Julie and I slept alot today. Alyssa wasn’t the only one napping at the house. I guess the hardships of this week had finally caught up with us. It makes me think of something else that needs prayers. Julie and I are still the parents to a wonderful two year old girl. Pray that Julie and I continue to be good parents to her and that we remember how much she needs her normal routine. I understand that the definition of normal has changed dramtically for many of us, but for her I want the changes to be slower in coming. During many of the last few dark days she has been a light for Julie and me.
Alyssa went to see her little brother today. She excitedly sat in the recliner and held him. She kissed and patted his little head. She actually was interested for alot longer than I expected. It made me feel good to see them both together.
I didn’t see any improvements in Noah’s physical abilities today. There is some good news to report though. He has moved from a warming bed to a crib. This means he is able to maintain his own temperature and it also means I don’t have to sweat when I stand over his bed. He is taking food through his feeding tube and is able to digest it without problems. He is gaining weight and now weighs 7.025 pounds. For you scoring at home he is over his birth weight.
I would guess that some of you are wondering why Julie and I have decided to write these kind of updates on the blog. I know for me this is one place where I can capture the many, many thoughts that go through my head everyday. It also gives me the visible love and affirmation from the body of Christ that lifts my spirits. So I promise to keep sharing if you do.
Read the story of the Shunammite’s Son from 2 Kings 4 starting in verse 8. I like how it ends, but I must admit that I echo her fear and I pray for her faith. – Ethan
Ethan & Julie,
We have been praying for you since we heard the news on Wednesday. We will continue to pray for Noah’s healing, as well as God’s comforting hand to fall on you both. We will also pray for Alyssa’s “adjustment” to this new way of life. Know that you can call on us if you need any help.
Marcie & Fred
What a blessing this blog is! My first conscious thought this morning was a prayer for you, and to then be able to flip on the computer and see that God has assembled a whole community of believers for prayer and support through blogging is amazing. What a joy it is to see God build a worldwide community, all giving Him praise and their hearts’ requests, around Noah!
Ethan & Julie
Hi this is Tracie and Randy Geuy. We recently went through the same things you are. Normal pregnancy. Normal delivery, except when Mike came out… he had trisomy 13 that was not detected. Our baby lived from Nov 25 2004 to Dec 17 2004.
I too, every night came home and wrote to my friends.It was theraputic, and comforting to recap the day. So write your thoughts, everything. The time will go so fast and you will not remember the small details.Or at least I dont without my journal entries.
If you need anything… We will try to call if that’s ok. We will be praying for you and baby.
Please take care, Tracie
our # is 281 489 6102
Eric and I missed little Alyssa yesterday in class. She is such a joy. She is bright, beautiful and such a little talker. She answers all the questions in class and sings along to the songs. She reflects your family’s love for the Lord and we truly have been praying for her and her little brother. If there is ever anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to call. You are in our prayers constantly and we believe that God is watching over little Noah and caring for him.
In Him-Danel
Julie and Ethan,
The four of you remain in my prayers. Your heartfelt thoughts and emotions and ability to share them with friends and family stirs us all to more fervent prayers. Keep up the journaling. It is theraputic and healing. I don’t know of any single issue that Christians struggle with more than guidance. Which direction in life should I go? What career should I pursue? What decision should I make? We want God to tell us what is best or which choice will bring happiness or security. But when we ask God for an answer, usually He is silent. What we discover when we come to the Bible is that God promises to give us wisdom, not answers. We want voice-from-heaven direction; God offers quiet, unspectacular one-step-at-a-time wisdom.
Psalm 90:12 says “Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.â€
Oh God, We search for guidance, You want to give wisdom. We pray for quick fixes, You desire that we mature and grow in the midst of circumstances. We want to hear You shout from heaven, You wisely give us one step-at-a-time wisdom. Thank You Father for leading the way. Amen.
Dear Ethan and Julie:
We just heard about your situation on Sunday at First Colony. We were in a similar situation last Christmas. I’m both hopeful and heart broken when reading your story, your faith is remarkable, it brings back a flood of memories from that time. Our little boy Michael was born with mosaic Trisomy 13, very rare, and incompatible with survival. I remember vividly grappling with the feeding tube issues, and how to care for our other two small children (3 and a half and two years old). Were it not for the support of the Lord through His servants from First Colony, the family literally might not have survived. No matter how strong your relationship, just like no matter how strong a rock is, if put under enough pressure, it will find a place to crack. And, there is no greateer strain than watching, helplessly, as your infant struggles for life. This may not be an appropriate forum for such a discussion, but please know my heart and my wife Tracie’s heart go out to you and we pray for you. I’d be honored to talk to you if you would like. There are so many voices, I know, all intended to support, but not all the messages will be helpful. My number is 281-744-8303 (c) or 713-646-1352 (w)/ email rgeuy@aol.com or rgeuy@bakerlaw.com.
God Bless you,
-Randy and Tracie Geuy
Hi there.
Heard the news from Brad & April and was in a not dissimilar situation with our oldest child. We can totally empathize what you’re going through – the tests, sleeplessness…all of it. It’s the little ups and downs that get you, don’t you think?
It never ceases to amaze me how powerful prayer can be and how God responds when sought out. Judging by the updates April has provided, we’ve already seen God beginning to work through Noah. Obviously, God has a very special purpose for Noah’s life no matter how long he’s around us and all those who love him will be enriched by him.
We will be praying for you and Julie, big sister Alyssa and of course, baby Noah. With God for us, who can stand against us?
We are so impressed by your
faith in dealing with this gut wrenching experience. We think of you night and day. We know God is in control. We just have to adjust to His direction. This is very difficult.
Jim and Betty Lawless