"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)

Monday, June 2, 2008

Way Past Due

I realize that it has been forever and a day since I have updated the blog. The only reason I haven't kept it up very well is that we haven't installed high-speed internet access at our house yet and my verizon card is slower than dial-up. I think we'll be online in the next couple days; however, I have received several emails questioning Ned's progress. This may be short since my patience can't withstand this slow pace, but once we have our computer set up, I'll keep this blog up much more regularly again.

First, for the good news! Ned is growing by leaps and bounds. He weighed 8lbs. 12oz. when we left the hospital on 04/15 and today he weighed in at 11lbs. 8oz. He is getting quite chunky and it's completely cute. We have been meeting with an army of specialists since we got home and so far, they are all amazed at his progress considering his medical history. Everyone that enters our home or meets with us calls him a complete miracle and I agree knowing they have no idea how true their statements are. His developmental progress hasn't been terribly dealyed, amazingly, and we hope to have him back on track in about a month. I'm sure he isn't loving me because I'm like a drill sergeant!

Ned still isn't taking anything by mouth, and at the moment it appears that it will be at least a month before we can even begin to make any progress. His nissen procedure has failed....confirmed today with an upper GI test back in Chapel Hill. They are planning to repair it on the 25th of this month; however, he probably won't work on feeding by mouth very much until that is fixed. With all that in mind and knowing that teeth are soon to make their grand debut, I have decided to hang up on the nursing. It was a difficult decision for me, but my time is getting extremely strained with keeping up his feeding and supplies, along with pumping supplies, house cleaning, Jack and work. Something has to give and that seems like the most logical responsibility to relinquish especially considering that I have a stock pile which will get hime through a couple more months anyway.

This surgery at the end of the month will be Ned's seventh surgical procedure. While this sounds overwhelming at first, I am looking at it as God's perfect completion. In the Bible, the number seven signifies His completetion and, often times, rest (as in the Sabbath). In many circumstances, the seventh means "finished" and many verses surrounding the sevenths say "It is done". His promises and the truth in His living word have carried us though this and will see us through.

I apologize for the delay and I'll keep up better in the future....and I'll post pictures when the connection is faster. Thank you all for the continued love and prayers that have been poured out on our family.

In His love,
Betsy, Travis, Jack & Ned

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

So glad for the good report! I can only imagine that it is difficult for you to give up the nursing, but it sounds like a wise decision given all that is going on. All the pumping, washing bottles, storing, can be daunting when you have so many other things pressing as well.

His weight gain is amazing! He has gained a lot! I'm impressed!

Thanks for posting! We've all been wondering how things were going. God is so good and I know you must be thrilled and feel blessed!

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you posted! I was beginning to feel abandoned. I can't wait to come see him! For now you can keep us updated through the blog until you feel your ready for visitors. Until then, enjoy your time with your precious boys!

Candace

Anonymous said...

So happy for you all! I'm impressed you're already posting. I have a visual of you running around doing the many things us Moms are expected to do. Am glad to hear of Ned's weight gain and his 7th MIRACLE surgery to complete him. God knows what he's doing with your little man. He's touched the lives of many. Hope Jack is adjusting to his 'Big Brother' responsibilities. Will continue to pray for daily progress and the surgery on June 25th. Remember to take time for yourself Betsy...rest when you can and keep up the good work (all of you...)!!! Have been moved by your Trust and Faith throughout this trial and you are a very amazing woman!
Love,
Belle Jackson

P.S. Happy (Belated) Mother's Day!

*super dude and super dog* said...

Thank you for your amazing and inspirational story! I am 22 weeks pregnant and we just found out that our little boy has CDH. We live in eastern NC and have chosen to deliver at Duke. It's been difficult to find positive stories of CDH and we haven't found any families in North Carolina. I hope we can keep in touch and please check out our blog and comment.

We have our very first appt. at Duke on June 19th so please pray that we get good news!

We will keep baby Ned in our prayers!

*super dude and super dog* said...

After reading through your posts, I just have to add that I went to UNC and am a huge tarheel. When we chose Duke to care to Carter, I told my friends and family that I am going to wear a Carolina shirt to Duke at least one time! It looks like you guys were in the same boat, but with a different shirt.

Elizabeth said...

Betsy,

Take care of yourselves - I have faith that Ned is in wonderful hands. Understand about the dial up - it is painful to deal with!

With thoughts, prayers and LUNG FUNCTION chants,
Elizabeth