Joshua's Journey: Home Again

We've settled back in at home after being at the hospital for 5 days. They did a couple of tests on him to try and pinpoint when his aspirations are happening. One test checks to see if could be due to reflux and then we did a repeat swallow study to see if it could be from feeding. The results came back that his reflux was normal and as long as he swallows thickened liquids, he should not aspirate. I find myself getting a bit anxious every time I feed the poor kid. I don't want to feed him wrong to where he may choke or spit up. Last night he threw up the majority of his food and all I could do was pray that he didn't aspirate. There is no quick fix for this. His lungs just has to continue to develop and grow and his little body has to be strong enough to push out all the unwanted liquids when he starts to aspirate. The two things that are truly keeping me sane as we are just waiting for him to grow and mature is that our God is the great Physican. To matter what doctors say or do, God trumps everyone and he has the perfect prescription for Joshua Derek! The second is that y'all are all praying as well. This journey is much more comforting doing it with ya'll. Thank you! God has give us a lot of opportunities to just trust Him and let Him be in control. Because really what is going on with him right now is out of my control and even out of the doctors control. So, it's all Him!

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua's lungs will continue to develop and mature.

The flap that keeps food from going down the wrong pipe will remain closed as food tries to go down there.

His antibiotics will get rid of all the bacteria on his lungs.

For no anxiuosness and peace as we feed him.

Trusting God's provision financially when we start getting the bills. We do have any opportunity to get some bills paid for because he was so small, we think, but the process is long and hard, so pray for favor in that as we have speak to people.

That he and his sister will come to know The Lord at a young age and will have a heart for Him all the days of their lives!

For the NICU ministry. That God will continue to open doors to minister to families. He will show us the direction he wants us to take with it!

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Praying God's blessing on each of you. Thank you for your countless prayers and for being a light for us during this time.

Joshua's Journey: Stopping the aspirations

Today was a great day. Joshua started a test at 9 this morning to see if him refluxing could be causing his aspirations or if it's him swallowing. They put a tube through his nose and it tests the acidity in his esophagus above his stomach. That way they can tell some stuff about his reflux. Tomorrow, they will repeat the swallow study he did two weeks ago. I'm praying that it will come back where they see no aspiration and he can go back to having breast milk. I would love for y'all to join me in that.
Today was the first day since being at Texas Children's that Derek had to work a full day. Josh and I had some visitors. Much fun!! Two of them will be going off to college next year and I can't tell you the joy I had talking to them! It's easy to find the negative in things, especially when you are stuck in the hospital and want nothing more than to go home, but God brought those girls to help remind me we have much to be thankful for. I'm so thankful that they are leaving our high school ministry with a genuine love for The Lord. I know that when they to have trials, they will be able to lean on Him!

Specifics to pray for:

Wisdom for doctors and staff

They will get the results back from the reflux test and all will be good.

He will not have any aspiration when doing the swallow test. So we can go back to breast milk!

Peace, patience and rest while in the hospital.

Healing from having more aspirations so that we don't frequent the ER.

That God will provide financially for the different bills we will have. We know He have it all under control.

Thanks for the prayers!!!

Joshua's Journey: At it again

There is just something about Friday's. Early Friday morning Joshua started acting like he didn't want to take his bottle and felt rather warm to me. Two things that begin to be a sign that something is going on in his little body. I called the doctor and they take huge precautions with him because of recent history and he's a preemie.  He was given a shot in case he had a bacterial infection and we went back to hang out at Mimi and Papa's for a bit. I noticed after he had been asleep for a while that he began to grunt with every breath. The doctor advised us to take him to the ER because that's a sign of distressed breathing. We packed Josh up and were about to get Maddy all ready to go when his breathing seemed to slow to me. The last thing I wanted was for him to stop breathing on the way to the hospital. So we took the safe route and called our ambulance friends again. He was slowly getting paler and paler as the EMS was checking him out. His heartbeat was at about 225 which I don't know how the little thing can beat that fast. (His normal is about 170, so it's not like ours being that fast)
We went to St Luke's and after assessing him, they said they believe his issue was with aspirating again and they were going to send us down to Texas children's.  So, here we are. They have pretty much ruled everything out as far as virus or other infection is concerned and are treating him for aspirated pneumonia. He was not able to eat until 1 pm yesterday. It was so sad. We just kept giving him his pacifier over and over and over again.  He was one happy camper once he could finally eat. We are still having to thicken it, but they are having us add rice cereal. We pretty much are hanging out here until tomorrow. They are going to do a swallow test and then a reflux test tomorrow to see if his aspirations are from swallowing or reflux. Though we hate being in the hospital and away from Maddy, the nurses here are really good. They are constantly checking on the little guy and try to help any way they can.

Specifics to pray for:

That they will be able to determine what is causing his aspirations and can help us determine what to do to stop it. We are ready to be able to enjoy our time at home as a family:)

For us not to get weary. There are many things still to be thankful for and we need to not lose focus of that. God's got everything under control.

Wisdom and blessing for the staff while dealing with Joshua and the other kids.

God's guidance and provision for the finances.

Thanks for continuing this journey with us! Your prayers are the most important gift your could ever give us. Thank you!!

Joshua's Journey: Back at home and hopefully to stay!

Last week was a rough week for me. I would take the 70 days in the NICU over the 6 days we had downtown any day.  The nurses and doctors were good, but it was so different to me. I was used to carry on conversations with the nurses in the NICU and I was lucky if I saw the nurses for more than a couple minutes a handful of times per shift down there. It was hard. Especially on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday when Derek went back to work. It was just me and the little guy and he didn't talk back much. It's funny, I don't really consider myself a major talker, but I just like to know that there is someone I can talk to if I wanted to talk. I guess it gave me a glimpse of what it would be like without the support of family, friends and the church. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we didn't have the support. We definitely did and it was and is appreciated.  It did allow me to have some empathy for those that don't have that support though. It made me realize I need to be more aware of needs around me and jump at every opportunity God gives me to help someone out.

Joshua is doing good. He's gaining weight pretty fast, partly due to the fact he is taking formula with a thickener in it for the majority of his feeds. They ended up doing a swallow test Tuesday afternoon, on the day we were thinking we were going home. The test revealed he aspirated trace amounts of liquid when it was just formula. That means some of the formula went to his lungs when he swallowed. I sat there and watched the test as they were doing it and the speech therapist said she saw something go in. I was staring at the screen and was convinced it was a conspiracy against me. They wanted me to stay in the hospital forever! I mean I wear contacts, but I thought my eyes were pretty good and I never saw what she saw. He got no second chance. They tested him on formula with thickener and said he did fine with that, but that ended up buying us one more day to make sure he did okay with thickened feeds.  I definitely wanted him to be monitored and to do well, but I was ready to be out of there. At first she told me she wanted to monitor him a few days and told me the thickener could cause NEC.  Not being a nurse, i had no clue what that was and asked for an explanation. Basically it is when your stomach rots out. I then knew it was a conspiracy and was completely freaked out. I asked if we could be transferred back to the woodlands. The resident that was in charge of Joshua and the occupational therapist came back to our room a bit after the study and told me it would only be one more day and the thickener that caused that is now not allowed in hospitals. That made me feel better:)

We finally got to go home on the 3rd and spent the 4th of July at home relaxing as a family again. He's been doing well since. He went to the eye doctor today to make sure his eyes are fully developed. They still weren't quite there. The doctor said that he probably switched over to survival mode while he was in the hospital and so his body focuses on that instead of growing his eyes. We will go back in foir weeks and hopefully they will be fully developed then!

Thanks for continuing to pray for us during this time. God has continued to be faithful and has taught us a lot since March 25th!

Specifics to pray for:

That he will do fine swallowing regular liquids on his swallow test either this week or next week so he can go back to breast milk!

That Joshua's eyes will be fully developed when we go back in four weeks. They have to use this horrible device to keep his eyes open and he has the most heart breaking screams when he is looking at them. I prefer not to have to do that more than one more time.

That he can remain healthy along with the rest of our family! The doctor said he can go to childcare starting next week. Pray that we will have wisdom on when the best time to send him will be. I don't want to go back to the hospital!

I start back to work next Monday. That I will balance work and home well and will be the best wife and mom I can be!

For continued direction with the nicu ministry. That God will lead is and we will follow.

Thanks!!!!

Joshua's Journey: the view of the city is great

As I sit in Joshua's room with just he and I, the quietness began to get to me. I like noise and going. Two things that are both on halt at the moment. Out our window we can see the entire downtown, and I begin to think, how do we win this city for Christ?!? That's lots of people. Then God showed me a way. It wasn't through going to church, though that is great and much needed. It was through LOVE. Loving people where they are, in whatever situation that may be. God placed a woman on my heart yesterday that I overheard talking in the elevator. I then saw her again 20 minutes later and once again this morning. I asked her a bit about her story and learned that she has a 6 year old son, named Joelann, that is 31 lbs.  I really feel that if for nothing else, Joshua was sick enough to come down here so that I could come in contact with her. Please pray for her, pray for me that God will use me to show her the hope she has. God is giving me opportunities with my NICU/PICU and whoever else He wants, ministry. I pray for y'all. Find that one person that God lays on your heart and be the hands and feet of Jesus to them! I am praying for boldness and for the Holy Spirit to be our guide. I think God has great things in store.

Joshua is doing great. He will do a swallow study to make sure he isn't aspirating while he eats and then if all is well with that, we are out the door. Thank you for your prayers. Each of you are truly a blessing to me. Those near and far, ones I know and don't. Thank you!!!

Joshua's Journey: out of the PICU

We have a lot to be thankful for today!! After much crying last night, the nurse pleaded that Josh could have something to satisfy his hunger. They allowed him to have pedialyte and he finished each feed in record time. They allowed him to go to full feeds and he has had almost every feed without even stopping to catch up on breaths, which is not normal for him. I just fed him 3 oz and he acted like he was still hungry. I think he's trying to stock up! Full feeds are definitely something to be thankful for!  He also moved out of the PICU to the regular floor. It's like a regular adult hospital room. Something else to be thankful for. Because he's not in PICU anymore, we don't get the Ronald McDonald House, therefore we all get to spend the night together in Joshua's room:)
They are supposed to run a swallow test on him some time tomorrow. My hope is that they will do it in the morning. Everything will come back alright and then we can go home in the afternoon. They haven't really said if that is a possibility but there is really nothing else keeping us here. So, y'all are welcome to pray the same:)

Specifics to pray for:

That if there is something they are supposed to find with Joshua, let them find it so that we don't end up back here.

If he's here just because of prematurity, that his lungs have grown and strengthened enough that he won't have apnea.

He won't aspirate when eating, refluxing or throwing up!

For peace for the finances. It's nothing to God, and we just need constant peace that He's got it and we don't need to try and help him figure it out.

For blessing and wisdom for the staff working with our little man.

We can be a light for Christ in every situation.

Finially some peace

Great news tonight, he got his vent tube out. But since he has a very small throat the doctors do not want him to eat anything to get in his stomach so that he does not throw anything up and irritate anything. It is pretty heart breaking seeing his face and hearing him cry b/c he is hungry and not being able to feed him something. he has a feeding tube at the monent b/c of the vent tube, it just surpases his stomach and strait into his intestines. so he is getting food but his hunger is very much there. steph was able to give him some pedialite to make him feel like he is eating. Coming by information on joshua is definatly slow and steady in the PICU. Which is frustrating and calming at the same time. In the NICU, we were kinda in the loop all the time after I stopped scaring people. In the PICU, it's almost like going to a murder mystery party where not everyone wants to play and you end up a couple of hours behind. But then again we got to know everyone in the NICU so well that they wanted to talk to us. Tomorrow they are going to do a test to see where the food goes when he eats, I'm not exactly sure what they are doing but it will give us some insight on how we need to feed him.

Thank you once again for praying for my little guy!

Please pray for our financial situation, for it to work its self out.

Pray the Josh does not feel hungry tonight and that he does great on the test tomorrow.

Joshua's Journey: From the NICU to the PICU

For the last couple of days, Joshua seemed to have congestion some congestion. When it got a bit worse, I called the doctor to schedule an appointment. We went in and got him some antibiotics and were on our way. The following day he had some bouts of paleness but I thought it might have been the light we were in until Derek came home and said the same thing. I called the doctor first thing in the morning and after taking his temp and counting his breaths, the nurse put me on hold and then told me I needed to call an ambulance. Talk about going from worried to frantic in about 10 seconds. I hung up with them and called 911.  First time for that. They came fairly quickly, I guess, but while waiting it seemed like forever.  Josh was just laying on his changing pad when everyone came in. They got him all situated in his car seat and transported to Memorial Hermann ER. While in transport he had a few apnea spells and began to turn blue. They got him in the room very quickly and just like his birth, a ton of doctors and nurses swarmed around him. After having to bag him a few times because he would randomly stop breathing, they decided to intubate him. They aren't used to intubating babies that small, and so they got our friends from the NICU to come do it! It was great to see familiar and friendly faces!! Since he was intubated, the pediatrics floor at The Woodlands didn't have an ICU, we were told we were going to Houston. So, Joshua was able to have his first helicopter ride at 3 months old. Once in Houston, they reran every test they had already done at the ER and still after almost 24 hours they aren't sure what he has. They said if it is a virus, we may never know:( The first thought at the ER was that he had pneumonia, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Little Joshua is a trooper and a fighter. We thank you for all the thoughts, texts, calls, and prayers. God is faithful and his got our little guy in his hands. It has already been apparent in so many ways the past couple of days. For example, we were sent to the ER because of his temp and breathing rate. Both, once at the ER we were told was sort of high, but alright. Not really a reason to go to the ER, but if we had not gone, he would have stopped breathing on me at my house with no doctors or nurses. God got him where he needed him to be when he needed to be there!!

Specifics to pray for:

He is now breathing on his own, but he is still intubated because his breathing can still be sporadic. Pray that it becomes more steady and he doesn't have bouts of slowing down his breathing so low.

His temp dropped to 94 last night, that is an issue. Pray that his temp goes back to normal. It was 99.5 this morning, so he's definitely not cold anymore.

That the antibiotics will knock out whatever got him down!

Pray for wisdom and blessing for all involved in caring for him. 

Pray for opportunities for us to be a light to those around us.

Thanks for all the prayers!!!!'n

Joshua's Journey: Settling in as our family of four!

I have a bit of free time and have been wanting to update for a while, but just haven't been able to sit down and do it. My wonderful friends came and picked Maddy up for church, which was so very nice, but also gave me time to do this! So, here's what's been up! Joshua has been out of the NICU for a little over three weeks now. The time has flown by so quickly, it's hard to believe it's been that long. That also means I only have 3 more weeks until I go back to work. It's bittersweet. I am enjoying my time here at home, but also miss being involved in the lives of the students.

Maddy has enjoyed having her brother home for the most part. She did say, "no no mommy," last week when I went to pick him up to hold him. Overall, she always wants to give him a pacifier when he's crying and a blanket to keep him warm. His temperature has been staying in the 97's since we have been home. I've tried to get him good and bundled to keep him warm. He also has still seemed to have a bit of trouble pooping. Hopefully as he gets older he will outgrow both of them!

My mom has been so kind to come over and help out with Joshua and Maddy. Having two kids is great, but Maddy is as far from a sit down and watch television child as there is. She is a tornado and is absolutely all over the place. I have no clue where she got that from. My mom continually tells me I was like that, but I just don't believe it! She loves to do stuff outside. We got her a t-ball set to help get some of her energy out, and she seems to enjoy it. Josh on the other hand still continues to sleep, eat and poop (occasionally). He is becoming more alert and is a blast to just hold.

The doctor told us to keep him like he was just born, which for any of you that know me, that is a difficult task. I like being on the go, but I must admit it was nice this morning. I was just able to sit and have a quiet time and do some other things that are not as easy to do with Maddy here. I might change to more of a homebody when I start trying to go places. It seems like it will be quite a chore getting them in and out of the car. I don't know how people do it with more than two!!

Looking back on the NICU experience, I still would not change it for anything. We grew closer to the Lord and closer as a family during that time. I am still super excited about the NICU ministry and am still waiting on God for clear direction on what he would have us to do. I did get to send a care package to an amazing godly couple in Amarillo that have a similar story to ours. I am sent links and am just so much more aware of people in the NICU now. It's crazy how God opens your eyes so much more after you go through experiences. With that said, if any of you hear of anyone that is in the NICU, please let me know. I would love to be praying for them and would love to send them a care package if they will be in there for a while!

Thanks for joining me in this journey, I couldn't do it without you!!

Specifics to pray for:


That Joshua and Maddy will come to know the Lord at a young age and will have a passion for Him.

For Joshua to poop, regulate his temperature well and stay healthy.

That we can spend quality time with both children to where they know they are loved, but also that they have to share mommy and daddy.

That I will get adjusted to working with the two of them. That I can be the best mom, wife and girls minister that God has called me to be!!

These are two verses that God has pressed upon my heart today:

James 1:19 My dear brothers, be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone:

Have a great day!

Joshua's Journey: Homelife

We can't even begin to tell you how much fun we have had with Joshua and Maddy being at home together. Maddy absolutely loves her brother. She loves trying to help give him his pacifier or bottle and constantly thinks he needs to be rocked! She's still working on being gentle, but she loves to around him. We went to the doctor on Wednesday for a follow up and of course everything is off the charts, except on the low side. Massy was off the charts on the high side. The doctor did say that Joshua will grow more vertical than the steady curve most newborns experience and by 12 months he will be the same size. His favorite things to do right now are eat and sleep. Since Wednesday he has not had the poop thing happen, which was kind of strange for him. The doctor said they can go up to four days without popping and that is considered normal. It just seems that it's kind of painful for him and I just wish he'd get it out of there. His temperature also measured very low at the doctor. In the 96's and was up to 97.1 when we left. That is unusual because it wasn't below around 98 the whole time he was regulating it on his own in the NICU. This blog has truly been a blessing to write. God has taught me so much through it! One of the most evident is the power of prayer. I know you have been continuing to pray for this sweet boy, but I have some specifics once again.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will keep his temperature regulated and it will stay in the normal range. That there are no underlying issues or infections.

That this kid will poop. I don't even care if it gets all over the place. I just want it to get out!! It's not slowing down his consumption of breast milk, which is good.

That Derek and I will make wise decisions as parents and know when to call the doctor. For wisdom in all who are caring for Joshua.

Continued guidance on how to minister and be a part of the lives of other NICU parents.

Thanks again for all the prayers. It is sooo great to be at home together, and y'all helped make that happen with your constant prayer!

Joshua's Journey: Finally home!

Last night was the first night at our house as a family of four. It was a lot of fun and a bit exhausting all in one. Maddy loved to meet her baby brother and is always corious to see what he's doing, which is mostly sleeping. Derek went to bring her downstairs this morning and she started screaming. Where's Joshy?? So she came into our room and gave him some kisses on the feet and all was then well with the world. She found his paci a minute ago and brought it to him too. She loves him and loves to help with him! Maddy went to the church for a while and I cuddled with Josh quite a bit while Derek tried to get some of the last few things for the house finished. It's been a quiet and relaxing day. Don't really have many of those because too many drive me crazy, but they are nice and really should be more frequent in my life. Though Josh's journey is far from over, I am going to write the blog when I feel led or know it's necessary, so probably not every night. After all, I don't have the nurses to feed Joshua at night anymore so I could write the blog. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the prayers and support. Keep em coming!! Though he's home he still has some obstacles to overcome.  If I were to have the option to do this journey again or to have him be born on June 27th with everything perfectly normal, I'd choose this every time. God showed up in many ways and taught us to trust and pray like we never had before. He changed our mindset on prayer, community and so many other things. He deserves all the credit!!! To Him be all the praise. If you ever have a friend, family member or co worker struggling with a preemie delivery, please let us know. We would love to talk with them and pray for them.

Specifics to pray for:

God will continue to be glorified through Joshua's journey and we have opportunities to minister to other families in similar situations.

For Joshua to continue to grow and thrive. He's still almost a month away from his due date. He is still supposed to be in my tummy. Crazy to think! He has an eye appointment next Wednesday. Pray that his eyes are growing like they should.

That Maddy and Josh will have a special brother and sister relationship and that God would be at the center of both of their lives at a young age.

Continued wisdom and blessing for the NICU staff. We already miss them all. They are special people!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Joshua's Journey: Day 69

As we walked in the hospital today, I couldn't help but have a little pep in my step. I wanted to get back to the room as fast as possible. After all, today was supposed to be the day! When we got back there Ronda called to see about discharge, and something in the conversation made me think today may not be the day. Ronda said the hadn't made the rounds yet, but we would probably go home today or tomorrow. The charge nurse came in and commented about how she couldn't believe we were going home today and how excited she was. After she said that, Ronda went out to talk to her so I really knew something was up. So the charge came back in and said we would go today or tomorrow. I was bummed but trusted their judgement. So,  were just wanting to see what the doctor said. Not 10 seconds after the doctor came in, Joshua's alarm went off. Seriously, he's determining whether you are going home today or tomorrow and you set your alarm off Josh. What are you thinking? I just looked down at josh to see if he still looked pink and the nurse came over too. She said he was grunting, but also nothing recorded with the drop except that it was a Brady. She looked back on it and said the machine wasn't picking him up and so it was a false reading. After that, Dr. Rivas had a pow wow with the nurse practitioner and we sat there. About 10 minutes later the phone rings and the nurse practitioner says to undo all his leads before dr Rivas gets back so he doesn't do anything fishy and that we were going home. Yeah!!!
Maddy would finally meet her brother. When we got in the door, Maddy stared at josh from a distance at first and then she began to point at him and want to touch him. She hung out for about 3 minutes and then went and did her own thing. She will be a great big sister!!

Specifics to pray for:

Continued health for Joshua and rest for the entire family.

Maddy really connects with her brother!

Our ministry with the NICU doesn't stop because we are out.

Wisdom and blessings for the Nicu staff.

Joshua's Journey: Day 68

TOMORROW!!!!!!

Specifics to pray for:

That Maddy is excited about Joshy.

He keeps all his levels up so he can for sure go home tomorrow.

Blessings and wisdom for NICU staff.

Opportunities to be a light for other NICU Parents.

Joshua's Journey: Day 67

The big news for today! Joshua passed his car seat test, had his circumcision and I now have a freezer, almost two of  milk that had been frozen at the hospital. I am not sure if we will be going home Sunday or Monday, but as long as he does well the next couple of days, it will be one or the other! If we have to do care by parent, then it will be Monday (it's like you are home, no monitors and you are in charge, but you are still in the hospital) I'm hoping we can skip that and finally be a family of four all in one place, at home!

You know how I was talking about how babies put their hand up when they are stressed or don't approve of what is going on. Here's a picture that was taken of him during the circumcision, courtesy of Jaunette. He didn't make a sound, but threw that hand up to let them know they were stressing him out.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua behaves. Keeps his oxygenation level up, doesn't drop his heart rate or turn blue!

We can go home as soon as possible! I trust their judgement, but I'm also ready to be home!

That the nurses and staff know how much we appreciate them and He continues to give them wisdom and blessings as they continue to deal with babies and parents in the NICU.

Our ministry to parents of NICU parents will continue and God will get all the glory through it!

Thank you for EVERYTHING! I pray blessings on y'all as well!

Joshua's Journey: Day 66

One day closer to going home. I was officially told that if all goes well, it's true that we can go home as early as Sunday. That's three days away!  As I looked back on old photos from the beginning, I can't help but tear up a bit. God has brought this kid a long way in 67 days! I saw the picture of Derek's ring around Joshua's oh so skinny arm and am reminded that God is in control. So many things are out of our hands, and we have to trust God with them.

We have a few things still we need to do before he comes home. We were able to get Maddy's room painted thanks to Brenda and have some absolutely amazing decorations, thanks to Katharine. I really can't thank ya'll enough. She has fallen asleep in there the past two nights. I think she is going to love it!

Specifics to pray for:

Joshua is doing his car seat test tonight. Please pray that he passes.

 Now, he just needs to behave, eat well and gain weight.

Pray for rest for us.

That Maddy will be excited about her little brother, but not too excited:) This will be the first time she gets to meet him.

That we can be a light to those around us that are going through what we did.


For wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff. I don't think I can ever put into words how much we have appreciated all of them. They have become like family these past two months.

Joshua's Journey: Day 65

Today is a great day in the French household! Joshua got off his feeding tube and has eaten very well all day! I went up at 8am and he fed great again! He was pretty much wide awake the entire time I was there from 2pm-6pm. He's getting more stamina.
Derek was going to go up there and feed him at 8pm, but cleaned algae out of an entire lake in about 4 hours and couldn't quite make it back in time. They haven't told us exactly when we will get to bring him home, but think it could be as early as Sunday (Happy birthday to David), maybe Monday! He passed his hearing test today and still has to pass his car seat test and stay episode free for five days. THEN WE CAN GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!! That will be the day!

Snug as a bug!

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will behave and not have any episodes and passes the car seat test.

We will continue to be able to be involved with the NICU and be a light for those who feel hopeless!

Blessing and wisdom for the NICU staff

For rest as we finish up the trek back and forth to the hospital and when we get him home with his very active sister:)

Thank you for the prayers, support and kind words. I can't believe this part of the journey is almost complete. We can't wait to see what God has in store!. Thank you Lord for giving us the strength to get through this time and carrying us through when it just seemed too hard.

Joshua's Journey: Day 64

This means stop stressing me out!

I spent the majority of the day at the hospital just waiting to see when Joshua would wake up so I could feed him. He actually woke up at 8 am this morning for the first time and had a full feed. When I got up there around 2 he fed pretty good for about 8 minutes and then was out cold. They had just been in to do some exercises with him to help him loosen up his muscles around his shoulders and neck and I think it wore him out a bit. He was wide awake at about 3:30 and fed for a solid 12 minutes and then fed again at about 4:15 for another 10 minutes. He was wide awake and ended up waking up again as I was leaving. It was prime feeding time! Derek went back in at 8pm and fed him a bottle and he took 43 of the 46ml which was great. I see home in our near future and I can't tell you how excited I am!

I decided to start working out today and made it about 15 minutes and felt like I pulled a muscle in my leg, so we opted to go on a bike ride to take Maddy to the park instead. It was fun.

Thank you so much for all your faithful prayers through these past 64 days. It's always cool to see him answering them right before our eyes. He's a great God and I know He has great things in store for Joshua.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua continues to feed well both breast and bottle. He took his tube out tonight and the nurse isn't going to put it back in until he needs it, so pray she doesn't have to put it back in!

That he keeps his oxygenation level up in the high 90's-100 and passes his car seat test with flying colors.

For rest and time management for both Derek and me. I have always been an on the go type person, but the problem is I'm just much more tired right now with trying to keep up the same pace. Pray that I will get all rested before Josh comes home.

For Josh's friends in the NICU and their parents.

We will go where God leads and He will guide and direct us as we try to be a light for other parents in the NICU!

Blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff.

 

Joshua's Journey: Day 63

I didn't quite make it up for the 5 AM feed this morning, but I did go up at the 8 AM. He actually woke up and fed for 3-4 minutes, which is great because he usually doesn't wake up at all. Derek gave him a bottle at 2 and he drank a bit of that and then fell asleep. I went back up at 8 pm and he was wide awake, but I couldn't get him to eat. This is really our only barrier between getting home.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will breast and bottle feed well!

He will be awake and alert during feeding time.

People will be drawn to The Lord because of this little man's story.

Wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff

Get plenty of rest.

Joshua's Journey: Day 62

Derek just got home from feeding Joshua his 8 pm bottle. He weighed 5 lbs 6 oz, and was 17.32 inches long. Derek said that he had 44 mL and drank all of it but about 3 mL, so he did great! I breastfeed him at 2 pm and he was bottle fed at 11 am. The only time that he was fed by his tube today was at 8 am. He just needs to get up the stamina to wake up that early! The good news is that he is now que based for as many feeds as he can tolerate. So, once he gets all his feeds down, we should be good to go! (Just thinking about it brought a smile to my face!) I am going to attempt to go up tomorrow at 5 am, hopefully I can get up and get going!

I have been trying to think of ways that we can be a light to others in the NICU, and as I think back on the past two months, there were a few things that really has helped us along the way. One was the gift cards we have been given to be able to go out to eat. That takes away so much stress of trying to figure out what to do for dinner. The second was the Jesus Calling calendar we were able to put by Joshua's bedside. I want to give you an opportunity to help me bless those who are going through what we have been going through. Please don't feel obligated, I know there are tons of other ministry opportunities out there and God may be calling you to other things and that is great! But, if any of  you feel led to help give a little goody basket to brighten some families day, then I would love your help! Each one will be about $35, (with a $25 gift card and a $10 calendar) You can give cash for me to get the stuff, or if you want to pick up a gift card or a Jesus Calling calendar yourself, then that would be great too! I think it would be neat for you would like to include a note to say you are praying for whoever receives the bag. Being in the NICU can be a very hard experience and honestly I have no idea how anybody can do it without God. He has been our Rock through each day. To know people all over the world have been praying for this little guy is such a blessing for us. Thank you!

Maddy found one of Joshua's old pacifiers on the bar today and when Derek turned around, this is what he saw!

We also took Maddy on her first bike ride today and she ended up passing out. It was fun, I haven't exercised in a while. It was quite a work out for me:)

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua can wake up for all of his feedings, so he can get his feeding tube out and come home!

He doesn't desat and stays in the high 90's-100 for oxygenation.

We are well rested, but also can get up to the hospital for as many feeds as possible.

For all of his friends and their parents that are in the NICU. For God to work in their lives!

Wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff

Joshua's Journey Day 61

Today is Joshua is 2 months old!!! He is 5 pounds 5 ounces! Stephanie is feeding him 3 times a day and taking them pretty well, he just has a problem waking up and staying awake once he has started. please prey that he will stay awake and be ready to eat. It feels like its been a lot longer than two months, hopefully we will be able to get him home soon. the days will be so much easier and better when our family is whole. I have a picture for you......

please pray that he eats well.

for the NICU staff to be blessed.

for Stephanie and I to be well rested to be able to take care of him

Joshua's Journey: Day 60

I can't believe we are to the sixty day mark! Joshua will be two months old tomorrow. He's getting to be a big boy. Yasmin, his nurse tonight said he was fat, which is a compliment to him:). She hadn't seen him in a while and said that he had put on a good amount of weight. He is up to 5 lbs. 4.5 oz, which is great. He seemed to be steadily gaining, which I hope continues the more times he is able to breast feeds. I went in to feed him again this morning and have decided he is just not a morning person. He likes his sleep, almost all the time, but especially in the morning. So, I hung out for a bit and tried again at 2pm. He still wasn't wide awake then, but he took his pacifier, so I thought there might be some hope of him feeding and he did. I went back again at 8 pm and he was much more awake and ready to eat.  They are going to try and bottle feed him some tonight if he's awake during any of his feeds. He does great when he's awake and ready for to eat, he just has to wake up! They took away his nice comfy z-flo bed. The one that molds to any way that he wants to lay. Maybe that will help him not to sleep so soundly.

I sell thirty one on the side and inside one of the wallets it said, every journey begins with a step. For some reason I found that to be so profound.  We have the choice to take a step in the direction of trusting God or we can try to take things into our own hand and end up realizing we can't do this life on our own. Each step will either draw us closer to God or lead us away. I want to walk with God in each journey that I take. It's just too hard when I don't.



Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will be awake and alert during feeding time and will feed well!

His eyes continue to develop and grow like they are supposed to. He had another eye appointment today.

He keeps his oxygenation in the high 90's-100.

We glorify God through this journey and we learn all that He wants to teach us.

For health and rest for everyone, but especially Joshua and Maddy. (Rest not during feeding time for little man)

Joshua's Journey: Day 59

Joshua had a good day today. I went up at 8 to feed him and since his feeds are cue based, if he's not awake and stirring around I don't feed him. So, we ended up having a good morning cuddle instead of a feed. He did feed at 5 pm and 8 pm, which gave him two feeds for the day. Once we get all 8 feeds in the day done by mouth, we can go home! So I'm ready to get him feeding!

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will be awake, alert and hungry during his feeding times.

He feeds well. A full feed is considered 10 minutes or more.

His oxygenation level stays high 90's and his reflux becomes less and less.

The NICU staff has much blessings and wisdom.

We glorify God through this journey.

We continue to press on. This time can be very tiring. Pray that we follow where God leads and we stay thankful!

Joshua's Journey: Day 58

I think this is the earliest I have ever written the blog since it was created! My goal is to try and get to bed at a decent hour tonight! Joshua had a great day today. I was able to feed him at 8 am and 2 pm, and then he tried the bottle for the first time at 5 pm. He did great for his first time and being a bit sleepy. We wanted Brenda to be able to teach us how to bottle feed him and we both wanted to be there to see him do it so we tried to get him to wake up. He ate about 6 ml and then was zonked out.  He was awake and alert a lot of the time I was there today. It was fun! Maddy went to the doctor and got some medicine for her eyes and nose. Hopefully all that will clear up quickly. I don't know exactly how long it will be before Joshua can come home, but we are one day closer! I remember how I thought it was going to be forever before he was able to wear clothes, and now he just has to get to a point where he can take all his feeds by mouth and we can go home!

Specifics to pray for:

That he will feed well, breast feeding and bottle. He's pretty good at sucking, swallowing and breathing, but still gets tired some.

God will be glorified through his story and He shows us how He wants to use it to draw others to Him.

Rest and health for all of us and that Joshua will stay infection free.

Blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff as they care for Joshua and his friends.

Joshua's Journey: Day 57

Joshua wore me out today! I was able to feed him 3 times today. It was a lot of work for both of us, but he did awesome. He was very alert for the 8 pm feed and more alert for the other ones too. Maddy went to the splash park today and swung on the swings. Katharine is making the final touches to get Maddy's room all ready to make the big switcheroo to a big girl room! It looks amazing!! I'll show you when it's all finished.  Some more big news, Joshua hit the big 5 LBS TODAY! Yeah! I have lots to be thankful for. A great godly husband. We have a baby that's getting so big, amazing friends and family and a daughter that's such a joy, to name a few. Thank you Lord! All good things come from You.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will continue to grow, that he will eat well and will be alert when it's time to eat.

He takes a bottle well when it's time to learn to take the bottle.

That he continues to stay healthy and infection free.

For Maddy to get better. She has lots of snot and eye boogers.

For rest and relaxation. Things are about to get a little crazy with trying to do so many feeds a day!

For blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff. Thanks for all you have done for this little guy. We could never thank you enough.

Joshua's Journey: Day 56

We are so close to the 5 lb mark! They weighed him tonight and he was 4 lbs 15.5 oz, so hopefully tomorrow will be the big night. We also got word today that he can breast feed 2-3 times a day now. So if you can pray for him to be awake and hungry during feeding time, that would be great. I went to check our mail today and we got the coolest letter in the mail. First Baptist Church Key Largo, FL sent us a card saying they are praying for us. God was just giving us a little reminder that so many different people are still praying for this little guy. What a blessing!! Thanks again for all the prayers and support.


Specifics to pray for:

That God will grant wisdom and blessings to the NICU staff

Joshua eats well when breast feeding and can breathe well while doing it.

That Joshua's red blood count continues to increase.

For all of Joshua's friends in the NICU and for all the people affected by this horrible weather.

For us to be sensitive to God's leading and that He will be glorified.

Joshua's Journey: Day 55

Maddy at the beach party!

Guest blogger tonight: Allison Dean. Stephanie is very tired and is currently feeding Mr. Joshua, so I'm taking over! :)

All of the Frenches have had a good day today!  Stephanie, Derek and Maddy went to church and then got to hang out at Beach Party, the volunteer appreciation event at Stonebridge. Maddy had a blast dancing and playing in the big blow-ups. She passed out halfway through, but just long enough to reenergize for the second half.
Joshua is getting to be such a big boy!!  He weighed in at 4 lbs, 14.5 oz. - almost to 5 lbs!  He seems to be awake more at night when we visit, so it's been fun seeing him alert and looking around.  He's doing pretty well with his feed right now, but not coordinating his breathing, so he has to stop every few seconds to breathe. It's been awesome to be able to see him out of his incubator, off oxygen, and getting to wear clothes. Such big changes in the short time since I visited last. God is doing amazing things with this young man!

Specifics to pray for:
That he feeds well and masters the suck/breathe coordination and is awake and ready to go when it's time to feed!

His hematocrit is still on the low side, but his retic count, which tells us how well he's making new red blood cells, is really good, so his body is doing what it's supposed to do!

Prayer for wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff. Just in the few times I've been here, I can see how great they are and how much they love Joshua and the entire French family!

Rest for all the Frenches. I can't imagine keeping the schedule they have. I'm tired after a couple days!

Joshua's Journey: Day 54

Trying to wake up! 

Joshua has had a good day. He weighed in at 4 lbs, 13 oz!! He probably would have made it to 5 lbs if he hasn't had a massive poop right before they weighed him. It took 3 of us to get him all cleaned up, in fresh clothes, and clean bedding on his crib. He even needed a bath because of it, even though he had just gotten one last night. He got his first mohawk last night after his bath. We tried to do it again tonight, but were unsuccessful.They're testing his hematocrit tonight. We really need for his immature cells to develop into red blood cells.
We tried to nurse this afternoon and again tonight, but he just wasn't that interested today. Maybe tomorrow.




About to get a bath.

Specifics to pray for:

That his red blood cell count will be higher this week than last week.

That he will feed well when given the opportunity to breast feed and will be awake and ready to go!

 He continues to gain weight.

Blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff.

Joshua's Journey: Day 53

All tuckered out!

Today was a great day for the little guy! He fed non-stop for 23 minutes. I couldn't believe it. Yesterday, he fed for about 2 minutes, so it was a great improvement. Hopefully he can keep that up. He also kept all his vitals up while feeding which is important and sometimes hard when they first start trying to feed. He weighed 4 lbs. 11 oz. tonight and is making his way up to 5 lbs.

I really felt God leading us to find ways to be a light for parents that are going through the same stuff we are going through and went through. I felt super passionate about it a couple of weeks ago and the passion had kind of faded a bit. As I was thinking about it today, I couldn't figure out why that was. Maybe it was just my passion and not really what God wanted, but as I was reading a devotional today, it was talking about Mary and how she just was eager to sit at Jesus' feet and learn. I realized that the the problem was that when I became passionate about it, I was sitting at Jesus' feet and looking for ways to serve Him. My passion changed because my role changed from that of Mary to Martha. I have gotten so busy trying to do, that I haven't spent quality time at the feet of Jesus. I truly believe the passion comes alive when I am spending time doing what I was created to do. So, I pray that you will spend quality time at the feet of Jesus and ask you to pray the same for me. I don't just want to have great ideas and never follow through. I want God to make apparent to us what to do with this ministry I guide us in it. I feel there are great opportunities to reach people for Christ when they have no other choice but to trust God. Please pray for opportunites to speak to people and for wisdom in what to say. Thanks so much for all the prayers this far. I can't help but look back on all the many prayers He has answered. So many reasons to be thankful!

I couldn't pick which pictures to put in, so here are some from today.

Spcecifics to pray for:

That he continues to feed well and keeps his vitals up while his feeding and continues to gain weight.

He grows out of his refluxing quickly.

God will show us what he wants us to do with this ministry we now have to NICU parents and how we can continue it when we go home.

For wisdom and blessings for the NICU staff.

Joshua's Journey: Day 52

Today Joshua was able to have a nutritive feed today! No more practice, he got the real thing. The only problem was he wasn't quite awake and his little muscles still tire pretty easily. Did you know it takes 26 muscles for us to eat? I learned that tonight, and that's a lot of muscles he's got to get strong to breast feed well. He did good for his first time and I know he will do better each day. He weighed 4 lbs. 8 oz. last night, so he's still steadily increasing.

Specifics to pray for:

That he will be alert and excited about breast feeding and will be able to handle it.

He continues to gain weight and gain muscle strength to do all that he needs to do.

For all of his friends and their parents in the NICU. Also, for continued blessing and wisdom on the NICU staff.

That God will show us opportunities to glorify him while there.

For me to take time to rest in God's presence and not be so rushed all the time. For me to manage all that I have to do the way God wants me to.

For his reflux and drop in oxygenation to become less and less.

Joshua's Journey: Day 51

Got MILK?

I went in and held Joshua today at lunch and he was able to do a non-nutritive feed again, which basically is practice for the real thing! They don't just go straight to breast feeding because he hasn't ever had to swallow to get his food. He needs to learn to swallow in small doses so that he doesn't choke.  It's a bit of a process getting him to full feeds. The good thing is we have started the process and he has done good with it the past two days. Hopefully he will keep it up!

Specifics to pray for:

That his incline position will help him to oxygenate well.

He continues to do well with non-nutritive feeds. The longer he can feed without getting worn out or having episodes, the better.

Wisdom and blessing for the NICU staff.

That God will show us stuff we can do to help other families that are and will be in our same situation.

Joshua's Journey: Day 50

50 days in the NICU. I have so many different emotions when I think of that, it's hard to even begin to express them. One emotion I can express today is joy. It may be 50 days, and that is a long time, but Joshua was able to non nutritive feed today. (It was a bit nutritive as well) He seemed to really take to it well and enjoyed it. I definitely enjoyed it. It's the simple things that bring so mich excitement!

Thanks for enduring this journey with us! It's one more hurdle that our little man has overcome and it's one step closer to being to the finish line of his NICU experience and the start of a new phase for us all.  God has been so faithful. He has allowed us to trust in Him and He has grown us closer to Him and closer as a family. Thank you Lord!!!

Joshua weighed 4 lbs 7 oz tonight. Pray that he will keep the gaining up with the breast feeding!! It requires quite a bit if energy, so they sometimes will lose weight.

Specifics to pray for:

He tolerates his non nutritive feedings well and enjoys them so we can get to nutritive! 

We glorify God through this whole experience. We are available to be used how He wants. We will have an opportunity to talk to other families and share the hope we have.

He keeps his oxygenation level up!

For blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff. We can't tell them enough how much we appreciate them all!

Joshua's Journey: Day 49

I walked into the NICU today and Brenda had Joshua all cozy in a new crib! I had seen another baby in one and I really thought they were kind of neat, but didn't really think Joshua would ever get one. I was wrong and excited. It basically looks like a miniature crib. They are testing it out to see if it will help with his desating and reflux. Hopefully it will! I also found out today that they put in orders to check his readiness to eat, so if he does good these next 24 hours, then we can start the process of breast feeding! He weighed 4 lbs 5 oz tonight and was sleeping very soundly when Derek left. Thank you for all the prayers. We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully not too much longer now!

Specifics to pray for:

That he demonstrates a desire to eat during his feeding times and is awake and alert. He feeds at 3, 6, 9, and 12 am/pm

He continues to have less episodes and that he oxygenates well. Stays in the high 90's-100

He continues to produce red blood cells like he needs to.

The other babies and families in the NICU.

That God will be glorified through us and that we will follow his desires for us.

Thank you!!

 

Joshua's Journey Day 48

Happy Mother's Day to all mothers! Tonight I would like to brag on my wife a little bit. She is a great mother and wife. First to Maddy, who is turning into a wonderful little girl. Also to Joshua. A mother could not be more suited to take on this journey of a premature baby more than Stephanie. God works in many ways, and he prepared Steph to handle this even before we even thought about another addition in Joshua. She is my motivation to think of how mighty God is, her faith has not wavered one iota since this journey began. I'm very thankful for all of the sacrifices she is making so she can care for little Joshua. I could not ask for a better mother for my children and wife to me.

Now on to Joshua, he is doing very well tonight. Stephanie held him for a couple of hours this afternoon. He gained some weight, he is 4 pounds 4 ounces. One thing I would ask for people to pray for, is that his oxygenated blood level to stay in the 90's or at 100 percent. It's either the machine or him but it would be nice to not be constantly staring at that alarm going off. Joshua did have a bath tonight! he took his first bath in the sink. It was great.  He was crying pretty loud. It was the loudest we had heard him cry. He looked a ton cleaner afterwards as well as happy and wide awake!! I do not have any good poop stories though.

Happy Mother's Day again to all the moms!

Prayers please:

That his blood oxygen level gets more normal and that he produces all the red blood cells that he needs.

For the moms and nurses in the NICU.

That he passes his tests this next week on being alert and awake and ready to eat when it is his time to eat.

That he excels at breastfeeding and bottle feeding.

Joshua's Journey: Day 47

have great news tonight! Joshua pooped all over Stephanie. It was great bonding time between the two of them. He is doing great right now, even with all of the huge poops he has been having he is still gaining weight, he is 4 pounds 3 ounces. He also is 16 3/4" long, he was 14 1/2" when he was born. Every day that I see him he looks older and older especially since he lost the breathing apparatuses. Each time I get to hold him he feels heavier also. It so awesome to see him grow. Stephanie and I went on our anniversary date tonight, she wanted freebirds, we watched a movie also. We both could not remember the last time we went to the movies. Gi Gi and Maddy had a stay at home date, I'm pretty sure they both had a blast. Happy Mother's Day to every mom out there, you are vey appreciated even of it doesn't feel like it!

Prayer needs:

Pray that Maddy gets on a better sleep cycle and sleeps through the night.

For Joshua to keep eating and poop/peeing great.

For Joshua to start breast feeding, so Steph will not have to pump as much.

He had another eye test today, the guy said "looking good", pray that it stays that way.

Less Brady's, gotta get the heart stronger. Most episodes occur because of the way he is positioned, but pray that they will be less and less frequent. 

Joshua's Journey: Day 46

It's been 46 days, 47 really, because I didn't post the first night. It feels like it was forever ago that I was sitting in that hospital room giving birth, not really knowing when he came out if he was even going to make it or not. Now, I stare at his picture in amazement and awe of our Creator. He made a pretty cute kid:)
He had a good day today. He had a couple of episodes that I know of, but one of them was my fault. I let him get a little too relaxed and he put his head back too far and blocked his teeny tiny airway.
I think he's enjoying his open crib and he seems to be more awake when we go in to see him. So that's always fun. We left before they weighed him tonight, but hopefully he stayed above the 4.0 lbs mark. Thanks again for all the prayers and support. It means so much!

Nighty night!

Specifics to pray for:

That he will continue to digest his food well, have less and less reflux and be awake and alert during feeding time. That will allow me to be able to breast feed him faster.

He sucks, swallows and breaths like he's a natural.

God is glorified in our lives and we follow where He leads.

Joshua will continue to have less episodes and his oxygenation level will remain high.

For all of Joshua's NICU friends and parents and for blessing and wisdom for the NICU staff.

Joshua's Journey: Day 45

Derek and I are both sitting in our new cozy home in the back room of the NICU with Joshua. We changed his diaper and little outfit and now he is laying snugly in daddy's arms. He looks so comfortable! I can't wait for that day when it's in his own room and Maddy can be playing on the floor. Don't get me wrong. I know it will be a challenge and I will be exhausted, but I'm okay with that. I was able to hold the little guy for quite a while this afternoon, so he's been loved on by us both today!
He's doing well! He still has a couple of episodes and his oxygenation level will drop down occasionally but overall he's doing great and getting bigger! He weighed   tonight.

This song came on the radio day before yesterday by Sidewalk Prophets called Help Me Find It. It's one of my new favorite songs and it's my prayer for our family: If there's a road I should walk, help me find it.  If I need to be still, give me peace for the moment. Whatever your will. Whatever your will. Can you help me find it. We didn't choose to walk this road because, if we had the choice we would have chosen the easier road. God had this one for us though, and after going down it, I would not want to be on any other road. It's in these times we learn to truly rely on Him! So I thank God for this road we have found and I just pray that we will be still when we need to be so that God can teach us all we need to learn. God's plans and desires far exceed ours and we can't wait to see what he has in store for all of us, but especially Joshua.

Specifics to pray for:

That Joshua will be episode free, he can handle his reflux, and his oxygenation level will stay high.

Please begin praying for his feeding. That he is a natural at sucking, swallowing and breathing all at the same time.

The we will walk the road God has for us, He will be glorified and he impacts the lives of the people he wants to with Joshua's story.

Blessings and wisdom for the NICU staff. Happy nurses week!!!

For Joshua's friends and parents in the NICU.