Wednesday, September 19, 2007

5:00 pm

Just wanted to give everyone an update... I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos and were able to finally put faces with our names! I know for some of you, we've been total enigmas so it's nice to "meet" after all this time. My sister took the pictures and also posted them for me, so thank you to her.

We are doing well. Copeland had a pretty rough start to the day... she struggled to eat, obviously, and we have decided that at this point we will not wrestle with that dilemma. The neonatologist encouraged us to focus on keeping her comfortable and as at peace as we can, which doesn't include forcing her to eat when the process is so strenuous on her little body. We did, however, manage to get her to take some glucose water (aka. straight sugar!) and she loved it. It's been the first and only thing she's taken to with any sort of vivacity so we've repeated that several times and she's done great. The NICU nurses explained that the sugar gives her body a bit of a 'high' that calms and relaxes her. It also "pinks her up," as they, which, after several episodes where she turned a bit blue this morning is a major victory. As I type she is resting peacefully in her MImi's arms (Conor's mom). We will continue the regimen of the glucose to keep her content - and change her diaper occasionally to wake her up and irritate her just enough to keep her color and her breathing up to standard.

Thank you for your continued prayers. We are in awe that we still have our little girl. We were told this morning that the way she was fighting might mean she only had between 12-24 hours to live, so each moment we get is an unexpected but precious blessing. Please keep lifting us up, especially as we enjoy this time but do anticipate the hour when Jesus takes her home.

Blessings...
Boothe

57 comments:

Rachel said...

We have been and will continue to pray for you guys today, tomorrow and in the weeks to come.

Blessings,
Rachel Phillips

Anonymous said...

Although I have never met your precious family I have been praying for you all and will continue to. Copeland is absolutely beautiful and her precious life has touched so many. Thank you for your words the past couple of months. They have touched my heart in many ways.

Kelly Fleming (a friend of Jennifer Godwin)

heidi r weimer said...

Praying for your time with Copeland, even now. May it be exactly as Jesus wants it to be for all four of you.

Peace to you.
-heidi weimer

Anonymous said...

She is so beautiful! I will continue to pray for you today... it's your night time, I think, so you have 24 hour coverage! Another great thing about being Australian... *grin* I can pray when the U.S sleeps.

Much love.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for your family. You have such great strength and faith. Your family is beautiful. Thank you for sharing from your heart. My heart has been touched and reaches out to your family.

nicole, derrick & ella

Marie Lanathoua said...

Boothe, I wish I could extend my arms to hug you but I'm am certain you feel the love of God and the love from us all. The song that is playing in my head right now is "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of world....." there is a purpose for all this, and we are all united in prayer for you and your family. God Bless you!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this most precious time in your life. Nothing but love from Southern Cal!

Emily said...

I have been checking in all day and have LOVED "meeting" Copeland. She is so gorgeous and looks like the tiny piece of Heaven that she is. It seems that I am unable to reply from work, so even when I'm not bugging you with comments, know that I'm hanging on your every word and taking every request to God in prayer. I pray, oh how I pray, that you are able to cherish each and every moment with your sweet girl. You cannot kiss or hold her too much! :) It makes me so happy to know you all are holding your little miracle even as I type.... May God bless and keep you, each and every one.

Mandy said...

Praying as I go about my day....All day at school, I have been so preoccupied with thoughts of you all and what you are experiencing. I am so happy Copeland is still with you and you are drinking her in. She is adorable and I will stay posted to see how your night goes. I am praying always.

Mandy

Kitty Brown said...

We're friends of Whitney and Will's, and we've been following your journey for some time from afar. Thank you for sharing your precious time with Copeland with all of us -- we'll be praying.

Mom Knows Everything said...

My niece gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last month at 21 weeks along. The baby only weighed 1 lb and 6 oz. He is still fighting and is a blessing to us. Don't ever give up. God has a special plan for this baby.

Unknown said...

We are praying for y'all!!! What a sweet baby girl. Thank you for the pics.

God be with you,
Babe

Unknown said...

oh my darling, you look amazing and have loved looking at the pictures so incredibly much! they make me sing in my head, "i'm holding onto you, like a diamond in the rough..." thank you for these constant updates; i've been checking nonstop. so many of us are thinking about you all. love to you...

Anonymous said...

I am so touched by Copeland- your family is so lovely. Copeland has already made such a huge difference in her life- she is also bringing more people to Jesus than most people ever dream of doing. What achievement your little girl is accomplishing!!!
Randi Booth

Angie said...

She is so beautiful, Boothe, and I can't tell you how happy I am for the time you are getting to spend with her. I pray that God will continue to give you great joy in every moment. Seeing her makes me smile.

Anonymous said...

Hooray! Copeland is showing her sweet self to you!! I'm so glad that you are getting to know her! God is so sweet and merciful!
The pictures were awesome! Thank you! You can see your joy in those wonderful pictures!
I pray for a peaceful night for all of you!
in my continued prayers--
Tiffany

Anonymous said...

We are friends of Todd and Laurel Farley. We've been checking your blog nonstop for the last two days and have been blessed at the sight of Copeland. My husband and I are praying for you, Conor and Sellers. We too love her "pirate" smile. :)
Blessings,
Ryan and Joanna Moore

LWB said...

Praise God for these "little" victories! It makes me so happy to hear this good news. Know that we continue to pray - I check your blog for updates all throughout the day, any chance I get. Thinking of you and praying for you so much.

Laurie Wunder Bolden

Anonymous said...

Found your website through another one. Just wanted you to know that you have our prayers. The pictures are beautiful! Copeland is such a beautiful baby.

God bless your precious family!
Lori

Laurie in Ca. said...

Sweet Boothe&Conor,
Still praying and holding my hearts breath for you as you enjoy every single moment with your precious gift. I gently am lifting you and every need you have to the Lord as you spoke from your heart that you are anticipating the hour when Jesus takes her home. When that hour comes, I pray you feel Jesus' hands on yours as he tenderly lifts her up to His Heart. He has never left your side.
Take joy as she continues to keep her strength going, she is one strong little girl. I want you to know I see the beauty of Jesus in each of your pictures. It is such a blessing to hold you up in prayer.
May Gods peace and joy be your cover tonight as you keep watch over Copeland. God is keeping watch over you.

Love, Laurie in Ca.

JUST A MOM said...

I am so glad He is letting you love on her at this time. You will be able to keep the sweet smell in your heart. Keep thinking of you!

Debra Kenney said...

Lifting Copeland and all of you up to the throne of grace. The pictures are too precious. Thank you for including all of us into your life and family.

Anonymous said...

Hi Boothe and Conor,
Betsy told me the day before your c-section what has been going on so I have been reading your blog since then. I am in awe of your strength. It is encouraging me through a continually difficult and trying time as well. I have been checking your site all throughout today. My heart aches terribly for you all, and I have been praying as well. Cling to the Lord. I know you are with all your might.
love, Sarah (Coggeshall) Shipley

Anonymous said...

Conor and Boothe,
This may sound corny, but I went to sleep last night thinking of you and this old Aerosmith song kept running through my head:

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing
Watch you smile while you are sleeping
Far away and dreaming
I could spend my life in this sweet surrender
I could stay lost in this moment forever
Well, every moment spent with you
Is a moment I treasure

I don't wanna close my eyes
I don't wanna fall asleep
'Cause I'd miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing
'Cause even when I dream of you
The sweetest dream will never do
I'd still miss you, babe
And I don't wanna miss a thing

I know that song is usually for couples, but some of the lines in there just seemed to be fitting.

I hope that doesn't sound too weird....just know that you are constantly in my thoughts.

Blessings to your family,
Kimberly

her said...

Although we have never met and I was given this blog from a friend in MS...(I live in Spring Hill, TN) I feel my heart is beating along side your family. I know the pwer of a might God in times like these. Our first daughter was a still born but we found that she had no amunity system so it was best she leave us. Her life however short had purpose for it brought a young mother and father to the throne of Grace!
Please go to my blog www.tennesseebuckeyes.blogspot.com
I have written a blog on your family.
Please know that I will keep your family's name on my lips and lift you up to a awesome Father who is holding, kissing and loving you all at this very moment.
Joy,Debi

Anonymous said...

What a fighter Copeland is! She is amazing...such a testimony to the strength that God has given her (and you). Thank you once again for keeping us posted...and for the beautiful pictures.

We pray that He continues to give her breath even as He gives you grace.

Her name is so beautiful.

Elizabeth S said...

I continue to be blessed by your strength and faith. No, I am changed by it. Since I "met" your sweet family, I have been changed forever. I am treating my kids differently for sure, not taking anything for granted. I will be forever grateful that God introduced me to you. Thank you for being His vessel, sweet Copeland (and her parents!). I am just one of the many God has touched through you!

tweedblazer said...

Dear Boothe--
The pictures are just beautiful. I'm sending you and your family all best wishes for strength and peace this remarkable day and in the future.

Jim Ryan

Anonymous said...

Your family is such an amazing testimony of Gods love and power in our lives. Thank you for continue to share with us about sweet Copeland. We are praying for you all!!!

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful! Just like her sister! Thank you for sharing pictures for all of us that don't know you. You are a beautiful family. We are continuing to pray for all of you today, tonight, and in the days to come.

Anonymous said...

I'm another that found your blog thru another.. thanks for the pictures - such a beautiful family. you have been in my thoughts for days.. take care.

Stacey said...

What a perfectly, beautifully made miracle! We are college friends of Whitney, Will, and Callen. So, through them, we have followed your journey. Thank you for being transparent with your thoughts and feelings. Baby Copeland and your family have touched our hearts so deeply. Our family is praying for yours continually.

Culley said...

Copeland is so beautiful! Your family has been in our constant thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for sharing the wonderful pictures and moving words during this precious time.
With lots of love to each of you! Love, Culley

p.s. Blythe wanted me to tell you that she is praying for Sellar's baby sister.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for your updates. It is so good to know how to pray for you all. Copeland has blessed our family and also many people in our church in Spring Hill who are praying for you guys as well. Enjoy your precious daughter. She truly is beautiful!

Sarah said...

I've been following your story for the last few days--the pictures of Copeland are precious. Thank you for sharing her life with people you don't know--she is a blessing. I'm praying for your family.

Carol's Crew said...

Have been and will continue to be praying for you as you soak up every second you have with your precious baby girl. You have impacted us more than you could imagine.

Melissa and BJ Proffitt

texasknights said...

I somehow stumbled upon your blog-well,not really for now I "know" you and can lift your sweet family up to our Lord! Your faith and joy are a blessing to others (even strangers).

Anonymous said...

Hello Farley family. I have been thinking and praying for you since I left the hospital this morning... I am so proud of you Boothe and Conor, I cannot express how much I am in awe of your strength and faith,!! You are such strong and amazing parents even if sometimes you don't feel that way.I see the way you are with Copeland and I can surely say that you are rocks. Just keep holding on to her and I'll keep praying for your peace. She is absolutely gorgeous and a kind little soul. I am so fortunate to have met her.

Love you all so much
- Shannon J & Stefan

MLS said...

Boothe-

Your strength is a sign of your faith and commitment to the Lord and years of walking with Him. Copeland is blessed to have such a strong family legacy- she is quite strong herself!
Maybe prayers and thoughts have been coming your way-

Lauren Sheehan
(Lisbeth's friend)

Anonymous said...

I continue to lift tiny Copeland up to the Father and pray that you will enjoy the precious time you have together! Laurie Sigel

Darby said...

Boothe & Conor,
Thank you for another update. What a blessing the internet has been to receive such timely and important information from y'all! And... what a blessing that she's taking some "sugar water"! I know you are so proud of her! She's such a little champion. I'm off again to pray and I'm already anticipating the next post. Prayers for rest and peace this evening!
love, Darby

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of Whitneys. I commented before. Copeland is already a miracle! I am so glad God has aloud you this time. She is so beautiful. My husband and I have been very touched by you and your strength. I am 11 weeks pregnant and I want you to know that you are such an example of a strong woman of God. Thanks for your updates. We will continue to pray for you and baby Copeland!
Libby and Parker Rhett

Anonymous said...

Boothe...
SO BLESSED to see this precious girl's face! She is beautiful and such a miracle. We are continuing to pray for all of you as you love this little one.

D'Arcy Collins

Whitney Akin said...

i just keep checking in on here and amazed at all of this. how faithful He has already been and will continue to be. i pray that you have a peaceful evening all together and that your time and joy will continue to be full and copeland will be comfortable.
love love love you.

Anonymous said...

She is beautiful! Thank you for sharing the pictures- Emily loved seeing Sellars with her baby sister! What precious moments. May God grant you rest in Him tonight.
Melissa Kirby

Jan said...

Dear Conor, Boothe, Sellers and Copeland,
I sent Pops' photos to our church deacons, prayer team and staff who are continuing to pray for all of you(extended family too). I wish I were there to give you each a hug, to hold each of you and to pray with you. Your faith has touched so many people, given hope where others would despair. As you hold, love and care for Copeland, may God's mercy keep you confident of the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Aunt Jan

Tamara said...

Your family warms me. I am praying you have the most pleasant time with Copeland...she is gorgeous as is the rest of your family!!! Praying..

Anonymous said...

Boothe,
She is so precious and looks beautiful in her little pink dress. I can tell that Sellers is so excited about her baby sister. And, you look great! We will all continue to pray for all of you and that sweet Copeland will just be peaceful and in no pain. What a blessing you have been given at this moment!
Sherry

Anonymous said...

I stumbled across your blog...Copeland is such a doll and I wanted you to know that your family will be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Your family has been the subject of many of our family's thoughts and prayers. Your girls are both precious angels. We surely admire the smiles, strength, and courage of your entire family. Copeland has truly touched our hearts. We thank you and God for sharing her perfect sweetness with us.

Dave, Meg, Caroline, and Clara Johnson (Clara is Sellars classmate at OCCOC)

Anonymous said...

Wow! Blaine just sent me a link to your blog and I have spent the past 2 hours captivated by every word and mesmerized by every picture. I've even read a few entries more than once. Your faith & authenticity are so compelling. Copeland is blessed that God chose the two of you to be her mom and dad, as I'm sure you are deeply blessed to be able to name, meet, hold, and love this beautiful and precious daughter. Reading about your faith-journey has moved me to not only pray, but worship. Thank you for inviting others into this miraculous journey. We will continue to pray for your entire family.
Beth Barcus (Blaine's wife)

Sara said...

We have been keeping up with ya'll through this blog, and praying for little copeland. Thanks for keeping us up to date so well. We love your family!

The Boneys

Pepper Magargee said...

Dear Conor,Boothe,Sellars, and Copeland,
You are in my thoughts and prayers every minute.
Copeland, you are a real beauty.
I am praying for peace,wisdom,and joy in the hours
and days ahead.
I love the pictures!!
Your family is so beautiful!!
Much Love,
Pepper

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing your perfect little baby girl with all of us. We wish we could be there. We have been constantly checking the blog and getting updates from family, and praying for you always. Love you guys so very much.

Erin and Todd

Carol's Crew said...

Your baby girl is beautiful! May God bless her and your family!

BJ, Melissa, and Carsyn Proffitt

Anonymous said...

Thank you for sharing Copeland with everyone... she is the most precious baby I've met. We will continue to pray for her, you and your beautiful family....

Love,
khoo and mark

Anonymous said...

She's beautiful. God bless you. I will continue to pray for you.

Beth E. said...

I am praying for a miracle. May every moment be a moment you will treasure in your hearts. I thank God for the strength He has given you. God be with you all!

Beth