This is the amazing journey of our two miracles. John Craig was born on November 30, 2005 at 24 weeks and 5 days gestation. He weighed 1 pound 8 ounces and was 12 inches long. John is a true miracle and an inspiration to all that meet him! Hope Amanda, our perfect little girl, is currently recovering from two brain surgeries to remove a 6cm mass from the center of her brain. Hope represents everything good in this world and she too is an inspiration to all.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29.11

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Beautiful Brain

I cannot remember the last time I left an appointment with John (especially a neuro. appointment) grinning from ear to ear.  Granted, we haven't really had any major appointments since he was two years old.  

Anyhow, the MRI was read yesterday......and boy was that the most perfect little brain I have EVER seen. God is truly amazing.  I thank all of my faithful readers (family, friends and complete strangers) who have prayed and continue to pray for this amazing little boy of mine.   If you remember, John suffered a Grade 4 bilateral brain bleed (4 being the worst and bilateral meaning both sides of the brain) and severe cerebellum bleed, when he was only 8 days old.  Well, the MRI showed that most of it had resolved....minus the cerebellum which is extremely small (no surprise to us though...we already knew that.)  This is just another reminder of the power of prayers.  And, how awesome for us to be able to witness God's work first hand!

As far as the surgery goes, he IS a candidate.  Now, whether or not we decide to proceed is still up in the air.  We have spent a good portion of this year researching the Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy and finding the best doctors.  We've already met with one and are setting up appointments with two others.   We have even seriously contemplated heading out to St. Louis to meet with the renowned, Dr. Park (who's performed this surgery over 2,000 times.)  

Again, please pray for all of us.  As parents, this is a very tough decision....we know that we cannot move forward with this surgery until we are 100% confident.  But, regardless of our decision we KNOW that John will continue to thrive and continue to lead a wonderful life.

And yes, I know my kids are wearing Christmas hats (in the pictures below) in September (when it's still 110 degrees out) but they take after their Momma.....and totally dug these out AND put them on all on their own!!!

John said to me, "Momma, ho ho ho...it's almost Christmas!"  And with that being said, I am almost done with all my Christmas shopping:)

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Monday, September 20, 2010

Brief Update

Sorry for the delay....with two very active little ones, I don't have near as much time for blogging.

Anyhow, the MRI was performed last Wednesday and John was a true champ (as always).......Mommy, not so much.  My stomach was in knots all day and the hour long wait (in the waiting room) was torturous.  Thankfully they let me go back with him (while they were putting him under) until he fell asleep......I was prepared to put up a fight but fortunately didn't need to.  

The nurse and anesthesiologist were wonderful.  They let him pick out his scent (for the gas mask) and he choose, grape.  They put the little mask over his face and he fell asleep in minutes.....I then gave him a kiss and was kicked out of the room so they could start his IV and intubate him.  

Recover was a piece of cake too.  He slept for a solid 30 minutes and was a little disoriented when he awoke....as to be expected.  The first thing he said was, "Momma, I go home.  I hungry!"  Poor kid hadn't eaten since the night before and it was now 3:00 in the afternoon.

We were supposed to have the MRI read the following day however, the neurologist made a mistake with his appointment so the results will be read TOMORROW.  I am anxious to see what they say........because the nurse for the MRI was speechless when she saw him (the severity of his brain bleed does not match up with him and all he CAN do.)  He's our miracle!!!!!!

Sooooooooooo, stay tuned for another update.

And, whats a post without a picture???????  So, here you go......the two most adorable kids in the world!!!!!!!!!!!




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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Prayers Please!

Once again we ask you to pray for our little man.  He is undergoing anesthesia this week for an MRI and will be intubated (just saying that word makes my stomach turn.)  We know this procedure will be done quickly but still ask for your prayers (as we KNOW God listens.)  John's last surgery of any kind was performed before his 1st birthday (praise God) so being back in the hospital brings back a lot of painful memories.  We will keep you updated and will dedicate an entire post as to why he is having an MRI in the first place (possible candidate for a life changing surgery.)


Paint on the nose!  Sign of a GREAT day at school.
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Friday, September 10, 2010

My Boys

Love them (and my little lady) more than anything in this world!



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Sunday, September 05, 2010