Tuesday, March 02, 2010

meet our son, Garrison



Wow. I don't even know where to begin in telling the journey we have been on for the past week. Will and I had Garrison Till Reedy last Thursday (February 25) at 11:46 pm. He weighed 5 pounds 12 oz and was 19 inches long! I think his feet are about that long too! He has some long fingers and toes.

He was born almost 4 weeks early, and as the doctors have put it, he is transitioning from the womb to the outside world. Because of that, he was admitted to the NICU the day after he was born. He just isn't supposed to be here yet. He's behaving as any baby would at 36 weeks, but he's behaving like he would in the womb. In the womb, he could quit breathing and the placenta would take over. That's not true outside the womb. For the first few days he was learning how to suck, swallow and breathe at the same time. There were scary moments when he would quit breathing, but for the last two days he has done really well at remembering to breathe.

Our challenge for the next few days is eating. He had a feeding tube at first, but we have just been able to start feeding out of a bottle. The will continually increase his feeding times and amounts as he proves his body can handle it. He is daily learning to do things he's never had to do before. He is getting most of his nutrients from an IV, so we won't be able to hold him until the IV comes out. We can touch him and kiss on him. We read to him every night. Last night we started reading the Message for kids, and today we read Green Eggs and Ham to him. Will was excited yesterday because he got peed on for the first time - we know that won't be the last!

The doctors cannot give us a specific time for when he will be released from the NICU, but it could be anywhere from two weeks before to two weeks after his due date (March 22).

We are waiting patiently and trusting in the LORD. Will read Psalm 27 a couple of nights ago. Verse 14 says, "Wait for the LORD. Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD."

16 comments:

Bierman Adventures said...

He's precious! Praying for all of you. I wish I was there to give you a big hug. Love you!

Welcome to the Shit Show! said...

He is so cute and has stolen a hug chunk of my heart already. We are so happy for y'all & Garrison is so lucky to have such wonderful parents in you and Will. On a much lighter note, I can't wait for Mackenzie to teach him to say "go dawgs!!" :) We love y'all!!

sarah berry said...

He is beautiful..I'm praying for yall!!

Corrie and Jonathan said...

He looks so adorable. I'll be praying for you guys. Looking forward to the day you can take him home and cuddle with him all you want!!

Corrie

Unknown said...

How precious Garrison is! I am praying for him to continue his physical development. I think the thing that will help him the most is to hear his dad singing to him and see the flash of the camera from him mom taking pictures. I love ya'll. Wish you were back in Arkansas.

Unknown said...

Just wanted you to know we are praying for you guys!! I know Jenifer is going to get tired of me asking, "how is Garrison?". I can't wait to meet him!!!

Lindsey Marsh said...

Renee and Will, he is beautiful!! He will undoubtedly change your lives forever and you will never be the same. They are such blessings! Praying for sweet Garrison (and you guys, too!)

Lindsey

the davis' blog said...

Renee,
He is beautiful!!
Scott and I are praying for him and for you and Will. Quinn was in the NICU for several weeks, so I know the longings of wanting your little one home with you. I am so glad to hear the Garrison is doing well.

Much love and prayers!

Brad, Amy, Bes and Mae said...

Much love to the Reedy's... Praying for you 3.

Unknown said...

Renee, Will and Garrison we love and are praying for you daily. Trust in the Lord for He knows yours hearts and has a mighty plan for baby Garrison. Love- T

Anonymous said...

woohoo for the new baby!!! and yea for will getting peed on. hope you guys get a clean bill of health really soon. i hope you are being able to rest and heal. can't wait to see you guys.

carolyn and ed

Kim McKee said...

So happy for you!! I didn't even know you were expecting! I understand what you are going through. Ethan was born 4 weeks early at 5lbs 4 oz and Abbie was born 5 weeks early at 5lbs 1 oz. Tiny babies! We had some trying times, but both are doing great now!!
Ethan will be 5 in May and Abbie turned 3 in November. Children are such a blessing! I'm so happy that God gave you such a blessing!

Ken Broom said...

praying for you guys! he is amazing! love to chat with you about feeding if you need to! love you guys!
jessica broom

Anonymous said...

Finally Baby Reedy! We already love him and so thankful for him.
Know we are also praying for you guys. Love yall...all 3!!!

melissa0066 said...

Renee, He is amazing. I wondered if all was ok when I didn't hear back from you. Congratulations on our little blessing. Melissa Montgomery

Anonymous said...

Girl, we need an update! and pictures would be the icing on the top. Still praying for you guys.