with that we’re at the point now where we’re anxious to see our baby and help him however we can. It’s been a long four months of pouring over the what if’s and maybe’s, touring hospitals and nicus, being frustrated with doctors, and feeling helpless in taking care of Paxon. We may still have these same struggles to deal with when he comes, but at least we’ll be able to touch and feel him instead of peering at some cloudy ultrasound tv screen and cheering for him to stay still.
So, here we go. We definitely feel covered in prayer. So many of you have been incredibly faithful to pray for our family, and we are forever grateful for you taking the time to pray for God to move in us, and give us the strength to walk this path…whatever that may look like. If you think of it, would you mind continuing to pray…
….for an easy delivery, and for Paxon to stay strong through the whole process. I would love to avoid a c-section so that I can be with him in the nicu, but that’s not all that important for his health…just my mental state.
….for Jeremy and me to be able to handle seeing Paxon for the first time. Honestly, this is going to be difficult. We just have to remember his cleft lip/palette is not hurting him. Thankfully we have a wonderful, compassionate cleft lip/palette surgeon (if you’re local, his name is Dr. Stephen Beals!!!) who told us that he himself will come up to the hospital and fit him for a metal plate and tape his lip closed. We’re hoping this will help him with learning to suck from a bottle. We’re assuming he’ll be on a nasal feeding tube for awhile, but we would love to avoid a G-tube (a tube inserted through the abdomen to the stomach).
….for his bowel blockage to be easily extracted with medication rather than another surgery.
….we’re pretty certain Paxon will be mentally retarded, we just pray like crazy that it’s as minor as can be. Where he is neurologically will really effect how he handles life outside of the womb. I recently had a doctor say to me, “we just don’t know if he’ll be a little delayed, or if he won’t know that you’re his mommy.” Sigh…when is that ever ok to say to someone! I seriously could write a book entitled, “Here are the stupidest things doctors have ever said to a patient. Don’t repeat. Ever.” But that’s a whole different conversation. Please pray for his overall strength.
….that Asher would be ok with not seeing Mommy and Daddy as much, and enjoy his time with Grandma and Grandpa. Asher also has a lot of daily medical needs, and most everything is pretty routine for Jeremy and me, but not so routine for Grandma and Grandpa. Please pray for my parents as they take on the responsibility in caring for Asher, and that they would have an extra dose of energy to keep up with him…because the boy likes to be on the go all the time!
….that Asher would avoid RSV and getting sick during these winter months. Oh, that would be soooo glorious!
….that God would shower Jeremy with the strength to keep up with a demanding schedule. I’m planning on staying with Paxon in the hospital, so Jeremy will be trying to make sure Asher has a little routine in his day, traveling back and forth to the hospital to see us, and keeping up with work and household stuff. That’s a lot for him to handle. Please pray for his safety with all the freeway driving too, just thinking about the crazies on the I10 and the 51 give me heart palpitations.
….that God would use me in the hospital to share His love with others. When I was touring one of the nicus I overheard a mom telling one of the nurses that she didn’t want a pastor to come and pray with her and her baby because it would make her feel uncomfortable. I just wanted to hug this mom who was going through such a difficult time. Pray God would use me somehow.
….that the four of us would be together under one roof as quickly as possible.
His room is ready…
….and I think we’re as ready as we can be. We just need our little man to come and join our family so we can start loving him.
Our wonderful gift givers have been leaving verses for us each day with their gift. Here are just a few of the verses that God keeps recalling to mind. By the way, all of them are going in my suitcase and with us to the hospital so we can be renewed, challenged, comforted, refreshed, and keep our eyes on Him and His plan for our lives.
“I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.” Jeremiah 33:6
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.” Deuteronomy 7:9
“I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will heal you.” 2 Kings 20:5
“Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“…your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in Glory.” Colossians 3:3-4
“God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but…will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13
“Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything, instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7
Thanks for all your love everyone. We’re so grateful you’re in our lives. Merry Christmas to all of you!!!
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A Slice of Yesterday
OKAY…Here you go! God has equipped you and Jeremy…Paxon could not have anyone better for his parents than the two of you. Praying for all of the things you mentioned and waiting with great anticipation to watch and see what GOD ALONE can and will do!!! Love you both!
what amazing encouraging words…LOVE you and praying for you and jeremy and asher and your parents and all the doctors and most of all for paxon…can’t wait to meet him! 🙂
We are here…along with the rest of your army. Praying and loving you guys. God will do amazing things with you and your sweet family…he already has. Love you guys.
Cant wait to meet little paxton!!
praying for peace, guidance, and rest!!
that u will feel his presence!
love u guys, we’re here for u!!!
Here we are to the countdown! We will be praying for you constantly! Love you guys!
Come sweet Paxon. We’re praying for you!
I love what Meagan said, there is an army of God’s people praying on your behalf. Thank you for giving an update and specific prayer requests. You are so loved! To God be the glory!!
I will pray for you and your family. May Paxon WOW the Dr.’s with how strong he is and how well his heart works. May God strengthen you through this time, may your body be all ready to deliver on the 30th and may you have unexplainable energy and joy at and after the birth of little Paxon!
Thank you for your post Olimbs! We are praying for you and the many capable hands that will be caring for your little man. Dr. Beals is a good family friend and we know he will do a GREAT job with his piece of Paxon’s procedures. Thank you for encouraging your readers (friends) with your candor and practical, powerful verses. Love to you!
We are standing with so many to pray for you, Rachel, Jeremy, Asher and little Paxon. We know that God will be glorified through all of you! We love you and will be praying.
We are eager to meet Paxon and support you all in any way needed. You are so deeply loved and prayed for.
Sweet friend…the Lord our Father has surely worked through you and your family in so many ways already, and I have no doubt your next step on this journey will be no different. Thank you for showing us all your incredible testimony of God’s love and faithfulness to us, no matter what we are faced with. I love you and will be fervently praying for all you noted. Pax, you are such a star…we love you and can’t wait to meet you someday!!! (Wish I lived closer)! All our love!!!
PS…Paxon’s room is Super Duper ADORABLY Darling! xoxo
I love his sweet little room with the cute little owls looking so cheerful. I love Patti’s quilt that will be big enough to make you comfortable sitting in that chair and big enough to wrap him up so snuggly. Your heart is ready, you’re prayed up for this and you have a army of people ready to lift you up from Paxon’s first moment here. You have done this difficult thing and found strength in the strong Rock of your salvation. “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.” Ps. 62:1,2 I can’t wait to meet your precious little boy.
PRAYING!! Love you guys!
The nursery is WONDERFUL, Rachel! Nicely done!
Thank you for the specific prayer requests!! The glory of God is shining through you all…praying for unexplainable strength and peace through the next days and weeks. We are ready to meet you little Paxon!!
Paxon, this world is a blessed place to get someone as unique, special and as tearfully and wonderfully made as you are and it will never be the same once you arrive. You will do powerful things for the cause of Christ and we will all be better because of it!
Deep breath huh? Praise God He knows what He’s doing…you can do it! Paxon has the most amazing team on His side with the Perfect leader. Our family is still praying and can’t see that we’ll ever stop. Love your room Rachel…love you!
Even in this, be anxious for nothing. I love you. Praying constantly for you.
…Typing this through tears…I am most certainly in your “army’ of prayer warriors lifting all of you up to our God who is our Healer and worthy of all praise. Your family has been a bright light of His love and peace throughout this trial, and He will continue to use you all, I’m sure of it. Baby Paxon is so blessed to have you both as parents. I hope to be able to be a help in anyway I can after he’s born. Besides, now that our family has just fallen in love with Asher, he has to come hang out with us some more!
Your prayer Warriors are standing ready for battle, and more importantly, ready for the GREAT VICTORY party in Christ Jesus. We love you guys!
We will cover you in prayer!
Praying for your family! Hugs from a sister in Christ (& friend of Lori G)
Olimbs, praying for God to help and strengthen your hearts.It is such a blessing to read how much your family is loved and cared for by God’s people! I truly am so anxious to see this precious little boy, this newest little Olimb.
Our prayers are with you and your extended family. We know that God has His plans and we just have to have the faith and strength to know that His will, will be done…Please keep us all posted, we will continue to lift you all into God’s loving embrace and comfort.
R&C Davis