Baby Dedication!

Tayler was dedicated at Church today!  She is getting into a routine now drinking 150cc, weighs 12 lbs, Lung X-ray is clear.  Prayers for continued health appreciated!

Tayler's Dedication Video

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.  Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  Palms 100

Going Home Video

Tayler's Going Home Video!

Home!

After 60 days and 2 surgeries, Tayler is now home!  How great is our God!

Tracing God's Hand as we trust in Him... For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)

Should I Stay or Should I Go!

Tayler is progressing well and gaining weight!  She is up to 10lbs 11oz!  The sugeon is not sure that the sugery site is infected, which is really good news! This little girl is really ready to make a move!

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:1, 2 NIV)

Bow on the Baby!

Tayler's feedings are continuing to increase.  She is beginning to gain weight again!  Please pray that her incision heals. It has become infected again.

But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!” (Psalm 40:16 NIV)

Party Hair!

Tayler had her party hair on today!  She is 2 months old today and we are thankful that she had a good day.  Please pray that Tayler continues to increase her feedings and gains weight.  Also, please pray that she will be able to come home very soon!

They rejoice in your name all day long; they celebrate your righteousness. For you are their glory and strength, and by your favor you exalt our horn. (Psalm 89:16, 17 NIV)

Another Connection Removed!

Tayler's broviac central port (used for IV medication) was removed today!  Her weight has slowly decreased. The physicians have decided to add additional calories to her feedings to assist with weight gain.  Please pray that Tayler gets to come home very soon!

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5 NIV)

Set Me Free Why Don't You Babe!

The physicians removed the monitor from Tayler's foot today.  One more connection and she will be off the NICU grid!  She had a good day today and we are thankful.  Grandma pitched in with feedings while Mommy went to see big brother at school.  Tayler did not have any complications with keeping her milk down today and we thank God for her progress.

Monitor removed!

Bling in the hair!

May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:22 NIV)

The Road to Recovery

I remember summer vacations as a kid with my parents and asking - "...how long before we get there?"  They would always say - "...not much longer" which seemed like an eternity.  While we know matters are in God's hands and are in awe of the progress, we can't help but ask -"...how long before we get there?"  I am so glad that our Heavenly Father allows us to be children and knows that He has to help us in our waiting.  

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:30, 31 NIV)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7 NIV)

Happy Patty Cake Day!

Tayler had a good day as Mommy worked her into the theme of St. Patrick's Day!  What a doll...  She is up to 80cc of milk and weights 10lbs 9oz!!!  We are humbled, and we praise an awesome God for how far this little girl has come!

I am holding very very still...

Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. (Psalm 36:10 NIV)

More and More!

We are so thankful that Tayler continues to increase her feedings.  She is up to 70cc!  While there have been a couple of episodes of spitting up, she does well whenever Mommy or Daddy does the feedings.  Thanks to everyone for the random acts of kindness that have been displayed!  We are thankful that Tayler's feedings continue to increase and please pray that she comes home soon!

Saturday's outfit

With matching socks!

Sunday's outfit

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3 NIV)

I Think I Like It!

Tayler really liked her new outfit today!  She has been taken off IV nutrition and was switched to IV fluids. She's also up to 55cc of milk!  Pray that she will be able to tolerate the increased feedings, because she's had a few episodes of spitting up.

I feel pretty!

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. (Psalm 36:5 NIV)

Kissy Face!

Mommy has started dressing Tayler in her own clothes and it is all one can do to refrain from kissing that sweet little face over and over again!  She continues to progress well and we give God all the glory.  

- Feedings are continuing to increase
-Weighs 10 lbs 2 oz
-Hoping to be taken off the IV by the end of the weekend!

I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:4, 5 NIV)

New Hairdo For You Know Who!

Mommy gave Tayler a new hairdo today and she loved it!  The physicians bumped up her feeding to 30cc.  The plan is to bump it up by 5 after every three feedings!  We continue to thank God for the progress being made!  Please pray that Tayler will continue to tolerate the increase in feedings.

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:4 NIV)

Argh Matey!

Tayler is up to 25cc of milk and now weighs 10lbs 1 oz!  We dare not take for granted the blessing of observing her progress on a daily basis.  Please continue to pray for Tayler's continued improvement and for Mom and Dad as they travel back and forth on a daily basis.

Are we going to do that school thing again today?

Just kidding Mommy, I am just playing pirate!  Argh Matey!

Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” (Psalm 126:2 NIV)

Baby Einstein!

Little Tayler is already into learning from Mommy!  She intently observes Mommy as she speaks to her, and then actually tries to speak back!  She is an extremely engaging child.  We are thankful that Tayler continues to take more milk, and is processing well (i.e. poop).  We thank God for the progress being made!

Say it again Mommy...

Oh... I got it!

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. (Psalm 33:4 NIV)

One Feeding At A Time Sweet Jesus!

Today the song by Cristy Lane came to mind about taking one day at a time.  As Tayler takes more milk, it is easy to become anxious regarding the desire to take her home!  While Mom and Dad are thankful for the support being provided by the staff, they are so ready to take their baby home!  While a date has not been set, please pray that Tayler continues to tolerate the increase in feedings.

Good morning mommy!

Time for a nap...

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. (Psalm 139:1, 2 NIV)

Me Can Talk!

Tayler's white blood cell count is drastically down!  In addition, the infection numbers are drastically down, feedings are increasing and she's restarting enzymes!  Also the pulmonologist stopped by and stated the lungs sound great!  Mom was reminded of a song...  How great is our God...sing with me how great is our God. All God's children...how great...is our God!

Tayler trying to talk!

What?  Me can talk!

The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad. (Psalm 118:23, 24 NIV)

Checking off the list today!

White blood cell count is down - Check!
Infection numbers are down - Check!
Coughing less - Check!
Incision is draining less - Check!
Drank 5cc of milk - Check!
Smiled - Check! Check! Check!

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. (Psalm 36:7, 8 NIV)

Taking Matters Into Her Own Hands!

Tayler decided to take matters into her own hands today.  She was having difficulty with the tubing inserted through her nose that was causing her to cough.  So, she pulled it out on her own!  She looks much better today compared to yesterday (thanks for praying and do not stop)!  Her fever is gone and the physicians changed her antiboitic to address the infection based upon lab results.  We expect they will attempt to resume feedings tonight or tomorrow.  Please pray for the infection to clear and that Tayler can tolerate her feedings.

Now you see it...

Now you don't !

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8 NIV)

Pressing Through

The doctors stopped Tayler's feedings for 2 days due to her inability to keep even the smallest portions down.  They are starting reflux medicine and observing her lungs.  She is aspirating and the lungs looked puffy on the x-ray.  In addition, she has a slight cough.  In her few weeks of life, Tayler has undergone more than many might experience in a lifetime.  She went full term in the womb with blocked intestines, endured two major surgeries in a four week span, and fights to recover.  Mom and Dad are standing vigilantly by Tayler's side around the clock and are fully engaged.  The attending physican that started his weekly attendance appears focused and optimistic regarding the path forward.  However, we know that ultimately we must depend on God's providence. Please pray for healing for Tayler, strength for Mom and Dad, and wisdom for the Physician.

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, (Psalm 103:2-4 NIV)

Post Surgery Day 7

Tayler is progressing well.  She is eating small portions of applesauce and milk!  Please continue to pray that the fever subsides and that the sugery site heals quickly.  

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. (Psalm 107:8, 9 NIV)

Bonding!

After visiting with Tayler and Mommy today, I was amazed at how they seem glued to one another.  Then I realized I had experienced bonding.  No matter what I did, Tayler only saw Mommy.  Mommy even had the opportunity to change a very poopy diaper!  The discomfort has subsided and all is progressing well.  She should be able to resume her diet on Monday.  Please continue to pray for her complete recovery!

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5 NIV)

Safe in Mommy's Arms!

Tayler had a rough night with a lot of discomfort.  Today, she stayed in mommy's arms all day!  Please continue to pray for Tayler's recovery, her fever to break, and that regular feedings can start this weekend.

Your arm is endowed with power; your hand is strong, your right hand exalted. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. (Psalm 89:13, 14 NIV)

Post Surgery Day Three and Four

A lot of progress has been made in the last two days.  Mom and Dad have been able to confirm the near-term  recovery steps.  In addition, the gastric pump has been removed and Tayler resumed taking enzymes with applesauce again!  She is running a high grade fever so a round of antibiotics was started today.  The blessing is the physician who needed to order the treatment was supposed to be off today but his plans were changed!  Mom hopes to start bottle feeding this weekend and we are blessed by the compassion shown by the staff.

It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. (Psalm 18:32 NIV)

Post Surgery Day Two

The next few days will be a challenge for Tayer as she recovers from surgery.  Pray for Mom and Dad as they arrange to meet with the support team to confirm the recovery steps to be accomplished this week.

The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy. (Psalm 111:7 NIV)

Successful Surgery!

We praise God for a successful surgery today! All went as the surgeon planned!  Now the next few days will be intense as Tayler recovers from a major operation.  Mom and Dad are monitoring closely and please pray for the staff attending to Tayler's needs.

Give thanks to the Lord , for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalms 107:1

In Your Hands Lord!

Tayler has continued to gain weight!  Her surgery is still on for in the morning.  First and foremost we are praying the procedure will be sucessful.  Also, please pray for the hands of the surgeon, and pray for the nurses' patience and understanding because she won't be able to eat for 4 days (IV only) and will surely be frustrated.

Hey Grandma!

Mommy puts the cap on...

Tayler takes the cap off.... (she's not into caps)

I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. (Psalm 63:8 NIV)

Connected!

Tayler is so connected to her mother!  Her eyes say it all.  She enjoyed mommy feeding her applesauce today.  Her bowels continue to relieve which we are thankful for, as it will result in less stress during / after the surgery.  The surgery is on for Monday morning and we ask for your continued prayers!

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. (Psalm 16:5 NIV)

Hanging Out

Tayler had a good day today!  She went exploring with one of the nurses and they found a swing!  Her next surgery is scheduled for Monday morning.  There is some blockage remaining, but the good news is she passed some of it today!  We are praying that her bowels continue to clear leading up to the surgery and that the surgery will be a success.

Hey I want my swing back!

I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:6 NIV)

Engaging!

Tayler's engaging presence is beyond words!  It goes without saying, she is a precious child!  We are hoping that Mom and Dad can have a good discussion with the surgeon tomorrow (he was in surgery all day today) to better understand the path forward.

Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. (Psalm 90:14 NIV)