Stephen's Journey: Happy Birthday, Stephen!!!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Happy Birthday, Stephen!!!

I just lost my most recent post about Stephen's birthday :( so I will keep this short since it's 4 am. But really wanted everyone to know that Stephen was born on January 4, 2011 at 6:58 pm, weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces! He came into this world crying the most beautiful cries you could ever imagine and is the most beautiful baby in the world! Although we are a bit biased!

As of 4:45 am, Stephen is stable, but still fighting to survive. We are not out of the woods yet, but he has done better than anyone could have ever imagined. God has heard all of your prayers and I believe has sent a guardian angel down to watch over my family.

I will try to write more later today once I have gotten a bit more sleep. But please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. There is no doubt in my mind that God has been listening!

Much love,
Linds

10 comments:

Outlander306January 5, 2011 at 4:59 AM
I am a friend of a friend....just wanna say congrats and best wishes to your family
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NaomiJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:06 AM
Haha, Hi Bonny!

Congratulations Lindsey, I am nearly crying with joy! You, Billy and Stephen have given Lee, Ellie and I so much hope today and my heart could burst for you x
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AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:23 AM
Happy Birthday Stephen! Congratulations Lindsey & Bill...you are all in my prayers. I love you, guys.
Mary Ellen
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Danielle HobbsJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:10 AM
HAPPY Birthday Stephen!!!!!! What a miracle and a blessing he is! I hope to get to meet him soon!
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AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:17 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! God has truly heard all our prayers! We'll continue to send more prayers your way!

Joan Ruopsa
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AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM
Wonderful news! Congratulations to you and Billy.
Love
Miriam and Luis
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UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:34 AM
Happy Birthday Stephen! What amazing news. Still keeping up the prayers! Love to you all.
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AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:38 AM
What wonderful news to wake up to today!!! Happy birthday Stephen, and Linds hope you're doing well. Stephen continues to be in the prayers of several of the Mason and Haney family members.
All my love,
Colleen
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AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:53 AM
Happy Birthday Stephen! Welcome to the family!! Wonderful News!! We will continue to keep all of you in our prayers. God is listening!
Love to all,
Uncle Dick and Aunt LuAnn
xoxoxoxo
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CharleneJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:27 AM
Welcome Stephen! What a wonderful day! We are ecstatic for you.
Our thoughts and continued prayers are with you all.
Love,
Charlene & Bob
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Our Crazy Kidney Life

As many of you already know, our son Stephen, was born with a very rare kidney disease called Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD). When the disease was discovered during my 27th week of pregnancy, Stephen was given a less than 1% chance of living more than a few hours past birth. He was to have such severely underdeveloped lungs that the doctors said he would likely not even take one breath. However, on January 4, 2011, we were granted our 1st miracle - and Stephen came into this world crying (and breathing!) and fighting for his life with fierce determination. At 6 days old he had BOTH of his kidneys removed and began peritoneal dialysis. Stephen came home from the hospital when he was 59 days old requiring 12 hours of dialysis every night as well as enteral (feeding tube) feeds during the day and overnight.

On May 9, 2013, we were granted our 2nd miracle, in the form of a new kidney from an extremely generous friend. Stephen received a kidney from a non-related living donor at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He spent 13 days in the hospital recovering from his big surgery and ever since has been living life the fullest! His life is still a delicate balance of medications and weekly lab work, but he's an extremely vibrant, loving, active 2.5 year old.

This blog is Stephen's journey told through my eyes (his mother's), thoughts, and emotions, with extreme highs and lows. But there's no way we would be where we are today without all of the support, thoughts and prayers from our family, friends, and readers! Thank you!!