Did they fall off the face of the planet...

Just a quick line to let you know that we're still alive and doing well if anyone seriously still checks this puppy...

We have just recently moved into a charming little rental house, that we're coming to love in the country just outside of Union Star. It's amazing how many things you forget you have when your belongings are in storage for six months but we're realizing and re-living many memories with the unpacking process. Though we've been in our house a couple of weeks now, we're not entirely unpacked however we're getting close. Tennyson is loving having all his toys and learning to love his own bed (don't even get me started :)).

We have our fifteen month (yes, he's fifteen months Christmas Eve) checkup and second dosage of the flu shot on Tuesday so I will try and update again then to let you know how truly "large" we have become. I can't believe it was only a year ago we were just bringing him home, at times it seems eons ago however we've had so many changes and been so blessed this past year, I can't even believe it.

Travis is still working for Wells Farms and though harvest is finally over, we haven't seen his mug for weeks and he's around more, we're going to be taking some much needed "family" time this Christmas season to just enjoy one another. I am still working for the Union Star school district and loving the kids and working with Thelma. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else right now. Tennyson and I are so spoiled with our afternoon play time, we love it.

I will add more pictures in days to come, but wanted to let you know how we're looking these days. We're supposed to be getting internet service at our home this next week or so and I fully intend to update more often...I know, I know I said that last time didn't I??

Know we love you all and are praying that this season, Jesus' birth is as real to you as ever. We also pray you are able to take some time, relax, and enjoy His presence.

Love you all -
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

I know I'm a slacker but life comes at you fast...

So we're officially moved into my parents house in Union Star awaiting the sell of our beautiful home in Joplin. We will miss it immensely but there are things more important to us than that home...we're enjoying being together again, Tennyson and I spent the first two weeks up here surrounded by family while Travis spent a lonely two weeks packing and getting things at the house finalized. But all is well, our homes contents is in my parents house, Ted and Connie's home and Grandma and Grandpa Hutchcraft's basement (wonder what that will cost me later :)).

We're sure glad to be back around family though we're missing our friends in Joplin very much. I am working for oral surgeons doing some marketing/pr and working in the front office and Travis is working for a local farmer, doing lots of spraying for the planting season. He's so ahead of many of the farmers because the equipment is so technologically advanced that he is catching on very quickly. He's doing so great that his employer has contracted his services beginning next week to MFA so he will be traveling and spraying fields for them. I think he is missing his "bankers hours" though because he's at work before sunrise and home after sunset most nights. The life of a farmer, I tell you what.

Tennyson has had a great time adjusting though we've had our fair share of ups and down. Travis' first week here, the last week of April, thank the Lord we found an insurance company willing to pick us up (we had struggled with many and some like CHP were willing to cover us for a monthly premium of $2884.00 it was ridiculous). We are insured with State Farm, who knew they supplied health insurance, but they've been great and we paid our premiums Monday and ended up at Urgent Care on Saturday...couldn't have found them soon enough, I tell you. So that was our first ear infection since coming home, it was a rough night but he soon passed that and the next week we had spots appear all over his hands and feet that appeared to be chicken pox at first glance which would be terrible as Ryan, my little brother (he's 12) hasn't had them or the vaccine yet. Anyways after a trip to our pediatrician who we aren't scheduled to see until June 30 found us to have hand, foot and mouth. I had to ask if he got that because he chews on his toes however she assured me it was not contracted through those means. He was contagious and not allowed to head back to Kelsey's (my sister who watches him) as she watches three other kids. So he and I spent a great few days just the two of us chilling, it was great if I do say so myself. Then the next weekend (graduation weekend) he got a fever and a terrible cough so we found ourself in the ER with an upper respiratory infection, which of course is viral and therefore untreatable with medications...so we're still battling that. This week found us with another ear infection, this is our third in three months so the word "tubes" was mentioned however we will be reassessed next Friday and I will let you know more at that time.

All that to say we really are doing great, if you are so inclined please pray for Travis and his long hours and just the stress of learning something new. Our house in Joplin is wonderful and still for sale, pray and amazing family will come forward and love it as we did. And please lift up little Tennyson and all he's dealing with during this time.

Know that I promise to try and be more faithful in updating and that we love all of you so very much, thanks for sticking with us even though we've been MIA for two months. It means the world to us.

Love you all-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson Myers

Sponsor Me at March for Babies!

We were planning on walking at MSSU in Joplin May 3 in the March for Babies, however now that we're moving I will be entering us into the St Joseph walk on Saturday, April 18 at 10am (do I seriously think I can get us moved, start a new job and organize a team in just two weeks, I must be nuts). The event takes place in St. Joseph at Hyde Park on Mason Rd. & 4th St. Maybe we will get to a chance to compete with Team Ari & Raina McDowell though I know they're quite ahead of us on the fundraising portion. Also if you would like to walk with us in honor of Mr. Tennyson, please let us know, we would love to have you join us raising funds for such an amazing organization.

Here is an excerpt from our Team Tennyson page with a few updates...
As many of you know, Tennyson John joined us three months before his anticipated arrival. We were so lost and thankful for those surrounding us who provided strength and hope for us during that time. Without organizations like March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network and the Ronald McDonald House who knows how different our outcome may have been. We had never been in a NICU or exposed to the miracles that occur there everyday, over and over in the lives of these precious little babies. Our lives will forever be changed because of them.

Tennyson is doing so great now, you would never know this six month old eighteen pound little boy was ever a preemie. All the advancements he made were in part to the dedication, support and resources of organization such as those listed above. We will forever be indebted to them. We are so thankful to the people who were there for us to make such an impact and lasting difference in our lives, to love on us, support us, encourage us and give us hope even though some days seemed hopeless.

“I will praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hands
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm.”
-Praise you in this Storm, Casting Crowns

These words became our theme during our two-month NICU stay and many of the days (even still) since we’ve been home however we know that our God is the God of miracles and he has proved that over and over to us through Tennyson. Though I would never wish for a baby to be born early, it is a reality we all have to face, over half a million babies are born prematurely (seven or more weeks early) each year. Who is there for them? Some babies do not survive the birthing process, some do not survive their NICU stays, some struggle even once they’re home, and some like Tennyson thrive and grow more rapidly than full-term babies, who are we to stand in the way of these babies chances. Please join us in being a miracle to others and allowing light and hope to be seen in the lives of babies all across the nation.

Please join us in raising funds for this amazing organization and sponsoring Tennyson in such a special way. We have been so blessed and would like to pass that on to others who are in need of some hope.

All our love-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

We're Coming Home

It's official...we're going to be returning to the St. Joseph area. I have taken a position with an oral surgeons office and Travis is working with an agency in St. Joseph who handle all the hiring for a couple different companies that he's interested in. We are so excited...

Our days in Joplin have been wonderful and we know the Lord had us here for this season of our lives, for Tennyson's birth and everything that was associated with that. For the learning and the relationships we've built that will be life long. We are however also so excited to be moving closer to our families who we've missed dearly during this time.

It's amazing how much missing a birthday party, graduation, wedding or baseball game hurt when you're used to being there for all of them.

Know that we will miss all of you in Joplin however are looking forward to this newest chapter in our lives. I will begin working on April 14 in St Joseph and therefore Tennyson and I at least will be returning to St Joseph the weekend of April 11. So if anyone knows someone looking for a home in the Joplin area, give them our info...

See you all soon-

Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

Four Generations, Easter Trip and Double Ear Infections

Okay so for the Easter weekend we headed back up north on Thursday evening, stayed with Ted and Connie Thursday and Friday night, had a great time hanging out with everyone. Saturday we took in Racheal Mead & Nakia Stumps wedding. It was so great to see Racheal I hadn’t seen her in ages and she sure looked beautiful. Then Sunday we went to Oak and listened to Tanya Mitchell sing (music to my ears) and Joel preach, it was so great to introduce Tennyson to so many who had been praying for him. Then we headed to my aunt Bonnie’s for lunch which was great because we hadn’t seen most of them since Easter of last year because we weren’t able to come home for Christmas. So they were introduced to Tennyson and then we had to head back south.

On the way back home Tennyson woke up hungry twice and so we stopped and fed him. However got back at a decent hour, around 7pm or so. We got the car unloaded and I fed Tennyson a jar of carrots, he scarfed them down like he was starving and then proceeded to scream and vomit them up an hour later. This began our long journey to find out what was wrong with Tennyson. Sunday night he threw up multiple times on into Monday and so I was home with him. I called the physicians office and after discussing everything thought we must have over-stimulated him over the weekend. So we went through the day and he had a fever off and on however then on Monday night started screaming uncontrollably and was inconsolable. This went on for hours so Tuesday morning I took him to the physicians office and they thought he looked fine from their end but recommended I take him to see Dr. Rosenschein (the hernia surgeon) because the blood sac was still there. So Wednesday morning we made the trek to Dr. Rosenschein’s office, he said yes the sac was still there however it was softer and shouldn’t be causing the fussing, etc. that he was displaying so he called Holmes’ office and we got in to see Julia the nurse practitioner. She gave him a look over and stated his throat was really raw, his nasal passages were congested and that his ears looked a little red. She then proceeded to stick a tube in his ears to pull out wax and he cried harder than I’d ever seen him cry before, we had to stop numerous times and blow on him to get him to breathe he was crying so hard. When she got the build up out of his ears she said they were really red, especially the right one and so we got some antibiotics. Also while we were there we developed a rash, between the bath and the physician’s office. So now he’s on amoxicillin, CPhen Drops for congestion, Tylenol every six hours for pain and a cream for the rash. It’s nice, really nice.

So all that to say after six days of antibiotics and the whole regimine he’s getting back to his normal self. This weekend we had a couple outings, (he’s on antibiotics so I guess now’s the time). Saturday morning we headed to JCPenney’s to have his first professional portraits taken. When I scheduled the appointment the lady was really excited because these were his firsts and said to bring multiple outfits and props and such so I did however she must not have been the lady taking the photos. In her defense however we had to drive twenty minutes to the mall so he was asleep when we got there, and he’s one of the smiliest little boys however didn’t give a single smile though many of them are cute. I will post them when I’m able. From there we headed to Target because at the appointment on Wednesday clothed, he weighed 18lbs. 12 ounces so he’s almost to the limit on his infant carrier. So we needed to get a convertible car seat. All the reviews I’d read said you should take the child in and make sure the seat fits the child so we ran in and got a seat and a new DVD player (Trudy came down one weekend and both the DVD players we had died!! Coincidence??).

Then Sunday we headed to church again which was great, he didn’t sleep through any of it and every time it would get quiet he would talk but not too loud or distracting for those around us so that was alright. Afterwards we went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday’s he was so tired so I knew he would fall asleep on the way however he woke up once we got into the restaurant but he didn’t fuss at all and sat on our laps while we visited like such a big boy. The waitress was so taken with him she messed up our orders several times, but what do you do.

Anyways that is our lives in a nutshell…

Love you all-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

Photos & Video of More Firsts...

A week of Firsts...

This has sure been a week of firsts...

The weather was so lovely on Wednesday evening (over 70 with little wind) that I went outside for the first time to visit the Girls (Rastus our Rotweiller and Katherine our Dalmatian/Beagle/Jack Russell, don't ask??). It was great and he thought they were hilarious and they weren't quite sure what to think of him.

After that I got another treat. I tried baby food for the first time. Note in the photos I use my hands a lot, especially to put them in my mouth so I am in a diaper with a plastic bib which seems to be working for us. I tend to get it on my knees and on my arms and so forth so this was smart thinking by daddy. I tried sweet potatoes first and just ate them up. In the mornings I've been having plain rice cereal but Saturday momma surprised me with a treat, rice cereal with apples she accidentally bought instead of the plain stuff, I sure loved it. Then Saturday I tried carrots and didn't really like them as well as the sweet potatoes but I did alright with them.

On Saturday I had my very first play date which was wonderful. Willis, Kandi and Jai Potter came over for dinner and we had a great time. You will see us with our daddies in the photos. I didn't want to sleep at all on Saturday I was so excited for Jai to come over however finally gave in around 4:30 (I'd been up since around 7am). When Jai got here she was asleep too but we both woke up around 6 and were smiling and chatting with each other for a bit but from then on we just couldn't get it together, when I was awake she was snoozing and vice versa. Next time I'm sure we'll do better.

On Sunday though I got the biggest shock yet, mom, dad and I went to church at CCO. It was great. When Brandon first hit the drums I jumped and wasn't really sure what to think but after I got over the inital shock I loved it and fell asleep during worship. From there I snoozed really good until Mr. Lynn's third point in his sermon. I woke up and was sitting on daddy's lap chatting with him, he kept shooshing me and everytime he did I just thought it was so funny and I would laugh, causing more shoosing and more laughing, mamma was cracking up too. After the service we saw Mark & Rachel Bond (and their precious ones, Moriah was too cute, she was so proud Javan can say baby and tried and tried to get him too until finally he gave in). It was funny Mark was teasing Lynn that Tennyson work up and was telling him to hurry up, he was running over his time and Lynn was arguing he was amening him, saying "preach it brother Lynn." It was precious and so good to have him out, though it was brief and no one can believe how big he is. His feet are starting to hang off the car seat end, it's crazy.

Anyways that was our crazy week, it was fun, but exhausting and much too quick (the weekends sure are). This next weekend we're heading up north and mama can't wait until Sunday when she will be able to congratulate Scotti who's having twins, due right before my first birthday, it'll be great!!

All our love,
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

The pictures from yesterday that wouldn't post...

Last Home Health Visit, Poppie's Birthday and a Mild Explosion

Friday Lisa, our home health nurse visited us for the last time since we've received the Synagist shot. We weighed in at 16 lbs. and 2.5 ounces. Lisa has been wonderful, we are truly blessed to have her.

Friday night, Granny, Poppie and Trudy made their way from the cold north weather down here where it's nice and high 50s, low 60s. Granny had a surprise for Poppie and I, you will see the pictures above. She thought in order to be sure Poppie's birthday pie and all those candles were under control a firefighter needed to be on site. I was lucky enough to get to play that part.

We had a great weekend, it was so fun to hang out with everyone and to see Aunt Trudy again. Please be praying for her, she has another appointment with her physician at Children's Mercy and then they will be scheduling some more tests and procedures. We hope they are able to figure out what's ailing her and get it cleared up quickly.

This morning they headed back up north and mom, dad and I hung out this afternoon. I've been doing so good a holding my head up and I'm wanting to stand all the time that they thought it might be a good time to get out my jumperoo. I've never been in anything like it but once they put the pillow underneath me, my legs didn't quite reach the ground, I was off and jumping. It was great I had the best time.

Mom was starting to get nervous though because she would have to give glycerin tonight if I didn't produce and low and behold, that jumping must have gotten things moving because she knew when it happened and grabbed me up and ran to the bathroom. Daddy was right behind us to get the bath water started. It took mom and dad back to the NICU days, this was worse than the last time. They're so thankful the surgery helped, but I think they wish I would keep it under better control.

Anyways, enjoy the photos and video of all our fun. Know that we miss you all and love you tons. We're praying the Lord blesses you all as we're moving into the Resurrection season, a wonderful time of remembrance and celebration for our Lord's sacrifice and miracles.

Love you all-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

March of Dimes, March for Babies

As many of you know, Tennyson John joined us three months before his anticipated arrival. We were so lost and thankful for those surrounding us who provided strength and hope for us during that time. Without organizations like March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network and the Ronald McDonald House who knows how different our outcome may have been. We had never been in a NICU or exposed to the miracles that occur there everyday, over and over in the lives of these precious little babies. Our lives will forever be changed because of them.

Tennyson is doing so great now, you would never know this five month old sixteen pound little boy was ever a preemie. All the advancements he made were in part to the dedication, support and resources of organization such as those listed above. We will forever be indebted to them. We are so thankful to the people who were there for us to make such an impact and lasting difference in our lives, to love on us, support us, encourage us and give us hope even though some days seemed hopeless.

“I will praise you in this storm
And I will lift my hands
You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in your hands
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise you in this storm.”
-Praise you in this Storm, Casting Crowns

These words became our theme during our two-month NICU stay and many of the days (even still) since we’ve been home, however we know that our God is the God of miracles and he has proved that over and over to us through Tennyson. Though I would never wish for a baby to be born early, it is a reality we all have to face. Over half a million babies are born prematurely (seven or more weeks early) each year. Who is there for them? Some babies do not survive the birthing process, some do not survive their NICU stays, some struggle even once they’re home, and some like Tennyson thrive and grow more rapidly than full-term babies, who are we to stand in the way of these babies chances. Please join us in being a miracle to others and allowing light and hope to be seen in the lives of babies all across the nation.

Please be sure to check out our Team Tennyson page on the March of Dimes site, the URL is http://www.marchforbabies.org/508825.

Team: Team Tennyson
Walksite: MSSU Stadium, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin
Date: 5/3/2008
Time: 10:00 AM

Please feel free to join us during the walk or to sponsor us in this walk or just to view our posts. We are striving for a $1000 goal to help fight prematurity across the nation. We know that Tennyson is doing so well because so many have reached out and helped us with their time, talents, prayers and finances. We want to be able to provide the same for other babies and families experiencing prematurity as we did.

Thanks guys-
Lindsay

What's been happening...

Okay so we came home Thursday morning and got all settled in. He was doing so much better on Thursday, we were at least able to get some sounds and a smile out of him. He was completely inconsolable on Wednesday night. So we came home and were visited on Friday by a home health nurse. She checked his incisions and weighed him (15lbs. 11 ounces). So that was all good news. Nana Jo gave me my first bath after surgery while mommy worked and got some things caught up there.

Nana Jo headed back up north on Saturday morning and I was left to fend for myself with mom and dad. He is doing so great and on Sunday even blessed us with four explosions on his own. We were so proud, mom didn't have to give glycerine...yeah!!

Monday and Tuesday I hung out with Jesse and then Tuesday afternoon Lisa from home health came to give me my final Synagist dosage (YEAH for my poor thighs and for mom and dad's wallets). Since he is weighing in so heavily (He was 16lbs 1 ounce on Tuesday) he had to have two injections as only 1ml of the vaccine can be given in a thigh. She also checked his incisions and thought they didn't look any different and the right side was hardening again like it was before the surgery (Oh great!). She tested him for head lag which means she laid him down flat and she picked him up by his hands to see if he was able to keep his head up or not, he was and she was tremendously impressed with his strength.

This morning was our follow up with Dr. Rosenschein, who surprised mommy by stating I had a third testi. He was kidding (to go from one to three, seriously) but there is a sack of blood down there that he though was absorbing abnormally slowly so we will see him in a month and he will determine whether he needs to redo the right side of the surgery (though he said if he had to guess we will be having surgery again in another month). I am not sure this mom can handle that.

So all that to say, that's where we all. Working away and enjoying our little one. Please not the photos, we were again trying the rice cereal, in one of them I have found my thumb (mom and dad were overjoyed as maybe I can console myself as typically I try and eat the entire fist however I only did it that one time...Trav & I are still holding out hope though), one of my raccoon eyes, where they taped them shut for surgery, and one where we think we can sit up, kinda. Tennyson is constantly wanting us to hold him in the sitting position and he's so good about holding his head up that we do it all the time. However, don't you dare block that television, he's completely enamored with it and gets really cranky when he's not able to see it. It's hilarious and sad all in the same breath.

Things we would ask prayer for would be for the entire healing process following the surgery and for that absorpsion to take place so that we won't have to repeat the surgery and also that Tennyson would start sleeping better at night. For a while he was doing so great and then this surgery has us messed up again. We're only up twice but the second time is for an hour and a half or two hours (usually around 4:30) because he's ready to play and chat.

Thanks for everything, we love you guys!

Blessed Beyond-

Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson Myers

New Cousins...

Robert Graham Medsker IV, was born to Tommy & Ashley Medsker of King City MO in February (I believe it was the 9th however I could be wrong). I don't have any vital statistics though I know his sisters Kori and Emberlynn were excited to meet him.

Dustin & April Beauford also welcomed a new baby in February into our family. I don't have any photos of Lily though I am sure she's beautiful and Corbin is loving on her like crazy.

My Really Big Day...

Okay so the day started off as planned, Nana Jo got into town around noon and we headed to Freeman to get all registered. From there they took me back into the Pre-op area and weighed me, measured me, and took my head circumference. All was the same as last week except fully clothed I weighed 16lbs. 6 ounces. From there I had to take off my clothes and put on a dress, can you believe it. It was open backed and I had fun showing off some leg for my pictures...

My surgery was scheduled for 3pm however they were running behind and I went back to the room around 4:20. My mom and dad got a pager and headed to the cafeteria to get something to drink. Around 5:05 the pager went off to alert them to head to a consultation room to visit with Dr. Rosenshein. He stated that the left hernia was quickly and easily repaired however the right hernia was much more difficult than anticipated. He questioned that the right side might have been incarcerated (which in many cases requires emergency surgery) due to the difficulty of its repair. The right one contained much more fluid than expected as well. The right testicle was also undescended and he moved it into proper placement.

There was quite a lapse in time between our visit with Dr. Rosenshein and being able to see him in recovery. It was explained to us later he had some difficulty waking up and was very sleepy however they were able to easily extabate him and he was only on a nasal canula, satting 100 when we arrived. They allowed us to feed him Pedialyte unflavored water basically to be sure that he had no trouble with it however he was very, very fussy which is unusual for Tennyson. We found out later he did not receive the local the anesthesiologist had anticipated giving him though we're not sure why. So basically he received no pain medication during the procedure so he was hurting and uncomfortable. Dr. Rosenshein stated Tennyson would be very tender and swollen for a while though because of the difficulty of the repair. They were able around 6:15 to give him some Tylenol to help with the pain and he fell asleep not too long after that.

Freeman is full, so we had to wait around 3 hours in the recovery before being assigned a room on the peds unit. We headed over here and got all set up with our apnea monitor for the night and they removed the oxygen because he was satting so well. We were finally able to feed him some formula though he slugged it down (keep in mind he hasn't ate anything since before noon) however we had to follow that with water because they didn't want him having too much too quickly.

That's where we are now, he again cried himself to sleep and he's resting in Nana's arms. At this point in time, please pray for his recovery, that his pain would be mild and that he would be back to his old self in no time.

Love you all-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

P.S. Congratulations to Chris & Carol DeWelt & Phil & Susan Casey on receiving Ozark Alumni of the Year honors!!!

RSV, Valentine's Day, Answered Prayers, 5 months old, and the Last Three Weeks

It has been a crazy three weeks but I have to say it has flown by. Sorry I haven't updated sooner but I will try and recap some of the highlights.

Tennyson woke up one morning really congested and so we called Dr. Holmes' office and Travis ran him down there. He prescribed some medication for decongestion and thought that would take care of it. On Monday when the home health nurse came by to give his Synagist shot for RSV, the congestion had moved and could be heard in his throat area. She called Dr. Holmes' office describing the symptoms and they determined to start him immediately on Amoxocillin. The symptoms all pointed to RSV however it hadn't spread to his lungs yet so we were all hopeful with the quick treatment it wouldn't be as severe as it could be. Also with the Synagist shots he's been getting hopefully we would be able to beat this quickly and stay out of the hospital.

For the next two weeks we gave him medication three times a day and watched him closely for any signs of change for the worse however he did great with the Amox and is now back up and normal, hospital free.

So that was one hump to overcome and Tennyson did so greatly. During this three week stent Valentine's Day came around and Travis had praise team practice so we ordered pizza and hung out for about an hour between work and praise team and then Tennyson and I played the rest of the evening.

That same week a huge prayer was answered, Jesse Pavlik (I work with her husband Jace), who is expecting their first baby late April, Hazel, quit working at the daycare she'd been employed with while completing her classes at Ozark and was interested in watching Tennyson. She watched him four days last week, will watch him two this week, and from them on will watch him until Hazel's much anticipated arrival. So that's a huge answered prayer and a huge weight lifted off our shoulders. Jesse and Tenny get along great and they're both just all smiles when they're together. I'm so thankful someone who loves him to pieces is with him though I do wish it could be me.

The reason she only had him four days last week is Thursday, the 21st was a day with mommy filled with Dr's appointments. We started the day in the sleet and freezing rain heading to Neosho to visit Dr. Holmes. I always have things that I want to ask him however once I am there never seem to be able to remember them so this time I made a list. So we got there and he was weighed, measured and his head circumference taken. He weighed 15lbs. 7 ounces, was 25 1/4 inches long with a head circumference of 16 1/4. This was great news as we made it on the chart, his length and head circumference were at 3% and his weight was at 5% so we officially made it in all three categories so that was exciting. From there he was given four immunizations which he was really excited about however he's had so many shots they don't even faze him any longer.

Dr. Holmes and I discussed quite a few things, but first Dr. Holmes assessed him as if he were a four month old developmentally. Tennyson was able to smile, laugh, talk, roll over and focus on things. The one thing he isn't doing yet is grasping toys, he really has no desire to hold onto anything other than others fingers or handfuls of hair so they are going to start treating him as if he's a four month old rather than a two month old so that's exciting. We discussed his cradle cap which is clearing up nicely now that we're using the recommended head and shoulders shampoo, we discussed his constipation and will increase his juice intake though we're still giving glycerin three times a week, and we talked about eating. He recommended we start him on orange vegetables, if you start them on the green vegetables or fruit first many times they won't eat their orange vegetables because they taste the worst apparently. We're still trying to get the rice cereal down (I will post pictures) so we will start baby food though it will probably be a few days or so.

So that was all great news but the best news was yet to come...we can start attending church with Tennyson the last weekend in March if he stays in the sanctuary and isn't around many other children. We will also get to take him home the weekend of easter however have to keep him away from all the other children but we're stoked to be able to head back for Racheal's wedding, even though he can't attend that.

So after that we headed to College Press where I worked for about an hour before we had to go see Dr. Jordan for what we hoped would be our last appointment with him for a while. He released Tennyson for the next six months as his retina has fully healed itself (praise the Lord), we will see him again in six months because many preemies have other complications such as intro/extroverted eyes, one of Tenny's appears to be lazy, he will turn it in towards his nose and it seems to get stuck for a lack of better terminiology and he gets frustrated until it pops loose (note this all happens in a matter of seconds) and sometimes one of their eyes will be near and one far sighted which causes trouble with balance when they're learning to stand, pull up, etc.

Then we headed back to the office for a couple more hours where he slept and I worked, he's such a great baby.

This week Jesse has him only two days because tomorrow is the big surgery. Please remember to be praying for us. Dr. Rosenshine will be performing his bilateral inguinal hernia surgery at Freeman at 3pm. We will be there at least overnight as they have to intubate him. If he is easily extubated following the surgery we will have to stay on the Peds unit at least one night, if he isn't we will return to the NICU so keep that in your prayers as well. Mom is coming down and will be here for the surgery and through Friday. If things go really well and we head home on Thursday she is going to be babysitting him on Friday...I'm glad she's going to be here, she knows all about this surgery stuff and I'm just really nervous about it.

Anyways so he's officially five months old now and growing like a weed, he's doing so many things and just talking up a storm now. I will have to post some new videos later today of him eating rice cereal...he's starting to figure out when the camera's out and he won't look or smile at us anymore. Once you power it off and the lights go off he's back to talking, kicking, and smiling. What a little punk we have?? So cute though...

Anyways all that to say sorry it's been so long, praise the Lord for all He's continuing to do through Tennyson and those around us and we love you guys!!

Blessed and Beloved-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson Myers

P.S. A funny from last night...Tennyson was given glycerin Sunday night to no avail which has happened once before but we were trying a new kind, so last night on my way home I stopped and got more of the kind we usually use and gave that to him. Needless to say about 15 minutes later it had taken it's affect. Travis laid him down and I went to change him about five minutes later once we knew he was done and when I picked him up, my hands were all wet. He pooped through his diaper, his onesie and his sweats. It was literally everywhere. We ran into our bathroom and I laid him down on a towel to get him all cleaned up while Travis drew him some bath water. Needless to say it was a 20 minute bath of scrubbing and soaking in the tub which he enjoyed. The washer was started up immediately with the clothes, towels, blankets, etc. We've had some doosies, but this one beat them all I have to say. Just thought I'd leave you with a funny!!

Babysitting

If you live in the Joplin, Webb City, Diamond, Oronogo area and would be interested in watching Tennyson, even if you can only do it one time or one day a week, please don't hesitate to contact me at carryinthecross@hotmail.com. Sorry we're having a terrible time finding someone to watch him. If you have one or two children and they are not sick and you would consider watching him, please contact me as well.

Sorry to make this sound like a plea but at some level it is...

Thanks!

I can blow bubbles with my nose...

Be sure to watch closely...my parents are very proud!

Tennyson's Love Letter to You

I know this isn't the most flattering angle but we wanted you to be sure and catch his articulation.

Huge Praise

Travis just ran out and got the mail and we received a huge packet from the insurance company. It had Tennyson's total bill in it as well as our portion. We have really been sweating the uncertainty but at least we know now. We still haven't received anything around my labor and delivery however at least we know how to arrange things for his NICU stay.

Thanks for all the prayers around this.

Recent Milestones

Tennyson has recently made some friends. He has always loved the fans, not while they're on mind you but he has always enjoyed staring at them and such. Recently however he has begun to have conversations with them. He seems to always know when the camera is there so its difficult to get him having a conversation on film.

Even more recently however he's decided he likes the mobile that's connected to his pack and play. It's a rainforest theme and from the video I hope you can sort of see them. During the filming of course he got the hiccups and please excuse the end of the video I wasn't expecting that however here's our little man...

Also last Sunday for the first time we tried rice cereal, as cereal, not in our bottle before bed which we've been doing for a couple weeks now. He didn't really know what to do with it so for every spoonful I gave him we'd do three or four chin sweeps because he'd spit it out however he seemed to sorta grasp the hang of it toward the end. We will try it again tomorrow and I will post a video of the event then.

Also at Dr. Holmes' office on Friday he weighed 14lbs. 5 ounces fully clothed so we're guessing naked he's in the high 13s though we'll find out Monday when he gets his synagist shot. Home health aways weighs him while they're here.

All our love-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

More pictures from recent days...

You can tell in the photo of him in the onesie (its from this morning) that he's not feeling well, see the lack of smiling...

Last Couple of Weeks

First of all Tennyson was released from the hospital as many of you know however the CBC was never redrawn. Our home health nurse wasn't pleased with that considering his white blood cell counts were so high so recently that was redrawn and praise the Lord the results were within normal ranges.

We headed up north (also referred to as home) the weekend of January 18 for the first time since Tennyson was born. He did so great on the four hour trip home. He woke up right before Harrisonville so we exited there and Travis grabbed dinner for us while I fed Tennyson. He really didn't want to be put back in his car seat however and cried from Harrisonville to Camden Point before he finally gave in and slept to Savannah.

Sorry we were unable to see everyone but Tennyson isn't allowed to be out and about yet so we only saw immediate family. We spent Friday night at Ted and Connie's house and were joined by Tyler and Jenny which was so fun. Saturday evening we had dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Newkirk and Grandma and Grandpa Myers which was great considering neither of them had seen Tennyson before. It was wonderful to surprise them and to see their reaction to this precious one.

Saturday night we headed to Union Star where we spent Sunday with mom, dad, Steph, Kelsey, Ryan and Grandpa and Grandma Hutchcraft. It was so fun for everyone to see him and see how much he'd grown since their visit at Christmas. Tennyson again did great, he didn't get hungry and wake up until Nevada where we quickly fed him before he fell asleep and he slept all the way home. Once we got back we unpacked the car and headed to bed as it was late and I had to work the next day.

We returned from the weekend, trying to catch up on our sleep. Thursday we had a going away party for a lady at work, Louise who retired. While we were at Ryan's eating, Travis called me. In front of Ozark Christian College a lady had veered into his lane and taken her car all the way down the drivers side of the truck. Neither of them were injured and she was issued a ticket, but we were thinking honestly what more can go wrong...I tell you when it rains, it pours. We're so thankful the truck is still driveable and they were not injured. The Lord was really watching out for us, it could have been so much worse.

Since then not too much has happened other than us taking turns watching him. A girl I work with is going to watch him two days a week but there is a bug going around down here and she was sick one week and her son the next so we're hoping to be able to have her watch him a few days this coming week. So I worked last weekend to make up hours and have worked evenings from home to try and make up hours, so far we're on track but it's draining us.

This past week Travis had him Wednesday through Friday and poor Tennyson had doctors appointments each day. On Wednesday we met Dr. Rosenshine who is a pediatric urologist from Springdale AR. He's only in Joplin on Wednesdays and is going to do a binguinal hernia surgery on Wednesday, February 27th. This entails us checking into Freeman on Wednesday and we will be there at least one evening. During the procedure they will put Tennyson to sleep with a mask and then they will have to intubate him or put him back on the ventilator. From there it's a routine procedure. After he wakes in recovery if he's able to breathe on his own and they can extubate he will head to the pedicatric unit for at least one night (due to his small size) and once he can breathe well and eat on his own we'll head home. If however in recovery he is not extubated we will again head to the NICU. So please keep that in your prayers.

On Thursday we had a check up with Dr. Jordan around his ROP and Dr. Jordan stated this was the first time his retinal detatchment was showing signs of reversing or healing itself. He thinks we will only have to see him once more and it will be healed. We're so thankful and this is such wonderful news that we're elated. He will see Dr. Jordan on the morning of his surgery.

Tennyson was having some trouble Thursday night breathing so I was up most of the night making sure he was alright, they removed our oxygen from the house last week. His nose was really rattley (like a child's chest sounds when they're sick) only it was all in his nose. I called Dr. Holmes' office and he prescribed some medication for decongestion and said if he's not better in the morning to give him a call.

Friday morning he was still really congested and we'd had another long night and poor Travis had to drive him to Neosho in all the snow. Dr. Holmes said that Tennyson's lungs and everything sounded really clear and he was pleased with that as they've had several RSV cases this year. He wanted to be sure we were still getting our Synagist vaccines monthly (our next one is Monday). He said however that Tennyson's nasal cavity was abnormally small therefore causing all the problems. He is very congested and it's creating trouble for him breathing because he breathes primarily through his nose. He told us to keep with the decongestant and to use saline drops and suction his nose every time he wakes and eats (which is around every three hours) to try and keep some of the mucus from backing up. Tennyson has started coughing frequently on the drainage and his eyes are really watery so we know he's not feeling well but he's hanging in there. Dr. Holmes prescribed an antibiotic we're to fill if the drainage turns from clear to yellow or green which thus far hasn't occurred. Please pray for his little nose and his breathing please.

Other than this, we're doing alright. We miss seeing everyone and have been asked several times what we're doing for the superbowl. Since Tennyson can't have guests or go anywhere I guess Trav, Tenny and I will just be hanging out here. I doubt we even watch the game, but that's just me.

Anyways know that we love you all and are so very thankful that you're in our lives and care enough to keep checking, especially since I've been so bad about keeping you updated.

Resting in the Redeemer-

Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson

On Friday

Broken...long time, no update...

"Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. Now in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, 'It is a ghost!' And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.' And Peter answered Him and said, 'Lord if it is You command me to come to You on the water.' So He said, 'Come.' And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, 'Lord, save me!' And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, 'O you of little faith, why did you doubt?' And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God.'" - Matthew 14:22-33 (NKJV)

It has been an interesting couple of weeks for us. I have not posted in that there has been much frustration from our end around not finding someone able to babysit Tennyson. Travis and I have been taking turns but any business cannot function without a manager 1/2 of every week as ours have lately. We're indebted that they have allowed this for now but know they can't long term. So along with the confusion of why no babysitter is working out is also the financial implications of working each week (between the two of us) unpaid and worrying about our positions in the future. This is all to say I am sorry I haven't updated but was afraid if I did I would go on a two day rant about how this hasn't worked out for us and that wouldn't be a blessing to anyone therefore I decided if I couldn't say something nice, not to say anything at all.

This Friday at work, Linda reminded me however of the passage above, she pointed out that in verse 23 where it says, "And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray." Jesus had sent the disciples away to keep them from enduring the crowd, after He sent the crowd away He headed up the moutainside. He needed to be alone with His Father praying for the disciples, the five thousand He had just fed and Himself. In doing so He never left His disciples, the mountainside overlooked the sea and during the calm and the storm He witnessed and never left them. They were always within His will, even though they didn't know it. Just because they didn't see Him, didn't mean He was no longer there. It's the same with us, just because I don't see Him moving or "feel" His presence in the situation doesn't mean He's not overseeing and interceding to the Father for us every moment of each day. He knows our needs and provides for them. Even though we don't know or understand what is happening right now, doesn't mean He doesn't.

Too often I am upset with myself for asking why, but I think He expects us to. Peter asked Him to show them a sign through Him that He was in fact who He says He is. Though I don't need a sign to know that He's watching and working through us, sometimes I need a nod, a wink or a smile from Him to remind me He's going to see us through, no matter what.

He has shown Himself to us in so many ways through little Tennyson's life that I hate when my head and heart aren't in sync however know that I'm human and He is always with and will always be interceding for me.

Please pray for us and this situation as at this time nothing has materialized by way of a babysitter for Tennyson. Know that we love you all, and I will now post what's been happening in our lives.

Love you all-
Travis, Lindsay and Tennyson

Eli Andrew Cameron, newest member of our family...

Enjoy the journey of Drew and Melissa Cameron as they welcome their first son into the world... I know this is kind of long but wanted you to see the amazing work God did in their family, it's just reminds me He's in the details and holding us in His arms even when we question His will for our lives.

Drew is the son of Tracy & Diane Cameron (Tracy is Mary Jo's younger brother, sorry mom couldn't help myself).

This information is from an email from Aunti Diane, affectionately known as Granny Di.

Friday, December 21 at approximately 11:10 pm, we welcomed Eli Andrew Cameron into the world at Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, weighing in at a whopping 5 lbs. 9 ozs., measuring 18 ½” long. Tiny little guy!

After Eli had tried nursing shortly after birth, he was taken to the nursery by Nurse Mary for a much-needed bath. While he was there, his blood sugar count dropped dangerously low (in the 20s when it should have been above 60), resulting in him being immediately hooked up to an IV of sugar water and being bottle-fed formula twice. Throughout the day, Eli remained hooked up to the sugar water IV and was not allowed out of the hospital nursery (he never returned to Melissa’s room).

When Melissa tried nursing him, it was found that Eli was not born with the sucking reflex. The nurses said he was so tiny, he thought he was a preemie, so he had a preemie’s tendencies. He had to be taught to suck, feeding him by a bottle wore him out, and he only had a slight squeak (never crying).

Merry Christmas! Upon our daily visit to the nursery to see Eli, Melissa and I found staph infection (“MSSA” – Methicillin-sensitive staph aureus) around the umbilical cord to be in full swing! It was an area 6” wide by 2 ½” tall with his belly button right in the middle of it. It looked like his skin had been scalded with boiling water, a layer of skin had already begun to peel back and you could see the new raw skin underneath. It was not pretty!

Dr. Mark Puglisi (Eli’s pediatrician) told us he would treat the infection with Vancomyacin – the best drug he could put him on, but that if it wasn’t better in 24 hours, he would ship him to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City.

On Wednesday, December 26, Melissa arrived at Heartland and was informed that Eli was being transferred to CMH, and a nurse an ambulance from there would be arriving to pick him up in 30 minutes. Eli had “lost” his IV during the night (it had been in each of his boney little ankles at different times, and one of his ankles was also infected), and Dr. Puglisi was not comfortable sticking additional needles into Eli’s ankle. He said it was essential to send Eli to CMH because they had the means to insert a port into Eli’s head that would allow for meds to be administered without the necessity of having to stick him every time.

When we arrived at CMH Eli was already on the 3rd Floor in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He looked so tiny in his little bassinet, but not nearly as tiny as some of the other babies in the same unit (one was 1 lb. 14 ozs). They had inserted a “port” into the top of Eli’s head. It had a tiny tube (10 cm) that went down his neck, and the end of the tube hung out of the top of his head. This is where they would administer his meds (oxycillen). He was also hooked up to a heart monitor his entire stay. His first ultra-sound of his head was done today.

We spent the night at the Ronald McDonald House (our new favorite charity!). Travis and I would have to second this one. It and Children's Miracle Network.

Friday, 12/28/07 (5 lb 12.4 oz):
Eli had his first spinal tap (“LP”) done to check for spinal staph meningitis, however, they were unable to draw enough spinal fluid. Will try again in a few days.

Saturday, 12/29/07 (5 lb 14.7 oz):
Eli’s condition was improving daily! He had now become a little pig (couldn’t eat fast enough), his blood sugar had stabilized in the 80s, and the staph infection was looking better each day. That evening, he was moved from the isolated NICU to a room of his own on the other side of the unit.

Monday, 12/31/07:
Eli had his second spinal tap today. It was a success this time and we were hoping for a good result.

Tuesday, 01/01/08 (6 lb 2.6 oz):
Happy New Year!! We received the results of Eli’s second spinal tap, and it was negative for spinal staph meningitis. We were told we could take Eli home on Saturday after his last dose of meds.

Friday, 01/04/08:
They did another ultrasound of Eli’s head and it came back fine. That was the last test they were going to run.

Saturday, 01/05/08:
He had his last dose of meds at 3:30 am, but still had the port in his head when we arrived. Eli’s nurse, Eric was working. When we went downstairs to the cafeteria for lunch, I mentioned to Eric that it would be great if the port was removed while we were at lunch, and he said he would see to it. Indeed, it was taken out by the time we got back to Eli’s room and his hair was washed. His heart monitor cords were also gone. Yippee! He was finally FREE! How nice it was, too! We could change his diaper and get him dressed and swaddled in a blanket without any cords going every which way.

We were on our way home by 12:30 pm . . . and we were taking Eli WITH us!! Also a very good feeling!

We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support for Eli and our family during the last three weeks! Although spending days at CMH has made us realize that Eli’s ordeal was not the most serious of situations (like that of his new cousin, baby Tennyson), it was still a very scary time for us and our little man. I thank God each day for healing him and bringing him home to us.

May God’s countless blessings be also on you and your loved ones!

Please continue to pray for them as they begin this new page in their journey as a family of three...we know God is going to do great and mighty things in this little man.

Thanks for your prayers-
Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson Myers

Thanks, Thanks and More Thanks

All our thanks to Aunt Jenny for spending 10 days with us, loving on us so very much. You are greatly appreciated. See the photos of our time with Aunt Jenny. You'd think we'd have gotten her face in some of these photos. Also be sure to ask her to share her pooping story...lets just say it led to a bath for Tennyson.

Thanks Uncle Tyler for letting us have her.

Also thanks to Aunt Kelsey who will be heading down here Monday night after completing her boards (please pray for these, she just graduated Cosmetology school) to spend the week with us. Gary thanks for letting us borrow her.

Please also be praying for a dear friend of ours, Heidi, that she would feel the arms of our loving Father around her always. Know our hearts are yours.

Travis, Lindsay & Tennyson Myers