It is our precious little person's birthday today. He is two weeks old...definitely something to celebrate. Here is a video we took of him while he was opening his eyes. Sweet, sweet moments.
We were scheduled to meet with the neurologist today. We hadn't met with her since the last MRI, and we didn't have high expectations for what she would say. We knew we would be talking with her more about some of the long-term effects of the bleeding, and it wasn't a conversation I was very eager to have. Based on the experience of past conversations about Jude's brain, I was prepared for some crying.
The conversation did not go as I expected it to. Instead of another person sitting us down to make sure we know "what a long road ahead" we have...and how "grave" his situation is...she was surprisingly hopeful. She said the MRI looked much better. The bleeds are still there, but she said his brain tissue looks much more normal. Yes, there are four of them, and she doesn't like that number. But, they're not symmetrical...which means that there is more potential for the opposite side of his brain to compensate for what has been lost.
Upon examination, he does really well. He is responding as she would want. He is using both sides equally well. He doesn't seem to prefer one side over another. His body seems to be doing the basic housekeeping it needs to do (such as breathing, motor skills, etc). And, he's not having any seizures! He has been on phenobarbital to prevent them because it would be a natural result of all that his brain has gone through. The neurologist is planning another EEG to confirm.
There seems to be some confusion as to whether three of the bleeds are actually on top of the brain or within the tissue. On top of the brain (a subdural hematoma) is better than within the tissue. Please pray that that's the case.
The neurologist said that she's hopeful, and she encouraged us to be hopeful as well! She also told us "congratulations!" That is only the second time we've heard that from a doctor here, and it is pure music when I hear it.
Thank you once again for your prayers. Our Father has been so very good to us, and He has answered prayer after prayer after prayer. What a sweet experience this has been...to see the hand of God all over our little boy's life. Thank you once again for praying for us. :-) There still aren't words...
26 comments:
I am celebrating and praising the Lord with you right now...and tears of joy are streaming down my face as I watch that beautiful boy of yours...what an incredible gift.
Oh beautiful..and resilient baby Jude..you are sooooo loved! Such good news today - we continue to pray and share your joy!
What beautiful eyes, and what a beautiful thing to share in seeing a Mommy and Daddy interacting with so much love for their precious little baby. You have our continued prayers!
i am crying...thank you for letting us into this tender moment. such beautiful eyes! and such adoring parents. i am so thankful that you have had a doctor who has joined with you in the hope god has placed in your hearts for your precious warrior baby, jude.
i started following your blog when tasha began posting the updates. my little family is praying everyday for your little jude. God is good.
Such wonderful news to praise God for. His eyes are so beautiful, and having spent a greasy deal of time with a neurologist and neurosurgeon when we had our foster baby, I am elated to hear what your neurologist had to say. First hand, I have seen the brain compensate, and it in little ones that is all their brain knows. Praise Jesus for this new news. Aim thankful that your neurologist is hopeful! You all remain in our prayers.
Thank you thank you Lord. To God be the Glory! Brandon & Mandee, Michelle and I are praying with you. We love you and are so thankful for Jude.
Praise God! He is so good! We love that sweet baby. We have his picture up on the refrigerator and are praying for him every day.
Good Morning Mandy! Mikey and I have been following your blog since I heard about Baby Jude. I was in labor when I found out and could not stop crying. Mikey and I went on a prayer walk yesterday and prayed for you guys and Baby Jude. I want you guys to know the way you are trusting our Lord and how you are putting your hope in Him is such a testimony! Thank you for depending on Him the way you are. I know the Lord is carrying you four through this all and we see the Lords power, strength and love in your life. We love you guys so much and are celebrating each day with you! Your baby son is adorable!! He is truly a blessing from above. Please give him kisses from me! Hugs and kisses to all four of you! We love you!!
Friends...this is such wonderful news! Phil and I prayed several times after he got off the phone with Brandon and you were meeting with the neurologist. So grateful for encouraging words. Loved, loved, loved the video! Jude's eyes are a beautiful sight, and yes i sat and cried just listening. So good to hear your voices. Love you lots!!!!
Tears of rejoicing with you as I read today's words and watch Jude open his eyes.
Crying tears of joy and praise as I watch this video. I don't know if I've ever seen anything more beautiful! So thankful for all the good news, encouragement and improvements. Continuing to pray and have all of my friends pray as well!!!
We all watched this at our cru staff meeting this morning. :) It was super encouraging!
Unbelievable!!! You are a true example of what faith can do. I am ashamed to have had so little faith on some days that don't even compare to your experiences. Thank you for showing the way by example! XOXOXO
what a Beauitiful Video! Keep up the hope and we will keep praying for you!
So fun to see sweet Jude today! Ina loved visiting and really didn't want to leave. Y'all will definitely be seeing more of us! Love you!
Mandy - I don't know you, but we have mutual friends (the Zimmers and Kepharts), who shared your blog. I have been praying for you all and reading to keep up with the latest. I have tears in my eyes reading how your day took an unexpected pleasant turn. I will keep praying and remember: He is bigger and more loving than we can comprehend. Blessings and peace to your whole family.
Que hermoso eres Jude felicidades por tus DOS SEMANAS!!
Estoy muy emocionada de verte bebe, me llenas el corazon de alegria!
Amigos que bueno encontrarme con buenas noticias, seguimos orando en casa para que su pequenio mejore dia a dia un abrazo carinioso para uds de los Tiscareno!! :)
Oh I'm so excited!! I'm so in tears!! Seeing Judes eyes...such a gift! Thanks for posting that. I'm so excited about good news!!
We're loving having Caleb here!!! He pushed Ada today in the stroller at WPP and was such a big helper!
Praise God. My Jude and I prayed that you would get to see those sweet eyes! Miracle upon miracle. Thank you for sharing and bringing me back to what matters most today! xo
PS - Happy Birthday Sweet Jude!
Tears of joy here, too.
Still loving you and praying for you from afar!
So great! Praying for more sweet moments just like this! Beth (Ratliff) Novak
Precious...simply precious. Jude is beautiful. We are praying. We love you all!
He's so beautiful!! What a precious video!
oh man! i just saw this video and it is beautiful. the perfect word for it. it made me cry to see this little one and gave me a greater resolve to pray. you and brandon are precious to us and are a blessing to this sweet little boy. WE LOVE YOU! and it was sweet to hear your voices on the video!
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