Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Well, we sure didn't make it far into 2009:( Lilah is back in the hospital. Her swallowing study on Monday revealed that she was aspirating, which is medicalese for 'getting food in her lungs'. This is a big deal...hard on her body, causing lung damage, and setting her up for infection. Praise the Lord for protecting her from getting pneumonia up until this point! So, we are at Children's doing some more pre-operative tests and awaiting surgery for a permenant gastric (G) tube.

We've done everything possible to avoid this outcome. It makes me so sad to think of my sweet baby with a hole in her belly and it removes the one thing that makes her like a "normal" baby--eating. And I don't think that hanging a bag of formula, on an IV pole, hooked to a pump is going to give me quite that 'warm and fuzzy bonding' thing that happens when you feed a baby. But, like so many other things, I'm going to have to get over it. It is comforting to feel certain that this is the right choice for Lilah....she's definately aspirating and it's no longer safe to feed her.

Please pray for us through this. The hospital is a hard place to be and I find myself fearful of the downward spiral that can happen as one procedure leads to another. Memories of coming in for an ear infection last Septmember and finding ourselves in the PICU with heart failure are still very fresh. Pray for God's protection over Lilah and for wisdom for her doctors and nurses. Also, please pray for Garrett. Our sweet boy has endured a lot of change and uncertainty in the last few months. I wish I could be two places at once, giving both of my babies 100%. Pray that Garrett would not feel anxious or fearful, but secure and important. We are still waiting for some test results, but it looks like the surgery will be Friday at 1pm. I will update when/if things change. Thank you, sweet friends, for loving us well.

10 comments:

Sara said...

Hey Gina! You all will be in my prayers...I believe God gave me this verse for you.

Isaiah 43:18-19
"Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."

Wish I lived closer. Hudson would love a playdate with Garrett. Lifting you all up. Surely He is closest when it's hardest to stand. Love, Sara

Unknown said...

Oh Gina,
You are so strong. God doesn't give us things that we can't handle. All of this is so much harder on you than it is on Lilah. You guys are doing such a great job at making wise choices for her. I pray for you all daily and know that God loves Lilah more than you do. Phil.4:13
Showering you with prayer,
Mandy

Anonymous said...

Gina, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Jessica said...

oh Gina. I am so sorry to hear this. I'm praying praying praying.

Elizabeth Myatt said...

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."
Deuteronomy 31:8

Praying that the Lord's presence is evident to you, that he gives you strength and courage. Praying also for G...what a gift he has in you. You are such a great Momma to your children! Love you, miss you, praying for you and hoping alongside you-
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Of course this is not what we would want at this point in your lives--or at any point! But we will pray you through this obstacle--or opportunity for God to once again shower you with His abundant grace petals. Love and tremendous surges of prayer, Donna Willis and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Gina,

You all have been in my prayers for a while now. I will continue to pray for little Lilah and especially for this surgery coming up. I pray that God would give you His peace through all of this.

Anonymous said...

always and continually lifting you all up...

Drew Miller said...

the Lord is fighting for Lilah, and for your family, and He is good all the time. Even when we cant see it, He is good.
We are on our knee's for you all daily.
Love you sweet friend.
Em

As for me, I shall call upon God. and the Lord will save me.
Evening and morning and at noon I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice.
He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me, for there are many who strive with me.
Cast your burdens upon the Lord and He will sustain you, He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

Foofie said...

We continue to pray for your whole family... strength, endurance, wisdom and peace.