Heavy Heart - May 17, 2010

I can't believe it's been two months since Parker was born. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday...but it also feels like we've lived a lifetime since he was born. I have mixed emotions about March 17th. I am so GRATEFUL for the day Parker was brought into our lives- but it's also an extremely difficult day to look back on. I have never felt such panic, fear, exhaustion, desperation or pain in my life. The day started with the excitement of our new arrival and quickly turned into something I'd sometimes like to forget. I truly survived that day by the Grace of God- along with the support of Jeff and my family. I have spent today remembering his birthday- wishing I could look back on it fondly. Maybe today was a little tougher because Spencer's birthday is this weekend- and his birth was such a positive experience. But I was reminded by my sister that it's the day that we brought Parker home- HEALTHY -that I need to focus on and not the actual painful day of his birth. I give thanks every day for the GIFT we were given. So maybe we'll just celebrate Parker's birthday EVERY day! Isn't that only appropriate when given a MIRACLE?

Much love and continued thanks for your prayers and support!

Walking on Sunshine - May 11, 2010

We have been so blessed!!!! Parker continues to do well- growing by leaps and bounds. Within 10 days he went from 8 to 9.2 lbs! Dr. Beazley says he's perfect- following the exact path of all his peers. We know that God has given us a miracle!!! Thank you again for helping us through such a difficult time! We are literally walking on sunshine...the pictures are proof!

Everyday Love - Friday, April 16, 2010

We've been home two weeks now enjoying everyday life. Jeff and I have savored the moments of 'the ordinary'. We now know that those moments are truly the extraordinary moments in life. Spencer has loved getting to know Parker. He has been a super big brother (better than we expected). He kisses him on the forehead, gives him his pacifier, pats him on the head- and won't even go to bed without giving his brother a goodnight kiss! He's even shared his green beans and yogurt covered raisins with Parker (which Mom and Dad had to quickly remove!).

Parker has been to see Dr. Beazley each week to track his weight progress. The first week he didn't gain any weight. He actually lost a couple ounces- which was discouraging. But last week Parker made quite a jump- gaining 6 ounces in 5 days! The average newborn gains 1/2 ounce a day. Parker doubled that! Way to go lil man!

Dr. Beazley (quite possibly the best pediatrician in the world!) has been so amazed with Parker's progress. During this last visit he said, "You could line 100 pediatricians up to examine Parker and every one of them would say he's a perfectly normal, healthy baby...and not one of them would know, or even believe, that he had been through such a traumatic event."

Just four weeks ago I watched as my son slept while on a ventilator. Tonight I'm watching him sleep in his bassinet next to me. God truly gave us a MIRACLE in Parker..for which we will forever praise HIM.

Easter Blessings

There's no place like HOME - Sunday, April 4, 2010

We arrived home last Wednesday and were greeted by both of our families- and especially Spencer and Brooklyn! They were so excited to finally meet Parker! And Jeff and I were so excited to finally have our family together at home. We both had prayed for this day since Parker's birthday. The feeling of relief- and more importantly gratefulness are overwhelming.

Since then we've enjoyed the weekend with just 'us' 'getting back to normal'. We've needed a few days to decompress, reunite with Spencer and Brooklyn, and bond with our newest family member. We've played outside, taken naps, and snuggled in bed while reading together. It just doesn't get any better than this!

We took Parker to see his pediatrician on Thursday. Dr. Beazley worked on Parker during his brief stay at Lewis Gale. He was so glad to see Parker! He has been in contact with UVA for the last two weeks- trying to figure out exactly what happened and why. In a nutshell, he said there was no medical evidence of anything that caused Parker's trauma after birth. And more importantly- it was even more medically amazing that he pulled through what he did- and in just under two weeks! I will forever believe that Parker is my MIRACLE and God has great things in store for him!

Thanks again for all your interest in Parker's story- and especially for your prayers! We have gotten so many messages within the last two weeks. We're trying to get back to everyone when we can. However I accidentally deleted all of my received phone and text messages the other night while I was feeding Parker. My only excuse is it was 4 am...and I have 'Mommy brain'. :) So I apologize if I miss getting back to you.

We will continue to keep you updated on Parker's progress- and will include pictures- because he just gets cuter every day! :)


 

Take Me Home, Country Roads - Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Two weeks ago tomorrow the Lord blessed us with the arrival of Parker Liam Britton. Within the two weeks since then, we've truly had our faith tested. There was a point where we almost lost Parker- on more than one occasion. The Lord gave us a MIRACLE in Parker- and for that, we will forever praise HIM.

Parker did great last night! He took full feeds all night- and did super again today! So two weeks after his birthday, we are finally going home! We hope to be discharged after rounds in the morning- hopefully by noon. We are so excited! I cannot wait for tomorrow to get here! We are so ready to take him home- introduce him to Spencer and Brooklyn- and then LOVE him forever. We have been SO blessed! I cried on the way back to the hotel tonight- I finally feel the 'release' of everything we've been through. The ups and downs of the last two weeks- and especially the 'unknown' has been so difficult. I told Jeff that two weeks ago tonight, we had no idea that our lives would change so drastically, so fast. Before then I took so much for granted- my family, friends, health, another day, etc. I don't want to ever do that again. I will always remember how quickly it can be taken away.

I would like to ask you to pray for other children in the NICU. Jeff and I met so many families of premature, or sick, babies. Some families have been there since December. A mom I met today said they plan for her daughter to be there until June. It is heart wrenching to have to leave your child in a hospital bed every night, knowing YOU should be the one to wake up in the middle of the night for your baby- not someone else. Jeff and I were only here for two weeks. I can't imagine staying for months. So please pray for these children and parents.

Again we thank you for your prayers! 'Prayers for Parker' started as a small blog to keep our family and a few friends updated. But it turned into a huge chain of prayers, love, support, and encouragement that helped us survive such a difficult time. Thank you...thank you...thank you!!!

So 'take me home, country roads, to the place I belong, 'west' Virginia, mountain momma, take me home, country roads.' :) 

PS- GO WVU in the Final Four!!! :)  Parker will certainly have on his blue and gold!

Our hungry, hungry hippo! - Monday, March 29, 2010

Parker made great progress today! He was much more awake and super hungry. He strictly breast fed all day and will eat from only a bottle tonight- the NG tube will not be used. If he still gains weight tomorrow then I feel we should be discharged on Wednesday. If he doesn't gain weight, or loses weight, then I expect to be here for a few more days.

We're sorry for the short post- we'll update again tomorrow. As always, thanks for your prayers, love and support!

Our Lil' Sleepyhead - Sunday, March 28, 2010

We're sorry we haven't updated the blog in a few days. We got our hopes up that we would be able to take Parker back to Roanoke on Friday. So we checked out of our apartment and waited at the hospital. Our insurance approved the hospitalization at Roanoke Memorial- but didn't approve the transport. So in Charlottesville we stayed. We've been in a hotel since then- hoping each day that we'll be discharged. Parker continues to do well- but he hasn't met his requirement for daily feeds. He's currently on a medication that makes him sleep almost 24 hours a day- therefore unable to eat. The doctors finally decided to lower his dose of medication by 20%. Hopefully this will help Parker awake more for feedings. Today was the first day of a lower dose and I got him to take three feedings by bottle (I can't nurse him because he gets too comfortable and falls asleep!). So once his feeding improves, and the NG tube is removed, then we will be discharged....and not to Roanoke- but to go HOME!

We will keep you posted on our status. Hopefully we'll be home by the end of this week- I'm actually hoping to be discharged on Wednesday. Right now it depends on Mr. Parker. When he decides to take full feeds by bottle, then we're out of here!!! :)

During rounds yesterday we spoke with a doctor who hadn't been working when Parker was admitted. She said that she had heard about the case and, "...if I'm not working and I later hear about a case, then it's bad! For a baby to be on milronone, dopamine, dobutamine, fentaynal, TPN, lipids, etc. last week- and to be this healthy today is quite remarkable." Thanks again for your prayers, love and support. With your help the Lord gave us a miracle- and we couldn't be more grateful!

By the Grace of God - Thursday, March 25, 2010

We just got back from our nightly visit with Parker. It is truly by the grace of God that we are able to say that. This time last week we didn't even know if he would survive. I don't think Jeff and I have fully processed what we've been through- it's like we've been on auto-pilot. But the one thing I do know is I will never look at life the same.

-Anytime I see a medic helicopter, I will say a prayer for their passenger. I now know what it feels like to be the mother of someone in that helicopter.
-When someone cuts me off in traffic, I will try to be more forgiving. I will remember Jeff trying to quickly get to Parker at UVA.
-When I work with doctors and nurses, I will be thankful for all their knowledge and skill. They work so hard and know so much- and saved my son's life.
-I won't use words like horrific or devastating. I now truly know the meaning of these words.
-I will pray daily for parents of infants in the NICU. I will remember the pain of spending the day at the hospital just wishing I could take Parker home.
-When someone is in pain, I will say a kind word. I now know what it is like to be lifted up by words of encouragement.
-I will praise God that I have been given a second chance to have Parker in my life. I will remember how precious life is- and I will never take my family for granted again.

Please know that Jeff and I cannot express our gratitude enough for the love and support you've shown. We'd also like to thank all the doctors, nurses and staff at UVA Children's Hospital. They gave our son the best medical care possible- and showed us compassion and support through every heart wrenching day. We honestly cannot thank them enough.

Thank you again for every prayer for Parker. He was in my arms tonight because of your prayers...and most importantly, by the Grace of God

Jeff taught Spencer how to use the water fountain today!

Our Miracle - Thursday, March 25, 2010

I only have a few seconds but wanted to quickly update you on Parker's MRI results. The exact words of the neurologist were, "Although there are a few small hits- they are extremely small. If I had to use the word mild, I would make sure it was with a lower case 'm'. I don't expect him to have any neurological problems from this event at all. Mr. Parker is going to be just fine."

The only issue that keeps Parker in the hospital is his lack of nutrition. He isn't taking in the amount of milk that he needs- thus the NG tube remains. Since this isn't a major issue we may be able to transfer to Roanoke. What a blessing this would be!

This truly shows the power of pray. Thank you all for seeing us through this difficult time. Saying thank you just doesn't seem like enough.

You Raise Me Up - Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Today has been a very long and draining day. We still don't have any news from Parker's MRI- and we're both exhausted so this entry will be rather short. We've spent most of the day and night at the hospital. Parker made improvements today- getting the IV out of his belly button and moving to a bassinet (from a radiator bed). However he is not eating as much as they would like so he had to have a NG tube inserted (this is a line that goes in his nose directly to his stomach). This will allow them to supplement his nutrition- whatever breast milk he does not take by nursing or through a bottle will be supplemented. The sooner he gets his strength up, the sooner we can come home!

Thanks again for all of your kind words and support. Jeff and I are truly amazed at how many people care. We are grateful to have such wonderful family and friends in our life! Thank you keeping us positive and encouraged. It is because of YOU that our load has been made a little lighter. 

Happy 1st week Parker! We're so blessed to have you!