Timothy James

I was admitted to the hospital on Dec. 8th because my amniotic sac was leaking and I had begun to dilate. I was ordered to lie flat on my back until the baby came ( I was due April 2nd!). Well, on Dec. 17th my water broke at 7:15pm and Timothy James decided to come early. He was breech and already on his way out, so the doctor did an emergency C-section and at 10:20 pm he was delivered. He went straight to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and has been there ever since. Timothy was only 25 weeks along in his development (a "normal" pregnancy lasts 40 weeks) so he still has a lot of growing to do.

Update: Timothy had is long term IV removed tonight (Friday) and the procedure went very well. Mommy says his color is already looking better!

Timothy is resting and recovering in L.A. God was gracious in providing a room for Dad and Mom at the Ronald McDonald House which is across the street from Children's Hospital. There has been some trouble with Timothy's long-term IV and it will removed in a minor surgical procedure tomorrow. He will be having his second eye surgery (on his right eye) Monday afternoon.

Praise:
-Housing for Mommy and Daddy

Prayer:
-Swelling (post-surgery)
-2 good, restful days before Monday's surgery
-Easy placement of new IV, if needed

Timothy had surgery on his left eye today. The surgery went well. Time will tell what the long term effects will be. Depending on Timothy's recovery from this surgery, the doctor may perform the surgery on the right eye on Friday or early next week.

Praise:
-Surgery on left eye went well.

Prayer:
-Recovery process
-Surgery on right eye
-Strength for Mommy and Daddy.
-Rest for Daddy (He'll be returning to work tomorrow.)

Timothy and Daddy were flown safely to Children's Hosp. today. Mommy (and grandma and grandpa) arrived safely by car a little later. Timothy has been seen by the specialist and he will have surgery on one eye either late Tuesday or on Wednesday. They have to do one eye at a time and there will be some time between the surgeries. Timothy is still having trouble with acidity in his little body and this will have to get better before the surgeries can be performed. Thank you for all your prayers and please continue to lift up Timothy (and Mommy and Daddy) as this continues to be a long exhausting journey.

Praise:
-Safe travel

Prayer:
-Acidity
-Eye Surgery #1
-Wisdom for the Doctors
-Peace for Mommy and Daddy (It is difficult to adjust to their new hospital setting, new doctors and nurses, etc.)

Update: Timothy will be transported to CHLA, most likely by helicopter, Monday morning with surgery following on Tuesday. We'll be staying in LA but we'll try to keep you updated so you can be praying specifically. Please feel free to pass the info on to anyone else you know who would lift us up in prayer. Thanks! Aunt Cara will be updating the site for us at least every other day, possibly more often.


Please pray for:
- safety in flight and on the freeways (mommy & daddy aren't allowed to go with so we'll be driving)
- smooth transition for Timothy into the new hospital setting
- finding a nearby place to stay in LA, probably for at least a week
- easy acclimation for mommy & daddy to the new environment and policies
- wisdom and clarity for the new doctors regarding Timothy's care

Actual Age: 5 months
Adjusted Age: 2 months
Weight: 5 lbs. 10 oz.

James 5:16b ". . . The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much."

As most of you have probably read Timothy is in need of additional eye examinations and probably surgery. We are still waiting for space to open up at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA) so that he can be transported, probably by helicopter.

In addition to the eye situation, Timothy is having some major ongoing, life-threatening issues that the doctors have been unable to resolve. It is now believed that it may be due in part to his damaged kidneys. The kidneys and the liver (both damaged in his case) are the main processing plants for all the chemicals and harmful things that may be flowing through our bodies. Because his are not functioning well, his body is essentially being "poisoned". It is very acidic because he cannot process all the medications and naturally-occuring substances that could potentially cause harm. He needs God's healing touch on his kidneys!

We believe in the power of prayer and are asking for a real effort of prayer on Timothy's behalf by all our brothers and sisters in Christ. We would love for him to be healed of these serious conditions, however, we recognize that God sees the big picture and He already has a plan in action for Timothy's life (and ours). Our prayer is that God's will would be done and that He would give us the strength and peace we need to wait, accept, and live with His plan. We know that ultimately God must receive the glory for whatever happens! Please pray with us and for us. Thank you!