Hi everyone! For those of you who have been wondering what has been happening with us lately, I can hopefully fill in some of the blanks. As you may know, Paula had an emergency c-section on Sunday evening at McPherson Memorial. Due to an increase in amniotic fluid for some unknown reason we got in touch with our Doctor and had been monitoring the situation. When Sunday evening came around, Paula's contractions kicked in and it was decided to perform the delivery that night. All went well during the operation and it was quite a sight when the amniotic fluid was released. After the ordinary tests were performed, he was brought in to be with Paula and took to feeding right away. However, he started choking some and required some bulbing to remove what was thought to be amniotic fluid from the delivery process. This did happen at each successive feeding and Paula became concerned, so she asked one of the nurses to watch as the feeding began. He again started choking and they took him out to bulb him. At this point they decided to check in with Wesley and it was decided that he should go there. After Porter was transported to Wesley, Paula and I arrived soon after to meet with the Doctors. Many things were discussed and some of it is a blur, but it basically comes down to the fact that there appears to be a detachment of the esophagus somewhere in his body that is preventing anything being able to get into his stomach. Several terms have been given including this one today, which is "esophageal atresia". There are some potential "other" conditions that appear with this sort of thing, including some issues with the heart, kidneys, thumbs and spine. His heart has been checked and it was found to be fine. They are scheduled to check the kidneys on Friday and the spine sometime after that. The thumbs have no appearence of any issues either.

This afternoon, Porter underwent an approx. 1 hour operation to install a feeding tube into his stomach. Surgeons met with us afterwards and said it went very well. He was put completely under and with a ventilator and as of this time they have left it in. Unless he would get agitated with it, they would like to leave it in overnight. Report from the nurse tonight (11:45pm) was that he was doing very good and resting comfortably.

I would like to take this time to let you know how grateful Paula and I are for the prayers that have been lifted up on our behalf for this precious child. We have felt a strong presence of God's peace throughout this entire birth process and we acknowledge that our family and friends prayers have surrounded us during this time. Pastor Darrell and Kate (and Immanuel!) happened upon us prior to the operation today. What a testimony of how God provides His people to meet our minute by minute needs. The time of sharing and praying was what Paula and I needed prior to Porter's operation.

We shared this with Pastor Darrell and Kate that God has already provided numerous people to which we were able to witness. Porter's life has a plan, and part of that plan is to use his situation to glorify God. We can't believe that we were chosen for such an awesome responsibility-to share God's love, peace and gift with others. Porter at 4 days old has been used by God more than some people get to be used in a lifetime. Praise God!!!!! We ask that your prayers would be that God would be glorified, and that each one of the medical issues listed above would be the best of circumstances, and that Wesley NICU would witness the miraculous healing of Porter-completely and quickly. Please know that we don't expect emails with questions, comments, verses, messages, inquiries, ect., but would LOVE them if you feel lead to do so. We will try to leave up-dates often and respond as often as we can to each message. Your prayers are our lifeline, and your precious gift to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.


~ Todd and Paula and family
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