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.

Sixty-Ninth Day...

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.
John 3:16-18 (ESV)

Greetings and good morning from the NICU. It's hard to believe I've been here 69 days. I'm doing well and am having a great weekend. The staff has been adjusting my CPAP so that I am required to do more work in maintaining a good O2 rate. They've also been monitoring my body temp to observe how well I can maintain it. I must be responding well, since they moved me to an open crib late yesterday evening. This is a big step! If I can keep my temperature regulated then I'll be one step closer to going home. If I can't keep my temp regulated, it won't be a huge set back health wise, but it would be disappointing. If I need to make a return trip to an isolette they'll just let me grow a little more and try again. So, we are progressing in a positive direction. I'm fully immunized, don't have any tubes, get held everyday, and am learning the art of nursing. Life could be worse! God has been so good to me. I've had a couple of persistent issues, but nothing like some of my roomies are dealing with. My folks thank God everyday for the grace he has shown us. Today will be a lazy Sunday unless something comes up, which is always a possibility with preemies. We're still approaching each day with the attitude of begging God for a good day today and worrying about tomorrow later. I haven't journeyed out of the woods yet. If I was, I'd be out of the NICU- but I'm working on it. Please continue to pray for my ability to breathe on my own, good feeds, strength, body temp, and stamina. I hope everyone has a great time of worship today. Blessings, JSR.

Sixty-Eighth Day...

Hello from the NICU. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. My weekend has gone really well so far. I've continued to tolerate my feedings and my breathing is steadily improving. I am getting less help from the CPAP and when I do need a little help, it doesn't help as much as it once was. So, we are still making strides, PRAISE! If I continue to make progress then we'll see how I do in an open crib. That would be a HUGE step! So, things are going well. I'll make sure to keep you guys updated on the latest info. I'm gonna go so I can cuddle with Mommy and get my next feeding. JSR, out.

Sixty-Seventh Day...

Hello and good morning. It's been a really good week and we're praying for a great day today. I had a good day yesterday and an uneventful night. I did get a little tired form my shots, but there were no negative signs from my shots, PRAISE! I continued to improve at getting my food from a bottle. I'm also gradually getting the hang of nursing. My problem isn't knowing what to do, but I still try to eat too fast. My breathing is better and yesterday was another step in the right direction. It seems that I am doing a pretty good job of regulating my body temp. Today they might see how I do in an open crib. Up until now I've been staying in a temperature controlled isolet unless I'm being held. So, today could be a BIG day! We'll see if I'm ready for this environmental change. Pray that I continue to improve in these areas and that the staff gets a good read on whether I'm ready for open air or not. It's no BIGGIE if it's too early, but it would be a step closer to going home. I'll let you guys know how it turns out. Have a great day! Blessings, JSR.

Sixty-Sixth Day

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isa. 12:2 (ESV)

Hello everybody, I hope all is well. Wednesday I had another good day and night. I continued to gradually improve my breathing issues, PRAISE! Breathing is the biggest hurdle for many preemies. A bunch of other stuff your body does depends upon you being able to breath consistently and efficiently. My feeding schedule was changed again to all my feeds being by bottle, PRAISE! I no longer have the OG tube, PRAISE! It's good to be able to close my mouth without a tube sticking down my throat. So, from now on I will get my food by bottle or nursing. The nursing will continue at the rate of one feed per day until I master the art of natural feeding. I still try to eat way too fast, but they are working with me on slowing down. My Mommy says I get that from my Daddy. He always eats too fast, LOL. Last night I got my final immunization shots and show no ill effects from them, PRAISE! If I make it through the next couple of days without issue then I made it through without getting sick. It's not uncommon for little dudes to get a slight fever from their shots. Another big thing that happened on Wednesday was I had my first developmental exam. A specialist came by and spent a some time checking my hearing, reflexes, motor skills, and strength. I passed with flying colors! My hearing is excellent and I'm strong for my size. The specialist said she was "impressed" with my strength and determination, PRAISE! God continues to shower me blessings and cover me with grace! As you can see yesterday was a HUGE day for us. Everything is going extremely well and we are so very thankful for God's grace and provision! I'm still not out of the woods, but I am making great progress on my journey. Keep praying for improved breathing, strength, no ill effects from shots, and good feeds. Thanks for remembering me in your prayers! I'll check back in later. Blessings, JSR.

Sixty-Fifth Day...

Greetings from the NICU @ BMC. I've had a really good day and night. Yesterday I continued to show no ill effects from my vaccines, PRAISE! Often preemies get a little sick after getting vaccinated, but I'm good. I have one more round of shots to go, so pray they go as well as my others have. My feeds continued to go well and my nurses kept alternating between OG tube feeds and bottle feeds. Of course, one of those bottle feeds was nursing in the afternoon when Mommy was here. This schedule will continue for a few more days, which is not a bad thing. I have maintained my pace in breathing improvements, PRAISE! My doc thinks I'm ready to come off the Albuterol and my Vibro-therapy is going to be discontinued. Albuterol is a medicine given to preemies and asthmatics to assist them in breathing. I have been taking it for about a month. Vibro-therapy is a treatment that Respiratory Therapists (RT's) administer for chest congestion in preemies. Sometimes we little people have trouble coughing up all the saliva we produce. When this happens the trapped saliva collects in the chest and throat making breathing more difficult. To combat this a RT, or nurse, will gently tap you on the back using a long wand with a padded end. This loosens up the stuff you can't cough up so it can be extracted. It sounds like they're really beating you, but it's all sound with no furry, LOL. My Dad told Candy, one of my RT's, he was gonna call DHR if she didn't quit, LOL. It will be good if I can stay off the Albuterol and not need any further Vibro-therapy. We still have a ways to go, but we are heading in the right direction, PRAISE. Keep remembering my breathing in your prayers. Thanks! Today we're praying for continued improvement in all these areas. I'm gonna run so I can get my morning exam done. I'll chat more later. BTW, My Mommy really likes the outfit I'm wearing in this picture. It was a gift from some great friends in Decatur, Lyne & Stewart Bennett. JSR, out.

“Remember these things, O Jacob,
And Israel, for you are My servant;
I have formed you, you are My servant,
O Israel, you will not be forgotten by Me.
"I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud
And your sins like a heavy mist.
Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.”
Shout for joy, O heavens, for the LORD has done it!
Shout joyfully, you lower parts of the earth;
Break forth into a shout of joy, you mountains,
O forest, and every tree in it;
For the LORD has redeemed Jacob
And in Israel He shows forth His glory.
Isa. 44:21-23 (NASB)

Sixty-Fourth Day...

Sorry guys, but I only have time for a quick update this morning. I had a great day yesterday and an uneventful night. My stats really stabilized after I got my blood boost. Last night I got all the vaccines new babies get and I didn't even cry when they gave me the shots. I am still taking my bottle feeds "like a champ" or that's how the nurses describe the way I eat, LOL. I am a fast eater, actually too fast. Please continue to pray for continued improvement in breathing, feeding, stamina, and strength. I'll check back later in the day. Blessings, JSR.

Sixty-Third Day...

Hello guys, I hope everyone's weekend went well. All in all I had a pretty good weekend. Yesterday afternoon was a little rough. I was having trouble keeping my stats up and I kept falling asleep during my feedings. Mommy and Joy, my nurse, tried a few things to keep me awake so I could feed to no avail. Then Joy checked when my next hemoglobin test was due. (This is a test that checks my blood count.) I was to have one on Tuesday so she went ahead and ordered it for yesterday. The test revealed that I was running a quart low, LOL. So, they gave me a boost (transfusion) and I perked right up. If you've ever had a low blood count then you know it just saps you of any energy. It's the same for little dudes too. However, the blood deal wasn't the rough part of the day. The rough part was I had an upset tummy. It's normal for babies to have an upset tum tum every now and then. I just couldn't get comfortable. It was like eating bad Mexican food, LOL. I think this was my first tummy ache. I'll tell you one thing, all the firsts in life are not great experiences. Also Meme and Pop came up for a visit, which was cool. So, my day was pretty normal for a baby. You know, even a tummy ache can be a good sign. It's good to have "normal" baby issues (like a tummy ache) to deal with that don't mean anything serious, even if it's not very pleasant :=) I continue to make gradual improvements in my breathing, feeding, stamina, and strength, PRAISE! My feeding schedule has been modified so that I will alternate between an OG tube feed and bottle feeding. Once a day one of the bottle feeds will actually be a nursing feed. So, we are making strides, PRAISE! It's so amazing how God has moved me along through this whole process. I can't over state how gracious he has been to me on my journey. We have not had to deal with many major issues and my care givers have been GREAT! Also, thanks to y'all for your prayers and support. Well, I'm gonna run as it's time for me to get started on my morning routine. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. JSR, out.

Nebuchadnezzar the king to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language that live in all the earth: “May your peace abound! “It has seemed good to me to declare the signs and wonders which the Most High God has done for me.
“How great are His signs
And how mighty
are His wonders!
His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom
And His dominion is
from generation to generation.
Dan. 4:1-3 (NASB)

Sixty-Second Day...

Greeting y'all, I've had a great weekend thus far. Yesterday was another good day and last night went smooth. Yesterday was really relaxed around here, which is rare. I had some friends of my folks drop in for a quick visit. The Corns, Dennis & Siggie, came by about mid afternoon. Mrs. Siggie and Mrs. Debbie (aka. Diva) painted my nursery for us. I hear it looks great! Later in the afternoon the Leathers , Ed and Kathy, stopped in for a short time. They gave me this cool CD that has traditional/classic children's songs with my name substituted in them- really cool! I nursed for the second time yesterday and got 16 ml on my own and they supplemented the rest with a bottle. Sixteen is pretty good for only my second time. Everyone was real impressed, LOL. They've adjusted my feeding schedule to where I now nurse once a day, take two bottles a day, and the rest of the time I'll be fed through the tube. Step by step we're getting there! My parents are still subscribing to the one day at a time philosophy, which is wise. Although I've been doing extremely well things could still take a turn in the other direction. It's like that with preemies. We'll just take things as God brings them to us because, no matter what, he is faithful, and his grace always abounds. Today's emphasis will be on continuing to improve my strength, stamina, O2 rate, and feedings. It's time to get into the day so I'm gonna run for now. Blessings, JSR.

Sixty-First Day...

Well, the weekend is finally here. I hope everyone enjoys a couple of days of rest and relaxation. The weekends in the NICU are pretty much the same as the rest of the week. In NICU-land the important thing is the number of days rather than the specific date or day of the week. Although yesterday's date was significant as it was my two month "birthday." Mommy made a couple of cakes for the NICU staff to celebrate the occasion and to thank them for their GREAT work. They all said it was yummy! You'd think that I'd get a little bit since they're celebrating me and my progress, but it's all good. All the cake goes to the workers and all the glory goes to God, as it should. I wonder if my folks will give me a monthly "birthday" party when I get home? Uh...not betting on that one, LOL. I've had a good week and hopefully that will continue. The Lord has truly been faithful and ever so gracious to me and my family. Yesterday I took my first shot at nursing, which is a HUGE step! The lactation specialist told Mommy I did great and she was proud of me. A lot of little people my size have trouble when they start trying to feed naturally. I didn't experience any of those issues, PRAISE! I was able to get 5 cc (ml) of milk on my own. The plan is for me to nurse once a day and see how things progress. My first attempt at natural feeding really tuckered me out. Nursing requires a lot of strength and stamina because you have to be able to breath and obtain the milk orally, all at the same time. Sounds easy, but when you're my size it's a little tougher. Pray that everything goes well and I am strong enough to do the job. Also pray that all goes well for Mommy during this process. My breathing has been good and I'm still doing well with my bottle feedings, PRAISE! I'm now feeding once every 12 hours by bottle, once a day by nursing/OG, and the rest by my OG tube. I'm still at 30 ml per serving every three hours, but now I'm feeding three different ways. COOL! I'm about to get started on my morning routine so I'm gonna run for now. Y'all have a great day! Blessings, JSR.

Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness.
1 Peter 2:2-3 (NLT)

Sixtieth Day...

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NKJV)

Good morning y'all. I hope everyone has a good Friday as we head into the weekend. I had a good day yesterday and pretty good night. I took another bottle yesterday and there were still no issues, PRAISE! My nurses are going to start offering me a bottle every shift (12 hrs.) rather than one bottle every 24 hrs. If I take and can tolerate it then this will continue, but if I have issues or simply don't want it then they'll just try again later. Last night my nurse, Robin, tried to give me a bottle, but I was sleepy and didn't give much effort. She had just weighed me and given me an exam and I was a little tuckered out. It's ok, that's to be expected...they'll just try again later. As long as the issue is my energy and not a lack of strength or my inability to obtain the food from the bottle it's alright. There's a difference between being tired and not being strong enough to accomplish a task. My O2 is improving and I continue to gain weight at a good pace. As usual, Mommy and I had a good time snuggling in the afternoon. That catches you guys up on the latest info. Today our focus will be consistent improvement in breathing, feeding by bottle, strength, and stamina. Please pray for these things as the Lord leads. I've gotta run so they can give me the customary morning exam. Blessings, JSR.

Fifty-Ninth Day...

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:4-7 (ESV)

Good morning, the day before yesterday was a big day because we got to move out of the middle. Well, yesterday was my first full day after the move and I started getting settled into my new space. It's a little darker, cooler, and quieter in our new location. The middle is where most of the action is so it has more lights, electronics, computer and monitoring devices, medical equipment, and people; all of which contribute to heat and noise. It's like we moved from downtown to the suburbs. Yeah, we like our new place. Another big thing that happened late yesterday afternoon was I took my first bottle. It was cool!! My nurse, Mindy, came over to me and Mommy and asked, "Are we ready for our afternoon snack?" Mommy said, "I think we're ready." To which a smiling Mindy replied, "What about a bottle?" So, I had my first bottle. (Below is a video clip of a portion of the experience.) I took the whole thing without issue, a very good sign for a preemie taking their first bottle, PRAISE! It's hard work trying to get that milk out of that bottle when you're used to it being poured in you through a tube, LOL. A nurse will give me my first few bottles to make sure I'm all good. When the staff is satisfied that I can take a bottle consistently then Mommy and Daddy will get to feed me by bottle. The next step would be nursing, which Mommy is really looking forward to, but we're not there yet. Another cool thing about today was my Meme and Pop came up for a visit. As usual Mommy and I had our time together, which was the highlight of my day. Obviously, today was a good day! I have been here (living in the world) for a little less than two months and already God has been more gracious to me than I will ever deserve! Grace is truly amazing. Enjoy the clip. JSR, out.

Fifty-Eighth Day...

How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.
Psalm 139:17-18 (ESV)

Greetings from my new address on the outer wall of the NICU! PRAISE!!! It happened late yesterday afternoon. This only happens when your caregivers feel that you're ready to be moved from among the most critical babies. All the babies in the NICU are said to be in "critical" condition, but those on the outside looking in are the most stable. My Mommy and Daddy are really excited. This is an answer to prayer and we are so very thankful for the grace God has shown us. I don't know how much longer I'll be here, but this puts me another step closer to going home, ;=). We are still taking things one day at a time; begging God for a good day today and worrying about tomorrow when it gets here. The rest of my day was good and everything continued on course. My breathing improved and I am still tolerating my feedings without issue. Today's focus will be to keep up the good work. Pray that I can continue to make strides with breathing efficiency, weight gain, strength, stamina, and maintaining my body temp. Thanks again for all the prayers and support. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Love ya, JSR.

Fifty-Seventh Day...

Hello and good day, I hope everybody had a good start to the week. I had a pretty good Monday. The day went well without anything out of the norm popping up. My stats remained consistent throughout the day and night. My feeds were increased to 30 ml per serving and I have been digesting all of it without any residual. All my parts seem to be working as God intended and my breathing continued to improve. It was a pretty quiet day in the NICU, which was a nice break from some of the "chaos" we've been experiencing. My nurse last night was Kelly. When I first arrived she was a student nurse working with a supervising nurse. Now she's flying solo! She's great! I behaved really well and didn't have a single issue of any kind. She gave me a big ol' bath and now I smell really good. My Mommy will really like that when she holds me later today. So, as you can see we have many reasons to offer God thanks and PRAISE, but that's true every day. Today we'll work on continuing to get stronger and gain more stamina. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Blessings, JSR.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Eph. 3:20-21 (ESV)

Fifty-Sixth Day...

"I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:2 (KJV)

Greetings y'all, I hope your weekend was as enjoyable as mine. I've an excellent two days and am gearing up for another week. Today marks two months that I've been here. WOW...that doesn't seem possible! In a way it seems like I've been in the NICU longer than that, but in another way it seems like I just got here. In eight weeks I've changed a lot and made a huge amount of progress. My heavenly Father has been SO gracious to me and my family! It's really humbling to think about how good God has been to us.

Today's goals the same goals we've had for the last couple of weeks. Please remember to pray for improved breathing efficiency, continued success with feedings, strength, and good lab reports. BTW Dr. Mena has upped my feeds to 29 ml every three hours and I'm tolerating them well, PRAISE! I'm getting to the point to where a nurse actually mentioned my moving out of the middle. (Remember, the most critical cases reside in the middle rows and the more stable babies are on the outer walls.) We're not there yet, but it could happen in the not too distant future. I just need to stay the course and keep getting stronger. We're still taking things one day at a time, begging God for a good day today. We'll worry about tomorrow when it gets here. Thanks again for your prayers! I'll talk to you later, it's time for my morning exam. I hope Christ is very real to you today. Later, JSR.

Fifty-Fifth Day...

Hello and good morning y'all. I hope everyone is having a great weekend. I know I didn't post yesterday, but the day just got away from me. Do you ever wish God would occasionally put a couple more hours in a day? Oh well, I digress...I had another good day. All my labs and stats are good and slowly getting better, PRAISE! My breathing is still improving, slowly but surely. We'll take that over the alternative! My feedings are still going well and I am digesting all my food each time, PRAISE! There were a bunch of guests in the NICU today visiting one of my roomies. He's not doing well and his family is spending every minute they can with him. I know his family would appreciate any prayers for him. I can't give you the name, gotta love HIPAA, but God knows who he is. Every time one of my little buddy's gets sick I am reminded of how gracious God has been to me. I think, why not me? It's like I can't comprehend why He's so good to me. Do you ever think that? David was right, the Lord truly is my Shepherd.

My Meme and Pop visited today and the Wyatt's came by a little before closing time. It seems there was a party this morning. Daddy told me it was for Mommy's friends to give her gifts to help them care for me and to celebrate my birth. Sounds like a good time, but if I'm the one being celebrated you'd think I would get an invite, at least. Dad said to get used to that because it ain't changing, LOL. I'm sure I'll get acquainted with all my new stuff when I get home. Anyway, thanks for having a party for my Mommy. I could tell she enjoyed it by her demeanor. She was all smiles today. I'm gonna run for now. I hope everyone has a blessed time at worship. Later, JSR.

The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23 (KJV)

Fifty-Third Day...

Good evening from BMC. I know I'm a little late getting this update posted, but it's been a really busy day. The Lord graced us with another good day. I had an Xray and everything looks to be as it should be, PRAISE! My labs were good and my stats weren't too far "out of whack" (highly technical medical phrase that means, OK). Dr. Mena adjusted my feeds to a whopping 28 ml per serving. I have been doing a real good job of digesting ALL my food, so he upped the amount again. If you're keeping count that's three ml in less than 48 hours! PRAISE! I was scheduled to have an eye exam this afternoon, but the eye specialist was late for some reason. I guess that will happen later tonight or tomorrow. That's the reason my eyes are so big in this picture. My nurse, Christine (aka "Mrs. Utah"), had just dilated them before this picture was taken. This afternoon was all about family as I cuddled with Mom and Dad came home from his trip, it was good to see him. We all hung out together and it was good! I think that catches you up on the latest news. I'm gonna go hit the rack and get some sleep, little dudes need their rest. JSR, out.

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power,
and of love, and of a sound mind."

2 Tim. 1:7 (KJV)

Fifty-Second Day...

Good evening from the NICU. Sorry I didn't get to update everyone this AM, but sometimes circumstances get in the way. I had a good day yesterday, a uneventful night last night, and a great day today. God has been ever so gracious!! My feeds have been upped to 27 ml every three hours and I'm tolerating them just fine, PRAISE! I'm still showing gradual and consistent improvement in my breathing, PRAISE! My labs remain good and I still get to cuddle with Mommy every afternoon, PRAISE! As you can see we have many reason to be full of praise. My caregivers continue to provide me with the best of care and God remains faithful. He has truly been my Good Shepherd as I continue on my journey. Please pray for strength, stamina, good feeding, and improved breathing. Thanks for all the love, prayers, and support!! In the words of Tennessee Ernie Ford, "Bless your little pea pickin' hearts!" JSR, out.

Fifty-First Day...

...Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

Good morning from BMC. Yesterday was another good day along my journey and last night went great as well. My feeds are still at 25 ml per serving and I am still on the Nasal Cannula, PRAISE! My stats are looking better. I have always been one whose stats would bounce around from a little high, to a bit low, to smack dab in the middle. However, last night my stats were more consistent and the range was more narrow, PRAISE! This is possibly a sign that my breathing efficiency is close to turning the corner, which is good news. Keep praying for my breathing issues to continue steady improvement. The next few days could be BIG if my efficiency improves allowing my O2 saturation rate to reach the normal room air level. Right now I'm getting some assistance from the CPAP through the NC. The next step is for the amount of help given by the CPAP to gradually decrease. This will happen as my body continues to process the air I breath in more efficiently. So, pray that my ability to get all the goody out of the air will improve. The day my breathing is done 100% by me will be HUGE for my development. Thanks to everyone for your faithfulness to keep up with my status and pray for my specific needs. I'm gonna got for now as the day is off to fast start. Continue to pray for strength and stamina. Blessings, JSR.

Fiftieth Day...

Good morning everybody. Yesterday and last night both went really well. I have been able to remain on the Nasal Cannula without having to go back to the CPAP mask, PRAISE! My feeds have been increased to 25 ml every three hours and I continue to tolerate them without issue, PRAISE. So, my breathing has been steadily improving and my feedings continue to be great! Another positive was that Mommy and I enjoyed another daily cuddling session, which is always a thrill. God continues to bless me with improving health, PRAISE!! We are so thankful for the way my body has gained strength and how the setbacks have been few and far between. This type of progress is the work of God through those he has gifted in many special ways. Again, my family and I are taking things one day at a time. We fully understand that things are always subject to change, but we're amazed at how good God has been to us. Please continue to pray for strength, stamina, and continued progress. In the future I will have to regulate my own body temp and other things, but we'll deal with each of those at the appropriate time. Please remember my Daddy in prayer. He's out of town this week and won't return until Friday afternoon. Pray that Jesus remains close to him and that he doesn't worry about me too much. Thanks for all your love and support! It's time to get my morning routine started so I'm gonna run for now. Later, JSR.

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)

Forty-Ninth Day...

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Heb. 11:6 (NLT)

Hello and good morning. I hope everyone had as good a weekend as I did. Yesterday went fairly normal with one notable exception, I wore clothes for the first time. Joy, my nurse, dressed me in a white snap up shirt made for little babies (see pic). She surprised my folks with it when they arrived. Mommy was really happy about it, but Daddy was like, ok he's wearing a shirt. Mommy has wanted to dress me since I passed the 1,250 gram mark, LOL. The rest of the day was fairly normal. I got a blood boost late yesterday afternoon. Dr. DiCarlo has increased my feeds to 24 ml per feeding and I continue to tolerate my feeds really well, PRAISE! As of 5 AM this morning I weighed an even 3 lb. and was 40 cm. long, PRAISE! I still get little tweaks added to my feedings that serve as nutritional supplements. It's like when someone takes a daily vitamin for better nutrition. The only other news of note is that I have been on the NC (Nasal Cannula) exclusively since yesterday around 2 PM. If I can stay on the NC without having to revert back to the CPAP mask I'll be one step closer to normal breathing. Pray for strength, stamina, and breathing efficiency. Well, that's all the news and it's time for my morning physical. I'll talk to you later. Y'all keep praying and I'll keep growing. Blessings, JSR.

Forty-Eighth Day...

When they said, “Let’s go to the house of God,”
my heart leaped for joy.
Psalm 122:1 (The Message)

Good morning y'all, I had another good day and night. Dr. DiCarlo spoke with my parents yesterday afternoon and he said everything is looking good. We're moving forward at a slow but steady pace, which is good. I have taken my last dose of Lasix, so we'll see if that takes care of my slightly swollen feet. Yesterday evening Joy, my nurse, gave me a little extra Sodium in my feed as one of those "tweaks" I told you about. Other than that the only other news is I'm up to 23 ml per serving on my feeds, yummy! I did have some visitors early last evening, the Wilson's. They live up the street from us and their huge chest freezer is storing Mommy's milk, which I will one day be consuming. Obviously, the Wilson's have a special place in my heart, LOL. I really like Mr. Wilson's hat! I know the posts have been repetitive lately and I'm glad, it means I'm on the right track. If they read like a script from Days of Our Lives then I'd be concerned, LOL. So, everyone keep praying as you have been. It's very comforting to know that while God is working in my body he's also working in your hearts to pray for me. He's so the MAN!! I hope you guys have a great time at worship as you celebrate our awe inspiring God and our great Savior. Blessings, JSR.

Forty-Seventh Day...

Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.

It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 127 (ESV)

Hello, I hope everyone is keeping dry on a rainy Saturday morning. I had a good night last night. There were no major developments either way, which is good. Mommy spoke with Dr. DiCarlo yesterday and he is still pleased with where we are. The staff has cut back my chest Xrays to one every other day. My Xrays have been looking good so this is another positive step. My docs have told the nurses to start adding Iron droplets to my feeds to help my hemoglobin. There are no blood issues, but my caregivers are always making little "tweaks" to make sure I'm getting exactly what I need. They're all careful to make sure we little guys and gals get the best possible care. I have also started receiving Lasix every 12 hrs. to help with the swelling I mentioned earlier. It's not that I'm swelling up like a balloon, but the swelling wasn't reducing very quickly, so they're going to help it along. Again, a normal issue for little people like me in the NICU. Now, I think I've caught you up to the latest news. I really appreciate every one's concern!

A really cool thing happened today, my Grandpa Hal came from Atlanta for an afternoon visit. I hadn't seen him since the night I was born. He works with the Red Cross and own his own wood-turning business; he's a really busy man. Meme & Pop were also here. So, I had all my grand-parents here with me this afternoon, COOL!

Today's focus will again be on improving my breathing and continuing to have successful feeds. Pray for these things as the Spirit leads. I hope y'all have a great day. You keep prayin' and I'll keep growin'. Later, JSR.

Forty-Sixth Day...

Good morning from the NICU @ Brookwood MC. I had another good night again last night. My feedings went well, and I'm still showing slow but steady progress in my breathing. Once I start breathing 100% on my own then my status may change to a "less critical" condition. Let me explain it this way. Every baby in the NICU, no matter what, is considered to be in a somewhat critical condition, that's why they're in the NICU. However, there are different stages of "critical condition." Just because a baby is in here doesn't mean they are in a life threatening state. Although all babies are more vulnerable to life threatening health conditions. Anyway, if your condition is serious then you are put in the middle rows of beds. If you're stable then you get placed on the outer walls of the NICU. So, the goal is to get kicked out of the middle. That doesn't mean you're free and clear, but you're doing really, really well. I hope I didn't confuse you with that, LOL. All these good night in a row are steps closer to that happening. Therefore, keep praying for boringly normal updates. I ask you to continue to pray for my breathing development, feedings, and digestion. God is so faithful and he has been better to me and my family than we deserve. Thanks so much for being instruments of God's provision and love!! Later, JSR.

For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully
and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written the days
that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
Psalm 139:13-16 (NASB)

Forty-Fifth Day...

Greetings from the NICU. I hope everyone had a restful night's sleep. Yesterday went well as I pretty much maintained my current pattern of growth. My feedings continued to be good and my digestion is still very good. My O2 saturation rate is holding at about the same level. I am making some progress in this area, but it's a slow grow, LOL. Dr. DiCarlo told Mommy that he's pleased with where we are and things are looking good. The next step for me breathing wise is to reach the point where I can ditch the CPAP mask and use the Nasal Cannula (NC) alone. Once I reach this point I may begin nursing and will no longer be fed through a tube, but "naturally" by Mommy. I'm no there yet, but I'm creeping up on it. BTW, she's already let it be known that she is ready when that time comes, LOL. I have some slight swelling in my lower legs and feet. This is a normal consequence of my lung issues and is not a major concern. If it gets worse they'll treat it, but this type of isolated swelling is very common for preemies with breathing efficiency issues. Today we'll continue the six hour rotation between the CPAP mask and the NC. Actually, the staff is not following a strict schedule on the NC. I stay on the mask for six hours, but when I'm on the NC they keep me on it longer, which helps me gain stamina. It's time for the morning diagnostic so I'm gonna run. Please continue to pray for my feedings, and breathing issues. I'll keep you posted as things change. God continues to bless us with good days and we're so very thankful. Remember to thank Him for all his gracious provisions when you pray. Blessings, JSR.

Forty-Fourth Day...

This picture pretty much sums up what I did yesterday and last night, LOL. I basically slept and grew all day. It was busy around here with new babies and stuff, so I just chilled. There was nothing special set for me and there's nothing set for today. It will be good to have another day to just to be lazy. Mommy did get to hold me for a just a short time yesterday afternoon before they had to kick everybody out to admit some new babies. (They always ask the parents and guests to leave when admittng new babies in order to keep the chaos to a minimum.) It's good for preemies to have days like yesterday, they're a sign that everything is moving right along and there are NO major issues. We understand that could change, but we are so thankful to God for his grace and provision thus far. Pray for continued growth, stamina, strength, breathing, and good feeds. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. So true! Later, JSR.

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Col. 2:6-7 (ESV)

Forty-Third Day...

I hear it's a stormy morning outside, but you can still have a good day, even during a storm. If I copied yesterday's entry and posted it as today's it wouldn't make much difference. We seem to have developed a pattern of progress, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. My body is continuing to do everything it needs to. It may seem that my breathing is still progressing really slow and maybe it is. But I am making measurable progress and that's good. Dr. Mena says he's pleased with where we are and how things are going. God is continuing to give me more strength, stamina, and growth. We'll just move along at his pace as it's His show and we are glad he's in control! Yesterday was another great day with my Mommy and Daddy. Mommy got to hold me kangaroo style plus Daddy got off early and was able to visit. He got to change a diaper for me just before they left for the evening. Also, Mommy went for her post delivery OBGYN appointment with Dr. Ross. He said she's doing great! So, we are all well and still taking it one day at a time. Please continue to pray for strength, stamina, breathing issues, and good feedings. Everybody keep doing what you're doing and I'll keep growing. Thanks again!! Love, JSR.