Friday, April 24, 2009

The NICU Precipice

Last night was Jimmie's first night to take his feeds by bottle. He took one full feed by mouth. All the others he just sucked a little and clearly did not have enough energy. I think he did good to take one whole feeding though. It'll just take a bit for him to build the stamina for this. After trying so hard all night he was just plain tuckered out today. Poor little man. Father God please make Jimmie's little body strong enough to eat. Give him stamina to suck, swallow and breathe. Thank you for your power and might. We ask that Jimmie would be mighty!

Rachael was very weary of the NICU today. Some seemingly little things caused her tears. Remember back when Rachael first went on bedrest in the hospital and I likened the 3 1/2 weeks to viability to the "Precipice Injury" from the wonderful book- "Hinds Feet On High Places? Well- ever since Jimmie was born his journey in the NICU has definitely been another precipice. The Lord has been so faithful to us. Jimmie, Rachael and Justin have had Hinds Feet from the Lord. The last ascent, the last part of the climb can sometimes be the hardest. Rachael is very weary of this climb. Pray that she would be renewed and refreshed in body and spirit to fight the rest of the way to the top. She needs a second wind. Lord blow your winds of grace on Rachael and Justin. Strengthen them for this last leg of Jimmie's NICU journey. Fill them with peace. And help them to reach the top of this NICU Precipice soon.

Thank you all so much for joining me in these prayers! We have SO MUCH to be thankful for!

Love,
Amber

7 comments:

  1. Jimmie is such a little trooper. We are praying those "home prayers" and we'll start some "mouth feeding prayers", too! Jesus has been so wonderful. Good luck, little Jimmie!
    -Mary Gates & Family

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  2. We do have so much to be thankful for! We agree with you in prayer for the strength and grace of the Lord during this last ascent. I was immediately reminded of a couple verses of a worship song by Justin Rizzo from IHOP.....they say,

    "No one whose hope is in the Lord will ever be put to shame. He is the Rock who is Higher than I. His Name is above every other name, His name is above every other name. Hallelujah, Hallelujah!"

    Justin and Rachael, may you always remember what ground your feet are climbing on! Your Rock, your firm foundation is always with you. With every step you take, may you "see" it as another GOOD step. Grace to you both. And keep growing BIG BOY Jimmie! We love you guys.

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  3. Rachel and Justin,

    We're praying for your strength--all of you!

    "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." -Isaiah 40:31

    We love you so much!
    Adrian and Janelle

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  4. We continue to pray for you all.

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  5. I have been following Jimmie's progress after a prayer request from Jennifer Ostrander, a friend of mine. I was a NICU nurse at Children's Mercy for 12 years before I had my second daughter, Emma Grace, stillborn on April 15, 2006. She too had a cystic hygroma and was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. We found out at 15 weeks and continued our pregnancy which was difficult, an honor and a blessing at the same time. I treasure the time I had with her. After much prayer and with much fear we became pregnant again about 8 months later. With twins! I was sent to the hospital by Dr Finley at a routine appointment at 23 weeks 3 days and was in bed at Overland Park til 30 weeks, when they sent me home on bedrest, readmitted me, etc. It was a long scary pregnancy, but I made it with God's help and my girls were born at 34 weeks. When I read Amber's tribute to Gracie I just couldn't believe it. It is so beautiful and I could relate so much to everything she said. So many of our experiences were the same. I just want you to know I have been praying for you and Jimmie since you went into labor and I am amazed at how well he is done. I know you are weary. I worked in that environment for a long time and my oldest was a 34 weeker that spent only 3 weeks at CMH. I hate to complain about 3 weeks but it was definitely eye opening to be on the other side. Very frustrating! You have had such a long, worrisome journey. God will bring you the rest of the way! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and I'd like to think maybe your Gracie and my Emma have made friends. They are such special girls.
    Love,
    Kristy Rothert

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  6. Praying for Jimmie and his mommy tonight!

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