Friday, November 20, 2009

woohoo!!!

Let's cut straight to it - Jonah ate 25.8 ounces today. That's right. Twenty-five point eight. I'm blown away. He took all of his bottles without a fight, and started out with his eyes open (very drowsy but eyes open) for all of them. I actually enjoyed feeding my child today. It was relaxing and wonderful. And in the last two days, we've gone from a two and a half hour scream-fest maybe-one-ounce nighttime routine to a twenty to thirty minute five ounce routine. We could get used to this. And Jonah, once again, was in an excellent mood all day. Amazing how good you can feel when you have a full belly.

Here are some photos from the last couple days.



I put Jonah down on his back to play and went in the kitchen to switch the laundry. When I came back, maybe two minutes later, this is how I found him.


Just a swangin' (with milky lips... that's what I like to see).



Because he had eaten so well and I knew I wouldn't need to try to feed him again for at least three hours, we were able to venture out. We didn't go out in the car (don't get crazy), but we did go for a nice, long stroll all through the neighborhood.

And Jonah was just as happy as could be. See?





It was another great day!

And I just want you guys to know that I attribute this drastic change completely to answered prayer. There is no other explanation for how well he's eating right now. It's as if some sort of switch has flipped for him. I'm so happy for him... and for me. :) I'm not saying he will never backslide again. I'm not saying he doesn't need a g-tube (we still plan to carry through with that plan). But I am saying that when we were about at our breaking point, when we were on the brink of desperation, God lifted Jonah out of the pit. Again. God is faithful. Over and over and over again. And somehow, it keeps surprising me.

Thank you, Father.

And, Jonah, you go on with your bad self. I love you, sweet boy.

78 comments:

Laura A said...

PRAISE GOD!!!

This is wonderful news, Patrice! And you can see that Jonah is happy - that sweet little face has a double chin, too! I'm so glad this was a good day. Am praying that this will continue, and that God will continue to give you and Matt peace and wisdom.

Hope all three of you have a great weekend!

Love from TX!
Laura

PS - glad you were able to get out - it rained most of the day today. yuck!

Debbie said...

I loved scrolling down the page and seeing the "woohoo" before seeing the rest of the post! So happy to hear the joy come through your words - you are such an amazing mom and Jonah is so blessed to have you! Praise God for the great eating day! Praying for many more!

Janel said...

God IS good!!!

Amen.

ca said...

Look at that sweet face and those cut little teeth poking out. I love Jonah!

From Right down the road in Burlington,
Casey

Au-Me said...

Love the photos! So glad J-Man is eating. Love and miss you guys! See you all soon.
Au-Me

Janet said...

I love seeing that wonderful smile and darling little teeth! Keep it up Jonah!

Jill said...

Those pictures are awesome. I hope you guys get many more days just like today. His expression through his eyes is amazing.

Lindsay said...

Woohoo, that is fantastic news! So glad to hear Jonah's good news, and it makes me smile to think you could relax and just enjoy him today. I can't imagine what you go through on a daily basis, and I just pray for more days like today for you and Jonah. The power of prayer is just amazing!!

melissa said...

Yay!!!

Rebekah said...

When did Jonah get those two sweet teeth? How did I miss that post? I am so glad you had a wonderful day. I am sure that it was a much needed break.

Nutty Mom said...

I just love those big blue eyes! And look at his teeth! My 14 month old doesn't even have a sprout of a tooth yet. Jonah is just TOO precious. Here's to hoping you get to gorge on carbs for thanksgiving!

ashpuck said...

I'm glad you had another great day! Jonah's beautiful blue eyes told of how he felt. He looked like he felt great! And I couldn't be happier for ya'll

~Ashley

TAKEAPILLMWOP said...

Awww sweet girl here is a ((((hug))) just for you. You are an awesome mama. i can't remember if I have ever commented here before but i do check on you guys all the time. i am so glad Jonah is eating better these past couple of days. I wish a quarter of your strength.

James and Jack said...

This is my first time commenting, but I have been following your blog for quite some time. I alternate between laughing and crying every time I read your posts. Your strength and courage are amazing. And little Jonah is about the cutest thing ever! I just had to comment after I saw those pictures tonight. Beautiful is the only word to describe them! So happy that he is eating well and that you had such a wonderful day! What a blessing and wonderful answer to prayers!

TAKEAPILLMWOP said...

and..i wish I could type a full sentence. Ha. I meant that I wish I had a quarter of your strength.

Unknown said...

How wonderful! I pray that days like these become your new norm. :)
Go Jonah!

Unknown said...

Praise the Lord!

brightleigh said...

I say he is still holding out for some of that Thanksgiving turkey. Glad he is eating better for you! Happy Thanksgiving to you!

Jennifer said...

yay! God is so good! So glad to hear the two of you had such a nice, relaxing day. AND you got to get out of the house. That can make a world of difference. Continuing to pray...we serve an amazing God! :)

Jessica said...

Im so happy you guys were able to get out of the house! I love seeing such happy pictures of such a cute little boy.

Still praying as always!
Jessica

Kim and Asa said...

Yay, Jonah!!!!

Oh, I pray he keeps this up! How wonderful!!! Praise God!

Me, the boys and a Farm... said...

YAY! PRAISE THE LORD! I am so happy to hear that you guys have had two good days in a row! So glad to "see" how happy and beautiful Jonah is...he really is a beautiful child. He looks so much like you, Patrice. So glad that he is eating and it isn't such a struggle...I am sure it is an answer to prayers, but do you think he is also liking the new formulation of stuff your giving him? Will this change the surgery option or day? Our family will still be praying for yours and hope you didn't mind us adding you to the church prayer list as well...we are so happy you both were able to enjoy the lovely afternoon we had here in the triad today! Wishing and praying for many, many more happy days ahead!
Much love to you from us.

Nora Lee said...

Answered prayer...once again; why are we surprised?! God is using Jonah to show us all how much in control He is!

Little chubby cheeks, two bright little white teeth, little baby Mohawk hair-do, bright blue eyes - could Jonah get any cuter?

Have a wonderful weekend.

Becca B. said...

Hootey Hoo for a happy baby with a full belly!

flynnfamily said...

I thought I would check your blog one last time tonight to see if there was a baby Jonah update. I am so glad I did. It has completely made me smile. I am happy for your family. Praise God!

Anonymous said...

God is great and God is good....

cd said...

Glad to hear Jonah is eating better.

I had to share that my boys (7 and 6) pray for Jonah every night and for Christmas, they want Jonah magnets. I just had to share it..they are the cutest!

momofgirls said...

I am so very happy for you and Jonah! I can only imagine how great it feels to have at least one weight lifted off of your shoulders!! I pray God continues to send blessings your way!!

Amanda said...

Right on Jonah!

Man, between Jonah and Stellan, (and more I am sure), I don't know how anyone can not believe in God or prayers. It's amazing!!!

Still saying prayers for continued good eating, and for next week to go EXACTLY as God has planned it!!

Anonymous said...

Wow that color looks great on baby Jonah!!! Im so glad hes eating, he must feel a ton happier and of course it makes life much more pleasant for you! Maybe you can hold off on the gtube until after Thanksgiving?

Jennifer said...

Crying out in joy is so nice for a change. I am so glad to read about the day you both had! Maybe a couple days of this and Jonah will start to connect the content feeling of a full belly with eating...I will certainly pray.
He's so beautiful! I bet you both beamed on your walk today!
God bless you all.

Meghann said...

Awesome!!!
Praying that today is even better for you guys!!

♥Jess♥ said...

YAY!

I'm so glad that he had a GREAT day eating!! :) Looks like the sunshine is warm!

RLR said...

I second that woohoo! Praises for your wonderful day - and prayers for many more! Does this mean you can wait until after Thanksgiving for the g-tube?

Anonymous said...

Yay Jonah! Yay God! Awesome news! God truly is faithful, and He doesn't give you more than you can bear. I hope and pray that Jonah continues on this great path and that you have the best weekend you've had in a LONG time!

Also, Jonah can not get any more adorable. His eyes are so bright and blue, and his face so expressive. He looks seriously proud of himself for rolling over :) I really hope Anthony's hair starts to grow sometime soon so that he can have a cool hairdo just like Jonah's!

~Amy

Unknown said...

Yaaaaay Jonah!!! We will keep praying.

Wanda Wilkinson said...

YEAH!!!! GOD IS SO AWESOME.

So happy you & jonah have had d2 great days, praying for many more to come. Hopefully Jonah has figured out this eating makes him feel good & doesn't cause him pain. Since you changed brands that tastes better too. If all I got was "burnt potato water" I would fight whoever was trying to give it to me.

Those pictures are wonderful..his smiles, his eyes & that hair plus those 2 little teeth---makes me fall more in love with him. Boy if I could get my hands on him I would kiss him all other the top of his head. Nothing is sweeter than a happy baby. Jonah;s personality just beams even in pictures. Jonah is precious beyond words.

Hope you have a great weekend & that Jonah keeps on filling his tummy so you can have a great Thanksgiving with family.

love from Durham

Mindy said...

I am so excited! And I am keeping up my prayer for you.

Hannah (my 3 year old) was here with me looking at Jonah and was asking me what was on his face. I told her a little bit about it and I asked her who made Jonah. Hannah said "God and that means Jonah is precious." I told her she was right and asked her, he is such a cutie, isn't he?

She smiled and said "Nooooo Mommy, Jonah is handsome!"

Tricia said...

Praising God with you. I will keep praying God sends blessings and healing your way.

Unknown said...

this is fantastic how good he is eating!! Jesus is rad...all the time!! what great pics of jonut!! have a wonderful weekend..much love and blessings~erin

Anne Claire A. said...

So glad to hear how much he ate! His blue eyes are soooooooooo beautiful!

SkodaFun said...

Praising God and continuing to pray for many more days like this. When babies are happy it makes mom SO happy!

Amanda said...

Oh, hooray!! Yay, Jonah! Yay, God!

Patrice, I love the series of pictures in the stroller! :)

Andi K. said...

That is so great! His face looks great too Patrice! Still praying for you guys!

Precious 3 said...

Praise the Lord! Way to go Jonah!

emily ebeling said...

oh, wow! how much have I missed?!?!
HE HAS TEETH :)
SO glad that prayers are being answered for jonah- full belly definitely equals happier baby!

"Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow"


~em

Amy Lynn said...

Hooray for Jonah. Keep going!

Erin said...

He sure looks like you in the pic of him on him tummy! He is such a cute little pumpkin.

Shari said...

Praise the Lord! Thank you Jesus for answering prayer! Lord, we love you! He looks so happy in the pictures! I continue to pray for sweet Jonah boy! Have a wonderful day! :-)

Anonymous said...

Yes, praise God!

Jonah's little teeth are soooo precious!

Kelli said...

Praise God!!! I am so happy that Jonah is eating better!!! Will continue to pray;))

Jessica said...

I love the look on his face after he rolled over! It is just precious. good job eating Jonah... :) God IS awesome!

Ellen said...

So glad to hear you had another great day!! Way to go Jonah!!

Just Me - MJ said...

So glad things seem to have improved on the eating front! He is positively beautiful!!! His face is just perfectly precious - I love seeing him enjoying life! I hope this great trend continues!

Staci said...

Love the smiley face with those two little baby teeth showing. What a cutie!

Debbie,mother of two said...

Oh boy I can't tell you how happy I was to read your last blog. Praise God! Just when we think we can handle no more the Lord comes in an picks us up. I am sure it made Jonah feel so much better. Still praying that the Lord gives you the peace in making your decision and that he will provide you with the best answer for Jonah. I know that you and Matt are doing what is best for Jonah. You two are the best parents. I know it made you feel so good. If you have to go through with the surgery know that I will be praying for all things to go well.

Unknown said...

beautiful pictures. he is starting to look a bit like a boy, no longer a baby. always your baby though. gorgeous eyes!! enjoy him.

gretch said...

Keep it up Jonah!! Thanks to God for lifting you out of the gloom, and you can now see brighter days ahead once again!!
I have hope that this progress will continue :)

inadvertent farmer said...

I am new and have just read through a few of your most recent posts...my heart goes out to you and your perfectly adorable little one. I am so glad that he is eating after your struggles. I hope he continues his good appetite...I will keep him in my prayers! Kim

Nashville TV Show said...

What a happy little boy he is!!! What a praise ... praying for that to continue!!!

Jennifer said...

Sing with me now, "Love lifted me, love lifted me. When nothing else could help, Love lifted me." God is awesome like that. Loving you all so much! In case I don't get back anytime soon....Happy Thanksgiving! Jennifer in Southeast, NC

The Mind of a Mom said...

HI Williams Family
Is this something that Jonah will eventually outgrow as he gets older? Or is this skin disease something he will always have? How does the sun effect him?
Bless you for being so strong and bless your cutie pie!!

Speechless said...

So amazing Patrice! Praise the Lord he is doing so well. I hope you are able to get away for Thanksgiving. I know you have so much to be thankful for this year.

Shannon

mom nana nelson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mrs. B said...

Praise the Lord! What great news to read this evening. Sweet Jonah continues to be in my prayers!

Love from Iowa,
Cara

Mrs. Hoot said...

Rock on!!! I'm so happy for you guys!!

Baby Bird said...

WOOHOO!! Awesome news! Can't wait to see you 2 bright and early tomorrow morning! God is so good!
Can't wait to kiss that sweet little head:)
Love, Aimee ;o)

Lauren said...

ahhhh, i just got online for the first time in 5 days and was like, what? g-tube? surgery? i feel so behind!

but i am so glad that jonah is doing well for the past couple of days and eating! praise God! and i love the pictures and his happy smile and stunning blue eyes. please let me know if there's anything i can do this thanksgiving to make things easier on you guys.

trooppetrie said...

teeth, i can not believe I had not noticed the teeth. He looks great mom and we are still praying. it is a amazing what a trip around the neighboorhood can do for a person

Toni :O) said...

AMEN! Yay for sweet Jonut!!! I'm thrilled to hear the great news and we'll keep praying for your little darlin! Hugs to you all!

Mimmy said...

Patrice, I feel so badly that I have not been keeping up with you and Jonah, although I have thought of you and prayed for you. You have been going through so much pain, and so has Jonah. I'll so my best to keep up more. You are the reason I began blogging. Yours is the first blog I ever read and I am so very blessed by it and your faith. Please know that even when I'm not here to comment you are in my prayers.

God Bless and Love you to Heaven and back,
Mimmy

jag said...

What a great day! Made my day to read about it!

Rochel said...

YAY! Go Jonah!

jandkland said...

It's fantastic to read a post like this after what you've endured in recent days. My, what a handsome little boy you have! He's got him a head of hair, doesn't he? Thanks for sharing both the exciting news and the adorable photos!

--Kelley in GA

Brandie said...

A.MA.ZING! I'm so glad to read this!!

Amber Schmidt said...

can we even begin to talk about how cute the hair is?? I mean really! It just doesn't get much better than that!

Rachael said...

Holy cow his eyes are gorgeous! Glad things are going so well with Jonah, I see his picture on my blog and think about you guys often!

dragonflyz in June said...

Way to go Jonah!! Yup, a full belly really makes the difference, for both of you!! Praise God, He really is awesome!

Peace and Blessings
Crystal