Final Post

This is the final post for "Jonathan's Journey." This blog was intended to give a record of my time in the NICU @ Brookwood Medical Center and now I'm home. The blog's purpose has been fulfilled, PRAISE! Therefore, I have a new blog "Tales from the Crib." In this blog I will give account of my ongoing journey as a preemie adjusting to life outside the NICU. Here's the link, http://jsrathome.blogspot.com/ Feel free to drop by anytime. The blog will be updated two to three times a week with plenty of video, pics, and updates. I initially planned on moving on from the whole blogging scene. However, family and friends from abroad convinced this was not in their best interest. So, we blog on.

To the NICU docs and staff @ BMC. You are truly AWESOME and we LOVE YOU!! I hope you drop me a line when you have time. If not, I'll see you at the reunion.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and thanks for letting me into a small portion of your life. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing! JSR, out!

Third & Fourth Days @ Home...

As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.
Eccl. 11:5 (ESV)

The past two days have been pretty lazy around here. Well, for me they have been lazy. My Mommy and Daddy always seem to be doing something for me or other things that need to be done. My feedings are going well, some better than others, but still good, PRAISE! I'm starting to sleep longer when I nap. I was sleeping about 30 minutes at a time, but now I sometimes sleep from feed to feed (3 to 4 hours). I think my folks hope and pray this trend continues, LOL. Friday was a good day as Meme and Pop dropped in for a visit. One neat thing was it was their first opportunity to hold me. I think they had a good time, LOL. (I've included at the end of this post a short video from their visit.) Today has gone well with Mommy and I hanging out most of the day while Daddy did a ton of stuff around the house. He even did the monthly Wal-Mart run and cooked dinner.

Last week I mentioned that the blog (Jonathan's Journey) would be ended when I get home. My reasoning was that it was intended to record my journey through the NICU and to provide my loved ones with updates. Well, let me tell you that some of my family and friends weren't all that thrilled with that option. So, I've decided to continue to blog about my life as a preemie. However, soon there will be a new blog that will be updated every two or three days. This way all my loved ones, and anyone else who wants to, can follow my progress over the next few months. I don't have a title yet, but it'll happen sometime within the next couple of days, Lord willing. For the time being there will be a second photo album on the right hand side of the screen containing all the pics since I got home.

Thanks for praying for me and I ask that you continue to pray as the Lord leads. Little guys like me are vulnerable to sickness and the slightest little bug and turn into something serious in a snap. So, pray for health, strength, growth, and a good immune system. Tomorrow is Sunday and I know many of you will be attending worship. Don't forget to offer thanks for what the Lord has done, is doing, and will do. Thanks again!! Later JSR.

Second Day @ Home...

Today was a good day. Daddy gave me my early morning feeding then Mommy and I spent the rest of the AM just hanging out before my afternoon doctor's appointment. My appointment went well. PRAISE! Dr. Harmon said everything looked good and he'd like for me to gain full pound by our next visit. We like Dr. Harmon, he's a nice guy who doesn't make you feel like you're just the next patient. Late in the afternoon or early evening we had some friends (adopted aunts) bring us dinner, Diva and Mrs. Siggie. They are the ladies who painted my room when my folks just couldn't get to it. So, they are already way ahead of the game on the hug meter. It was good to see them again. I wanted to include some video clips with this post, but my video guy hasn't been able to get to it yet. I'll speak with him about this, LOL. Please continue to pray that I get settled in quickly, start sleeping more consistently, and continue to have good health. Blessings, JSR.

First Day @ Home...

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her
young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
Psalm 84:1-4 (ESV)

We left the NICU about 6 PM last night, Tuesday evening. I slept through the whole first trip outdoors and first car ride deal, but I'm sure I'll get plenty of exposure to both. When we got home my folks placed me in a bassinet in our living room. I spent the rest of the night napping, eating, and taking in my new surroundings. Home is a lot different than the NICU was, so I decided to stay awake a lot last night in order to adjust to my new surroundings. One neat thing is I got to meet our cat, Annie. She was really cautious at first, smelling everything associated with me, and she dared to get closer as the night wore on. I guess her curiosity got the best of her, LOL. Now she just stays close by. Needless to say, it was a busy and tiring day.

Today, Wednesday, has been really low key. My Dad has gone out a couple of times to run some errands, but Mommy and I have spent the day hanging at the house. Our pastor, Burt, came by for a while. He toted me around just about the whole time he was here. He's got eight children so he's had a ton of experience at carrying babies, LOL.

It's good to be home! PRAISE!! I'll post more tomorrow, including some video of the trip. Please continue to pray that the first few days go well as we make the necessary adjustments, thanks! Later, JSR.

One Hunded & Fifth Day, "Discharge Day"

Today is the day we've been looking forward to since we got here, it's Discharge Day. PRAISE!! I had a good night and am going to have a busy morning. In a little while my doc will come by and do that one last thing that makes men cringe, LOL. I'll be monitored closely the rest of the day to make sure everything is good to go. Please pray that things go well and that there are no surprises. God has been ever so gracious to me every step along my journey and I know he'll continue to be. This afternoon my folks will have a long sit down with Dr. DiCarlo and then it will be time to go. The NICU usually discharges babies between 2 and 4 PM, so we should be leaving somewhere around that time. I'll post an update once we get home and I'm settled. I hope each of you has a blessed day. Later, JSR.

God said, “My presence will go with you.
I’ll see the journey to the end.”
Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people?
Are you traveling with us or not? How else will we know that we’re special, I and your people, among all other people on this planet Earth?”
God said to Moses: “All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me.
I know you by name.”

Ex. 33:14-17 (TMSG)

One Hundred & Fourth Day...

Sunday was a relaxed day in the NICU. It was so quiet around here that many times my folks were the only people not employed by or admitted to the NICU. I had a really good day of napping, eating, and just resting, PRAISE! I go to spend some quality time with both Mommy and Daddy. BTW, the reason my Daddy is wearing those gloves is he's got a touch of poison ivy and he didn't want me to be exposed. Everything is still set for me to go home on Tuesday and unless God has other plans that's what we'll do, Woo-Hoo!! I"ll spend today just hanging out and logging time until I've been off the O2 for seven calendar days, which will be tomorrow. Tonight when my folks left they said good-bye to the weekend staff. This will probably be the last time we see them and everyone wanted to hug and chat for a few before they left. There's a bond between a preemie, their parents, and the people who care for them; especially for those families that are in the NICU as long as we've been. It was a great moment to be a fly on the wall for. Please pray that there are no surprises and we continue right on schedule. I'll post more later. Blessings, JSR.

God, my strength, I will sing praises to you.
God, my defender, you are the God who loves me.

Psalm 59:17 (NCV)

One Hundred & Third Day...

Greetings from the NICU @ BMC. Saturday was a productive day for me. (BTW, May 31, 2008 was my original due date, obviously things didn't exactly follow the calendar.) All my vitals remained good and my feedings went well, PRAISE! When my Mommy came in yesterday she brought my car seat so I could take the "Car Seat Test." This is a test you must pass before you can go home. Basically, they sit you up in the seat like you were going on a trip. I got all strapped in and they placed all the blankets and stuff around me, just like it will be in our van. Then they leave you alone for about 30 minutes, the whole keeping a close eye on your O2 sat rate. I had to keep my saturation rate above 90 for the entire time. I passed with a range of 90 to 97, which my nurse said is GREAT, PRAISE! One more hoop down and now only a few more to jump through and I'm outta here, PRAISE!! My folks will be so excited. Today is Sunday and my Mommy and Daddy will be by after church. Meme and Pop are also coming up for their usual visit, cool. It should be a really relaxed day for all of us. I hope everyone has a great time at worship and enjoys the day. Please keep me in your prayers and be sure to thank the Lord for his marvelous work on my behalf. I'm gonna run now and get the day started. Soli Deo Gloria!

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:23-24 (ESV)

One Hundred & Second Day...

Friday was another good day. It was so quiet in the NICU that Mommy was having trouble staying awake, LOL. I continue to do well in all the vital areas and am making steady progress. There's really nothing new to report except, it was another good day and there's nothing new to report, which is BIG news!! PRAISE!! My discharge date has been moved up from Wednesday to Tuesday, a day earlier than we originally thought. That's cool because my folks have everything set for me at home. I hear my room is really neat and that a lot of people helped to make each part really special. I'll be sure to post about that when I get home. Speaking of future posts. As you know this blog is entitled "Jonathan's Journey: a preemies journey through the NICU at BMC." Well, that's when my blog will end, when I get home. I'll make a couple of post from home and that will close out the blog. I've had a bunch of people ask me about this so I thought I'd go ahead and mention it. Anyway, please continue to pray for me as I move a day closer to the end of this short journey in the great adventure that is life. God bless and keep you today! JSR, later.

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Heb. 13:20-21 (ESV)

One Hundred & First Day...

You call out to God for help and he helps—he’s a good Father that way. But don’t forget, he’s also a responsible Father, and won’t let you get by with sloppy living. Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God.
1 Peter 1:17 (TMSG)

Hello and good morning guys. Thursday was a uneventful day in the NICU, which means it was a good day. I continue to improve in all the important areas (O2, strength, stamina, feedings, and weight gain). All signs point to my journey through the NICU nearing its end as each day I move closer to going home, PRAISE!! Please pray for continued progress and growth. I can't put into words, my vocabulary is a little limited, the appreciation my family feels for everyone who has prayed for me. God has been so gracious! I'll be sure to keep you up to date if anything changes. I hope each of you has a blessed day! JSR, Later.

100th Day...

Today marks the one hundredth day of my journey through the NICU. WOW, has it really been one hundred days?! In some ways it seems like longer, but in other ways it seems like I was born yesterday. Speaking of yesterday, it was a really good day for me. I am still off the cannula, PRAISE! My breathing continues to be just what the docs want to see, PRAISE! The nurses, RT's, and doctors have all been so good to give me exactly what I need to succeed. God has really worked mightily through them. Everything is still moving in a positive direction and it looks like I may be heading home sometime next week. The docs want me to be breathing 100% on my own for seven days before they'll send me home without O2. So, if things keep improving I could go home a week from yesterday, Wednesday. My folks are still keeping a "one day at the time" attitude, but you can tell they're already thinking about what's next. They have been working really hard to make things just right for me when I come home. Today I'll be closely monitored to make sure I'm good O2-wise. So, pray that everything continues along its current path. I hope you all have a great day filled with Christ's peace and love. Later, JSR.

Psalm 113
Who Is like the Lord Our God?
Praise the Lord!
Praise, O servants of the Lord,
praise the name of the Lord!
Blessed be the name of the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore!
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the Lord is to be praised!
The Lord is high above all nations,
and his glory above the heavens!
Who is like the Lord our God,
who is seated on high,
who looks far downon the heavens and the earth?
He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.
He gives the barren woman a home,
making her the joyous mother of children.
Praise the Lord!
(ESV)

Ninety-Ninth Day...

Greetings from the NICU. Take a look at the picture on the left. Do you notice anything? Is something missing? Yep, sure is! I'm not wearing my cannula, which means I am breathing on my own, PRAISE!!! Since late Sunday afternoon the nurses and RT's have been taking me off any and all breathing help for periods of time. I've been doing well and each time I get better at maintaining my O2 saturation rate. This may not be a permanent thing and I may still require some O2 help when I go home, but it is still HUGE. As this is being posted I've been on my own for a little over twelve hours, PRAISE! My folks are still stressing we take things one day at a time. We beg God for a good day today and we'll deal with tomorrow when it gets here, but Tuesday was a really really good day for me. Thanks for the continued prayers, because prayer works!! Last night my nurse, Kelly, gave a big ole' bath, dressed me up real cute, and took me around the NICU showing me off to everybody. It was so cool to be able to "cruise" around and see everybody. My feedings are still going well and I seem to be improving in all the necessary areas, PRAISE! I've said it a thousand times over the last 99 days and I'm gonna say it again; God has been more gracious to me than I could ever deserve! Soli Deo Gloria

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen.
Jude 24-25 (NKJV)

Ninety-Eighth Day...

Jesus the Great High Priest
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb. 4:14-16 (ESV)

I had a great Memorial Day and I hope everyone else did as well. It was a really slow day in the NICU with few visitors and not too much activity, a good day to nap. I've been doing really well with my O2 as I spent much of the day and night on "room air", which is AWESOME news, PRAISE!! God has really been taking good care of me! Duh, ya think?! My feedings continue to go well and my strength and stamina seem to be on the rise. I still have bushels of growing to do, but things are moving in the right direction. Today we'll continue to focus on making strides with my BPD. Thanks so much to everybody for keeping me before the throne of grace! Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Have a blessed day. Later, JSR.

Ninety-Seventh Day...

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Roman 8:28 (KJV)

Hey guys, I hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day. Yesterday was a good day. I hung out with my folks for most of the day. My feedings went well and I got lots of sleep. The goal is to get me all prepared to leave the NICU. It'll take anywhere from ten days to three weeks to get me set. It all depends on how I adjust to the changes required for me to leave. Please pray everything goes smooth. Late in the afternoon we watched the mandatory CPR and car seat videos. Every parent has to watch these videos before taking their child home. Also, anyone who will be caring for me has to take a three hour CPR class. Mommy and Daddy took theirs' last week so they're good to go. Please continue to pray for my BPD issues and continued improvement in general. Today will be a lazy day full of eating and sleeping, YES! Speaking of sleeping, I've included a short clip of me snoring for those who wanted to hear it. (I hope Aunt Twyla and "E" enjoy it.) I'm gonna run for now. Blessings, JSR.

Ninety-Sixth Day...

God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
Hab. 3:19 (ESV)

Hello everybody, it's Sunday and I hope everybody has a great time at worship and that your weekend is going well. I heard this weekend is special because it's a national holiday, Memorial Day, which means an extra day off work for some. That means I'll get to see my Daddy one more day this week, PRAISE! I'm sure that as I get older I'll learn all about the significance of the day since a bunch of my family members have served in the armed forces. My Pop was in the Air Force and my Daddy was in the NAVY. Anyway, I'll quit rambling and get to the update.

I've had a good weekend thus far. The staff is starting to adjust my meds in preparation for me going home, PRAISE! Going home is a HUGE deal even if I go home on O2. I am eating fine although lately I've had an issue with spitting up. It's the normal stuff preemies go through and no one is overly concerned about it. My caregivers see it all the time and know how to deal with it. The only thing is when I spit up it usually comes up through my nose, which I absolutely hate, but who wouldn't? I'm not real crazy about them sticking that suction syringe up my nose, but it's necessary. I'm resting well and enjoying just hanging out, PRAISE! Yesterday I got to do something really cool. I got my first ride in the swing (see pictures above). I went right to sleep once that thing started moving, LOL. Well, that catches you up on the latest news. I hope everyone has a great holiday. Please continue to pray for my BPD, feedings, and continued improvements in strength, weight gain, and stamina. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Later, JSR.

Ninety-Sixth Day...

Friday was a good day for me. I ate good, slept well, and thoroughly enjoyed hanging with my Mom. (BTW, this picture shows how she usually finds me, all scrunched down in the end of my crib.) Late in the day I was examined by Dr. Lozano, my pediatric pulmonologist. Afterward he spoke with Mommy about my struggles in stabilizing my O2 saturation rate. It seems that I have a lung condition called Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD). Basically, my lungs don't have enough air sacs to consistently supply me with the O2 I need. The good thing is that as I grow my lungs will develop more air sacs and I will gradually get better. So, it's something I'll grow out of. The negatives are that 50% of babies with this condition have asthma, and I am more vulnerable to illness. A cough could turn into a two week stay in the hospital. To lessen the chances of me getting really sick I'll have to be somewhat of a recluse for my first couple of years. So, when you come to see me you can't be sick and you have to wash your hands. If not, my folks won't let you in the house, LOL. You know it's a little bit of a downer finding out part of your body doesn't work right. But, it's not the end of the world. Actually, God has been really gracious to me. A lot of preemies have issues that they won't grow out of, but will deal with their whole life. I'll get better! Also, asthma is treatable and there are bunches of people who have asthma and you'd never know it. All things considered God is still being very good to me! Have a great weekend! Blessings, JSR.

This is a sign made to celebrate my three month B'day.

A big THANKS to whoever made it for me!

Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Cor. 12:8-10 (ESV)

Ninety-Fifth Day...

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
Gen 2:7 (KJV)

Thursday was a good day. I have shown signs of improvement with my O2 and breathing from the Lasix and other treatment I've received, PRAISE! So, the docs have started to get a touch more "aggressive" in their strategy. I've mentioned before that preemies occasionally have fluid build up around their lungs, which can make normal breathing a tad difficult. All indications are that I'm having to deal with this issue. It's not a large amount, but enough to cause a slight change. So, Thursday night I started receiving a more potent diuretic that will speed up me getting rid of any extra fluid. This means I will have to tee tee a lot, LOL. Hopefully, as the meds do their thing my O2 saturation rate will improve even more, thereby allowing me to reach our goal of me maintaining a normal O2 saturation level without any help. Please pray for successful treatments and improved breathing. My feeds are still going well and I'm doing great in all the other major stuff, PRAISE! I'll keep you updated on how everything progresses. Later, JSR.

Ninety-Fourth Day...

Good day y'all. Well, the Lord granted us yet another splendid day yesterday, PRAISE! I had a really good day sleeping, eating, and what not. My O2 issues are getting better, but I'm not sure they're to the point of me going home without home O2. My docs are going to evaluate things tomorrow and give us their thoughts on how we should proceed. Pray that everything goes well. I spent a good portion of the day just looking around taking in the scenery. The older I get the more time I spend just watching. There are times I lie in my crib just letting my eyes roam around taking in the sights. It's a blessing to be as healthy as I am! I have a bunch of NICU-mates who are so sick all they have time to focus on is getting better. My folks always thank God for my progress and pray for the little ones who aren't doing so well. I don't have anything special set for today so we'll concentrate on continuing to improve my O2 saturation. Everyone have a great day! Blessings, JSR.

...Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
1 Cor. 1:31 (ESV)

Ninety-Third Day...

I had a good day on Tuesday and really good night. Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day just breathing "room air" without O2 help, PRAISE! I was still on room air when the night shift nurse, Stacy, came on at 7pm. She did have to bump me up during feedings, but that's to be expected. My feedings went well and everything seems to be in tip top shape, PRAISE! So, as you can see the Lord has been gracious and I'm making good progress. Pray that today is another day in a positive direction. I have nothing special set for today so we'll just keep doing what we're doing. BTW, I forgot to mention that I had a chest Xray the other day and everything was normal, PRAISE! Thanks so much for all the prayers!! I'm gonna run so I can eat breakfast and get into the day. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Blessings, JSR.

This is the Lord’s doing;
it is marvelous in our eyes.
This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:23-24 (ESV)

My Aunt Twyla called last night just to check on me. She and my uncle (Big "E") live in Mississippi and can't visit much. So, I thought I'd post some video for my loved ones who live across the country and around the world (MS, IA, GA, CA, NY, IN, TN, FL, ME, TX, and Australia). It was taken on 5/20 just after supper. It's kinda long (5 min. 34 sec.) and there's not much action, but it does show how I've grown. Don't worry, I won't take it personally if you don't watch the whole thing, LOL. Enjoy!

Ninety-Second Day...

Greetings from BMC. Monday was another good day, PRAISE! This week they staff is putting on a full-court press in an effort to get me off O2 assistance. I've been progressing all along, but I still get a little help. My docs have decided it's time for me to be a "big boy" and do it myself. I wish I had the capacity to explain everything that needs to happen and how it all works, but it's kinda confusing. So, I'll just give you the basics. The docs have a standard for O2 saturation that I must maintain before they'll send me home without O2 help. If I don't meet a saturation rate of at least 90% at all times then I will be sent home on "Home O2." We are praying for me to be able to meet this goal within the next week to ten days. Please join us in praying for specifically for this. My feeds and poops are going well and I'm doing just fine in every other area, PRAISE! The only thing keeping me in the NICU are my O2 issues. Once that gets settled then I'm off to the next chapter in my life. It would be GREAT to go home without the O2 help and all the stuff that goes with it. But, even if I go home with O2 help I'm not worried. God has brought me this far and I know he'll provide for me, no matter what. I heard a line from a song recently that says it all. "T'is so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take him at his word; just to rest upon his promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord." I'm gonna run so I can get the day started. Later, JSR.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not
lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Prov. 3:5-6 (ESV)

Ninety-First Day...

Good day y'all, yesterday was a great day. I did well with my nursing and all my breathing/O2 stuff was good. So, it was a restful and uneventful Sunday. Meme and Pop came up for a visit and I got to meet some new friends. My Uncle David's friend, Ellie (sp?), was in town for a friends' reunion so she stopped in. She brought with her one of my Mommy's friends from college, Melonie. It was really cool to meet them. It was a good day and Mommy, Daddy, and I got to spend some time together. The goal for this week is to get me off the O2. Thanks for all the prayers, love, and support!! Have a great day. Later, JSR.

The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see.
Heb. 11:1 (TMSG)

Ninetieth Day...

Hello, I hope y'all have had a great weekend thus far. There's not much to update you guys on right now. The focus over the next week is going to be getting me weaned off the O2. My feeds have been going well and I'm back to pooping on my own regularly, LOL. Strength and stamina wise I'm doing fine, but I will need more strength and stamina when I breath all by myself. So, please pray for steady improvement in those areas specifically. The evaluation next Friday will be significant so I need to do a lot of work. The Lord has been my faithful companion every step of my journey and I know he will continue to be. So, we'll pray each day for a good day and trust the Great Physician for the results. I hope everyone has a great day of worship to our great God and King. Blessings, JSR.

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15:12-17 (ESV)

Eighty-Eighth & Ninth Days...

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jer. 29:11 (ESV)

Hello, as some of you noticed I missed yesterday's update. I got busy in the AM and it just snow-balled. I never could squeeze in a few minutes of computer time to update. Thursday was a day like the ones I've been having lately, really good. Friday, however, was a much more interesting day. The ophthalmologist finally came by and did my eye exam. He concluded that my eyes aren't yet fully mature, but he's fine with me going home on O2. So, that leaves the decision of should I stay or should I go to my folks and my docs. Dr. Mena told my Mommy, "You tell me you want to go home and we'll start heading that direction and he'll be fine. But, I'd rather have him off his O2 before he goes home." My Mommy and Daddy agreed that it would be better if I was off the O2 when I went home. If I go home breathing on my own then I will have fewer doctors and fewer visits to the doctors I do/will have. So, we are going to try some different approaches to kinda force the issue on weaning me off O2. This is not uncommon for preemies. I will be reevaluated next Friday and we'll go from there. So, it's all good. I'm still doing great, but things aren't working out like we all "planned" in our minds. Ain't it funny how God does that. He doesn't seem to get consumed with our plans like we do. He just does what he does and it's always right and good. That's so cool that He's that way for us or we'd really get into trouble. Well, you are now up to date. Please pray for me to be weaned off supplied O2 and to begin to breath room air 100% on my own. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Later, JSR.

Eighty-Seventh Day...

Good morning guys and gals. Well, yesterday was a repeat of Tuesday. I still had no trouble nursing and continued to do well with my O2 issues (PRAISE!), but still no doc and still no non-medically induced poop. So, it was a good day where things didn't go exactly like we wanted. My Daddy is always telling me to "...get used to that not always getting what you want." I guess I'll figure out what he's talking about as time goes on. The ophthalmologist should be buy to do my eye exam at any moment. He was supposed to come on Tuesday, but things happen. My Mommy works in a doctor's office and she understands, but she wants him to come by asap. She's ready to know when I might be getting out of here. Ah, another one of those not getting what you want deals my Daddy told me about. You know what? I'm so glad we can trust that God is in control when delays happen. We don't have to worry cause when we need something it'll be there. Now, that's way cool! Today's agenda will be continued improvement and an eye exam, hopefully. Pray for continued gains in O2 saturation, strength, stamina, a good poop without help, and a good eye exam. I'm gonna run so nurse Neely can get me set for day shift. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Later, JSR.

You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV)

Eighty-Sixth Day

Hey Y'all. Yesterday was a good day in that I nursed well and had another consistent day with my O2 saturation rate, PRAISE! However, it was a less than spectacular day in that I had a tummy ache, was constipated, and the ophthalmologist didn't show for my eye exam. So, we had some good, some bad, and some disappointment. The tummy ache looks to be the normal baby stuff and I should get over it. If I don't go potty on my own by noon they'll probably have to help me along with a suppository. Oh what fun that will be! I'm a little disappointed that the doc was unable to get to my exam yesterday, but doctors are busy and sometimes things just come up and require adjustments to the schedule. It's no biggie, but hopefully he can squeeze me in at some point today. So, my prayer requests for today are a good eye exam, a good poop, and continued consistency and improvement in my O2 saturation and nursing. Also, please pray for my Mommy and Daddy. I can tell they are tired and need some rest and relaxation. Well, that about covers the latest so I'm gonna run and get my day started. Blessings, JSR.

And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to
his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:19 (NRSV)

Eighty-Fifth Day...

Greetings from the NICU. Monday was a nice and easy day with nothing out of the ordinary happening, PRAISE! At this point any day where everything stays pretty much on course is a GREAT day. Today, however, is a significant day because get a good idea of when I'll be checking out of Hotel NICU. At some point the eye doc will come by to check me out. At that point he'll let us know if my eyes are mature enough for me to go home. So, it goes without saying that this could potentially be a BIGGIE. Even if he says I'm good to go I'll still be here for ten days to fourteen days. It takes a few days to get us little guys adjusted to the differences between NICU care and home life, but we'll have a definite idea of when this journey will end. If he says my eyes still need to develop some more then I'll be here a while longer, which is ok. I wanna go home, but if I need to stay a little while longer I'm cool with that. The doctors know best and God's got all of this under control so I'm good either way. My folks aren't really stressing over it except Mommy wants everything at home to be perfect for me. Just pray the exam shows my eyes are healthy no matter what stage of maturity they're at , that's the most important thing anyway. I don't know the time of my exam, but I'll try to update asap after it's over. Thanks for praying!! I'm gonna run so I can get the day started. Later, JSR.

Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!
Matt 6:22-23 (The Message)

Eighty-Fourth Day...

Hello, I hope everybody had a great weekend, especially the Mothers. I'm set for a chest X-ray later today and an eye exam tomorrow, but the rest of the week is open. I'm doing really well with my feeds and O2 stuff. Yesterday Dr. DiCarlo upped my feeds to 65 cc per serving, PRAISE! I'm getting stronger and my stamina is improving almost daily. So, as you can see, I'm doing well and am making great progress. The Lord has really been gracious to give me good days and to keep me safe. My folks are always saying how thankful and grateful they are for God's work in my young life and body. Today will be low key and somewhat boring, which is GREAT! We are still taking things one day at a time and praying for a good day today. Please continue to pray for sustained improvement and my upcoming eye exam. Thanks so much for all your prayers and support. God has really used you to encourage us along this journey. Below are a couple of pics of the Mother's Day card I and some ladies made for my Mommy. Much love, JSR.

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
Isa. 41:10 (NASB)

Eighty-Third Day "Mother's Day"...

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms! Today is special because we celebrate our mothers and all they have meant and mean to us. I know I'm young, but I've been around long enough to know that my Mommy is going to be very important to me. Being in the NICU means I have nurses who care for me, but they don't compare to my Mommy. When she feeds me or changes my diaper there's a different feel than when the nurses do it. Her touch is a little softer and her hands are more comforting. I can't explain it, but I'll bet that's love I'm feeling.

It's pretty lazy in the NICU today, not too much going on. Mom and I are just hangin' out enjoying the day together. Daddy was here, but he had to go do some errands and other stuff. I continue to do well with my feeds and my breathing/O2 saturation continues to get better. So, we're still doing great, PRAISE! The word on the street is that if things continue to improve I could possibly be outta here in a couple of weeks. We'll keep praying and see what the Lord has planned. Well, that's it for today. Oh, I almost forgot, I've included some pics from earlier today. I'm gonna run so I can take another nap, LOL. Love and blessings to all the Mothers!! JSR, out.

The Lord your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
Zeph. 3:17 (ESV)

Eighty-Second Day...

The weekend is here! I like the weekends when things slow down and the NICU is not SO busy. I slept in a little late this morning. I don't have anything special scheduled, so why not? Mommy and Daddy must have slept in as well. Daddy just called at 7:30 for the morning update on me, he usually calls a lot earlier. My nurse today is Ann, she's nice, and she told him that I was doing fine, I'd had a good night, and was just hangin' out. I'm still doing well with my feeds, breathing, pooping, and body temp. Actually, the only thing keeping me in the NICU are my eyes. There's nothing wrong with them that we know of, but all preemies have to reach a certain level of eye development before they are discharged. I ave a eye exam set for next Tuesday. Then we'll find out the details on when I might be going home. We're still taking it one day at a time, but my journey through the NICU appears to be nearing it's end. Still, we won't count our chickens before they hatch. God has been so gracious to us during this time! Please continue to pray for my continued growth, improvement, strength, and stamina. Also, pray for my folks as they are "stressed" about everything being perfect for me when I do get to go home. They work hard and try to squeeze every second out of each day getting the house ready for me. I'm gonna run for now as it's time to get the morning routine started. Don't forget about tomorrow, Mother's Day! Later, JSR.

Jesus answered, “God can do things
that are not possible for people to do.”
Luke 18:27 (NCV)

Eighty-First Day...

Hello. Yesterday,Thursday, was another good day. I had really good feeds where I ate at a good pace where I wasn't eating so fast that I choked myself. My O2 saturation rate stayed about the same as Wednesday, and my body continued to regulate my temp without any help. So, everything is moving right along. The Lord sure has blessed me with some good days and we are SO thankful! Today will be much like yesterday unless something comes up. Just keep praying for continued improvements and increases in strength and stamina, a preemie can never have too much of either one. Blessings, JSR.

Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
Isa. 40:27-31 (ESV)

Eightieth Day...

And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
Mark 10:13-16 (ESV)

Greetings from the NICU. I hope everybody had a good day yesterday. I had a good day without any surprise issues popping up. Things are pretty much running according to the way God designed them. I continue to have good feeds. I have slowed way down on how fast I eat and don't get choked as much, PRAISE! My O2 issues are still improving slowly but surely. It's not uncommon for preemies to be O2 for a while after they are born. We got back the results from my head ultrasound and everything came back normal, PRAISE! So, I'm doing just about as well as a preemie can. WOW, God has been so good to me!! It's hard to believe things have gone as well as they have thus far. I have had very few issues and nothing out of the norm. Grace is so unbelievable!! My Daddy told me to get used to it cause God loves us that way. COOL!! I gotta run for now the day is getting started without me. Later, JSR.

Seventy Ninth Day...

Hello and good morning y'all. I had a great day Tuesday and an uneventful night. Kelly, one of our favorites, was my nurse and she took really good care of me. I ate well, slept well, and pretty much behaved myself. I continue to make steady progress and the staff is pleased with where I am and how I'm doing. So, we're still taking things one day at a time. I know it gets old hearing the same news everyday, but we like "the usual" when it's "...breathing improving," "...ate well," "...slept like a baby." I'll take of those days God graciously gives me. Jesus has really been a rock for my family throughout my journey. He's proven to be faithful as long as I've been around here. Well, I'm gonna run and get into the day. Please continue to lift me up for breathing, eating, and strength. Thanks!! Blessings, JSR.

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My
soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and
flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a
home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her
young, at your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my
God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! Selah
Psalm 84:1-4

Seventy-Eighth Day...

Good day y'all. Yesterday was another good day in the NICU. I had the head ultrasound and we should get the results in a few days. Mommy was here for it and she said the lady doing the exam didn't give any indication that she saw anything out of the norm. So, we'll pray and wait to see what the report says. Other than the exam it was a routine day for me. I got to snuggle with Mommy and my feeds all went well. Last night I got a real good bath. My nurse gave me a good scrubbin' and then rubbed me down with baby lotion. I am as clean as a new penny and smell really good. Today will be a normal day unless something unforeseen comes up. I'll have a normal lab and all the regular diagnostic stuff. Please pray for continued progress in all the usual areas. I'm gonna run now as it's time to start my day. God Bless, JSR.

This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
O LORD, do save, we beseech You;
O LORD, we beseech You, do send prosperity!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the LORD;
We have blessed you from the house of the LORD.
The LORD is God, and He has given us light;
Bind the festival sacrifice with cords to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I give thanks to You;

You are my God, I extol You.
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 118:24-29 (NASB)

Seventy-Seventh Day...

You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit.
Job 10:11-12 (ESV)

Good morning, the weekend was GREAT! I've continued to do really well with all my feeds. I have remained on 1 liter of pressure from the CPAP and I kept my body temp regulated. So, a very good weekend, PRAISE!! Today is my 77th day in the NICU! WOW, has it really been that long? God has been ever so faithful! Today I will have another routine head ultrasound to observe my brain and head region to make sure everything is still normal. Other than that there is nothing else set exam wise. One final note of interest about my weekend. My night shift nurse this weekend has been Scott, he's a really nice guy. Scott was a preemie and has a really different perspective on his job. I think that's really cool. Please pray for continued improvement and pray specifically for today's head exam. Thanks and Blessings, JSR.

Seventy-Sixth Day...

The LORD appeared to him from afar, saying, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness."
Jer. 31:3 (NASB)

Greetings from the NICU @ BMC. I hope each of you is having a great weekend. My weekend has been event free thus far and pretty laid back. Yesterday I got to spend the whole day cuddling and hanging out with Mommy. Sometimes when we cuddle I get a massage, which is really relaxing. The other day a physical therapist (PT) who specializes in little people came by for a visit. While she was here she trained my Mom in the fine art of preemie massages. Let me tell you they are GREAT! If I'm stressed and my muscles all tensed up Mommy will give me a massage and turn me into a limp noodle. Yeah, massages are way cool. Lately my parents have been doing more of the normal care stuff for me when they're here. The nurses check on me often...all the time...but Mommy changes my diapers and clothes, takes my temp, adjust my positioning, and feeds me. Dad does his share when he's here, but work doesn't let him come as much as Mommy. He had to work yesterday, but he came by after work for some snuggle time. When I'm being held by Daddy I get a ton of kisses on the top the head.

Dr. Strange is the primary doc in the NICU this weekend. Yesterday she upped my feeds to a maximum of 60 ml per serving. Basically, getting just 45 ml of milk wasn't always enough food for me and I would get hungry before my next feeding. So, Dr. Strange changed the amount so I can get what I need up to 60 ml per feeding. Obviously, I'm doing really well with my feeds, PRAISE! Also, I'm still on 1 liter of pressure from the CPAP, another PRAISE! So, things are steadily progressing in the right direction. The staff says that I'm doing great and they're pleased with my progress. Of course we all know it's not me, but the work of the Great Physician. God continues to bless me above and beyond anything we could've dreamed. My folks are always saying how thankful they are for the grace God has shown us. Well, I'm gonna run so my nurse can get me started on my day. I hope everyone has a great time at worship. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Blessings, JSR.

Seventy-Fifth Day...

Good morning all. This past week was a really good time for me. I have continued to make good progress in all areas and seem to be right on track. I'm doing a good job of taking my feeds. I'm learning that I can't get ahead of myself when I eat. So, I'm eating slower, but probably still a little too fast at times, but you gotta eat while it's there, LOL. My breathing efficiency is still improving and I'm still on 1liter of pressure, which is really good news, PRAISE! The weekend looks to be pretty lazy as there is nothing special planned for me. Please continue to pray for the usual requests: breathing, strength, stamina, and good feeds. My nurse, Heather, is here to get the day started, so I'm gonna run for now. Thanks again!! Blessings, JSR.

Are there any gods like you, LORD?
There are no gods like you. You are wonderfully holy, amazingly powerful, a worker of miracles.
Ex. 15:11 (NCV)

Seventy-Fourth Day...

Hello everybody, the weekend is almost here! Of course all my days are pretty much the same except that on the weekends my folks get to spend more time with me. I had a really good Thursday and continue to inch closer to getting outta here. Yesterday they cut back my O2 pressure rate to 1 liter. This means that if I can maintain my stats at this rate then I will be one BIG step closer to breathing 100% on my own. So far I am doing just fine, but I'll have to maintain it for at least a day or two before I'll impress the docs. So, pray for this specifically. My feeds are still going well and everything seems to be going well with my body temp. God has really been gracious!! The coolest thing that happened yesterday was I had an unexpected visitor. My uncle David came by for a visit. He lives in Atlanta but was in town for the day, so he came by for a visit and dinner with my parents. It was cool to meet him. He's gonna get me some cool shades when I get older, Sweet! Well, it's time to start the morning routine. I'm gonna run. JSR, out.

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
I will be filled with joy because of you.
I will sing praises to your name, O Most High.
Psalm 9:1-2 (NLT)

Seventy-Third Day...

Good morning! I had another good day on Wednesday followed a relaxed evening. I'm pretty much the same as yesterday, PRAISE! I'm still tolerating the new feeding schedule and taking my milk without issue. I continue to make a lot of poopy diapers, which is good. My breathing is improving little by little. Like I've said before, almost all preemies seem to have at least one issue that takes a while to get straight. Mine is breathing 100% on my own. I'm not sick or struggling to breath. It's just that last little bit that's been a long time in coming. My caregivers say this is normal for little guys born as early as I was. So, we'll keep taking things as they come and it will come together in the Lord's time. After all, I'm still supposed to be in the womb. Please continue to pray for continued progress in feedings, strength, stamina, breathing, and overall health. Thanks for all your prayers and love. Blessings, JSR.

But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Psalm 71:14 (ESV)

Seventy-Second Day

Hello from my crib on the back wall of the NICU. As you can see in the picture I have had no trouble getting adjusted to life in the open air. My nurses keep me bundled up tight so I won't get cold. They joke with me about being a burrito, LOL. Yesterday was a good day. I slept, ate (bottle & nursed), pooped, and got to snuggle with Mommy. All in all a really good day! I'm still doing well with all my feeds and the new schedule hasn't upset my tummy, PRAISE! Sometimes a major feeding change can play tricks on a little person's stomach, but I'm good. My breathing is still good. God granted us another good and uneventful day and we are truly thankful for each and every one of them. That's about it for this morning, but if I get a chance I'll try to check back in later. We're just starting the morning regiment so I'm gonna run. May the presence of Christ be real to you all today. JSR, later.

The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows
those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (ESV)

Below is a video for Aunt Twyla and Uncle Everette, but anyone is welcome to watch. See how much bigger I am! Mommy shot it while we were snuggling. It's short, but I hope you enjoy it. I look forard to seeing you the next time you come over. Love, JSR.

Seventy-First Day...

Good morning. Well it's the start of another day in the NICU. I had a good day yesterday and a smooth night. I've started nursing twice a day and things are going well. (I told you guys there would be no trouble getting Mom to fix it so she could be here to do it, LOL. But I'm sure you all knew that was a foregone conclusion.) I nurse at 1:30 and 5:30, which is a little out of the norm. Sometimes preemies get tired when they nurse twice a day if those feeds are back to back. It takes a lot of energy to nurse, which can wipe a little person out. I was able to nurse back to back without issue, PRAISE! Also, I was handling the 40 ml really well so they upped my feed amount to 45 ml. I ate it all without issue, another PRAISE! This will continue as long as I have the stamina for it. So, please pray for continued stamina and strength. The only special event on for today is my nurse will need to draw blood for some routine labs. I continue to make steady progress in the breathing area, PRAISE! Lung development is always a slow go for preemies. So, this long process is normal and to be expected. This past Sunday my folks had a sit down with Dr. Strange. She assured them that I am doing GREAT and everything is progressing nicely. I still have a few hurdles to jump, but so far I've been able to meet every challenge. Through this whole experience God has been there strengthening and sustaining me. All the PRAISE and THANKS go to Him for bringing me to this point. Anything I've needed He's provided and I know he will continue to do so. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Have a great day! JSR, out.

As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more. But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
Psalm 103:15-18 (ESV)

Seventieth Day...

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!
Matt. 7:7-11 (ESV)

Good day to everybody, I had a great weekend. My breathing stuff is improving and I am doing really well with my feeds. Dr. Strange was on this weekend, so I was in good hands, but I'm always in good hands. It was really relaxed around here, which is always good. Yesterday went well in all areas and I have settled into life in the crib. My feeding schedule changed again. Now I get 40 ml per serving every four hours and I can feed twice a day by nursing if Mommy is here. I don't think getting her here will be a problem, LOL! One of the coolest things that happened is they started letting my parents feed me the bottles. Up until now one of the nurses has been feeding me my bottles, but today they said my folks could do the feedings. My Mommy declined because she wanted my Dad to be the first one of them to give me a bottle. She gets to nurse and wanted him to give the first "parent" bottle. It was really sweet of her to want my Daddy do that and he did great at making sure I didn't eat too fast. A funny thing happened yesterday. There was a cart they needed that had a jammed drawer. So, Dr. Strange gave a look to my Dad and asked if anyone could fix it. My Daddy fixed it up real nice. A few minutes later she returned with this box of really expensive chocolate and told him to pick the one he wanted. (Apparently Dr. Strange doesn't just give away her chocolate.) One of the nurses remarked that you know you've been here a while when Dr. Strange puts the parents to work, LOL. There is nothing special on for today, so we'll take things as they come. God granted us a great weekend and he continues to be ever so gracious and faithful to me on my journey. Pray for continued success in feeding, continued improvement in my O2 rate, strength, and stamina. I hope everybody has a blessed Monday! JSR, out.