Tuesday, January 8, 2008

I'm a Daddy!

1lb 6oz

She is stable, and I'm waiting to go down to NICU to see her. The delivery doc brought us a picture...she has hair (go figure with the two of us). That's all I know.

Tricia is sleeping in ICU. The next 24 hours will be critical for Tricia. She's doing well on the vent, but until she's awake, we won't know fully what the future looks like. I spent 5 minutes with her before they kicked me out to do some things.

I'll give more details later, but 75 people in the OR tells you something of the miracle that today has been so far. Lots of tears, both of fear and of joy.

Your prayers over the next few days will be the most treasured.

Nate

176 comments:

Rich and Lauren said...

we are praying for all three of you. we love you guys and can't wait to see that beautiful girl of yours

beachbug said...

And a good looking daddy you are, just like your uncle.

Andy

Anonymous said...

Congrats to mom and dad, many prayers still going up for all of you.

waitinginline said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

The three of you are in my prayers (and hopefully of those that read my blog, too)!!!

anita said...

Awww - we're all praying down here in South FL!!!!

Much love to Mommy, Daddy & sweet baby girl Gwyneth!

Thodgson said...

Wow - just wow as the tears of joy are flowing. Thank you God!

Carol Jackson said...

So relieved--will still keep praying here in VB. God is good.

Carol

Susan said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. . .

Dirkey said...

Still praying, congrats!
Was saying on your dad's blog that my nephew was born about the same size 5 years ago and he is now a crazy energetic little boy. He is also very spiritually minded and is already telling all his friends in Day Care about Jesus. Will pray the same for your little girl. Will also be lifting Trish in prayer!

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you both, it truly is a blessing in so many ways- and my prayers will continue!

Renee said...

Congratulations to both of you!We'll continue praying! And thanks, again, for taking the time to keep us all updated.

Emily said...

Prayers for all of you. I pray that God would wrap his healing arms around both Tricia and Gwyneth and keep them both safe. Help them to come through the next 24hrs with a strength that only God can provide.

Anonymous said...

Congradulations! I am continuing to pray for the three of you in CA. Praise God and all of his blessings!
Stephanie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Im praying for the 3 of you!!!

Anonymous said...

Praise God!

Rebecca said...

Congratulations, Nate! Congratulations, Tricia!
Welcome to the world, baby girl!

I'm still praying, and I've posted with links to both your blog and your dad's.

Prayers will keep coming.

vb2000rn said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! How wonderful! You and your family are all in my prayers! All Praise and Glory to God! Ugh.. the tears won't stop! I can't wait to see pics!

Teri said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Your families testimonty has been a blessing to us! We will continue to cover you, your wife and your daughter in prayer

In HIS love,
Teri
( Mooresville NC)

T, Allison and Colin said...

Congratulations Daddy! We continue to pray for all of you.

Anonymous said...

the 3 of you consume my thoughts and prayers. praise God for taking the 3 of you miraculously thru this day. we will continue to ask God to intercede for both of your girls.

Anonymous said...

Soli Deo Gloria! To God be the glory for the things He has done and will do!

Congratulations and will be continuing to pray for Tricia, Gwyneth and your family.

Thanks for the updates ...

Sister In Christ
Annapolis, MD

Jessica said...

Congrats to the new Daddy! You all have been in our prayers all day long and we won't stop now! "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7

Emily in MD said...

Congratulations! I'm elated for you all and I'm just praising God so much for you and your situation. I will continue to pray fervently for you......

*amazed at God*

islandgirlart said...

CONGRATS DADDY!!!!
"for I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, to give you a hope and a FUTURE!!! Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased)
I have come to give you Life and to give it to you ABUNDANTLY!
THANK YOU JESUS!
Our Lord is the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow! We serve a God of Miracles!!!!!!
STAND FIRM in your fight for LIFE!
Continuing to raise your Family up to the God of all Creation, the Giver of Life, the "confounder" (is that a word) of the "Wise"

HE is the Very Air that We Breathe!!!
Praying for God's Amazing Healing Power to flow through every cell of your beautiful wife and daughter's body - from the sole of their feet to the tops of their heads.
we agree with you in prayer for continued Miracles!
We love you!
Cindy/Greg Wise

Anonymous said...

How Great Is Our God! Not only to bring Gwyneth into the world and stabilize so quickly, but also to have so many medical folks there to witness His awesome power and love for His children. What a Great God we serve! We continue to pray for Tricia's safe and strong recovery!

Danny and Suzy

Emily said...

Congratulations Daddy. Prayers will not cease.

Psalm 139

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!! Loving thoughts are going out to you and prayers of healing for Tricia and Gwyneth!!

-Sophia, Jenn, and Erica
The Staff at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Chris said...

Amazing - what a journey!!

I'm on holidays but am still reading your blog while I'm away. I will post updates when I'm back to the office this week.

Jesse's girl said...

Congratulations!! Praying for rest and recovery for Tricia, and a good report for Gwyneth. Praying for you too, Nate, to be able to love and cherish your girls. :)

What a mighty God we serve!

Jessica said...

Congratulations! Although we've never met I have felt the need to check for updates on your blog. You & your wife's story is truly inspiring. My coworker put out a "9-1-1" in her prayer chain and we will continue to pray that both Mommy and Daughter gain strength. Children really are a gift from God and I wish you and your family all the best!

Tanya said...

Congratulations Nate and Tricia!
Welcome Precious Gwyneth!

The 3 of you have been in our prayers all day, my children keep asking about you and we keep stopping our day to pray and will continue to do so. Praising God for all He has done today and will continue to do!!

Anonymous said...

Our office here at Liberty is still praying for all of you and will continue to do so!! Congratulations and God Bless you for your decision for life!

Anonymous said...

PRAISE GOD!!!!!

Beth Anne said...

Praise God! Let the miracles continue!

Mandy said...

Praying!! I just picked up my 16.9 oz water bottle and realized that your baby girl doesn't weigh much more. Insane, but proves what a miraculous God we have.

I'm going to tell everyone on my site to pray for y'all!

shelly said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Anonymous said...

praying praying praying for all of you!!!

Anonymous said...

CONGRATS!!!
You will both be amazing parents.
We are still praying. :)
We love all 3 of you!
~ Dana and Wil Haupfear

nicole said...

congratulations!
your pride is seeping out of my computer screen! as it should. precious! we are keeping you all in our prayers. thank you, jesus!

much love to your sweet family!

Luvs2Sail5 said...

You don't know me, but I have a little boy with cf and started reading trish's entries awhile ago. When I read that she was pregnant, I was so happy for her. When I found out there were complications I started praying and thinking about both of you all of the time. I have been following all your up-dates since trish went in the hospital. I pray every day for the three of you. Today, I have been on here all day waiting for some word. I feel like I know you and you are a part of my family.

Congratulations on the birth of that little miracle. I will continue to pray for her and her mom and her dad too. I can't wait to see pics. Tricia is an amazing lady!!!

Blogfreys said...

Continuing to pray!

Fertilize Me said...

Congrats Dad! praying

Baby Leino said...

Congratulations, Daddy Nathan! We are not slowing one bit in our fervent prayer for you three. Just cherish your moments w/Tricia, Gwyn, & family.

Forward Family said...

Praise God!!! Congrats...and we are still praying!

Lissa Lane said...

CONGRATS!!!!! More prayers coming your way for Tricia and baby girl!

Trace said...

Congratulations! Prayers are still being said for you and your family.

diddyangel said...

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I will continue to pray for you all throughout the night x x x x

Anonymous said...

congratulations. my prayers are with you and your family throughout this. best wishes for you and your family!

Madelyn's Mommy said...

Hello,
I recieved an email from a fellow blogger friend to read your blog and pray for ya'll. I am in Rocky Mount NC and just want you to know that we serve the Ultimate Healer and your whole family is in my prayers. Reading your blog has amazed me. I love my God and am thankful that he uses people like you to be witnesses for Him.

Andrea

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your precious little girl. Our prayers are with Tricia as she rests in ICU, that HIS healing hands will touch her and her body will strengthen. Our prayers are with you as you wait, that HIS peace and comfort surround you and HIS assurance rest in your heart. Your and Tricia's lives are an AMAZING witness!

pammatt said...

Congratulations on becoming parents. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family.
Pam and Matt Landrum

Debra said...

Why is it that I cry every time I read your and your dad's posts???? I'm so happy that things have gone well and will continue taking you and your family to the throne. (Aspiemom)

pammatt said...

Our prayers are with you. Congratulation on being parents.
Matt and Pam Landrum

pammatt said...

Our prayers are with you. Congratulation on being parents.
Matt and Pam Landrum

pammatt said...

Our prayers are with you. Congratulation on being parents.
Matt and Pam Landrum

Heather said...

Congratulations Daddy! I'll still be praying for Tricia and Gwyneth as well as strength for all of you.

Kenzie Stanfield said...

Praying fervently for your sweet wife and tiny baby girl (and you and your families as well)! The Lord is gracious and is walking before you in all of this!

Blessings and prayers,
Kenzie

Marjolein said...

Nate and Tricia, congratulations on the birth of your precious little princess

Happy birthday Gwyneth Rose

My thoughts are with you all

Love, Marjolein
23/CF/from the Netherlands
member of cysticfibrosis.com

Laurie said...

Congratulations Daddy and Mommy. Praying for all three of you continually and that Tricia wakes up from this with no complications and perfect. Praise the Lord for his promises and protection. Praying for Gwyneth to be strong and perfect. May this be the first of many miracles to come. I think you have earned them.

Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to all!
Praying through tears of joy here in VB! We will keep you uplifted to the Great Physician!

Love,
The Edwards family

jesse and whit... said...

so exciting!!! P.T.L.A.T.P. (praise the Lord, answer to prayer). that's one of my favorite sayings. me and margot are at work and have been checking every ten minutes and praying for y'all. we are so happy for you and will continue to lift up tricia and the baby. you're going to be a great daddy, a funny one too!

Baby Leino said...

To all who follow this story & have known Tricia, please be sure to scroll down the main blog page the the entry "For Tricia" & leave encouragement for her when she wakes.

Anonymous said...

Congrats!!!

Still praying in Michigan!

Melissa said...

Congratulations Daddy!!! The prayers aren't stopping!

Rhonda said...

Congrats to both Mommy and Daddy. We are all still praying on the OBX.

Julie said...

Congratulations! your family was the first on my mind when i woke up this morning at 5am PST (Earlier than usual). Prayed for you guys for a long time this morning and have continued praying all day long. Prayers from Washington State. God bless you, Tricia, and baby Gwyneth! Our God is good!

Julie
WA

wereart said...

Thanking Him that He is a God of miracles. ((Congratulations Mommy and Daddy!)) Birthday Blessings to Gwyneth........keeping you all in prayer. Thank you for your updates. They mean so much to us.

Susanna said...

Congratulations mommy & daddy! what a precious gift! can't wait to see pix of baby Gwyneth! I've been updating my blog, church prayer chain, and many friends here in Mexico...God bless!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!!!!

The girls in my office and I are rejoicing with you! We can't wait to see pictures!! We'll continue to pray!

Whitney Atkinson

'Mrs. B' said...

Lots of prayers to you, Tricia and baby Gwyneth...& Congratulations :)

wthughes said...

Thanking God for the blessings thus far...and still praying.

Congratulations!

Anonymous said...

Rejoicing and crying with you, to God be the glory!
Andersons

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Daddy and Mommy. i love you guys and so very proud of you.
Yes you are good looking, Andy says just like your uncle, who does your uncle look like? Aunt Donna!!!! Prays are constantly with all of you.

Jane-Jane said...

always praying!

Anonymous said...

Although I don't know you I would just like to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers . I hope that all goes well with Patty & Gwyneth Rose.Love nikki Coventry England

MTaylor said...

Congratulations.

Can't wait to see pics of the little princess!

Love in Christ!,
Melody

Denise said...

Praise God - still praying and crying and praying and crying.....
love you all Denise

Anonymous said...

OH MY ....WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BIRTH OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER GWENETH ROSE (SUCH A PERFECT NAME)
IT IS TRUELY AMAZING ...A MIRACLE WAS PRAYED FOR AND A MIRACLE HAPPENED... THANK YOU JESUS
OF COURSE WE WILL KEEP ON PRAYING
SHOWERING YOU LOVINGLY WITH PRAYER
LONG ISLAND NEW YORK

Katelyn said...

Congratulations! Still praying!

Amy said...

Congratulations! Can't wait to see pictures of sweet Gweneth Rose.

Praying for all three of you....

Anonymous said...

Sending lots and lots and lots of prayers for all of you from Nebraska!

hello and welcome to nhc said...

Wow...what a day! Thank you God, You are Awesome! Congratulations everyone. If I don't get back to work, you might have to hire me as babysitter! Love you, Judi

higgie07 said...

Praise God for this miracle. Still praying for all of you. God bless all of you and wrap you in his peace.

M said...

So excited! Congratulations!!!

Praying for you ALL!

Jen said...

Congratulations to Tricia and you on your little girl's arrival. Still praying for you all.

Scott Lawrenson said...

Congrats, you're a dad...better yet, Rick and Gail are Gramps and Granny!
Thanks God.

Meredith said...

Praying that the Lord would be so near y'all during this time!!

Anonymous said...

WOW...we are just plain humbled by your faith and the entire situation. Just as the Leino family so deeply touched our hearts and increased our faith...your story has our family praying, crying and rejoicing with you!
Congratulations on the birth of your precious miracle!!!May she and Tricia have a beautiful testimony to share with millions who still do not believe...
Prayers and Hugs from Raleigh...
Claire Adams <><

Brenda said...

What an awesome God we serve. I am praising Him for the safe arrival of your precious Gwyneth, and for bringing Tricia through the surgery. I'll continue to pray, along with thousands of others, for all of you. Can't wait to see pictures. Brenda

Lisa said...

Congratulations!!!! How amazing!!! We are still praying!!! We love you guys!!! ~Lisa (in NJ)

Carmichael Family said...

Congratulations! I don't know you all, but have been praying for you all ever since I found a link to your site through a friend's a couple days ago.
Blessings,
Catherine

the*4*of*us said...

praying!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow! What wonderful news. We continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors as they take care of Tricia and Gwyneth. Praying also for strength and patience for the rest of the families. Matt and Kristin Schell

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday baby girl.
Inspired by your story in Texas.
Thanks for reminding me to treasure every moment of the day.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Nathan & Tricia. You must be so proud of your wife Nathan. She chose LIFE and God gave you a beautiful daughter. I can not wait until we see postings of your little white Rose.

Aidan's mom said...

Congrats!!! I have a 2 year old former preemie born at 1 lb 8 oz. I definitely did not face the hardships you and Tricia have, but please do email me if you have any questions about having a preemie or just want to talk to a parent who has had one.

Lori

Margie said...

Congrats to all three of you! Our prayers are with all of you.

Anonymous said...

Praise the Lord! Our prayers will continue. Much, much love! Joel and Joanna

Jennifer said...

Hi...I was sent to your site by RandomlyJoyful's xanga. I will be praying for your little family. God is good. I will be praying that He will give you the grace and strength you need to be strong for Tricia. I will be praying for Tricia's quick recovery so she can be with her little girl. And I will also be praying for your little blessing. I hope that God's presence will surround all three of you daily.

Your Sister in Christ,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

What a miracle! You are all in my heart and prayers. May God continue to bless all three of you.

Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy, and all of the grandparents.

Love from Agnes' olld friend Judy

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your new little one :) I am the Mom of a preemie baby girl that was 1 lb 15 oz, who is absolutley beautiful today, and this was my favorite poem when she was born 18 months ago :)


~*~How Preemie Moms Are Chosen~*~
(Erma Bombeck)

Did you ever wonder how the mothers of premature babies are chosen?
Somehow, I visualize God hovering over Earth, selecting his
instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As he
observes, he instructs his angels to take notes in a giant ledger.
"Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron Saint, Matthew.
Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron Saint, Celia.
Rutledge, Carrie, twins. Patron Saint...give her Gerard. He's used to
profanity."
Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles.
"Give her a preemie." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God?
She's so happy."
"Exactly," smiles God.
"Could I give a premature baby a mother who knows no laughter? That
would be cruel."
"But does she have the patience?" asks the angel.
"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she'll drown in a sea
of self-pity and despair.
Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it.
I watched her today. She has that sense of self and independence so
rare and so necessary in a mother.
You see, the child I'm going to give her has a world of its own.
She has to make it live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."
"But Lord, I don't think she even believes in you."
God smiles. "No matter, I can fix that. This one is perfect She has
just the right amount of selfishness."
The angel gasps, "Selfishness?! Is that a virtue?"
God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally,
she will never survive.
Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect.
She doesn't know it yet, but she is to be envied.
She will never take for granted a spoken word.
She will never consider a step ordinary.
When her child says momma for the first time,
she will be witness to a miracle and know it.
I will permit her to see clearly the things I see--
ignorance, cruelty, prejudice--
and allow her to rise above them.
She will never be alone.
I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life
because she is doing my work as surely as she is here by my side."
"And what about her Patron Saint?" asks the angel, his pen poised in
the air.
God smiles. "A mirror will suffice."

hemidemisemiquaver said...

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!!
Overjoyed to hear the news. We are still praying and I have a note on my blog for others to do the same today.
Much Love,
The Oehlers

Kara said...

Congrats Daddy! You are all in my prayers!

Kara
sahm22boys.blogspot.com

jullylaw said...

congratulations!!!!!!!!
Love Scott, Julie, Bree and Carly

Florida_Mom said...

Psalm 139:14 KJV

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter. Praying that God does a remakable work in the lifes of your family.

Many prayers continue.

Myra

The Lenda's said...

Congratulations on your big miracle in a tiny little package. Praying for Tricia, Gwyneth and you!
Rachel in PA

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! Praying for your wife and your precious baby girl.

Anonymous said...

Nate, First of all Congratulations! I know all too well what you are feeling, etc.
I am a 34 year old woman with CF and I had a baby in 2004 under somewhat similar circumstances. (lung function considered poor, but not yet transplant list) I was thankfully able to carry my son to 35 weeks, but then I started to have severe insomnia, anxiety, heart arrythmia, some major swelling, started to suspect pre-eclampsia, etc.

MAGNESIUM. TT the the docs about it. If it's safe to supplement her with it......if her magnesium levels are even "iffy", it's worth looking in to. Go to the National Institute of Health and search magnesium deficiency. Watch your baby (as I know they are), our little guy had "5th day crash" of hypocalcemia. (common to children of magnesium deficient moms with gestational diabetes)
If you can bank baby's cord blood, do so.

Finally, make sure when she is awake and actively coughing.....she is in an abdominal binder after her C-section. My hospital OB team was not prepared for an experience powerful CF cough and my C-section Dehisced (came open!) and I had to have surgery to repair it that was risky given my pulmonary condition at the time.

MANY MANY PRAYERS. IT DOES GET BETTER. It took about 6 mos post childbirth of aggressive medical care (mom doing traditional CPT on me 2x day) and a village of people helping with the baby so I could rest, but I finally blew PFT's that were at the level of my baseline prior to the baby. AND my baby boy is doing wonderful. He begins preschool next week. It's been a long road.

You are covered with prayers here and I don't mean to add stress~~~ those are just things that if I had it to do over....

Brian and Rachel said...

wow, God is so good and will continue to be. Blessings for the days and weeks to come. Congrats. You will all be together again very soon and you can hold both your girls in your arms. Love to all.

carlyn said...

Gywn has guardian angels near her and with her at all times ... she has 1 on each side of her in her incubator. They will care for her while you are with Tricia.

Tricia also has guardian angels with her. They will care for her even if you are not able to be with her.

Father, I lift these two girls up to you ... Place your hands around each of them, protect them both from harm, and continue to give Nate & Tricia peace about the situation. Give the doctors and nurses wisdom, strength and extra TLC when they are caring for Tricia and Gywn. In the name of Jesus, heal them, strengthen them and protect them. Amen.

Anonymous said...

Congrats....praying for you all....

Jennifer said...

several of my xanga friends have posted asking for prayer regarding your family. letting you know that another sister-in-Christ is lifting your miracle daughter and wife up in prayers, as well as the new daddy! congratulations!

Stephanie (Maya's mommy) said...

We have also never met, but I received an email call to prayer for your family. Praise God for the miracle birth of your daughter today. I continue to pray for the minutes, hours and days to come. I am humbled and awed by your family's decision to choose life, in light of the costs. I pray for God's healing on this sweet new life, as well as for Tricia.
Blessings~ stephanie

Tina said...

Congratulations! I am praying for the three of you. You are all in God's hands...the safest place to be

rich coleman said...

hey nate...... i just wanted to let you know how much of a man you are!... you are probably the only hero of mine that is a live or even real for that matter. best father in the world nate.

twinboysmom said...

Congratulations!!! Take lots of NICU pics! I didn't take enough when my children were in the NICU. Praying for strength and health for your whole family!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

Oh, I bet your little girl is just beautiful too!

Prayers continue for both the ladies in your life.

Family by Love said...

Congratulations! We will continue to pray for all three of you and for your extended family. Praise God for your faith and the wonderful testimony you have been and are being to so many. I know God is using your life to teach some of the rest of us some lessons.

Robin said...

Wow! Congratulations! Praying for all three of you!

Burnie said...

We are continuing to pray for you all. See you soon..... Nate's a dad and Rick is a GRAND dad! He must be really old!
Burnie

Outer Banks Brooks said...

Dear Nathan and Tricia,

We are so thrilled to hear about your little girl. We are praying for all of you and trusting God to give you the grace and strength you need during these next critical hours.

We wait expectantly for more amazing stories of grace.

Love,
Ron and Lynn Brooks

Anonymous said...

Your family is in my thought and prayers. Congrats on your new little girl, I hope she will be strong and out of the NICU soon

Laura said...

Praying.....

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your baby girl! May the Lord continue to provide miracles for your ladies.

wereart said...

Oh my gosh....we just remembered we hadn't congratulated the grandparents yet. Congratulations to Don, Agnes, Gail and especially Rick. So glad Rick, that Nate and Tricia finally made you a Grandpa. With all that white hair on your head you've been looking the role for quite some time.
We're continuing in prayer for you all.

Tom & Sandra Lee said...

Way to go God!!! We are excited for you all and are still praying!!! Congradulations!!!!

Scott said...

Geesh, you guys will really need a rest when everything is over!! I can't imagine the emotional roller coaster. Congratulations on your baby. Our first weighed in at 3 lbs. I remember the love, fear, and wonder someone so small could be alive. We are praying!

Anonymous said...

I found this online and thought it fitting for your "new" family.

A Rose has sprung from a tender root,
From Jesus, as those of old have sung,
And it bore a flower,
In the middle of a cold winter,

When half spen