Thursday, March 5, 2009

can i get a woo woo?

Patrice, why on earth are you up writing a post at 4 am?

Why, you ask?

Because we just called the hospital to check on Jonah during my early morning pumping session and the nurse - beautiful, wonderful, heroic, ever-striving-forward Sabrina - reported to us that Jonah ate like a champ his last feeding. She estimates that he took AND SWALLOWED about 4 of the 5 cc's that she gave him tonight. One suck was so loud, she heard it outside of his isolette. Wow! God continues to answer very specific prayers, doesn't He? Are we surprised??? (that was rehtorrical of course)

... could be the Zantac.
... could be he's figured it out.
... could be just a one time thing.
... could be my Awesome Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

I choose number four. Yes, that's my final answer.

Thank you sweet Jesus for this small huge victory in little Jonah's life. You continue to give him so much strength and will to survive. Maybe it's only a one time thing. Maybe it's a breakthrough. Either way, it's great news for one happy, happy set of parents. Thank you for your grace and your sweet mercies. They are new EVERY morning, even at 4 am.

Praise be to Yaweh Jireh - MY God, HE provides.

Now I just have to get myself wound down and back asleep. No more thinking about Jonah. No more thinking about Jonah. No more thinking about Jonah...

... nah.

Come, let's shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! - Psalm 95:1
(This is the Message version of this verse. I've always kind of made fun of the way they put it in this version, but right now, it seems just about perfect!)

Goodnight, I hope. Thank you for praying for Jonah.

70 comments:

Anonymous said...

Haleluiah! I've been praying thru the night that the Lord would continue to knit his skin cells together, just like He did in the womb. It was so good to see him and talk to him. He's a fighter!
Love,
Penny

Jessica Lewis said...

I joined the group not really knowing the cause i took time this morning to read it. I just want you to know that you have a beautiful baby boy who with parents like he has he will grow and be a wonderful example to all around him. Best of luck and God speed with his doctors. In my prayers. Jess

shaina said...

well this just made my day....and its only 6:09. :)

Holly said...

WOW, I am so excited for you. This is absolutely awesome. We do serve an AWESOME God.

Linda said...

I found this blog yesterday adn an in awe of you and your husband's strength. You have a gorgeous little boy and I am praying for him all the way from South Africa.

Melissa said...

I'm with Shaina....this has made my day already, too! I'm going to be working on-site today and tomorrow instead of at TR, so I may not be able to get back on to check on ya'll until the evening, but I'll be thinking good thoughts and saying prayers all day....hang in there!

Heidi said...

You don't know me but I've been following Jonah's story and I just want to say how thrilled I am that he's getting the feeding thing figured out!! You've got a strong little man there, and Our God is a God of miracles!

Sarah Crump said...

so i went to sleep at 6 last night and just woke up. jonah wore me out.

such exciting news i got to wake up to though! tell squishy aunt sarah loves him. see you guys tomorrow.

Janel said...

I sit here in tears at 6:30 in the morning!! Tears of complete and total joy!!

God is good!

I had to get up extra early this morning and was not really looking forward to all the things that I needed to do today, however, my whole attitude and outlook has changed. So what that I have a million things to do - Jonah ATE! Its all about perspective!!

I refuse to believe that this was a one time thing! That boy is a fighter!!

I just cannot tell you how happy I am for Jonah and you!

WOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Anonymous said...

You got a "woo-woo" from Great Aunt in Garner this morning!!! Praying the day will bring more positive steps for Jonah-man! Love you guys!

Unknown said...

I am reading this with tears streaming down my face. How awesome!!!! Thank you Patrice for bringing us along on your journey through this blog. May God be glorified! We think and pray for you guys daily in the Moore house.

Anonymous said...

Hey Williams family,
This is Lori Carter, Amy's kiddos are in preschool with our neighbors and we heard about Jonah through the grapevine. We are keeping Jonah and your whole family in our prayers every day. Great news today!

Love and strength and peace to you all,
Lori

Mira said...

Praise be to God!

Cindy said...

What great news to wake up to. We raised up little Jonah last night at church and will continue to pray for your fighter and you and your husband. It is so amazing and humbling to see how God has used this tiny little boy to bring so much Glory to his kingdom.
Sending Love and Prayers.
Cindy G.

Tammy E. said...

To God be the glory, for great things He hath done. That's what comes to my mind when reading your 4:00 a.m. post, which made me so happy. I'm checking on Jonah several times per day via your blog. Thanks for keeping us posted. We're continuing to pray for that precious baby boy of yours.

Mindy said...

I am so excited!! A prayer of Thanksgiving goes to God from us too!

jrc said...

i am crying i'm so happy :-)

Kristie said...

I am going to shout his name all day long!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This had truely made my day.............thanks be to GOD!!!!
I told you Jonah has a work to do her on earth. I am simply amazed by this little man you got. Take care of him he is a mighty warrior of God!

Kristie

Jenn said...

Oh, I'm so relieved! I've been checking in multiple times a day so worried for you and Jonah...I'm sure I speak for all of your blog friends when I say that we will continue sending our prayers for your family's health and happiness.

Baby Bird said...

Dear Peaceful, Beautiful Patrice:
PRAISE THE LORD...LET'S SHOUT IT FROM THE ROOFTOPS!
Our God IS an awesome GOD!
After seeing you and Matt for a short time yesterday, I prayed for another small victory to encourage your hearts!
Still praying and staying "joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12
Love, Aimee

erin said...

He is Mighty!! That is so awesome!! i AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU! Praise Jesus,and bless Jonah!

Chris D. Hilton said...

I hope I have this correct, if Melanie is “Great Aunt in Garner” that makes me “Great Uncle in Winston-Salem”. That sounds good to me I am closer and get to visit more often. I have had to place a wash cloth on my desk to wipe tears so I can read this Blog. Pam is laughing at me!!! Can you get that picture? I bet that’s worth more than a “woo-woo”. I am not a “woo-woo” kind of guy, the tears I can’t help. Love, Chris

Unknown said...

Wow that is awesome news to hears! What a GREAT victory! GO JONAH GO! I'm so happy to hear he has taken in some formula by mouth! YEA!!! =)

What a feeling huh?!? Those "baby steps" - no pun intended - is what makes us even that more grateful of the little things! =)

I can't stop smiling for you! I will continue to pray and I'm so happy that you have doctors that are willing to listen and apply the care that your baby boy needs to thrive!

Also it's great to see your doc got in touch w/Dr. Fine. He has been around the world of EB for a while and can be very candid (and a colorful character) in the medical aspect of EB.

When you get a moment - ha ha yeah right!!! - try checking out EB Friends. www.ebfriends.ning.com. I noticed Dana Zucha who has a 14 year old w/RDEB has made mention of it already and it's a great place for other families dealing w/EB.

My thoughts and prayers continue for your little one and your family to continue to stay strong & get through each hurdle w/ease!

~Sally Contreras

Jane said...

What wonderful news to read this morning! God is Good! So glad Jonah got some nourishment. Hope this is an omen of a good day to come. My thoughts and prayers are still going strong and have my prayer warriors praying for you too. Stay strong with your faith.

The Burgess Family said...

I say number 4 as well!! God IS awesome!

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Amazing...God is truly at work once again! Praise HIM! Keep at it everybody...this little man will pull through this...I have SUCH faith! Also, can I use this time for everyone to say a small prayer for a friend of mine through my son's school and church...she was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of weeks back and is having surgery today..a double masectomy...I know prayers would be welcome if we can add Marylou to the list...it would be SO appreciated. Hang in there Williams Family...us prayerful warriors are standing by you! :O)

Brianna said...

Yes, you can!!!

WOOOOO WOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't sleep last night and finally got out of the bed just before 4 and prayed on my knees for Jonah. I've got complete chills reading this post. God you are MY God!

Yeah, I'm ready to raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!!

Kristen said...

I just saw your link on someone else's blog. I went over to your blog and read the entire journal...I had to have tissues. I just want you to know, like so many others, we are praying for you. Last night when my little girl and I said her bedtime prayers we prayed for Jonah. My little girl already is a little prayer warrior and we will continue to pray for this sweet little boy, who we don't know, but has touched our hearts. We love him and are lifting him up to the ONE who can do more than we can imagine.

Anonymous said...

we are so happy to hear the great news! still praying strong!!! we love you!

Mitch and Erica Mcknight

Tiffany said...

I am crying tears of pure JOY!!! PRAISE GOD for answered prayers!!!! - All my Love!! Tiffany

Anonymous said...

Crying tears of joy and praising our Lord together!

Thank you, Lord, for giving Jonah the strength to eat!! He is such a miracle, Jesus, and I thank you for blessing my life with his story.

Patrrice & Matt - Jonah is such a beautiful baby, thank you for your diligent updates, pictures, and for expressing such a positive outlook in everything that is happening with your sweet family.

To GOD be all the glory.

Continuing to pray for you all in Michigan.

Love & hugs,
Beth

Jill said...

Yes, you can get a woo woo!! I go to bed with images of Jonah in my head and prayers on my heart. For all of you. Thank for sharing. And allowing your faith to shine so brightly. I know I am probably taking this out of context but I think about the verse that says "Can't help talking about the things that we've seen and heard" You, my dear dear sister, are making that happen.

I love you.
Jill

Laura said...

That's so great! Tears trickling down like everyone else. I'm so happy for you guys. Jonah wanted to make his parents proud while they were away. You'll have to give him an extra big smile today! You might as well learn early that praise encourages good behavior :)

Thank you God!

Laura S.

Magoon Family said...

Just found your blog. I am praying for your little boy. May God place His hands on him and heal him. May you and your husband pull strength from the Lord to get through these trying times. God bless

Anonymous said...

A Loud WOO WOO !!!!!!!
Patrice & Matt, My last prayer for sweet baby Jonah last night , was that he would start eating, and maybe avoid any feeding tubes.
What a great way to start the day, seeing our God answering prayers. I love you both, and Jonah is so bleesed to have you .
love and prayers
Gina

2 Babes in Boyland said...

Praising our AMAZING Lord for the work He is doing in Sweet Jonah's life!! SO happy and will continue to pray!!

Anonymous said...

Woo-woo! I am so pleased to read this! Who am I you might ask?? Well, let's see...I am your husband's mother's brother's ex-wifes, sister's, daughter's, adopted daughter...Even that far out we are family through Christ and He has drawn us together and laid you and your family so heavily on my heart that I have prayed for you numerous times over the last 6 days. I am thrilled to see how God is answering prayer and commit to you to continue praying faithfully! We love you all in Christ and remember, you don't have to know 2000 people...your family is WAY larger than that!

Runner Mom said...

Hey, y'all! I'm a friend of your cousin's friend, Ginnie, in SC! What a great post to read this morning! Jonah rocks as does our Lord, Jesus! Woohoo! We are praying for that precious little one. Keep the faith!!

Hugs,
Susan

Megan said...

praise God. We shall continue to pray and miracles will be worked!

Amy said...

You know you can always get a woo and roof action from me...This has me dancing around the living room. I hope to see you guys tonight!

LeeAnn said...

Yipee!! Such awesome news this early in the morning definitely changes my perspective for the day. Thanks for taking the time to write at 4am and sharing this incredible victory with all of us. Love you lots!
LeeAnn

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news. Way to go Jonah!!!
Continuing to pray...

Anonymous said...

What a way to wake up!!! I am about to leave for work (local church preschool) and I can't wait to tell my co-workers... if they haven't already checked the blog for themselves! There will be much rejoicing in Searcy today!!! Way to go, Jonah - we are SO proud of you, little man!!! - Jessie and Chris

jennifer ;) said...

I love the verse you used! I am laughing at the "raise the roof" but that is a great way to state the joy my heart feels for your joy in the Lord and Jonah right now. PRAISE BE TO GOD. :) Praying for a day of joy for you all.

purejoy said...

what a blessing to get such a great report about your wonderful, nipple sucking little guy. i know what a great victory this is for y'all.
you probably have more than 2000 friends out there. i am proud to be on my knees for jonah.
and for you.
may our sweet Jesus continue to be your rock and your stronghold.
press on, press on.

Julie said...

praise. praise!

Gene and Annie said...

Praise Jesus! My kids and I are dancing to the praises of our King! Continuing to pray in Indiana!

Unknown said...

Such exciting news! Good job, baby boy.

Anonymous said...

Praise God. I just stopped and prayed that Jesus will continue to watch over sweet Jonah and help his skin to heal, help his body to heal and help him along the way of feeding and nutrition. Praise God!

Steve Weeks said...

If someone were to some into my office at work right now they might think I care really deeply about fiber optic cable (wiping my tears of joy);o). We will continue to pray each day for your baby boy and both you and matt. Praise God for this success. I will see you guy's tomorrow.

- Stevie

Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light said...

YAY!!! Rejoicing with you! BTW, I found your blog because of Katherine's blog (we live in Hoover, too). I look forward to praying for you in your journey with precious Jonah (which is one of my favorite names of ALL TIME)!!!

Hope today brings more happy surprises!!!

Anonymous said...

Orando por Jonah y toda tu familia!Mi corazon esta con ustedes!.
Familia Cambrun

Anonymous said...

Last night I was teaching the kids class - Jonathan, Amos, and Christa, - about how powerful coming together and praying is. We talked about Jonah and prayed for him and both his parents.

Thanks for sharing your praise. It is beautiful. And Jonah is a beautiful work of God.

You all are never far from my heart and prayers.

Love,
Doris

Christie said...

woo woo, go Jonah, it's ya birthday...well, not really but close enough!! keep it up sweet boy~

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful day that the Lord has made! We are all glad and will rejoice in it! When are you starting his college fund? I'm thinking Harvard. We would be happy to contribute.

Rebekah said...

GO JONAH!! I would be shouting from the roof tops to. Im so proud of him. Lets home he keeps it up today. Eat baby eat!!!!!!

Stephanie said...

Praise God for every victory. Oh, how you challenge my faith to love Jesus more even when the ground gives way.
His light is shining so bright through your life and your blog and especially through Jonah.
Love, love and more love from TN

Unknown said...

God is good. All the time!!!! We will keep praying.

two red heads and two brunettes said...

Hallelujah for milk in Jonah's tummy!!!!!

Unknown said...

PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!!!!!!! So glad to hear the GREAT news!!!!!!! Praying Jonah continues to "eat like a champ"!!!!!!!!!!

Stephanie said...

Oh, may He quiet you with His love... This comforts me in my (VERY SMALL COMPARED TO YOURS) trial. I hope it comforts you too.
May souls be turned to Jesus because of the precious life of your Jonah and may God completely heal Him for the glory of His powerful name. Maranatha, Jesus. Come for us!!!
****************

I have tried you in the furnace of affliction--
Isaiah 48:10
Comfort yourself, tried believer, with this thought: God says, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction" [KJV].
Does not the Word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not a protective shield, against which the heat has no power? Let affliction come--God has chosen me. Poverty, you may stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and He has chosen me. Sickness, you may intrude, but I have balsam ready--God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that He has "chosen" me.
If, believer, you require still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sits by your side One whom you have not seen, but whom you love; and often when you do not know it, He comforts you in your affliction and softens the place of rest. You are in poverty; but in your lovely house the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places, that He may visit you. Your friend sticks closely to you. You cannot see Him, but you may feel the pressure of His hands. Do you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." Remember that noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not, you carry Caesar and all his fortune." Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In all your difficult trials, His presence is both your comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom He has chosen for His own. "Fear not, for I am with you" is His sure word of promise to His chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction." Will you not, then, take hold of Christ and say--
Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead, I'll follow where He goes.
Isaiah 41:10
Charles Spurgeon/ Alistair Begg

khakie said...

YEAH!!!!! God is Awesome!!!
And - He answers prayers...
may everyone who reads this blog know Him beacuse of it!

I personally think it could be the zantac - being a bit of an expert on reflux both in me and BOTH my babies...I think that's a huge thing!

But - all about giving God the glory either way!
Thank you Lord!!!

Anonymous said...

Prayers have been answered! Great news that Jonah was able to swallow. Way to go Jonah!

Gail
Annapolis, MD

Amber Benge said...

Praise God for this miracle! Keep eating, Jonah... we know you can do it. :)

Jennie said...

What GREAT news! I know that is such a relief for you guys. Please know that I am praying for you guys and little Jonah is never far from my mind. Hang in there and keep leaning on God. I hope today is a miraculous day!

Jennie Patterson

Katherine @ Grass Stains said...

Patrice, When I got your e-mails from 3:45 this morning, I WAS WONDERING what you were doing up and e-mailing .. but then I was like, Well, how can I expect her to sleep? But I didn't see the blog post until I got to work. Now I understand! I am all tearful and sniffling at my desk ... thanks for the burst of happiness you provided today. My heart feels like it will just explode. Go, Jonah, GO!!!

Elizabeth said...

Praise God for this huge victory! Praying incessantly for you all!
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Praise be to GOD. He is a wonderful and healing GOD. My prayers are for Jonah to be healed from the top of his head to the tips of his toes in the name of Jesus Christ. May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with you and protect you. Jonah will be healed.

Anonymous said...

Matt and Patrice;

I just learned today March 7, 2009 about the baby and your situation. Paul and I are praying for you and your family is in our prayers. If there is anything that I can do, please let me know. You can reach me at angel_robin2001@yahoo.com and I will give you my phone # there. May the Lord be with you and give you both the strength and understanding. It seems that the baby is a fighter and he has two parents that are fighters as well.

Love to all:

Robin & Paul Cummings

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to leave my name and email for you guys. My husband and I live in Wilmington, NC and we have a two year old who was born with EBS-DM. I know you are overwhelmed, but if we can help you in any way or get you supplies or information, please let us know. We will praying for your wisdom and strength and for your beautiful Jonah as well.
Becky Holland
beck1885@ec.rr.com