Thursday, January 18, 2007
In Memory... Happy Birthday Gus!
Please consider organ donation. There are a lot of children who die on the waiting list because parents do not donate their child's organs. Organ donation is something you should decide before you are in the situation where you need to decide quickly. It is not something that is easily talked about but let me reassure you that talking about it doesn't kill you or your child!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Noah Steven "Crowned in Peace"
This is from their letter on their blog..."We do not feel as though we are giving up, but rather we have been given the opportunity to give our son as a living sacrifice to God. To place Noah fully at God’s feet. No strings attached, no expectations, but a sweet gift in which we undoubtedly know God will delight."
What a beautiful testimony of the Peace that goes beyond all understanding. Please take time out to read the entries in Noah's blog and be sure to leave comments for the family. Comments are truly encouraging!
Thursday, January 11, 2007

Samuel Finn Doriot
19 weeks gestational age--cord accident
Butterfly
A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment
it's glory and beauty belong to our world.
But then it flies on again
And though we wish it could have stayed
We feel so lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Happy 1st Birthday Grayson!!
Monday, January 08, 2007
Playing Catch-Up...

I am waaaay behind in my ASL (American Sign Language) class and I need to play some "catch-up". I'm going to be hanging out withDr. Bill over at LifePrint and use his free online curriculum to do this! LifePrint is probably my most favorite ASL site...it is very easy to follow and there are photos and animations. Dr. Bill's site is set up in lessons and really goes into teaching about the Deaf culture. There's also a section titled "Baby's First Signs". There are other online ASL dictionaries that I like too...ASLPro is one of them.
I started learning ASL because Gus was bilaterally and profoundly deaf. I am continuing to learn ASL in hopes that I will be able to communicate with other special needs kids...not only those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing but also those who are challenged in other ways. It is a beautiful language that I encourage you to try out!!
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Holland

Red Tulip Field in Lisse, Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands Izzet Keribar
I know that quite a few of you are already familiar with the story "Welcome to Holland" by Emily Perl Kingsley. If you are not, please take the time to read it here. It is one of my favorites!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I'm Special Too! Siblings of Special Needs Children
I found this article about siblings of special needs children and thought it might be helpful....
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Remembering Emma

Today, we celebrate Emma's 1st birthday. She is no longer with us but has gone Home and though she is missed, we know she is healed and happy! Please join with me and remember Emma's family on this special day....
Also, please visit Emma's link in the sidebar for more pictures!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Terran
Please visit Terran's Transplant site. He passed away this past fall and his mom sure could use some kind words and lots of prayers. She diligently took care of Terran for ten years and now she's feeling kind of lost. I can understand, though not to the same degree...I still feel like I should be preparing TPN or mixing up some special formula....it's just hard folks....

Saturday, December 23, 2006
Not Enough...
Transplants January-September 2006 22,016 as of 12/15/2006
Donors January-September 2006 11,194 as of 12/15/2006
--SIGH--
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
The Brave Little Soul

The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” she asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
I found this wonderful story over at Molly Grace's Caringbridge site.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Where's Asher??
Well...he's home of course!!
This is a photo of Asher getting ready to leave the NICU!

How exciting for his family! When Asher was born, he weighed 1 lb and 7 oz...the day he left the NICU he weighed a 9 lbs 14oz. That is a miracle! Asher still has to have special care but I am sure his mommy and daddy are perfect for the job! Let's all continue to pray for Asher and his family and let's remember to praise God that Asher is able to live at home with his family!!
Damon Hiett
Bye-Bye
That's what Grayson is saying! Isn't that the cutest little thing....I love when babies start saying words!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Grayson: Before and After Surgery


Grayson also had another hemangioma removed from his back...

Hip Hip Hooray for Grayson!!!
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Eat, Monkey, Eat!!

Asher is moving right along...except for the eating thing! He has an occupational therapist working with him now...it's common for little monkies to need help in the eating department...suck, swallow, breathe, suck, swallow, breathe!! Go Chunky Monkey go!! Asher has also been tugging at his tubing and cannula so we need to be praying that everything "stays put"!! He's a wild one!!!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Grayson is Struggling
So pray for the doctors as you continue to pray for Grayson and his parents.
Remembering Our Babies
Please light a candle on October 15th at 7pm (in all time zones) and let it burn for one hour in rememberance of our babies.
January 18, 2005 - May 31, 2006

Samuel Finn Doriot
January 9, 2004

August 26, 1996
January 2, 2006 - July 27, 2006
carepage..type in EmmaCody

May 9, 2006 - June 29, 2006

Grayson Update
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Grayson's Going to Cinncinnati!
Tomorrow, Grayson will be heading to the Children's Hospital of Cinncinnati for the surgery to remove his hemangiomas. Please pray for travel mercies, that the surgery will go well and that he has a speedy recovery. Please also pray for Judi and Don, Grayson's mom and dad. His sister Olivia needs prayers too...it's hard when you have a sibling that is going through surgery. I'll update after the surgery...

Here's a picture of the hemangioma on his shoulder that will be removed.

Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I think Asher may have been extubated!!
Prayers for Stephanie
UPDATE:
Stephanie's surgery went very well and she is now recovering at home. She will have her bandages changed every two weeks. Thanks for all the prayers for this sweet little girl and her family!!

Stephanie has a rare condition called Arthrogryposis...it is a condition that affects her joints and muscles. This Friday, September 29th, Stephanie will be having surgery to shorten her left leg and to re-align her leg and foot. The natural growth has caused her leg to turn inward and her foot has rotated to the point that she is unable to place the bottom of her foot on the floor. Right now she has the nifty walker that you see above...and let me tell you this girl can fly! This walker has given her great mobility but hopefully the surgery will bring her much closer to walking without assistance. Please also pray for her family as she undergoes this surgery...anyone who has had a child go through surgery certainly knows how stressful it is...and if you haven't had a child go through surgery then just take my word for it!!
Thanks for your prayers and I'll update after surgery....
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Emma's mom and family....
Here's an article from the newspaper...
If you feel led to leave a note of encouragement for this family, please do ...I will make sure that they get it. Sometimes it's the little things, like an encouraging word, that make all the difference...
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Asher Update
Asher Update
Monday, August 28, 2006
Emma Cody...Resting at the Feet of Jesus
136 July 27, 2006 at 11:39 PM EDT
Luke 18:16 But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Jesus called our sweet baby Emma home tonight. Thank you to all of the wonderful people who have been on this carepage time and again, leaving us encouraging messages, and lifting Emma up in prayer. You have been our rock. Now I ask that you continue to lift Jessica, Gracie, and the rest of our family up for the days, weeks, and months to come. We will need your support. Thank you and God Bless You!
Friday, August 25, 2006
Emma Update
I just love this picture...She's watching Baby Einstein!

Emma is still bleeding from her trach and her vent settings have gone up a bit. The really great news is that she has gained 5 ozs!!! Way to go Emma!! I know that doesn't sound like a lot to most people but for NICU babies it's a HUGE deal!! Please continue to pray:
- that Emma will be able to grow new lung tissue
- that the bleeding from her trach will stop
- that the vent settings will not have to go up anymore and
- that her meds will be effective.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Asher Update
Please continue to pray for the monkey and his infection, blood count, oxygen, and anything else you can think of.
Below are some other prayer requests:
That everything works out with insurance issues with the cars.
That God provides the way and things he knows we need not what we think we need.
Healing for broken hearts.
Strength for my relationship with Adam.
A sense of humor.
Insight into God's will and strength for faith (sense sometimes it is hard to have faith when everything seems to be coming down around you).
We are thankful for all of you. God blessed us greatly when he gave us all of you.
Heather
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Urgent Prayer Request for Asher!
Asher is still fighting the infections...he seems to be getting stronger and the bleeding still continues to slow down. Please continue prayers for this little guy and his family!!
Asher appears to be doing a tad better. His CT scan showed no abcesses, however, the scan was not a full body scan so that still may be a possibilty. The doctor thinks that Asher may have CMV instead of a Gram Negative Cootie. Both are serious "bugs" to have...so please continue to pray for this little guy. The bleeding from his ostomy has seemed to slow down too and this is great news...hopefully it's a sign that the meds are working.
Asher is very sick right now. He has a horrible infection that has been classified as a Gram Negative infection...these types of infections are really tough on a body. the doctors are still waiting for the cultures to grow out so they will know exactly what this bug is. Then they will be better able to treat the infection. There's a possiblity that Asher has an abcess where this infection is hanging out...if that's the case, then hopefully it can be drained. Gus had several abcesses drained due to the same reason so we know it certainly can be effective. Asher is also experiencing bleeding from is ostomy and this is very concerning. Please pray for this family right now...Prayer requests:That Asher will become infection-freeThat if there is an abcess it can be drainedThat the medicines are effectiveThat the bleeding from the ostomy will stopThat the family remains strong and full of faith and hope
Monday, August 14, 2006
Asher
Asher is doing well and is recovering from his surgery that took place awhile back. His Aunt Laura went to see him and confirmed that he truly is a "Chunky Monkey"...that's his nick name! Please continue to pray for little Asher...pray for his parents too. His mom was in a car accident...she was hit by another car and she's ok...other than the stress of dealing with car issues and having a child in the NICU! lol! What a ride!!
Here's some baby bananas for you Asher!

Thursday, August 10, 2006
Praise God! Asher doesn't have CF!!!
Praise the Lord, Asher DOES NOT HAVE CYSTIC FIBROSIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To celebrate, here is psalm 148:
"Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above.
Praise him, all his angels, praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars.
Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the LORD for he commanded and they were created.
He set them in place for ever and ever; he gave a decree that will never pass away.
Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding,
you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars,
wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,
kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth,
young men and maidens, old men and children.
Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
He has raised up for his people a horn, the praise of all his saints, of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD."
We couldn't feel more blessed!
Aside from this exciting news, another important piece of information is that Asher will be transferred back to Mercy tomorrow. Please pray for a good transfer. We are not anticipating another surgery for a while, so we don't have to worry about this. They anticipate him going home on the ostomy, so he can grow bigger and stronger before fixing his intestines. Also, they are not worried about the kidney levels, as they think the levels are off because of nutrition issues. Please pray this is correct and he has happy kidneys!
Also, Asher is up to 70%, which they say he is compensating for the lowered vent settings, but it still makes us a little nervous. Please pray this goes down.
Heather is going to head out to cuddle her little monkey even though she is feeling really sick. She wants to make sure she gets this in just in case she is unable to for a while after the transfer.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for your prayers. God is certainly answering them one by one. We couldn't be more grateful that God has blessed us with such amazing prayer warriors!!
This update was brought to you by ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY!
Aunt Laura, Heather, Adam, Asher, ^Jacob^, and the whole family
Gus' Montage
I've put together a photo montage of Gus. It's a work in progress but I wanted to share anyway...
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Neat Videos From Aunt Laura
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Carter....Gus' newest friend in Heaven
Please lift up this little fellow's family as they grieve the loss of their precious child. Though Carter was a sick little guy, he had a true zest for life. He touched everyone that met him...he and his family have been a real inspiration to many people. You can read more about Carter by visiting his Caringbridge site . Carter's story is amazing...he was a true warrior here on earth. Now, he's receiving his much deserved rest and healing! When you visit his site, please leave a note for his mom and dad...they are amazing parents and I'm sure they would appreciate your encouraging notes!
Carter having fun at a pool party!
Here's Carter playing on the playground at football practice
Prayer Vigil Friday, August 4th at 9am
UPDATE:
Surgery went well!!
Meet Asher!! Asher will be undergoing exploratory abdominal surgery tomorrow at 9am. Please pray throughtout the day for this little guy and his family. This is a list of prayer requests from Asher's website:
- For God to guide the hands of the entire medical staff as they perform the surgery
- -Asher's strength for the surgery
- -The problem to be found easily, to be a simple problem and easy to fix
- -NO COMPLICATIONS
- -For Asher to be able to handle the conventional vent well during the time he is required to be on it.
- -Asher's lungs to not be compromised in any way. If they are, for it to be minimal.
- -For Asher to be able to switch immediately back to the bi-level vent after surgery
- -Strength for the whole family and all who love Asher, especially Heather and Adam
- -And pray for anything else you can think of! :)
To read more about Asher and his twin brother, Jacob, who is now in Heaven, point your cursor to Asher and Jacob . Be sure to leave an encouraging note for the family!!
Monday, July 31, 2006
Emma
Friday, July 28, 2006
Arrangements for Emma Cody
Emma Faye Cody
b. 1-2-2006
d. 7-27-2006

Receiving friends Sunday evening, July 30, 2006, at Farrar's Funeral Home Chapel, Jefferson City, from 6:00-8:00, services to follow at 8:00 p.m.
Interment on Monday, July 31, 2006, at 11:00 a.m., in Economy Cemetary, West Economy Road, Morristown.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the
Emma Cody Benefit Fund at Community National Bank in Jefferson City or Morristown, or mail to P.O. Box 1919, Morristown, Tn. 37816,
Bill Pearson, Treas.
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Emma has pneumonia...
Samuel Travis Lewis
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Grayson Update
Look at this big boy sitting up on the couch! He is a real cutie!!

Grayson has been a little fussy here lately but other than that he is doing well. I did get an e-mail from his mommy saying that she may have a sitter for him...I need to check back with her to find out if this is going to work out. That would be a praise if it does...moms and dads need to get out!!
Please continue to pray for Grayson:
- that his shoulder will continue to heal and not be so painful
- that his reflux will not be so hard on him
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Praise Items For Grayson!
I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. (Psalm 34:1)
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Long Over Due Update on Emma
Here's a quick list of prayer requests for Emma:
Broviac will remain open and working and infection free
that Emma can be weaned of the paralytic med
that Emma can start eating again so that new lunf tissue will grow
that Emma's mom can remain encouraged and continue to be a wonderful advocate for her daughter!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Continued Urgent Prayer Needed!!!!
July 11, 2006 at 11:31 AM EDTemma is still very sick her o2 will not stay up (it is going in the teens at times and staying there even when they bag her) all dr bucheitt said today is that he is very concerned and that this is the sickest she has ever been please pray for emma
Monday, July 10, 2006
URGENT Prayer Request for Emma!!!
from Nana (Carole) Emma has had a VERY bad night....I got here at 10:30 last evening and she was desating into the 20's and 30's. The doctors and nurses would work with her and she would get better for a while and then her stats would drop down again. We called Jessica about 3:30 this morning and she took Gracie to Bapa (David) and came on down. The doctors are continuing to work and try to help her...they have tried different types of ventilators and oscillators, and lots of different meds. She is now on the ventilator and Nitric. They have started antibiotics, and checked her blood gases just about hourly. The doctor came by right before I came out to update the carepage and said her last blood gases looked a little better. I would like to ask everyone to please intercede for Emma, Jessica and the rest of the family today and pray for God to give each one of us the strength to carry on. AGAIN, A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE DOCTORS, NURSES, RESPITORY THERAPISTS, AND ALL OF THE OTHER WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO WORK IN THE NICU. YOUR DEDICATION, SUPPORT, AND CARING ARE WONDERFUL. Please excuse any typos....it has been a long night. Thank you for your prayers, notes of encouragement, and all of the other wonderful outpourings of love you have given us.
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Grayson Update
Emma Update
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Congratulations...
Monday, July 03, 2006
Urgent Prayer request for Emma
Meet Grayson!
Isn't he just the cutest little fellow?? He looks so squeezable!! Grayson is a "26 weeker" who started out weighing only 1 lb. 12ozs.!! Preemie babies quite often experience a lot of different complications...Grayson is no exception. Reflux has been an issue for Grayson and he and his family need prayers for his healing. There's a lot of "work" that goes into taking care of a baby with reflux...there are several different medications and usually a gazillion different formulas have to be tried. Grayson's mom is dedicated to taking excellent care of him but I know from experience that this lifestyle can be quite tiring...so prayers for Grayson's mom would be nice too!! He also has a hemangioma which can be very painful...pray also that this heals soon.

Grayson's Prayer List:
- Reflux situation alleviated
- Hemangioma healed
- Rest and Peace for Grayson's family
Here are some links about hemangiomas:
http://www.healthline.com/adamcontent/hemangioma
http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/001459.htm







