Saturday, September 22, 2007

home

I find it odd that the computer I began this blog on back in June is the same one I sit in front of this afternoon, officially a discharged patient from Baptist Hospital with my precious newborn daughter. Who would have ever thought it possible?

Copeland is doing well. We are going to spend a few days at my parents' home surrounded by family and also prayerful for the next few days. We are grateful.

We would ask you to pray specifically for:

1. Copeland's continued ability to thrive as best she can. Without support from the wonderful nurses at the hospital, I feel a little insecure about taking great care of her. Pray the Lord will keep fighting the battles for us; that I won't feel that as a mom I am responsible for understanding how to meet her every need. Only He can provide her with the things she truly needs, and only He can give Conor and I the wisdom to know what those things are.

2. Conor and I are exhausted. Lack of sleep definitely contributes to this, but there's a really draining element to having a child with any kind of special need. I often feel envious not of mothers whose children are 'perfect' externally but whose everyday routines are so easy. I'm one of those mothers, with Sellers. I have taken it so for granted that she will be able to eat and sleep without consequence from the day she was born. In stark contrast, Copeland's every activity seems like either a trial or a triumph. We feel the Lord has given us far, far more victories of late, but it can still be wearying wondering if the next endeavor toward normalcy we make will rob her of life. Each little detail of her day feels like it's 'touch-and-go,' and the constant uncertainty is definitely tiring.

More updates to come... perhaps a few photos, too...

Thank you for praying us home! It's still a miracle we never expected.

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your very beautiful daughter.

Britt said...

Congratualtions! May God continue to guide and protect you on the road ahead! Still praying...
Brittany

Mary Alice said...

Hallelujah! How wonderful that Copeland will be able to have precious memories of her warm & loving earthly home to take with her when she makes the journey to her Heavenly home. I had so prayed this for her.

Boothe, I continue to be amazed by your faith, your insight and your transparency. You aren't afraid to share when you are hurting, but also always share the ways in which you are hopeful. I am blessed to call you friend.

And while I know that the nurses at the hospital were and are phenomenal (angels, even) only YOU were designed specifically to be Copeland's mother. This doesn't mean that you should or could know her every need - it just means that you and she (and Conor, too) share something that Copeland does not and can not share with anyone else. You were created solely for each other and I've no doubt that that beautiful little girl already knows you two as Mom & Dad because of your love for her.

I'll be checking in and praying in the days to come. And I'll keep singing as I have been all day, "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His Copeland!".

Love to all of you!

Anonymous said...

Thankyou for teaching me to be thankful for so many things I routinely take for granted. Continued prayer & blessings to you all. Susan in Ama, TX

Unknown said...

You have a prayer warrior in Clarksville, TN in me. Sweet Copeland is so beautiful.

Anonymous said...

It has been such a blessing to witness a miracle unravel before our very eyes...

Michael said...

We love you and we have been praying for you relentlessly. Copeland is beautiful, what a precious addition to your family. Thank you for taking the time to update us as much as you have. And for letting us know what to pray for specifically. We hope your time at home is blessed.
LOVE,
Emily, Michael & Crawford Sutherland

lindsay said...

Welcome home sweet Copeland! Boothe and Conor, when you are weak HE is strong. I'll keep praying...

emily patridge said...

Boothe,
Hi! My name is Emily Patridge. We were attended Auburn the same time (fall 98-spring 02). I learned of your blog from Jamie Burton and Rebekah Sherling, both here in Nashville.
I have been following your blog for about a week now and praying for you, Copeland and her family. I must admit that I was so excited to learn that Copeland is taking formula. Praise the Lord!
I will continue to pray that you are able to rest and recoup. We are all cheering The Farley's along the way. I can't wait to view more precious pictures! Thanks for sharing your life, struggles and joys.
Much love, Emily
Ecpatridge@gmail.com

Ginny Mooney said...

home sweet home....my heart is bursting with joy & I praise Jesus for you guys with copeland at home!!

our transition from the NICU to home was such a sweet one. eliot seemed to like home better than the hospital & i bet copeland does too. one of the best encouragements we ever had was from our NICU nurse who, before we left the hospital, looked at matt & i and said...you two are eliot's parents, you two know how to take care of him because God made you 2 his parents.

i know so well the anxieties & fears surrounding this time with copeland & have been praying for so long now that God would equip you guys to be copeland's mommy & daddy...i so believe He already has & continues to do so.

"do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. when you pass through the waters, I will be with you"

Matt & Ginny Mooney

Anonymous said...

Oh, this is just so delicious! To see that Copeland is home just blows my mind, and strips me of words. I will pray that every minute you sleep is doubled and trippled, so that you can continue on this road with vigour. I pray comfort for all of you, especially Copeland, and my strongest prayer has been, and will continue to be, that you will get to see her smile.

Shelli Allen Photography said...

enjoy this precious time!
isaiah 41:14
for i am the lord, your god
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, don't fear i will help you.

Tammy said...

Praying for all that you asked for in Indiana.

Sunshine Eyes said...

Welcome home, sweet family!

I found your blog through Laurie Wunder's... I have been reading, crying, and praying for Copeland and you for several days.

And just now, I realized that we have some connections - Auburn, Nashville, BA.

Please know that I am moved by your faith and I'm praising the Lord for the grace He has given you through this. I trust that God will hold your hand through each and every moment at home...

The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it, and they are saved.

Mandy said...

I do not know your family, but found your blog through others. Prayer pours out from the depths of my heart for your family and sweet Copeland. I hope you feel comfort knowing that God's hands are wrapped around Copeland, and your family. God Bless you.

Sarah said...

What a blessing to be home! Coming home, whether with a special needs child or not (I have one with s.n., two without) is always hard that first day! A new baby is intimidating!! I am so happy for you to have her home, so that you can enjoy her in your own haven. I continue to pray the Lord's blessings and grace upon your entire family. I am thrilled to see the surprises He has already given you! Thank you for your updates :)

Anonymous said...

This is the best news!!! I follow this blog every hour and have shared with both of my sister-in-laws to pray for you! I am truly amazed how God works!

Anonymous said...

Boothe,

I hope Copeland gets some good sleep tonight. I have been reading about Copeland every day. I saw her pictures and she is very CUTE! I can't wait to meet her!
My mom has been talking to Sis and Pat. We pray for you and Copeland every day and night.
Hug Sellers for me.

Love,
ELLIE PEAK

Laurie in Ca. said...

Touch and Go, this is what God has been doing since Wednesday, working out His plan for Copeland. She was fearfully and wonderfully made by God JUST for you and Conor. The Lord will continue to sustain her as he did for three days with no food. Just trust Him to show you what she needs. She and God have had a thing going on since her birthday. The nurses did their job with care and love, guided by Gods hand. He will guide you and Conor with the same knowledge even more as you are her mommy and daddy. Do not be afraid, she is just a little miracle baby with issues. And this is Gods mystery being brought into the light. When fear and anxiety come, cast them up to the Lord and love her. Yes it will be touch and go, but I know God wants to show you He is in control of every breath she takes. Rest in this. He will bring you through as I believe
in my heart He is going to continue healing her body, one thing at a time.
Take all the help you are offered and catch up on the rest you both so desperately need. May each minute of rest be as an hour, enabling you to catch up. Copeland is cared for with BIG HANDS. Praying your every need is met along the journey and your hearts continue overflowing with joy. Look what He has done!!
What if?
Love, Laurie in Ca.

Sunshine said...

Praise God you are home - will continue to pray for you guys this weekend - esp that you get some much needed rest! Sunshine

Anonymous said...

Dear Boothe,
You don't know me, but I read about you on Poppy Joy's blog. I thank you and Angie for allowing the body of Christ to walk with you through this season. I am gleaning so much from both of you!

I am thrilled for you to have Copeland "home" for now. Enjoy each moment He gives y'all. Wow, that preaches to me about my own little (and not so little) ones!

I don't know if a lactation consultant has spoken with you, but you may Email me if you are interested in giving Copeland even some of what Dr. Adrian Rogers (Angie's Papa) called "Homamamized Milk." It might be a very good thing for both of you?

Does it seem odd to be considering something so normal? God is full of surprises, is He not?

I second what Mary Alice said. God has knit your family together, and He created Copeland to be parented by Connor and you. He knew what He was doing, and He will bless you as you continue to look to Him for guidance and strength.

How is Sellers doing? I absolutely adore the picture of her holding Copeland. She looks like a very grown-up big sister!

Please know that there are folks all over praying for your sweet family. I pray for time - time to love, and to hold with an open hand. I pray for Sellers to never doubt that God is bigger than any goodbye, and that heaven is a real and a wonderful place.

Hang on to Jesus. His touch is powerful!

TN Lizzie

Anonymous said...

Boothe and conor, God knew since the beginning of time, what copeland would need right now in her life. He knows you are the people who will care for her best...trust you gut and your heart. Our Father who crafted life from the dust, is leading you to care for this precious little girl. We'll keep praying.
Matt, Kristin, Harrison and Sam Pierson

Anonymous said...

Boothe and conor, God knew since the beginning of time, what copeland would need right now in her life. He knows you are the people who will care for her best...trust you gut and your heart. Our Father who crafted life from the dust, is leading you to care for this precious little girl. We'll keep praying.
Matt, Kristin, Harrison and Sam Pierson

Anonymous said...

You may Email me at tnlizzie2000@yahoo.com

I don't quite have this blogger thing down yet!

<><, TN Lizzie

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! of your very special angel sent to you to care for and protect. Perhaps it appears God's will is for her to live and touch lives of so many. You are so blessed to have her in your life.
God's will is so different from what the 'Doctors Will' is. So many will rig up lies of all sorts of things so you will not to be able to enjoy a Special Angel. I know as I am the parent of two special anges, who have beaten odds Drs never thought anyone could beat. I can't imagine what my life would be like if I had followed the counsel of a Medical Dr. My Angels still require tons of medical attention, but I am a better person from all that I have learned.
To let my child die because of Medical advice, a death would be on my hands. To say they are uncapable of sustaining life, is beyond playing God. GO find yourself some decent Drs with moral fiber than garbage for a brain.
Your daughter needs to live even if she lives to 2yrs old. Don't play God when you don't know what God wants. Clearly he is telling you she needs to live. learn to care for her and get your act together. She has a right to live just as much as you do. Go without food like she has had and see just how much she has suffered.

Tamara said...

I am so excited for you guys! This is precious time and I know Sellers is probably sooo excited!!! Praying for you guys to feel rested and are able to enjoy your time with Copeland. Not sure if I mentioned it before but I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of your names!

Mommynurse said...

We are so glad that Copeland is home with family and that she is eating! p.s. the offer still stands.

heidi r weimer said...

Praises all around, Boothe. Thrilled to see miracles unfolding in your lives, and so proud that you are still walking moment by moment in faith. Just walking. Without knowing. Keep telling your story.
Much love,
heidi

Anonymous said...

Tonight at church we sang...

"Oh no You never let go, thru the calm and thru the storm, oh no You never let go, through every hi and every low, oh no You never let go, You never let go of me..."

May the moments you sleep tonight be peaceful knowing that no one and nothing can take you from God's hands. You, Conor, Sellers and Copeland are firmly in His grasp and HE is in control.

Praying fervently...

MamaBear said...

I just found your blog tonight through Lots of Scotts ... ironically, we also attend church in Lowell, Arkansas with Matt and Ginny Mooney.

We rejoice with you over the precious gift of beautiful Copeland and pray that His peace would guard your hearts and minds in the days to come.

Praying fervently for you all ...

Tara said...

Congratulations! Welcome welcome welcome home baby Copeland!

Melissa P. said...

I am so glad that you are home! I am praying that God continues to give you strength and wisdom for what is ahead for your family. Boothe, you are an amazing mother and I am praying that you will be able to rest in the TRUTH that the Lord has equipped both you and Conor to be Copelands's parents. I believe the he will continue to show you how to care for her every need. I pray that all four of you will be able to enjoy each other and savor every moment with your precious family.

Mama H said...

We are continuing our prayers and thoughts of you at home with Copeland. My God continue to give you peace and rest.
Much love,
The Holloways

Anonymous said...

May the Lord protect your hearts and minds from any 'advice' or opinions that might cause you any more fear or concern. He has called you to be Copeland's parents and continues to equip you for that! Don't doubt that!

Anonymous said...

Welcome Home Copeland and family. How awesome! We will continue praying for you guys, you have been in our thoughts constantly! Thank you for sharing your story and for updating us so often, I have shared your story with so many.....the more prayers the better, right? May God be with you! You and Conor are awesome parents that's why God choose you...he knew. God's blessings to all. You have brought so much to my life through your story, thank you.

kristin and matt said...

SO thrilled to hear y'all are home. what a blessing! thank you for the continued updates. we'll keep praying.
love,
kristin (etter) horlings

Emily said...

Praying for a peaceful night at home... and that it is the first of many. I pray little Copeland teaches you new things and leaves permanent impressions on your heart every moment. I know God has each of you in the palm of His mighty hand.

Praising God for another miracle girl....

Emily
www.caringbridge.org/visit/millergracecassetty

Anonymous said...

AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!! to "anonymous" who said "May your hearts and minds be protected from any 'advise' or opinions that may cause you more concern or fear"

God is GOD! He can sustain and act inspite of mankind. You will not foul up His plan. He is your Father, the Spirit your guide. We intercede for you.

Anonymous said...

We are rejoicing with you & Conor for these blessings from the Lord. We continue to pray for strength and wisdom as your journey continues with precious Copeland.
Love, Paul & Jeanie

LWB said...

So happy for you guys! Continuing to pray for the days to come. Thanks for all the updates - can't wait to see more pictures!

Laurie Wunder Bolden

april said...

Six of us girls (Mary virginia frist, Allison Meyers, Kristen Smithson, Amy Husband, Rebecca Holmes and April Weber)are on a beach trip. We left for the beach on Wednesday and were so concerned about precious Copeland and you guys. Every couple of hours we have been checking this website because you all have just been so heavy on our hearts. We are so amazed to see what God is doing with you all. Wow! What an amazing testimony. Thank you for sharing it with us. You all are deeply loved. Our prayers continue around the clock.
love, April Tanner Weber

Anonymous said...

Rejoicing with you that you are home...praying you are all able to get some good rest and that each and every moment with your two sweet girls is especially blessed. Know that you are being lifted up all over the US!!! Blesings to you!

Jessica said...

God is sooooo good! I have been praying for y'all and have been following little Copeland's story for quite a while and I stand in awe of what God is doing in her precious little life! I have no idea how tough the "touch and go" is for you but I just want you to know that your faith has been a blessing to me and my husband tonight, and many others, I am sure!

Anonymous said...

To God be the glory! May the Lord continue to give you the peace that only He can give.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

May He renew your strength every moment.

Under His Wings,
Phemie

Anonymous said...

So glad you are home with that sweet baby girl. We are praying for you and hoping that the days pass slowly as you enjoy her.

Thinking of you all,
Mandy and Brian Hopkins
GA
www.madelinegrachopkins.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Dear Conor & Boothe,
Though we've not met, I am one of the many strangers praying for your family. I was so very happy to read that Copeland was able to go home today. I wish all the best for the four of you as well as your extended family. Thank you for sharing your lives with us and reminding us that the moments are what matter most. May God bring you peaceful, happy days with your two sweet girls.
With utmost sincerity,
Melissa

1 plus twins said...

truly is a miracle that copeland is home with you. god picked you and conner for a reason, he knows that you can handle it. never doubt your instincts or his love. god bless you and your entire family, you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. again, thank you so much for sharing your families life with us. i truly have learned a lot and admire you all so much. god bless.

Julie Adkison said...

Unbelievable! These last couple of blogs are amazing to read. Seems like the Lord and little Copeland are set on surprising us all! Thanks for the update!

Love, Julie

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful gift God has given you, to have your precious daughter in your earthly home! Our prayers are with you.

Lani said...

Welcome Home Copeland!

Paulette said...

Boothe and Conner,
I am on my way to church this morning and I will make it known to one's I come in contact with this morning to pray for your family.
I am thankful God is giving you this time with Copeland, though I know the longer you have her the more difficult it is to have to let her go.
May the Lord Bless all of your time with precious Copeland over the next days.
I will continue to lift you up before the throne.

Elizabeth S said...

I was reading through your comments and saw one that greatly distressed me. All I can say is I'm sorry you had to read it. I don't know who wrote it, but I pray that God guards your heart. I am still praying for peace, joy, comfort and rest as you are home with Copeland. I am sure Sellers is a great big sister! Thank you for opening your lives to us.

Laurie in Ca. said...

Good Morning Farleys,
The sun is shining bright this morning in Ca. after raining yesterday (yes, it sometimes rains in Ca.). I hope it is shining bright for you this morning too. I pray you were able to get good rest over night, knowing that you have the Great Physician watching over her every moment. I continue to pray for no fear or anxiety for you concerning Miss Copeland. The best advice and wisdom you need comes straight from the Lord whom you have your total trust in. He is guiding you through and teaching so many along this miracle journey. I love how He is working this out one day at a time, touch and go as it may be, but He has His plan to bless you, and oh how He is blessing you right now. Hold tight to His promise of Hope and a future, it is happening right now.

Sunshine and Hope to you today from Ca. Prayers continue non-stop here.
Laurie in Ca.

Jennifer said...

Welcome home. Praying for you all that the Enemy will not get a foothold to stealing your joy by taunting you with fear of what is to come. Praying God's blessings over you all one day, one life-filled minute, at a time.

Mary Alice said...

Just thinking about and praying for you this morning and wanted you to know.

I pray that Copeland is thriving and that the rest of you are feeling joyful today. There is no doubt that you are walking in His will. You are living your faith out loud and I continue to be blessed and inspired by all four of you!

I also pray that the Lord will guard your heart and that He will help you tune out every single word that is not from Him. He loves you as do so many others here, walking this journey with you in spirit.

Love you.

Emilymtvx said...

Congratulations! Welcome welcome welcome home baby Copeland!