Dr. Stewert calls me: Punxsutawney Ned

Well Folks, He poked his head out free and clear of the vent for about three hours, but it looks like 6 more weeks of winter! Just kidding, it shouldn't be that long? They took Ned completely off the vent this afternoon and he did well for a couple hours, but his breathing just became too labored for him and they had to re-intubate. It was the most wonderful site to see the entirety of his beautiful face!! I thought I had an idea of what he looked like until I finally saw him...then I realized the piecemealed image in my brain was somewhat skewed (and hardly did him justice). They'll give him a couple more days on the vent which is currently working to train and build-up his muscles to teach his body to breath properly. The next time they extubate, I think they're going to try the CPAP before the nasal canula (shown above) which offers a little more pressure support.

More good news:

They finally let me hold my little punkin for the first time today!!! It was a quick visit as they were preparing the medications and equipment to re-intubate him, but after 4-weeks of sitting beside him, wishing I could comfort him, it was that wonderfully familiar kind of feeling like coming home to your own bed after being gone for too long. After I spent Sunday with Jack, I wondered if I would be able to build that same kind of relationship with Ned. (I couldn't ask for better interaction with a 3-year-old than I enjoy with Jack...I genuinely enjoy his company) After I held Ned today

and we had a little bonding time, I knew we'd clicked! It was a very surreal yet natural feeling. I don't believe I've ever shared this, but when I was pregnant with Ned, my most frequent dream was that immediately following birth, he and I could have complete sentence, verbal discussions (he wouldn't speak for anyone else- they thought I was crazy). While holding him today, I felt so connected with him, I wouldn't have been completely caught off guard if he had struck up a conversation.


Such blessings we have received! I am learning that this is how God wants us to live....not just how He wants us to survive this trial. Today, Travis received unofficial word that his company is going to be announcing a layoff. Unless there is some exclusion given to his group, he will most defininely be affected. While driving back, I was praying and wondering, "God, when is all this unrest going to end for our family?" He answered, "this is your new lifestyle." I'll have to say, I didn't take to it at first. He reminded me of his life-long relationship with Abraham and how it all began with Abraham leaving out from his comfort zone, with no direction, at the single command of God. It was never God's character to ask someone to follow Him a single time, reward them, and then abandon them. He seeks for His children to walk with him daily (all day, every day). Abraham had many trials and many blessings, but they were over the course of his entire life. Now that I have come to a place where I can trust Him with my children, it was much easier to hand Travis' job over to Him. I said I would ALWAYS trust Him with everything and I can't treat the miracles He has bestowed upon Ned as a one-time gimmic....It's His nature!

I am continuing to pray that Ned's little body will find the strength to maintain on its own and that he won't have to endure much more struggle before reaching a state of autonomy. I pray that he will be able to wean off of the narcotic medications without having to endure withdrawal symptoms. If you will also keep Travis' job situation in mind. I believe that God will show him the direction in which he wants him to go; however, I know he is feeling unrest about the uncertainty of it at the moment. Thank you all for your continued prayers.

Also, for those of you who link to other blogs, a note of praise.....Livvy is now at home!!!! Praise and Thanksgivng to God!

Love you all-

Betsy, Travis, Jack & Ned