Hello Everyone,
OK...yell at me! It's been over a month since I posted information on Caleb, Josiah and Carrie. To say the least, our life has been anything but dull! :)
First off, Caleb is HOME!!! He came home a little over 3 weeks ago and is now almost 8 lbs and 21 inches long. I had quite an ordeal in the NICU at Sutter Memorial balancing being an advocate for Caleb and being considered "pushy".
We had a situation where Caleb's primary Neonatalogist wasn't able to round on him for a little over 3 weeks and the Neonatalogist who was substituting for him was to be kind...incompetent! She routinely made errors regarding his weight, when we would begin bottle feeding him, his corrected gestation age, etc. The straw that broke the proverbial camel's back was when she called to tell me that Caleb was consistently losing weight and they were going to discontinue ALL bottle feedings effectively pushing us back several weeks in treatment. When asked what weight she was referring to, she accurately quoted back to me the weights...Wednesday, 2519 g and Thursday, 2577 g. Call me crazy but that isn't a weight loss but a weight GAIN! When questioned repeatedly regarding this, she finally saw that it was a weight gain and then had the audacity to say that if I was at the NICU more often that I would understand. I guess in her mind being there 2x daily for 6.5 weeks at that time wasn't enough. :)
After having a lengthy conversation with the Nursing Director of the NICU, we had this Neonatalogist DC'd from caring for Caleb. Caleb sky rocketed after she was removed from care and he ended up leaving the NICU 8 days later. :)
Since then, we have had 4 doctor's visits...2 ped visits and 2 opthamalogist visits. The RESULT...Caleb is on a rocket launch for growth and length and his eyes are COMPLETELY NORMAL!!! Praise the Lord!!!
Josiah is such a joy to watch as a big brother! He is so gentle with Caleb and is showing no signs of jealousy! He is so incredibly smart...and it is so fun to watch him learn!
Carrie is doing excellent adjusting to having both boys home!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Caleb update
Caleb is doing very well. He passes his vision and hearing tests last week. He now weighs 4 lbs, 15.5 oz or 2265g.
Yesterday, we took Josiah by to see Caleb and he had no jealousy present and had only love in his eyes! We are looking forward to bringing him home soon! Thank you for all you continued prayers!
Yesterday, we took Josiah by to see Caleb and he had no jealousy present and had only love in his eyes! We are looking forward to bringing him home soon! Thank you for all you continued prayers!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
The Fundamental Transformation of America by Barack Hussein Obama
The Fundamental Transformation of America
When Obama wrote a book and said he was mentored as a youth by Frank Marshall Davis, an avowed Communist, people said it didn't matter...
When it was discovered that his grandparents were strong socialists, sent Obama's mother to a socialist school, introduced Frank Marshall Davis to young Obama,P people said it didn't matter...
When people found out that he was enrolled as a Muslim child in school in Indonesia and his father and step father were both Muslims, people said it didn't matter...
When he wrote in another book he authored “I will stand with them(Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”people said it didn't matter...
When he admittedly, in his book, said he chose Marxist friends and professors in college, people said it didn't matter...
When he traveled to Pakistan , after college on an unknown national passport, people said it didn't matter...
When he sought the endorsement of the Marxist party in 1996 as he ran for the Illinois Senate, people said it doesn't matter...
When he sat in a Chicago Church for twenty years and listened to a preacher spew hatred for America and preach black liberation theology, people said it didn't matter...
When an independent Washington organization, that tracks senate voting records, gave him the distinctive title as the "most liberal senator", people said it didn't matter...
When the Palestinians in Gaza, set up a fund raising telethon to raise money for his election campaign,people said it didn't matter...
When his voting record supported gun control, people said it didn't matter...
When he refused to disclose who donated money to his election campaign, as other candidates had done, people said it didn't matter...
When he received endorsements from people like Louis Farrakhan, Mummar Kadaffi and Hugo Chavez, people said it didn't matter...
When it was pointed out that he was a total, newcomer and had absolutely no experience at anything except community organizing, people said it didn't matter...
When he chose friends and acquaintances such as Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn who were revolutionary radicals, people said it didn'tmatter...
When his voting record in the Illinois senate and in the U.S. Senate came into question, people said it didn't matter...
When he refused to wear a flag, lapel pin and did so only after a public outcry, people said it didn't matter...
When people started treating him as a Messiah and children in schools were taught to sing his praises, people said it didn't matter...
When he stood with his hands over his groin area for the playing of theNational Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, people said it didn'tmatter...
When he surrounded himself in the White house with advisors who were pro gun control, pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage and wanting to curtail freedom of speech to silence the opposition, people said itdidn't matter...
When he aired his views on abortion, homosexuality and a host of other issues, people said it didn't matter...
When he said he favors sex education in Kindergarten, including homosexual indoctrination, people said it didn't matter...
When his background was either scrubbed or hidden and nothing could be found about him, people said it didn't matter...
When the place of his birth was called into question, and he refused to produce a birth certificate, people said it didn't matter...
When he had an association in Chicago with Tony Rezco, a man of questionable character, who is now in prison and had helped Obama to a sweet deal on the purchase of his home, people said it didn't matter...
When it became known that George Soros, a multi-billionaire Marxist, spent a ton of money to get him elected, people said it didn't matter...
When he started appointing czars that were radicals, revolutionaries, and even avowed Marxist/Communist, people said it didn't matter...
When he stood before the nation and told us that his intentions were to "fundamentally transform this nation" into something else, people said it didn't matter...
When it became known that he had trained ACORN workers in Chicago and served as an attorney for ACORN, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed a cabinet members and several advisors who were tax cheats and socialists, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed a science czar, John Holdren, who believes in forced abortions, mass sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Cass Sunstein as regulatory czar and he believes in "Explicit Consent", (harvesting human organs without family consent" and to allow animals to be represented in court, while banning all hunting, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Kevin Jennings, a homosexual, and organizer of a group called "gay, lesbian, straight, Education network", as safe school czar and it became known that he had a history of bad advice to teenagers, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Mark Lloyd as diversity czar and he believed in curtailing free speech, taking from one and giving to another to spread the wealth and admires Hugo Chavez,
people said it didn't matter...
When Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's senior White House advisor and she is an avowed Socialist, people said it didn't matter...
When Anita Dunn, White House Communications director said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher and the person she turned to most for inspiration, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Carol Browner as global warming czar, and she is a well known socialist working on Cap and trade as the nations largest tax, people said it doesn't matter...
When he appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and avowed Communist as green energy czar, who since had to resign when this was made known, people said it didn't matter...
When Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for Health and Human Services Secretary could not be confirmed, because he was a tax cheat, people said it didn't matter...
When, as president of the United States, he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia & now the Emperor of Japan, people said it didn't matter...
When he traveled around the world criticizing America and never once talking of her greatness, people said it didn't matter...
When his actions concerning the middle-east seemed to support the Palestinians over Israel , our long time friend, people said it doesn't matter...
When he took American tax dollars to resettle thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to the United States, people said it doesn't matter...
When he upset the Europeans by removing plans for a missile defense system against the Russians, people said it doesn't matter...
When he played politics in Afghanistan by not sending troops the Field Commanders said we had to have to win, people said it didn't matter...
When he started spending us into a debt that was so big we could not pay it off, people said it didn't matter...
When he took a huge spending bill under the guise of stimulus and used it to pay off organizations, unions and individuals that got him elected, people said it didn't matter...
When he took over insurance companies, car companies, banks, etc., people said it didn't matter...
When he took away student loans from the banks and put it through the government, people said it didn't matter...
When he designed plans to take over the health care system and put it under government control, people said it didn't matter...
When he set into motion a plan to take over the control of all energy in the United States through Cap and Trade, people said it didn't matter...
When he finally completed his transformation of America into a Socialist State, people finally woke up..........but it was too late.
"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." ~Samuel Adams, 1776.
When Obama wrote a book and said he was mentored as a youth by Frank Marshall Davis, an avowed Communist, people said it didn't matter...
When it was discovered that his grandparents were strong socialists, sent Obama's mother to a socialist school, introduced Frank Marshall Davis to young Obama,P people said it didn't matter...
When people found out that he was enrolled as a Muslim child in school in Indonesia and his father and step father were both Muslims, people said it didn't matter...
When he wrote in another book he authored “I will stand with them(Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”people said it didn't matter...
When he admittedly, in his book, said he chose Marxist friends and professors in college, people said it didn't matter...
When he traveled to Pakistan , after college on an unknown national passport, people said it didn't matter...
When he sought the endorsement of the Marxist party in 1996 as he ran for the Illinois Senate, people said it doesn't matter...
When he sat in a Chicago Church for twenty years and listened to a preacher spew hatred for America and preach black liberation theology, people said it didn't matter...
When an independent Washington organization, that tracks senate voting records, gave him the distinctive title as the "most liberal senator", people said it didn't matter...
When the Palestinians in Gaza, set up a fund raising telethon to raise money for his election campaign,people said it didn't matter...
When his voting record supported gun control, people said it didn't matter...
When he refused to disclose who donated money to his election campaign, as other candidates had done, people said it didn't matter...
When he received endorsements from people like Louis Farrakhan, Mummar Kadaffi and Hugo Chavez, people said it didn't matter...
When it was pointed out that he was a total, newcomer and had absolutely no experience at anything except community organizing, people said it didn't matter...
When he chose friends and acquaintances such as Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn who were revolutionary radicals, people said it didn'tmatter...
When his voting record in the Illinois senate and in the U.S. Senate came into question, people said it didn't matter...
When he refused to wear a flag, lapel pin and did so only after a public outcry, people said it didn't matter...
When people started treating him as a Messiah and children in schools were taught to sing his praises, people said it didn't matter...
When he stood with his hands over his groin area for the playing of theNational Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance, people said it didn'tmatter...
When he surrounded himself in the White house with advisors who were pro gun control, pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage and wanting to curtail freedom of speech to silence the opposition, people said itdidn't matter...
When he aired his views on abortion, homosexuality and a host of other issues, people said it didn't matter...
When he said he favors sex education in Kindergarten, including homosexual indoctrination, people said it didn't matter...
When his background was either scrubbed or hidden and nothing could be found about him, people said it didn't matter...
When the place of his birth was called into question, and he refused to produce a birth certificate, people said it didn't matter...
When he had an association in Chicago with Tony Rezco, a man of questionable character, who is now in prison and had helped Obama to a sweet deal on the purchase of his home, people said it didn't matter...
When it became known that George Soros, a multi-billionaire Marxist, spent a ton of money to get him elected, people said it didn't matter...
When he started appointing czars that were radicals, revolutionaries, and even avowed Marxist/Communist, people said it didn't matter...
When he stood before the nation and told us that his intentions were to "fundamentally transform this nation" into something else, people said it didn't matter...
When it became known that he had trained ACORN workers in Chicago and served as an attorney for ACORN, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed a cabinet members and several advisors who were tax cheats and socialists, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed a science czar, John Holdren, who believes in forced abortions, mass sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Cass Sunstein as regulatory czar and he believes in "Explicit Consent", (harvesting human organs without family consent" and to allow animals to be represented in court, while banning all hunting, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Kevin Jennings, a homosexual, and organizer of a group called "gay, lesbian, straight, Education network", as safe school czar and it became known that he had a history of bad advice to teenagers, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Mark Lloyd as diversity czar and he believed in curtailing free speech, taking from one and giving to another to spread the wealth and admires Hugo Chavez,
people said it didn't matter...
When Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's senior White House advisor and she is an avowed Socialist, people said it didn't matter...
When Anita Dunn, White House Communications director said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher and the person she turned to most for inspiration, people said it didn't matter...
When he appointed Carol Browner as global warming czar, and she is a well known socialist working on Cap and trade as the nations largest tax, people said it doesn't matter...
When he appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and avowed Communist as green energy czar, who since had to resign when this was made known, people said it didn't matter...
When Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for Health and Human Services Secretary could not be confirmed, because he was a tax cheat, people said it didn't matter...
When, as president of the United States, he bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia & now the Emperor of Japan, people said it didn't matter...
When he traveled around the world criticizing America and never once talking of her greatness, people said it didn't matter...
When his actions concerning the middle-east seemed to support the Palestinians over Israel , our long time friend, people said it doesn't matter...
When he took American tax dollars to resettle thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to the United States, people said it doesn't matter...
When he upset the Europeans by removing plans for a missile defense system against the Russians, people said it doesn't matter...
When he played politics in Afghanistan by not sending troops the Field Commanders said we had to have to win, people said it didn't matter...
When he started spending us into a debt that was so big we could not pay it off, people said it didn't matter...
When he took a huge spending bill under the guise of stimulus and used it to pay off organizations, unions and individuals that got him elected, people said it didn't matter...
When he took over insurance companies, car companies, banks, etc., people said it didn't matter...
When he took away student loans from the banks and put it through the government, people said it didn't matter...
When he designed plans to take over the health care system and put it under government control, people said it didn't matter...
When he set into motion a plan to take over the control of all energy in the United States through Cap and Trade, people said it didn't matter...
When he finally completed his transformation of America into a Socialist State, people finally woke up..........but it was too late.
"If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin." ~Samuel Adams, 1776.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Update...
As one can only imagine, these last couple of weeks have been anything but mundane! Through it all, we have continuously been witness to the faithfulness of our Lord, Jesus Christ. By His Grace alone, we have seen miracles happen!
Carrie is doing extremely well! After not being on her feet more than a few minutes a day for the last 3.5 months, she sprained her ankle shortly after being released from the hospital. That is healing and she is feeling really good about being a Mom again with Josiah. They have had some really good bonding time these last two weeks as I have been back to work.
Josiah is full of life! We are so enjoying seeing his personality really take shape! He is such a happy little man who loves to investigate everything! We are convinced that Josiah thinks Reagan is a furry brother who walks funny and Reagan thinks Josiah is his personal playmate! They are so funny together! Josiah has the most contagious laugh and finds the most ordinary things (dogs playing keep away, Daddy blowing on his belly, etc) to be gut splitting hilarious!
Caleb is progressing amazingly well! He is now almost 3.5 weeks old. This last week, we have seen some pretty amazing changes!
First of all, Caleb was moved from the Intensive side of NICU to the step down Intermediate side of NICU. One more step closer to coming home! :)
Secondly, Caleb took a bottle for the first time last Sunday and has steadily increased to 2 bottles a day and today....drum roll please....nursed from Carrie! She is terribly excited as you can imagine!
Thirdly, Caleb was taken off ALL breathing stimulants! Yeah! He is breathing completely on his own!
Lastly, he hasn't had any bradycardia episodes in over 2 days!
Please continue to pray for our little warrior that he grows into a godly man serving the Lord as his namesake of old did!
Without the peace of a personal walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this entire life event would have been overwhelming to say the least. Our prayer is that everyone would come to know the peace that passes ALL understanding! We rejoice with those who already walk steadfastly with the Lord, for only then does one know and experience the true JOY that Caleb's life journey thus far brings!
Trusting and resting on the promises of our Lord,
Love,
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and Caleb
Carrie is doing extremely well! After not being on her feet more than a few minutes a day for the last 3.5 months, she sprained her ankle shortly after being released from the hospital. That is healing and she is feeling really good about being a Mom again with Josiah. They have had some really good bonding time these last two weeks as I have been back to work.
Josiah is full of life! We are so enjoying seeing his personality really take shape! He is such a happy little man who loves to investigate everything! We are convinced that Josiah thinks Reagan is a furry brother who walks funny and Reagan thinks Josiah is his personal playmate! They are so funny together! Josiah has the most contagious laugh and finds the most ordinary things (dogs playing keep away, Daddy blowing on his belly, etc) to be gut splitting hilarious!
Caleb is progressing amazingly well! He is now almost 3.5 weeks old. This last week, we have seen some pretty amazing changes!
First of all, Caleb was moved from the Intensive side of NICU to the step down Intermediate side of NICU. One more step closer to coming home! :)
Secondly, Caleb took a bottle for the first time last Sunday and has steadily increased to 2 bottles a day and today....drum roll please....nursed from Carrie! She is terribly excited as you can imagine!
Thirdly, Caleb was taken off ALL breathing stimulants! Yeah! He is breathing completely on his own!
Lastly, he hasn't had any bradycardia episodes in over 2 days!
Please continue to pray for our little warrior that he grows into a godly man serving the Lord as his namesake of old did!
Without the peace of a personal walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, this entire life event would have been overwhelming to say the least. Our prayer is that everyone would come to know the peace that passes ALL understanding! We rejoice with those who already walk steadfastly with the Lord, for only then does one know and experience the true JOY that Caleb's life journey thus far brings!
Trusting and resting on the promises of our Lord,
Love,
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and Caleb
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Caleb Joshua update...
Caleb was diagnosed with Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA) (hole in the heart) yesterday. Our understanding is that this is pretty common in preemies Caleb's age. The neonatalogist is treating him with an IV form of ibuprofen for 3 days in an attempt to pharmacologically close the hole.
Tomorrow, they do a chest x-ray to determine if he can be taken off the ventilator.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our little warrior!
Tomorrow, they do a chest x-ray to determine if he can be taken off the ventilator.
Thank you for your continued prayers for our little warrior!
Monday, March 01, 2010
Update on Caleb...
Just spoke with the Neonatalogist and Caleb is doing very well for his gestational age. I was able to spend about 3 hours with him early this morning and even held him, skin-to-skin, for about 1.5 hours. He is S-O-O-O-O tiny compared to Josiah! He slept in my arms for the most part although he did have to complain when the nurse came over to adjust one of the monitors.
The neonatalogist will be removing the umbilical vein catheter (UVC) today and replacing it with a spaghetti IV line. We would like to request pray for no infections as this is a risk.
Also, the specialist is ordering a heart ultrasound because he suspects that Caleb's ductus arterious is still open. If small, then they will treat with liquid ibuprofen. Thanks again for your many prayers!
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and now baby Caleb
The neonatalogist will be removing the umbilical vein catheter (UVC) today and replacing it with a spaghetti IV line. We would like to request pray for no infections as this is a risk.
Also, the specialist is ordering a heart ultrasound because he suspects that Caleb's ductus arterious is still open. If small, then they will treat with liquid ibuprofen. Thanks again for your many prayers!
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and now baby Caleb
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Carrie and Caleb Update #2!
Well, February 24 seems to be a very, very popular date on both sides of our family!
Announcing:
Caleb Joshua Briggs was born at 10:52AM on February 24, 2010.
Weighing in at 3 lbs 1 oz and measuring 15 inches long.
Not bad considering he was born 10.5 weeks early!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq94imOoNP0
The neonatalogist was especially pleased with Caleb's weight considering the circumstances. He was expecting a 2 - 2.5 lb baby considering that Carrie's membranes tore at 17 weeks gestation and we had been in a perpetual state of amniotic fluid leakage since that time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcCVJw1a0yw
Carrie was doing great up until 3 AM on the 24th when she started having contractions. They were able to stop the contractions until around 8:00AM. After that, she started having a temperature and the contractions began in interest.
The perinatalogist decided that since Caleb was in a breach position, they would be doing a c-section. Caleb and God had other plans! Caleb was delivered, butt first and decided that he wasn't waiting for the doctor either. He was actually delivered by a nurse.
Caleb is doing well and is stable in the NICU at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. He is currently on a B-CPAP machine to assist with breathing although the amount of O2 required in minimal at 20%. He began getting small (2 ml) amounts of Carrie's colostrum every 4 hours today and is tolerating it very well.
Carrie is rebounding very well and will be discharged tomorrow. I know she is looking forward to holding Josiah again, something she hasn't done in a little over 3 months now!
We have been exceptionally grateful to our parents and families for their support and love during this time as well as to our church family at SOPC!
Carrie and I would like to thank Carrie's mom, Kristi Ireland, for coming out for a week and a half in January to help us out while giving my mom a much needed and deserved break. Josiah really enjoyed bonding with his Grandma Ireland!!! And I know Carrie really liked having her mom here as well! We are looking forward to having you here again soon and have you meet your latest grandson!
Thank you to EVERYONE for your continued prayers throughout this entire journey! Our Lord God has confounded the doctors...Carrie and Caleb made it 12.5 weeks AFTER her membranes tore! Unheard of!!! The knowledge of the prayers being lifted up on our behalf has been overwhelming at times and heartening all the time!
Please continue to pray as we enter a new phase of the journey with Carrie coming home and Caleb remaining at the hospital. We are also praying that Josiah does not get neglected throughout this entire situation and that we find a God honoring balance!
Carrie and I would especially like to recognize my Mom, Darla Briggs, for sacrificing her time and energy over the last 3+months to watch and take care of both Josiah and myself! She has managed to make meals and care for not only Josiah (a rambunctious 15 month old) but also my dad and myself! Thank you so much Mom!!!
May our Lord Jesus Christ continually be lifted up and ALL praise and ALL glory go to Him as we continue this amazing journey of Caleb Joshua Briggs!
Announcing:
Caleb Joshua Briggs was born at 10:52AM on February 24, 2010.
Weighing in at 3 lbs 1 oz and measuring 15 inches long.
Not bad considering he was born 10.5 weeks early!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq94imOoNP0
The neonatalogist was especially pleased with Caleb's weight considering the circumstances. He was expecting a 2 - 2.5 lb baby considering that Carrie's membranes tore at 17 weeks gestation and we had been in a perpetual state of amniotic fluid leakage since that time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcCVJw1a0yw
Carrie was doing great up until 3 AM on the 24th when she started having contractions. They were able to stop the contractions until around 8:00AM. After that, she started having a temperature and the contractions began in interest.
The perinatalogist decided that since Caleb was in a breach position, they would be doing a c-section. Caleb and God had other plans! Caleb was delivered, butt first and decided that he wasn't waiting for the doctor either. He was actually delivered by a nurse.
Caleb is doing well and is stable in the NICU at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. He is currently on a B-CPAP machine to assist with breathing although the amount of O2 required in minimal at 20%. He began getting small (2 ml) amounts of Carrie's colostrum every 4 hours today and is tolerating it very well.
Carrie is rebounding very well and will be discharged tomorrow. I know she is looking forward to holding Josiah again, something she hasn't done in a little over 3 months now!
We have been exceptionally grateful to our parents and families for their support and love during this time as well as to our church family at SOPC!
Carrie and I would like to thank Carrie's mom, Kristi Ireland, for coming out for a week and a half in January to help us out while giving my mom a much needed and deserved break. Josiah really enjoyed bonding with his Grandma Ireland!!! And I know Carrie really liked having her mom here as well! We are looking forward to having you here again soon and have you meet your latest grandson!
Thank you to EVERYONE for your continued prayers throughout this entire journey! Our Lord God has confounded the doctors...Carrie and Caleb made it 12.5 weeks AFTER her membranes tore! Unheard of!!! The knowledge of the prayers being lifted up on our behalf has been overwhelming at times and heartening all the time!
Please continue to pray as we enter a new phase of the journey with Carrie coming home and Caleb remaining at the hospital. We are also praying that Josiah does not get neglected throughout this entire situation and that we find a God honoring balance!
Carrie and I would especially like to recognize my Mom, Darla Briggs, for sacrificing her time and energy over the last 3+months to watch and take care of both Josiah and myself! She has managed to make meals and care for not only Josiah (a rambunctious 15 month old) but also my dad and myself! Thank you so much Mom!!!
May our Lord Jesus Christ continually be lifted up and ALL praise and ALL glory go to Him as we continue this amazing journey of Caleb Joshua Briggs!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Carrie and Caleb Update!
All continues to go well for both Carrie and Caleb! Carrie continues to leak some amniotic fluid daily though the nurses and doctors don't seem to be concerned. We know that the Lord God Almighty has a wonderful plan for Caleb and will use this experience to glorify the Father and the Son!
Please continue to pray that we make it to March 28th....that will be our 34th week gestation and 17th week on strict bed rest!
Please continue to pray that we make it to March 28th....that will be our 34th week gestation and 17th week on strict bed rest!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Josiah w/ therapy dogs in the hospital
Josiah had a HUGE surprise tonight as we were leaving Carrie's hospital room! FOUR therapy dogs were waiting for him in the hallway. The nurses, who all love Josiah (and of course, he flirts with them), had asked the therapy dog program to visit tonight and to wait before going into any rooms so that Josiah would have the opportunity of seeing them.
Oh boy, was he excited or what! There were two King Charles Spaniel dogs, a field Golden Retriever and a yellow Lab. Of course, Josiah is used to being around big dogs so he went to the yellow lab and the field Golden right away, talking non-stop! The whole experience was great to see! One of the King Charles Spaniels was a wee-pup and gave Josiah lots of kisses!
I'm thrilled that Josiah loves animals as much as I do! Now, I just need to teach him two things: (1) being gentle with animals he doesn't know and (2) reading their behavior and body language to determine friendly or not!
Oh boy, was he excited or what! There were two King Charles Spaniel dogs, a field Golden Retriever and a yellow Lab. Of course, Josiah is used to being around big dogs so he went to the yellow lab and the field Golden right away, talking non-stop! The whole experience was great to see! One of the King Charles Spaniels was a wee-pup and gave Josiah lots of kisses!
I'm thrilled that Josiah loves animals as much as I do! Now, I just need to teach him two things: (1) being gentle with animals he doesn't know and (2) reading their behavior and body language to determine friendly or not!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
29th week completed...5 weeks to go!!!!
Hello Everyone,
Carrie is in excellent spirits! We've now completed 12 weeks of strict bed rest with 5 weeks to go! Caleb had a sonogram done on Tuesday and the Perinatalogist was extremely pleased with our progress thus far. Normal is G-R-E-A-T!!!!
Caleb Update:
2 lbs 13 oz
Strong heartbeat: 150-155 bpm
9 cm of amniotic fluid which is excellent considering that Carrie has been leaking everyday and 9 cm is on the low end of NORMAL!!!!
Our nurse last night said that Carrie was the 3rd longest stay at 20 days. She also said that Carrie was doing so well that they would let her decide how many times the nurse would come in to check on her. Carrie opted for sleeping through the night without being disturbed! Get it while you can...that is what I say, because when Caleb comes...who knows? :-)
Josiah and I continue to make the pilgrimage every day to the hospital for our Honey and Mommy time! Josiah has become a favorite of ALL the nurses and staff! What a flirt! He has decided that he likes to walk down the hall, get on the elevator and then walk off the elevator to Mommy's room. :-) What a little man he is becoming!
Thank you everyone who continues to lift our family up in prayer! We couldn't do it without the prayer support and grace and strength God gives us everyday!
Carrie is in excellent spirits! We've now completed 12 weeks of strict bed rest with 5 weeks to go! Caleb had a sonogram done on Tuesday and the Perinatalogist was extremely pleased with our progress thus far. Normal is G-R-E-A-T!!!!
Caleb Update:
2 lbs 13 oz
Strong heartbeat: 150-155 bpm
9 cm of amniotic fluid which is excellent considering that Carrie has been leaking everyday and 9 cm is on the low end of NORMAL!!!!
Our nurse last night said that Carrie was the 3rd longest stay at 20 days. She also said that Carrie was doing so well that they would let her decide how many times the nurse would come in to check on her. Carrie opted for sleeping through the night without being disturbed! Get it while you can...that is what I say, because when Caleb comes...who knows? :-)
Josiah and I continue to make the pilgrimage every day to the hospital for our Honey and Mommy time! Josiah has become a favorite of ALL the nurses and staff! What a flirt! He has decided that he likes to walk down the hall, get on the elevator and then walk off the elevator to Mommy's room. :-) What a little man he is becoming!
Thank you everyone who continues to lift our family up in prayer! We couldn't do it without the prayer support and grace and strength God gives us everyday!
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Completed: 10 weeks of strict bed rest...
Ok...it has been 5 weeks since I updated the blog. Life has been rather full and eventful!
Carrie is now in residence at Sutter Memorial's High Risk Maternity Ward. We've completed 10 weeks of strict bed rest and Caleb is now starting his 28 week gestation.
At 26 weeks gestation, the Perinatalogist that is handling our case felt that it was time to be admitted to the hospital since we have reached the point of viability and we didn't want to risk things going from really good to really bad, really fast. On Monday, Feb. 1, we were admitted and Carrie and Caleb's vitals all looked good. Caleb measured (using a high-definition ultrasound) at 2 lbs 4 oz and had a strong heartbeat of 155 bpm. The Perinatalogist on hospital rounds this week kept saying how great Carrie and Caleb are doing even though the rate of leaks Carrie is having has increased. He would like to see us get to 35-36 weeks gestation. :)
Carrie really likes all of the nurses that she has had so far. They have all been really nice and encouraging to Carrie. Carrie is keeping busy reading on the amazing Amazon Kindle that Aunt Barbara got for her! What an AWESOME gift! She is so totally using and enjoying it! Carrie also has been making great use of her cell phone (yikes) (probably easiest way to get a hold of her).
We've been so blessed by the prayers that have been offered on behalf of both Carrie and Caleb from across our nation and beyond. I know that my parents have an entire network interceding daily on behalf of Carrie and Caleb including their Sunday School class, Life Together group, Book Club, etc. Additionally, Carrie's parents have an amazing network of family and friends praying on behalf of us as well.
I would be here all night thanking those that are lifting us up in prayer! Just know that we love you and appreciate your demonstration of love in prayer!
Josiah is doing great! He is handling all the changes like a trouper! He is walking ALL over the place and is generally an exceptionally happy little man. Our new schedule is: wake up, have breakfast, drive to Grandma and Grandpa Briggs, Daddy goes to work, pick up Josiah around 5PM, drive to the hospital to visit Mommy, and drive home to go to bed. Pretty boring...but we are starting to get the hang of it. :)
I'm so proud of Carrie! I can't even imagine what it would be like to have to lie flat on one side, flip to the other side and repeat....ALL day long!
Please continue to pray for peace, strength and contentment as we go through this process! We know that it has been your prayers that have sustained us!
Until the next post, may God bless you and keep you grounded in His Word!
Have a blessed night!
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and (in utero) Caleb
Monday, January 04, 2010
Update on Carrie and Caleb...
We are entering our 5th week of strict bed rest. We have a appt with our specialist next week which we are looking for really positive news. It looks like Jan. 18th will be our date to decide on hospitalization for the remainder of the pregnancy. We are praying that we reach March 27.
Update on Carrie and Caleb...
We are entering our 5th week of strict bed rest. We have a appt with our specialist next week which we are looking for really positive news. It looks like Jan. 18th will be our date to decide on hospitalization for the remainder of the pregnancy. We are praying that we reach March 27.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Christmas 2009
Josiah got Hardy Boys books (yes, OK...he's not quite reading at this level yet)
Our Christmas feast courtesy of my Mom...
Carrie got to enjoy the Christmas dinner and opening of presents from her horizontal position.
Carrie's cedar chest became the most excellent Christmas banquet table. :)
Baby Mama looking forward to digging into her portion...:)
Our Turkey Cranberry Wreath
What a happy, handsome boy!
Can't believe that he is wearing 18 month clothes already!
Josiah is like his mommy and daddy as he L-O-V-E-S his books!
More books!
Grandma got excited about her new turtle neck sweater! Great color Grandma!
Grandma loves her jackets so she got a new one from Joshua, Carrie and Josiah...quilted pattern outside and a reversible, faux fur inside...toasty!
Shoes are GREAT! The tag tastes better! :)
Carrie opens some presents...she will be the best dressed mom-to-be when admitted to the hospital in January!
Grandpa reading a book to Josiah!
Grandpa and Josiah love being together!Josiah gets his sky blue eyes from his Grandpa and Great-Grandma Kay
View from Carrie's prone position! Got to have the Christmas spirit!May each know and seek the peace only found through salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Update on the Briggs' Clan
Hello Everyone,
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on the Briggs' Clan:
Carrie is still on strict bed rest...by strict, she can get up to go to the bathroom and that's pretty much it. She had another amniotic leak yesterday morning though not as bad as the first two amniotic leaks that she has had in the last month. She is still feeling Caleb move around which is comforting and a great sign!
We have our next appointment on January 12th with the Perinatalogist to determine: (1) how Carrie and Caleb are collectively doing, (2) when Carrie should be hospitalized for the remainder of the pregnancy and (3) the risk/benefit of staying home for a couple more weeks.
The good news is that on January 12th, we will have made it to 24 wks which is the age of viability. Our goal continues to be making it to March 27th which will be 34 wks gestation.
Carrie's mom will be coming out January 1-14 to help me out. This is a HUGE blessing to both Carrie and I but also my mom who has been here everyday for the last month, taking care of an active 13 month old and a bed ridden Carrie while also cleaning and cooking so that I can work.
Carrie continues to be a trooper and remaining diligent regarding staying as still as possible in bed. I can only imagine what it must be like as I would be going stir crazy after a couple of hours. She always reminds me that the end result is worth it all! Amen, Amen, Amen!
We appreciate all those who are praying for us and we appreciate your continued prayers! This, Lord willing, will be a long road ahead (for the next several months) and we will only be sustained through the effectual, fervent prayers of the saints of God.
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and (in utero) Caleb
Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on the Briggs' Clan:
Carrie is still on strict bed rest...by strict, she can get up to go to the bathroom and that's pretty much it. She had another amniotic leak yesterday morning though not as bad as the first two amniotic leaks that she has had in the last month. She is still feeling Caleb move around which is comforting and a great sign!
We have our next appointment on January 12th with the Perinatalogist to determine: (1) how Carrie and Caleb are collectively doing, (2) when Carrie should be hospitalized for the remainder of the pregnancy and (3) the risk/benefit of staying home for a couple more weeks.
The good news is that on January 12th, we will have made it to 24 wks which is the age of viability. Our goal continues to be making it to March 27th which will be 34 wks gestation.
Carrie's mom will be coming out January 1-14 to help me out. This is a HUGE blessing to both Carrie and I but also my mom who has been here everyday for the last month, taking care of an active 13 month old and a bed ridden Carrie while also cleaning and cooking so that I can work.
Carrie continues to be a trooper and remaining diligent regarding staying as still as possible in bed. I can only imagine what it must be like as I would be going stir crazy after a couple of hours. She always reminds me that the end result is worth it all! Amen, Amen, Amen!
We appreciate all those who are praying for us and we appreciate your continued prayers! This, Lord willing, will be a long road ahead (for the next several months) and we will only be sustained through the effectual, fervent prayers of the saints of God.
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and (in utero) Caleb
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Update on Carrie...
Hello Friends and Family,
Here is a quick update on Carrie and our second pregnancy:
- On Nov. 30, 18 wks into our second pregnancy, Carrie's amniotic sac ruptured unexpectedly.
- We saw our regular OB/GYN on-call doctor on Tuesday and were given extremely grave news although our baby's heart rate was still strong at 150 bpm
- On Wednesday AM, we saw a Perinatalogist (High Risk Pregnancy). She gave us some hope going forward.
- My Mom has been here every day to take care of Carrie and Josiah so I can continue to work.
- Major praise is that my Mom's back and arm have not been giving her a lot of trouble with Josiah.
- Carrie has been feeling Caleb move around a lot. She says that "he's a strong one".
Prayer Requests:
- We are praying for the amniotic sac to heal.
- We are praying for continued strength for my Mom as she cares for Josiah and Carrie.
- We are praying that Carrie will be able to carry Caleb to 34 weeks which would be March 27, 2010.
- We serve a great God and we pray for His Glory to be made manifest.
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for our family and this precious life!
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and soon-to-arrive Caleb
Here is a quick update on Carrie and our second pregnancy:
- On Nov. 30, 18 wks into our second pregnancy, Carrie's amniotic sac ruptured unexpectedly.
- We saw our regular OB/GYN on-call doctor on Tuesday and were given extremely grave news although our baby's heart rate was still strong at 150 bpm
- On Wednesday AM, we saw a Perinatalogist (High Risk Pregnancy). She gave us some hope going forward.
- Baby was perfectly healthy...in fact, we are having a baby boy who we have named Caleb Joshua.
- 99% of women with this condition lose all amniotic fluid - minimum needed for continual fetal development is 3 cm. Carrie had 4-5 cm! Major Praise!
- Perinatalogist broke it down into 3 groups: 25% experience labor within 48 hrs, 50% experience labor within 1 week, and the last 25% experience labor 6 weeks or longer
- My Mom has been here every day to take care of Carrie and Josiah so I can continue to work.
- Major praise is that my Mom's back and arm have not been giving her a lot of trouble with Josiah.
- Carrie has been feeling Caleb move around a lot. She says that "he's a strong one".
Prayer Requests:
- We are praying for the amniotic sac to heal.
- We are praying for continued strength for my Mom as she cares for Josiah and Carrie.
- We are praying that Carrie will be able to carry Caleb to 34 weeks which would be March 27, 2010.
- We serve a great God and we pray for His Glory to be made manifest.
Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for our family and this precious life!
Joshua, Carrie, Josiah and soon-to-arrive Caleb
Saturday, November 14, 2009
A Must See Video...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZum_o-GAEI
This is an European analyst who correctly states that many European countries are trying to get out of government run healthcare because it is bankrupting their countries...
She also states that America is already HALF way toward Socialism with the government running Medicaid/Medicare.
This is an European analyst who correctly states that many European countries are trying to get out of government run healthcare because it is bankrupting their countries...
She also states that America is already HALF way toward Socialism with the government running Medicaid/Medicare.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Glad to be home...
The trip went very well though I was glad to be home and see my son's smiling face this morning!What a blessing God has given us...even with 5 teeth coming out simultaneously, he is still ALL smiles and laughter and chatter!
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