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)

Sweet Baby!

Tayler is such a sweet baby!  She continues to capture the hearts of her family and those who attend to her needs at NICU.  Please continue to pray for her as we wait on the next step!

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24 NIV)

Resting

Tayler was resting during today's visit.  We are waiting for the surgeon to return on Wednesday to provide a path forward.  We are hoping the surgery will take place near the end of this week.  Please continue to pray for Tayler.

Cute pic from previous day's visit!

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1, 2 NIV)

Safe and Warm

This post was scheduled for yesterday but was delayed due to power outage and earthquake! Tayler was safe and warm at the NICU during the power outage freeze and earthquake.  Mommy and Daddy were able to visit yesterday!  We await a path forward from the surgeons.  Please continue to pray!

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. (Psalm 16:1 NIV)

Brother Visits Sister!

Chris surprised Tayler with a visit and valentine's present!  We await the path forward from the physicians.  Continue praying for healing and recovery.

It is obvious that Tayler was happy to see big brother!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17 NIV)

Praying for Good Report

The Surgeon performed a test today on Tayler's lower bowels to check for additional blockages.  We should get the results tomorrow.  We're praying for a good report!

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3 NIV)

Not a Happy Camper

Little camper about to wake up...

Little camper trying to keep it together...

Little camper losing it...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)

Hope and Pray!

Tayler had trouble with her ostomy site today.  We are hoping and praying that it will be removed next week and that her bowels will be fully functional.  There are so many unknowns in times such as these, that demand we trust God and surrender our circumstances completely to Him.

But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. (Romans 8:25-27 NIV)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Crying Out!

Today Tayler was screaming her lungs OUT until mommy picked her up!  She has gained weight and is now 8lbs 1oz! They've lowered her feeds because she's not able to fully digest the milk. This is most likely a result of having the ostomy bag placed at the top of the digestive system. Food hasn't been able to travel through the system far enough to be digested.  They will be performing tests on the Iower tract of bowels to make sure they work properly.  There is a possibility that the next surgery will take place late next week.  Keep praying!

This is what she was waiting for!

Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:2, 3 NIV)

Hi Mommy!

Little Tayler greeted mommy today with a new hair style!  We thank God that she continues to increase her feedings.  She also started digestive enzymes.  We ask that you continue to keep Tayler in your prayers as we continue to trace God's hand in this precious little baby's life.

Good morning mommy!

Best part of the day in mommy's arms!

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1, 2 NIV)

Praying for Tayler

The medical report was not what we desired to hear today.  We are asking for your continued prayers for our precious little girl.  Without doubt, this promise must be our foundation.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5, 6 NIV)

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:3, 4 NIV)

Happy Baby

Mommy and Tayler were together today and Tayler's face says it all!  She continues to progress and taking more milk, and we give God the glory!

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)

Eyes Wide Open!

We thank God for another good day and nice visit with Tayler.  She continues to get stronger by the day and taking more milk daily.  She's a sassy little girl (wonder where she gets that from).  We continue to pray for a good report on tests later this week!

On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. (Psalm 63:6, 7 NIV)

My Strength and Portion

Tayler continues to improve!  She has increased her milk feedings from 4cc to 27cc!  Without a doubt she is getting stronger and we believe Him for her complete healing!  God is able and we thank Him in advance!

I love you, Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. (Psalm 18:1, 2 NIV)