What a journey!
We’ve been home for almost two months now. Thats two months of sleepless nights, dirty diapers, sterilizing bottles, singing lullabies, and cleaning up vomit. And we Praise God for it ALL!
Overall Emilie has done very well. She now weighs 10lbs 10 ounces. Every day she’s growing more alert. Just within the last week her baby talk has increased significantly. We can’t say a word to her without her cutting us off. She’s gaining more and more head, neck, and back control. She’s begun to reach out and grab things. Her leg action is strong and steady, kicking anything that comes across her path. Every morning she wakes up with the brightest smile like she’s glad to be alive. She sleeps hard and plays often. Developmentally she’s on track for her gestational age, and for that we give Him praise!
Emilie has six doctors that she’s sees monthly: a primary pediatrician for her regular care, a high risk neonatologist who monitors her growth and development, an occupational therapist who assesses her motor skills, a gastroenterologist who evaluates her nutritional needs, a neurologist who monitors brain growth, and a neurosurgeon who oversees the proper functioning of her shunt. Not to mention she attends a five hour sleep study every six weeks. As you can see Emilie already has us running her around on a very busy schedule.
Emilie is not the worlds greatest eater. In fact, if she had it her way she probably would not eat at all. This has been the one struggle for Holly and I. We know all too well that a baby’s growth and development hinges on their getting enough nutrition. Emilie should be eating between 3 to 4 ounces six times a day. However she’s eating closer to 1 to 2 ounces six times a day. When feeding her we’ve been very intentional to not force her, lest she develop nipple aversion. Yet it pains us to know that she needs more and there is nothing we can do. Her gastroenterologist says that her nutritional consumption is not all bad, though she is at the low end of the spectrum. He doesn’t feel a g-tube is necessary at this point, however he is closely monitoring her. We’ve tried different nipples, bottles, feeding positions and even feeding times yet nothing seems to make a difference. Next week we’ll be trying a non-dairy formula to see if that helps. But even still, our resolve is to yet again trust that God is working it all out for her good.
Indeed this has been a journey. Our faith has not wavered. There are too many promises in God’s word and He is too good for us to believe anything other than what He has promised. And as with any journey in life, there are highs and lows, and even moments of protests. But if you remain steadfast and diligent, not letting go of His hand, He will see you through.
Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Emilie Grace 
indeed, the same God who spared her life didn’t do so just for her to survive, but that she would thrive in abundance. same God. same plan. same prayers – that her wholeness and complete healing will be made manifest to the glory of God. 🙂
Praise God!!!
She got personality already
Thanks for the update…..
Already, at this early stage of her life, her strength comes from the Lord. Amen.
Praise God! She sure looks like a fighter! May God continue to bless your family as you hold on to His strength and power!
She is too adorable! I’m so glad to hear all your good news. As always,God is amazing.
Amen…. Such a beautiful truth….
Just want to say this….I am sooooo happy and proud of Emilie Grace. The Lord is on schedule with His timing. She is doing just fine. I declare that she will have no more use of the oxygen tube very soon. I praise The Lord with you and Holly for the progress she has made thus far. Keep watching God because He is up to something.
He does ALL things for the good of them who love Him.
Our prayer meeting small group has been asking for updates on EmilieGrace. We are praising God with you for every victory, and challenge.
what a tremendous, tremendous blessing. for her to be on track developmentally for her gestational age!!! After all she’s been through… NO QUESTION she’s a miracle baby! As a fellow preemie parent I rejoice with you!!
Praise God in the sanctuary!!! Praise Him in the firmament!!!! I’m so happy to hear of Emily’s progress. Indeed we serve a mighty God!!!! I was wondering how she was doing since I didn’t get any updates in a while. We are praying you through. God will complete what He started. Stay encouraged! God be with you.
God gave you this special child for you have another testimony. In all things and in everything that happens give thanks for God is good and His mercies endureth for ever.
To God be the Glory!!! For the Great things He is doing, and continues to do!
“To Strive With Grace”… praying for baby girl’s appetite to increase as with faith. Thanks for sharing.
We praise God. She is so cute and our God really loves her! It is so exciting. Thank you for letting the Ypsi family keep up with her progress. We continue to pray and praise Him.
God is a good God. Thank you guys for the encouragements. Your faith is unbelievable!
G to G
Praise the Lord!! I was sooo worried not knowing, however, I forgot to trust God! Keep eating, keep growing Emily Grace. God got you and your parents. We are all praying for you:-)
Pastor, you are an excellent journalist. From all the entries you’ve made–there is a book in the making–surely to be a best seller!
I am so happy to know that you and Holly get to experience what parenthood really is all about–sleepless nights, dirty diapers and all! 😉 I’m sure it’s a wonderful experience for you both, especially with all the life threatening challenges your little precious Emilie Grace has faced. What a wonderful time to share together. Cherish these moments, because, as you have seen, children grow up fast and before you know it, you will be walking her down the isle to your new husband! 😉
I praise God that you have taken the time to share your very personal experience with me and everyone else. I’m sure that people’s lives have been touched as mine has.
Kiss the misses for me and little Emilie Grace. Can’t wait to see her face to face.
Peace.
Rene’ Michelle Floyd
Pastor Seth & Holly, thank you for sharing your very personal journey with us. We have and will continue to uplift Emily Grace in prayer and praise. Your post have been better than any reality show on TV and I had looked forward to them with much anticipation. You and Holly have met each and every challenge with “Thus saith the Lord” and because of your sharing something so personal it has allowed my faith to grow and be encouraged. Thank you for allowing yourselves to be used as his vessel!!
Michelle & Joe Runnels
Emilie it’s looking so good now! I’ve been telling my family and co-workers about your journey and I know they’re been anxious to hear more. Don’t worry too much about her eating. God has taken her this far. He won’t let you down.
God is good and will continue to be!! I can’t believe how much this little one has impacted MY life!! God can truly use everyone FOR HIS GLORY!!! Praying for your continued strength and renewed energy on the weary days. Love you ALL! ~Chanda
Thank you for the update! I pray that Emilie continues to thrive and as she grows to eat more and more 🙂
Camille
A beautiful and encouraging update. I hope you will publish this journal so that Emilie Grace will be able to read about how God brought her through when she is a young lady. Continued blessings and prayers for all of you. We can see how God is working.
God is awesome!! You faith is encouraging and we are still praying with you.
As a mother of two miracle premature babies, and whose life was spared as well on both occasions, I share in your joy. God is awesome and still working miracles!! Praying for your continued strength and that Emilie Grace will grow up to be everything God wants her to be in these last days. These last day babies are coming out with some serious fight in them!
Praise the Lord!