Last night as I slept on a couch next to Boothe, I woke to see the nurses feeding Copeland some formula through a small dropper. She started taking a passy last night and did a great job with it, so the neonatologist figured she could try and swallow some food. So at about 3 am last night, our little girl ate about 2CCs of real formula and did not spit it up. The nurses are trying again right now so we will see what happens. It is another thing she is not supposed to be able to do To say that we are overwhelmed would be an understatement. Emotionally we are prepared for certain things and God keeps reminding us that His plan is greater. Our plan is to take her home around lunchtime and go from there - I cannot really put into words what I am experiencing right now, I just feel like I am not in control - which is good but so scary. What I do know is that God is going to continue to use Copleland to impact more people, just like she has me.
Conor
I wanted to add my own words onto this quickly. We are in a state of shock, to some degree, as Conor said... Copeland began to eat last night after we were told, unequivocally, that eating wasn't an option for her. The neonatologist who was on-call last night felt that if she could suck - and the passy we offered her has become her favorite thing - and was also enjoying the sucrose drops, there wasn't a reason we couldn't try to get her to eat a little something. After two syringes full of formula, which is a lot thicker than the sucrose, we are convinced that for now, the Lord has decided things should look a little different than we expected. Taking her home has become much, much less strenuous, and best of all: our precious girl is finally getting the sustenance I think Conor and I both suspected she was longing for. If, in fact, her esophagus wasn't connected to her stomach, the Lord healed that in a matter of days. We are in awe.
We understand that ultimately our little girl still has trisomy-18. God didn't choose to remove or change that diagnosis. But she's going home totally tube-free... no oxygen, no feeding tubes... as "normal" as a baby with her status could ever hope to be. We have no idea what to expect, but we are trying to embrace the facts - again, how we've coped for this long in some ways - while at the same time acknowledging God's incredible ability to suprise us with joy.
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95 comments:
I am amazed! Still praying for you all.
Mandy
I am amazed, too! But then again, our God is bigger than we could ever begin to understand. His ways are not our ways. I just shared this verse with someone else who has a baby in the hospital, and I want to share it with you, too. Ps.62:5-6 "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken." Still praying...
I am so happy you are getting to take Copeland home! We will continue to pray constantly for her. What an amazing day this will be for you.
Emily Webber
incredible!
"Praise the Lord, all ye peoples, Praise the Lord!"
I am praising the Lord for the sweet moments you are experiencing with Copeland that "weren't supposed to be". He is mighty! She is well loved and I know that she is feeling it!
Enjoy her today.
Lauren
There are not enough words to describe how excited I am for you and Conor at this moment. That fact that Copeland has taken a passy, the fact that she was truely able to eat last night, and now you have the plan of taking her home free of tubes. I know it is all so uncertain for you, but I pray that you will continue to rest in the Lord and His plan and of course remember that we are all out here supporting your family in thought and prayer. I love you guys and am excited for you on this blessed day.
Courtney (and Kyle)
Praise be to God!!! What an amazing, unexpected, and awesome piece of Copeland's story! We are praying you home - what a glorious day this will be. Nicole and I started today with the song ''This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it." Amen!!!
Praise God! We will continue to pray.
Praise the Lord! We love you all and are praying for you today!
Kari
Wow!
Praise the Lord! I am thrilled for you, overwhelmed with JOY! All glory to Lord!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Praise be to God!!! As I read your post for today, all I could think of was that our God is an AWESOME GOD! Praying that the day continues to go well and Sellers enjoys showing her new baby sister her room.
Prayers from KY
Praise God!
We are continuing to pray, too...
His plans are not to harm you, but to give you hope.Eph1:11-12 says"according to His plan, who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. You both are giving strength to others and truly praise to the Father, who loves immeasurably more than any of us can imagine!! Our thoughts are with you as you start this next homecoming. Love, Sheila A
Praise the Lord! Prayer continues from North Carolina for your precious Copeland and family.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!! Celebrating every moment with you from far away!!
Dan and Azurae Phelps
GOD IS SO GOOD! i am so amazed! Your little girl is truly an angel!
Prasie the Lord!! I have tears in eyes as I write this. I prayed that Copeland would have a good night and it seems she had an amazing night. Still praying for good days for your faithful family. Take care!
Jena Baker
Memphis, TN
Praise God! What an amazing God we serve.
Prayers from Oregon
I have been reading your blog and praying for your family. This unexpected gift of time with precious Copeland is such an example of God's great love for you and His desire to bless His children.
I awoke last night around 3:00 and felt the need to pray for little Copeland - that God would watch over her and that He would grant you peace and a good night. I am touched to now read that that is about the time Copeland was able to drink the formula.
I am forever changed by your story of faith and grace and love. Thank you for keeping us all aware of how you are doing - to know that you are taking time from what you are going through to let us - even those of us you have never met - know what is going on and how we may pray for you, is overwhelming at times. Thank you for your trust and know that I honor that and will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Hugs and blessings,
Jennifer
Praise God, he does work in mysterious ways! Yea Copeland!!!, you are an amazing little girl! we continue to pray for you, your Mom and Dad and your sister.
I spent my first year of Annabel's life listening to everything they said a T18 baby could not do. It is so awesome that God is showing us who is totally in control!
Cathy
simply amazing. i'm enthralled and cant wait for your next post. thanks for helping me with my own "faith restoration."
what a sweet picture i have in my mind of copeland enjoying her passy!!! and so exciting that you get to take her home and love on her there!!!
What an amazing journey God IS LEADING you through... as well as all of us that are praying for you.
i guess that is just it.....trying to rest in the fact that God WILL lead you and you don't have to figure out how to follow...cause we sure don't know where he is going!!!
The strength, faith and courage of your family is truely an inspiration to us all. God is using you and precious copeland to make a difference in the world.
i will continue to pray for you all to be strong and courageous in the LORD. love, janie
Hi, Farley family, I came to your site from Miller Grace's just to see the faces of the souls we're all praying for. What a precious princess is Copeland!! And, a flirt, too, winking all the time! Today, I am praying for Copeland to be calm for her trip to her earthly home, for God to continue to perform miracles in her tiny little body, and for your ability to find the joy in each amazing moment! Holy is the Lord God Almighty....may He give you everything you need today and tonight.
Mari
I sit here and am in complete and total AWE of God's power!
Copeland is eating!! Praise be to the Lord! I'm so glad that you will be able to take your precious girl HOME today. I am so grateful to God that he has given you this time with Copeland and enabled you to take her home...this is more than we expected. God is so good.
Continuing to pray for you both and for your baby girl.
I just stared in amazement! I'm speechless. And so incredibly happy for you.
"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:9 (& 9:10)
"You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Psalm 77:14
I truly believe that Copeland is being used by God to show that He still performs miracles in this day and age. Truly, He is using Copeland to shame the wise and the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27)
wow! i pray that you have a wonderful weekend together. love and blessings. what a special turn of events!
"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. I have never witnessed a mystery nor miracle such as this one that God is showing you and all of us. I hold my breath as I see Copeland and the Lord, working out this plan and I am beyond blessed. A passy last night and formula?! She is fearfully and wonderfully made and God is showing He is in control. I pray for your hearts to rest in Him completely as He has been preparing her for this day to go home with her. I pray all fear and anxiety will be taken from you and joy and thankfulness fill your
home. This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. And praying He gives you wisdom and strength for each moment you care for His little Copeland, a true miracle unfolding before the world!!
God keep blessing all of you today.
Laurie in Ca.
Congratulations on taking your beautiful daughter home, how awesome. Still praying for all of you, and you continue to touch so many lives! God Bless and Keep! Enjoy your precious family - much love!
This is amazing....God is truly merciful and good. Every moment is a blessing....
I am praying for you and your family. I'm praying for continued miracles!
what a special gift! praying that yall can have the energy to savor every moment with your little miracle
Praise the Lord!!! He is so awesome and does do more than we could ever hope to imagine. We are praying for your precious time at home with Copeland. Y'all are on our hearts constantly.
Hi Boothe and Conor and blessed family,
My heart is continuing to be filled for you all! I am amazed too that God is offering you to enjoy more and more of sweet Copeland! He has given her a wonderful fighting spirit! What a joy! I pray specifically for your trip home today and for you to feel a gift from God of wisdom and calmness knowing that you are her mom and dad, and are equipped to care for her. I am so thankful that God has carried you this far! I pray that you continue to feel Him through every moment of today! I pray that you enjoy showing Copeland her home on earth and that she has a peaceful day!
prayers and blessings for you all--
tiffany
WOW!
I'm a "total stranger"...but really a sister in Christ who has been praying steadily for your family these last few days. This is such exciting news. I'll continue to pray as you take your sweet girl home.
Wow! As i was running this morning i was lifting up your family to the Lord and praying for another day for Copeland to be with you. i couldn't wait to get to the internet this morning to check her status and I'm amazed. Glory to God as He continues to show you His mercy and grace through Copeland. still praying in Birmingham. Mary T. MIller
Joy! Joy! Joy!
Pepper
I rejoice with you in seeing God's hand sustain Copeland. What a wonderful gift. Prayer is so powerful! ;)
Amy Stanfield
Through our talks at the hospital I know that it is with some trepidation that you will head home with your precious Copeland. It is so wonderful that God has healed her so that she can feed. I am also so proud that she has taken to a passy and enjoys it so much. Please remember that the NICU is always there for you; we are just a phone call away, as am I. Even through all the sorrow, I truly enjoyed being with you and the entire family. My husband and I will continue to pray for you.
Unbelieveable...God is so good and I am in total anticipation of what His plans are for this little warrior of His!!!
Love you all and am praying...
D'Arcy Collins
As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:9
Boothe and Conor, what an amazing journey! Thanks for allowing us to pray for you and "walk" with you.
Prayerfully,
Phemie
Absolutely amazing! We'll keep praying and watching as God just gives one miracle after another.
With love, Jenna
Deuteronomy 10:21
21 He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes.
Rejoice in HIM!!! You and your family enjoy this wonderful day as you prepare to go home. Our prayers continue.
I was just showing my husband your blog and he was speechless. This is a miracle! What an incredible testimony to God's faithfulness and divine plan. Praying for your day ahead and all that it holds for you and your family!
He is blessing you with more and more joyful moments and memories. I pray that you will continue to be able to bask in those blessings without being overwhelmed by the uncertainties of each day. You inspire me.
PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!
Weaping with joy for you! She WILL get to see her room! God continues to show his sovereignty. For, "This is the day that the Lord has made, Let us rejoyce and be glad in it!!!"
Jesus promises exceedingly and abundantly than what we even know to ask.We pray. We trust God. We are so thankful for you all.
Much love,
Don and Paige Holloway
Barbara and Craig Nowotny
Megan and Tillman Holloway
Matthew and Cara Holloway
Sarah and Steven
Rachel
I seriously had goosebumps as I read your latest post. God is so good! Still praying in Indiana...
The prayers of a mother for her children are heard above all. May guardian angels attend you on your journey home and keep you all safe. Praying for your continued strength, Boothe, and for Copeland's miraculous healing. All praise, honor and glory to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Now and forever unto the ages of ages, Amen!
God is good! I rejoice in the fact that you are taking your sweet baby girl home with you today!!! I pray that you get to enjoy each and every moment you can with Copeland and that yall have a wonderful afternoon at home with your two beautiful daughters! Still continuing to send many prayers your way.
Brittany
Miraculous and amazing...Isn't God something else to keep surprising us all?
We rejoice with you in these joyful moments! Enjoy this right of passage that God has given as a gift. As my children say, "God is good all the time." Love and Prayers!
How wonderous are the ways of the Lord!!!! Praying for you all!
What a blessing! I am praying that God continues to pour out His perfect love, His bountiful joy, His mercy-that is new every morning, His mighty strength, and His peace that passes understanding on your precious family. We are all being blessed by sweet Copeland and her amazing life story.
Love you,
Christina Adams
that's incredible! we will be praying for all of you as you make your way home...
I am praying for a miracle. Your story has given me great encouragement and strength this morning. I'm so happy I got your email so i can pray with you guys.
Praise the Lord! When every cell in our body says 'no' the Lord can still say "YES, YES, YES"! Praise Jesus for continued healing and unexpected blessings!
Just browsing over all the comments that people have written touches me and gives me joy that you have so many people who love you and are praying for you. It is amazing. And Copeland is amazing. I already love her so much, and I am thanking God for my newest baby cousin.
I am amazed at what God is continuing to do. I pray that you will find deep rest in the arms of our LOVING Savior!
Shana in GA
I have been reading your story for a few months now and I have not commented because really I am not great with words. I feel like what can I add that no one else hasn't already said? Your story is so full of love and such an inspiration. So what it is that I really felt the need to say that I am praying for you all.
All things are possible with God!!!
We rejoice with you and praise the Father for all He is doing. The Lord is Copeland's Refuge and Fortress---on Him she can rely and trust. He delivers Copeland from the snare of the fowler and covers her with His pinions. His truth and His faithfulness are her shield and buckler. He is mighty to save......Much Love from the Hollis Gang
OH MY GOSH BOOTHE AND CONOR THAT IS SOOOOOOOOOOO COOL I have been asking about food adn look at that baby girl go!!!!!! Maybe God heard my thougths maybe seh is going to just blow all of them doctors away... I am so glad and happy for you guys... God is GOOD!!!!
Praise the Lord!!! Continuing to pray for all of you.
This post made my day!! Continuing to pray for miracles and blessings. Love & Prayers from Susan in Ama. TX
God is so good! It will be so wonderful to have her at home with you! I can't even imagine.
I had this feeling last night that she was going to eat! PRAISE THE LORD!!! A mighty fortress is OUR GOD!
Precious family, what exciting news! Our God is soooooo GOOD!!!
I am praying that you will allow the wonderful people that God has brought into your lives (like your wonderful nurse, Carla, and Cathy, (whose little Annabel is 2 1/2 years old, defying odds!) to encourage, advise and assist you.
Let people bring you lots of meals, let them watch and entertain your beautiful little Sellers, run errands, whatever. People will want to help, I pray you let them.
And of course, here we are - all your prayer warriors! Please continue to let us know what you need in prayer! Thank you for the privilege of including us in your journey.
I pray that you feel the peace that only the Lord can give as you embark on this amazing, unexpected adventure. May He strenghen you, give you wisdom and continue to fill your hearts with His perfect love!
AMAZING!
I find myself sharing Copeland's story with so many people, near and far...and I realized just how much her life and your story is changing the way I look at my day, my children, my husband, my life. God reminded me this morning that HE is Copeland's Father and when I tell others of Copeland's amazing story, I'm really BOASTING in the Lord and telling others that God is the everlasting God, the unchanging ONE, the faithful Father to those who fear His Name. Continued prayers from the Nockels' family...
How beautiful...I found your pages through Ashley's. I have anxiously checked throughout the day to see how Copeland is doing. All I can think of is that our God does exceedingly above what we humans could ever ASK and in Copeland's case, could ever think. I am crying as I read this...no one would WANT to walk this road...But, the Father has allowed you to love Copeland in the flesh, to make memories, for her to receive your love. What a joy to be able to feed her it must be. How unexpected! Its so funny because I can feel peace that I cannot explain even now. I will pray for you at every remembrance for the road ahead and rejoice with you in our God who makes beauty from ashes. What a hope we have. Hugs to your family! Colleen in OHio
Unbelievable! Praying with you for strength and joy for today. Tomorrow will be what it will be...but today is a day for rejoicing!
WOW! This is amazing - God is amazing - still praying! Sunshine
AMAZING! God is so good! Praying for a smooth transition home and for your weekend to be full of joy. Praising God with you and continuing to pray for sweet Copeland!
Praise God!!! We serve a God of wonders...may He continue to bless and sustain your entire family.
all our love..
The piersons
God is so cool. What an amazing Father we serve! To Him be all glory! I am still praying for yall and the little fighter! Love Ya'll
Rejoicing with you today! I know how precious five days with a little girl can be and how blessed you must feel. I'm showering you with prayers for peace in your time together at home and for joy to fill your hearts as the Lord allows Copeland to see the home she's experienced so much in during pregnancy and she gets to bond with her sweet family. My heart overflows with joy for you today. The Lord is full of sweet surprises and I hope He keeps them coming. ;)
Thinking of you every minute. I especially pray for your strength and courage as you make preparations to go home today. I can imagine the support of the staff (especially Carly) has been sheltering. May you find strength through this circle of sincere support & well wishes for your family.
Sincerely,
Jennifer
Ft. Myers, FL
This is truly amazing and I'm so so happy for you guys!! How amazing to see Copeland doing so well. Enjoy going home together as a family!
Laurie Wunder Bolden
I have been following your amazing story through a link on Emily Cassetty's site for Miller Grace. I have been praying and am rejoicing now with you as you take your precious baby girl home. You will continue to be in my prayers for whatever may lie ahead. For now, it's amazing to trust in the fact that God is so good!
Victoria Freeman
As I read your blog and some of the comments, I laughed out loud...out of joy! I can just "hear" Copeland saying, "I'm Copeland Farley and I want all of you to know me!" What a thrill that will be! She has caught the attention of thousands...and there is NO TELLING what miracles the God of All Creation might have in store for this wee gal. Still praying for His will to unfold moment by moment.
Pam Cone
childhood has some sweet songs and this one seems to apply to Copeland
MY GOD IS SO BIG, SO STRONG AND SO MIGHTY, THERE'S NOTHING MY GOD CANNOT DO!
So true!
I came here before Copeland was born through Sarah as In the Midst of It and have been praying for you and reading the updates. God is so amazing and if nothing else, Copeland's life is proof of that. But I know God has even more glory in store through Copeland and through you. Your faith is an inspiration. So glad you may be taking her home.
God is SO good, sweet Farley family! I pray continued blessings on y'all as you go home as a family. Enjoy every moment!
I want to leave one other message. If there is anyway to go to these sites for hope.
www.caringbridge.org/mn/mieko
www.littleclaire.com
Cathy
god works in mysterious ways!! that is wonderful, i will continue to pray for you guys.
WOW! God is so amazing. Think of these moments and victories as hugs from your Father. I am praying for your family in the days ahead.
Kim
WOW! God is so amazing. Think of these moments and victories as hugs from your Father. I am praying for your family in the days ahead.
Kim
LOOK WHAT GOD HAS DONE!!!Enjoy your time at home with your darling family, and make the memories that will last you this lifetime ~~ until you can be together again.
I can't even express in words the happiness I feel for you.
Hallelujah! God is so good. We are thrilled you get to take Copeland home. What a blessing.
What an Awesome God! May you continue to find peace in His miracles.
Adriana
Cedar Park, Tx
So glad that you are able to take her home and have more precious time with her. You are in our prayers.
Our God IS an awesome God! I'm so happy for yall, and will continue to pray for you and sweet baby Copeland. She sounds pretty stubborn and strong willed, just like her mama!
Love you guys,
Marni
I have been following your story and praying for your family, and especially sweet little Copeland. Your testimony has been a real blessing to me, and I am rejoicing with you right now. I just love it when our mighty God decides to confound the doctors. He is the One Who will decide Copeland's future, whether it be with you or with Him in glory. He has shown the world that Copeland is in His hands and that He is more than able to take care of her and you.
I will continue to keep you all in prayer and look forward to reading more of God's miraculous hand in your lives.
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