my new digs
my new digs, part 2
Ira moved into his new digs - different bed - this past weekend. Pretty cool, huh? (As always, you can click on the picture above and be taken to my flickr.com account where you can view more pics that we took today.) We were able to get him a mobile that keeps him entertained when we aren't around.
He had a good day today. Much more peaceful than Sunday and Monday. We held him all morning long.
Today was the first time someone indicated how long we might be around the NICU. The nurse attending Ira told us that pulmonary hypertension keeps babies in for months. She's been around for 25+ years and we trust this nurse. While she didn't get more specific than that it was enough for me to take in the reality of how long our road ahead might be.
It's not that I've had my hopes up for going home soon. All you have to do is see Ira off the CPAP to know that it's not time but I haven't adjusted my mindset to being in this for a long time either.
I had two immediate reactions to this news from the nurse: first, I had a sense of buckling down, digging in and going forward one day at a time. Second, I wanted to take a nap.
posted by jch at
5:13 PM
10 Comments:
Hey, guys - I have been on vacation and this is the first time on the blog since my return. Just a word to you, Laura - even our Lord did not understand the suffering He had to endure, and begged and questioned the Father, but trusted Him with all of his heart - just as you are doing. God knows and understands all of the mixed feelings that you are having, because our Lord has suffered through every trial and every feeling that we have. Our understanding of life is feeble, and that is why God has asked us to "lean not on our own understanding" - just as you are doing. You are leaning and trusting on your Father for hope and promise in His Word. I look at baby Ira's pictures and I see the heart of God. I see the very same thing when I look at my little Faith angel. Her heart is so full of His love. I love you all. Kaki
Bro,
Thanks for the pictures. I can't wait until you, Harvey, Ira and me can play golf. We might consider doing that in St. Louis and not Tahoka. I'll let you and Harvey teach Ira how to play, and I will be the caddy.
You and Laura just keep hanging in there. You are in my prayers.
Laove Dad and Granddad
Sweet Laura,
I just checked the blog after getting home from Dallas. I thought your poem was a beautiful testament to your faith. As you know, questioning God is so Biblical. Your poem reminded me of Psalms and of extreme faithfulness - continuing to trust God even when you don't understand. Who can understand the hurt in the world? I can't, and I can't imagine anyone does. Faith is about trusting in God even when we don't understand. If we understood everything, why in the world would we need faith? In your poem, I saw only an achingly honest woman of faith expressing her trust in God as she hurts. You are a beautiful woman of God and have taught me so much about how to be a woman of God - and you continue to teach me now.
I continue to pray for Ira and will beg for relief for his pain and for healing. How hard to sit by him while he hurts and you can do nothing!
Lord, we need you. You have been so faithful in bringing so much healing to Ira. Please continue to work that you started.
Kaley
I love that Ira has a mobile and a new bed. That's fun. :) We are all still praying that this "long road" will be shorter than we think. Ira is full of surprises - and I'm sure this caring nurse with 25 years experience would LOVE to be surprised again. Thanks for sharing the pictures - it's so good to see him being held by his mommy and daddy. Glad to hear he had a good day. Thank you, Lord.
What a joy to hold your precious son. I love the picture of Ira looking into your eyes...that says it all. He knows the deperation you feel, and the intense love you obviously radiate. He looks as almost to say "I know". We Eller/Whaleys feel your struggles and hopes in a way that only those who have sat in NICU can. Know that we pray for you all daily and that the communication he shares in his eyes is a testament to how much he knows he is loved.
April Eller
praying that ira's mum and pop and little sis too, find true rest when they nap!
I love that he has a bright blue crib. I remeber walking into the NICU one day and Noah had a crib. I know that gives you visible proof that he is getting better, and lots of places to hang things. Noah's CD player finally got to hang somewhere where the music was actually playing into his crib.
I love that Ira's eyes are open looking at you two. I love that he has a pacifier. I love that he is still fighting so hard so that you can hold him in your arms. And I love that I have another baby boy to look at, read about, and put my hope in.
I know that God can heal, I know that he loves us all. But I want to see that healing in someone... please God, if not Noah, HEAL IRA!
Julie Whaley
dear Laura,
I had one of those days yesterday like you must have most days now...we took sam to vbs, which for most parents is a joyous occasion but because he wouldn't leave my side without screaming I remained in the class with him. And then I began to hear it...all the other three year olds talking in full sentences and longing to play and be next to each other. And I felt that longing again for him to be like all the other kids. A feeling I choose to ignore most days. I was struggling. It was in my hurt that one of the helpers in the class took notice of sam. He was an old cop who volunteers to work with the kids to help him keep his sanity in his job. So, he played with sam and helped him with his crafts...but it was the last thing that he said that I knew came from God and not him, he was just the messenger, he said, "I see a lot of promise in that boy." and, I fought back the tears. Even though as I write this, I am crying. I saw all the sympathetic looks of the other mothers in the class as they looked at sam. I bet you know what those feel like. And so i say to you, "I see a lot of promise in your little boy." and, I only have tears in my eyes...I love you, Melissa
Joe and Laura -
I'm so pumped here in deep East Texas. First, for the great progress you guys are making! Second - because I get to blow off work for several days beginning Saturday and go do VBS at Fortress! Hard to believe it was two years ago we met you guys there as you were about to pack up for NYC.
Seriously, it is wonderful to see Ira in his new bed, but, we do continue to earnestly pray for Ira and for all of you in your long road to bring Ira home. God's awesome strength over you!
Hiya
Just letting you know that even tho I don't know you guys personally, I have been reading this blog and praying for Ira. He is very very adorable and my heart melts just looking at his pictures.
May God's strength and love fill your hearts always! :)
Agape
Elaine (from Singapore)
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