THIS PAST SUNDAY//
We started a new series at Crosspoint on Sunday called INTEGRATE. It’s looking at how GOD is more concerned with you than just your “spiritual life.” Sunday, Curt looked at how your physical state plays into your spiritual state and vice versa. The rest of the month will focus on the other 3 non-spiritual parts [...]
FATHERHOOD//
I had this thought the other day. I’m a dad now. Not in the sense of a “daddy-o” (apparently, 60′s jazz lingo is making a comeback). But, in the sense of it’s now after 1am and I’m simultaneously watching TV and a baby monitor. It’s still very surreal. We’ve only been home for the hospital [...]
THE SOUND OF THUNDER//
There’s always been something to me about thunderstorms. It’s crazy to me, but every time it dumps buckets, Angie wants to watch Twister. I would rather just listen to it. There’s a peaceful nature to the tink of the drops hitting the vent cap of the fireplace. A refreshing smell that overtakes all other senses [...]
DAY 14// 348 HOURS
+ 12:30AM – MAY 21, 2009 + 348 hours ago, I was covered in paint with a handful of preschool and kindergarten kids. 348 hours ago, I got the phone call that he was going to be born on May 6. Now, nearly 1600 miles later, 1000 miles over the need for an oil change, [...]
DAY 13// THE END MAY BE IN SIGHT
At this moment, Angie and I are both curled up on a hospital twin bed watching Isaac breathe. We’re not sure how else you check to see if a baby is doing OK without monitors and bells. This AM we got a call from the hospital asking if we’d like to “room in” tonight. That’s [...]
A COUPLE OF THINGS BEFORE I GO TO BED//
#1. We know a lot of people are praying for Isaac and for us. It’s down to the last issue. As previously stated, he’s had some heart rate drops that are keeping him from passing his car seat test. Tonight was no different. I talked to the nurse about 15 minutes ago and he made [...]
BEST SHAVING STORY EVER//
Everyone should read this: http://www.ragamuffinsoul.com/2009/05/the-beard/. Thanks, Los. I needed this today.
MY VIEWS ON TODAY'S ABORTION PROTESTS//
As we drove in this morning to visit Isaac in the NICU, Michigan Street (SR 31 through South Bend) was littered with protesters over President Obama’s stance on stem cell research and abortion as well as his receiving an honorary degree from a Catholic institution. Let me pause and say that I believe in the [...]
NICU: 11 DAYS IN//
(CLICK FOR TODAY’S PHOTO) Today started like the other 10 days we’ve been here. We got up, called the NICU for a report, and drove in to see him. Our phone report sent our emotions through the roof. All tubes were taken out this morning. Yesterday, they took him off any O2 support, and this [...]
DAY 9// STAYING AWAKE
(LINK TO TODAY’S PHOTO) Time in the NICU is like time nowhere else. It just disappears. I’m not sure if it’s because we’re sitting here staring at our son or if it’s because it’s so different than the rest of life. It’ll feel like we’ve been there for 15 minutes and it’s been 2 hours. [...]
MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE//
Tonight was a little different for us than the last week has been. Tonight we ate a home cooked meal that didn’t consist of peanut butter and jelly (Peter Pan & Raspberry Smuckers Jam on wheat… the best). Ma-Cindy, Isaac’s new MI grandmother, had made some chicken noodle soup from scratch last night and offered [...]
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
The NICU isn’t a place you usually hear much laughter. With a name like Isaac (which means “he will laugh”) I would expect nothing less from this little one. And the proof: He just farted on his mom. I heard it on the other side of the room. She’s now turning up her nose from [...]
DAY 7//
Isaac is a week old today… is that a “birthday” to celebrate? Either way, we are celebrating him like it’s our job! Last night was a good night. – His little lungs are still progressing. The nurse is hoping to ween him down a little slowly today. – He’s taking his feedings by bottle! It [...]
WHAT I NEEDED TODAY//
I just received an email from a friend and fellow Christ-follower and music snob. This is what it said: Subject: Have you seen this? [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-lY8VQpSTY&hl=en&fs=1] Thanks, Tim. It’s what I needed today. -PJT//
ISAAC UPDATE//
Turns out I’m getting the short end of the stick… First vomit … right here. Thank you, SO much. He really is doing better. Nurse Stephanie explained to us that after some labs and an x-ray this morning they think the heart rate drop was from reflux. They’re continuing to increase his feedings. He’s now [...]
DAY 6// A MINOR SET BACK
(THIS PICTURE IS A LINK TO ISAAC’S PHOTO-A-DAY BLOG) It’s probably no real surprise to anyone for me to say I’m a perfectionist. Nor would it surprise anyone to say that I have a “drive” that pushes me forward. I don’t like standing still. I hate U-turns. And, set backs discourage me. As minor as [...]
DAY 5//
For everyone tracking the days… today is the REAL Day 5. Wednesday would have been DAY 0 not DAY 1… Math was never my strong suit. I’m realizing how fortunate we are that this has been such a smooth process in the NICU (knocking on wood). Every day we’ve been able to list progression over [...]
MOTHER'S DAY//
I just got done reading an article about why baby name trends are the way they are… apparently, we’re not as original as any of us like to think we are… I’ve claimed this for awhile. I have no original thought. I steal jokes. I sing other people’s songs. But, ultimately it’s not about me [...]
DAY 4 – BILIRUBIN LAMPS//
My mom tells stories of me being under Bilirubin lamps for a week with Jaundice when I was born (I was also technically a preemie). I don’t think it looked like this: Nurse Kittie (no lie), explained to us that the new Bilirubin lamps are all LED. They are supposedly a little stronger and more [...]
End of Day 2//
It’s been a long day. It seems like sleeping last night in the hotel in South Bend was a dream… it feels very surreal. We actually came home tonight to shore up a few details for the next few weeks. It’s looking as if we’ll be up north for the next few weeks. Charlie was [...]
Isaac James Towle//
Born: May 6, 2009 – 2:38pm 4 lbs. 11 oz. 17.5 Inches ****** Dear Issac, Dude, you’re not supposed to freak us out this soon. You’re just 6 hours old yet and we’re stressing over you… I know, you’re just prepping us for what’s to come, but seriously. There are a lot of people praying [...]
BEEN A FEW DAYS//
It’s been a few days and a lot has happened. Friday I wore a tie. I don’t wear ties very often. When I do it makes me feel adult, grown up … even with my shaggy hair and dark-rimmed glasses. I feel like a productive member of society when I wear a tie. However, my [...]
PICTURES OF YOUR OWN S#*+?
About a week ago, I was having coffee with a friend that told me he told me about a 20-something nephew that takes picture of his poop. Obviously, post-movement. In the toilet. He documents them. Keeps files on his computer. And, he shares them with people. Weirdest and one of the funniest things I’ve ever [...]
EASTER*//
I’m starting to see how the insanely complex concept of EASTER can really be boiled down to just a few simple things. EASTER IS ABOUT HOPE. JESUS WON A BATTLE FOR YOU ON EASTER. WE ARE ALL CHOSEN ON EASTER. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9t950bfm8&hl=en&fs=1] Our spiritual adoption is something for which we sign on the line. It’s not [...]
