James on Saturday. He's carrying about 2lbs of water weight.
A picture L made for her baby brother.
What Ben did while L made James' picture. :)
Last look at James with the ventilator tube.
Practically wireless!
Surprise visit from Fr. H.
Getting to hold him for the first time since he was born.
It was awesome.
Really, really awesome.
Today brought some really great events and some potentially scary news.
The great event, of course, is that I got to hold James! I have been craving this since they took him out of my arms to begin chest compressions and mouth to mouth Thursday morning. He was finally stable enough and without enough wires for me to hold him. It felt so good to have him in my arms, comforting him and loving on him. I am so grateful to the staff who made it happen, and for God who has healed him so quickly that I only had to wait 6 days.
Please continue to pray for James' breathing. He's still off the ventilator, but they've had to turn up the oxygen and they are keeping an eye on it.
The worst part, though, is that his gag reflex is inconsistent and the doctors are a bit concerned. Sometimes James gag when he should and sometimes he doesn't. This might just be because of the pain medicine he is on. However, this might be because his brain stem was damaged. The brain stem is what controls our most basic functions and if that is damaged... well... it could mean the worse of a lot of things.
I continue to have hope that his brain damage is very limited simply because the body protects the brain and heart over every other organ, yet every other organ is doing very, very well.
I also have hope that God will miraculously save my son and spare him any brain damage. I believe my God is mighty to save, and that He will answer a persistent pray-er. I have been told that there are thousands of people praying for my son, and it seems to be true. Around the country and around the world there are people who are petitioning God on James' behalf.
God's Will will be done, and I can rest peacefully in that, and I will look to His Face with trust and courage.
AMEN!!! What a beautiful momma you are! He is such a handsome little man. Still praying for all of your intentions ;)
ReplyDeleteP.S.I love Fr. H's face in the picture you posted. Priceless.
OHHHH and James eyes are open in the picture!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you finally got to hold that precious little guy! I cried looking at these pictures!
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling. It was so so hard to not be able to hold my daughter during her NICU stay, and such a relief when we were able to do so.
ReplyDeleteHave they been able to do any head ultrasounds or anything to see if there are any bleeds? We're still praying.
How wonderful to hold your baby boy. The pictures are beautiful. We prayed for you and James at St. Phil's Moms' Group this morning, and almost everyone had already heard about James through various prayer chains - there are lots and lots of prayers being said for him!
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know (though words don't often mean what the heart intends to say), that I love you. I love your family, your 3 sons and daughter (even though I have never met them), and, of course, Travis.
I pray for you all often, and read your blog, which challenges me to be a better woman everyday. REALLY.
My boyfriend, his family, friends, and our parish are constantly praying for James Fulton and ask me constantly about how he is doing. Our Lord is so good that he brings together people who have never met in prayer for the same purpose.
Just a little side note from a long lost friend.
-Keri
You can tell you were ready to pull James out of the nurse's arms...haha. It's a great picture though. :)
ReplyDeleteAwwww, what a relief to hold him! He's darling... I can tell he's Lydia's brother in his features :) You make cute kids, it's a fact.
ReplyDeleteI loooooove how James is looking right at the camera in the picture with Father Hummel! How adorable is that?? Your children are beautiful and amazing...I hope I can meet them one day. Stay strong! The prayers are still coming in for all of you!
ReplyDeleteI have tears of joy streaming down my cheeks at the pictures of you holding your infant son. How wonderful! I pray continually for dear little James and his complete healing, including his brain, and will continue to do so. I also pray for you, Travis, and your families. Blessings and peace to you.
ReplyDelete