When you have a planned c-section, you sort of end up planning everything. You plan who will watch the other children, what your hospital stay will look like, and what life will be like at home. You pack your hospital bag accordingly, and if you were like me and on bed rest prior to giving birth, you look forward to getting back to being mom again.
But that’s not how things went for us this time.
But, first…
Let me introduce Baby Mercy!
This is Mercy. She was 11 pounds, 7 ounces at birth and 22 inches long. But, she did not enter this world screaming and crying. She entered the world purple and quiet.
But, she’s a fighter.
She was a wiggle worm all throughout my pregnancy, and that fight came out as she worked hard to breathe in those first few minutes…the minutes that seemed like hours to a mama lying on the sidelines, shaking from the medication, praying over and over that her little girl would cry.
But she didn’t.
And as they whisked her away and my husband went with her, I have never felt so alone.
Eventually, they wheeled me back to recovery, and I sat there and waited, wondering what was going on, and when Ty would come back…and what he would say when he did come back.
Much of those first couple of hours are a blur. I don’t remember much of what was said to me until someone said I could see her and they wheeled my bed into the the NICU so I could look at her. She was intubated and calm and doing well they all said.
Mercy was born with a cleft palate and a recessed chin, called micrognathia.
Many people have looked at this photo of Baby Mercy and thought her chin didn’t look all that recessed, but as the surgeon later explained to us (more on that in a moment), the inside of her mouth is tiny, so tiny that her tongue couldn’t help but fall back into her airway, blocking it completely.
The above photo was taken during the few hours they had her extubated over night the first night. It only lasted a few hours before she became distressed and it took everyone in the NICU to get the tube back in.
And that was when things began to move very quickly.
The NICU doctor came up to talk to Ty and I about what had happened, and his grave concern that our feisty little girl would pull the tube out herself and the doctors and nurses would not be able to get it back in this time. He felt she needed surgery and she needed it now. He offered us two options of hospitals – one in the current state we live in, and one near friends and family in a neighboring state. We chose the one near friends and family – which also happens to be ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the nation. It just made sense. And so, Ty quickly packed and boarded a plane with Baby Mercy…
And I stayed behind to recover from the c-section.
When Ty and Mercy got to the hospital, the CranioFacial team was waiting for them. They gathered around her, assessed her condition, and got her comfortable in the NICU.
When Mercy was 5 days old, the team decided she needed surgery. They also finally gave us a name for her condition – Pierre Robin Sequence. Her case had no genetic issues attached to it and she has no other extenuating circumstances, like heart issues, in conjunction with the diagnosis. It is basically a series of events that happened early on in pregnancy that did not allow her palate and chin to form normally. The best choice for her case was to do a jaw distraction (mandibular distraction). This surgery involves hardware put into the jaw with rods sticking out from behind her ears that are turned twice a day with a screwdriver-type instrument in order to lengthen her jaw and allow for the tongue to come forward and no longer fall back into her airway.
Today, the team hopes enough progress has been made to allow for the tube to come out. Please, be praying all goes smoothly and Mercy’s jaw truly is far enough forward to allow for her airway to stay open.
I have never heard my baby girl cry, and I have never held her – two things I am desperate for. It makes me cry just thinking about the moment those two things happen.
If you would like a more timely update to Mercy’s progress, you can see photos and updates on my Facebook and Instagram pages.
April says
Amy,
Can you post an address where we can send you cards, gift cards, etc?
My heart along with SOOOO many others just aches for you. I hope and pray you hear Mercy’s cry along with getting so many Mercy snuggles VERY soon:(
Many hugs!!!
Samantha says
I remember when Samuel was in the NICU and couldn’t hold him. He had to stay under the lights or have brain damage. My arms ached for my little boy. My heart ached in prayer and fear for his future. He made it through. I made it sleeping sitting up in a chair and eating about a dozen cupcakes during his stay. When people would ask me if I needed anything I told them to bring me a cupcake. You can do this, but the key is to take care of yourself. She needs you, Mama, to be strong for her. I know this is HARD! The doctors have a plan, and she is in the best hands. You made sure of that. Praying for her health, the doctors’ hands and hearts, for your children who I’m sure are missing their mama, for Ty and especially for you, dear friend.
REBECCA says
We have never met, but I have been following you for a little while.
Praying God will continue to strengthen Mercy and lead the doctors in every aspect of her care.
Jodie says
Oh Amy! Following this journey from the other side of the world. Thinking of you and your lovely family as you walk the “NICU Family” path. So stressful for all, punctuated with moments of pure joy. It was one week before I could hold my little one (No. 9), and then I went home without him for 6 weeks. After 8 beautifully uncomplicated births, I couldn’t work out whether I was thankful for having had those, or desperately upset because I knew so well what I was missing out on with No. 9.
Such a bewildering and emotional time. Each day is a step closer to having little Mercy home and your family reunited – hold on to that. Praying for you all every night. Jodie – NZ. xx
Angie Tester says
Prayed in Jesus’ name for Mercy and for your family xx
Susan says
I am praying for both Mercy and you!
Rana says
Amy, keeping you and sweet baby Mercy in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlotte Moore says
I am sorry for all you all are going through. I know it has to be so hard with you not being able to be with Mercy and your husband. PRAY you will be able to hold that precious baby girl soon. PRAY all will be well with her too.
GOD BLESS!!
Kate says
Praying you can hold your beautiful girl soon!
Lauren says
I have 5 kids and 4 of them had medical issues at birth. I know what it is to in a different hospital than your sweet baby. Rest well so you can give your baby everything when you are reunited. God is in control and your baby is exactly where she should be- getting all of the attention she needs!
Praying for peace and recovery!
Lauren
Lori says
Amy,
Praying for great success today for little Mercy! Also for healing and a quick recovery for you. May God bring peace and joy to your entire family:)
Blessings
Lori
LanaMS says
She is so beautiful. My heart is aching for you right now. Our family is lifting Mercy, you, Ty, and the rest of your family up in prayer.
Allison says
Thank you for sharing. I’m praying for Baby Mercy, for you and your family, and for the doctors and nurses caring for her. The pic of her being wheeled to the plane made me cry. I hope you’re recovering well from your surgery and that Baby Mercy continues to improve and that you will get to hold that sweet baby girl in your arms very soon! *Hugs*
Betsy says
We’ve prayed and will continue to pray throughout all of this with you all.
Clara says
Praying for you and Mercy and her doctors!
Lea says
Prayer and more prayers! God be with you Amy!
Jean says
We are praying for your beautiful little girl and you and your family.
Vicki says
Praying for Sweet Baby Mercy and your entire family. Thank you for sharing your story.
Anni says
Oh my. I follow you on FB, but hadn’t read the whole story. Our Anastasia, now 13, didn’t cry either when she was born. Her shoulders had gotten stuck, and her heart stopped beating because of the trauma. Once they finally got her out, her Apgar was zero. CPR and desperate prayers later, God graciously started her heart again. Like Mercy, her name is significant. We chose the name Anastasia because it means “resurrection.” We chose it **six months** before she was born.
We serve a merciful, resurrecting God. I am praying for you all!
Amy says
What a beautiful story your daughter has!
Nikki says
Dear Amy,
Can’t even imagine this. Praying for you Amy and your sweet baby girl.
Gwen says
What beautiful photos of baby Mercy 🙂 Praying for you all.
Ginny says
Praying for each of you, Amy. Hugs from one mom to another!
Tara Young says
Lord we pray for Mercy and her sweet family. As she was knit so preciously together in her mother’s womb, You knew. Please give the physicians wisdom, skilled hands and ability beyond their years. We pray for a quick recovery for mama and that her family would be well cared for as she herself heals. Provide financially for them as this is unexpected and God we pray for miracles of Mercy upon your sweet daughter. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Patti says
Sending hugs and prayers for Baby Mercy, your family and the team caring for her.
TIffany says
Amy, prayers for sweet Mercy, your entire family, and you with your mama’s heart breaking for your daughter ….during this hard time of trials. I found your blog not long ago – however, have been encouraged by it many times. I hope knowing a stranger and her family holding you up in prayer is encouraging to you as well.
As her name states , we’ll pray for peace and mercy for such a time as this. My the breath of life flow through her lungs as she (and that wonderful team of skilled doctors) take these huge steps to breathing on her own. Jeremiah 29:11 . Rest in Him who holds the future. Blessing~
Heidi says
Amy,
I have been following your blog intermittently for the past almost 8 years. I connected with your page when your daughter died, having had a stillbirth a few months earlier. Our family has continued to be open to life after our loss believing God has called us to participate in the beauties and blessings of large family living.
While I have continued to read for years, I’m not sure I’ve ever commented before but Baby Mercy is bringing me out of my hurry hole ;). She is such a beautiful gift of God! Our youngest Tomas’ birth story is much like hers. These few words bring me back so quickly to those moments when he did not cry and the separation of being at a different hospital. His story is still being written as we came home from the NICU after a relatively short stay thinking life would somehow settle down only to discover additional complications down the road that have made his first year quite the little adventure!
We will be praying for you and your husband and children in the coming days and weeks. My children have developed quite the heart for babies who have a rough start in life and I know they will diligently uplift your sweet girl. The NICU is such a wild adventure and roller coaster of emotions. Much love to you and your family!
Heidi
Meryl says
Amy, I am praying for you, your family, and Mercy. She is so precious! One of my twins spent 11 days in NICU for lung development, even though we had a planned c-section full term. It was quite unexpected & I also felt alone. I had a difficult recovery with blood pressure & pain management issues. Caroline was in my room and went home with me, but I didn’t get to hold Connor until day 7 – two days after Caroline & I were discharged. My twins didn’t get to lay side by side until day 11, when Connor came home. In my mind, it just felt so wrong to not keep them together in the same bed.
My heart hurt so deeply when he wasn’t a cuddly baby. The mom-son bond did not happen the way I had dreamed it would. But you know what…
It’s all a distant memory now! We celebrated our healthy happy 3 year olds’ birthdays last week. What an incredible gift from God. We walked a tough road with both twins. In addition to lungs problems, Connor had an underdeveloped foot with webbed toes and severe torticollis (his neck muscles were so tight that he leaned and lost his balance). Therapists told me he probably wouldn’t walk until he was 18mo. Well, he walked at 12mo and now he a talented tiny tball player!
Caroline has Eosinophilic Esophagitis triggered by food allergies. She has been on a strict elimination diet for a year – no milk, eggs, soy, nuts, wheat, corn, sesame, etc. But now she is gaining weight & sleeping through the night. We are all eating more fruits & veggies because of her restrictions. She has the sweetest tender heart. God uses her to slow me down. She open my eyes to God’s little glories – pointing out butterflies, singing Jesus loves me, or just belly laughs & giggling.
God will use these hard days to deepen your relationship and trust in Him. He will give you a great testimony that you can share to encourage others. And before you know it, Mercy will be right beside you, and you will celebrate with even deeper joy.
God’s got this, Amy! Rest in Him.
Jerica says
Our 6th baby was born this last year with a cleft lip and palate. It was devastating news to learn of a month before he was born. One thing God has taught me over and over again through this journey is how much I can trust Him. I would find myself asking “why?” so many times. But over and over again He’s shown little ways “why” this needed to happen. It was 6 days before I got to hold him and even longer before I had to learn how to feed him. The whole thing was so overwhelming but God was faithful and He will be with you, Ty and baby Mercy as well. Our little Jonathan Edwards has had 2 surgeries with another due right after his first birthday. I will be praying the Lord comforts your momma heart as you endure the long waiting moments of this journey. These babies are such a blessing! I wouldn’t have asked for Jonathan to have been born any other way.
Kelly Rush says
Bless you! Praying for you and Mercy and your family!
Shanna Kay Pino says
I am praying for you , your family and sweet baby Mercy. May God do a miracle with baby Mercy and show His hand in all that is to be done to bring glory to His name.
Love and prayers,
Christina says
Amy you are so strong. Praying for your family. Baby mercy is a blessing.
Amber says
Praying for you, friends. God has her in His hands.
If you’re feeling down don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.
Sending you well wishes. I know, in Jesus’ name that Mercy will receive what her name states, God’s mercy and grace. As will your family.
Nicole says
Praying continually for you sweet mama and little Mercy.
Julie daniel says
PrAying that God will send his angels to ingulf you and your baby girl at this time! She is a beauty!
Brienne says
My heart is with you ! My pregnancy with my seventh did not go as planned . She is now four months old and it’s our sixth week in the hospital . Six weeks of life with her has been in the hospital . And nothing has gone to plan. Most often I cannot hold her and my heart hurts most days .i am praying for you and your family !
Summer Glazier says
She’s absolutely darling! I am praying for you and your family and the doctors. Praying you get to hold your baby very soon. I follow your blog and have received such encouragement from you. God bless you.
Laura says
As a momma (and a momma of a baby whisked into NICU), my heart is with you! And so are my prayers!
KAROL A LUTTJOHANN says
Praying for Mercy, your entire family and all the medical staff.
Victoria says
Firstly congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby girl, my family and I will be including Mercy and your family in our prayers and wishing you peace and strength in this stressful time.
Lacey Heinz says
Oh my goodness, I am praying for little sweet Mercy!
Sarah says
We are praying for your little girl. What a sweet blessing, Mercy is! My oldest was in the NCU, I remember how scary it was. I felt like a horrible mom when I had to go home at night without my baby. But, he is 11 now and is totally healthy. You are doing great and when you lose your strength, pray to God and He will give you more.
Savannah says
I have been following your posts on Facebook (via my husband’s account) since Baby Mercy’s birth. I cannot imagine your pain, but I’m praying that our Heavenly Father would wrap you, baby Mercy, and your entire family up in His arms. That He would give the doctors and nurses wisdom, guidance, and direction, that little Mercy would be strong, healthy, and whole, and that He would give you overwhelming strength and peace that passes all understanding.
Ann says
Lord God we come before you and ask for healing for baby Mercy. Please guide the doctors and nurses and be with her parents and give them peace, Amen.
Coby says
Oh Amy she’s beautiful!!! I am praying for Mercy- for the surgery to go smoothly! And for peace and comfort for your heart as you wait to hold her and respond to her cries! Hugs!
Jen says
Praying!!
Kimberly D says
Oh Amy, my heart is hurting for you and Ty. We will be praying for you and your family. Praying that sweet little Mercy’s jaw will have moved far enough forward for her to be able to breathe easier. For God to guide the doctors and nurses in every decision made with Mercy. Praying that you get to hear her wonderful little cry and hold your dear baby soon.
Are your children getting to visit with you? Just from experience (not like what your going through, but my 13 year old daughter in the hospital two different times this year & me unable to be with her), my kids seemed to take the edge off and helped me smile through a really difficult situation.
Amy says
The kids came up this past weekend. It was so nice!
Diana says
Amy – from beginning to end of this pregnancy, you are a fighter! I am in awe of you.
Congratulations on little Mercy’s arrival. She is beautiful, and you are a trooper.
We will be praying for you, your little lady, and your family. Thank you for updating us!
Theresa says
PRAYING NOW!!!!
Linda says
I pray that the HOLY SPIRIT will comfort you and your family . May the LORD’S HANDS be upon your baby Mercy. To heal and keep her safe and well. I thank Heavenly Father for the many blessings He has given us . I ask these things in the name of JESUS. AMEN
Amanda says
In Jesus name, it shall all be well for Mercy and her family! Sending prayers of strength and peace for you Momma, your heart must be aching for your baby girl.
Tami Lewis says
My daughter and I are praying! Congratulations on a beautiful little girl.
Jessica says
I am praying for you and your precious daughter. My heart hurts for you as I can’t even imagine the feelings you endure through this time. May God give you his strength and comfort.
Niema says
I am sending prayers for you and your sweet yet strong baby girl. She is going to be one tough cookie. But rest assured that God has her in His safe hands.
I know what it’s like to have a baby in the NICU, mu daughter was delivered 6
Weeks early and only weighed 3lbs 5 ozs. I wasn’t able to see or hold her either and it was an eternity. But by the Grace of God, she is now a healthy 9 year old and is the tallest in her class and is on the swim team and I couldn’t be more proud.
You will have that same kind of testimony. I hope I’ve encouraged you. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family.
ANissa says
Praying for you, sweet baby Mercy, and your family! God’s grace is sufficient, His strength is made perfect in weakness, when you are weak HE is strong!
JC says
Praying for your family. Guidance for the doctors and nurses, Super fast recovery/healing for both you and Mercy, and that you will get to hold her soon. I’ve been following you for several years and your family is strong. You will get through this together and I pray for God to show you daily he’s with you and he’s for you. Will keep you all in prayer.
Celina says
Hugs and prayers!
Krista Carrigan says
Praying for you, Mercy, and your family.
Christabelle says
Praying for you! My heart aches for the upheaval of your world and the emotion that overwhelms. May He comfort you as only He can and watch over your sweet family. Praying for precious Mercy and the surgical team.
Stephanie says
Amy, thank you for sharing your update. My heart breaks for you and the situation. No one can every prepare for that. Please be assured of my prayers for baby Mercy and your family and for your healing and to get to be a mommy for her soon. May God bless you and wrap loving, healing arms around you and Mercy and the whole family.
AsHley says
I am praying for you and your sweet baby! In Jesus Name I pray healing over her! Blessing on you and your family! His ways are not our ways, His thoughts not our thoughts! He has a plan! He makes a way!
Alexandra M Nelms says
Amy thank you so much for sharing your story. My heart goes out to you and your family and we will be praying for you and that Jesus Christ strengthens you and sustains you during this time. May your little girl be made well and may this situation be used to bring glory to our Savior Jesus Christ.
Lauren says
Tiny babies, fresh from heaven, remember heaven. Think about having those near Mercy remind her that Jesus, who she probably, likewise, remembers, is still near her. You might tell her to look for him. I have no doubt he is right there with her … He’s probably very shiny…
Sorry if that’s a little mystical. I happen to sincerely believe it is true. PS he of course is with you also. May he stir up the peace that only comes from absolute faith in his sovereignty in you and yours. …
kristi says
I don’t know you, but wanted you to know that I just prayed for you and sweet Mercy. She is beautiful!!! As a mama, I can imagine how your arms ache to hold her! Praying for a speedy recovery for you, for your family as you are spread apart, for the anxiety you are all feeling, and of course for the procedure to be complete and successful soon so sweet Mercy can come home! What a story she will have! God bless you and your family sweet mama!
Latryce says
Dear Amy I am praying for little Mercy and you and the family. I had a baby boy last year who stayed in the NICU for a month after being born two months early. I know that feeling of wanting more than anything to hold your baby and smell their sweet breath. I will be adding you also to our prayer group over at homeschoolscopes.tv. Hugs
Leah says
Our family is praying for precious baby Mercy and your sweet family, Amy. We also read all your updates together, and cry, and smile, and comment on how beautiful your baby girl is. Thank you for sharing your life with us; you and your family are an inspiration.
Nicole says
Amy I dont know you but I am praying for your little girl right now. I Praise the Lord for her little life and pray that she will heal and that you two will be reunited soon. I pray that God’s face will shine on hers and yours and that He will show you his love in this tough situation!!
God bless you and Mercy
Nicole
Josi says
Praying!!
Sister M. Lalemant Pelikan, RSM says
You and your family, and especially baby Mercy, are in my prayers daily. How difficult not to have held your own daughter yet, nor heard her cry, and the bonding that usually happens early on between mother and child is obviously delayed in her case and yours! May our God of Mercy give each of you the strength to do and be who you must for Mercy and for each other! Love!
Tawnya says
To God be the glory for such a beautiful baby girl! Father please strengthen this little gift of Mercy. Give the doctors wisdom and skill of hand. Heal Amy so that she can be with her little girl. Provide strength, energy, hope, and finances for the entire family! Amen!
Rébecca says
I have been reading your updates on Facebook but since I don’t have an account couldn’t comment there. I just wanted to say I have been thinking and praying a lot for you. I know what it is like to have a very hard pregnancy and be ever so anxious for the baby to be born and for things to get easier -only for things to get HARDER instead. It was my experience with my last baby (7th). Hardest pregnancy ever, but we had no idea what was expecting us after the “delivery”. The following weeks cannot compare with all the pregnancy’s woes. But, now, a few months later, I can attest that it does, one day, get better. Hang in there ! Hugs !
S.m. says
I’m praying for you and your sweet baby. Hoping you are all reunited quickly!!!! (((Hugs)))) during this difficult but blessed time
Valerie says
Amy, I am keeping your family in my prayers . I am so sorry it must be heartbreaking to see your little baby and not be able to hold her or hear her cry. God be with you to give you peace and assurance that He is in control.
Charlene says
I’m so sorry to hear this! I will be keeping you, Baby Mercy, and your family in my prayers. Being a two time NICU Momma myself, I know how tough and isolating it can be. I’ve prayed to our Lord that He will wrap His comforting arms around you and that He will show His amazing healing hands to sweet Baby Mercy that she may be able to breathe and that you will finally hear her sweet cry! Please know you are not alone and you’ve got all of us thinking of you and praying for you and your family! Keep strong Momma, and may God bless you!
Kim says
Tears of joy and concern here. Praying your arms are full of Mercy very soon.
Michelle says
Praying healing and wholeness for Baby Mercy and family
Matthew 14:14Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
14 And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
Michelle
Laura says
Six years ago my little brother James was born with cleft palate and Pierre Robin.
He was born at home (my dad delivered him) and we didn’t know why he wouldn’t nurse. It was a month before we finally found out what was wrong, and why he was constantly crying; why he’d lost weight (thank God he was a healthy weight at birth); why he liked to lie on his stomach best.
It almost brings me to tears every time I think about how he was fighting so hard and we didn’t even understand.
He is truly the bright spot in my life, so full of life and fun. He really is special.
I pray that you’ll be able to hold her very, very soon. Hang in there! <3
kaci says
Prayers for mercy, you and family!
Renata says
Oh Amy, what a time you’ve had. Please know I will be praying for sweet Mercy & yourself as well. Congratulations on a beautiful little girl.
Angela Ayaz says
We are keeping you in our prayers. We are expecting twins any day now, and our daughter is to be named Mercy. We would also love an address or GoFundMe link where we can help you out as you face this unexpected trial. As someone who has gained so much from your blog over the years, I would love to be able to pay back just a little of what you have poured into me even though we have never met. God bless you on this journey.
Megan Besong says
Oh, Amy! Well, firstly, CONGRATULATIONS on that sweet little princess!!!!!!!! Secondly, I am PRAYING FOR YOU and will continue. I am praying FIRSTLY for Mercy’s FULL and complete recovery, wisdom for the surgeons and doctors, and a supernatural healing. I’m also praying AGAINST depression in Jesus’ name! I know you must be hitting some lows with not being able to hold that sweet baby, but in Jesus name your joy will NOT be stolen, but be rooted in the hope we have in Jesus. I changed my notification settings for your FB page to “see first” and can’t wait for the news of Mercy’s full recovery.
P.S. I named my 4th baby Mercy, too. <3
anna says
Dear Amy and family,I’m so sorry to hear you are going through all this.Our heartfelt prayers go out to you all,especially your lovely little Mercy.Hugs from across the pond xx
Vicki says
Prayers and love sent from the UK for baby Mercy and your whole family. My children have put Mercy’s name into our family prayer box.
Heidi @ Grow family love says
Praying for your family, Mama! God Bless your sweet Mercy! I love her name! <3 I'm adding your family to my blog's prayer list right now. 🙂
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13
Alison says
Heart is breaking for you momma! I hope all goes well with you and baby girl. As a c-section momma myself I have known what it’s like to have baby rushed away and taken to NICU without getting to hold and snuggle. I will keep you and Mercy lifted in prayer
Michelle Cannon says
My heart aches for you. I saw your latest update on IG. You got to hold her! Baby steps!
Courtney LeMon says
So glad your day to hold Mercy and hear her cry have come. I’ve been in that spot exactly, hearing our daughter’s first cries and being able to hold her came on separate days, but they were some of the best days of my life. So glad we have Immanuel, our God who is with us, when life does not go as we plan.
Christina Norbie says
Our prayers are with you,Mercy and your family. May strength, grace, and peace be with you.
rebecca says
praying!
Kayla says
We haven’t met but a friend of mine tagged me in your post. My son was born with PRS also, but his wasn’t found until he was 5 days old. We were very blessed that nothing unimaginable happened during that time. He never ended up needing the distraction, but we spent 3 weeks in the hospital. Feeding was his big concern. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need any support. This was such a scary time for us and his case was mild. It is not a very common condition. My little man is now 20 months old and is doing great. I will pray for you and your little one.
Amy says
Thank you! We just started trying bottle feeding today. She did well considering all she’s been through. It’s not nearly enough to thrive, but I’m praying we can keep gaining on it.
Christina Weight says
You and your sweet baby will be in my prayers. There is a beautiful translation of Hosea 11:3-4 in the New Revised Standard Version. Just as you ache to hold your baby girl to your cheek, you can visualize God holding you to His.
Jodie says
Just saw the photo of your first cuddle with wee Mercy – I’m so happy for you. I remember my heart about bursting when I had a similar moment…and I didn’t want to let go. I could have sat there, suspended in time, forever. You just watch Mercy flourish now that her Mama is able to hold her.
Look at that thigh though, that’s a handful! Just adorable.
Jodie says
Also, keep well and take care Amy. You are still recovering too – emotionally as well as physically. Prayers for Ty too – the Dads take on a lot so we can focus on Baby – our own personal Super Heros.
Amy says
Thank you, Jodie 🙂
Michelle says
We are praying for Your precious baby girl Mercy as well as you and your family. Complete healing in Jesus name with overwhelming peace and comfort.
Jibimol says
My prayers are with you .she will get well. In this year of mercy God will show his mercy to your family.
Andrea says
Praying for you and Ty, Mercy, all of your children as this has to be very hard for them as well. Praying for the medical team. God is Sovereign in all things. His strength is ours to claim. Strength, courage and peace to your entire family.
Andrea says
Amy, also sent you an email with all my contact info if we can do anything at all for your family right now!
Hugs, kisses and prayers!!!
Stacie says
P R A Y E R S for sweet Baby Mercy, and P R A Y E R S for you. May God be with you both, and the rest of your family, too. Praying for healing, comfort, and a sweet reunion.
Elaine Gaumer says
Oh Dear Jesus bless this little mother…. and her precious baby girl.
Heal them both…. hearts take longer to heal than bodies….
Amen
Anne says
Oh my! May the Lord bless and keep you both in His loving arms!!! Hang on, Dear Mama, it’s going to be okay.
joanna says
Dear amy you share your life with us and it is a sweet gift there are not many titus 2 woman around for us who have larger families. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I pray God bless you and I pray today finds you standing firm on the promises of God. He is with you He has plans to give you and your husband this baby and her siblings a future and a hope. God bless you. In christs abiding and strengthening love Joanna Everett your sister.
Jodie says
Hi Amy, I don’t have a Facebook account but I just wanted to encourage you regarding the breastfeeding, having seen your latest post. Our little boy’s situation was different – he did not have milk until Day 16 (intestinal surgery) and then he had low muscle tone due to Down Syndrome. But the important point was that, after trying unsuccessfully to breastfeed in hospital, I decided to forgo that in the interim and just get him up to full feeds of breastmilk by bottle so he could come home. Once he was home, he and I persevered and slowly but surely we switched from bottle to breast. He was about three months out of hospital then (five months old in real time).
I found that trying to breastfeed in hospital was making him tired, which meant he was too tired to take a full feed by bottle and had to top up with the NG tube, which meant they would not discharge him home. Once I realised this I relaxed about the breastfeeding to get him home. Once home, wee Michael and I had many quiet, late night feeds to practise!! In the end he breastfed like a trooper until he was 20 months old.
Best wishes – it is a tiring, stressful time. Thinking of you every day and keeping up to date with progress reports.
Amy says
This is exactly what I needed to hear! And exactly what I have been thinking of doing. Thank you for the encouragement!
Katie k says
I am a mother who didn’t hear two of my babies cry until they were 3-5 weeks old. My oldest and youngest were born with heart issues and intubated within minutes of birth. My youngest was also premature. Like you, we faced surgery within days of birth (though theirs were open heart surgeries). I feel for you. I know the longing to hear that sweet cry. One day you will. I still wait. My youngest vocal chord is paralyzed. I’m confident God will heal him completely in His timing, but for now I wait. 10 weeks we’ve been waiting. We are covering your family with prayer and waiting for His glory to shine brightly in your story.
Carrie Willard says
Oh goodness sweetie! I haven’t stopped by your blog in ages so had no idea this was going on. I can say that I understand what you are going through though, as my 7th baby was a 27 weeker preemie who spent 11 weeks in NICU. I know the anguish. It has taken me nearly two years to feel like myself again. Our story is here if you need something to read while pumping. ( Remember that too, ugh!)
http://www.carriewillard.com/a-preemie-story