"What would have become of me had I not believed that I would see the Lord's goodness in the land of the LIVING. Wait, hope for and EXPECT the Lord. Be strong and of good courage and may your heart (Ned) be sturdy and enduring.....Yes, Wait For and Hope For and Expect the Lord."

Psalm 27:13-14 (Amp)

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Still Up In The Air

Well, Ned's fever subsided late last night (or early this morning, depending on how you look at it) and hasn't returned thus far...praise God for that. At this point the cultures are still growing and the docs aren't sure if his fever is from the MRSA or if he just has some other infection. I think the antibiotics they are using seems to be knocking it out whatever it is, but they'll know more certainly tomorrow. In the meantime, we have now been moved to a quarintine room within the NICU. You have to gown up and wear gloves in there at all times. Our attending doctor says this hospital policy is crazy since probably every nurse in the NICU is a MRSA carrier, but that's the policy. Now I sit in a silent room alone wearing gloves and an oversized robe all day with little Ned. I can't wait to get home! On the bright side, it is quiet in there so hopefully, Ned will get accustomed to a quiet room for sleep? Assuming we can knock out this infection, we still plan on performing his last surgery a week from today. Ned will have the GI motility study tomorrow and a repeat upper GI study to look at his reflux early next week. I'm just praying that this infection clears quickly and we can stay on track. Also, if anyone knows any good books, I've really got some time right now.

I am so thankful for all your prayers concerning Ned's temperature last night. I again found myself laying hands on this child and praying until I couldn't keep my eyes open. I often wonder how many times I'll find myself in this situation with him. Understanding my own lack of control gives me a greater sense of urgency when praying for Ned. If I were completely honest with myself, I would be every bit as devoted to all my prayers because although I feel like I can control other areas of my life, I actually have no control there either! I am trying to prevent myself from praying that God will stick to the given timeframes so that I can remain flexible to His time, but I'm having a difficult time not trying to discreetly mention it to Him every so often. Like I need to remind Him that I am getting weary and a little homesick. He knows. But everytime I look at little Ned while the nurses give report (a run down of Ned's medical history) to a new person on duty, I am reminded by their reaction how wonderful God has been and what a precious gift He has givnen me. It never fails that every new nurse Ned has automatically starts calling him a "real miracle baby" and I absolutely have to agree. My doctors said today that they were actually amazed that Ned has spent such a long time period in the hospital and been to so many areas of the hospital and just now picked up his first infection and that he seems to have overcome it so quickly. God has made even Ned's "bumps in the road" easier than expected. I am so thankful.

Below are some pictures of Jack and Ned's first encounter....sorry for the delay. I'm going to have to say this was the most joyful experience of my life. I'm not sure how much the delay played into my emotions, but something about my two babes meeting for the first time gave me such a feeling of wholeness that it was completly overwhelming!!!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

I LOVE the pictures! Jack looks like he's going to be a very good big brother too! I truly hope and pray that you guys are getting close to going home soon. You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Rusty Rich (Par's dad)

Anonymous said...

Hey Betsy and you too cuz,
I am praying that Ned's fever has done its deed for whatever infection he may have had. I know infections are scary. I would recommend the book, "Come by my Light" with the personal writings of Mother Teresa as a great read. It gives insight of how she gave everything to God, as well as her unbelievable and devoted relationship with Him. It's not in any way a argument to convert, its only about her personal struggle to carry out God's Will! People have wrote negative statements concerning the darkness she felt along the way, but it's honesty at its purest. In all the darkness, she never turned away from her faith. My favorite book by far and I find myself re-reading it as much as possible. It alone is hard enough to believe that I read, but to read and read again, the same book, is proof that it motivates me to give more to God. Just a thought, in case you're interested. God Bless!
Jason

Anonymous said...

Betsy and Travis-
Our prayers continue for Ned and all of you. I absolutely ADORE the beautiful pictures of Jack and Ned. Jack looks just like you Betsy! Oh my gosh- they are so beautiful!
As Jason mentioned, he does read that book a lot about Mother Teresa. I catch him reading it and he is so amazed by it. I hope that you can also receive the same blessing from the book as well.
It really put things into perspective for those who read it. She was such a fine lady and I believe you'll be inspired by her "personal writings!"

We are here for you all,
Love,
Danielle and Jason Wofford

Leslie said...

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Safely Home by Randy Alcorn (Christian author)
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Betsy, I was so happy to read that his brain function is ok! Great photos too. :)

Anonymous said...

OH my gosh those pictures are so precious! I pray that everything will go smooth for you all.

Your house is beautiful minus the few UNC figurines and your painting is my favorite.

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that he is fighting the good fight--and winning! God is good, and yes, Ned is a miracle baby! Praise God!

As for books...lots of good ones. One that is kinda old, but actually worth reading again is Phillip Yancey's "What's So Amazing About Grace?" Loved that book!

Also...anything by Francine Rivers. She's wonderful.

Anonymous said...

We're so glad to hear that the fever broke! We've been praying for Ned about that and we'll continue praying about the infection.
I don't know what kind of books you're interested in reading right now - but one of my favorites is "A Woman After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George. I've read it a couple of times and have started reading it again. Also, I've been reading some Dee Henderson books lately - and the O'Maley series is very good so far - I've only read the first two - "The Negotiator" and "The Guardian" - but I expect the rest to be good also!
(I haven't seen the house - but I'm sure that the UNC figurines make it look fabulous!)
Ron, Michelle, and Clara

Anonymous said...

I can only imagine the joy it brought to have both your beautiful boys with you at one time. I know that Jack is going to be a wonderful big brother. I can't believe how much he has grown up since the last time I saw him. I know that God's hands are healing this infection and I pray that Ned's surgery will stay on as planned.
All of my love,

Natasha Alexander

Anonymous said...

Betsy & Travis
Thanks for all the effort and energy that goes into the blog update. They mean so much to us. Your boys are precious. We love you all.
Phyllis Burelson

Anonymous said...

Betsy, Just wanted to tell you guys how happy we are that Ned's fever has improved....and also, what great pics! You're a lovely family!
I really love non-fiction best and sometimes enjoy books that are easy (as opposed to deeply theological). Two books that I have truly loved are "Then Sings My Soul" (books 1 and 2) by Robert J. Morgan. They detail many of our favorite hymns by telling one page stories about how the hymn was written and how God inspired the writer. I am surprised how many beautiful hymns have been bourne out of great sorrow and struggles for the writer. The books also include the music for each hymn (so you can use it as a song book also). I know you have mentioned how much you enjoy singing to Ned...these books might be really great.
Praying for you guys and lifting you up! Love, Sherry

Julie said...

If you want some good ONLINE reading without going out to buy a book....check out Voice of the Martyrs website: persecution.com....there you will find stories of our brothers and sisters living in difficult places...it will encourage your faith in ways you can't imagine!
Also, John Piper (as I've mentioned to you before) is one of my FAVORITE people on the whole planet and a few of his books are available online for free download....his website is desiringgod.com
You can't go wrong with any of that...it's all good stuff to feed your soul!
Julie <><

Anonymous said...

Dear Betsy and Travis, so sorry about the infection and high temp. I haven't been able to check on Baby Ned until today, due to a sudden death in our family. I was very anxious to see, a matter of fact Emily ask me how he was doing, and I told her that I was just fixing to find out. The pictures are so sweet, Jack looks just like his Daddy, he has grown up so much. I am glad their visit went so well. Praying for all of you and especially for the upcoming surgery. All of our Love, The Alexander's Donald, Kim, Emily and Brock