Timothy's First Months

Dear Timothy,
I wanted to keep writing letters to you this month, but I've just been unable to keep up with that and driving to see you several times a day and recovering from surgery. So, I've been doing some simple posts on FaceBook and I'm just going to re-post them here for you.
Love,
Mama

Nov 2 -
From Cousin Brooke:
Prayers needed! My cousin (that watches the boys) went into premature labor early this morning & is in the hospital. Water has broken and she's 9 weeks early of her due date. Baby Timothy is on his way! Drs are saying he's just over 4 lbs and are keeping him in the womb as long as they can to help with his breathing mainly but fluids are almost totally gone. PRAY PRAY PLEASE!!
and later: Congratulations to Paul and Jacqueline! Baby "Tiny Tim" is here! Just got word that he came out screaming mad (great sign) and will keep you posted when I know more. He's got a head of RED hair and long limbs! PRAISE GOD!!
"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him" - 1 Samuel 1:27

Nov 3 -
Hi all! Thank you so very much for your prayers and concerns. It really means a lot! The rumors are true. Paul and I are now parents!
Baby Timothy seems to be doing quite well. My water broke around 12:30 am on Tues and the midwife sent us to the hospital. After a bunch of testing, we agreed that a c-section was the safest choice for Timothy. So, my little red-head was born at 12:14, crying b...efore they had him completely out and just angry at everything!
Currently he is in NICU and they're saying 4 weeks at the minimum - most likely 8 or more. It really depends on how he does. He seems to be doing very well, but is having the normal issues associated with a 31 week old being out in the real world. He doesn't tolerate stimulation, so we're not able to touch him and we can't hold him until the IVs come out. He's breathing on his own, but has a CPAP backup (which is good because sometimes he forgets to breathe!).
We are eagerly awaiting the time when we can hold him, but for now he just needs rest, so we just go in and talk to him. He is so beautiful and seems to be quite a little fighter.
Again, thanks to all of you for your concern and continued prayers. We really appreciate it!

Nov 8 - We get to hold you for the first time.

bliss

 

It's like looking into a miniaturizing mirro

Nov 17 -
getting ready to head up to the hospital. I love getting to see my little boy!

Nov 26 -
Timothy Update: He weighs 5lbs, 8oz. He is taking every other feeding on his own (and doing REALLY well!). He still has times when his heart and/or respiratory rates drop, but is able to pull himself out of those. They haven't counted one of those against him since the 23rd! The nurses assure us that those will go away as he gets older, but especially when the feeding tube gets removed. At this point, we're just waiting for him to gain the necessary endurance to be able to eat all on his own. Everybody says that "one day, it'll just happen." I absolutely CANNOT wait for that day!

Dec 2 -
Today, Timothy is one month old. He also happens to be home! It's been a whirlwind couple of days, but he finally decided he was done with the NICU, started eating all on his own and passed all his tests. He weighs just over 6lbs, and rides in the carseat like a champ! Thank you all so much for your prayers. God has blessed us so much, not just with a beautiful baby boy, but with amazing friends and family.
Due to flu season and the Dr.'s recommendation, we are limiting visitors to immediate family. He's lived his whole life in a sterile environment, so it's best to introduce him to the world as slowly as possible. We'll let you know when it's ok to visit.
Thanks again, everybody. Your support has meant the world to us.

From Cousin Brooke: For those of you following the story of sweet Tiny Timothy...he went home from the NICU today with his wonderful parents! I know they are feeling overwhelmed and blessed...prayers appreciated as always! YAY for the best Christmas present a parent could ever ask for!! Praise God!

Dec 15 -
Timothy has been home for almost 2 weeks now. He is 7lbs, 9oz (can you believe he's packed on that much weight?). Everything is going really well and we are so happy to have him home.

Dec 22 -

Your Thursday dose of cuteness