Ethan had a good day today!! We came back from lunch around 1:15 pm, and they had him wrapped up in blanket and all of his tubes and wires were taped to it. They looked at us and said "Who gets to hold him?" Then Bonnie threw a shoulder block, knocked me to the floor, and hopped in the rocking chair...just kidding. Bonnie got to hold him for around 20 minutes, and Ethan looked so comfortable as did Bonnie. They then told us they were going to try removing the ventilator again, so we left for the afternoon and returned later that day. When we returned Ethan was off the vent but still on oxygen. He was having trouble adjusting to it. He would periodically pitch a fit and do what the nurses called "clamping down" meaning he would strain so much he shot all his vitals up. This was very nerve-racking to watch because there is nothing you can do but pat him, talk to him, and pray that he calms down. The only way I can describe it is like watching a clock tick-tick-tick and not knowing when the alarm will go off...just waiting. It was exhausting for us. When we got home God laid these verses on my heart and I shared them with Bonnie: James 1:2-8 "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man and unstable in all his ways." We prayed..."God give us strength, and forgive us for doubting you." Please pray today that Ethan remain calm, takes deep breaths, and continues to breath on his own. Also pray that Helen continue to handle our situation so well...God is with her. We love you guys...Kerry, Bonnie, Helen, and Ethan!!
This is such a precious picture and answer to prayer! We love you and are praying that Ethan will have another good day. I pray that the peace of our Lord will wash over his little body and let him be calm. Thank you for the encouraging verses. You are both such a blessing to me and others as you share with us through this trial. We love you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a precious sight, seeing Bonnie hold that sweet angel. Praying all the time. We love yall!
ReplyDeleteMike and Krissi
Praise the Lord you got to hold him! How special, thanks so much for the pictures. I see those tears in Bonnie's eyes and face. One day soon you will remember what God has brought you through with Ethan and your faith will leap for joy in HIM. Know our love & prayers continue!!!!STBroadaway
ReplyDeleteOh Bonnie! What that moment must have been like for you! I truly cannot imagine, but evenso your story has brought a new gratefulness to my heart and I thank you and Kerry for being so open with your hearts and your faith. We are still praying for that sweet little miracle and for Helen as well. Love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteKatie Snow
what a beautiful pic of you and ethan...it literally brought tears to my eyes....we serve an awesome God and your testimony has been such a blessing to me...will pray for more good days for all of you....love you...candy
ReplyDeleteWe are glad to hear some humor in your post! I thought about that when Bro Richard said you had the chance to hold him. I imagined Bonnie doing that very thing! The picture is precious and our prayers are still going up continuously for all of you. Love you! David and Kristin
ReplyDeleteSounds like no news was good news for sure!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your hearts. The scripture you are quoting are His promises and "for such a time as this" (taken from Esther 4:14)! He has a plan, a destiny, for each of us and this is yours. Rest in Him, I know you are tired. We are praying and it sounds like Helen is doing well, considering. Isn't God wonderful to work out even things as small as helping a 3 yr old adapt to a new situation?!
He cares and He hears.
We love you all
Patti and Steve
What a beautiful picture of seeing Bonnie hold Ethan. We are praying for y'all daily as are several others in our area. You are in our thoughts! Tanya
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful to see Bonnie rocking her baby boy! What a blessing and an answer to prayer! You have no idea how you are ministering to so many through this tough trial in life! I am sitting here just crying tear of joy and claiming HIS promises! Lifting you all up in prayer. I can just hear Bonnie's sweet voice calmly singing to Ethan. Hang in there. God is at work and he's working wonderfully!!
ReplyDeleteTo Bonnie and Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI was so excited to read this post and to see the picture of Bonnie holding little Ethan! It brought such joy to my heart! It also made me cry to see it. I am amazed each time I read this blog to check in on you guys that I get such a blessing from it and the scriptures you all share with us! I want so badly to minister to you guys in some way but find myself being ministered too! The courage and faithfulness you have shown has been inspiring to me! I will continue to pray for Ethan and that the Lord will heal his little body and make him stronger everyday!
Jenny Jackson Reid
Hey there, I am head Footprints here in the Birmingham, AL area. We desperately would love to do something for you guys. Could you email me? My personal is kn_collier@hotmail.com or bhamfootprints@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI went through the NICU experience myself about 16 months ago. It was a life changing experience for both my husband and me. I remember bits and pieces of our journey.
You are definitely being prayed over by so many. I hope you are able to feel the arms of God around you and Ethan always.
Thanks guys!
P.S.
My son's name is Ethan as well. :)
Glad to here he's making good progress. We will be thinking of you all!Jamie and Brandi Quattlebaum
ReplyDeleteTodd and I have been praying for the whole family. Helping in anyway I can back here with Norman, Taresa, and Helen. God will get everyone through this with faith and prayer. You two hold tight to that little blessing.
ReplyDeleteLove and Blessings, Vickie and Todd Stephens
I cannot imagine how excited you were!! We were so thrilled to hear last night at church when Bro.Richard said you got to hold him. It's the little things that we take for granted that mean so much. We pray that Ethan will continue to improve everyday. Thank you for being such a blessing to us. We love and miss you.
ReplyDeleteChris and Heather
AWESOME NEWS!!! i looked for you guys on friday. The unit was closed so i was hoping you guys were resting. I haven't seen you today but have thought of you alot. I know the last 11 days have been tiring and exhausting, but baby steps are being made in the right direction. THe healer he doing what he does best. Hope to see you around this week. I'll planing on "peeking in at your precious baby" before i leave today. Glad the apt worked out for you and Jane had one available. That's the first in 6 years that i had a family obtain temp housing that fast. God is Good.
ReplyDeletekelli brannon lachowicz
How so very precious! He is Gods angel! Wishing and praying great movements in that hospital!
ReplyDeleteSamantha Hallford
so good news. i looked at the blog this morning and knew that good news would come at the end of our day. i hope you got my message about not being able to come up this past weekend. i am so glad you were able to hold your precious one, Ethan. He is a strong fighter and he is getting stronger, Kerry you better watch out!!( i know how bonnie can throw that shoulder ) thanks for your words today. love you all
ReplyDeletekeep helen in our prayers as well.
what a GREAT day, and what a precious, beautiful picture of bonnie and baby ethan!!! it made me cry to see the expression on bonnie's face. i am so glad that they got to share such a special moment together! thinking of and praying for you guys all of the time!
ReplyDelete~wendy, john, eb and emme
YAY!! So thrilled you got to hold him today! One step closer to home!
ReplyDeletePraying for y'all continually!
Love,
Hillary Hart Dunham
The picture is a great. What blessing it is to see you holding Ethan in your arms. We love you and miss you guys very much. We are praying continuously for all of you guys.
ReplyDeletepraise Him! what a wonderful feeling to finally get to fill those arms! he'll be home before you know it, i promise!! praying for your guys!
ReplyDeletebecky king tucker
PRICELESS!!!!!! I cant wait to read this blog everyday and see the progress Ethan is making.
ReplyDeleteI pray for you daily!
I love seeing these pictures. He is such a doll! He looks great!!!!
ReplyDeleteHeather Tucker