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.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Answered Prayers!

Asher's brain bleed scan was clear today! The dr said that she won't need to check that again for another month. After 3 clear scans..there is no reason to keep doing it so often! What a blessing to have one major thing we can put out of our minds! His oxygen requirement has also improved, we think because he had an infection in his lungs, and his antibiotics are helping. So, for now..they are letting the antibiotics go through his system a few days before we look at the lungs/oxygen level again. It could be that he won't need steroids and this was resolved with the antibiotics. They will do an X-ray of his lungs again on Monday and look at how they are doing. He's also being given more of my milk! He now gets a teaspoon (5cc's) every 4 hours. So, that's an ounce in 24 hours! The dr said that's a 1/3 of the way to getting to full feedings. She said he may not digest all of that, but we will try and if it's too much, we'll pull back some.

We are thankful for a good day of news for Asher! Thank you for the MANY prayers that are being said for our little guy..and thank you for all of you are are re-posting and sending out our updates. It is TRULY overwhelming. I received a message today that a couple in Russia is praying for us. This is so hard to wrap our minds around, and just a blessing there aren't words for!

A good friend shared this verse with us yesterday.."But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works." Psalm 73:28 (nabs) This has really has comforted me and reminded me that His nearness Has been not only good, but sustaining, and also reminds me of the purpose in all of this. This struggle brings a nearness to God that we could not have otherwise. I also came across this quote today too by C.S. Lewis- "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." I think God does shout in our pain. And we can either hear Him and run to Him, or ignore Him and run away. My prayer is that we keep running to Him!

Each time we get a message/card/gift from someone we've never met, or from those we haven't talked to in years, and also from those who know us now..we are reminded that the purpose in this is so much larger than us and we are so encouraged and just blessed by all of it! Thank you for helping us see purpose and blessings in the midst of the storm. :)


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9 comments:

  1. gumjackFebruary 17, 2012 at 7:47 PM

    This makes me smile. aaahhh.

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  2. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 4:24 AM

    Prayers for Asher are also going to God in Hong Kong. I am Adam Griffin's aunt and he has shared your story. Our Bible verse for the year of missionary work has been "Many are the plans in man's heart, but the Lord's plans will prevail." Prov. 19:21. It is so hard sometimes to see or wait for God's plan but know that He holds you in His loving arms as you go through this difficult time.

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  3. BFebruary 18, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    I live in VA, and I heard your story while listening to Matt Chandler's podcast-- I have been meaning to find you online ever since to see how Asher was doing! I have prayed for you and will continue to do so as the Holy Spirit brings you to my mind-- thank you for your example of faith and steadfastness!

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  4. Judi BrownFebruary 18, 2012 at 5:35 AM

    My youngest, Annie, had open heart surgery at 5 days old. It was something very unexpected. I share your joy in Baby Asher getting some of your milk! That is so exciting! I love how God holds our little ones in His hands. I love to see His healing in action! We continue to lift Asher in prayer. I am specifically praying for you as you recover, as you provide food for that little one, and peace as you lean on God. (Judi in Keller)

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 1:57 PM

    Heard your story in Matt Chandler's sermon. I broke down crying as I was praying for ya'll. My wife just had our first baby on December 8th, 7 weeks early. It was a emergency C section because of Preclampsia and other problems. The whole thing was overwhelming and hard. God allowed our son, Malachi Owen, to only be in the NICU for 2 weeks before coming home.

    The time was hard so as I hear your story I want you to know that my wife and I are praying much for you and Bryan as well as little Asher. We don't know the pain and joys your feeling, but we pray for God's comfort through it all. We are one family! I posted on my facebook for friends to pray and a link to your blog. The universal family of God comes together to encourage and morn with those who morn and rejoice with those who rejoice!

    Chris Johnson

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  6. MicahlFebruary 18, 2012 at 7:39 PM

    Hi Robyn, we are praying for you, Bryan and Asher. Thank you for your willingness to share your story and your faith during this time--it is such an encouragement to me! You and Bryan are living your faith in a real way that reminds me to TRUST Him who has planned our days! Micahl Wester

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  7. JparkerFebruary 19, 2012 at 3:52 AM

    Dear Robyn and Bryan,
    I have thought of you and prayed for you often. I read your posts and tears well up inside me. I am reminded that it wasn't that long ago that I sat in the NICU day after day watching and waiting. My daughter Avery was born at 27 weeks gestation weighing 1 lb. 14 oz. She spent 3 months in the NICU. Today she is a beautiful healthy happy 2 year old. Her brain scans came back clear too! I remember the staff couldn't believe it. I thank you for sharing your story and am encouraged by your faith. When miracles like this happen it can only be explained by Him. God finds a way to say I am in control and remind us that he is the Ultimate Healer. God Bless!
    Joan (O'Connell) Parker
    MHS Class of '99

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  8. Ashley StephensFebruary 20, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Bryan and Robyn,

    What wonderful news! We are praising God for Asher's progress, and for how you guys continue to glorify God in your tough journey. My brother-in-law's sister gave birth to her first baby boy at 23 weeks, and many people showered them with prayer during his difficult 14-week stay in the NICU. Today, Coy is 3 and extremely healthy/happy. He was a miracle baby to the staff that cared for him, and continues to amaze at all his check-ups. I hope this encourages you...

    My husband and I will continue to keep y'all in our prayers. I'm amazed by your continued and steadfast faith in God.

    Wade and Ashley Stephens

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  9. kayla aimeeFebruary 20, 2012 at 7:09 PM

    I just wanted to let y'all know we are lifting you up in prayer. A friend passed on your story to us- our daughter was born at 25 weeks, 1lb 8oz last year and I remember so vividly what you are going through with sweet Asher. I don't have words good enough so I'll borrow the Lord's: "We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright. We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love."

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