HAPPY AND BLESSED THANKSGIVING

Witt and The Cross!

Thank You, Lord, for Witt but first and foremost thank You for the Cross! Thank You for the Cross of Christ that from it freely flows salvation, hope, mercy, grace and power. Without the Cross, life has no meaning and Witt most likely would not even be alive today to be placed at the foot of it! So today I am most grateful for the Cross and my Christ who put Himself on it and held Himself there. It is because of the Cross that I can truly give thanks in all things...in all circumstances. My prayer for each of us today is that we find ourselves at the foot of the cross thanking God for Who He is and what He has done. I pray that He opens our eyes to all that we should be thankful for. Thank You, Lord...thank You for Witt and what You have accomplished in and through his life. May we all (along with Witt) always find ourselves at the foot of the Cross...Glory!

The Foot of The Cross by Ray Boltz

They were watching from a distance

And they could not take their eyes from You

You were bleeding , they were weeping

Faithful sisters, they had followed You

They did not understand, they could not see

They were mourning their loss

As the sky turned black and the Earth turned red

At the foot of the Cross

He was standing near Your mother

They were so close, they could hear You sighing

All around them angry voices

Pierced the darkness and You were dying

But they would not leave, they lingered there

No matter the cost

They were saying and they were praying

At the foot of the Cross

Keep me near the Cross, near the Cross

May I never stray so far

that I cannot see what flowed down for me

At the foot of the Cross

Now I'm standing in Your presence

And I cannot take my eyes from You

You have risen, I'm forgiven

Precious Saviour, oh I worship You

No, I'm not looking back

I've heard Your voice and I'm staying here

I've made my choice, for now it's real

Now I kneel at the foot of the Cross

Keep me near the Cross, near the Cross

May I never stray so far

That I cannot see what flowed down for me

At the foot of the Cross

13 MONTHS OLD!

He is still all smiles!

Yesterday was Witt's 13th month birthday!! He also saw Dr. Macicek for a follow-up appointment from 2 weeks ago. Witt is still on the extra dose of lasix and hasn't needed any oxygen since that last little episode a couple of weeks ago. Witt also was seen by the pediatric surgeon's nurse about his stomach tube. About a week ago his tube was accidentally pulled all the way out by Mel's dogs chasing our cat! Melanie deflated the balloon on the end of the tube, stuck it back in and re-inflated the balloon to hold it in place. Witt's tube had already been leaking some so Melanie wanted it checked. Witt had been losing quite a bit of his feed at times. This was worrisome not just because of wanting him to get the calories but also because he is on the extra diuretic. The nurse ended up putting a slightly shorter tube in which seems to be making a difference. For now Witt is doing maybe even better than the doctors had expected. It is incredible that he is off oxygen and his heart has not changed! It feels like Thanksgiving everyday around here. Maybe that's just what God desires...give thanks in all things everyday!!!

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON

Two snappy dressers!

Witt seems to be feeling good. He is still on the extra dose of diuretic and hasn't required any oxygen! He does have a follow up appointment with cardiology(Dr. Macicek) this coming Monday. Yesterday Stephanie, the physical therapist, came by and worked with Witt. Both Melanie and Austan have been needing to make phone calls on Witt's behalf recently. Austan has been dealing with the insurance company about occupational therapy and now the rsv vaccination. Today, Dr. Lange's office called to say that insurance is not wanting to pay for the rsv shot which is incredibly expensive. It's crucial that Witt get this because a respiratory illness could be devastating for Witt! Melanie has been talking to the people at Early Childhood. She wants Witt to have everything possible that's available to help in his development. Please pray for favor as they make these calls! As Thanksgiving draws near, I find myself almost at a loss of where to start with all that I have to thank God for...tears of joy just seem to take over!

GOD AND GOLF...AMEN!

Even though Witt has sunglasses he's not

getting to golf today!

The picture below is the view I get every time I walk through my front door. Melanie and Austan's house is almost completely repaired from the hurricane damage a year ago but for now what used to be our dinning room/office is still Witt's nursery. Truly, all is well because Witt is loved by God and in Him Melanie and Austan take refuge!

One of the greatest examples of God's love has come through the Wee Dream Foundation that today is putting on the golf tournament and fundraiser dinner afterward. People from all over have poured their time and money into to this benefit for Witt and Elle. Mark(Austan's dad) put it perfectly in an email this morning:

As the George Strait song , "I Saw God Today" says, God has his fingerprints all over this foundation.

Amen, Mark! I believe in God and know that He exists but to get to see Him tangibly through the sacrifices and generosity of others is amazing! Not only are Austan, Melanie. Lee and Lisha being blessed with financial help but most importantly God is revealing Himself...Glory!!!

Thank you, all of you who have so willingly helped and supported Witt and Elle not just financially but especially with your unwavering prayers!!!

WITT AND ELLE ON CHANNEL TWO AT 5!

Tonight @ 5 on Channel 2 news, don't miss Witt and Elle!

Here is the link:

http://www.click2houston.com/video/21600132/index.html

OFF OXYGEN!

Witt is off oxygen! Not sure exactly how God accomplished it...maybe it was the extra diuretic but he's definitely better. Dr. Macicek wants to see him again in a couple of weeks which will be right before Thanksgiving. Glory!

STILL ON A LITTLE OXYGEN

Witt is still on a little oxygen. He hasn't gotten any worse but has still needed a little bit. Please pray that the extra diuretic will solve the issue. Dr. Macicek wants Melanie to call again this afternoon to decide what course to take. Obviously, we want to follow the course that God Himself has laid out. Pray that God makes that clear to Dr. Macicek! Witt doesn't appear to feel bad at all. He's been "talking" and laughing over the past couple of days more than ever. However, this picture shows the scowl that I got when I held my phone up to take a picture!

REALLY, ANOTHER PICTURE?!!!!!

Austan and Melanie just left to join Lee and Lisha(Austan's brother and sister-in-law) for an interview. A local TV station is filming an interview about Witt, Elle and the Wee Dream Foundation! The fundraiser is this coming Monday so they are filming at the golf course. I will post more details about the interview and when it airs. I am still blown away by the interest and support of everyone for Witt, Elle and the fundraiser. I am asking Christ to be at the center of this event and to bless each of you!

UNPLANNED TRIP TO TEXAS CHILDREN'S!

Witt had an unplanned visit to Texas Children's and Dr. Macicek! Witt's oxygen saturation has been staying a little lower the last few days. He had to go back on oxygen last night. The good news right now is that there is no change in his lung x-ray and the echo on the heart looked unchanged too! Dr. Macicek said that it's hard to know right this second if this is the beginning of something or not. He doubled Witt's lasix(diuretic) dose and hopefully that will help enough to get Witt back off oxygen. The next couple of days are pretty critical. If Witt continues to need more oxygen he most likely will need to go back into the hospital to figure out what's going on. However...all in all today was a good day! The tests that were done came back as good as could be expected. Please join us in praying that Witt's diuretics just needed tweaked a little and that he will be back off oxygen soon! You can tell from these videos that Witt seems to feel just fine!

PRAY FOR WITT'S OXYGEN SATURATION!

Please pray for Witt's oxygen saturation! It's seems to have dropped a little and is staying down in the upper 80's to mid 90's. Witt hasn't really been on oxygen since a few days after he got home from the hospital this last time. Melanie did put him on oxygen to sleep with tonight. She plans on calling the cardiologists on Monday. Witt isn't scheduled to go in for another month but Melanie is hoping they will see him sooner. Witt has had a lot of drainage and his stomach seems to be a little upset both of which could be lowering his osat level. Please pray for peace and continued strength for Melanie. I marvel at the mother she is to Witt. It has got to be hard especially now with Witt not allowed to be around anyone but you wouldn't know it from watching her. There are many days when she doesn't leave the house and most days its just a quick run to the grocery store while I watch Witt. Tonight, Melanie said she was worried about Witt and those are words she does not use lightly. Please Lord...once again be her Peace and Strength and be the very air that Witt breathes!

Lots of people ask what "the Girls"(Mel's two miniature dachshunds) think of Witt. They actually get along quite well. Zsa Zsa just thinks Witt is a good nap buddy. Don't worry...Mel doesn't let the dogs stay that close!

TICKLED!

I have a feeling Witt will love rides at an amusement park. He sure gets tickled when you move him all around!

Please pray for Witt's lungs to stay healthy! He has a ton of drainage. Last night Mel put him back on oxygen for a while because his oxygen saturation was staying a little low.

Witt is a constant reminder to me of who God is...He is Merciful, He is Full of Grace and most assuredly He is Mighty. Maybe the greatest gift God has given me through Witt is His peace. It's a peace that is in no way tied to actions or circumstance and it certainly makes no human sense. It's a peace that I think every human being is searching for but will only be found through Christ!

BIRTHDAY PARTY!

All of Witt's family got together to celebrate Witt's birthday. Witt didn't get to be there but he did get a birthday cake from his grandmother Vickie which of course we got to eat!

And Witt received lots of great gifts! I still have a hard time reconciling two thoughts...that Witt is already a year old and that he actually hasn't been with us forever! What a year...what a God!

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Witt may be the cutest lion ever! He didn't get to leave the house in his costume but he was still all smiles!

Witt definitely has the best growl!

THE LITTLE THINGS!

Witt is feeling just fine from his 2 flu shots. I don't think he had any reaction to them at all. It is absolutely beautiful here which is fantastic because Witt is finishing up his birthday pictures. This morning as I was praying I realized I haven't done a great job recently of writing prayer requests for Witt. I fell into the trap of thinking that some just don't seem as important. After all Witt is not in the hospital! God clearly told me that's not the case. He is in control of every detail of our lives and not seeking Him for it certainly doesn't give Him the glory. Today, I ask for prayer for Witt to begin sitting up on his own. As I prayed for this, God reminded me that He is just as much in control of me sitting up...that every morning when I sit up in bed I should be thanking Him for that! You would think that with all God has allowed me to see with Witt that I wouldn't forget how His hand is in everything. How He is in control of absolutely everything but much like the Israelites I forgot! Please, will you join me in praying for the "little" things for Witt too and not just his heart? Would you pray that Witt will continue to do the little things that I take for granted like sitting up? And please pray that in each seemingly little thing that Witt does that God receives the credit that is His...Glory!!!

Today I shout the name of Christ and praise God because
Witt sleeps without the need of oxygen!

LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE!

If Witt would have realized where he was going I doubt he would have been laughing!

He was on his way to the pediatrician's office for the regular flu and swine flu shot! He's doing just fine today!

I wanted to take the time to mention the raffle that is going on in conjunction with the golf tournament fundraiser all being done by the Wee Dream Foundation. What an incredible job these people are doing! Here are the items in the raffle:

~1 year residential power from Spark Energy (up to $3,500)

~Lodging for 5 days/4 nights at a beachfront condo in South Padre

~Autographed George Strait Hat & T-shirt

~$200 gift card from Cova Wines

~$250 gift card from Urban Retreat

~Lodging in Cabo Condo (June 5-12, 2010)

~San Antonio Family Weekend Getaway

~Lodging for 3 days/2 nights in Matagorda

~Lodging for 4 days/3 nights in Alto, NM

If you are interested at all in buying raffle tickets for a chance at these prizes email Angie at mailto:agoings@lan-inc.com!!!

Here also is an excerpt for the Wee Dream website about the bracelets:

We have bracelets!
These sweet bracelets (eco-friendly, recycled silicone even!) are light blue on the outside and pink on the inside (for our babies!) and say "for witt and elle". Send $5.00 cash or check (and your mailing address) to Angie will get you yours today (or tomorrow via snail mail)! ALL PROCEEDS will go toward our friends, the Luphers.Angie Goings; 14522 Dunsmore Place; Cypress, TX 77429You can also pay via PayPal (send funds to agoings@lan-inc.com) - be sure to note that it's for a bracelet (or two, three, four...) and include the mailing address. It'll be in the mail and to you in no time! :)

I am amazed and more than grateful for all the effort put forward to help both Lupher families with the medical bills. I am praising God and thanking Him for His provision!!!

ONE YEAR OLD AND GROWING!

Wow....Witt is 1 year old and not in the hospital!! He is growing and continues to gain weight. The hard part is keeping him from catching any respiratory infection especially any of the flu. Melanie and Austan are doing their part but we know that ultimately it is in God's hands just as everything else has been. Please pray for continued protection from any illness as Witt remains secluded. We have been told that the flu would be devastating to Witt. Tomorrow, Witt has to go to the pediatrician for his second flu shot. Dr. Lange and his office are so nice to allow him to be brought in at the end of their lunch break so he won't come into contact with any sick kids. Please continue to pray for Witt's heart also. It's hard to imagine as you watch him that anything at all is wrong with his heart but we know that his mitral valve is not great. Witt's is still able to remain off oxygen for the most part but his saturation fluctuates a bit. 2 nights ago Melanie had to put him oxygen for just a short time. He seems to have a little sinus drainage and the cardiologist has told Melanie that even a healthy persons osat would drop a couple of points with that. I am praying that it will go back up a couple of numbers and stay there!!!

Witt isn't sitting up on his own yet but he still likes the high chair!

Hopefully, the only infectious thing around

the house is Witt's laugh!

Bracelets

The Wee Dream foundation made these awesome bracelets for Witt and Elle. If you would like to buy one click on the wee dream link for all the details.

Happy Birthday

Dear Witt,

One year ago today a nurse walked into the room to describe to us what you looked like so we would be prepared. I remember not caring what you looked like at all I just wanted to see you. They wheeled you into the room surrounded by all your family and I got to touch your hand for the first time and our lives have never been the same since. The number of times that I have been told you might not make it home with us are never far from my mind but today all I'm thinking about is the number of times God proved them wrong. Praise Him! My God is Mighty to Save!! Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!!!!

Thank you to everyone who has covered Witt and our family with your love and prayers over this last year. Today I ask if you would join me in lifting up the families we met along the way who aren't going to be celebrating anymore birthdays. Being Witt's parents means walking in faith and I thank you from the bottom of my heart that you all continue to walk with us. Here's to one blessed year!

Love

Melanie and Austan

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY WITT!!!

Dear ONE-YEAR-OLD Witt,
In so many ways it seems like forever ago that you came into our lives. I can scarcely remember days before your smile. It is hard to remember life before your sunshine brightened our world. It is difficult to recall our family without your precious name on the family tree. I am SO thankful for each of the past 365 days we have spent loving you. God has blessed our family abundantly, and at the top of that list of blessings is you, WITT HARRIS LUPHER! Happy Birthday little buddy.
I LOVE YOU,
Annalee

WITT'S PICTURES

Here's a sneak peek of Witt's photo shoot! Ashley did a fantastic job and even offered to come back next week for more shots of Witt. Thank you so much to Ashley who donated the photo shoot. Brittney is still collecting donations to buy the prints (cupcake button). Please know that your prayers are enough!
http://ashleyallenphoto.blogspot.com/

AN EASY DAY!

Today Witt went with Melanie and me to Texas Children's to pick up his

prescription. Witt and I waited in the car...no exposing Witt to anything!

It's kind of nice getting him out even if it is just for a car ride. Amazingly,

these days are easy and kind of boring. I mean that in the best way! I

never would have thought that there would be "ho hum" days

with Witt....glorious "ho hum" days!!! Today, I thank the

Lord for these easy days and yet I pray He is just as

glorified in these days as He is in the hard ones...I

pray I seek Him just as much. Witt's need, my

need for Him doesn't change!!!!!!

Maybe Witt got bored too...he decided to try his thumb for a change!

JUST A SWINGING

Witt has now been home for a little over 2 weeks! It actually seems a lot longer than that. He is doing well on his feeds. Before each feed, Melanie has to draw back through his feeding tube from his stomach and see how much residual is left from the feed before(and put it back in!). That amount is getting smaller and smaller. The first change that Melanie would like to make is to shorten the time over which Witt is fed. Currently he is fed over a 2 1/2 hour period 4 times a day. She would like to shorten that time a bit. Witt continues on lock down...he can't really have any visitors because of the threat of any flu or respiratory virus. Melanie is able to get out some but most her days are spent at home with Witt. She did take him to physical therapy on Friday. It was a fun outing and great to have Witt back in therapy. Thank you once again for your prayers. I know I have said this before but your prayers do make a difference. I feel and see the impact in so many ways....in my life, in Melanie's and Austan's and most definitely in Witt's! Thank you that you take the time for us!

He's getting more picky on when he'll take the pacifier!

Just hanging out in his highchair while Melanie cooks!

Witt loves his swings...outside or indoors!

ALMOST A YEAR OLD!

Witt continues to do well! Melanie is in the process of starting his physical and occupational therapy again. They are trying to work out a scenario where Witt doesn't have to go the the hospital once a week(and be exposed to everything there) but keep his two wonderful therapists, Stephanie and Jennifer. Please pray that the insurance issues get worked out for that to happen.

Witt is almost a year...unbelievable! Sometimes I go back and read from the first couple of weeks of Witt's life. I am in awe of our God! I am in awe because no matter what was happening He was there. He was undoubtedly there in the celebrations but most definitely there through the excruciating pain. Maybe that's one of the most valuable truths I have learned...He is with us....Emmanuel... but He is Emmanuel for all times! He is with us in the mountain tops but more importantly He is there in the valleys...the valleys of pain and suffering. Its why I can live today and look to tomorrow and be told not to worry. He is with me, He is with Melanie, He is with Austan, He is with Witt for all our todays and whatever our tomorrows hold!

A good morning talk from Witt!

GREAT CARDIAC CHECKUP!

Hallelujah and glory!!! Witt got a good report from Dr. Macicek (and Dr. Jeffries) today! They are very happy with where he is. Dr. Macicek showed us Witt's lung x-ray from today compared to his last one and its much clearer. He said it looks great for Witt! Basically, all of us were all smiles except for Witt who slept during the exam part!

Witt did not have an echo today and actually the doctors will not order one for the next appointment either unless something changes. His next appointment is not until December 7th! Melanie was very concerned about taking Witt into the hospital with the flu so prevalent but she made sure no germs could get to him(thanks to the rain guard)!!!

The next step for Witt will be to finish his shots and vaccinations including the RSV and swine flu vaccines when they become available for him. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. I will never be able to describe the difference that they have made!!!

OSAT DROPPED A LITTLE

Witt's oxygen saturation has dropped some. It's staying around 92-96. In Melanie's words he sounds a little junky but not in his chest. It sounds more like nose and throat. So far Witt hasn't had to go back on oxygen. Tomorrow he has his first cardiac appointment since he left the hospital...perfect timing! Please pray that Witt can stay healthy and that he won't be exposed to anything when Melanie takes him to Texas Children's tomorrow!!! For now we are really enjoying Witt being home. He's working a lot on rolling over now that he's not confined to a hospital bed!

FOREVER

Witt is doing great...still off oxygen! Mel and Witt have settled into a good routine. Melanie has Witt's dry eraser board all filled out with his medication schedule which is a much easier schedule than it was when he was home for the 6 days between hospital stays. Witt is still eating every 6 hours around the clock which means a midnight and 6am feeding. Pray that Melanie and Austan can get enough sleep. The positive of a feeding tube is that Witt can sleep right through those feeds! Yesterday Witt, Mel and Austan had pictures taken by Ashley Allen(who generously donated her time) for his first birthday. Witt is almost ONE! Some people may not understand this but because of Witt's life I can proclaim the goodness of God. It's because of Witt's life and not in spite of it that I can shout that God is Faithful!!!

Forever God is faithful

Forever God is strong

Forever God is with us

Forever

Forever

Good Morning!

Nap Time!

Hallelujah!