Kip, Angie, Noah and Lily

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Extensive Care



hogan Name Meaning and History

Irish: Anglicized form of Gaelic Ó hÓgáin ‘descendant of Ógán’, a personal name from a diminutive of óg‘young’, also ‘young warrior’.


Hogan is a young warrior! He continues to fight for life and to be with us.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do and he will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5,6 NLT


These verses are ones that provide strength. These verses are ones that provide hope. We continue to try and focus on the "point" as we get closer to the due date for Hogan. The day that we have been praying for is now getting close!

Although we are trusting God, as the days pass the stress and anxiety seem to be mounting. I think after the initial shock and heartbreak of hearing of Hogan's condition of Trisomy 18 in November, we have been in a holding pattern. What I mean by that is we have been thankful for every day that passes that Hogan is still alive and safe inside of Angie's womb while hoping that April will get here and that we will be able to meet Hogan with a live birth. Hogan is kicking often now and I can even see and feel the kicks on Angie's belly!

This afternoon was the "big meeting" with the doctors, nurses and hospice representatives at St. Mary's Hospital in Athens. It was a strange feeling walking back into the place where we brought Noah and Lily into this world knowing that in a few weeks we might be back awaiting Hogan's birth. There were 7 people who attended the meeting other than Angie and myself. These were 7 people that were working past "normal office hours" in order to take the time to make sure we got any questions that we had answered and to make sure that we felt comfortable with what we might be facing in a few weeks. Dr. Rosemond, Dr. Lohman, Dr. Morales, Kemberly Mixon, Tanya Adcock, Teresa Scoggins and Karen Joyce were the ones that sacrificed their time to see us. It was a meeting for us to ask questions and for them to tell us what we could expect during and after the birth. Dr. Rosemond started the meeting by catching everyone up on our journey with Hogan. He went through everything that I have mentioned in previous blogs and it was tough for Angie. It was difficult meeting because we had to talk about things that broke our hearts but it was a meeting that we will never forget. It was a meeting that we will never forget not only because of the information we received, although it was very informative, but it was amazing to me how much care everyone had for us and Hogan. I am not trying to be a commercial for St. Mary's or any of these individuals and I am sure many hospitals are filled with caring people but we are very thankful that God has allowed us these individuals to be with us during this time.

If Hogan doesn't turn in the next month it looks like it is pretty certain that we will have a scheduled cesarean birth. It is also a good probability that we will have the baby in the first part of April if things keep going the way they look now on the ultrasound. We are praying that Hogan's heart will work as good as the pediatric heart specialist Dr. "V" told us a couple of weeks ago and we are also praying that Hogan's lungs will work well. It is also pretty normal for Trisomy babies to have eating problems so it would be incredible if Hogan could at least take a bottle. It was a also a neat meeting because it was mainly about what would happen after the birth. It gives me chills and brought tears to my eyes during the meeting when it hit me. We are now actually preparing for the live birth that was never thought possible in November!! We are getting close to meeting Hogan. It is a strange feeling because I get so excited thinking about the moment we will see him and then I try not to get my hopes up in case at this late stage that something bad happens. I know it is in God's hands and that we will give glory to Him regardless but the thought of being able to hold this baby that has beaten so many odds already is incredible to me. The meeting helped put our mind at ease because now we know how things will be handled after Hogan's birth. The NICU is where he will probably spend most of his time after birth so it was good to tour part of that area and to meet the people that will be caring for Hogan.

I know I mention this is every blog but it is important. Angie and I are so very thankful for everyone that has called, emailed, sent cards, spoken words of love and prayed for us. I don't think a day goes by now that I don't hear from someone that is letting me know that they are praying for us and baby Hogan. We are overwhelmed and blessed. I know that the power of prayer has given us strength and given Hogan strength. I continue to ask for your prayers as the due date draws closer. If you are reading this blog then you are someone I would like to thank. I can't wait for you to meet Hogan!

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask for anything in my name and I will do it! John 14:13,14 NLT

For God hath given not us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 NLT






4 comments:

  1. Kip and Angie,
    I just want to say that you are two of the most wonderful people I have met during my carrer. I look up to you and can only hope and pray that I could have the strength that you two have. I pray for you guys everyday and can't wait to see pictures of Hogan on the outside! If you ever need anything, we are here for you guys. May God bless you and your family.
    Candace Brown (Dr. Rosemond's office)

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  2. Kip, Angie, Noah, Lily and Hogan,
    Thanks so much for the update. I am praying for you all each day. I am so encouraged by your faith and your strenght. You are an amazing family that I love very much. God is good all the time!!!!!
    Linda Shannon

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  3. Kip & Angie,
    Please know you all are in my prayers, and especially baby Hogan!! Shaun and I had no idea that you all were going through this. It is so awesome to hear of the faith, strength and grace that God has give you all!! We know that all things do work together for His glory and it is awesome to know that you all are touching others lives' as well and showing Jesus through this time!! May God's hand continue to be with you all and please know that you are in our hearts and prayers!!
    With lots of Love, The Brown's

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  4. thank you guys so much for your comments and your love for our family and Hogan's fight to live! Hopefully we can all celebrate life soon. Thank you for your continued prayers and your concern. I can't express how much it means to us. Thank you.

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