tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post6186301692885652735..comments2023-06-10T09:59:24.782-04:00Comments on The Daniel Family: A Total Mess of a PostThe Daniel Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07666949555660444180noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-74096208748482079852009-04-27T17:45:00.000-04:002009-04-27T17:45:00.000-04:00Our Samuel was born at 26 weeks and had bilateral ...Our Samuel was born at 26 weeks and had bilateral grade 4 bleeds. We were on that roller coaster just 3 years ago! Aching to touch him. Feeling robbed of all the newborn things. Living by desats, blood gases, braidys, inputs, outputs,residuals, cc's and gram's!( and for mom....pumping!) It is like learning a new language!:)Truly, who ever heard of weighing diapers!!??? We are on the other side of the NICU now....and can testify to the faithfulness of God and the amazing power of prayer. We hung on to Ps 121....and Hebrews 11:1.....and especially "With God all things are possible!" We shared these with Samuel each day. He is a healthy , happy(actually joyful) 3 year old today. We are so thankful! There is hope...always. Your feelings are normal....so normal. I would encourage you to write them in a diary for Gaines.(and you) A fellow NICU mom got me a NICU diary. (www.preemie.com) It was perfect.as it had milestones (weight,breathing,meds, procedures, nurses,etc)specifically for a preemie that a term baby- babybook would not have. I had to end up buying another one...as Samuel was in the NICU 97 days. It was therapy for me at the time. Samuel and even his bride will enjoy it someday!<br /><br />Obviously, from the scatteredness of my post....I have never posted in my life. However, I have such a heart for NICU moms. God Bless you.........Cartwright crewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17248519225160486184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-64309504034115251442009-04-27T16:57:00.000-04:002009-04-27T16:57:00.000-04:00Praying for your sweet baby and for both of you......Praying for your sweet baby and for both of you....<br /><br />Teresa<br />Shreveport, LATeresa @ Grammy Girlfriendhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05151128140345216126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-16163243028509366512009-04-27T16:25:00.000-04:002009-04-27T16:25:00.000-04:00Hey Brittany. i first heard about you from the Fo...Hey Brittany. i first heard about you from the Footprints Ministry. I've been checking your blog and pray for a while now. I just wanted you to know I made time for all 4 of you in my prayers!Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17673735420455010964noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-20769283989531705792009-04-27T16:07:00.000-04:002009-04-27T16:07:00.000-04:00I just had to laugh at Amanda's comment about look...I just had to laugh at Amanda's comment about looking at what I wear around this neighborhood. Brittany, come hang out with my family here and you *will* feel put together and hip. :) (Coming from the mama who's wearing cargo pants, birkenstocks, and a 5 years old Old Navy t-shirt today.) And yeah, that Trader Joe's can be a zoo on the weekends -- we try to go when it opens at 9 or after dinner, or during the week late afternoon isn't bad at all.<br /><br />Praying hard all day that you guys got some good news. It was a rare day that I *didn't* cry while walking back and forth from that NICU.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05627548564345675241noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-49720879165613856892009-04-27T15:56:00.000-04:002009-04-27T15:56:00.000-04:00Hey Brittany & Beau,
Reed is taking a nap rig...Hey Brittany & Beau,<br /><br />Reed is taking a nap right now. He was very tired from playing with James and Granddaddy. We went to the golf course and rode around then to B.K. and home to eat and take a nap. We had to work hard to keep him awake on the golf cart. Granddaddy got to show him off to some of his friends and got some more prayer warriors! It is very warm here now and I wanted to know if Reed can go swimming later on. We aren't planning that for today, but just in case. Got some more pictures and I will send them later. We love you all and are praying every minute. Gaines is so pretty with so much hair! We can't wait to see all of you.<br />Love,<br />Aunt SherryAunt Sherryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18334829920237543883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-20496794491505268962009-04-27T15:24:00.000-04:002009-04-27T15:24:00.000-04:00I can relate to you in so many ways. I had a two y...I can relate to you in so many ways. I had a two year old daughter when I delivered my 30 week old triplets. I remember the agony of not be able to hold them or touch them, and watching them struggle through so many days of breathing tubes. I felt like I had done this to them and it was all my fault. I was on strict bed rest for seven months, so I completely relate to how tired you are now. It took me about a year to start to feel back on my feet again, in regards to energy. <br />Our triplets are two now and they are all healthy and wonderful babies. I just want to let you know that we will pray for you with all our might. I know how painful it is. We were in a city that was far from our home as well. And I was torn between two places, with my daughter and with my NICU babies (our nicu would not allow two year olds in). You are in my heart and my prayers! You will get through this. You are stronger than you know and realize. I know every day is a minute to minute process. And I know the agony of everytime you walk in to that NICU wondering what you're going to find. Will they be better? Will they be worse? Will they be the same? Will I get to touch them today? Please know that you are not alone.Solas Veritashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03038391620024502771noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-35344534395930742862009-04-27T15:23:00.000-04:002009-04-27T15:23:00.000-04:00Oh lawd child, I have sobbed while reading this en...Oh lawd child, I have sobbed while reading this entire blog. What I would like is to gather all the bloggers and come to DC and be with you!!!!!!! Somehow I feel like your so alone and although you have not a clue who most of the people are on here, we have truly grown to love your family. I have never wanted to hug someone so badly. However, all we can do is continue to pray for strength and healing both for you and Baby Gaines (even if its little baby steps). Please know I am praying for you and your family day and night!!<br /><br />Michelle from Prattville, ALMichelle Gregoryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15548309428744541565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-89707086952707479952009-04-27T15:12:00.000-04:002009-04-27T15:12:00.000-04:00Oh honey, this is all totally normal. The stress, ...Oh honey, this is all totally normal. The stress, the fatigue, the crying...it is a process that all brand new moms with babies in ICU go through. Don't feel guilty or beat yourself up about it (and this is coming from someone who can't have children, for the record). Just know that it's all a part of the process, and better things are ahead. Rest as much as you can and know that people are thinking of you and praying for you and Gaines. You may not be able to hold him right now, but your heavenly father can and is. He is in good hands. He is going to be ok, and so are you. <br /><br />Hugs from Mobile, Alabama<br /><br />Kelli @ ugottafriend.comKellihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13375994098478625933noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-9845054248523833662009-04-27T14:46:00.000-04:002009-04-27T14:46:00.000-04:00"In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened..."In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened;he saved me from all my troubles." Psalm 34:5-7<br /><br />We are praying!Footprints Ministryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05316370563117378149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-73085122731934927512009-04-27T14:35:00.000-04:002009-04-27T14:35:00.000-04:00I feel like I have written that exact same post, i...I feel like I have written that exact same post, it was just a little over two years ago. Reading your last few entries really brought me back to the 85 days we spent in the NICU. Know that there are people out there who know exactly what you are dealing with. Pity parties are totally allowed and you shouldn't feel bad. You have to let it all out at some point so that you can build yourself back up. For me, it was always on the drive back home when I was by myself but by the time I got home I felt better. I was able to cry and yell and everything else and then I was able to regroup. <br /><br /><br />Also, know that you just being in the room with Gaines is taking care of him. He knows when his mommy is there even if you can't touch him or do the other things you would do for your child. Just being there next to him is what he needs. I used to listen to the song "Stand" by Rascal Flats and it really helped me. It has a good message that I felt gave me strength. Hang in there and know that there are a ton of people praying for Gaines, you, and your family. <br /><br />Preemie mom, <br />Lauren HessAndrew and Lauren Hesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15935736180809517928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-72681398671662973082009-04-27T14:33:00.000-04:002009-04-27T14:33:00.000-04:00You and Beau are amazingly strong through all of t...You and Beau are amazingly strong through all of this and have every right to cry, stomp your feet, shout or whatever it is that will help you get through it!! We are praying for you all!! I pray that the xray goes well and the head ultrasound too. We're sending lots of love, prayers and positive thoughts your way. <br />Love,<br />Sara Blakeneysara blakeneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07680721442845936615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-90334171461663078332009-04-27T14:10:00.000-04:002009-04-27T14:10:00.000-04:00Don't feel bad for being emotional! Don't feel gu...Don't feel bad for being emotional! Don't feel guilty for letting yourself "get down"! This is part of the rollercoaster that is the NICU- your emotions are certainly involved, and God knows that! It is 100% okay and normal to cry easily and frequently- that's the toll having a baby in the NICU takes on your emotions. I cried for pretty much a week straight after our son was born and placed in the NICU! :)<br /><br />Also, I wanted to encourage you that it does get a little easier. After the first couple/few critical weeks, Gaines will get more consistently stable. The worry shifts from really serious things (like ventilators and blood gases) to things like how much of his bottle did he drink, how much did his diaper weigh, etc. It will get better as Gaines gets older and grows a little. Hang in there!<br /><br />Prayers!!!Ericahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09800646159604569717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-33391450525437084392009-04-27T13:57:00.000-04:002009-04-27T13:57:00.000-04:00Brittany,
I know all these people have already sa...Brittany, <br />I know all these people have already said it and probably said it much better than I will but you are entitled to a pity party! You have been so strong for such a long time. And besides that, you just had a baby! There wouldn't be anything normal going on in your body whether Gaines was in NICU or not! Keep the faith and know that many, many prayers are going on for all of you continously.<br /><br />Cary in BirminghamCaryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06948685831614134254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-15356850007630157452009-04-27T13:35:00.000-04:002009-04-27T13:35:00.000-04:00Oh, Dear Brittany,
I'm so glad you took the time ...Oh, Dear Brittany,<br /><br />I'm so glad you took the time to honestly write all you were feeling. I imagine keeping it all in would only make it worse! I think you are being so strong though. With all the crazy details you and Beau are having to deal with, I am praising God for holding you up, because I don't even know what I'd do if it were me. I'll be praying that the city itself can start to feel more normal and comfortable for you and that your body can heal, strengthen and adjust quickly! I'm mostly praying for Gaines though, that his ultrasound goes great and that his blood gases improve!!! <br /><br />You are doing such a great job. Keep trusting Jesus, as you have been, and never be afraid to vent how you're feeling. It helps me know how to pray for you better! <br /><br />Ruthie, in OhioRuthiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10826342264455003613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-88248754136720914562009-04-27T13:31:00.000-04:002009-04-27T13:31:00.000-04:00I just started reading your Blog this morning and ...I just started reading your Blog this morning and your story has touched my heart. I will be praying for your sweet baby boy, you and your husband as y'all go through this difficult time. Rest in God's grace. He will carry you through this hard time in D.C.<br /><br />AllisonThe Williamson'shttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09926178276552909457noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-71710155171155636732009-04-27T13:14:00.000-04:002009-04-27T13:14:00.000-04:00You're a mess and you deserve to be. You'...You're a mess and you deserve to be. You're 3 days post-delivery with a very sick baby. We'd all be worried if you WEREN'T falling to pieces every once in a while. Please come on here & post your worries, your VERY specific worries so that we can lift them straight up for you. We've carried you this far and certainly have the time to pray for ALL of you. Praying for your stamina, peace, healing, Gaines lungs and NO BRAIN BLEEDS, Beau's continued love, support, and understanding of you, and for your sweet Reid. <br /><br />Just keep telling us what you need....we're here to pray!<br /><br />Jackson, Penni, Thomas, & AlexPennihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00376947886624542298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-39277670273559558122009-04-27T12:59:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:59:00.000-04:00What you are going through is completely normal. N...What you are going through is completely normal. Not to mention your are having to do deal with post pardom hormones. On top of that, far far far away from home. <br />When I visited DC, the closest place I found to sourthern food is Sweet Georgia Brown's, it is near the capitol, if you ever want to venture out for a dinner. It is a fancy, or fancy for me anyway. <br /><br />You will get through this. I can promise that. Continue to lean on Him and Beau. We will continue to lift you in prayers and thoughts. <br /><br />You are an amazing person already for being able to get through this as far as you have. I don't know how I would have acted.Collier Chronicleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12028776946790392898noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-47296238018098247282009-04-27T12:58:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:58:00.000-04:00Brittany,
I almost didn't post because everybody ...Brittany,<br /><br />I almost didn't post because everybody has already posted everything I would say, but I'll say it anyway.<br /><br />Girl, you just had a baby! Your hormones are wacky. And said baby is in the NICU! Your emotions are wacky. And you're not at home. <br /><br />I think you're holding together fabulously for all of that. You're doing so much better than I could hope to if in the same situation. <br /><br />Thank you for being so transparent. I appreciate knowing how to pray for you guys. <br /><br />KatieKatiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08400075048647041111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-21835310807642426432009-04-27T12:53:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:53:00.000-04:00My gracious, you can have a pity party anytime you...My gracious, you can have a pity party anytime you feel like it. You've been brave for far too long! I'm praying Isaiah 40:29 for you. "He gives strength to the weary." I am asking him to give you and Beau strength for today and rest for tonight. I'm praying his healing hand on Gaines for good test results on his sonogram. Prayers continue from Texas.Grammy Janehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13836467406006146625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-31096347576077793432009-04-27T12:52:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:52:00.000-04:00Hon you have every reason in the world to be scare...Hon you have every reason in the world to be scared,weepy,upset and honestly any other feeling that you have right now! I'm praying for you and for Gaines!!!!!!! Praying that his tube can be adjusted and his gases improve and for his scan today...sending love your way!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16873029956740258055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-13617048115420115102009-04-27T12:42:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:42:00.000-04:00You go ahead and have that pity party and many mor...You go ahead and have that pity party and many more. We are all here rooting for you and your family. My second son is 6 months old and when he's not feeling well I get teary and weepy. It's hard to see the little being that you created and not be able to help him. When he was first born we spent 3 nights in the hospital where he was in an incubator type thing. I cried and cried and cried over not being able to hold and comfort him. The doctor remined me that I was only a few days post partum and that the overwhelming emtotions were completely normal. Don't be hard on yourself, allow the emotions to come naturally and rest assured that there are many people praying for you and your family.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-56457806531723512632009-04-27T12:34:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:34:00.000-04:00I am praying for y'all so much! I know the Lord wi...I am praying for y'all so much! I know the Lord will bring you through this for His glory and your good.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13421747613354646920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-49400210712700464312009-04-27T12:33:00.001-04:002009-04-27T12:33:00.001-04:00Brittany,
After I read your post, this verse came ...Brittany,<br />After I read your post, this verse came to mind:<br />2 Corinthians 12:9-10<br />"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."<br /><br />God doesn't require you to be strong. He asks that you rest on Him, let Him carry your burdens. It's okay that you are feeling weak, for His power is made perfect in weakness!<br /><br />Praying for you and your recovery, your caring husband, your darling toddler, and your precious little baby boy.Bekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09602990452213854774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-604035984894336412009-04-27T12:33:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:33:00.000-04:00Praying for ALL of you!!!!! I am so sorry that you...Praying for ALL of you!!!!! I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. I am praying that God will carry you guys through this and help Gaines little body to develop and heal of any infections very quickly so you can all come home to Montgomery and to your family and life here. Everyone here and many others everywhere else are praying for you all. Love ya!<br />also:<br />Please don't worry about the wacky emotions, they are normal under any post partum circumstances and especially yours. I had them after each of my NORMAL deliveries and babiesHeidihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16736788352009226481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5469762995730196850.post-52756796114276965492009-04-27T12:27:00.000-04:002009-04-27T12:27:00.000-04:00From one Alabama girl to another... (I grew up in ...From one Alabama girl to another... (I grew up in Prattville and now live in Huntsville.)<br /><br />My heart just aches for you. My second one had a very short stay in the NICU and it was agony just those few hours of not being able to hold or touch him. I cannot even imagine what you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family.<br /><br />MaryMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09511458992881094521noreply@blogger.com