Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Curveballs

Well, Noah finally had his surgery tonight. I guess Noah will be a baseball pitcher because he has a mean curveball. The surgeon said they went in to check for obstruction but Noah threw them a nasty curveball. Instead of an obstruction, he has necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). This basically means that a he had an infection that killed part of his small intestine. They had to remove 17cm of small intestine closest to his stomach, which is where a lot of nutrient absorption takes place. There are a few other areas that are borderline so they are going to start him on heavy IV antibiotics and then go back in tomorrow around noon. They hope that these other areas show improvement so they don't have to remove those as well. Either way, he will come out of surgery tomorrow with an ostomy, where they bring the end of the intestine to the skin surface for drainage - like a colostomy bag; he may have 2 of these. This will stay in place for 2-3 months until Noah is a little bigger and then they can close that up. The surgeon said this is serious and that his prognosis is fair. Even during this storm, we have to remember to praise God that this was found early, otherwise the prognosis would be much different. Also, Noah is otherwise healthy and has some of the best medical care in the country.

Mari is "in a fog" right now and quite upset about the news. She is holding up as well as can be expected.

We know there are a lot of people out there praying for these little ones, so please keep them coming. We really love to read the comments so keep those coming as well. It is a huge blessing to know there are so many people out there praying for us. We love each and every one of you!

28 comments:

Heather YS said...

Just showed Mom and Dad the babies' latest pictures. They are thinking of you all from way up here in Seattle. We all know little Noah will be ok in the long run. Remember to think strong positive thoughts and visualize little Noah getting well.
Love the Youngs

Anonymous said...

Chris and Mari,
I know that the work of God will be displayed even more through Noah. God has already shown such mighty works in your lives. David said in Psalm 40 that he waited patiently for the Lord and the Lord heard, and so the prayers of many will continue and the Lord will listen.
In Christ's love,
A.S. (Psalm 121, 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)

Anonymous said...

Mark 10:parts of 13 to 16.... Jesus said to them, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these"...And He took the children in his arms, put His hands on them and blessed them. So Lord Jesus we bring these beautiful babies to your throne of grace and pray for your arms to enfold them and bless them with vigerous health and complete healing. Strengthen their parents with hope and joy and we thank you for your wonderful mercies and love. It is in the strong name of Jesus we pray..Amen :) Wades mom

Anonymous said...

I want to thank you for continuing to share your joys and your struggles with us. I pray for your family. I know God will continue to give you the strength you need when you call upon him. All our prayers are swirling around our Heavenly Father for you.

Anonymous said...

Noah is in our prayers tonight! He is a very tough little guy, is getting great care and has friends praying for him all over the counrty. I know he will pull through just fine. We Love you!! Jenn, Jason and Ansley

Anonymous said...

okay, this blog is seriously more addictive than Grey's Anatomy!I was just on this afternoon but I HAVE to check it once more before bedtime to make sure I didn't miss anything, and what do you know, there's another entry. Thank you for keeping us informed so that we can lift little Noah up in prayer and rally around him!

Love,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Noah is such a beautiful boy and I know you are very concerned. Trust in the Lord and in your doctors and the skilled medical team at Hermann. Noah will get the best care. Glenn and I are sending positive thoughts and prayers your way. Noah is in the Lord's hands and is blessed. Keep the faith. Hug them all for us.
Love you
Glenn and Mimi Walton

Sarah said...

Hey guys, we are thinking of you and praying for you. Thanks for keeping us updated, it sure helps us know how to pray. I still think Caleb thinks we're praying for his friend Noah so he's probably a little confused but God knows and what a blessing it is to know that He is sovereign and in control of all things!

Anonymous said...

Mari and Chris,

Please know that I am holding Noah in my heart and hands as I offer up prayers for him.

I have never met you yet I am following, and have been so inspired by, your journey.

I love your babies and keep them (and you) in my prayers.

The Murray Crew said...

Mari and Chris - These verses popped in my head tonight as I read about Noah. Our hearts are heavy with your news, and we will be seeking our Father on your behalf. "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed...Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
II Corinthians 4:7-9, 16-18

mini and brother said...

Hi guys,
My name is Katie and my sister Kerstin is friends with your sister Emalee in Iowa. I have been reading and praying for your babies.
I'm a mom of a little boy who 21 months ago had more than 50% of his small intestines removed. He also had an ostomy bag for a little while. Today he is 34+lbs and the picture of health. It was really a scary time but he is the toughest little guy and really full of life. I'm praying the same for your little Noah. FYI... if you have to lose any of your small intestine the top part nearest to your stomach is the best.
We know God has an incredible plan for Noah's life just as He does for our son. We'll continue to pray for you.
http://miniandbrother.blogspot.com/2006/11/happy-birthday-brother.html
Love for Arizona.

Anonymous said...

For I know the plans I have for you (Noah) declares the Lord.

Plans to prosper you and not to harm you

Plans to give you a hope and a future

Jeremiah 29:11

Anonymous said...

I was sitting in class tonight dying to know the outcome of little Noah. The moment I got home I got online. Once I read the news I was sadden to see this sweet little boy, guilty of nothing, was in pain. I got my bible and immediately looked up scriptures of faith. Mari and Chris - this is a very trying time. God will get you and Noah through this. I have faith. In Hebrews 11:7, By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. Hang in there little man, God has great things planned for you. You have a big name and I know you will come out swinging!

Peace and Love...
Jaime Jones

Anonymous said...

Dear Chris and Mari,

My thoughts and prayers are with you both and your beautiful bundles of joy. Please let me know if y'all need anything.

Love,
Jennifer (Aunt Jenny)

Jen Thompson said...

Chris and Mari-
We prayed for you guys earlier tonight and of course for little Noah. Our God is a big God and He will show himself mighty in this. May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, gaurd your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus tonight. (phil 4:6-7)
Much love,
Jen and Randy Thompson

Anonymous said...

You don't know us but we are friends of Jim and Emalee. I go on line each day and read how your babies are doing and I praise God for their progress. We are lifting these little blessings up to the Lord. He loves them even more than you do and he is holding each of them in His mightly hand! Psalm 5:3 says,"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."
May you be filled with peace that only God can give...
The BIttner family

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Keep the positive outlook and that will be passed onto Noah (and Mari) to help him recover during this time.

Chris and Mari,
Noah (as well as both of you) has the strength of his brothers and sisters surrounding him - there is no stronger bond. They know when a little encouragement is needed. We continue to send our prayers for Cohen, Finn and Sophia to improve and help Noah along the way. I have to applaud the courage you have shown over the past week by sharing the events you and the babies have experienced.

Love,

Candace, Mark and Madeleine

Anonymous said...

We are praying for all of you during this time. I know that you are praising God in this storm. Your faith and optimism inspire me.

I wish we could be there to help out. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers.

Love,
Cami Svitenko and family

Anonymous said...

chris and Mari
Our prayers are with you and your little ones
Sonny and Sheila

Anonymous said...

Chris & Mari -

I continue to keep your family in my prayers, especially Noah. I pray that as you hold each other today, you'll feel God's arms surrounding you. M.R.S.

"For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 43:13

Anonymous said...

Chris and Mari,

I echo others comments thanking you for keeping us up to date and admiring you and Mari's love and strength. Our love and prayers continue to be with you and the babies, and especially with Noah as he faces this obstacle. I think I'll also say a quick prayer for the surgical team!! It is comforting to know that you are in one of the world's foremost medical facilities.

Richard and Kathy Goerlich

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear about this!! I will pray everyday that he gets better! That little fighter's gonna make it. I hope you guys are getting through everything ok, love ya, miss ya.

With Love
The Little Bro

Anonymous said...

Chris & Mari,
We are following your journey with hopeful hearts. Andrew and Alex pray for "Miss Mari's tiny babies" all the time and love to see the pictures. We're praying for you every day and know that God will get you through this turbulent time. Andrew was 3 lbs 8 oz when he was born, and those weeks in the NICU were completely terrifying! I know everything seems scary and unsure, but God will get you through. Take care or each other and those sweet babies, and let us know if we can do anything!
Kara & boys

Anonymous said...

the moorman family is praying for you.

Andria said...

Prayers are being sent your way from California. Noah sounds like a fighter and I'm glad he was diagnosed at this early time. He is a miracle.

Praying for Mari as postpartum emotions are hard to control and can be overwhelming. Please stay by her side and pray together. You are both doing awesome.

Anonymous said...

We continue to pray for Noah and your family in your time of need....
God bless,
Stephanie and Christian

Anonymous said...

Just touching base to say Hi. I've been keeping up with the new family through the site...so please keep that going. We love it and check daily to see what's new. Today we are praying specifically for Noah's complete healing and God's miracle hand in this.

We love you all and can't wait to kiss on these little ones at church.

Love and big hugs,
Melinda and Clyde Gordon

Anonymous said...

Mari,Chris and family and most especially Noah. (my favorite name) I am Misty's cousin and know Candace through her. I have all of my family and friends and St Mary Lady of the Lake Catholic church in Lago Vista praying for ALL of you. Anxiously awaiting news on little Noah. Stay strong