5 SWEET DAYS OF LOVING YOU!

october 23







october 24








october 25






october 26







october 27

PRAYERS FOR BABY WITT

Last Thursday, October 23rd, my precious niece, Melanie, gave birth to her first baby, Witt Harris Lupher. Sweet, sweet, adorable Witt was born with Edwards Syndrome (Trisomy 18) a chromosomal disorder. Melanie and her husband, Austan, are such a tremendous inspiration to us all! They are examples of faith and strength and they are truly my heroes! None of us know how long God will share Witt with us here in this world but I assure you we are better just from knowing him...he has stolen our hearts!!! My entire extended family, as well as, the sweet Lupher family, is keeping a constant vigil up at Texas Childrens Hospital...we pray, we laugh, we cry, we eat! I am blessed beyond measure to have the love and support of my very close family but we couldn't make it without you, our dear friends!



My brother-in-law, Jim, and Evan's sweet wife, Annalee, are maintaining a blog for Witt...I encourage you to read it...let Witt touch your life, too!!! I don't know if it was a post from Jim, Karen or Annalee but they admonished the reader to cherish every single day and not to "fix" anything tomorrow...we are only promised today. I owe it to Witt to live my life with that passion.



And, yes, there is something you can do for us...PRAY! Please join us in praying for compassion and mercy and the peace that surpasses all understanding!
God is Good!


-Cheryl

MONDAY MORNING

I am with Witt. They are doing the fetal heart test right now. The respiratory people are watching his breathing because the rate slows down (but doesn't stay there very long) then jumps up high. The doctor will make rounds over the next hour. Test results should be getting back today. Continue those prayers.
-Karen

*Mel and Austan are meeting with the doctor now. Please pray for comfort and understanding for whatever he is telling them.

PARENTING AND NURSES ALL IN A DAYS WORK

Melanie, Austan and Witt spent a lot of time together today. The nurses were really good today as well. Both were back after a number of days off and I think really enjoyed getting to meet the "entire" family. Nurses on this floor are dealing with some really hard cases and probably some very demanding parents and family members. They try not to interrupt good family time, but they are always available to help answer questions and take care of Witt. We noticed Melanie is already very good at taking care of the needs of Witt, but ready to ask for help from the nurses. The nurses remember that the mother and father are so needing and wanting to be involved as much as they can. We praise God today for the great parents Melanie and Austan are and the wonderful little boy that has captivated this family so quickly. We also thank God for nurses who love what they do and work so hard to make our lives easier during this time. Austan and Melanie both thank you so much for your love and prayers. We (Austan and Mel's parents) are trying to "parent" them as well. Helping them to not forget to eat and sleep in between visits with Witt. The strength to overcome the physical tiredness and emotional strain is from God. He has provided so much to our family thus far, and the journey has just begun. Thank you for your prayers and comments. They mean so much to us all.

Love,

The McCords and Luphers

PLEASE PRAY...

Karen just came from Witt's room and the doctor has been called to check on Witt's breathing. With his tube out since this morning, Witt is now having a little harder time getting the right number of breaths. Please be praying...

Just an update...Austan came out and said they are going to give Witt a little help breathing, his lungs are doing well, but they are going to give him some assistance in the nasal area.

-Jim and Annalee

HOW TO- GET WITT'S BUTTON, LEAVE A COMMENT, BECOME A FOLLOWER

A FEW HOW-TO HINTS:

GET WITT'S BUTTON :
if you have a website or blog you can add the pray for Witt button to it.
Right click on the "please grab for your blog" button.
Save the image to your computer.
Log into your own blog or website and add the image.
Link it to wittharrislupher.blogspot.com
If you are using blogger you go to your layout.
Click on "add a gadget."
Choose "picture."
Add a title and caption in the space provided if you choose.
In the link space type in http://wittharrislupher.blogspot.com
Choose "baby witt button" and upload in the picture space.
Save.

LEAVE A COMMENT ON A POST:
At the bottom of each post you will see "# comments."
Click on "comments."
It will take you to a separate window where you can read others' comments and have an opportunity to leave a message to the Luphers yourself.
If you leave it anonymously please include your name in your message.
It means so much to the family to read your words.

BECOME A FOLLOWER OF THIS BLOG:
If you would like to become a follower of this blog click on "follow this blog."
It is on the left hand column.
Follow the directions then save.

SUNDAY MORNING BREATHING LESSON UPDATE

Good morning...Little Witt had the breathing tube removed this morning and is breathing on his own. We may actually hear him cry, which will be fun. The concern this morning was if he could not breath on his own, they may not have enough time to reinsert the tube. Austan says the breathing is right in the range they would hope it would be. Praise God!
-Jim

Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4

BREATHING LESSONS

This morning Witt is doing well! His oxygen levels and breathing tests were good again. The doctors decided to take him off his breathing tubes a day earlier than expected. We have been reminded again and again to celebrate each moment of life. This morning we celebrate with Witt on his Day 4 birthday and as we anticipate him taking a breath on his own. I'm praying specifically for Witt to be successful at taking his breaths and that Mel and Austan get to hear him make a joyful noise when he can let out a cry the first time.
-Annalee

A DAY WITH THE LUPHERS

Today has been another precious day with Witt.
and Mel.
and Austan.

Their family of 3 overwhelmed me with the way they lived today. I sit here tonight just trying to soak in the passion they are sharing for life. It is incredible.



LUPHERS-
This is just a small list of the things that you have done to make me stop and smile...



WITT-
Your personality is coming out more and more. Your mom and dad know you so well already. They see "you" in the way your eyebrows move with expression. They see "you" in the way you suck your pacifier with gusto.
We all see it in the way you can be snoozing uninterrupted by the monitors and beeps but turn and open an eye at the mere sound of your mom or dad's voice. I loved getting to see your many faces today. You showed off with your content face, concerned face, peaceful face, and intrigued face. Your little yawn is beyond precious. The way you wiggled and worked to get perfectly snug in your blanket melts my heart. You have taught us to pay attention to every detail and celebrate each moment.

MEL-
The verses with which you have covered Witt's crib are perfect. Your prayers for him as he grow in you are still so applicable today. I'm so glad you are sharing those with Witt and each of us that visit. The way you eagerly walk across the streets between Witt's room and yours all day (and night) even though you are still healing yourself from the 30 hours you spent delivering him. Your willingness to choose discomfort in order to pump milk in hope of providing nourishment for your son. The pride in your voice as you talk about Witt taking his passy, getting his bath, sleeping, etc. Your honesty and sincerity in each and every situation.

AUSTAN-
That smile nobody can wipe off your face. The "proud dad" stance that exudes from you. The "proud husband" words that are a constant. Your eyes that are red and puffy from your raw emotions you openly share for your precious son and all of us. The way you can describe in detail each medical aspect of Witt's care and condition.

I love all 3 of you dearly

Annalee

IT IS AMAZING

To Friends and Prayer Warriors

It’s amazing the impact a small baby can have on the life of so many people.  Melanie and Austan are impacted more than anyone.  They are the new parents of Witt Harris Lupher.  On October 23^rd, he struggled into new surroundings and to become a part of a family forever that was so happy to welcome him.   The nurses and doctors were all helping, almost ministering to parents that were exhausted and struggling with the newness of what was to come.   There was the joy of a new family member being announced by Austan, with his outstretched arms and saying, “It’s a boy!”   The grandparents and all the family let out a collective shout for Austan and Melanie who have had to endure so much so fast as a couple. 

God is teaching all of us some incredible truths throughout this season of our lives.  Witt will only have a short time with us as he lives each day as a special gift from God.  We have learned that each day is the most important day each of us has.  We must never assume that we are going to “fix” something tomorrow.  Each day our God has given us is a day that is filled with the hope of the Glory of God if we truly know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  There will be times when God allows us to go through hard circumstances.  It’s rare that we ever really know why, but God’s glory shines in some of the darkest places at just the right times.  We need to keep an eye out for God at work all around us, not just in our lives, but in those we come into contact with everyday.  Witt has given us all an opportunity to really see what is most important to each of us and to take that very seriously.

Throughout this beautiful little boy’s life so far, we have all felt tremendous emotions.  That is a good thing.  Witt has the Spirit of God living in him just as we have the Holy Spirit in us.  Witt’s spirit connects us all to God in some unexpected ways.  First, of all he made parents of two beautiful, gifted people that are doing a great job of parenting in the most difficult situation you could think of.  If you haven’t seen Austan holding Witt and talking to the nurses and doctors, you haven’t seen an amazing dad.  The joy and love in Austan’s eyes says it all.  Melanie has surrounded Witt’s bed with the verses she prayed over him during her pregnancy.  She has taken 30 hours of labor and almost completely recovered in a day with the strength and skill for motherhood that blows us away.  You have taken the opportunity to not only to love on the Luphers, Austan, Mel and Witt, but to allow the body of Christ to shine on this family through prayer and comfort. 

So as a family we thank the friends and prayer warriors for your outpouring of love and prayers that has made a lasting impact on us all.  Our joy is that we know you and know that you have made a powerful difference in what we as a family have been through the last few days.  We hope that you are able to share in the lives of Witt, Melanie and Austan as we are for as long as God allows.  May God’s blessings reach each of you in ways as great as our God.          

-Jim

PRAY

Please pray for our family and my nephew, Witt Harris Lupher.
Mel and Austan especially need all your thoughts and prayers.
Their courage baffles me.
-Evan

THE DIAPER CHANGE

Mel got to change Witt's diaper for the first time. Like all babies, he did not like it!!! I marvel at the very presence of God. Join me in praying for the 76 plus babies and their families that are in this unit! I am asking God to open my eyes to the prayer needs and ministry opportunities all around us. Witt's life brings lots of opportunities for God to be glorified!!! Mel has taped notecards all around his little bed that have some of the scriptures that she has prayed this whole pregnancy...its a wonderful reminder of Gods word!

-Karen

MORNING UPDATE

Good morning. Since I am writing on my Blackberry this will be concise. Both Mel and Austan got to hold Witt last night. He reacted great.  Loving the fact that mom and dad could hold him.  We all stayed at the Marriott across the street and I am here waiting for the shift change at 7:15am to end so I can go back and sit with him.   Lots of tears last night especially from us guys, but God is giving us one day at a time.  All we know is that God is greater than the doctors so we pray.  Thank you for yours.

I have been here by myself with Witt almost 3 hours. He is doing fine.  He has the heartbeat of a jogger. Slow and steady.  He has been checked for all vitals and gone back to sleep.  He is excited that its the weekend so I would assume he will sleep in most of the day.  He doesn't mind a prayer or two either every so often.  He may not be the biggest kid in the neighborhood, but he knows how to get the nurses moving.    God is sure moving in the lives of everyone here.  

See you soon. 

Jim

NOT LONG FOR A LIFETIME

We have received some very bad news on Witt.  He is believed to have Edwards Syndrome which brings with it a very short life span.  The doctor said 1 month to 1 year.  Most likely Witt will not come to his earthly home before he goes home to God the Father.  Melanie and Austan are allowing God to carry them as they cope.  Please pray for them as they face medical decisions.  God was and is and will be our Hope...that will never change even though we don't understand.  We are celebrating each day that we have with Witt on this earth.  God has called Mel and Austan to be parents in a way that most of us will never know.  But God the Father...our Perfect Parent...will lead them.
Karen

GOD IS OUR ROCK

Witt is in NICU at Texas Children and is stable.  He is getting help breathing and will undergo numerous tests today.  First, we could not do this without our God...He is our Life...the very air we breath!!  I can't come up with the words to describe Austan and Melanie and the strength I see in them.  Mel is anxious to go see Witt.  Austan has been able to see Witt a couple of times and lights up when he talks about him.  We have cried, laughed and prayed.  I will send updates as we get them.  It is one step at a time as Witt's life unfolds.  This story is unfolding for us but not for God so we look to Him to direct us.  Thank you to each one of you...thank you for your prayers, your emails, your calls.  Thank you for standing in the gap for Witt and us!!!

Karen

ON BROKEN KNEES PRAISING HIM!

I am not sure where to start but I start with what I know! God is good! I may not see it or understand these circumstances but God is good. We will hopefully get to see Witt before he goes to Texas Children. Right now he is getting help breathing and has some sort of syndrome that is not Downs. What I know is that this is a path less traveled but it is a path on which God promises to prosper Mel, Austan and Witt. We will not waste this walk and a walk without joy is a waste. A walk that doesn't bring God glory is the biggest waste ever. So pray for us, pray for Melanie and Austan, pray for Witt. We will walk with joy and keep our faces towards God. We will seek to loose ourselves so Christ can live. I don't want one day of our lives and not one day of Witt's life to not bring God glory. Thank you for your prayers...we need your prayers. This is the hardest walk Mel and Austan have ever been on...this is a walk of faith.

Karen

GREETINGS FROM A PROUD NEW AUNT

WITT HARRIS LUPHER has arrived!

after 2 long day in the hospital mel delivered baby boy witt tonight, october 23rd, at 6:15pm.
we rejoice that he is finally here and love him immensely already. we are praying fervently for him and specifically his health. right now he is getting help breathing and testing is being done on his lungs and for other things. each and every prayer is coveted for this precious child of God. we know He is faithful in all situations and we ask His comfort especially in the days ahead.

i love you precious buddy, 

annalee

PRAISE GOD WE HAVE A BOY

We don't know much because they took Witt Harris Lupher away immediately to be evaluated. We know he was needing some help breathing. Mel is doing great but concerned...keep the prayers going! Our God is good, our God is faithful...we wait on Him!!! I will email with more news about Witt just as soon as we have some.

-Karen

GOING TO HAVE IT

She miraculously made it to 10cm dilated.  And I mean it was a miracle.  She was 7cm dilated and going to get a c-section.  We all were praying.  The baby will soon be here...GLORY!!!!!  I will let you know all the final details!!!  Mel will begin pushing soon...they are waiting on the doctor!
-Karen

NO BABY YET!

Haven't had the baby yet!  Please pray for Melanie to have the strength to endure the pain.  The baby's heart beat has been affected by the contractions so they keep having to lower the dosage of pitocin then raise it again.  One thing entering into this could be 2-line cord which can limit the oxygen and lower the heart rate.  She cannot have the epidural until the baby quits being "stressed" and the contractions are closer to 1 minute apart.  She's really really tired...she has been up all night.  Without a doubt our God can sustain her...I am asking Him to be the Sustainer!!!

-Karen

12:00 UPDATE

Things are going fantastic. Melanie is 3cm dilated and 80% effaced! It could still take several hours or not! By tomorrow morning we should have a baby! I am resting in His peace knowing that this baby is His and am so excited to hold His baby in my arms!!!!!! A pediatrician will be in the room when she delivers and will probably take the baby right after its born to check everything out. I am really asking God to show off...to shock the doctors....to bring us all back to the truth that He is the Creator..that He has the final say, not statistics...most importantly I want God to be honored and glorified!!!

-Karen

SLOW MOVING!

The latest news is that Melanie and baby are doing well.  Melanie now has the epidural and is grinning from ear to ear.  However, not much is happening on the delivery front.  Nothing has changed in the past couple of hours so the doctor said that they will make the call around 11:00am on whether or not to proceed with a c-section.  Certainly Melanie will do whats best for the baby but we are asking God to start this thing!  We really need this baby to drop down some and heavy duty labor to start!!  Right now Melanie is back on some oxygen and both she and Austan are resting.  Well, that's the latest...come on baby Lupher!!!

-Karen

TODAY!!!

Mel went to the doctor. The baby's heartbeat didn't accelerate enough so they are inducing now!  Lots of prayers!  Her regular doctor is in Argentina so this is tougher on Mel!!!  Boy....what a faith walk!

-Karen

THERE'S A BABY COMING SOON...

mel is being induced today! please, please, pray.

at her checkup this morning the baby's heartbeat didn't accelerate a ton so they are inducing now.

it isn't an emergency but since the baby is already considered full term they felt it was best to go ahead and induce.

we are all eager for this sweet baby to arrive,

but his or her parents are the most ready of all.

this baby has been prayed and prayed for.

we continue those prayers constantly.

they have shown great trust as unknowns have appeared on tests.

they have shown great faith as their home was devastated by ike.

they have shown great patience as the repairs come slowly.

and they have already shown great love for their baby on the way.

-annalee

LATEST NEWS

Mel's contractions are not too strong and are 3-4 minutes apart. The heart beat is great and Mel is entertaining us!! They gave her medicine to soften the cervex. At 11:30 tonight the doctor will decide whether to continue to soften the cervex or start the pit. We will see!! Mel is so wonderful! God of course is great...I see His peace in her!!! I will send an update closer to midnight. Love you guys!! -Karen