Learning the hard way

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and for sharing your own experiences.

It seems that a lot of people have NICU stories of their own. And lots more people have been through surgeries and hospitalizations with their kids. This week definitely isn't the storybook start to Josiah's life that I envisioned, so it's very helpful to hear that things usually turn out well in the end.

We were so miserable the first 24 hrs or so when the bad news was hitting us. Now, thanks to everyone's prayers, we're finally starting to gain a bit of perspective. We're learning about patience and reliance on God's timing. Josiah's future is for God to decide and not for us. And there's another good take-home message for me: it really stinks to be stuck in a hospital.

Your emails and comments are a big encouragement to us. Thanks again!

Pictures from the NICU

Here are some pictures of Josiah in the NICU. The tube in his mouth looks dramatic, but it really just dumps food directly into his stomach, since one of the main concerns with his quick breathing is the possibility of him aspirating when he eats by mouth.

Nurse Jane holding him up to burp him.

With Josiah being in intensive care, we've been celebrating the "little things." For example, I got to change his diaper for the first time yesterday. During the same visit the nurse suggested that give him a finger to suck. He went crazy on it, and it made me so happy I made Jonathan take a picture. Last night was sweet too because he was awake, but not crying, just looking at us with these beautiful dark eyes and making these adorable sounds.

His white board at the NICU.

NICU update

Thanks for all your prayers so far - keep them coming! He's not out of the NICU yet. His breathing rate is still in the 60-70 range, and it has to stay at below 60 for 12-24 hours. After that there is a feeding process he has to go through, and then we can take him home.

We're so grateful for all your prayers and what the Lord has already done for Josiah so far. He really is so strong and healthy. All we have to do is look across the hall at the NICU at the baby that weighs less than two pounds and realize how blessed we are. It didn't make leaving the hospital today without him any easier, or our desire to have him with us any less, but it just makes us remember to be thankful.

Welcome to the World, Josiah

It's been such a whirlwind of emotions over the last 40 hours that it's hard to believe that Josiah was just born yesterday. All of your prayers, posts and e-mails are such a blessing - thank you, thank you! I won't post too many details in the post because I'm really tired, but here are some pictures of our precious little guy.

Here is a few minutes after breathing air for the first time. His hair looks blond/red here, but it's actually more light brown.
Here he is post-eyedrops.

With a very happy mommy and daddy.

Did I mention we were happy?

He's sucking on my finger here. Minus being able to nurse, it's my next favorite thing.
Despite my rugged look in these pictures, I really had a pretty easy labor and delivery. We had four hours with him before they whisked him to the NICU.

We have some better pictures of him cleaned up, but unfortunately he has all the tubes running out of him, so it doesn't accurately portray how cute he is. Will post tomorrow.

Please Pray

We're so grateful for this incredible blessing.
For the most part, he is healthy and strong, but our hearts are breaking a little right now. He had to be admitted to the NICU because his breathing is faster than they would like. Because of this, he has to spend the night in the NICU and be attached to an IV. It makes us sad because it he doesn't get to spend the night in the room with us, and we also don't get to nurse until he's stable. This was not our plan, and it's made us a little sad, but we know that we have so much to be grateful for.

Please be praying for the following:
-that his breathing would stabilize quickly, so he would be able to come home with us
-that he would continue to healthy and avoid any infection
-that he would still take quickly to breastfeeding despite having to receive a bottle first
-for Jonathan and I emotionally. Labor and delivery went really smoothly, but we are just so saddened about this separation early on.
-praise God for His rich blessing of this beautiful child.

He's Here...

Josiah Luke Moseley entered the world today (August 28,2007) at 3:19 p.m. He is 8 lbs. 7 oz., and a whopping 23 inches long.
His breathing is a little fast, so pray for it to slow down, but otherwise he's very healthy.
Praise the Lord for this blessing!
Pictures coming soon...

No News Yet

We'll let you know...

The Day Has Passed

Still no baby yet...for those of you who are blog-watching and getting suspicious.
I walked on the treadmill today with high hopes. And it's raining here, and I recently spoke to a former labor/delivery nurse who said they used to have a high volume of deliveries coinciding with thunderstorms.
And apparently Jonathan's sarcasm in the last entry was hard for some to decipher (I agree that his serious nature vs. dry humor is hard to read sometimes). He was indeed kidding about inducing that day, but we're growing less opposed with each day.

Here are a few other interesting facts from my Baby Center e-mail this week:

• You're 14 percent more likely to give birth on a Tuesday than on any other day of the week — and least likely to deliver on the weekend.

• Why does labor begin?
  What starts labor is one of the great mysteries of medicine. "That's a Nobel prize-winning question," says Dr. Mark Taslimi, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Lucille Packard Children's Hospital in Palo Alto, California. One current theory is that stress hormones are released from the adrenal gland of the baby, which creates chemical changes in the placenta that cause the muscle of the uterus to develop involuntary contractions that turn into labor, he says. These regular, frequent contractions and the resulting opening of the cervix signal that labor has begun.
  

The Day Has Come

Well, our due date has arrived, and the waiting game begins (OK, it's already begun). We were out at a social last night and received the normal "When are you due?" question. It was very strange to reply "Tomorrow."

Here is an e-mail conversation from Jonathan and I yesterday that pretty much epitomizes it.

Hey honey,
Get that baby out! Do some jumping jacks or something.

If you haven't got him born by tonight, the dinner is from 6-10. I imagine we'll go a little after 6 and then go to St. Vincent's to get you induced.

Love you,
Jonathan

I think I might have had a contraction about an hour ago. I'm doing the best I can ;)
Pizza then labor - sounds like a date.

Love you,
LL

Disclaimer: Jonathan doesn't not actually believe that jumping jacks will medically induce labor.

Chicken in a Hut

Here is the recipe I mentioned in a previous post. I feel the need to post daily, so that no one confuses the lack of posting for me being in labor. This recipe was given to me at one of my wedding showers by Mrs. Anne Reynolds. It's a great way to use leftover chicken. This only makes four "huts," and Jonathan normally eats at least two. To freeze them, I baked them and then froze them.

Chicken in a Hut
2 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 package crescent rolls

Combine all ingredients except rolls.
Set aside.
Divide rolls into 4 sets of 2 rolls each.
Press seams together of 2 rolls to form a square.
Spoon ¼ of chicken mixture onto the middle of the square.
Fold corners up to make the “hut.” Place seam side down on foil covered cookie sheet.
Bake according to crescent roll package directions.
To make a little bit fancy drizzle melted butter on top of the hut and sprinkle finely crushed breadcrumbs on top.

Nursery Pictures

Here are the pictures of the completed nursery. We've added just few more pieces of decor since the last posting. I'm particularly proud of my Martha Stewart project on the right side. I had shelves that I bought in college for some unknown reason. I painted them the wall color and then glued little wooden animals that were from the cake at my Raleigh shower. Atop them are pictures of Jonathan and I as kids. Top left is Jonathan reading to both his siblings. Too cute.

I found two of these pictures at a local Target and Mom found the giraffe at one near her. They make me happy.

In the corner we have changing table stocked with diapers and wipes, ideally to last us a couple of days at least. The Diaper Champ is ready too.

And our bag is packed and ready to go, standing there outside our door...

Check!

I had a number of things on my to-do list once we moved here, mostly things that I wanted to do before the baby arrives. Slowly, but surely, I've managed to knock most of the things off. Now I'm a little at a loss about what to do with myself! Let me validate myself here by posting the checks off my list:

• Make freezer meals (chili, spaghetti sauce, chicken in huts, chicken stew, stuffing casserole, quiche)
• Finish nursery (need to post some pictures)
  
• Write thank-you cards
• Read some parenting books (still could do more of that)
• Get car seat inspected
  
• Visit Target/Wal-Mart/Babies 'R' Us/Stein Mart 50+ times for decor/baby/returns/groceries errands
  
• Get haircut (I was tempted to buzz-cut it in this heat!)
• Get running shoes (preparation for post-baby weight recovery)

There are lots of other little things that I won't bore you with of course. I naively keep thinking that once everything is finished I'll just go into labor, but I think that being this prepared will actually make me go a week past my due date.

Post Addendum: I realized after posting that this might sound like complaining. Last night, I was reminded by Leslie that I need enjoy this more relaxed time because it will probably be my last for quite a while! I need to remind myself to be grateful for this season...however long it lasts.

Happy Birthday, Jaclyn!

This is one of first dances that my cousin Jaclyn and I "choreographed" together. We used to try and charge our family members to see our shows. Most of them looked a lot like this picture: me looking at Jaclyn, trying to keep up. We always have fun together. Love you cousin!

Single Digits!

Omigosh...check out the ticker. Only 9 days! Yikes...

Young Mothering Skills

Jonathan has a younger sister, Anna, who was born when he was 12. I always comment that this has given him some experience with babies that I lack because my brother and I are a mere 14 months apart.

But I was looking through some old pictures and discovered this proof that Parker did help me develop some maternal instincts at young age...

So young, so many skillz.

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Jonathan and I are five years old today. The time has flown by, but the Lord has blessed us so richly. We celebrated with a hike this morning at Oak Mountain State Park, and we'll be going out to dinner at the Bright Star (thanks, Parker and Rachel!).

(This picture was taken by his grandmother in Romania, and it's one of my favorite pictures of the two of us.)

I'm Sorry, Mom!

For being born in August in the South. I now understand that this is no easy task to be nine months pregnant in blazing hot temperatures.

Yesterday I ventured to run errands in the 100 degree heat. I was really just running errands...hurrying from one air-conditioned facility to another, but it still took it out of me. I like to do my errands in one fell swoop, but I think in this heat I should space them out. I was smart and packed a 32 oz. Nalgene of water...and drank half of it before I left the driveway.

While out buying stamps, the man in front of me in line at the post office commented, "You sure picked a time to be pregnant!"

As if I, or my baby, had made a concsious decision to do this. But I do understand the sentiment now.

I was born in August, my mom born in early September, and my baby any day now...the cycle continues...
(And no this is not a subtle reminder about my birthday - promise.)

Baby Bump Silhouette

I looked over and thought this was a cool shot, and I made Jonathan take it. The battery was dead, so we only got one try. I might try to do it again without the hinge there by my neck.
Almost 38 weeks. Hurray for full-term!

Blessing for Baby Moseley

I was so touched to receive this gift. Rachel (my friend/sister-in-law) wrote this beautiful prayer for Baby Moseley and framed it for his room. I read it aloud at the shower, and needless to say, I had a difficult time making it through. I wanted to share it, especially for those who are expecting little ones or already have them. I love how Scriptural and thorough and beautiful it is...

Father,

The child who sleeps here is loved by many, but especially you. He was fearfully and wonderfully made by your very hands. His days have been numbered by you, so it is on his behalf that we offer this prayer.

Like Abraham, may this child grow up to be your friend. May he believe your promises are true for him and for all those who would trust you. Let him not hesitate when you call, but let him cherish you above any other. Like Moses, may he long to see your glory and to experience your presence. May his very face reflect the intimacy of true fellowship with you. We know that this kind of relationship is costly, Lord. It can mean walking the road with only you at times. It can be lonely, and it can be difficult. It is sacred, holy ground that few tread. May he walk there with you, Lord.

As he matures, may he grow in favor with you and with men. May he achieve much and use all the gifts and abilities you have given him. May he bear fruit early in his life, Lord, that you may be glorified. Like Paul, may he count all that he has earned and received as loss for the sake of knowing you. Let him love your Word, Lord. Speak to him through it, and woo him to yourself. Give him a contagious passion for others to know you in the same way. Surround him with friends who will sharpen him as iron sharpens iron. Provide for him the encouragement and accountability he needs in this harsh world. Mold him into the kind of friend that others need too. May he be a man after your own heart.

Fill this child with the fullness of your Spirit that he may walk in obedience and freedom. May his cherished body be a glorious dwelling place for you. Equip him with everything good for doing your will. May he fully accept your forgiveness and always dwell in your mercy. May he have a deep and abiding faith. May he believe you and know that you are God.

You have said, Lord, that your kingdom is made up of little ones like him, and we should not hinder them from coming to you. May it be that those who love him most would not in any way deter him from answering your call. May they love him enough to give him to you and trust you fully with his life.

Above all, Lord, make yourself known to this little one who sleeps here. May he be a living sacrifice to you all the days of his precious life. You alone know the measure of his days. May the road he walks on this earth resemble your own, and may he dwell with you forever.

Family Pictures

Susan, Aunt Gail, Me (and baby boy), Mom and Rachel. We're just missing Jaclyn and Grandma! Aunt Gail came all the way down from Charlotte, and we caught Rachel before she and Parker move to Boston (sniff sniff).

With the grandmothers-to-be.

Mama Sharon and Anna came down on their way through to Birmingham/Montgomery. I hitched a ride back with them. When we got back we found Jonathan...
On the roof of course...Not where we expected, but we had had a big thunderstorm and he was cleaning out our gutters.