Wednesday, September 19, 2007

9:00 a.m.

It is amazing to be writing these words: Copeland has lived almost 20 hours. She made it successfully through the night and Conor and I were able to sleep as well as can be expected. The NICU nurses have done a phenomenal job with her.

Conor went to check on her early this morning and we learned that the hopes the doctors had with the feeding tubes had been somewhat dashed: it's almost as though Copeland's body is so ill-equipped for this world that when she tries to eat, she cannot manage to do other things at the same time. Her breathing becomes labored to the point that the nurses don't feel like proceeding with the feeding can be their top priority. When Conor came back from the NICU around 8:15, it was with tears in his eyes. I think we believed the Lord would take Copeland at His time and due to circumstances beyond our control; it's strange to think we might have to play a small part in making decisions to protect her and to keep her pain-free while at the same time knowing we're risking her life to some degree. Each moment with her is such a gift, but I admit, as I watch her struggle, as she draws breath with increasing difficulty - the nurses said she struggled more last night than all day yesterday - I long for her to be free. No parent ever wants to see their child suffer. So we begin the day with hopes of keeping her a little longer, but also prayerful that the Lord wouldn't let her linger if she is truly hurting.

We will continue to keep you updated throughout the day. I hope to have some photos posted as soon as possible.

64 comments:

Anonymous said...

Your family remains in my prayers.

Rhondi said...

Prayer is on our hearts for you this day.
The Cissell Family

Anonymous said...

I came across your blog today because of a friend of mine's blog. i want you to know you are in my prayers and thoughts. I pray for peace and comprehension and for your little one's body to withstand this test for as long as the Lord allows.

Anonymous said...

As I struggle to say just the right thing, I'm trusting the Spirit to speak where my words fail. May you be surrounded by the Lord and may you know that you don't walk alone. May His grace be sufficient each moment . . . those with Copeland with her mommy and daddy and those when she rests peacefully with her Father. blessings and grace. Jennifer Wade

Kerry said...

Praying you experience peace as you go through this day with precious Copeland. We continue to pray for you guys.

Nathan said...

All four of you are so incredibly loved by all four of us!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you...

Amy Anderson Westerman said...

Booth,

I am just astounded at your words, your strength, and your faith.

You are in my prayers.

Amy Westerman
(Luke's Mom)

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

I continue to pray for your whole family. Love on your baby as much as you can, as long as you can. She is well loved, and I know she knows that.

Rebecca

Anonymous said...

Praying for you... love you...
Patrice

Mary Alice said...

Your kindness in keeping all of us waiting "at home" updated astounds me. So many are praying, Boothe. Even when I pray, I feel it. I feel my prayers tapping in to something bigger than I can possible comprehend.

Praise God for sweet Copeland's life, however long the Lord decides to allow her to be here. What a miracle she is. Jack says, "I love you baby Copeland! And Sellers!" He has been praying, too.

We love all of you and have you in our thoughts continuously.

Anonymous said...

I am Angie's sister. Please know that I am praying dearly for sweet Copeland, and for each of you.

lindsay said...

You're both amazing people. Copeland is a lucky girl to have been born to such great parents! She's changing the world with every passing moment!

Anonymous said...

Praise God for more than we could ask for...we are encouraged by your faith and wonderful love for copeland. We are praying for your family.

Michael, Melissa, and Emily Kirby

Melissa P. said...

Wow! What a roller coaster! This morning I am asking the Lord to grant you peace and wisdom as you strive to make these decisions that no parent should ever have to make. My heart is breaking for you. May the Lord grant Copeland peace, comfort and strength. May He extend grace to all of you and may you somehow be able to rest in the Truth that you know about His character and goodness.... regardless if it feels like it. Continuing to weep in prayer for you. Blessings to all four of you.

Karla Porter Archer said...

praying for comfort, peace and wisdom as you take it day-by-day, hour-by-hour and minute-by-minute.

Blessings,
Karla

Anonymous said...

I feel like at least half of my heart is with you guys, there in that hospital, and in that NICU. I am still praying so fervently for so many things; thank you for specifics I can include in my prayers. May God grant you clear thinking, peace, and surround you with love from family and friends in your hospital room today. We'll keep lifting you all up from out here. Love to you all-

Anonymous said...

Thinking of and praying for each of you as you take on today. What a blessing that Copeland has been here 20 hours already! Love you all!
Courtney and Kyle

ShelbyMcC said...

Sweet Boothe - I have only come to know you through this blog and I am awestruck by the wisdom, grace and tenderness your words express. My prayers are lifted for you and Conor as you face the day ahead. May God continue to grant you His peace.
Shelby (Zack's mom)

Kaylane said...

I cannot wait to see pictures of Copeland! I praise God for her safe entry into this world and continue to ask Him to watch over her! Love you! Kaylane

June Cleaver in Sneakers said...

My family is praying for your family. We just happen to live next to Copeland Street! Every time we pass that street sign we will use it as a gentle reminder to lift your family up in prayer. May Jesus continue to give you grace as He makes this journey with you.

Kristen Butler Parker said...

I am uplifted and encouraged because of your strength and faith. I will continue to pray for sweet little Copeland!

Anonymous said...

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1-2

Tamara said...

I pray you have "peace that passes understanding"...Hugs! The Cosby's

Anonymous said...

Praying for all of you...

Laurie in Ca. said...

Praying for you minute to minute, that the Lord holds onto your hearts gently and peacefully. Strength and Wisdom in every decision you make, knowing that you take each one to your Heavenly Father who has His eyes on you. Grace for each moment that is before you and Peace to be your cocoon at this time, guarding your hearts and minds in Jesus. Joy overflowing as you hold her and love her with all you have, for the time that you have. May you feel Gods breath on you, knowing He is right there, so close, holding all of you. Rest in Him this day.

Laurie in Ca.

Anonymous said...

each new blog brings a heart of joy and thankfulness for each of you guys and for our family of brothers and sisters as believers. i love you guys and grow more attached to this baby girl and your family with each prayer.

Anonymous said...

I'm praying... praying for steadiness, knowing that every moment is intentionally arranged by God, and for God to allow you to drink the moments in with joy and rejoicing of how wonderfully sweet Copeland is made. I am struggling with writing that - but know in my heart it is true! I pray you feel God in every moment! I pray for continued healing for you, no pain or other distractions from your family! I pray for Sellers and her understanding of what is going on and for her to verbalize her feelings to you. I'm praying!!

Jennifer said...

Praying peace for you all and wisdom as you seek to do the right thing.

Kara said...

i think there are people all across the country (and world) who are holding Copeland in their 'spiritual arms'. we are all praying for her sweet little life that brings so much joy and mystery into our world.

Unknown said...

God has given you a powerful ministry through your sweet baby Copeland. Your journey will be etched in the hearts of all of us who have kept you in prayer. The precious time that you are given with her is a lifetime by God's standards.

I pray for you and Conor that you continue to be guided by Him bringing you peace over every decision you make. Lifting up your sweet daughter Sellers that she also can feel God's presence through all of this.

Anonymous said...

Hi Farley Family!

Have been reading your blog along the journey...my husband and I are praying for you in Australiap; that God would protect your JOY! Honored to stand in the gap.

Dan and Azurae

Laurin said...

How precious this little life is and how I appreciate your updates. I am praying! Love, Laurin (Memphis, TN)

Unknown said...

Sweet friends, you're in our constant thoughts and prayers.
Shelly & Adrian

Anonymous said...

We will be praying for you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the arrival of your precious gift! I know you will cherish each moment in your heart forevermore.

Anonymous said...

Praying for you all continuously...

Anonymous said...

you are all loved so deeply by so many -- and we will not cease to pray for peace

Anonymous said...

Although you barely know me, I am thinking of your sweet family and praying almost without ceasing - I know there are countless others doing the same. Please know your army of prayer warriors is at battle, and more numerous than you will likely ever know.
Love, Paige Smith

Anonymous said...

We are praying steadfastly today! Stay strong precious Copeland, stay strong Boothe and Conor! The Lord is with you. May he give you peace today.

Jenna said...

Thinking you all and continuing to pray for peace and wisdom in decision-making as you spend these precious moments with your precious girl.

With Love, Jenna

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Love-Claire J.

Anonymous said...

On our knees at Otter Creek.
pat ward

Anonymous said...

My sweet friend ~ I am so happy that precious Copeland is here and you are able to hold her in your arms, right where she belongs. I will continue to pray for her and that God will cover you and your family with His grace and strength. I pray that our Father will give you and Conor wisdom as you make decisions for your little one, and that you continue to enjoy precious moments with her. You are so amazing to keep all of us updated! Know you are all on my heart.

Much love ~
Maggie Harrell

Anonymous said...

Praying in Ct.

8hatchers said...

Our family is praying for all of you! We love you!

Anonymous said...

You are in our prayers...and your faith has inspired me.
~Sarah

kristin and matt said...

boothe...it has been quite a while since i have spoken with you - i think since our auburn days! your blog is amazing, and i have loved reading about your family and your precious baby girl, copeland fair. thank you for the updates. we will certainly continue to be on our knees for y'all. love, kristin (etter) horlings

Anonymous said...

Many, many prayers for you and Copeland. God Bless you all.

Whitney Akin said...

b- you know we are praying for you all up here in boston! may this day be as full of joy and peace as yesterday was. love you so! praying for copeland's comfort. may she rest easy in your arms.

love all of you so much!

Sunshine said...

my family is praying for yours! Sunshine

Debra Kenney said...

Praying and thinking of you guys! Praying for guidance, wisdom, peace, and asking God to surround you with His love!

Anonymous said...

A group of women are praying for you, here in NC. I don't know you, but I can't stop praying for your family.

Kelley Brown said...

Boothe and Conor, thank you so much for the updates so that we can all pray even more specifically for you all. You are on my heart constantly, and I am praising God for the time He has given you with precious Copeland!! I am also glad you and Conor were able to get a little bit of rest last night. Know that we are all praying for your family now and for days to come.
Love,
Kelley Brown

Anonymous said...

Continuing to Pray and to Hope...

Anonymous said...

Prayers from the Galbreath's still going strong your way!

Love
Shannon

Marie Lanathoua said...

Dear Copeland, Boothe, Conor and Sellers. Many thoughts and prayers go out to you, I asked co-workers yesterday to please pray for you all, to keep you in their thoughts. My friends in Tennn. need your prayers, , my friends I said, I only know you from the beautiful blog, but you are my sister and brother in Christ. Amen to faith and prayers. Your wisdom is beautiful and faith so strong. I pray for you and yours.

Blake said...

You and your family are in my prayers.

Blake Swanson

Anonymous said...

Boothe-- I just wanted you to know that we are all praying for you. You have been on my heart all day. Love, Ginny (Sinclair) Gardner

Anonymous said...

i love you guys and am amazed at your strength, faith and peace throughout this. i will continue to pray for all of you.

Lea Whittaker said...

I am a cousin of Laurie and Jonathan Bolden, that is how I knew about your blog. I am a NICU nurse in Tallahassee,FL. I want you to know that I am praying for your family. As I read your blog I am so touched. Copeland is beautiful!!! I pray that God continues to give you strength and wisdom. I know the things you face are very difficult but as a nurse who has encoutered many family situations like this....I am so touched by your faith and selflessness. Many blessings.
Lea Whittaker (leawhitrn@yahoo.com)

Unknown said...

You and your sweet baby have not left my thoughts today. I pray God's most generous care sustain you.
Beth Williamson

Unknown said...

Conor, Boothe and Sellers:
You are such heroes in Christ -- your faith overwhelms me. Know that your love for Copeland is a intimate picture of God's steadfast love for each of us--his children.
Byron Williamson

Anonymous said...

Praying for you