"Hey All! I know everyone has been on their knees for our little ones, but just want to give you specifics. The doctors are doing a few tests to check for infections in both Jaron and Teagan. Jaron's incision looked a little infected, and where Teagan's PICC line is they thought may be a little infected. They got their blood work back and are starting them on antibiotics tonight, and we are waiting for results to see if they have a small infection in their lungs. We keep hearing that this is typical for preemies, since their little bodies just aren't made to fight things off like this.
Lord, you are big enough to fight off these infections for them! We believe and know that through your healing touch, and in the name of Jesus, the infection is gone, and that there is nothing brewing in their lungs. Instead your breath is filling up their lungs and with each day Jaron and Teagan are becoming stronger. Thank you Jesus for everyday of life that you give them, and with each new day it means they are closer to getting stronger, and closer to coming home. We love you Lord!
Before I end, they are both back up on their feedings... to 11 cc's, since the surgery. And as of last night they were both 2 lbs 5 oz!
Be blessed,
Heather "
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Update: 8/27/09 10 PM
"I am happy to say that Jaron and Teagan are doing very well, and are going to be making their way back to Lancaster tomorrow (8.28), or today depending on when you are reading this. Hershey has been great, but it will be nice to have them back in familiar territory. The medical staff didn't give us a time of when they will be making their ambulance ride back... probably in the afternoon. Just pray for another safe transfer.
They are 3 weeks old today too! I can hardly believe it. So far, Jaron is weighing in at 2 lb. 3 oz, and Teagan at 2 lb. 1 oz! It's so exciting to see how the Lord has been so faithful to them.
Love,
Heather"
They are 3 weeks old today too! I can hardly believe it. So far, Jaron is weighing in at 2 lb. 3 oz, and Teagan at 2 lb. 1 oz! It's so exciting to see how the Lord has been so faithful to them.
Love,
Heather"
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Update: 8/25/2009 5:00PM
"Praise the Lord... Jaron and Teagan's surgery went well. They started first with Jaron at 10:00 this morning, and Teagan followed right after, and by noon the surgeon came out to tell us they were finished and doing good. The whole "O.R." just comes right to their beds in the NICU, which is so nice to not have to move the babies. Not so nice for the rest of the parents wanting to visit the little ones, because they shut down the NICU to visitors during a sterile procedure like that. We went back to see them afterward, and they were just sleeping away. The medical staff has the twins sedated and on pain meds, so they will be very sleepy for a while.
We are just so glad the surgery is out of the way and the PDA's are now fixed! I don't know if I explained how they did the surgery or not in any of my other updates, but they go in from the back, right behind their armpits, and then go through the ribs to tie off the hole. So they will just have a little scar right behind their arms. Now, in Mitch's words, they can start working in "maximum efficiency" :-) All you who know Mitch, I know you're smiling right now because you can hear him saying something like that! We are hoping by Thursday or Friday they will be back at Women and Babies. I am asking the Lord for a speedy post-op recovery, and minimal pain for the babes! I believe while they are sleeping and recouping, Jesus is talking with them in wonderful dreams and visions!
We figured tonight we just need to do something fun, and spend some time with our little miss, Kaylan. So we are looking forward to some E-town Fair fun, which mostly means that greasy fair food, and Kaylan will LOVE seeing the animals.
So blessed to have each and every one of you, even those we don't know. I can't even begin to explain how blessed we are and feel. I pray in return that each of you are being showered with blessings.
In His Grip,
Heather "
We are just so glad the surgery is out of the way and the PDA's are now fixed! I don't know if I explained how they did the surgery or not in any of my other updates, but they go in from the back, right behind their armpits, and then go through the ribs to tie off the hole. So they will just have a little scar right behind their arms. Now, in Mitch's words, they can start working in "maximum efficiency" :-) All you who know Mitch, I know you're smiling right now because you can hear him saying something like that! We are hoping by Thursday or Friday they will be back at Women and Babies. I am asking the Lord for a speedy post-op recovery, and minimal pain for the babes! I believe while they are sleeping and recouping, Jesus is talking with them in wonderful dreams and visions!
We figured tonight we just need to do something fun, and spend some time with our little miss, Kaylan. So we are looking forward to some E-town Fair fun, which mostly means that greasy fair food, and Kaylan will LOVE seeing the animals.
So blessed to have each and every one of you, even those we don't know. I can't even begin to explain how blessed we are and feel. I pray in return that each of you are being showered with blessings.
In His Grip,
Heather "
Update: 8/24/2009 9:30pm
"Just wanted to let everyone know that Jaron and Teagan made the trip to Hershey just fine. They were both transported in the Life Lion ambulance... Mitch got lots of pictures of it, I will try to get some up for you all to see. Everyone at Hershey seems very nice, and the surgeon that talked to us today we hear is one of the best. Tomorrow morning sometime is when they will have the surgery, but they didn't give us a specific time yet. They like to keep them there 72 hours after surgery to make sure recovery goes well. So, we are thinking we will be back at Women and Babies by the weekend.
That's the latest, we appreciate the prayers.
Love,
Heather, Mitch, Kaylan, Jaron, and Teagan"
That's the latest, we appreciate the prayers.
Love,
Heather, Mitch, Kaylan, Jaron, and Teagan"
Monday, August 24, 2009
UPDATE: 8/24/2009 7:45AM
"Hello all our prayer warriors! So it was a very early morning for me this morning, Mitch dropped me off at the hospital on his way to work so I could be here for the morning before they take Jaron and Teagan to Hershey for their surgery. We are going to follow the ambulance there. Yes, it is surgery for the little ones, but one that is very minor. Both of their PDA's opened back up... and from their echos on Saturday it showed that this is causing their left atriums to be enlarged because of extra blood flow going into the atrium from the PDA being open. It's best just to have the surgery and have them clip the hole shut.
We aren't discouraged by this... we are ready to have this "problem" taken care of because it means respiratory wise this will help them a lot, and that's what we want, less dependency on their vents! They should just be at Hershey a few days and then back to Women and Babies.
This brings up another prayer request. Right now the NICU here is packed (over capacity). They just admitted their 6th set of twins last night, and a few days ago they admitted triplets! We asked last night how that works with Jaron and Teagan coming back here, if they are already so full, because they can't "hold" their spots for them to come back. So pray that when Hershey gives the okay for them to come back to Women and Babies, there will be room at the inn. If not, it just means a little longer stay at Hershey.
Yesterday Jaron and Teagan both hit the 2 pound milestone!! We are excited about that, actually I believe Teagan is 2 lb 1 oz. Like I said they take turns passing each other :-) And Mitch got to hold Jaron for the first time last night. When our nurse asked if we wanted to get him out I thought I should let daddy have a chance to hold his little boy for the first time, since I have gotten to hold him twice already! I believe this morning I will be able to hold Teagan again. Yay!
One more thing as a prayer request... we have all these new people, other parents in the NICU, the nurses, that we are now in contact with daily. It's so our hearts to be shining the light and love of Jesus while we are here. There's one couple in particular that's in here with their little girl (born at 28 weeks) and they have been on my heart. Pray that we know how to specifically speak into their lives, and be the face of Jesus to them. Alrighty, the shift change is almost over, and I will be able to go back to be with the babes :-)
Love,
Heather"
We aren't discouraged by this... we are ready to have this "problem" taken care of because it means respiratory wise this will help them a lot, and that's what we want, less dependency on their vents! They should just be at Hershey a few days and then back to Women and Babies.
This brings up another prayer request. Right now the NICU here is packed (over capacity). They just admitted their 6th set of twins last night, and a few days ago they admitted triplets! We asked last night how that works with Jaron and Teagan coming back here, if they are already so full, because they can't "hold" their spots for them to come back. So pray that when Hershey gives the okay for them to come back to Women and Babies, there will be room at the inn. If not, it just means a little longer stay at Hershey.
Yesterday Jaron and Teagan both hit the 2 pound milestone!! We are excited about that, actually I believe Teagan is 2 lb 1 oz. Like I said they take turns passing each other :-) And Mitch got to hold Jaron for the first time last night. When our nurse asked if we wanted to get him out I thought I should let daddy have a chance to hold his little boy for the first time, since I have gotten to hold him twice already! I believe this morning I will be able to hold Teagan again. Yay!
One more thing as a prayer request... we have all these new people, other parents in the NICU, the nurses, that we are now in contact with daily. It's so our hearts to be shining the light and love of Jesus while we are here. There's one couple in particular that's in here with their little girl (born at 28 weeks) and they have been on my heart. Pray that we know how to specifically speak into their lives, and be the face of Jesus to them. Alrighty, the shift change is almost over, and I will be able to go back to be with the babes :-)
Love,
Heather"
TWINS HEART SURGERY
Just an update to tell the lovely blog readers and prayer warriors that the twins are heading to Hershey Med to have heart surgery (I am assuming to close their PDAs for good.
When I hear any updates from the family or get more details I will fill you in right away. In the mean time please cover these little ones in prayer and leave some comments of love and encouragement.
Of course we are believing that these little ones will thrive, recover quickly and continue to amaze us all with their health and well-being, such an evident display of God's mighty hand at work in their bodies.
When I hear any updates from the family or get more details I will fill you in right away. In the mean time please cover these little ones in prayer and leave some comments of love and encouragement.
Of course we are believing that these little ones will thrive, recover quickly and continue to amaze us all with their health and well-being, such an evident display of God's mighty hand at work in their bodies.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
PICTURE TIME!
Below are some super-adorable pictures of sweet Teagan! Check them out! Isn't she gorgeous?
"Here I am holding Teagan for the first time! I still need to get a picture of us holding Jaron... I have already gotten to hold him twice :-)"
"Here are the pictures of Teagan showing off her bling :-) This is my wedding ring fitting around her wrist! At about 3 or 4 days old."
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
PRAY FOR JARON - 8/19/09
Hi, all!
As you can read from the updates HERE and HERE, little Jaron is having a bit of a rough time lately. As far as Mommy and the medical staff can tell his spirits are still up and he is still happily breathing, moving and living life. However, he had some signs of an infection and so he has received platelets and antibiotics to stop the infection in its tracks.
Also, doctors have still not been able to put in a PICC line for Jaron and his PDA (blood vessels between the pulmonary artery and the aorta) has opened back up. The doctors are now administering ibuprofen to attempt to close it.
Please, please get on your knees for sweet Jaron today and pray that infection would leave his body, that his PDA would close without the need for surgery and that the next attempt at putting in a PICC line would be successful. Also pray that he continues to thrive and that he is soon able to be held by mommy and daddy. Pray for Heather and Mitch as well that the Lord would guard their hearts and minds.
If you have any specific words of encouragement, prayers or verses that come to mind as you pray for Jaron please leave them in the comment section below. Or if you simply want to let the family know that you are in prayer, you can let us know that too.
Thank you for walking this road with the Shellenbergers. Thank you for continuing to cry out on the littlest ones' behalf. We expect to hear that Jaron recuperates quickly. God is faithful.
As you can read from the updates HERE and HERE, little Jaron is having a bit of a rough time lately. As far as Mommy and the medical staff can tell his spirits are still up and he is still happily breathing, moving and living life. However, he had some signs of an infection and so he has received platelets and antibiotics to stop the infection in its tracks.
Also, doctors have still not been able to put in a PICC line for Jaron and his PDA (blood vessels between the pulmonary artery and the aorta) has opened back up. The doctors are now administering ibuprofen to attempt to close it.
Please, please get on your knees for sweet Jaron today and pray that infection would leave his body, that his PDA would close without the need for surgery and that the next attempt at putting in a PICC line would be successful. Also pray that he continues to thrive and that he is soon able to be held by mommy and daddy. Pray for Heather and Mitch as well that the Lord would guard their hearts and minds.
If you have any specific words of encouragement, prayers or verses that come to mind as you pray for Jaron please leave them in the comment section below. Or if you simply want to let the family know that you are in prayer, you can let us know that too.
Thank you for walking this road with the Shellenbergers. Thank you for continuing to cry out on the littlest ones' behalf. We expect to hear that Jaron recuperates quickly. God is faithful.
UPDATE - 8/19/09 7AM
Here is an update from last night! Enjoy it... and keep battling in the spirit for BOTH twins and specifically Jaron's needs. Thanks!
"It was so WONDERFUL to be able to hold our littlest girl tonight! Yes, I was totally thrilled when they told me today that I would be able to hold Teagan tonight. I got to do the Kangaroo Care with her, where it's skin to skin contact. You wear a button down shirt, making it easier to expose your skin, and they tucked Teagan right down into my shirt. They laid a blanket over top of her, put on a tiny little hat, and we were cozy and TOASTY! I loved every second of it, she just lay there so peaceful listening to my heartbeat, and hopefully enjoying the songs I was singing to her :-) And kissing her little head was so sweet. Mitch just let me hold her the whole time, but made sure to give her a kiss as well!
They did start Jaron on antibiotics, and gave him platelets. His echo showed that his PDA did open back up, so they will start Ibuprofen again tomorrow. He will most likely be on the antibiotics for a week. I am choosing not to be discourage by any of this, because I know that's what the devil would love to happen, he wants to stir up worry and discouragement. But instead we can now specifically pray for Jaron, asking in Jesus name to heal this small infection. He's still not showing any kind of signs of feeling sick, he's active, his blood levels looked good, and eating well. Which by the way, they are both now on 8 cc's of milk!! And, they have both figured out the pooping thing very well, the nurses say. Keeping them busy with cleaning up some blowouts! Way to go Jaron and Teagan, who knew such tiny packages could make such big messes!
So, for Jaron, they probably won't try his PICC line again until next week. Hopefully, by then he will have chubbed up a little more, and his veins will be bigger as well. My prayer is that by next week we will be able to do Kangaroo Care with him too! My arms are aching to hold our little man.
May you continue to be blessed by our little miracles.
Love,
Heather "
"It was so WONDERFUL to be able to hold our littlest girl tonight! Yes, I was totally thrilled when they told me today that I would be able to hold Teagan tonight. I got to do the Kangaroo Care with her, where it's skin to skin contact. You wear a button down shirt, making it easier to expose your skin, and they tucked Teagan right down into my shirt. They laid a blanket over top of her, put on a tiny little hat, and we were cozy and TOASTY! I loved every second of it, she just lay there so peaceful listening to my heartbeat, and hopefully enjoying the songs I was singing to her :-) And kissing her little head was so sweet. Mitch just let me hold her the whole time, but made sure to give her a kiss as well!
They did start Jaron on antibiotics, and gave him platelets. His echo showed that his PDA did open back up, so they will start Ibuprofen again tomorrow. He will most likely be on the antibiotics for a week. I am choosing not to be discourage by any of this, because I know that's what the devil would love to happen, he wants to stir up worry and discouragement. But instead we can now specifically pray for Jaron, asking in Jesus name to heal this small infection. He's still not showing any kind of signs of feeling sick, he's active, his blood levels looked good, and eating well. Which by the way, they are both now on 8 cc's of milk!! And, they have both figured out the pooping thing very well, the nurses say. Keeping them busy with cleaning up some blowouts! Way to go Jaron and Teagan, who knew such tiny packages could make such big messes!
So, for Jaron, they probably won't try his PICC line again until next week. Hopefully, by then he will have chubbed up a little more, and his veins will be bigger as well. My prayer is that by next week we will be able to do Kangaroo Care with him too! My arms are aching to hold our little man.
May you continue to be blessed by our little miracles.
Love,
Heather "
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
UPDATE and PRAYER REQUEST - 8/18/09 4:45pm
"I stopped in the NICU today for a quick visit with Kaylan (and my mom), hoping to hear the news that Jaron had his PICC line in, but still no success. Jaron is showing some signs of infection, not by looking at him. He's still very active, his blood gas levels are good, and his vents, they saw that his platelet count is a little low, and he has a murmur again. They did a blood culture this morning and are waiting to see the results from that. He may be started on some antibiotics, and at some point may need a platelet transfusion, but not at this point yet. They weren't making it sound like this is a big deal, so I am trying not to allow it to draw worry or fear in me. Now we just know better how to pray, so when you think of Jaron, ask in Jesus name that this small infection amounts to nothing. Even when Mitch and I go back into the hospital today I am praying they are already seeing signs of it diminishing. They were going to do another echo on Jaron, just to see if his PDA opened back up, or to see if it is still just very small. Sometimes, the hole can have stayed small and still just make a lot of noise, or if it opened back up they will start him on a second round of Ibuprofen, since he never needed a second round of it.
Tonight, we are probably going to be able to hold Teagan! They said they thought we would be able to start the kangaroo care, which is skin to skin care!!!! I can't wait to be able to do this, and just love on her in this way. I pray that Jaron is not going to be far behind, so we can give him the same kind of care and lovin'!
I just wanted to get this our to everyone ASAP, so we can pray this small infection right out of Jaron's body. It has no place or right to be there!!
Standing strong in Jesus,
Heather"
Tonight, we are probably going to be able to hold Teagan! They said they thought we would be able to start the kangaroo care, which is skin to skin care!!!! I can't wait to be able to do this, and just love on her in this way. I pray that Jaron is not going to be far behind, so we can give him the same kind of care and lovin'!
I just wanted to get this our to everyone ASAP, so we can pray this small infection right out of Jaron's body. It has no place or right to be there!!
Standing strong in Jesus,
Heather"
Update - 8/17/09
Hello, faithful blog followers and prayer warriors. Here is another wonderful update from the family:
"Hello again to all our family and friends. I am sure you are all wondering how Jaron and Teagan have been doing, and they are still very stable! Teagan had her follow up echo today and her PDA (the vessel in her heart) has gotten smaller! So she won't need any more meds, and we won't need any surgery for that! How faithful is our God :-) The medical staff was able to get Teagan's PICC line in the other day, first try! Jaron, they are trying about the third time for him, as we speak, 10:00 pm Monday, 8/17. I just called into the NICU to see if they tried again and she said they were in the process. We are praying the Lord guides that small catheter through the vein and outside his heart!!
The twins' feedings are going well! They are both now on 7 cc's, and they say they will keep bumping them up everyday as long as their belly's digest it! This is what we want, them eating so they grow and mature! Jaron is at 1lb 13 oz, and Teagn 1lb 14oz. They are each just so precious, and have captured the hearts of so many. Especially the hearts of their mommy and daddy :-)
Thanks again for all your warfare for our children, the battle is definitely being won.
Love,
Heather (for the rest of the fam too)"
"Hello again to all our family and friends. I am sure you are all wondering how Jaron and Teagan have been doing, and they are still very stable! Teagan had her follow up echo today and her PDA (the vessel in her heart) has gotten smaller! So she won't need any more meds, and we won't need any surgery for that! How faithful is our God :-) The medical staff was able to get Teagan's PICC line in the other day, first try! Jaron, they are trying about the third time for him, as we speak, 10:00 pm Monday, 8/17. I just called into the NICU to see if they tried again and she said they were in the process. We are praying the Lord guides that small catheter through the vein and outside his heart!!
The twins' feedings are going well! They are both now on 7 cc's, and they say they will keep bumping them up everyday as long as their belly's digest it! This is what we want, them eating so they grow and mature! Jaron is at 1lb 13 oz, and Teagn 1lb 14oz. They are each just so precious, and have captured the hearts of so many. Especially the hearts of their mommy and daddy :-)
Thanks again for all your warfare for our children, the battle is definitely being won.
Love,
Heather (for the rest of the fam too)"
Friday, August 14, 2009
TEAGAN
Today, as we have been doing since Monday and as noted in THIS POST, we are asking that you cry out to the Lord for one family member, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family.
Today we ask that you pray for the littlest girl of the family, Teagan. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with her and pray over her. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read your notes and share them with their daughter and pray the scriptures over her.
Thank you to those of you who have continued to lift up prayers daily for this family. The twins are doing wonderfully well. God is at work! Please continue to cry out on their behalf and please feel free to leave notes of encouragement, scripture or prayers in the comments. Also, the 24-hour prayer sign-up has been dwindling and that is OK. We are believing that the babes are still covered ALL DAY AND NIGHT, even if the list does not evidence that. And we are so encouraged to know that each day the twins are being prayed for by committed prayer warriors. We will leave the 24-hour prayer lists open. Please, consider committing to a time to pray for these little ones whether you sign-up or simply choose to do so in secret. Prayer is powerful stuff.
*Finally, don't forget to check out this morning's update from Heather, below. Miracles abound.*
Today we ask that you pray for the littlest girl of the family, Teagan. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with her and pray over her. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read your notes and share them with their daughter and pray the scriptures over her.
Thank you to those of you who have continued to lift up prayers daily for this family. The twins are doing wonderfully well. God is at work! Please continue to cry out on their behalf and please feel free to leave notes of encouragement, scripture or prayers in the comments. Also, the 24-hour prayer sign-up has been dwindling and that is OK. We are believing that the babes are still covered ALL DAY AND NIGHT, even if the list does not evidence that. And we are so encouraged to know that each day the twins are being prayed for by committed prayer warriors. We will leave the 24-hour prayer lists open. Please, consider committing to a time to pray for these little ones whether you sign-up or simply choose to do so in secret. Prayer is powerful stuff.
*Finally, don't forget to check out this morning's update from Heather, below. Miracles abound.*
UPDATE: 8/14/09 7AM
Here is a message from the proud Mama of the twins (who happen to be a week old already!)
"Hello to all! Another quick update, because this mama is tired and ready to crash. But I know everyone is probably wanting to hear about the twins' echo cardiograms, and their head ultrasounds. Praise God, both of the head ultrasounds came back clear, no bleeding, and Jaron's PDA ( which is the blood vessel in the heart) is closed! Teagan's is still there, so they started her second round of meds tonight, and then she will have that the following 2 days. Monday will be her follow up echo. Pray this second round of meds will do the trick!
We've already had some of the nurses comment, and they said the one doctor mentioned it as well, that they can't believe how calm Mitch and I are about all of this, and still smiling through it all. And I can truly say that I feel so at peace. I have no reason not to be calm or smiling, because God has brought two BEAUTIFUL children into our lives, and He is taking such good care of them. I think about how much I love them, and He loves them even more than that! Wow, His heart is just bursting for them.
Oh yes, one more thing, for Jaron they tried for the first time tonight to put in a PIC line, which is basically a permanent line that will go through his arm or leg and into a vein that leads all the way up to his heart. This is a good thing to have, that way the twins can get rid of their other IV's and this saves them from getting pricked over and over each time they might need medicine, etc. Jaron's PIC line did not take the first time, so the medical staff will try again. That's not uncommon for it not to take. There are about 4 nurses in the NICU that are trained to put in the line. I can't even imagine having to do that. The catheter that they use is as small as a thread and they have to get that into the tiny veins of a baby and then have it follow up to the heart. So, my prayer is that PIC line attempts have to be done the minimal amount of times as possible, and for the skill of the nurse. I am not sure when they will want to start Teagan on hers.
May you all find rest in the arms of Jesus!
Love,
Heather"
"Hello to all! Another quick update, because this mama is tired and ready to crash. But I know everyone is probably wanting to hear about the twins' echo cardiograms, and their head ultrasounds. Praise God, both of the head ultrasounds came back clear, no bleeding, and Jaron's PDA ( which is the blood vessel in the heart) is closed! Teagan's is still there, so they started her second round of meds tonight, and then she will have that the following 2 days. Monday will be her follow up echo. Pray this second round of meds will do the trick!
We've already had some of the nurses comment, and they said the one doctor mentioned it as well, that they can't believe how calm Mitch and I are about all of this, and still smiling through it all. And I can truly say that I feel so at peace. I have no reason not to be calm or smiling, because God has brought two BEAUTIFUL children into our lives, and He is taking such good care of them. I think about how much I love them, and He loves them even more than that! Wow, His heart is just bursting for them.
Oh yes, one more thing, for Jaron they tried for the first time tonight to put in a PIC line, which is basically a permanent line that will go through his arm or leg and into a vein that leads all the way up to his heart. This is a good thing to have, that way the twins can get rid of their other IV's and this saves them from getting pricked over and over each time they might need medicine, etc. Jaron's PIC line did not take the first time, so the medical staff will try again. That's not uncommon for it not to take. There are about 4 nurses in the NICU that are trained to put in the line. I can't even imagine having to do that. The catheter that they use is as small as a thread and they have to get that into the tiny veins of a baby and then have it follow up to the heart. So, my prayer is that PIC line attempts have to be done the minimal amount of times as possible, and for the skill of the nurse. I am not sure when they will want to start Teagan on hers.
May you all find rest in the arms of Jesus!
Love,
Heather"
Thursday, August 13, 2009
JARON
Today, as we have been doing since Monday and as noted in THIS POST, we are asking that you cry out to the Lord for one family member, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family.
Today we ask that you pray for the sweet baby boy of the family, Jaron. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with him and pray over him. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read your notes and share them with their son and pray the scriptures over him.
Thank you to those of you who have continued to lift up prayers daily for this family. I pray that you will not grow weary in doing what is right and that your favor abounds with God and with man.
Today, let's pray for Jaron. You can see some specific prayer requests on the right hand sidebar. Also, cry out for the Lord to give you words or specifics to pray for. God is faithful to answer and he loves revealing himself to his children.
Today we ask that you pray for the sweet baby boy of the family, Jaron. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with him and pray over him. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read your notes and share them with their son and pray the scriptures over him.
Thank you to those of you who have continued to lift up prayers daily for this family. I pray that you will not grow weary in doing what is right and that your favor abounds with God and with man.
Today, let's pray for Jaron. You can see some specific prayer requests on the right hand sidebar. Also, cry out for the Lord to give you words or specifics to pray for. God is faithful to answer and he loves revealing himself to his children.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
KAYLAN
Today, as noted in THIS POST, and as we have done for the past few days, we are doing something new and asking that you cry out to the Lord for one family member, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family.
Today we ask that you pray for the twins' big sister Kaylan. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with her and pray over her. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read them and share them with Kaylan or simply pray the scriptures over her themselves.
Thanks again for all of the prayers and words of encouragement lifted up daily. Let's do it again for Kaylan. She is a very special little girl and has a uniquely important role to fill in the lives of the twins, just like they do in her life. In this time of newness, transition, and change we definitely covet your prayers for Big Sister too!
I know God wants to continue to encourage this family and to bless them with His voice, His words and His thoughts for them all. Keep it coming!
*and don't forget to check out the new update below! Yea, God!*
Today we ask that you pray for the twins' big sister Kaylan. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with her and pray over her. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that Heather and Mitch can read them and share them with Kaylan or simply pray the scriptures over her themselves.
Thanks again for all of the prayers and words of encouragement lifted up daily. Let's do it again for Kaylan. She is a very special little girl and has a uniquely important role to fill in the lives of the twins, just like they do in her life. In this time of newness, transition, and change we definitely covet your prayers for Big Sister too!
I know God wants to continue to encourage this family and to bless them with His voice, His words and His thoughts for them all. Keep it coming!
*and don't forget to check out the new update below! Yea, God!*
UPDATE - 8/12/09 8:00AM
Here is another message from the proud parents of Jaron, Teagan and Kaylan too!
"Sorry, I realized I never updated everybody on Jaron and Teagan's echo tests from Monday. Both of them had the open blood vessel, so on Monday they started their medication for that, which is just Ibuprofen. They get their last dose of it today and then will have another echo tomorrow to see if the openings are closed or closing. If they aren't closed the medical team will try a second round of medication before they say "surgery." Of course, you know our prayers are that medicine does the trick!! The twins are also going to get an ultrasound done on their brains tomorrow, only because many premies will have some bleeding in the brain. The one doctor, Dr. Fink, told me yesterday he's not expecting to see anything, and honestly I have such a peace about it as well. I am not feeling worried about that scan at all. God has certainly provided us with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Their feedings are still going well, Jaron is now on every 3 hours, as well as Teagan, but now Teagan is getting 2 cc's every 3 hours instead of one. It's amazing how much better they look, their coloring, and breathing. Jaron was pretty bruised up from being in the birth canal, and his bruises are definitely healing. It's amazing how much he looks like Mitch! Yes, at this very tiny stage you can tell he looks like daddy. I think he looks like a little beach bum, he looks like he has a tan with his hair (eyebrows and all) being bleached from the sun :-) And he always has himself stretched out... enjoying the room he has now I guess instead of sharing space with his sis.
Teagan's name fits her perfectly! Her tiny face is so beautiful. Her and her brother look nothing alike! She has dark hair... I am thinking by the time we take her home she is going to have a head of dark hair like her big sister! But you can already tell she is a little princess, we were having fun with them the other day and putting our wedding rings around their wrists ( we will try to get those pics out soon) and she was proudly showing off my diamond :-) Of course she is a princess, she is the daughter of a King... our God and Savior!!
Your prayers and comments from the blog have been amazing, and so encouraging. Thanks for being our "Aarons" for us and helping to keep our arms lifted during this time. We love you all so much. Be blessed in all you do.
Love,
Heather"
"Sorry, I realized I never updated everybody on Jaron and Teagan's echo tests from Monday. Both of them had the open blood vessel, so on Monday they started their medication for that, which is just Ibuprofen. They get their last dose of it today and then will have another echo tomorrow to see if the openings are closed or closing. If they aren't closed the medical team will try a second round of medication before they say "surgery." Of course, you know our prayers are that medicine does the trick!! The twins are also going to get an ultrasound done on their brains tomorrow, only because many premies will have some bleeding in the brain. The one doctor, Dr. Fink, told me yesterday he's not expecting to see anything, and honestly I have such a peace about it as well. I am not feeling worried about that scan at all. God has certainly provided us with His peace that surpasses all understanding.
Their feedings are still going well, Jaron is now on every 3 hours, as well as Teagan, but now Teagan is getting 2 cc's every 3 hours instead of one. It's amazing how much better they look, their coloring, and breathing. Jaron was pretty bruised up from being in the birth canal, and his bruises are definitely healing. It's amazing how much he looks like Mitch! Yes, at this very tiny stage you can tell he looks like daddy. I think he looks like a little beach bum, he looks like he has a tan with his hair (eyebrows and all) being bleached from the sun :-) And he always has himself stretched out... enjoying the room he has now I guess instead of sharing space with his sis.
Teagan's name fits her perfectly! Her tiny face is so beautiful. Her and her brother look nothing alike! She has dark hair... I am thinking by the time we take her home she is going to have a head of dark hair like her big sister! But you can already tell she is a little princess, we were having fun with them the other day and putting our wedding rings around their wrists ( we will try to get those pics out soon) and she was proudly showing off my diamond :-) Of course she is a princess, she is the daughter of a King... our God and Savior!!
Your prayers and comments from the blog have been amazing, and so encouraging. Thanks for being our "Aarons" for us and helping to keep our arms lifted during this time. We love you all so much. Be blessed in all you do.
Love,
Heather"
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
MITCH
Today, as noted in THIS POST, we are doing something new and asking that you cry out to the Lord for one family member, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family.
Today we ask that you pray for Mitch.
Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with the twins' Daddy, Mitch. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that he can read them and be blessed.
Thanks for all of the prayers and words of encouragement lifted up for Heather yesterday. Let's do it again for Mitch. I know God wants to encourage this family and to bless them with His voice, His words and His thoughts for them all.
Today we ask that you pray for Mitch.
Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with the twins' Daddy, Mitch. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that he can read them and be blessed.
Thanks for all of the prayers and words of encouragement lifted up for Heather yesterday. Let's do it again for Mitch. I know God wants to encourage this family and to bless them with His voice, His words and His thoughts for them all.
Monday, August 10, 2009
NEW SITE BUTTON
For those of you who have a blog you probably know what a site button is. But, just in case you don't...
Check out the SITE BUTTON on the right menu. It is complete with a copy and paste html code so that you can add the "Pray for the Shellenberger Twins" button to your own blog and therefore encourage all of your blog traffic to head over hear, learn about Jaron and Teagan, be moved by what the Lord is doing and join in!
All people have to do is click on the picture and it sends them over here! Pretty cool, huh?
Try it. The button on the right is a working site button too!
If you need directions on how to put the button on your own blog just comment on this post, leave contact info and I will tell you how!
PS: don't forget about this post. Today we are praying for Heather. Let her know!
Check out the SITE BUTTON on the right menu. It is complete with a copy and paste html code so that you can add the "Pray for the Shellenberger Twins" button to your own blog and therefore encourage all of your blog traffic to head over hear, learn about Jaron and Teagan, be moved by what the Lord is doing and join in!
All people have to do is click on the picture and it sends them over here! Pretty cool, huh?
Try it. The button on the right is a working site button too!
If you need directions on how to put the button on your own blog just comment on this post, leave contact info and I will tell you how!
PS: don't forget about this post. Today we are praying for Heather. Let her know!
UPDATE: 8/10/09 11AM
Here is an update from the Shellenberger Family:
"Today we are able to go home. It's a bittersweet thing, but I know that's where it's best for us to relax and recover, and be able to spend our time with Kaylan and love on her. This morning Jaron and Teagan got their echo tests, and we will probably find out the results sometime this afternoon.
They are on their feedings now to stimulate their gut... starting out 1 milliliter every 6 hours. Teagan is now on every 3 hours, and Jaron still on 6. So we pray that Teagan continues every three and that Jaron will be soon to follow with that! Also, Teagan is off of the light, her bilirubin number is now low enough, and they said they hope to have Jaron off of the light soon too. Of course, the staff always let us know that these kind of things are stop and go, but when you have babies that are covered in this much prayer, and people believing for the supernatural, I know it's going to GO more than stop!
Again, we love you all so much and will try to keep you as up to date as possible! We serve a mighty, active and living God!
Love,
Mitch, Heather, Kaylan, Jaron, and Teagan"
"Today we are able to go home. It's a bittersweet thing, but I know that's where it's best for us to relax and recover, and be able to spend our time with Kaylan and love on her. This morning Jaron and Teagan got their echo tests, and we will probably find out the results sometime this afternoon.
They are on their feedings now to stimulate their gut... starting out 1 milliliter every 6 hours. Teagan is now on every 3 hours, and Jaron still on 6. So we pray that Teagan continues every three and that Jaron will be soon to follow with that! Also, Teagan is off of the light, her bilirubin number is now low enough, and they said they hope to have Jaron off of the light soon too. Of course, the staff always let us know that these kind of things are stop and go, but when you have babies that are covered in this much prayer, and people believing for the supernatural, I know it's going to GO more than stop!
Again, we love you all so much and will try to keep you as up to date as possible! We serve a mighty, active and living God!
Love,
Mitch, Heather, Kaylan, Jaron, and Teagan"
HEATHER
Today, as noted in THIS POST, we are doing something new and asking that you cry out to the Lord for Heather, specifically, in addition to your time spent praying over the twins and family. Ask God for words of encouragement, scripture, dreams, visions and thoughts to share with Heather. Then come back to this blog and add your comments below so that she can read them and be blessed.
Thank you for pouring out.
Thank you for pouring out.
This Week
Many of you have asked how you can help out. Many of you are wondering if there is more that you can do.
Over the weekend I had a chance to think, pray, and ask other parents of micro-preemies about the things that would be most helpful to the Shellenberger Family over this time. Overwhelmingly the revelation and responses I received was "prayer" and "encouragement." There will surely be opportunity in the days and months ahead to pour into the Shellenberger family tangibly and I have been given some great ideas and suggestions from other NICU mommies on just how we can do that. But, for now what seems most needed is prayer and encouragement.
So, with that in mind, we will begin a new "project" today. You are all more than welcomed to continue signing up for the 24-hour prayer slots. This "project" is in addition.
This week I would like to set aside one day (Monday through Friday) to pray for a specific member of the Shellenberger Family.
Monday - Heather
Tuesday - Mitch
Wednesday - Kaylan
Thursday - Jaron
Friday - Teagan
Of course, the blog will be updated as we receive word about the twins, and I know we will all continue to cry out for every member of the family. But, on the day designated for each person I am asking you to spend time with the Lord, pray, listen, read, receive and then ENCOURAGE by posting your thoughts, prayers, words, and scripture on the blog via the comment section. I will set up a post each day that simply states the family member's name. Then all of you can start adding comments to encourage that specific person. Mitch and Heather are reading the blog and they have been very blessed by the words and messages that many of you have already written throughout the blog. They will surely find strength and peace in reading your heart-felt, God-breathed revelations and prayers for them as individuals.
*PS - check out the map! Have you seen it lately? It shows all the visitors in the past 24 hours! I have seen visitors from 6 of the 7 continents, lots of amazing countries and cities! Hi to all from around the world, thank you for your part in making this blog to pray for the Shellenberger twins a global effort!*
Over the weekend I had a chance to think, pray, and ask other parents of micro-preemies about the things that would be most helpful to the Shellenberger Family over this time. Overwhelmingly the revelation and responses I received was "prayer" and "encouragement." There will surely be opportunity in the days and months ahead to pour into the Shellenberger family tangibly and I have been given some great ideas and suggestions from other NICU mommies on just how we can do that. But, for now what seems most needed is prayer and encouragement.
So, with that in mind, we will begin a new "project" today. You are all more than welcomed to continue signing up for the 24-hour prayer slots. This "project" is in addition.
This week I would like to set aside one day (Monday through Friday) to pray for a specific member of the Shellenberger Family.
Monday - Heather
Tuesday - Mitch
Wednesday - Kaylan
Thursday - Jaron
Friday - Teagan
Of course, the blog will be updated as we receive word about the twins, and I know we will all continue to cry out for every member of the family. But, on the day designated for each person I am asking you to spend time with the Lord, pray, listen, read, receive and then ENCOURAGE by posting your thoughts, prayers, words, and scripture on the blog via the comment section. I will set up a post each day that simply states the family member's name. Then all of you can start adding comments to encourage that specific person. Mitch and Heather are reading the blog and they have been very blessed by the words and messages that many of you have already written throughout the blog. They will surely find strength and peace in reading your heart-felt, God-breathed revelations and prayers for them as individuals.
*PS - check out the map! Have you seen it lately? It shows all the visitors in the past 24 hours! I have seen visitors from 6 of the 7 continents, lots of amazing countries and cities! Hi to all from around the world, thank you for your part in making this blog to pray for the Shellenberger twins a global effort!*
Sunday, August 9, 2009
AN UPDATE FROM THE SHELLENBERGERS- 1AM 8/9/09
"Hello to all! I can't even begin to say how grateful Mitch and I are for the awesome support system we have in our family, friends, and people we don't even know! We are just overwhelmed with emotion of how the Lord has used these two tiny lives to bring His body together, uniting us in prayer. And believe me every single prayer has been felt and heard!
First things first, we finally named the babies, so when you pray you can now cry out their names. Our little boy's name is Jaron Mitchell. Jaron means " he will sing out, he will cry out. " The spiritual connotation is JOYFUL and the verse for him is Job.8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing." Mitchell, I am sure you figure how we came up with that... his daddy's name. Even at the tiny stage, we think he looks like Mitch :-) Mitchell also means "who is like God." Our little girl is Teagan Colette. Teagan means attractive, and the spiritual connotation is faithful. Her verse is this.. Titus 2:10 "They.... should know their masters they can be fully trusted so that in everything they do they will make the teaching of God attractive."
Jaron and Teagan are still doing great, they are still on a minimal amount of oxygen and today they started their first feedings. They each got 1 mililiter of my milk and then 8 hours later would get another feeding if they digested the first, AND THEY DID, so they both got a second feeding tonight. This is a gut stimulation for them right now, getting their little stomachs ready to do what they were made to do. The nurses say that this process can be stop and go... so pray that they will continue to digest the mild, because this will make them grow. We are going to "chub" them up :-) Another thing to pray for - sometime this week they will do an echocardiogram (not scheduled yet) to make sure the certain heart valve ( i forget the name) is closed or open. In a lot of premies the valves are still open, and it could mean surgery (which would take place at Hershey) or it can sometimes mean just medication. Let's go the whole way and believe in Jesus name that these valves will be closed!! There's no other name that will be able to do it but Him!
We will be here until Monday, and then it will be traveling back and forth from home. Pray that we can get a good schedule figured out, especially for Kaylan. All of the sudden her world has been changed... although right now I think she's enjoying all of the attention she is getting from grandparents, aunties and uncles. She tells people she is a big sister, and likes to look at the babies, she even knows the process of having to wash your hands first before you go back. She's an awesome little girl.
We love you all so much, thank you a million times over for standing in the gap for our family!
Love,
Mitch, Heather, Kaylan, Jaron and Teagan"
First things first, we finally named the babies, so when you pray you can now cry out their names. Our little boy's name is Jaron Mitchell. Jaron means " he will sing out, he will cry out. " The spiritual connotation is JOYFUL and the verse for him is Job.8:21 "He will yet fill your mouth with laughing, and your lips with rejoicing." Mitchell, I am sure you figure how we came up with that... his daddy's name. Even at the tiny stage, we think he looks like Mitch :-) Mitchell also means "who is like God." Our little girl is Teagan Colette. Teagan means attractive, and the spiritual connotation is faithful. Her verse is this.. Titus 2:10 "They.... should know their masters they can be fully trusted so that in everything they do they will make the teaching of God attractive."
Jaron and Teagan are still doing great, they are still on a minimal amount of oxygen and today they started their first feedings. They each got 1 mililiter of my milk and then 8 hours later would get another feeding if they digested the first, AND THEY DID, so they both got a second feeding tonight. This is a gut stimulation for them right now, getting their little stomachs ready to do what they were made to do. The nurses say that this process can be stop and go... so pray that they will continue to digest the mild, because this will make them grow. We are going to "chub" them up :-) Another thing to pray for - sometime this week they will do an echocardiogram (not scheduled yet) to make sure the certain heart valve ( i forget the name) is closed or open. In a lot of premies the valves are still open, and it could mean surgery (which would take place at Hershey) or it can sometimes mean just medication. Let's go the whole way and believe in Jesus name that these valves will be closed!! There's no other name that will be able to do it but Him!
We will be here until Monday, and then it will be traveling back and forth from home. Pray that we can get a good schedule figured out, especially for Kaylan. All of the sudden her world has been changed... although right now I think she's enjoying all of the attention she is getting from grandparents, aunties and uncles. She tells people she is a big sister, and likes to look at the babies, she even knows the process of having to wash your hands first before you go back. She's an awesome little girl.
We love you all so much, thank you a million times over for standing in the gap for our family!
Love,
Mitch, Heather, Kaylan, Jaron and Teagan"
Saturday, August 8, 2009
No New Updates Yet
Hi, all. Just wanted to leave a note to say that I do not have any new news to report at this time but, as soon as I hear some details I will be sure to update the blog.
Thanks to all of you for continuing to check out the blog, for leaving comments with encouragement and prayers for the Shellenberger family and for diligently praying all throughout the day and night. We are certain that there are so many more praying than we even know! Check out the map on the right side bar. See all the red stars... those are visitors to this blog. If you put your mouse over the stars it will show you exactly where visitors are from.
It is amazing to see stars all over the United States and even around the world. So many people lifting the twins up in prayer! Praise God.
We still have lots of openings for tomorrow's round-the-clock prayer. Please sign up if you are able. AND - starting Monday I have a few other ideas up my sleeve for ways in which we can love on and encourage the family. So keep checking back!
Thanks to all of you for continuing to check out the blog, for leaving comments with encouragement and prayers for the Shellenberger family and for diligently praying all throughout the day and night. We are certain that there are so many more praying than we even know! Check out the map on the right side bar. See all the red stars... those are visitors to this blog. If you put your mouse over the stars it will show you exactly where visitors are from.
It is amazing to see stars all over the United States and even around the world. So many people lifting the twins up in prayer! Praise God.
We still have lots of openings for tomorrow's round-the-clock prayer. Please sign up if you are able. AND - starting Monday I have a few other ideas up my sleeve for ways in which we can love on and encourage the family. So keep checking back!
Friday, August 7, 2009
WANT TO COVER THE BABES IN PRAYER???
For as long as we can, we would like to devote ourselves to covering the Shellenberger babes in 24-hour-round-the-clock prayer. If you would like to be a part of this movement please sign up for a time slot.
The steps to do this are easy:
Go to the right hand menu (under blog archive) and select a prayer date "Pray 8/8/09," for instance. Then post a comment listing the time that you would like to cover the twins in prayer. I will update the list so that others who chose to pray that day can see it and chose their time slots accordingly. More than one pray-er per hours is welcomed.
Also, feel free to add your thoughts, prayers, words of knowledge, encouragement, dreams, visions or sentiments in the comment section as well. Many of our prayer warriors have been adding things that the Lord has laid on their hearts during their times of prayer! What an encouragement and testimony.
There are still lots of times available for 8.8.09 (tomorrow).
Keep up the good work.
The steps to do this are easy:
Go to the right hand menu (under blog archive) and select a prayer date "Pray 8/8/09," for instance. Then post a comment listing the time that you would like to cover the twins in prayer. I will update the list so that others who chose to pray that day can see it and chose their time slots accordingly. More than one pray-er per hours is welcomed.
Also, feel free to add your thoughts, prayers, words of knowledge, encouragement, dreams, visions or sentiments in the comment section as well. Many of our prayer warriors have been adding things that the Lord has laid on their hearts during their times of prayer! What an encouragement and testimony.
There are still lots of times available for 8.8.09 (tomorrow).
Keep up the good work.
UPDATE 8/7/09 - 12:50pm
Hi, friends.
Only good news to report here! The still unnamed twins are doing GREAT. I mean, really great. They are both trying to breathe on their own which is such an accomplishment for their young gestation! Hearts and lungs are doing awesome.
One prayer request the family has asked is that we pray for continued health of heart and lungs but also the BIG PRAYER is for health and wholeness in the digestive systems and brains of these two miracles. All of the major organ groups typically mature for several more weeks in utero so these little kiddos have to do that maturing outside of the womb and we are praying that with God's awesome hand of grace and goodness that the process is flawless and speedy.
A cute little story about BIG SISTER KAYLAN: After visiting her brother and sister in the NICU she was asked if her siblings were little or big. Kaylan says that they are BIG!! Out of the mouths of babes...!!! We are believing and speaking that same thing as Kaylan and her child-like faith, that the littlest Shellenbergers are BIG, that they are healthy and that they will remain that way for years to come!
Mom, Heather, is up and walking around and is doing well.
Please continue to pray for Babies Boy and Girl Shellenberger and sign up for hourly time slots in order to keep these sweet ones bathed in consistent prayer for the days and weeks ahead. More than one person per time slot is welcomed and encouraged. It looks like we have 24 hour prayer for the rest of today. Please remember to sign up for the weekend slots too. Thanks so much.
Praise be to God for all the great things he has done in their lives ALREADY! How amazingly wonderful.
Stay Tuned.
Only good news to report here! The still unnamed twins are doing GREAT. I mean, really great. They are both trying to breathe on their own which is such an accomplishment for their young gestation! Hearts and lungs are doing awesome.
One prayer request the family has asked is that we pray for continued health of heart and lungs but also the BIG PRAYER is for health and wholeness in the digestive systems and brains of these two miracles. All of the major organ groups typically mature for several more weeks in utero so these little kiddos have to do that maturing outside of the womb and we are praying that with God's awesome hand of grace and goodness that the process is flawless and speedy.
A cute little story about BIG SISTER KAYLAN: After visiting her brother and sister in the NICU she was asked if her siblings were little or big. Kaylan says that they are BIG!! Out of the mouths of babes...!!! We are believing and speaking that same thing as Kaylan and her child-like faith, that the littlest Shellenbergers are BIG, that they are healthy and that they will remain that way for years to come!
Mom, Heather, is up and walking around and is doing well.
Please continue to pray for Babies Boy and Girl Shellenberger and sign up for hourly time slots in order to keep these sweet ones bathed in consistent prayer for the days and weeks ahead. More than one person per time slot is welcomed and encouraged. It looks like we have 24 hour prayer for the rest of today. Please remember to sign up for the weekend slots too. Thanks so much.
Praise be to God for all the great things he has done in their lives ALREADY! How amazingly wonderful.
Stay Tuned.
No News Is Good News
I don't have much to report in terms of details at this time. Our sources say nothing has changed and so around here we like to say that "no news - is good news!"
The twins' Aunt Amber (yes, they have many beautiful, praying Aunties!) reported that the twins had a "great first night" according to the nursing staff and that their breathing equipment did not need to be changed or adjusted throughout the night! THIS IS AMAZING. Baby Boy even opened his eyes for a little bit. Mom and Dad are doing well.
Thanks to those of you who prayed through the night and battled tiredness and darkness to war in the spirit. Thank you for loving the twins and taking them to the Lord in prayer.
*A little more technical - when I wrote above that the twins "breathing equipment did not need to be changed or adjusted" what that really meant was that they had no ventilation changes throughout the night. Their vents were already on the lowest setting and they needed no additional oxygen through the hours of the night. Yea God! Thanks for the update Aunt Andrea!!*
The twins' Aunt Amber (yes, they have many beautiful, praying Aunties!) reported that the twins had a "great first night" according to the nursing staff and that their breathing equipment did not need to be changed or adjusted throughout the night! THIS IS AMAZING. Baby Boy even opened his eyes for a little bit. Mom and Dad are doing well.
Thanks to those of you who prayed through the night and battled tiredness and darkness to war in the spirit. Thank you for loving the twins and taking them to the Lord in prayer.
*A little more technical - when I wrote above that the twins "breathing equipment did not need to be changed or adjusted" what that really meant was that they had no ventilation changes throughout the night. Their vents were already on the lowest setting and they needed no additional oxygen through the hours of the night. Yea God! Thanks for the update Aunt Andrea!!*
Isaiah 43: 1-3
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel your Savior."
Thursday, August 6, 2009
UPDATE 10:20pm - 8/6/09
I have been communicating with the twins' Auntie Carrie and here is the latest:
The twins are still unnamed. Baby Boy Shellenberger has lighter hair and is 1lb. 14 ounces. Baby Girl Shellenberger has dark hair (like her big sister Kaylan) and is 1lb. 11 ounces. Both of them are still stable at this point and Mommy Heather was waking up and was heading to go and meet her miracles.
The twins will stay at Women and Babies Hospital in Lancaster unless any complications arise that would be better handled elsewhere. We are praying that this is not the case though and that these two siblings will thrive and grow and be safe right where they are.
The story of the big day (which may be later corrected by Mommy or Daddy since this is a whisper-down-the-lane sort of playback) is that Heather was at work today and had some contractions but nothing too serious. She decided to rest this evening because she was not feeling the greatest and was having the contractions. She called her midwife, went to the hospital to be checked and it was there that her water broke and she was ready to deliver with Baby Boy Shellenberger in the birth canal. In order to put the least amount of stress on his precious body or that of his sister, Heather was immediately put under sedation and the twins were delivered via emergency C-section.
Praise God for his wisdom and counsel over the medical team and for his impeccable timing in getting Heather to the hospital in time. Thank you, Father. Thank you!
The twins are still unnamed. Baby Boy Shellenberger has lighter hair and is 1lb. 14 ounces. Baby Girl Shellenberger has dark hair (like her big sister Kaylan) and is 1lb. 11 ounces. Both of them are still stable at this point and Mommy Heather was waking up and was heading to go and meet her miracles.
The twins will stay at Women and Babies Hospital in Lancaster unless any complications arise that would be better handled elsewhere. We are praying that this is not the case though and that these two siblings will thrive and grow and be safe right where they are.
The story of the big day (which may be later corrected by Mommy or Daddy since this is a whisper-down-the-lane sort of playback) is that Heather was at work today and had some contractions but nothing too serious. She decided to rest this evening because she was not feeling the greatest and was having the contractions. She called her midwife, went to the hospital to be checked and it was there that her water broke and she was ready to deliver with Baby Boy Shellenberger in the birth canal. In order to put the least amount of stress on his precious body or that of his sister, Heather was immediately put under sedation and the twins were delivered via emergency C-section.
Praise God for his wisdom and counsel over the medical team and for his impeccable timing in getting Heather to the hospital in time. Thank you, Father. Thank you!
Pray for the Shellenberger Twins
If you are visiting this blog then you know that Mitch and Heather Shellenberger welcomed their twins (a boy and a girl) into the world today. They weighed in at a precious 1lb 11oz. and 1lb. 14oz. The tiny ones were born via emergency c-section and are both ALIVE! This is a great praise considering that they were born 15 weeks early.
It is often said in the medical community that the first 24 hours of premature life is critical. The road ahead is unknown. What we do know is that we serve a God who is gracious - a God who is mighty to save.
We are asking that if you visit this blog you would please sign up to pray for the twins during one (OR MORE) of the 1-hour time slots. You can see a listing of the time slots located on the right-hand menu under "BLOG ARCHIVE" or by scrolling down below. Please simply click on the link and then enter the "comment" section and sign you name.
You are also more than welcome to add words of encouragement, scripture or other notes in the comment section. Also, please spread the word. We covet the prayers of friends, family and strangers, alike.
Thank you for praying for these sweet little lives. We are believing for miracles to abound. Please believe with us and cover these children in prayer.
*I will try, as much as I am able, to update you with any information that I hear. If you are a friend or family member and would like access to the blog to make updates please contact me: LaurenUhrich@comcast.net.*
It is often said in the medical community that the first 24 hours of premature life is critical. The road ahead is unknown. What we do know is that we serve a God who is gracious - a God who is mighty to save.
We are asking that if you visit this blog you would please sign up to pray for the twins during one (OR MORE) of the 1-hour time slots. You can see a listing of the time slots located on the right-hand menu under "BLOG ARCHIVE" or by scrolling down below. Please simply click on the link and then enter the "comment" section and sign you name.
You are also more than welcome to add words of encouragement, scripture or other notes in the comment section. Also, please spread the word. We covet the prayers of friends, family and strangers, alike.
Thank you for praying for these sweet little lives. We are believing for miracles to abound. Please believe with us and cover these children in prayer.
*I will try, as much as I am able, to update you with any information that I hear. If you are a friend or family member and would like access to the blog to make updates please contact me: LaurenUhrich@comcast.net.*
PRAY 8/8/09
Beginning on Saturday 8/8/09 we are going to do the hourly prayer sign-up a bit differently. I have listed the hourly time slots below for the entire day. Please comment on this post with your selected time you may also comment to give encouragement, bible verses, or messages for the Shellenbergers. I will then update the post to write your name in the time slot so that other blog viewers can see what is still available without scrolling through all the comments. This will cut down on all of the postings and should help to keep the blog organized in the future.
12AM - Annette Darity Garber
1AM - Missy Buckwalter King
2AM - Angela Ebersole
3AM -
4AM - Lauren Uhrich
5AM - Nate and Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jen Lints
7AM - Karen Shenk
8AM- Josh and Amber Bitterman
9AM- Meghan Brown
10AM- Jamy, Michelle and Kids, Bushong Family
11AM- Maigen Ressler
12PM- Jen Lints
1PM- Buckwalters
2PM- Dan and Marie Monville
3PM- Stacy Delisle
4PM- Shedakers and Prescotts
5PM- Chad and Lindsay Heller
6PM- Mike Bollinger and Family
7PM- Terri
8PM- Ron, Mary, Chris and Kerri Ressler
9PM- Lora, Darlene Hamlin
10PM- Travis and Erin Risser
11PM- Karen Shenk, Nicki Nafziger
Thanks everyone! Keep up the eternally good work!
12AM - Annette Darity Garber
1AM - Missy Buckwalter King
2AM - Angela Ebersole
3AM -
4AM - Lauren Uhrich
5AM - Nate and Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jen Lints
7AM - Karen Shenk
8AM- Josh and Amber Bitterman
9AM- Meghan Brown
10AM- Jamy, Michelle and Kids, Bushong Family
11AM- Maigen Ressler
12PM- Jen Lints
1PM- Buckwalters
2PM- Dan and Marie Monville
3PM- Stacy Delisle
4PM- Shedakers and Prescotts
5PM- Chad and Lindsay Heller
6PM- Mike Bollinger and Family
7PM- Terri
8PM- Ron, Mary, Chris and Kerri Ressler
9PM- Lora, Darlene Hamlin
10PM- Travis and Erin Risser
11PM- Karen Shenk, Nicki Nafziger
Thanks everyone! Keep up the eternally good work!
PRAY 8/9/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM - Missy Buckwalter King
2AM - Lauren Uhrich
3AM- Jill Hostetler Brenner, Melaina
4AM -
5AM - Christi Krasley
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Karen Shenk
8AM- Brian and Brynne McHugh, Lois and Bob Brubaker
9AM- Joanne Good
10AM- Bushong Family
11AM- Andrew and Courtney Braynt
12PM-
1PM- Bec, Terri
2PM-
3PM- Margie Lehman
4PM- Audrey Rohrer, Grubics
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM- Terri
9PM- Anonymous
10PM- Nafzigers
11PM- Karen Shenk
12AM -
1AM - Missy Buckwalter King
2AM - Lauren Uhrich
3AM- Jill Hostetler Brenner, Melaina
4AM -
5AM - Christi Krasley
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Karen Shenk
8AM- Brian and Brynne McHugh, Lois and Bob Brubaker
9AM- Joanne Good
10AM- Bushong Family
11AM- Andrew and Courtney Braynt
12PM-
1PM- Bec, Terri
2PM-
3PM- Margie Lehman
4PM- Audrey Rohrer, Grubics
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM- Terri
9PM- Anonymous
10PM- Nafzigers
11PM- Karen Shenk
PRAY 8/10/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM - Joanna Chappell
1AM -
2AM -
3AM- Lauren Uhrich
4AM -
5AM - Laura Horning Matula, Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Karen Shenk, Claudia Preston
8AM- Carey Bender
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM- Shelly Rozzell
2PM-
3PM-
4PM- Tara Kenkelen
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM- Anonymous
10PM- Amanda Kuklis
11PM- Karen Shenk, Melissa and family, Katrina Nesmith
12AM - Joanna Chappell
1AM -
2AM -
3AM- Lauren Uhrich
4AM -
5AM - Laura Horning Matula, Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Karen Shenk, Claudia Preston
8AM- Carey Bender
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM- Shelly Rozzell
2PM-
3PM-
4PM- Tara Kenkelen
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM- Anonymous
10PM- Amanda Kuklis
11PM- Karen Shenk, Melissa and family, Katrina Nesmith
PRAY 8/11/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM - Carey Bender
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon Peifer
8AM- Jen Berry Probst
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM- Heather Ann Geeseman
1PM-
2PM-
3PM- Aaron Martin
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM- Heather's Life Group
9PM-
10PM- Katrina Nesmith
11PM-Kyle, Teresa and Maddie
12AM -
1AM - Carey Bender
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon Peifer
8AM- Jen Berry Probst
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM- Heather Ann Geeseman
1PM-
2PM-
3PM- Aaron Martin
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM- Heather's Life Group
9PM-
10PM- Katrina Nesmith
11PM-Kyle, Teresa and Maddie
PRAY 8/12/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM - Anne
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish, Sarah Kiehl
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM- Carey Bender
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM- Amanda Kuklis
12AM -
1AM - Anne
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish, Sarah Kiehl
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM- Carey Bender
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM- Amanda Kuklis
PRAY 8/13/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Nate and Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM- Carey Bender
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Nate and Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM- Carey Bender
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
PRAY 8/14/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM - Randifa Payton
1AM - Randifa Payton
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon
8AM-
9AM-
10AM- Jeanne Lippy
11AM-
12PM- Amy
1PM-
2PM-
3PM- Becky Waynick
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
12AM - Randifa Payton
1AM - Randifa Payton
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM - Jenny Hoover
6AM - Jennifer Harnish
7AM - Jay and Sharon
8AM-
9AM-
10AM- Jeanne Lippy
11AM-
12PM- Amy
1PM-
2PM-
3PM- Becky Waynick
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
PRAY 8/15/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
PRAY 8/16/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM- Chiques United Methodist Church
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM-
9AM-
10AM- Chiques United Methodist Church
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
PRAY 8/17/09
Please sign up for an hour to cover the twins in prayer. More than one person per time slot is welcomed!!!
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM- Amy
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
12AM -
1AM -
2AM -
3AM-
4AM -
5AM -
6AM -
7AM -
8AM- Amy
9AM-
10AM-
11AM-
12PM-
1PM-
2PM-
3PM-
4PM-
5PM-
6PM-
7PM-
8PM-
9PM-
10PM-
11PM-
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