So much good news! The surgery went exactly as the surgeon expected without any complications. I have been told that Gigi was smiling, laughing and eating within an hour of waking. She is scheduled to have an MRI this morning and based on those results, she may come home tonight! How wonderful!
Keep those faithful prayers coming!
God knows your needs before you even ask, but he loves to hear the sound of your voice talking to Him. Talk to Him today, about Gigi and yourself and spend some time listening to your Father!
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Raise Your Hearts and Voices
Hello Everyone
Maybe you already know that Gigi will be having surgery tomorrow, on Monday June 18th.
What the MRI revealed was that the fourth ventricle was not flowing so the neurosurgeion will be going in to fix all that.
She will also have a sac removed from her spinal chord. I cannot remember the correct terminology for the sac but I do remember that although they occur in infancy, the sacs are not usually found until a child reaches their teens and irrepairable damage is done. This MRI was a blessing, in that this sac was found and will be removed now before any damage can occur to the spinal chord.
Jen was at peace when I spoke to her about all of this. She is grateful that the sac will be removed and she remembers Gigi's last surgery, when the flow was adjusted and how quickly she recovered and how much better she did afterwards. Gigi is not showing any signs of this build up of fluid so we pray that she will awaken to even bigger and greater things from this surgery, too.
Please pray for her health in the hospital. Pray specifically for no bleeds and for no menigitis or any illness whatsoever. She will be on a regular ped floor and I think it is a blessing that the surgery is occuring at this time of the year because there should not be too many children in for illness. So please pray for health and no infections.
I will post as soon as I know anything
Maybe you already know that Gigi will be having surgery tomorrow, on Monday June 18th.
What the MRI revealed was that the fourth ventricle was not flowing so the neurosurgeion will be going in to fix all that.
She will also have a sac removed from her spinal chord. I cannot remember the correct terminology for the sac but I do remember that although they occur in infancy, the sacs are not usually found until a child reaches their teens and irrepairable damage is done. This MRI was a blessing, in that this sac was found and will be removed now before any damage can occur to the spinal chord.
Jen was at peace when I spoke to her about all of this. She is grateful that the sac will be removed and she remembers Gigi's last surgery, when the flow was adjusted and how quickly she recovered and how much better she did afterwards. Gigi is not showing any signs of this build up of fluid so we pray that she will awaken to even bigger and greater things from this surgery, too.
Please pray for her health in the hospital. Pray specifically for no bleeds and for no menigitis or any illness whatsoever. She will be on a regular ped floor and I think it is a blessing that the surgery is occuring at this time of the year because there should not be too many children in for illness. So please pray for health and no infections.
I will post as soon as I know anything
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Prayers for Friday
Hello Friends
I am writing to ask for prayers for GiGi's MRI on Friday. As you know from the last blog entry, the surgeon did some "neuro fine tuning" (lay term) on the flow from her fourth ventricle. The MRI on Friday is to verify that it is flowing well and that all is well. Sadly, if it is not, our little Gigi will have to have another neuro surgery. Some times I am just to chicken to ask Jen for more information.....so I am not sure what the whole surgery will entail. It was enough for my heart to hear that she would have to have another. Let's all raise our voices and hearts and minds and stay focused on healing scriptures and faithful words. Let's wrap Gigi and the entire family in those words, those thoughts and those songs the rest of the week. Let's rise on Friday without a doubt of the MRI revealing all good things for our little Miss, knowing that she is in God Almighty's own hands. God Bless you on Friday Gigi, we will send all the angels to the MRI with you.
I have never had an MRI. I am such a chicken, I would whine for days if I had to have one and then I would beg for loads of chocolate afterwards. But there goes our little girl (because you know Jen, that she is all of ours in our hearts!) Gigi, in blind faith and trust, to have another. Please Lord, if I can't spoil her with chocolate that day, would you please spoil her with all kinds of good surprises that day for her and her family!! Maybe they will just get a day to not worry about the house or the car or endless lists of things to do except Gigi; to just care for their little miracle. Grant them the much needed family time to just soak in each other!
She is doing so well with all of her therapies and she is such a social little thing. She has started to scoot around on her blanket and is finding her way to other parts of the room...no more laying her down and finding her in the same spot when you turn your back! She is babbling like a champ. She sounds adorable!
Send some verse to be posted for Gigi...healing verses.
I always go to the psalms, what is your favorite?
I just want to end with one of those get you on your way kind of quotes:
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway to the human spirit."
--Helen Keller, writer, speaker
There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.
-- ---Albert Einstein
Have a very happy week everyone, I will be praying and sharing in prayer with you and I hope you will surround and immerse yourself in only the good stuff!
I am writing to ask for prayers for GiGi's MRI on Friday. As you know from the last blog entry, the surgeon did some "neuro fine tuning" (lay term) on the flow from her fourth ventricle. The MRI on Friday is to verify that it is flowing well and that all is well. Sadly, if it is not, our little Gigi will have to have another neuro surgery. Some times I am just to chicken to ask Jen for more information.....so I am not sure what the whole surgery will entail. It was enough for my heart to hear that she would have to have another. Let's all raise our voices and hearts and minds and stay focused on healing scriptures and faithful words. Let's wrap Gigi and the entire family in those words, those thoughts and those songs the rest of the week. Let's rise on Friday without a doubt of the MRI revealing all good things for our little Miss, knowing that she is in God Almighty's own hands. God Bless you on Friday Gigi, we will send all the angels to the MRI with you.
I have never had an MRI. I am such a chicken, I would whine for days if I had to have one and then I would beg for loads of chocolate afterwards. But there goes our little girl (because you know Jen, that she is all of ours in our hearts!) Gigi, in blind faith and trust, to have another. Please Lord, if I can't spoil her with chocolate that day, would you please spoil her with all kinds of good surprises that day for her and her family!! Maybe they will just get a day to not worry about the house or the car or endless lists of things to do except Gigi; to just care for their little miracle. Grant them the much needed family time to just soak in each other!
She is doing so well with all of her therapies and she is such a social little thing. She has started to scoot around on her blanket and is finding her way to other parts of the room...no more laying her down and finding her in the same spot when you turn your back! She is babbling like a champ. She sounds adorable!
Send some verse to be posted for Gigi...healing verses.
I always go to the psalms, what is your favorite?
I just want to end with one of those get you on your way kind of quotes:
No pessimist ever discovered the secret of the stars, or sailed to an uncharted land, or opened a new doorway to the human spirit."
--Helen Keller, writer, speaker
There are only two ways to live your life: One is as though nothing is a miracle; the other is as though everything is a miracle.
-- ---Albert Einstein
Have a very happy week everyone, I will be praying and sharing in prayer with you and I hope you will surround and immerse yourself in only the good stuff!
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Think Good Thoughts-update on MRI
Hello Everyone
I am relating this through Jen, please forgive me for my lack of medical expertise. Jen is far more learned when it comes to Neurodevelopment terminology and lingo than I am. She is such a good mom and has learned so much in such a short period of time!
Thank you for your continued prayers and your immediate prayers. Gigi is doing wonderful. It seems she was suffering from a virus and the symptoms she was experiencing were similar to or the same as problems that could be associated with her shunt draining. It appears that the symptoms of illness, such as sleepiness, irritability, and being uncomfortable mean an extra check for Gigi, just to make sure that she isn't experiencing problems with the shunt. Let's pray for Jen and Drew on this particular fact. It can be tiring having a sick infant, with these additional checks and balances to take into consideration, let's continue to lift them up for strength in parenting and to know that Gigi is healed and there is nothing to fear!
Gigi's neurologist put the shunt on a "new" setting to allow a better regulation of the fourth ventricle. This was a good thing, because he was scheduled to be out of town and it was probably better that the virus brought them in for this "adjustment" a bit earlier in the week rather than finding she needed at her scheduled appointment for that Friday.
This prepared her for her first car adventure to her grandparents house on the Bay. Jen said she travelled well, both in the car and sleeping and eating somewhere other than home. They had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend visit. However, Gigi did keep everyone on their toes the next few days as she experienced her first ear infection! She is recovering well on antibiotics and Jen reports that she is doing fine.
There are some additional prayer requests from mom and dad. First is for the Neurologist on staff at their children's hospital. He has cared for Gigi for this whole time and he is relocating this summer to the other side of the country, I believe. This has Jen concerned and her heart is anxious over who will be replacing him. So, let's pray for patience and understanding as God's plan unfolds, a plan that will only bring good to Gigi and to the man who has cared for her. Let their hearts not be troubled by this unexpected turn in the events. The second prayer request is for Gigi's eye sight. Please continue to lift up seeing the healing in this area for her. Jen says that Gigi is enjoying her therapies and she is doing quite well and everyone is happy to see her progress.
Trying to type about Neuro issues has taxed my brain...LOL...don't laugh too hard, Jen!!! So I can't come up with anything that seems learned and knowledgeable. My perfectionism is interfering with my posting this message! I thought I needed to think of something earth moving to add to this when all I needed to do was give everyone the update and quite simply add.......Think and surround yourself, Gigi and all of our families with good thoughts and good things will happen! "Think good thoughts about this" one of my primary teachers used to say and what I try to teach my kids....and what I still strive to do each day!
Jen-we are sending GOOD GODLY THOUGHTS!!!
I am relating this through Jen, please forgive me for my lack of medical expertise. Jen is far more learned when it comes to Neurodevelopment terminology and lingo than I am. She is such a good mom and has learned so much in such a short period of time!
Thank you for your continued prayers and your immediate prayers. Gigi is doing wonderful. It seems she was suffering from a virus and the symptoms she was experiencing were similar to or the same as problems that could be associated with her shunt draining. It appears that the symptoms of illness, such as sleepiness, irritability, and being uncomfortable mean an extra check for Gigi, just to make sure that she isn't experiencing problems with the shunt. Let's pray for Jen and Drew on this particular fact. It can be tiring having a sick infant, with these additional checks and balances to take into consideration, let's continue to lift them up for strength in parenting and to know that Gigi is healed and there is nothing to fear!
Gigi's neurologist put the shunt on a "new" setting to allow a better regulation of the fourth ventricle. This was a good thing, because he was scheduled to be out of town and it was probably better that the virus brought them in for this "adjustment" a bit earlier in the week rather than finding she needed at her scheduled appointment for that Friday.
This prepared her for her first car adventure to her grandparents house on the Bay. Jen said she travelled well, both in the car and sleeping and eating somewhere other than home. They had a lovely Memorial Day Weekend visit. However, Gigi did keep everyone on their toes the next few days as she experienced her first ear infection! She is recovering well on antibiotics and Jen reports that she is doing fine.
There are some additional prayer requests from mom and dad. First is for the Neurologist on staff at their children's hospital. He has cared for Gigi for this whole time and he is relocating this summer to the other side of the country, I believe. This has Jen concerned and her heart is anxious over who will be replacing him. So, let's pray for patience and understanding as God's plan unfolds, a plan that will only bring good to Gigi and to the man who has cared for her. Let their hearts not be troubled by this unexpected turn in the events. The second prayer request is for Gigi's eye sight. Please continue to lift up seeing the healing in this area for her. Jen says that Gigi is enjoying her therapies and she is doing quite well and everyone is happy to see her progress.
Trying to type about Neuro issues has taxed my brain...LOL...don't laugh too hard, Jen!!! So I can't come up with anything that seems learned and knowledgeable. My perfectionism is interfering with my posting this message! I thought I needed to think of something earth moving to add to this when all I needed to do was give everyone the update and quite simply add.......Think and surround yourself, Gigi and all of our families with good thoughts and good things will happen! "Think good thoughts about this" one of my primary teachers used to say and what I try to teach my kids....and what I still strive to do each day!
Jen-we are sending GOOD GODLY THOUGHTS!!!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Immediate Prayer Request!
Hello Everyone
I just received word that Gigi made a trip to the ER yesterday. Jen could not pinpoint anything specific except that she was "just not herself". They sent her home yesterday but they need to return this morning to have an MRI done.
Let's all lift her up this morning to the Loving Father, The Prince Of Peace, The Holy Counselor for immediate healing. Lets also pray for Jen, Drew and the kiddos. Thankfully, Jen's mom is in town to watch the children and care for them while Jen was gone yesterday and today. Let's pray for Peace in all of their hearts.
With childlike insistence Father we come before you today, never tiring of asking Gigi for complete healing! Jesus Himself tells us: "I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name" (Jn 16:23). Often,we are disappointed when the answer to a sincere prayer request was not what was asked for. One response is to lose faith in Jesus' promise, get discouraged, and to decide not to ask Jesus for certain things. But we should respond like children and keep asking persistently, never losing heart (Lk 18:1).
"Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." —Jn 16:24
Gigi may your joy be full today!! And may all of you have complete joy, too!
I just received word that Gigi made a trip to the ER yesterday. Jen could not pinpoint anything specific except that she was "just not herself". They sent her home yesterday but they need to return this morning to have an MRI done.
Let's all lift her up this morning to the Loving Father, The Prince Of Peace, The Holy Counselor for immediate healing. Lets also pray for Jen, Drew and the kiddos. Thankfully, Jen's mom is in town to watch the children and care for them while Jen was gone yesterday and today. Let's pray for Peace in all of their hearts.
With childlike insistence Father we come before you today, never tiring of asking Gigi for complete healing! Jesus Himself tells us: "I give you My assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in My name" (Jn 16:23). Often,we are disappointed when the answer to a sincere prayer request was not what was asked for. One response is to lose faith in Jesus' promise, get discouraged, and to decide not to ask Jesus for certain things. But we should respond like children and keep asking persistently, never losing heart (Lk 18:1).
"Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full." —Jn 16:24
Gigi may your joy be full today!! And may all of you have complete joy, too!
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Mother's Day Gift
Dear Jen
Today is Mother's Day! Today is all about love, the simple most profound love we have ever felt, the love of a mother for a child. This week, I was with a NY friend who put it so plainly and so simply: Everyday is Mother's Day for me, what a gift it is to be a Mother! I agree wholeheartedly.
When you were in the hospital and when you got to bring Gigi home and when you cried and when you prayed and when you celebrated you did it all in Blind Whole Hearted LOVE! Your love for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is breathtaking and seeing you (alas, via pictures for our distance is great now) be a mother is breathtaking, too! We have talked about FAITH and HOPE to no end on this Blog but today is special, today is all about LOVE, Blind everlasting LOVE~
This is taken from a teaching from One Bread, One Body:
"There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its
power to endure." —1 Corinthians 13:7
It's common for Scripture to talk about having faith without seeing. We
talk about "blind faith" and the leap of faith. "Faith is confident
assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do
not see" (Heb 11:1). "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). The
centurion had so much faith in Jesus' word of command that he didn't need
to see Jesus give the order to heal his servant (Lk 7:8, 10).
Scripture also talks about having hope without seeing. "Hope is not hope
if its object is seen; how is it possible for one to hope for what he
sees? And hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient
endurance" (Rm 8:24-25). Abraham hoped "against hope" (Rm 4:18), though he
could not see how God would give him a great inheritance (Heb 11:8ff).
We also have examples of love without seeing or "blind love" in Scripture:
the "patient" (1 Cor 13:4) love of a parent for a wayward, departed child
(Lk 15:13, 20), the ferocious, faithful love of Mary Magdalene for the
dead and buried Jesus (Jn 20:15), and God's love for us while we were
still sinners (Rm 5:8). However, the world doesn't recommend love without
seeing; instead it tells us to "love the one you're with," as the song
goes.
Are you called to pour out your heart in unseeing, unrequited love?
Ask Jesus to pour out His love in your heart (Rm 5:5). Blind love is
greater than blind faith and blind hope (1 Cor 13:13). There is no limit
to the power of your unrequited love to endure (1 Cor 13:7).
Prayer: Father, You are Love (1 Jn 4:8). May I continue to love for no
other reason than to imitate You.
Promise: "Love never fails." —1 Cor 13:8
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who not only conquered death and the tomb, but
ascended and sent the Spirit to teach and defend us.
Jen...go love those kids today, this of all days, the only must do: is loving God and the gift that he gave us, our kiddos! Miss you all! :)
Today is Mother's Day! Today is all about love, the simple most profound love we have ever felt, the love of a mother for a child. This week, I was with a NY friend who put it so plainly and so simply: Everyday is Mother's Day for me, what a gift it is to be a Mother! I agree wholeheartedly.
When you were in the hospital and when you got to bring Gigi home and when you cried and when you prayed and when you celebrated you did it all in Blind Whole Hearted LOVE! Your love for God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is breathtaking and seeing you (alas, via pictures for our distance is great now) be a mother is breathtaking, too! We have talked about FAITH and HOPE to no end on this Blog but today is special, today is all about LOVE, Blind everlasting LOVE~
This is taken from a teaching from One Bread, One Body:
"There is no limit to love's forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its
power to endure." —1 Corinthians 13:7
It's common for Scripture to talk about having faith without seeing. We
talk about "blind faith" and the leap of faith. "Faith is confident
assurance concerning what we hope for, and conviction about things we do
not see" (Heb 11:1). "We walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). The
centurion had so much faith in Jesus' word of command that he didn't need
to see Jesus give the order to heal his servant (Lk 7:8, 10).
Scripture also talks about having hope without seeing. "Hope is not hope
if its object is seen; how is it possible for one to hope for what he
sees? And hoping for what we cannot see means awaiting it with patient
endurance" (Rm 8:24-25). Abraham hoped "against hope" (Rm 4:18), though he
could not see how God would give him a great inheritance (Heb 11:8ff).
We also have examples of love without seeing or "blind love" in Scripture:
the "patient" (1 Cor 13:4) love of a parent for a wayward, departed child
(Lk 15:13, 20), the ferocious, faithful love of Mary Magdalene for the
dead and buried Jesus (Jn 20:15), and God's love for us while we were
still sinners (Rm 5:8). However, the world doesn't recommend love without
seeing; instead it tells us to "love the one you're with," as the song
goes.
Are you called to pour out your heart in unseeing, unrequited love?
Ask Jesus to pour out His love in your heart (Rm 5:5). Blind love is
greater than blind faith and blind hope (1 Cor 13:13). There is no limit
to the power of your unrequited love to endure (1 Cor 13:7).
Prayer: Father, You are Love (1 Jn 4:8). May I continue to love for no
other reason than to imitate You.
Promise: "Love never fails." —1 Cor 13:8
Praise: Praise Jesus, Who not only conquered death and the tomb, but
ascended and sent the Spirit to teach and defend us.
Jen...go love those kids today, this of all days, the only must do: is loving God and the gift that he gave us, our kiddos! Miss you all! :)
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
A Big Hello From Jen
Greetings from the Gilfillans! Many, many heartfelt thanks go out to you for your prayers and kindness! Our little Gigi is now 8 months old (5.5 months adjusted) and Drew and I are truly humbled as we witness the Lord's provision of healing in our sweet girl. We have had her home with us for a full 3 months(!!!) and she continues to grow and progress in her development. Praise God! She now weighs about 12.5 pounds and is even growing some hair! Our big news is that Gigi is sitting in her highchair and eating pureed fruits, vegetables and cereals from a spoon! She is simply filled with joy, and Drew and I often remark about how blessed we feel to watch her joyful outbursts (although Kelly and Conor are usually the recipients of the biggest smiles and squeals)!
She's receiving Physical Therapy at home twice per month to promote motor control (reaching & grasping) and facilitate overall movement. She has great head control and trunk control, and her therapist Maria teaches us techniques to improve her rolling and sitting. We've seen tremendous improvement in Gigi's arm & leg movements. When she initially began P.T. in February, her left side was noticeably less active than her right. She now uses both arms well, trades toys between hands, and brings toys to her mouth to chew! My favorite accomplishment is that when she is lying on her back, she lifts her legs & reaches for her toes, and is so happy when she finds them! Gigi also does lots of "therapy" on her belly, to stimulate the muscle groups that will eventually help her crawl. She is tolerating more activity time each day, and I usually do her therapy about 4 times each day - 10 to 15 minutes each.
She's receiving Physical Therapy at home twice per month to promote motor control (reaching & grasping) and facilitate overall movement. She has great head control and trunk control, and her therapist Maria teaches us techniques to improve her rolling and sitting. We've seen tremendous improvement in Gigi's arm & leg movements. When she initially began P.T. in February, her left side was noticeably less active than her right. She now uses both arms well, trades toys between hands, and brings toys to her mouth to chew! My favorite accomplishment is that when she is lying on her back, she lifts her legs & reaches for her toes, and is so happy when she finds them! Gigi also does lots of "therapy" on her belly, to stimulate the muscle groups that will eventually help her crawl. She is tolerating more activity time each day, and I usually do her therapy about 4 times each day - 10 to 15 minutes each.
She loves the special attention!
Our concern right now is her vision. She is able to focus and track objects, but not consistently, especially when the background behind the object or face is busy. We've noticed she visually focuses on an object or face much better if the background is solid. A baby's vision plays a crucial roll in the development of their motor skills, because they are motivated to go toward what they see. Her ophthalmologist reports that her eyes and optic nerves are fine anatomically (praise God!), and that it is too soon to tell what's going on specifically with her vision. Meningitis can affect many different functions of the brain, including vision, and faithfully we've seen great healing in other areas affected... Thank You Lord!! My prayer is that the healing of Gigi's vision will be revealed very soon, that she will see her toys clearly and want to move toward them!! I ask you to please lift this in prayer, as well as continued progress in overall development.
Our concern right now is her vision. She is able to focus and track objects, but not consistently, especially when the background behind the object or face is busy. We've noticed she visually focuses on an object or face much better if the background is solid. A baby's vision plays a crucial roll in the development of their motor skills, because they are motivated to go toward what they see. Her ophthalmologist reports that her eyes and optic nerves are fine anatomically (praise God!), and that it is too soon to tell what's going on specifically with her vision. Meningitis can affect many different functions of the brain, including vision, and faithfully we've seen great healing in other areas affected... Thank You Lord!! My prayer is that the healing of Gigi's vision will be revealed very soon, that she will see her toys clearly and want to move toward them!! I ask you to please lift this in prayer, as well as continued progress in overall development.
Thank You God that her shunt works well!
This week we will return to Fairfax Hospital for a follow-up clinic for NICU babies. We'll swing-by the NICU to visit our heroes, and are hoping to see many of the very special nurses and doctors who cared for us. I'm very emotional just thinking about it!
Although I have greatly enjoyed my quiet time at home with Gigi (she has been on "house arrest" from Jan-April due to the concerns viruses like RSV and the flu have on preemies), I am so eager to be able to go outside, socialize, and share our joy with everyone. It is wonderful to slowly start introducing her to friends... to be able to share our joy in person.
This week we will return to Fairfax Hospital for a follow-up clinic for NICU babies. We'll swing-by the NICU to visit our heroes, and are hoping to see many of the very special nurses and doctors who cared for us. I'm very emotional just thinking about it!
Although I have greatly enjoyed my quiet time at home with Gigi (she has been on "house arrest" from Jan-April due to the concerns viruses like RSV and the flu have on preemies), I am so eager to be able to go outside, socialize, and share our joy with everyone. It is wonderful to slowly start introducing her to friends... to be able to share our joy in person.
So many wonderful people have supported us during this adventure, and I know God not only placed them in our life with purpose, but that he smiled upon them as they opened their hearts in kindness to our family, and also lifted us in prayer.
Thank you!
Jen
Jen
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Happy Easter
Alleluia!! Alleluia!!
I read the cutest little story to my children this year about a little bunny who witnesses the accounts of Christ's life from his humble beginning in a manger to his humble painful death on the cross. It was so sweet how the author tied in the bunny to the story of eternal life and when I saw this picture, I had to share it with all of you. You have been Gigi's prayer warriors and because you stormed the heavens in earnest prayer, her recovery is unfolding one miracle at a time.
What a joy she is! How happy she is! How thankful she will be for all of you and your continued prayers for her.
Jen and I promise to get a full update in this week, with lots of details about her growth and milestones. But until then, we hope you will carry this sweet smile with you and continue to pray for her everyday!
Happy Easter!!!
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Smiling For Joy
So excited to share that Gigi's follow-up appointment with her neurosurgeon went really well. Her head ultrasound reaveals widespread healing! The shunt is functioning well and the doctor was overall very pleased with her progress.... thank you Lord!!!!! She also had her second physical therapy visit yesterday... also revealing great strides from her last session 2 weeks ago. She's now 7 months (4 months adjusted) and weighed in at 11 lbs! She is starting to half-roll and even gave us some giggles this week! Overall the most happy baby I've known... very content and full of joy. Praise the Lord for His provision!! Thank you for your prayers!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
HOME
I am sorry this post was delayed, I am sure most of you have the info...my keyboard is not communicating with my computer, the acrobats to just get this one sentence written!!! This is from Jen (Sat 1/27/07)BLESSINGS!
Praise God..... we are home and Gigi is wonderful! She is happy and smiling with each interaction. She even slept through the night... a special little gift for her very tired mommy who didn't get much sleep in the hospital! I am just amazed (amazed doesn't seem like a big enough term) at her strength and ability to rebound! I Praise God for her surgeon, Dr. Magram, and for the healing God continues to perform in Gigi! I have so much to share with you, but limited time this morning... hope to share more soon!
Please continue to lift her in prayer... for healing, for fluid drainage from the ventricles and cysts, for protection form infection and from obstruction in her shunt and tubing. Thank you for your prayers!!
Praise God..... we are home and Gigi is wonderful! She is happy and smiling with each interaction. She even slept through the night... a special little gift for her very tired mommy who didn't get much sleep in the hospital! I am just amazed (amazed doesn't seem like a big enough term) at her strength and ability to rebound! I Praise God for her surgeon, Dr. Magram, and for the healing God continues to perform in Gigi! I have so much to share with you, but limited time this morning... hope to share more soon!
Please continue to lift her in prayer... for healing, for fluid drainage from the ventricles and cysts, for protection form infection and from obstruction in her shunt and tubing. Thank you for your prayers!!
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Update on Todays Surgery
Hello Friends,
Just spoke with Jen -- 3:45PM. Gigi is out of surgery and came off the ventilator quickly (praise the Lord). However, the surgery was more extensive than originally planned. While doing the surgery the surgeon found several more cysts. He tried to "connect" them so they can all drain through the shunt. The shunt was clogged and had to be replaced (also not planned). They can only give Gigi Tylenol. I can't imagine the pain/headaches she may encounter. We must pray against them. She is an amazing, miracle from God --- such a fighter --- and a witness to us all at such a very young age. Jen was holding her as we talked. I pictured this amazing mother holding her dear angel. This dear angel, Gigi is calm and has to be sensing the beautiful power of the Holy Spirit that is working in her and her mother. Only God, through His Holy Spirit, can give this kind of peace. We must continue to claim it for the whole family.
ALSO, please continue to pray against infection and obstruction. She is not in the NICU, so her environment could potentially be more contaminated, especially this time of year.
Thanks and love to you all, courtney
Just spoke with Jen -- 3:45PM. Gigi is out of surgery and came off the ventilator quickly (praise the Lord). However, the surgery was more extensive than originally planned. While doing the surgery the surgeon found several more cysts. He tried to "connect" them so they can all drain through the shunt. The shunt was clogged and had to be replaced (also not planned). They can only give Gigi Tylenol. I can't imagine the pain/headaches she may encounter. We must pray against them. She is an amazing, miracle from God --- such a fighter --- and a witness to us all at such a very young age. Jen was holding her as we talked. I pictured this amazing mother holding her dear angel. This dear angel, Gigi is calm and has to be sensing the beautiful power of the Holy Spirit that is working in her and her mother. Only God, through His Holy Spirit, can give this kind of peace. We must continue to claim it for the whole family.
ALSO, please continue to pray against infection and obstruction. She is not in the NICU, so her environment could potentially be more contaminated, especially this time of year.
Thanks and love to you all, courtney
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Praise and Prayers
Thank you, everyone for your prayers and encouragement for our family. I am so happy to report that Gigi is thriving beautifully at home! God has given her such amazing strength and a very sweet personality! We are all so happy to have her home, and have so many wonderful things to share. I honestly wish I could climb to a mountaintop and just shout and sing praises to God for His faithfulness! It's overwhelming to look back and reflect upon the many ways His hand guided us and carried us. Our journey continues, and we know the road will have bumps and curves, and He will be there.
Gigi's Christmas Eve homecoming was so wonderful.. praise God for His perfect timing! Kelly and Conor were so surprised when they saw what was in the big red gift on the porch! Later when we read the gospel of Luke recounting the first Christmas night, I couldn't help but compare the quiet arrival home of our baby to the humble arrival of Jesus. I had always pictured that Gigi's homecoming would be a big celebration. But because it was Christmas Eve, and our friends were at worship services or away visiting family, it was very quiet. God blessed us in that peaceful time. It's hard to believe it has almost been a month since that night!
Gigi is now almost 5 months old (2.5 months when we account for her prematurity). She now weighs about 8.8 lbs and has adjusted very well. She is surprising us each day with new things and we've celebrated many "firsts".... first smiles, first roll this week, coo-ing & squealing, reaching for objects, focusing with her eyes on faces and objects and now following us aroung the room with her eyes. She loves to sit up supported and watch with wide-eyes all of the action in our house... especially when Kelly and Conor are playing. This budding curiosity has really helped develop her head-control! We are so richly blessed to be able to celebrate these firsts in her life. She is beautiful and happy and overall a joy! Most of all, she LOVES to be held and cuddled. Naturally, we are spoling her and making-up for 4 months of Gigi-cuddle-time!!!
Her doctors have been very pleased with her progress... praise our Lord!! We have witnessed great healing through Him! Her shunt is working well, and we thank God for Gigi's neurosurgeon Dr. Magram.
We ask for your continued prayers, as Gigi will need another procedure this week. She will be admitted to Fairfax Hospital Wednesday(1/24) to undergo another surgery to extend a 2nd drain to a fluid-filled cyst in her brain. This drain will feed into her current shunt and reduce the fluid in this cyst. The cyst was present previously, and we were counselledled early-on that this procedure might be needed. An ultrasound of her head last week showed that the cyst was increasing in size.... so we will procede Wednesday.
Please pray for wisdom and skill for Dr. Magram, and for healing and protection from infection for Gigi. We will not have the "comfort and security" of returning to the NICU, where we had such wonderful care previously. Gigi will now be admitted to a Pediatric unit.... lots of potential for viruses & infections from the "outside world" that she has never been exposed to. Please pray for God to surround her with a hedge of protection!
Please also lift Kelly and Conor in prayer.. for peace and understanding as they go through this again. We are expecting a very short hospital stay (1-2 nights).
We are so blessed through our family and friends, school and church family who continue to support us, and know God will carry us through each time!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Gigi's Christmas Eve homecoming was so wonderful.. praise God for His perfect timing! Kelly and Conor were so surprised when they saw what was in the big red gift on the porch! Later when we read the gospel of Luke recounting the first Christmas night, I couldn't help but compare the quiet arrival home of our baby to the humble arrival of Jesus. I had always pictured that Gigi's homecoming would be a big celebration. But because it was Christmas Eve, and our friends were at worship services or away visiting family, it was very quiet. God blessed us in that peaceful time. It's hard to believe it has almost been a month since that night!
Gigi is now almost 5 months old (2.5 months when we account for her prematurity). She now weighs about 8.8 lbs and has adjusted very well. She is surprising us each day with new things and we've celebrated many "firsts".... first smiles, first roll this week, coo-ing & squealing, reaching for objects, focusing with her eyes on faces and objects and now following us aroung the room with her eyes. She loves to sit up supported and watch with wide-eyes all of the action in our house... especially when Kelly and Conor are playing. This budding curiosity has really helped develop her head-control! We are so richly blessed to be able to celebrate these firsts in her life. She is beautiful and happy and overall a joy! Most of all, she LOVES to be held and cuddled. Naturally, we are spoling her and making-up for 4 months of Gigi-cuddle-time!!!
Her doctors have been very pleased with her progress... praise our Lord!! We have witnessed great healing through Him! Her shunt is working well, and we thank God for Gigi's neurosurgeon Dr. Magram.
We ask for your continued prayers, as Gigi will need another procedure this week. She will be admitted to Fairfax Hospital Wednesday(1/24) to undergo another surgery to extend a 2nd drain to a fluid-filled cyst in her brain. This drain will feed into her current shunt and reduce the fluid in this cyst. The cyst was present previously, and we were counselledled early-on that this procedure might be needed. An ultrasound of her head last week showed that the cyst was increasing in size.... so we will procede Wednesday.
Please pray for wisdom and skill for Dr. Magram, and for healing and protection from infection for Gigi. We will not have the "comfort and security" of returning to the NICU, where we had such wonderful care previously. Gigi will now be admitted to a Pediatric unit.... lots of potential for viruses & infections from the "outside world" that she has never been exposed to. Please pray for God to surround her with a hedge of protection!
Please also lift Kelly and Conor in prayer.. for peace and understanding as they go through this again. We are expecting a very short hospital stay (1-2 nights).
We are so blessed through our family and friends, school and church family who continue to support us, and know God will carry us through each time!
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Happy New Year from Gigi
See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. Yet so we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now;what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him,for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure,as he is pure. 1John 3:1-3:4
Happy New Year from Gigi and a little update from Jen on the blessed busy days of having a baby in the house:
"I just praise, praise, praise God for her health and progress! She gave me her first "purposeful" smile yesterday during " pat-a-cake".... hopefully many more to come soon as we enter the New Year. It's been a great week...She is such a snuggler, and nuzzles right in for a nap everytme she is held (which is alot). We celebrated her 4 month birthday this week!!!(about 6 weeks old adjusted when we factor in her prematurity). Kelly loves holding her and feeding her bottles. Conor's coming around... much more important things to do like play with his Christmas gifts."
Thank you all for your continued prayers.
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