Thursday, February 17, 2005

9:35 am Prayer Need: Jonathan pulled his feeding tube out last night. The doctor's even now are deciding whether to put it back in or to leave it out and see how he does. He needs to drink 50 ounces of water by mouth per day. Please pray that the tube will stay out and he will be able to drink the amount of fluid that he needs each day.

Psalm 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Thy praise.

JONATHAN HAS SPOKEN

His first words were, "I WANT SOME MILK. He has drank 2 containers of chocolate milk and wants more. HALLELUJAH! OUR GOD IS AWESOME.

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW
PRAISE HIM ALL CREATURES HERE BELOW
PRAISE HIM ABOVE YE HEAVENLY HOSTS
PRAISE FATHER SON AND HOLY GHOST.
AMEN AND AMEN!!!!!!!!!

Seven weeks ago today was the last time we heard our precious Jonathan utter a word. At best, we could barely understand him then because he was so sick. "I want some milk" will forever ring in our memories as the most beautiful words spoken - Jonathan's first words since December 30, 2004. He would also say "I want some more milk" and "I want some chocolate milk". Praise the Lord! It was an incredible moment. What a blessing to hear his voice again. Lots of things happened today, so let me back up to the beginning of the day. I walked in this morning to find out that Jonathan had pulled the feeding tube out of his nose in the middle of the night. The doctor said they may have to put it back in so that he can get all the fluids he needs (50 oz a day). They also changed the only 2 tube feedings he had left (3 pm, 10 pm) to snacks. I told them we wanted to try to give the fluids to him by mouth before putting the tube back in. So we determined that over 12 hours, we needed to give him at least 4 oz of fluid an hour. So that was our goal for today. Therapy went well. During speech, he ate 2 Cheeto puffs, some cheese and part of a graham cracker and did great. They are ordering him a mechanical, soft, ground tray in the morning to see how he will do. He should have no problems with it at all. Jonathan showed the neuro-psychologist that he also remembers his number 0-9 to go along with colors and shapes. After that we went to the play room for a while and watched Jonathan color on a Magna Doodle board, among other things. We went back to the room and I gave him 4 oz of chocolate milk, which he drank very quickly. After I put it back in the refrigerator, Uncle Chris and I were sitting on his bed talking to him and watching him desperately trying to say words. We continued to encourage him until he said "Milk." I asked him if he was telling me he wanted some milk and he said, "I want some milk." We cheered! Guess what Jonathan got? The rest of the carton and another whole carton too! I think he said "I want some milk" at least 100 times and we just kept calling all the family and holding the phone to his mouth. The doctor told us that chewing and talking usually happen together. Later on in the evening, he said "Bye" to his grandparents too. He continued to try to say more things during the evening, like Dad, Mom, Hi and Bye most of them were whispers but words none the less. We are looking forward to hearing every word he wants to say to us. Jonathan gives great hugs and tonight for the first time in 7 weeks, Dad got a hug from his son. He could hardly contain himself as Jonathan wrapped his arm around his daddy's neck and squeezed.
Psalm 115:18 - 116:1 But as for us, we will bless the LORD From this time forth and forever. Praise the LORD! We hope you will join us in praising God for yet another awesome miracle in the life of our sweet boy. Pray for Jonathan as he works through this new phase of his recovery and continue to pray for healing and peace within his little mind. Pray that we can maintain the fluids he needs by mouth so that there will be no more feeding tube. Pray for movement in his left arm and both legs and strength to hold up his head and to support himself. Thank you for praying and believing with us!

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