One amazing month....

Today is July 25th... One month post surgery!  Ezekiel is growing so quickly and is much more alert as we are quickly approaching his due date!  At his 1 month check up, he was 7lbs. 3 ozs!
I am starting to feel like we are getting back to "life as normal" (or at least as normal as it was before all this)!  We have gone out 3 times this week... and although I come home feeling like I got hit by a bus - we are making it work!  The older kids have been so helpful when I need to just lie down for a bit.  The 4 younger ones (ages 5 and under) have also started "settling" again - praise God!  Everytime I put a prayer request out there... God answers it almost immediately!  We are so blessed!
Now... to get the school room organized so that we can start school!  Shortly after moving, I was put on bed rest, and never got to finish organizing the school/playroom.  I like structure.  I like organization.  I like everything to have a home (and be in it)!  I have been stretched A LOT in that area over the last couple of months... and I have survived!  However, I am feeling the "need" to get it done now.  It seems that every "milestone" I pass (surviving 3 times out with all 8 kids in the last 5 days), it encourages me to press on!
We have decided to go visit some good friends that live in Georgia!  This is a trip we had planned last year, but cancelled, not thinking it was going to be possible with all that was going on with me.  And now, glory to God, I am well and feel good enough to take a road trip with the whole gang!  We are all excited to see our friends and to just get away and enjoy each other!  Now... To pack x10!!!
This Sunday, Pastor Tom has asked me to share my testimony in front of church.  I am excited to share ALL that God had done in the last couple of months, but am terrified of sharing from stage!  I can write all day... But to be in the spotlight is not my thing!  What is encouraging is that God will be glorified and His word says that if He is lifted up, He will draw men to Him!  It is amazing to see that God has grown my faith tremendously over the last month!  It has truly been a whirlwind of craziness and I haven't had the "quiet time" with God that I am used to (mostly because if I sit down somewhere quiet... I fall asleep), but feel so blessed and so overwhelmed by what He has done for me - knowing I didn't deserve any of it!  God is so good!  So so good!!!  It blessed me beyond belief to see that my 17 year old daughter (also an introvert) is going to get on stage and play and sing a piano solo to the song "Victory is in the Blood" after I share my testimony!  And it was her idea!  To those of you that know Dakota, this is nothing shy of a miracle!  It is so amazing how God works!  Please pray that I would share what God wants me to share... Nothing more and nothing less!  Also, please pray for peace and confidence for myself and Dakota as we both step WAY out of our comfort zones!  I pray that God would continue to be glorified as we share and that He would use this testimony as a means to show His unfailing love to anyone that's faith is weak... cause that was me a month ago!
This is probably my last post... At least for awhile!  I am still working on thank you cards (I've bought 3 packs and am still thinking of others to thank)... for the many that helped make this last month go so smoothly!  I honestly don't know what we would have done without the body of Christ pouring into our family when we needed it most!  Thank you... Your love and service (and yummy meals) have meant more then you know!  May God bless you, my friends!
PS - I started this post on the 25th, but I think it's the 28th now (yeah, life is back to normal)!

Two weeks....

Yesterday, my little guy turned 2 weeks old!!!  Can you believe it?  Me neither!  The last month has been a whirlwind of emotions, trials, and triumphs!  I would have never believed that I would be where I am now just after 2 weeks since my surgery!  God is so good!

I am feeling amazingly well considering all that my body has endured the past couple of weeks.  I've been back to the hospital 3 times since I was discharged 1 week ago.  Twice for more blood clots (all superficial - thank you Jesus) and once for infection in my incision.  The infection was just surface (not an abscess - praise God again) and is almost completely healed now.  I am not in any pain as long as nobody touches my incision, or my leg where the clots are (which is actually more painful then the incision)!  I am so ready to get back to "life" as normal!  Sooooooo ready!  However, my body is not!  I am worn out so easily and the "simple" daily tasks of a family of 10 are still proving to be more then I can handle... most days.  My hemoglobin is still really low, so it would probably help if I actually got some sleep!  Maybe next year!  I am also still having some bladder and bowel issues, but that's more then I want to go into right now.  I am hoping/praying that all that resolves itself soon!!!  

I have also been really emotional about Ezekiel being my "last" baby.  I thought that I had already mourned all that stuff while I was pregnant, but now that he's here and the surgery is done... It's so real and final.  I have sooo very much to be thankful for, yet my heart aches knowing that I will never again carry another baby inside of me.  The crazy thing is... I don't like being pregnant (especially the last 3)!  But, I LOVE babies!  Not like some people love babies... I really really LOVE babies!  I have since I was itty bitty myself!  All I ever wanted was to be a mom and have lots of kids (I always said 14 when I was younger - and would still have 14 if I could)!  I LOVE being a mom!  I LOVE watching my little people grow into who God created them to be!  I LOVE seeing their different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses!  I LOVE teaching and training and learning all the while - having learned as much from them as they have learned from me!  Children require A LOT of dying to yourself... and as crazy as that sounds - I LOVE that!  It is what God uses to keep me humble, tender, and selfless!  There's nothing more humbling then having children and nothing else that will make you cry out to God for His help and direction then to feel "responsible" for raising the next generation of world changers!  Oh God, make me all that they need me to be... and You be the rest!!!  As I've been struggling with the "last baby" thing the last couple of days... I feel so ungrateful... yet, I'm not!  I am SO thankful for all I have and all that God has done over the past couple of weeks!  Wow, I sound hormonal!!!  Can I still blame hormones without a uterus?  Lol!  Anyways, we have always had the desire to adopt again, so maybe that is where God is leading... Or maybe Ezekiel is our last baby.  Either way, I am striving to be content and enjoy every minute (well, maybe not 1 am, 3 am, and 5 am) with my littlest buddy!  :)

Ezekiel is the sweetest, easiest, cutest little guy!  He hardly ever cries, and aside from having his days and nights a little mixed up... He is so easy!  He has just slipped right into the family and has won his spot in everyone's heart!  Luckily, I am nursing, or I would never get the chance to hold him!  He had his 2 week check-up and is a whooping 5 lbs. 14 ozs.  He looks so big in pictures, but he is really a lil tiny guy... And really cute!  :)

The kids are settling again... But the last month has taken it's toll on everyone.  Especially my "sensitive to change" little guys.  They're insecurities are slowly becoming more "secure" again... But it has taken a lot of love and discipline the last week!  Please pray for their little hearts to be settled... And for us (Tom and I) to have the wisdom to know when they need what!  

I am so thankful that we serve a faithful God!  I am so thankful for the continued meals, support, and love that we have received!  I am blessed beyond belief!!!!  I am excited to live in the moment despite the limitations of life right now!  I am excited for the future and feel that my faith is stronger then ever!  We serve a mighty God... That loves us MORE then we love our children!!!  That's a lot of love!  

Home - Sweet (yet, loud) - Home

We are home!!! I am slowly acclimating to the loudness of a small house with a lot of people!  It's amazing what 9 days of quiet can do... After years of being used to all the busyness of lots of kiddos! I'm incredibly tired, a little grumpy (kids keep climbing on me causing great pain), and I have a headache, but I'm home... We are home!!!  Our family of 10 is all together for the first time!  Praise God!
The kids are enthralled with their new baby brother!  Especially Judah!  He is so cute and keeps asking all kinds of questions... trying to grasp the miracle of birth in his 2 year old little mind.  I've added a video we took of him shortly after coming home... So cute!  All of the kids have been begging to hold Ezekiel constantly... To the point where I had to say nobody gets to hold him (ever)!  Feeling a little protective of this little guy that has already been through so much!  And maybe slightly hormonal (just a little)!
Ezekiel is doing great!  Nursing and sleeping, and not minding the constant "petting" or loudness in the least.  I'm sure he finally feels "at home", familiar with all these noises from his many months inside of me!  He has been awake a good portion of his time home... And he is soooo cute!!!
I am excited to get back to normal "life", but I know that my body still needs time to recover.  I thought that it was the pain meds making me tired all the time, but I am off of them, and still feel drained from the slightest bit of activity.  Please pray that I can "lay low" the next couple weeks, so my body can recover.  Anyone that knows me, knows I don't do "lay low" or "light activity" well!  I feel great (other then tired, hormonal,  and headache today) and keep forgetting that I just had some pretty major surgery!  My tummy is still very sensitive to the touch and my leg (where the blood clots are) is very tender and sore.
Dakota has been AMAZING keeping up the house, laundry, and many visits to the hospital!  She is such an incredible young lady!  I appreciate her more then words can say!  Also, after spending the last week in NICU, she has decided to pursue going to school to become a NICU nurse!  Isn't it incredible to see God bringing such beauty from the pain and "unknowns" of the last month?!?  She would be a perfect NICU nurse and we have been praying that God would show her what to do next - she's a senior this year!

The rest of the kids all survived their "vacation".... But I can tell there is a "settling" that I am home.  At least 1 of them (can't mention any names) hadn't showered since I left 9 days ago!  How that happened... I'm not sure!  I'm sure much more went on (they've admitted to chips for breakfast, soda and candy galore, and all sleeping in my room with Daddy) that may never be heard!
We have been incredibly blessed with all the meals, child care, prayers, gifts, visits, and support!  I can't express how much it has meant to me!  Thank you again to all those that helped in any way!  There has still been talk about writing up a medical report about the success of my surgery.  I am so excited that other women with placenta accreta will hopefully benefit from the prayers, tears, research, unity, and work that went into planning, prepping, and performing the surgery!  NO blood transfusion needed is truly a miracle!  NO ICU!  To God be the glory!  I pray that He would be lifted up whenever or however it is written!
I also found out that after doing a biopsy on my uterus and placenta (for better understanding of this condition) that the placenta was only 1 mm from "breaking through" my uterine muscle in 2 separate areas, which could've been really bad!  Praise God that Dr. Sullivan stepped in and planned surgery when he did!
I keep remembering little (but big) things that I've heard over the last week or so that just make me stand in awe of our God!  And, I still see the number 17 EVERYWHERE!  Victory!!!!

There's no place like home...

After 9 days in the hospital... I just got the news that we are coming home tomorrow!!!!  I have met some of the most amazing people in the world during my many days of testing and my prolonged stay!  Dr. Sullivan has been incredible, and truly has a heart for his patients!  We need more doctors like him!

I am slowly weening myself off the pain meds AND I got my staples out today!  Note to self: next time (which hopefully there is never a next time) ween yourself off pain meds AFTER they remove your staples! OUCH!  I still hurt quite a bit, but it is tolerable... most of the time!  Also, I pooped!  I can't believe I am writing that on a "blog" that has over 4,000 hits... But....lol!!!

Anyways, I am still AMAZED at the turn of events in the last 9 days... And so looking forward to continuing to shout the testimony of the goodness of my God!  For He has given us the VICTORY!  

Ezekiel is doing fantastic!  What a little trooper he is!  He does NOT like getting his diaper changed and has made that known by peeing on anyone who tries!  He is nursing well and is "acting" like a newborn instead of a preemie (when technically he should still be in utero for another 5 weeks)!  He is so cute - I could just stare at him all day (if only I could stay awake)!  Tomorrow, he has a couple more simple "tests" and then we will work on discharge stuff!  So exciting!  I know Judah is going to be thrilled to meet his new baby brother (everyone else has met him, but Judah was too little to go in NICU).  

As expected, (see blog post "fear"), the kids have really enjoyed the last 9 days with little structure, lots of candy, late nights, lots of movies mom would never allow, and they have forgotten what a shower, fruit, or vegetable is!!!!  However, they are all alive and well and excited for us to come home!  When one of my friends dropped off food I asked her if the kids were eating candy and watching movies (half joking), and she said "no, they are eating marshmellows"!  Much better!  As soon as I told Tom that we are coming home tomorrow, he panicked!  When I asked him what he was doing a little later... He said "cleaning like crazy"!  What a good husband!  I can't imagine what the house looked like!  Many thanks to all those that pitched in and lent a helping hand during the last several weeks!  I know my family greatly enjoyed all the company, food, and outings! And I know it took a huge burden off of Tom's already heavy laden shoulders!  May God pour out blessings on you, as you have so blessed us!!!

Sooooo... That's the "news" for today!  It's all good!  My cup runneth over!!! Praise The Lord!  :)

Israel with Ezekiel :)

Daddy holding baby (he doesn't do "well" with newborns - he wants them to wake up and "play" with him - And really makes me nervous with preemies)!  Lol

Dakota with Ezekiel - I think she may has held him as much as me!  I love her heart to serve (especially when it comes to holding babies)!

May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. (Psalm 20:1, 4, 5 NIV)

Blood clots, bowel blocks, and staples - O my!!!

There is soooo much to write, and so many amazing reports - I think God is now "showing off" knowing that He is getting the glory!!!! Praise Him!

Every time I sit down to write on the blog... I fall asleep thinking about what to write (I'm slightly sleep deprived)!  So this time, I'm not thinking first, just writing - consider yourself warned!  

First off, my little miracle boy is doing amazing!  He is off of oxygen and Cpap and is nursing like a pro!  He is so sweet and "smiles" constantly in his little "fat and happy" state after he nurses!  We are free to hold him whenever we want and they are moving him to the "going home soon" side of NICU tonight!  I walked in this morning and saw him "tube free" in the nurses arms drinking a bottle and started crying tears of joy and thanksgiving!  What a testimony God has already given this little angel!  Glory to God!!!!  

I have had a few setbacks... But so far it has kept me here, close to Ezekiel (right where I need to be)!  I had a bowel blockage from the surgery.  The blockage has cleared (confirmed by x-ray this morning) however, "things" still are not moving, so please pray that my system would start working how it was intended!  My hemoglobin is on the rise, so that is wonderful and I can "feel" the difference 1 "point" makes - our bodies are incredible!  We had a little blood clot scare today that almost got me feeling defeated.  Almost!  After running some tests, they found that the clot is in a "superficial" vein (one that doesn't lead to the heart, lungs, or brain) and can just be treated locally!  Praise God once again!  I think He keeps testing me to see if my first response is faith or fear.... Sadly, I think we all know the answer - hence, another test!  Praise God that He is faithful, even when we (I) struggle with these kind of things!  He is so worthy of our (my) trust!  

A couple funny stories...  When I was talking on the phone shortly after getting some "bad" news - Shayli (my 11 year old) overheard me saying through tears that "they" were going to "put me to sleep" and that I wouldn't be able to see Ezekiel.  When I hung up, she was crying.  After a little probing, I found out that she thought "they" were going to kill me (like when you put an animal to sleep)!  So sad, but so funny!  I ensured her that wasn't what I meant and explained the process.  Then today, Tom brought 4 of the kids up to see me (and Ezekiel).  I was in the shower when they got here.  Levi (5 years old)was so excited, he ran in the bathroom, yanked back the curtain and just stared at me, then ran out!  Apparently, he came out saying "Mommy has braces in her tummy" (the 44 staples)!  Then, I showed Judah (my 2 year old) my "boo-boo" hopefully encouraging him to be gentle around it... And he just stared wide eyed.  Then he said - "is that your diaper?"  We all cracked up!  I am wearing a "maxi pad" as protection and padding over my stomach.  I love my kids!  They make life fun!

So... I have been discharged from the hospital as of about 7 tonight.  I am now "boarding" as a guest and will stay just a couple doors down from NICU until Ezekiel is released!  It won't be long now!  I stand amazed - in complete awe - of the happenings in the last 6 days!  Never did I expect such an incredible outcome! Yet I KNEW with everything within me that God was/is bigger then all of this "mess" that He has brought such beauty from!  I am honored and humbled to be part of His plan to show Himself to be Lord of all!  

Here are a couple pictures from today!  Love and blessings and much thanks!!!!

I'm so in love <3

I feel like a kid in the candy store!!!  I am so enthralled and madly in love with my newest little gift from God!  His little personality is starting to show as he is starting to "feel" better, and he is soooooo stinking cute (he looks just like Daddy)!  Knowing that he is my last baby (biological at least), makes me want to soak in every second of babyhood!

I've been able to hold him twice a day, but last night there was a turning point!  Every time I held him before, he was still "stressing" over the noises in the room, movements, etc.  but last night was different.  He was crying when I got there - even with all his "issues", he knows when its time to eat, and doesn't like to wait for it - but immediately calmed down when he heard me.  We talked (Ezekiel and I), while the nurse got his feeding ready, and he just stared at my every move, perfectly content.  Once I got him skin to skin, all his "vitals" stabilized!  The nurse saw it too and allowed me to "kangaroo" him for 3 1/2 hours!  The alarm kept going off, but this time it was because his oxygen saturation was too high!  The nurse had to keep lowering his oxygen level until he was almost on room air by time I left!  His respiration and everything else stayed stable also!  God is so good!  I was just telling Him (God) last night (before my little visit with Zeke) that I am so thankful for the miracles surrounding this whole thing, and I don't want to complain, but (I sound like one of my kids) it is so hard to watch my baby suffer!  He gets it!  He understands that mamma heart thing!  My verse this morning (comes thru my phone) was "Wait for The Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for The Lord" Psalm 27:14.  OK, Lord, I will wait for your perfect timing, but thank you for letting me see my sweet little angel baby respond and improve so quickly!

Today was a big day! They removed his IV, stopped giving him lipids, and had him on room air most of the day.  The upped his feelings (he always seems to be hungry) and is much more tolerable of his diaper changes, noises, etc!  I got to hold him 3 hours again this morning and am getting ready to go back again!  Feeling the favor!

I am doing good also.  Still having some bowel movement issues (sorry TMI), but it is kinda a blessing in disguise because it is keeping me here!  My pain is much better - still sore, but tolerable, even when I'm running low on pain meds.  My hemoglobin was down to 8.8, so that is something else they want to keep an eye on (it was 10.4 after surgery).  

The rest of the family are enjoying themselves and all the friends, company, and food!  I've heard that a few of them (won't mention any names) are taking advantage of "getting away" with lots since mom is not there!  Tom and Dakota (and I) are incredibly grateful for all the help!  And I have enjoyed all my visitors, calls, and texts!  Thank you again!  You have been the hands and feet of Jesus during this time!  

Update on Ezekiel

Ezekiel is quite the little character!  He enjoys the calm and quiet of his little isolet (his little plastic temporary home), but has a hard time dealing with "normal" newborn stress.  His oxygen drops and his respiration and heart rate excellerate when they change his diaper, open his isolet to feed him, or handle him in any way.  It is so sad to see!  He responds good to my voice - and will generally settle pretty quickly when I talk to him, so I am trying to be there each feeding (that's the only time they "mess with" him cause they want him to rest and recover).  

I've gotten to "kangaroo care" him 4 times now, and I'm going back at 8 tonight!  It is the highlight of my days (and his as well)!  If there is a lot going on in NICU (other babies crying, machines beeping, Tom talking) then his stats tend to drop again - even while I'm holding him.  Poor little guy needs to get used to lots of noise and action!  Please pray that his little spirit calms down (he's been through a lot the past couple weeks in utero and his sensitivity is understandable) and that the love of God would just envelope him and make him feel safe and secure!

I am feeling pretty good!  My pain is much more tolerable (as long as I don't let my pain meds lap) and I am walking, showering, getting in and out of bed, etc. on my own.  Praise God!  I am also starting to get a little bit better supply of milk in, where they are only having to supplement a little bit each feeding!  They took me for x-rays this morning, thinking I may have a bowel obstruction from the surgery. Without going into too much detail, that can be an area of specific prayer!  

Also, please pray for Ezekiel's lungs to continue to heal and perform!  Thank you all for the delicious food you've been providing for my family and the child care!  The kids have been having a blast... Which makes my heart happy!!!  

God will continue the "good work" that He began!  Strengthen my boy Lord!  

Miracles never cease...

He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.  Job 5:9

Glory to God!!!  I am alive!!!  I am still in shock over the turn of events in the last 2 days!  God is so good... And has truly touched many lives through this whole situation.  And that's His goal - to use ordinary people like you, me, Ezekiel, my doctors, etc. to make Himself known on the Earth... And He has proven Himself faithful once again!  Praise Him!

Thank you Elaine and Dakota for keeping up the blog while I was "busy"!  It was such a blessing to so many (I know this because of the tons of e-mails, Facebook messages, texts, etc)!  The blog just hit 3,000 views!  That blows my mind... And to all those that have been praying and standing in faith with me and my family - God heard your prayers!  Thank you!

As Elaine previously posted, after Dr. Sullivan came back into town on Monday, they decided (the urologist and himself) decided to go back to plan "A" which was to perform all three surgeries in the morning.  I was feeling pretty anxious about starting Monday night and was relieved to go back to plan "A".  I hardly slept at all Monday night, but was ready and felt such peace when they came in at 4:30 a.m. to start prepping me.  Tom was there by 5:15 and the morning went very quickly.  They started 2 more IV sites on me and talked me through everything they were doing and planning to do.  One of the things they decided that morning was to give me a spinal (like an epideral) for the first two surgeries so that Ezekiel had less exposure to the general anesthesia.  That was such an answer to prayer, cause that was the heaviest thing on my heart!  I went back to the operating room at 7:30 and was given the spinal.  The first 2 procedures took 2 1/2 hours and went very smoothly.  I was awake and aware of everything that whole time.  Once again, the team of doctors and nurses were incredible - catching my vomit, holding my hand, talking me through each procedure, and even itching my eyes!   It all went like clockwork and there was incredible unity and peace in the rooms (3 different procedures were in 3 different rooms).  By time they got me to the operating room to deliver Ezekiel, it was 10 o clock.  Praise God I wasn't under general anesthesia that whole time!  Everything started moving pretty quickly and before I knew it, in was asleep.
I woke up in a daze... And slowly came to.  As requested (I made sure everyone knew that I wanted to wake up to pictures of baby Ezekiel), someone was right next to me with phone in hand showing me pictures of sweet little Ezekiel.  It's all kinda a blur, but I remember everyone being amazed how quick and easy surgery went.  How I didn't have any blood transfusions, never went to ICU, how Ezekiel came out crying (meaning the general anesthesia didn't get to him yet), and the whole surgery only took 1 1/2 hours!  Glory to God!  I've heard repeatedly how it couldn't have gone any smoother and that the blood loss was no more then a "normal" delivery!
Ezekiel is doing well, but needs prayer!  His lungs are not keeping up with the demands of breathing and instead of slowly decreasing the amount of oxygen he is on, they are having to increase it.  They just gave him a second shot of a drug that is supossed to help his little lungs catch up.  They are also taking a sample from his lung tissue to rule out a possible viral or bacterial infection.  His stats go way down whenever he is upset or when they "mess with" him at all.  Nobody can hold him until his stats are stabilized.  So please pray that happens soon.... Cause I can only imagine that he wants to be in my arms almost as much as I want him in my arms!  Sweet little guy just wants his mommy!
Dr. Sullivan came in today and was blown away by the ease of the surgery and was thrilled with the outcome!  Several of the nurses that were there have also stopped by to check on me, many with tears in their eyes at the miracle that they witnessed!  They (the team of doctors and nurses) had a debriefing today and asked my permission to "publish" my case, because it was a "phenomenal" success story!  I said "Sure, just make sure God gets the glory!"!  I praise God for the incredible talent, wisdom, and knowledge of all the doctors involved!  They all did their parts perfectly and the "plan" was perfectly executed!
I am doing well today, about 30 hours post surgery.  The incision they made is huge - a little above my belly button to my pelvic bone.  I am in a lot of pain when I try to move, but know that moving will help my body to heal faster... So I'm trying.  I'm not taking the morphine because I want to be able to give Ezekiel my milk, so the other pain pills are helping some, but I'm amazed at my pain level (I usually have a very high tolerance for pain).  Please pray the pain subsides!  Also, my body is  not making much milk.  I've tried pumping 5 times now and have only gotten a little over an ounce all together, so that's another prayer request!  My body is recovering and making milk isn't on the top of it's priority list.
Thank you all so much for being my prayer warriors during this time!  Thank u for the phone calls, texts, Facebook messages, e-mails, etc - they have meant the world to me... And I knew was never alone in all this!  We serve a living God that is eager to pour out His love on those who diligently seek Him!  :)

Ezekiel

I think I'm making mommy a lil jealous :))

Trying to open his eyes. His eyes are a  swollen from all the fluid...so he looks a lil angry :p
We can't hold him yet cuz he's still breathing to fast and too much respitory distress. Everytime the nurses mess with him he cries and his oxygen levels need to be boosted up a lil...so they want him to just rest. They don't want to risk him getting stressed out if we try to hold him. But when mom was in there talking with him and rubbing his head his respitory went down almost half of what it was...he wants mommy to hold him! :)

pictures :)

Here's some pictures...not sure if they all uploaded or not.

Happy sleeping mommy :)

This is now Dakota updating. My Mom is now sleeping...she's sore and a lil nauseous but doing good. She got to see Baby Ezekiel which made her very happy :) I got to go see Ezekiel several times today...just stood there starring at his tiny lil self and taking billions of pictures! My dad and I just got home after an extremely long emotional day. But praise God for all the good reports and the amazing testimony this is going to be. I am so blessed by all the family and friends coming together and helping with my siblings, bringing meals, and especially the prayers to help support us in this time. It takes alot of pressure off me...being able to be with my mom and especially Ezekiel as my mom cant do much right now. Hopefully I can hold my lil baby brother tomorrow and I will write more once I know more about how they r doing :)

Rejoicing in the waiting room...

This is still Elaine posting, and now partying in the surgery waiting room!  We just got word from the doctor and the recovery room nurse. The whole team is so impressed with God's handiwork!  The testimony of Ezekiel Tomson Good continues to touch the lives of so many, even strangers!  

Jody's surgery lasted less than an hour and a half!  This is nowhere near the 3-11 hours that we all were prepared for. The 20 units of blood on standby just for Jody can now go to several other folks instead!  NO blood was given to her at all!  Her doctor felt great about the outcome all the way around and does not expect any issues as a result of the acretia. AMAZING!

It's 1:20 now, she's awake and talking in recovery. She's seen pics of the baby and is in good spirits! She's expected to be in a regular room within the hour!  Praise God!  

John and Dawn Bratcher brought lunch to those of us waiting...who were suddenly starving once we realized all was well!  What a blessing!

It's so exciting to watch God's plan unfold!  AND, it's so exciting to see the body of Christ come together to pray, to bless and to serve. God's provision of peace and of miracles in a very scary situation would be blessing enough, but God throws in a loving flock to come alongside to bless and support!

1:40 Jody just came out of recovery!  She's groggy but great!

Baby Ezekiel should get to come "soon" to see his mommy and have a snack!  We are learning that soon is relative here!  

About Jody!!!!!

Great news!!!  Jody is DONE!  She'll be headed to recovery soon!  Minimal blood loss - 20 bags of blood on hold - NONE GIVEN TO JODY!!!
Yay God!!!  He came through!!!

5lbs 12oz!!!!!!

Praise God!  All is more than well with baby Ezekiel!!!  Tom and Dakota walked their big new baby over to NICU!  He's breathing very well on his own. For 34 weeks, he's big!!!  Mia and Dakota are in  the NICU now. Pastor Don and Tom are here now to pray!
Just heard.... Minimal blood loss!!!
Go God!!!

Pics of baby

Baby born 10:28!!!!!!!

Ahhhh!  No lullaby yet...it figures!
No other news yet either except that baby came out crying which is great news!!!!

Checking in...

Good morning all!  I was hoping to have a bit more information to give you but I'd rather check in anyway. Jody went in shortly after 7:30 this morning. A nurse that went in with her was texting Tom from her phone for awhile but the battery was low and we haven't heard anything for awhile. We last heard that the she was in her second procedure and things were fine.
News flash!!!!!
We just heard the lullaby song overhead!  We are so hoping it was for Ezekiel!!!!  We are hoping, waiting and praying!
Tom and Jim and I are sort of waiting patiently. They are blessing and amusing the other folks in the waiting room!
Ahhhh!  Another lullaby!  No news yet though!
As soon as I hear anything, I'll post!
Please pray!

The first of many praise reports....

This is Elaine catching you all up on Jody and Ezekiel on their big day!  First of all, several changes occurred since Jody's last post.  Jody's OB, Dr.Sullivan, a praying, God fearing man, returned from his trip to the "new agenda" for the surgery and was not comfortable with the idea of dealing with the urology surgery last night. Knowing the risks, he felt better to wait until this morning to do all the surgeries. Jody of course, wants what's best, but was saddened to hear once again, that Ezekiel would be under anesthesia a long time. Naturally, she put it in God's hands, knowing that he is ultimately in charge of the whole thing!
After a rather sleepless night, she is in good spirits and waiting for God and all her many surgery teams to do their thing!  The doctors just came in to tell her that they plan to do the urology surgery using a spinal anesthesia only!  This is huge!  It will take about an hour but the spinal will not affect the baby at all!  That is scheduled for 7:30am. As soon as they're finished, Jody will go under general anesthesia for the delivery and remaining surgeries. This means that the baby will receive some of the the general anesthesia but only about 10 minutes or so compared to the hour and 10 minutes with the earlier plan!  Please still pray for minimal anesthesia for him and for minimal effects!
I'll try to keep posting as long as there are updates. Keep praying!
Elaine

White flag

I've been admitted to the hospital and am getting settled into my "pin cushion" position!  My nurses are super sweet and I've already had many tests run... Not even sure what they are all for, but am glad that everyone seems to be on the "preventative" side and are trying to get everything ready for tomorrow.  I have a nurse that will be my "guide" nurse and be with me pretty much all the time the next 3 days.  They IV's they put in are huge tubes - with huge needles!  Ouch!  That way they can push blood in faster through many "sites" should the need arise.  They also asked to what measures they should take to keep me alive (I said any and all... please) and had me sign a million forms about the same kinda stuff.  It's a little nerve wracking, but I know I am in good hands!

I wrote all that this morning and a lot has happened since!  After another "team" meeting today, the doctors have decided to split my surgeries between tonight and tomorrow morning, so my first surgery is in 30 mins!  They are doing the urology parts of the surgery tonight under spinal (instead of general) which is an answer to prayer!  The longer baby in under general anesthesia - the worse it is for him and the longer recovery for him.  By splitting the surgeries up, they should be able to have baby out within 15 -30 mins of going under general anesthesia!  Praise God!!!  

I have met soooo many amazing people today, and they are all set and ready with an incredible plan...covering all bases!  I've had nurses come in and say that I am the talk of the whole hospital - and that they've never seen a surgery as meticulously planned out!  It's a little eerie... And I don't like the "spotlight" but feel the love and favor of God on every aspect of this journey!  My nurse that is staying with me the whole time tomorrow is a Christian and sooooo super sweet!  She said "Just have the faith of Nik Wallenda - and keep your focus on Jesus - you will be fine!"  I pray that God would give me faith like that!  I believe all will be well in the end, but I want to believe for miracles and "beyond" well!

Last night was incredible as we did a family Bible study and prayer time and each of the kids prayed for me and Ezekiel.  Their prayers were so tender and full of faith!  Oh, how I love my family - and love the spiritual growth I have already seen through this trial!  They are experiencing the love of God, service of the body of Christ, and seeing prayers answered right before their eyes!  Glory to God!

I had a hard time sleeping last night.... But God was faithful with songs on my heart again!  I sang "I raise my white flag, I surrender, ALL to you" over and over again - feeling freedom come more and more with each verse!  What a relief to surrender it all - He's got it all under control anyways!  I have also had the song "whom shall I fear" in my head for weeks... The lyrics are incredible and I'll add them at the end of this post, so you can agree in prayer with me!

Israel and Judah have both been sensing that something is going on and have been a little clingy and needy.  It is so hard to see them so insecure.  Judah woke up in the middle of the night and crawled onto the couch with me saying "I wanna lie wit you".  He's never done that before.  I held him and wept (while singing) for well over an hour (2a.m.)!  I just kept thinking - tomorrow night I won't be here if he wants to"lie wit me" (not thinking long term, but I'll be at the hospital)!  It's incredible how my perspective has changed!  Squishy (Israel) just wants to sit, climb on, cuddle, and pinch me ALL the time!  So sweet!  And I've enjoyed just sitting and enjoying all of them!

So... This is probably my last post for a couple days.  Elaine and Dakota are going to keep it up while I am recovering.  I am forever grateful for your prayers and support!  You have all been an incredible blessing to me and my family!  I am standing with you and believing for an amazing testimony to come from all of this!  To God be the glory!!!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, THAT YOU MAY PROCLAIM THE PRAISES OF HIM who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!  1 Peter 2:9

WHOM SHALL I FEAR LYRICS  BY: CHRIS TOMLIN
You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear?

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though trouble linger still
Whom shall I fear?

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies is always by my side
The One who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear?
Whom shall I fear?

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful

The countdown....

The countdown has began.... it's kinda surreal!  I know that I only have a couple more hours of being home and enjoying my family - at least for awhile!  Tom took all the kids to church and I stayed home and "sat"... I blared worship music and had a sweet time with the Lord!  He is good!  It's amazing the comfort and peace that I feel (as long as nobody asks me how I'm feeling - weird how that works).  Anyways, I almost never have the whole house to myself - and I had to fight the overwhelming desire to get up and clean, flip laundry, and organize miscellaneous piles that I am trying hard not to see!  It is so hard to sit and not do!  I'm slowly learning to "let it go"!

I was feeling very anxious last night... and was afraid I wasn't going to be able to sleep.  I begged for God to take it and to fill my heart with songs.  HE DID!!!  I slept great!  I woke up 3 or 4 times between 1 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., but every time I had a song on my heart and "sang" myself back to sleep without allowing my brain to turn on!  Honestly, it was probably the best night of sleep I've had for 2 weeks!  Glory to God! Before bed, Tom and I and the older kids watched "Gifted Hands" (several people had suggested I watch it).  It was a great movie... and was quite relevant at this time!  I was once again amazed at technology and the difference a God-fearing doctor can make!  I highly recommend it!

When Tom and the kids got home today, everyone seemed very on edge (probably the fact that we let them stay up past midnight last night)!  But we all recovered and decided to take some family photos!  When I was organizing photos and starting this blog, I wanted a "good" family photo... and couldn't find one less then 1 1/2 years old.  So.... here's a couple very recent snapshots!

Tom, Dakota (17), Levi (5), Judah (2), Israel (4), Justus (12), Me (Jody), and in the front... Isaiah (9), and Shayli (11)   

Until next time... Thank you for your prayers :)