TOMORROW IS MAY 1st!

Tomorrow keep Witt and his mom and dad in your prayers as they visit his pulmonologist at 2 pm. The doctors will check the healing progress of Witt's lungs from the pneuomonia and most likely discuss a number of different things with Melanie and Austan. Also, Karen is now "quarantined" again with another virus in her eye. Unfortunately, if we are sick we shouldn't be in the same house as Witt, so Karen is back at Deela's. Also, please keep Melanie in your prayers as she has a doctor's appointment for her tomorrow as well. As always, your continued prayers bless us our entire family.

THERAPY AND SWINE FLU!

I am back at home now that I am not contagious! I did not have the swine flu just a little virus! We took Witt for his therapy today. Unfortunately as we arrived at Texas Children, the news was just coming out that a baby died there Monday from the swine flu! Of course, please pray for that family but also that no other child is exposed. Witt is especially susceptible because of his pulmonary issues. We just heard that all high school sports for the state of Texas have been cancelled until May 11th and a couple of school districts have completely closed till then. Melanie is calling the doctors that Witt has appointments with to see is he should still come. His next appointment is Friday with Dr. Ruiz(pulmonary) at Texas Children's. Please pray that God will give wisdom for Melanie and Austan as they decide about keeping appointments. Witt had great physical and occupational therapy sessions today. This was his first time back since he was in the hospital so he's usually a little touchy but he did great. Next week is a big appointment week. Witt has appointments Monday through Thursday of next week starting with cardiology on Monday, swallow test on Tuesday, therapy on Wednesday and a meeting with the surgeon (gtube) on Thursday. Thank you for continuing to invest in Witt's life...I see and feel the dividends daily!~Karen

Witt and Kelli(OT)

Ahhhh, back at home!

RAINING ARMS OF COMFORT

Sometimes when it rains it leaves no doubt that God wanted to show us something here on the earth. This morning was one of those days. It rained during the early morning hours and caused a lot of flooding to streets in and around the Houston area today. We were all safe and sound in our homes. Karen is recovering from a virus at a friend's home. She is not able to stay in the house with Witt because of the potential for getting him sick. Witt has been resting and playing during the day, feeling better and getting over the pneumonia that had kept him in the hospital last week. The rain that feel this morning woke even Witt up this morning. Loud claps of thunder followed by dazzling displays of lightning kept even the soundest sleepers awake for a while. I awoke at about 4 a.m. to hear Witt crying and seeing him being lifted from his crib by his mom. Almost by the time I walked down the hall and back into my room the crying had stopped. That was comfort. Witt felt it in his mom's arms and stopped crying. We don't know what God's plan is for Witt's life, but we do know that the comfort and caring arms of Melanie holding her son will stop his crys. I don't know why all the rain fell in Houston today, but I do know that arms of a mom that held her son can comfort and stop the crys of a baby boy named Witt. Thank you God for showing me that today.

SUN, SON & MOM

When the weather is nice and Witt needs a nap, the outdoor nap is the way to go. Witt is still feeling the affects of the last week, but he is doing better and talking to anyone who will listen! Thanks for your continued prayers.

RELEASED TO GO HOME!!!

Witt is being released! Melanie is excited because the doctor gave her a prescription for a suction machine! The things that can bring you joy! Please pray for continued healing. Witt is better but not totally well. This weekend his pulmonary specialist(Dr. Ruiz) is actually the one on call. Melanie was told to call if there was any change for the worse at all. Here is one last video from Witt's room! We never want to have to go to a hospital but I am so grateful for Texas Children's, the doctors, nurses...all the staff. I am grateful that God always seems to draw us nearer and absolutely carry us during Witt's hospitalizations. Witt's final visitor was my other grandchild, Adelaide...God just blesses me!!!!

THEY SAY IT'S WITT'S 1/2 BIRTHDAY

First things first...
here's the handsome birthday boy.

and here's the Lupher family.

Witt's grandparents (Austan's parents) had extra big things to celebrate today.

Their grandson's 6 month birthday and
their granddaughter, Elle's 1 month birthday.

As of today both of their grandbabies are even on the same floor of the hospital.
They pour out so much love and prayers for both of their sweet grandchildren.

Tonight in celebration of Witt...
we hung his birthday banner.
we dined on delicious Chili's to go.
we ate decadent cupcakes.
we smiled at Mr. Witt and
we just might have gotten a little silly too.

And finally, because I can't ever say it enough...
Happy 1/2 Birthday Witt!

"A COUSIN IS A READY-MADE FRIEND FOR LIFE!"

Your cousins
(and so many others too)
love you dearly!

Happy 1/2 Birthday Mr. Witt!

A POST FROM EVAN AND A LINK TO MEL'S

This is something that Evan posted shortly after Witt was born. This sums up what we all feel!


My nephew is perfect. He may have an extremely rare genetic syndrome, but to me and God he's perfect. I pray that my life has even a small fraction of the impact that his already has on the lives of others. God, thank you for Witt-Evan

Also...Here is a link to a post from Melanie in November. I am not sure that God could ever receive more glory than He did from this post! http://wittharrislupher.blogspot.com/2008/11/letter-from-mom.html

6 MONTHS...PRAISE GOD!

Look who's 6 months old! Please pray not only for Witt's heart valve but also for his lungs. We have not been able to turn the oxygen down and even at the higher level the osat is bouncing around some...dropping down. Pray for Melanie also...to once again be strengthened, to be filled with the joy of the Lord that is her strength!!

I never new my life could be changed (for the better!), my faith increased so much by God working through a baby's life! I trust God more than I ever have, I have a greater understanding of how little I can control, I have added many little things to my list of "don't sweat it", I have never been more grateful to know that this life on earth is less than a blink of an eye compared eternal life with Christ. I want to make the most of my opportunities to share Christ, to live the abundant life that God promises but I am grateful to be heaven bound where, as great of a hospital it is, there will be no need of Texas Children's Hospital. Happy 6 month old day, Witt! God has given me an infinite amount of "gifts" through you. Today, I bow, actually fall before the throne of grace with gratitude and praise for you!!!



Here are some of my favorite pictures from the first days of Witt's power packed life!

Today is a grand day! Please join us in shouts of thanksgiving to God for one of His greatest Witt-nesses!!!

ON THE RIGHT PATH!

Witt continues to improve. At rounds Dr. Justino even mentioned going home within a few days if Witt continues to get better. He would need to be back to his oxygen baseline which is 1/2 liter. He is on 3/4 right now so only one turn up from baseline! This could be the shortest stay for Witt so far. His lungs still sound pretty crackly which means it is still a little hard for him to breathe. Last night was interesting. Around 1:00am Witt's oxygen saturation dropped several points which was huge. Thankfully he only needed a deep suction to bring it back up. The oxygen just couldn't get through! Then around 4 his IV came out. He's a hard stick so it took a couple of tries but the nurse finally got one in. He is more alert today which also means he is more aware that he doesn't feel good. Please pray that Witt continues on this path of healing and that in God's perfect timing he will go home! Also continue to pray for his heart valve...I would love God to just show off! Witt's heart valve is so well documented that there would be no doubt that God did it! In the meantime here is Witt showing off how PT has been helping!

Just heard that they are trying to get Witt home Friday...yeah!

Kelli, thanks for the reminder to be specific about needed prayer! The upper right lobe of Witt's lungs is what took the biggest hit. Last night that actually got a little worse. Please pray for that part of his lungs to get better. Also, pray for rest for Melanie and Austan. I mean just some good sleep! Last night was a long night for Melanie and Austan is juggling his job, the rebuilding of their house and Witt at the hospital. Finally (for now!), pray that none of us are overwhelmed by the circumstances and that we live each day with the grace God has given us...that we don't look ahead to what we don't know!!!

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD!

Blessed: worthy of worship, holy.

"When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say blessed be the name of the Lord. Blessed be Your glorious name! Blessed be Your name on the road marked with suffering. Though there is pain in the offering, blessed be Your name!"

There has certainly been darkness and pain on this path but there has been unexplainable peace and infinite joy...blessed be the name of the Lord! When the darkness does close in but He is my focus...light appears...The Light. Darkness cannot exist in Light. By definition, darkness is the absence of light so if darkness tries to close in on me...blessed be the Lord who is Light!!! Our circumstances never change who God is and He is Light, He is Peace, He is Mighty to Save, He is Worthy!

How amazing is our God! You might not understand unless you are or have walked on a path of suffering how God fills that path with peace and joy! From the outside, Witt's life may have the appearance of just pain and suffering but it is not! I have never experienced this kind of joy before...this fullness of joy before! O, I have hurt but God is so faithful to overcome!

Witt got a little worse over night but that was somewhat expected. It takes a little bit of time for the antibiotic to kick in. PT and OT have already been by to visit. One of our favorite doctors is his attending on the floor, Dr. Justino...what a blessing! Witt will be here for at least several days. The type of pneumonia he has is totally consistent with being caused by aspirating on his vomit. This type of pneumonia is not contagious. Witt will most likely have the gtube (more permanent feeding tube) put in and his stomach "twisted" (keeps him from spitting up at all) in the very near future. It could actually take place during this hospital stay or he could be sent home for a week or two then come back. As much as I am overwhelmingly amazed at our God, I am also amazed at Mel and Ausan. I know they have no idea the witnesses that they are. Truly the very life of Christ is being exhibited!! Join me today in blessing our Great God!....Karen
Now some video...the really important stuff on the blog!!

FINGERPRINTS OF GOD

After Mel, Austan, Karen, and Witt spent more than six hours at the hospital waiting for tests and decisions to be made as to what is best for Witt, there are now some additional pieces of information to report and pray over...
*Witt has pneumonia. It could be from throwing up and aspirating..
*He has been admitted to the hospital and will probably be there for at least a few days.
*His sweet heart is the same. It hasn't gotten better, but it hasn't worsened either, so we are very thankful it is the same.
*The cardiologist feels that he will probably need a cardiac cath. soon (within the month, but most likely after he is released from the hospital).
*They still need to determine the pressures in the heart chambers but will most likely need surgery. The doctors want to put that off as long as possible though.




Karen sent this precious picture of Witt that she took while waiting for his appointment. As I saved it as "Witt's hand," my computer let me know I already had another photo with that same name. As I compared the two photos I fell in love with Witt's hands all over again.




The first time we saw Witt, his little hand was the only thing Mel and Austan could touch. Shortly after his birth, we were invited to gather in the hospital room during the tender moment they met their son. That moment and the image of Mel holding Witt's fingers in her own will never leave my memory.



Every day we have the privilege of seeing God's handiwork through Witt's life. Through his initial diagnosis changing, through each lesson we have learned from the journey with this little guy, through good news and bad news alike, through it all we have the privilege of seeing the fingerprints of God on Witt.

I am having a hard time putting into words all that my mind thinks of Witt and all that my heart feels for him. There is so much I want to say about this sweet guy, but my words always fall short. Right now this song by Stephen Curtis Chapman captures a little bit more of what I am thinking...

I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you.
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true.
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God.

Never has there been and never again
Will there be another you.
Fashioned by God's hand
And perfectly planned
To be just who you are.
And what He's been creating
Since the first beat of your heart
Is a living breathing priceless work of art.

I love you Witt!
-Annalee

MONDAY

Witt's head cold seemed to be getting worse this morning and he was coughing all through the night. After talking to his pediatrician- Dr. Lange, this morning, he felt it would be best to go on into the hospital since Witt's lungs sound a little "junky." Dr. Lange ordered a chest x-ray to be done so it will be ready right away, and they will be near the ER if needed. Witt's lung doctor- Dr. Ruiz, may try to see him also, and for now his cardio. appt. is still set for 1:30pm. As always, thank you so much for your constant prayers for Witt and the whole family. Keep them going, please!
-Annalee

PRAYER TIME!

It was a glorious morning! Many gathered with us at the altar as Jason led us in prayer. It was Witt's first time to be in the church. I know many many others also joined in with us including a lot of my family from the Rocky Mountains! Our prayer continues to be the utmost glory for God through not just Witt's but all our lives!

Evan, Adelaide, Annalee, Austan, Witt, Melanie, Karen (me!), Jim

Church wears a little guy out!

JOIN US IN PRAYER TOMORROW

Tomorrow morning Melanie and Austan are taking Witt to church for the first time. At the end of the service one of our pastors will join us at the altar and lead us in prayer for Witt. They would like to invite anyone who goes to our church to come down and join us in prayer. It will be at the end during the altar call. We would also like anyone out there to join us from wherever you are (Acts 1:14a) "with one mind devoted to prayer." The time will be somewhere between 11:45 to 12:00 CST. Join us in praising God for Who He is and thanking Him for what He has already done for us!! Psalm 103:1-5 "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all this is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle."

O God, You Who are Mighty to Save, we praise You as Sovereign, as Healer. Just as Christ prayed for Your will, Father we ask that Your will be to heal Witt's heart to Your glory. May the name of Christ be magnified throughout the world because of your work in and through this tiny but power filled life of Witt's...in the name above all names, Jesus the Christ, Jesus our Christ!

As I write this, Witt is laying beside me and Melanie is in the other room with "On Christ, the Solid Rock I Stand" blaring loudly. She and Austan do take their stand on Christ. They are firmly planted and grounded in God's truth. We are asking God for a healing, believing without a doubt that He Who has the power to save our souls, has the power to heal Witt. And yet our faith is and will always be firmly established in Who God is rather than His actions. He alone is God...He alone is Sovereign, He alone is Trustworthy....Glory!!!!

Witt, at my side as I type!

GETTING BETTER

Witt is resting well. The only problem is he didn't rest at 4am! He kept Mel up quite a bit but now she is resting too! He seems to be feeling better. His heart rate is staying much lower now and he has had 3 doses of the antibiotic for the ear infection.

Here is a video of Witt falling to sleep!

EAR INFECTION

I never thought an ear infection would be good news but in Witt's case I think it is! His right ear is infected. Witt has been congested for several days. He is now on antibiotic for it. Melanie also spoke to the cardiologist and was told its normal for the heart rate to increase with pain. We haven't heard back from the pulmonalogist as to whether they want to see Witt because of this. Several good things took place today! First, Witt was able to be seen by his pediatrician and not go to ER! Second, we found out that his iron level has gone up. It was discovered to be low on the last ER visit. Lastly (although Mel may have a different opinion!) Witt "christened" her while being weighed. Of course I have a picture!!!



Also...Witt now weighs 12lbs 10oz!!!!!!!! At least the feeding tube and not aspirating is putting weight on him!

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

I just heard "How Great Is Our God" on the radio as I was getting ready to take Witt to the doctor. God is so Faithful...that is exactly what I needed to hear! God is great. God's goodness is not dependent upon our circumstances so regardless of where I walk today I can proclaim to the world: How great is our God, sing with me how great is our God and all the world will see how great, how great is our God!!!

THIS IS GOD'S DAY!

Today is not the day that I thought it would be. I find peace in knowing it is however exactly the day God knew it would be! Since Witt was sick through the night he now has an appointment with Dr. Lange (pediatrician) at 11:45. Melanie thinks there is a good chance that we will need to take Witt to Texas Children for blood work. I am reminded that any steps we take today can be steps used by God for kingdom purposes far beyond our circumstances. I pray that we are His instruments through which His grace and hope flows. As I was praying and telling God that I was tired, He said "That's okay, I am never tired. I am your Strength." What I know today is that the nearness of God is my good, the nearness of God is Witt's good (Psalm 73:28a) and God is right here with us to carry us. I trust God with today because God is Most High, Sovereign over all! I pray that other lives are touched because of our steps today with Witt....glory to God who is Worthy!!!...Karen

THANK YOU

Witt is resting right now. His heart rate is still slightly elevated for resting but not alarming. Melanie did talk to the cardiologist on call. What a blessing that it was a cardiologist who saw Witt over Christmas so she knew him. The answering service had given her the wrong number but she remembered Melanie Lupher (in a good way!!!) and Witt so she was able to look him up and get the correct number. The cardiologist told Melanie it sounded like it had to do with his stomach being upset. She said whenever a person is in pain the heart rate is elevated. She also told Melanie and Austan to trust their instincts...that sometimes that's the best. Thank You, God, that You give us Your wisdom to guide our instincts!!! Once again, I also thank each of you for your prayers on Witt's and our behalf...we truly feel them!...Karen

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SWEETHEART!

Please pray for sweet Witt...he's running a lowgrade fever and his heart rate is high. He had these same symptoms a few weeks ago and it turned out to be a "routine baby thing." We are certainly praying for the same this time. But, please join us in prayer specifically this evening as it is a little more alarming after his last cardiologist appointment. At this point, I don't know if he will need to go to the ER but I will certainly keep you updated!
Thank you for your prayers!!!
We continue to praise our God for Who He Is!!!
~Cheryl

PT BUT NO OT

Today Witt had his physical therapy. He did great. In the past the physical therapist has had to spend a lot of the time just comforting Witt. Today she was able to work a lot with him. I was able to capture a tiny bit on video! Witt did not get OT today. His therapist told us she had a cold and it would probably be better for Witt to not be exposed. We appreciate her letting us know. Witt does not need direct exposure to a cold! The next few days are "quiet" days for Witt...no doctor's appointment. The first scheduled appointment will be cardiology on Monday. Once again I thank each of you for your prayers. We continue to seek God and His strength. He is faithful to carry us each day! Here are a couple of videos from today's PT. Witt's snappy attire will undoubtedly catch your eye!

WITT'S HAIR, OVERALLS AND GOD IS OVER ALL!!!

I tried to capture Witt's reddish hair but it doesn't show up that well in pictures!

Anyone who has known me from college knows that I love these overalls!!!

God has used today to continue to fill us with trust and peace. I praise God for Witt. I praise God for what He has already accomplished for Witt and through Witt! I praise God that as Witt sits in in his overalls that God is actually "over all"! I thank God that I can rest, be still, and know that He is God!!!

MIRROR MIRROR IN THE CRIB!

We truly had a blessed Easter with Witt and the family in the country. Today I celebrate Christ, the Risen Christ, the One who intercedes for Witt! This week's appointments are only OT and PT on Wednesday. Witt goes back to cardiology on Monday, April 20th, along with an ENT follow-up. One of the many things in Witt's Easter basket was a mirror that now hangs in his
bed. He loves it!














It was a Happy Easter!

Also, if you have tried posting a comment and were unable to, please try again. A setting was changed. Melanie recently said how much the comments mean to her!