Sunday, September 16, 2007

Sunday, September 16, 2007 - Update

This is an update I just received from Mommy.

Please continue to keep Ryan, Jodi, Olivia, and Logan in your prayers. God is working miracles in their lives.


The LORD is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The LORD is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?
Psalm 27:1 NLT


I don’t have a lot of news to report today which I consider a blessing. Olivia’s feedings have gone up to 5.1 ccs. Logan is still taking 3 ccs. We did ask about their lengths today. Both of them were 11.5 inches when they were born. . .Olivia is still 11.5 inches, but Logan is now 12 inches long. They still continue to struggle with their lungs and fluctuate on their oxygen. We also wanted to report that Logan’s left index finger is looking wonderful. I don’t know if all of you know, but after he was born the tip of one of his fingers was black. For a time, the doctors had thought that he was going to have to have the tip of his finger amputated. Later a skin doctor examined him and thought it would be okay. Last night we noticed that his finger is no longer black and it is healing nicely.

It does my heart so much good to see them every day. Somewhere in the midst of my exhaustion, my anger, my fear and my sadness is pride. I’m so proud to be Olivia and Logan’s mother for they are so fragile and yet so strong. I’m amazed by how they have ministered to so many people before turning 3 weeks old. How many people can say that? I often wonder how many people have grown closer to God by praying for my babies. I’m so proud to be married to Ryan. His love and devotion to me and to his children is unwavering. Logan and Olivia are so lucky to have him as their daddy.

We also ask that you begin praying about a brain scan that each of them will have in about a week. It is a scan that checks for something called Periventricular Leukomalacia or PVL. PVL is one of the main causes of cerebral palsy and other long term handicaps. It is primarily seen in premature infants with the most prematurely born infants being the most likely to have this problem. PVL is damage and softening of the white matter, the inner part of the brain that transmits information between the nerve cells and the spinal cord as well as from one part of the brain to another. As does any parent, I want the very best for my children and the thought of them enduring any hardship just brings me to tears. Please continue to pray for their development and for God to give them the strength to get through each day.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

The picture of you holding Logan for the first time, gave me goosebumps!! How special! I am so happy for you! Logan looks like an entirely different baby. It's crazy to think he had heart surgery just a little over a week ago.

Your little "witnesses" have completely changed how I view one of the most painful experiences I've ever had. Truly. You have no idea how much impact their birth had on my life. -Stacy Woodard

Anonymous said...

Lord God, I praise You for You are Sovereign. I trust You with the lives of Olivia and Logan which You created. You know their condition and future. You know the plans You have for them. You know how their lives are glorifying You. Give Ryan and Jodi extraordinary, unexplainable peace so that they will be a witness to Your comfort to all who know them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I went to college with your sister-in-law Laura and she directed me to this blog. When I was in high school we had a teacher whose wife delivered at 24-25 weeks. They needed their insurance so he continued to teach every day, and every day of class was like living through the experience. Apart from the immediate health issues come the practical issues of money, as well as all of the emotions you have to deal with as parents. So much at once, and yet we only get what we can handle. I just wanted you to know you and your entire family are in my and my wife's prayers, and I am so happy to read about the improvements that seem to be coming daily. Our hearts go out to you. Take care.

Michael Borth

Anonymous said...

Hi. I went to college with your sister-in-law Laura and she directed me to this blog. When I was in high school we had a teacher whose wife delivered at 24-25 weeks. They needed their insurance so he continued to teach every day, and every day of class was like living through the experience. Apart from the immediate health issues come the practical issues of money, as well as all of the emotions you have to deal with as parents. So much at once, and yet we only get what we can handle. I just wanted you to know you and your entire family are in my and my wife's prayers, and I am so happy to read about the improvements that seem to be coming daily. Our hearts go out to you. Take care.

Michael Borth

Anonymous said...

Jodi and Ryan,
Wow! The kids look amazing! This is what I look forward to everyday when I come to school. I want to know the latest news! I just wish that there was something more that I could do. Something that Logan and Olivia would know all the people that believe in them, and are following them on this incredible journey of their life.
I can't imagine what you could've been feeling inside as you held your precious baby boy. He looks wonderful, and Olivia looks fantastic. I'm so thrilled to see the pictures, it just makes my heart melt. I'm showing some of my friends at school and they're all complimenting how fabulous they look.
May the Lord be with you and Logan and Olivia.
Love you all,
Shea

Anonymous said...

Your babies are amazing, just like their parents. Along with myself and everyone I know, we will continue to pray for Logan and Olivia.
I can't wait to see you tomorrow. You are an amazing person and I feel lucky to know you and your family.
Marilee Mayo