THE WISDOM OF GOD!

Romans 8:26-27: In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts know what the mind of the Spirit is, because he intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Today Witt had a follow up appointment with the cardiologist. We did not get bad news and in fact there is no fluid around his heart, it just once again makes me realize how glad I am that God is in control and I am not! I praise the One Who is Sovereign, Who has all wisdom and knowledge and I gladly bend my knees to Him! We were told that even though Witt's lungs sound clear, the x-ray still shows them to be a little wet and Witt is still on a very small amount of oxygen. We have known that Witt has a small leaky valve and that remains. The cardiologists are putting him on medication to help the leaky valve to make sure this is not the reason why his lungs are at this point a little wet and he is still on oxygen. Its here that I would normally ask everyone to join me in a very specific prayer but I am not sure what would be best for Witt! It actually might be best if the valve were causing the lungs to be a little wet and the medication would take care of it, it might be that he is still just getting over the virus or it might be something more with the lungs that we need to check into...I don't know! God knows and the Holy Spirit intercedes for us! I would ask you each to join me in praying that the utmost glory is given to God by doing His best for Witt! Witt will start his new medication tomorrow and will return to the cardiologist in 2 weeks. In the meantime, I do pray we are able to take him off his oxygen but I am at total peace knowing that God is in control...Karen

A sleepy boy after the doctor's visit!

GREAT WEEK!

Witt has had a great week! With the help of my mom we have continued to get him to eat well. We all were so happy to hear how much weight he has put on. His doctor was very positive on the progress Witt has made since he has been home. I have been able to take him out almost everyday on walks in his stroller, which he loves. He falls asleep about five seconds after we start walking. If you would please pray on Monday at 1:40 we go into the cardiologist for another Echo to make sure the fluid around his heart has not come back. We should get the results right away. If everything looks good Witt should not have to go back to the Cardiologist for awhile. We will make sure to post the results as soon as we know something. As always thank you all for being apart of Witt's life.

-Melanie

"ON THE GROW!"

UPDATE

Witt did very well with his immunizations...he's a brave little guy! His pedi is very pleased with his progress especially in light of his smaller size and 3 weeks spent in the hospital. And, for the best news...HIS LUNGS ARE CLEAR! Mel continues to wean him off the O2 and we are praying to have him off it all together very soon. Sweet, sweet boy!!!

Witt is still in the middle of his 3 month well check but I just couldn't wait to post this GREAT news that Grandmother Karen just sent me...

WITT HAS GAINED 9oz IN 10 DAYS!!! He now weighs 8lb 8oz!!!

And please pray specifically for Witt as he is getting his first round of immunizations today...no fun at all. We'll be sure to post any updates from the pedi appointment later this afternoon.

PRAISE BE TO GOD!!!

THREE YEARS ENDS WITH A BLESSING

Three years ago today I married my best friend and we only dreamed what it would be like to have a child. Now we are blessed with sweet Witt and I couldn't imagine a better gift to celebrate our past years together. Austan and I had a great anniversary. Thank you for your constant comments, prayers, and support. Here are some recent photos of Witt since he has been home the last several weeks.
-Melanie

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

We wish Witt's parents, Mel and Austan,

a very blessed anniversary today!
3 Years ago, as we prepared to celebrate the union

of these two precious people,
none of us had the slightest idea of the

MIGHTY PLANS

that God had in store in these young lives.

Mel and Austan, may you have the happiest of anniversaries!
Thank you for sharing Witt's journey with all of us...
we have cried and laughed and fallen on our knees for you...
you have inspired us all to more closely examine our lives...
you have shown us God's tender love in the form of Witt...

you have reminded us that we may always find rest in God's loving arms!

God is our Rock and His Grace IS sufficient!

I love all three of you Luphers with my whole heart!!!

~Cheryl

CHRISTMAS, BETTER LATE THAN...

Witt is still at home and growing stronger each day. He needs a little oxygen to keep his levels up and we hope to get him off that when he is ready. Melanie, Austan and Witt have recently taken advantage of the nice weather and been on the road in the stroller. Witt has been busy this month celebrating a late Christmas with the whole family on January 10th. Since we were all at the hospital on Christmas Day, the big family Christmas was a great opportunity to get everyone together again.

On Monday, Witt is getting a recheck at the cardiologist to be sure there aren't any changes, which we don't expect there to be. His personality is so shining through nowadays. His strong will and love for food certainly make you realize very quickly that he is hungry. Witt likes his time with Mom and Dad too. But most of all Witt loves all the attention he gets from friends and family that send the family comments on his blog. Thanks everyone!

WATCH ME GROW

Witt is doing well back at home! He is still on .5 liter oxygen for some additional support. We ask for prayers that his oxygen can be decreased over the next couple of weeks. He is such a delight to have home and to hear those sweet baby noises all the time. Earlier this week on the way to his checkup his grandma snapped a picture of the big guy riding in his carseat. Can you believe how much he has grown?!

L- 1 month

R- 2 1/2 months

GOING HOME!

Praise God, Witt is going home today! He will be on a little oxygen for a while (hopefully under a month). Mel and Austan will wean him off. His lungs are totally clear so Mel and Austan believe it is time to come home!! We are so excited and grateful to our God!!

GOD'S WISDOM

Witt is still doing well. His lungs continue to clear up. Once again the doctors are talking about sending us home with oxygen. They believe his lungs took a little hit and he could use the extra oxygen for a short time. Please pray for God's guidance as Mel and Austan try to make this decision. God's wisdom never fails! We are so grateful we were still in the hospital a few days ago when he had the relapse but now it feels like a different situation. I have talked to two moms whose babies caught RSV here in the hospital so it might be time to go home!

RESTING WELL

Witt and Melanie are both resting well. Witt is back on the road to recovery, we just don't know how long it will take. The big discussion today with one of the doctors was whether or not this was still the same virus or actually some new virus. I believe the conclusion was that he just wasn't totally over the original virus and nothing new. He continues to require very little oxygen but he really needs that small amount to keep his oxygen saturation up. Today I was reminded that I am to love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, my soul, my mind and my strength. God is to always be my focus and my strength, my energy is to be spent loving Him even(and maybe especially!) while Witt is in the hospital. It's so easy to lose focus and spend all my strength thinking about the situation when the only true way to never run out of strength is for Him to be my focus. Today I praise God for always being in control, I praise God for a hospital like Texas Children's, I praise God that He has never been easier to "find" than here in Witt's room!

Happy "News" Year!

Happy New Year! Witt is doing much better. His oxygen has been turned down quite a bit. The doctor said his lungs look much better AND once again the cardiologists said his heart is great and not causing any of this! The doctor also said we will be able to remain on this floor with a higher level of care until Witt is ready to go home. We don't know when that will be yet but he is once again getting better. I can't imagine the amazing plans that our amazing God has for each and every one of us in 2009. I pray that we all seek to walk in His plans this year!