Thank you all so much for all the love, support, and prayers you have shown Bill, Stephen, and I. When I started this blog back in October, I would have never imagined that so many people would read it and connect with/to our story. We have received an incredible amount of emails, comments, and Facebook messages. I just want to apologize now if I don't get back to you directly. I set out each day with the intention of returning every email because each and every one means so much to me. But some how I never actually reach that goal. So I am apologizing up front if you don't hear from me right away. But truly from the depth of my soul, I appreciate each and every note and have kept them all in a special place so that I can remember 10 years from now how many hearts my baby boy touched.
And we ask again that the prayers keep coming. Even though we may have leapt over one giant hurdle yesterday, we have another hurdle the size of Mt. Everest to climb on Monday. We found out today that Stephen's kidneys are the size of adult kidneys; one is about 10 cm and the other over 9 cm. The nephrologist and the surgeon have decided that it is in Stephen's best interest to remove both kidneys and at the same time put in his dialysis "port" and a feeding tube in his tummy. As with any surgery there are risks, but with an 8 pound baby with weak lungs and who can pick up infections easily, there are a lot of risks. To say the least, we are scared to death. I have this beautiful baby boy who has defied all odds and now must do it all over again. It seems like an impossible challenge, but I know that I have to be strong and keep positive for Stephen and Bill. Not an easy feat.
So today was a challenging day to say the least. Between the emotional roller coaster of Stephen's condition and trying to cope with the side effects of surgery, today was a long day. But I am so grateful for the few hours we spent in the NICU today holding his hands and feet. And around 1:30 AM we're heading back to the NICU to help give him a bath. Every time I see him I fall deeper in love with my little man! I will hopefully get some pictures posted tomorrow so you all can see my darling baby boy.
Sorry if this post turned out to be a bit depressing. That really wasn't my intention. But I guess it just all came pouring out.
Again thank you so much for your love and support! I'll take your positivity with me each time I go visit my baby boy.
Love
Lindsey
Lindsey, when I think of you, I think of that little baby I held in my arms on your christning day but you are, in fact, this amazing woman with courage and determination I can only hope to have. I am so proud of you. I know you and Billy will be amazing parents. Stephen is strong because you are strong. I have never prayed so hard for anything in my life and I know God is listening.
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Aunt LuAnn
From a nursing point of view, premature babies make it through surgery everyday and look at Andrew Morrissey, 2 ops in his first month of life! From a parent's point of view, it will always be horrendous but I continue to pray and have faith that Stephen is strong and will make it. Your strength is inspiring and you can't be positive all the time....you are only human. Look forward to next update x
ReplyDeleteI'm a friend of danielles and have been keeping up with your blog since she posted your sneak peek. I think you are incredibly strong and so is Stephen!!! He is such a miracle already!!! I know God has wonderful plans for all of you!!!
ReplyDeleteAshly
Your ability to compose your thoughts and keep us all informed is a testament to your strength. You should not be thanking us - we should be thanking you and Stephen. Since learning of Stephen’s story, I think all of us have been reminded to be so grateful for the things we have – particularly our children and their health. You and Stephen are an inspiration to all of us.
ReplyDeleteMy family is praying for you and Stephen everyday. I had a preemie at Fairfax, Dr. Khoury was my doctor, and Dr. Lewanda was our geneticist. You are definitely in God's hands there. Your ability to stay positive amazes and inspires me. Many prayers are coming your way. God bless you, Stephen, your husbands, your doctors, and your nurses.
ReplyDeleteXOXO, congrats and I will keep the prayers coming!!!! Every post gives me chills!
ReplyDeleteDear Lindsey and Bill, He is just beautiful. You may have thought, love at first sight, applied to you alone, well now you see the real meaning of the phrase, he is the best expression of Love. Thank you for sharing the photos with all of us, I was so anxious to see him. By the way, I think Ciara has big plans for his social life! Love Mrs. B
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