11 days after Mercy’s birth, and 6 days after her jaw distraction, I finally got to wrap my arms around my little girl…
and cry tears of joy.
There are no words for how amazing it felt to finally hold my baby girl.
To give you a little bit of an idea of what exactly is happening with Mercy’s jaw, here is a photo of her “pins.”
There are 2 incisions on either side of her jaw where the hardware is attached. A rod runs along her jaw with a pin discreetly coming out from behind each ear. These pins are turned with a type of screwdriver. In the beginning, the pins were turned 3 revolutions, 2 times a day. Now, they are turned 2 revolutions, 2 times per day. This turning slowly pushes her jaw out. This surgery literally saved her life! Without it, her tongue would always be in her airway. As you can see, the difference in just 6 days is huge!
Before we go home, they will hide the pins under the skin, and when Mercy is 3 months old, we will go back to have the hardware removed. This gives the bone time to grow.
Mercy has been making huge strides since I last updated. Every day seems to have new adventures – from feeding with a new bottle to getting off all extra oxygen, to only having a NG tube and leads left on her. We just keep praying our way through it all.
To learn more about the special Dr. Brown’s bottles Mercy is using click here.
You can also watch my video on How to Use a Dr. Brown’s Specialty Bottle:
Her pin turns are expected to be completed this weekend. She will have a distended jaw when it is all said and done, but will slowly grow into it. Our biggest obstacle after this will be getting Mercy to take her full feedings through a bottle every single time.
We are so excited to see all the progress she’s making, and we PRAISE GOD for modern medicine, for friends and family so willing to pitch in and help out in so many ways, and for the supernatural strength and stamina our entire family is finding through all of this! Thank you so much for your prayers!
Jodie says
Such a difference in six days! Medicine and mechanics working together – amazing. We used Dr. Brown’s too and found them to work really well.
I’m so happy to hear you and your family are coping well. It really is a case of taking one day at a time, cherishing the triumphs and keeping positive during the slow moments. Little Mercy will get to the full feeds… and then you’ll take her home and the whole family will take her into their embrace with a huge collective sigh of love and relief. Hold on to that thought as you feed her.
“Mama, I think the red bow for my profile photo. Hmm?” Nice touch Mercy. She looks adorable!
Thanks for the updates Amy. You are all in our prayers and our thoughts every day.
Lea says
How very, very wonderful you are doing while walking through the valley. The Good Shepherd has certainly been with you. But oh Amy, I am so happy you get to have your baby in your arms. The photos of Ty reading the Bible to her on instagram just melt hearts. Thank you for sharing with us! Continuing prayers for you all, tell the kids at home to keep up the good fight!
Celina says
I’m so glad she’s doing better. Praise God. I hope you and baby can be home soon.
Charlotte Moore says
The difference is such a short time is incredible. Thank the LORD for HIM allowing medicine to develop in such a good way.
GOD BLESS!!
Diana says
She looks just awesome!! We’ll be praying for you all. I know how stressed families can get during these times, so we’ll also pray for a quick return to normalcy!! 🙂
Gwen says
So glad to hear your update, and continuing to pray for you all 🙂
Marion says
God Bless you and your family. Mercy is a beauty. So happy that everything turned out okay. Wishing that your familywill be together soon.
Marion and family
Reggie says
That is WONDERFUL that she is able to suction enough on her own to use the Dr. brown’s bottle! Our little on was never able to so we used the Johnson and Johnson squeezable bottle. That really is a major accomplishment!! Praising the Lord along with you! You both look BEAUTIFUL!
Kelly says
Amy, I am praying for baby Mercy and your family right now! Our daughter has been in the hospital these past 12 days due to a severe burn. We know firsthand all the stresses and emotions that go along with having a child hospitalized. Praying you’ll all be home soon, health for Mercy, God’s perfect provision. Blessings to you all!
tricia jones says
I’ve been praying for your little sweetheart.. tears of joy for answered prayers. Thank you for the updates & pictures. Oh those first moments in your arms!
Charmaine says
Oh Praise God, I’m so happy for you all and Baby Mercy is so beautiful! Thank you God that you are a God that answers prayer and loves us. Such a cute chubby little leg she has! So perfect. This update made me smile for you all and I will continue in prayer for Mercy. Thank you so much for sharing and blessing us all so! Breathe a sigh of relief mama, God’s got this!
Lauren says
She is so beautiful !!! Godspeed little gift from heaven <3