Thursday, February 19, 2009
Tales from the Crib
Thanks,
JSR
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Final Post
Saturday, June 7, 2008
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)
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.Thursday, June 5, 2008
Second Day @ Home...
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
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.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
One Hunded & Fifth Day, "Discharge Day"
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)
Monday, June 2, 2008
One Hundred & Fourth Day...
God, my strength, I will sing praises to you.
God, my defender, you are the God who loves me.Psalm 59:17 (NCV)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
One Hundred & Third Day...
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)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
One Hundred & Second Day...
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)
Friday, May 30, 2008
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)
Thursday, May 29, 2008
100th Day...
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)
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ninety-Ninth Day...
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)
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
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.
Monday, May 26, 2008
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)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
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)
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.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Ninety-Sixth Day...
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)
Friday, May 23, 2008
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.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ninety-Fourth Day...
...Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.
1 Cor. 1:31 (ESV)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ninety-Third Day...
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)
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Ninety-Second Day...
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)
Monday, May 19, 2008
Ninety-First Day...
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)
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ninetieth Day...
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)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Eighty-Eighth & Ninth Days...
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.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)
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Eighty-Seventh Day...
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)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Eighty-Sixth Day
And my God will fully satisfy every need of yours according to
his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Phil. 4:19 (NRSV)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Eighty-Fifth Day...
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)
Monday, May 12, 2008
Eighty-Fourth Day...
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)
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Eighty-Third Day "Mother's Day"...
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)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Eighty-Second Day...
Jesus answered, “God can do things
that are not possible for people to do.”
Luke 18:27 (NCV)
Friday, May 9, 2008
Eighty-First Day...
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)
Thursday, May 8, 2008
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)
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Seventy Ninth Day...
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
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Seventy-Eighth Day...
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)
Monday, May 5, 2008
Seventy-Seventh Day...
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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.
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Seventy-Fifth Day...
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)
Friday, May 2, 2008
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)
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Seventy-Third Day...
But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.
Psalm 71:14 (ESV)
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Seventy-Second Day
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.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Seventy-First Day...
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)
Monday, April 28, 2008
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)