Journey to Parenthood

I want to be purposeful about journaling during this time in our lives as we watch our miracle micro preemie, Asher, continue to grow and thrive. I began this blog during my month of bed rest at the hospital while I was pregnant with Asher and his brother Titus. We continue to hope and trust the Lord for Asher's future. This blog begins with the story of how both of our boys came to be. They came about after many tears, many prayers, and many months of crushed hopes. On February 2, 2012, our boys Titus Bauer and Asher Mark were born at just 23 weeks and 2 days gestation. My water around Titus broke at 19 weeks, so his lungs were very underdeveloped. Titus lived 45 minutes and is now living a perfect life in heaven as he watches over his little brother Asher. Two and a half years later God redeemed our story of hurt with a precious full term baby brother for Asher. We are humbled by how the Lord has loved on us in our journey through parenthood.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

2 Weeks Old!



Asher was doing pretty well tonight! His antibiotics seem to be helping him feel better and have improved his oxygen levels. Bryan has been telling everyone he's the size of a water bottle, so he tried to hold one up to show he really is! We couldn't lay it right next to him because anything in his bed has to be able to be washed and sanitized. I put up his b-day decor, and one of his favorite nurses got his hand print and footprint and made him a birthday sign! So sweet! Also, I got to change his diaper tonight, and we both got to hold him up when he was getting weighed. It was nice to be able to do more with him. Getting to hold him was not "holding" like you dream about after having your baby... we had to be very careful, still, and exact with where we picked him up! Basically I put one hand under his bottom and hips and the other hand under his head and neck and just lifted him for a few seconds off the bed, then put him back down and they weigh him. But, I will say..this was still a treat and special to be able to hold him no matter how it was done! :)

3 comments:

  1. Happy 2 Week Birthday Asher!! We love you and are praying for you.
    We're so happy you got to hold him :)

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  2. Wow! My prayer was answered even sooner than I thought! Will continue to pray for healing of Asher!

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  3. Bryan and Robyn:
    We got your blog from some friends in your life group and have appreciated your willingness to write this down. We adopted a little boy 2 years ago who was born at 25 weeks at 2lbs and 1oz. He too was a twin, but his twin didn't survive the birthing process. During pregnancy his twin was pushing all his nutrients over to our son (Brayden) which is what allowed him to grow in the womb and survive. He tested positive for methamphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana at birth, and has a hole in his brain and a cyst on his spine. I tell you that to say that he too spent many weeks in the NICU in Ft. Worth, but we celebrated his 2 year Bday last Sept. and he is walking, talking, eating, sleeping, and doing all the things a "normal" 2 yr old does. He is delayed some in his development, and he is struggling with the right side of his body and its motor skills, but he is beautiful, happy, and most importantly -- LOVED. My wife and I know that Jesus gave us this little boy for a reason, and we are only being the stewards of this child HE wants us to be. We live a day by day process in raising this Child of God, and the blessings have been countless. Keep fighting alongside Mr. Asher and know that we know the one true God who can restore, refresh, and heal. Our prayers go out to you and if you need someone to lean on, we are always available...and have been through many of the things you have been through. In His Grace, DDowdney (our blog is TheDowdneyDiaries.blogspot.com if you want to see our progression with our little preemie...start prior to Sept of 2009 to get the whole story) :)

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