Prayers for baby
Our sweet little baby Joseph Thomas arrived yesterday
The Feast of the Annunciation
7 lbs. 4 oz., 19 inches long
Unfortunately, he has some breathing problems (unrelated to my medical issues) that mean that he requires NICU care, and is now being transferred to a NICU at a different hospital with better facilities. Even more unfortunately, I have to stay here at the delivery hospital until we get my blood thinners under control. I haven’t even seen him that much since he’s been born.
Hallie keeps sending me encouraging texts telling me I’m being so strong. I’ve been meaning to follow up and ask her for some examples of what “not being strong at all” would look like. Because I’m pretty sure that that’s what I’m actually doing.
Needless to say, this is a stressful situation for all involved, so we appreciate any prayers you can offer. Thanks again for all your wonderful support.
Praise God for a successful delivery and the fact that you’re still alive throughout all this! 🙂 And prayers for little Joseph.
Prayers for you, your baby and your family. Hang in there and I am sure you’re being very strong.
It will get easier and better! You have already gone through so much. Take comfort that you are both in good hands. Praying for reunion – soon!
Prayers for Joseph and you. NICU nurses are fablous and Joseph will have great care! Praying for a short stay in NICU!
Praying for all of you but most especially for your little man.
Will amp up our continued prayers for you, your sweet baby, and your family! He is beautiful! Congratulations! P.S. Strength is overrated sometimes.
Aww, you look SO happy! I’m sorry the ordeal is not over yet, though. Congratulations, and continued prayers.
Of course — prayers for you all.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
but of course you know that — you are living it!
+JMJ+
Congratulations! Prayers that you all will be together and healthy soon!
Oh, Jennifer. Congratulations on Joseph Thomas! Our little Joseph Benedict arrived just two weeks ago – great name 🙂 I have been an emotional basket case on most days since then even though he is with me, so I know it must be terribly hard to be separated from him. So, so sorry. I will keep you all in my prayers and especially him so you can hold him again soon and take him home. God bless.
Oh Jen, he is beautiful, and your smile is radiant! Thank you God for bringing both Mom & tiny Joseph Thomas through such high risks before & during his birth! Help sweet Jen to see that “this (breathing problem & painful separation) too shall pass”, & that she has done something very wonderful!! Hang in there Jen, I am turbo-praying for you!
p.s. Please take a long, good look at the beautiful picture you have posted here. Does it not show you hope, joy, a beautiful family ……. Just waiting a bit on good ole Heparin (that life saving drug!)?
😀 So happy for all the Fulwilers and so pleased for daddy Joe!!
I’m sorry you are separated from Joseph at this time. I am praying for you Jennifer and for him. Congratulations on his arrival.
Praying for you and Joseph and your family.
Prayers for you. I’ve BTDT.
Congratulations Jen! He is beautiful and your family looks so happy. I pray you are reunited soon!
Praying for you and for your sweet little one, Jen! Peace be with you.
Praying for you!! God bless you !
I’ve been praying for you and your sweet little boy and will continue to pray for y’all. What a precious picture. Congratulations!
Sending up prayers for Joseph Thomas and company. What a great day to be born–the Annunciation!
Prayers for you and your family, Jen. If it’s any consolation, your hair looks amazing.
Walking over to the chapel at work (gotta love Catholic schools!) to say a prayer for you and sweet Baby Joseph to be okay. After all you have been through….geesh.
Praying for you and your precious baby boy. What a beautiful photo. And what a wonderful name. Hope you’ll both be home soon!
Congrats and many prayers for you and little Joseph!
Prayers for you and sweet baby Joseph!
We will offer our family Rosary for you and baby Joseph. Remember, mothers are biologically driven to be stressed when separated from their babies. “Being strong” is too much to ask. Endure, and rest while you can.
You know I’m praying over here.
And yes, you are being strong, because you are doing what the doctors are asking you to do which is take care of yourself right now. I know as a mom that is so hard to do.
You’re also being strong because I know you are praying like crazy too. And, that is the most important thing you can do right now anyway.
So, maybe you feel like a mess. Maybe you feel like you’re not in control, but I know you are doing those two things, and that means you are being so very strong!
Ditto Jenna! Congratulations, Jen! Prayers said on your and Joseph’s behalf.
Prayers for your sweet family!
Congratulations Jen on the birth of your sweet Joseph Thomas! He is gorgeous! I will be praying so hard that you two can be together ASAP.
Dear Jen, GEFELICITEERD with your beautiful son Joseph! I tear up reading and posting this. I think I can ‘know how you feel’ a bit: in january our firstborn, baby Lukas, was seperated from me just a minute after he was born (more than a month early). It’s so hard! Cry all you want. Prayers to St. Joseph (what a patron saint!) (the patron saint of my country Belgium too) for you all.
What a precious gift from God!! What love and joy! We’re neck and neck with our pregnancies and have been on bed rest “together” for our own separate medical conditions with a house full of siblings. Maybe you aren’t feeling very “strong” (neither am I), but reading your journey has inspired me to be stronger, so maybe at least you’re really good at fakin’ it until you make it and sometimes that’s all we can really do!! Congratulations sweet momma!
Congratulations and many prayers!
Congratulations on your wonderful addition to your beautiful family. Be assured of continued prayers for your health and that of little Joseph’s so you can hold and cuddle him very soon. Thanks for sharing the news, I’ve been anxious to hear. God bless you all.
I’m happy for you – and relieved – to hear that Joseph is here. Welcome to our world, little one! May the grace of God be heavy upon you.
But Jen, I’m also praying for your mama’s heart. And your blood. Praying peace and healing for you, friend.
Joseph Thomas is one blessed little boy to be born to such a brave and strong Mom! Prayers for all of you.
oh little sweet Joseph, what an adoring fan club he already has in his siblings! Praying for you and Joe and the kids through this all!
Praying for you and baby Joseph Thomas! Hang in there! I’ll also pray that you have some really awesome nurses tending to your little guy. When my baby was in the NICU the nurses made everything so much easier to bare. You will be with your baby soon….praying really soon!
Jen, we will say special prayers for baby Joseph and you! Many blessings to your whole family!
I love the name! And many, many prayers for you and your sweet baby boy!
We are certainly happy on your new addition, Joseph, and will continue to pray for your family. God bless you all.
Prayers out and up for Joseph and your family (our oldest was in NICU for 6 weeks, so I understand what y’all must be feeling).
What a beautiful, striking picture, by the way. Absolute proof of Love, to my mind. Wonderful!
Praying so hard for you and Baby Joseph! (love the name, by the way!)
Oops, forgot to add: especially fond of that middle name! =-)
Definitely praying. Being strong is saying this is hard and you feel weak and you need the prayers of others.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby! I’m so sorry you have to be separated from him. I’ll be praying for you all.
Congratulations!!! I love his name!
I’m sorry you don’t get to be with him right now, and I’m continuing to pray for you and your family.
Praying for you and your beautiful little boy!
Oh Jen. we are praying hard, hard for both of you. I hope you and Joseph are reunited soon. More, that you are both well enough to go home.
We are praying for you all. I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me. Phil 4:13. If you need to know what being strong looks like, look at our Lord on the cross and His mother at his feet.
Many congrats and continued prayers….
Godspeed and prayers for your reunion, recoveries, and all good things. Thank you for sharing your darling Joseph’s arrival with us.
J,
Congratulations — you look absolutely beautiful, by the way. Baby, too.
Sending prayers your way in the immediate; further prayer for you and your family tonight when I visit the chapel. I’ll say a Rosary for you all.
Hang in there….all will be well very soon.
Love,
L
We are praying for you both!! Thank God for modern medicine. Keep courage. His guardian angel is holding him.
Love, love, love that name! Joseph Thomas! Love it! And can I say, congratulations to both you and Joe on having another boy! I’ll say the chaplet of Divine Mercy for Joey, and for you. You probably already did this, but to help you cope a little, maybe give him over to Our Lady. It’s a beautiful connection with her that he was born on the feast of the Annunciation. If you think of her holding him over at the other hospital maybe it will be a little less stressful on you. What a test you are being put through. You trying to be strong maybe won’t cut it, but saying, “Jesus, I trust in you.” like a mantra, might get you through. We all recognize how difficult this is, and are doing what we can to support you spiritually. God bless you and your family and your lived faith that helps us to live ours too. Congratulations again!
Definitely praying for you, your baby boy, and your family, Jen!
Prayer lifted to our Blessed Mother for you, Joseph and the family. You look great and he is beautiful. Hoping this is all a distant memory very soon. Hugs!
Jen,
It’s okay to not feel so strong… you’ve been through so much! You’ll get there. Take comfort & trust in God that both you and Joseph are where you need to be right now to get the best care possible, and you’ll be together again soon.
Great name! I’ve got a Thomas and a Josephine myself!
Sending love & prayers your way.
Jennifer, I think I’ve written this as a comment once before but at least several times during mass at the consecration you will incredibly randomly pop into my mind and I’ve always taken that to mean I should offer up prayers and communion for you for whatever God intends for you. Clearly big things! I will continue praying that God comforts you and protects you and baby boy!
Don’t worry about being strong. Cry lots and lots. It helps infinitely more. It sucks to be separated from your baby after having him with you for 9 months. It feels foreign and stange and I know I was full of worry with my daughter but we all really need you to be healthy! He needs you to be healthy and your family needs you to recover! 🙂 it will pass. It will suck meanwhile but it will pass and eventually be a memory!
Let nothing disturb you,
Let nothing frighten you,
All things are passing;
God only is changeless.
Patience gains all things.
Who has God wants nothing.
God alone suffices.
St Theresa Avila
Also are you able to pump? That can make you feel connected even when you can’t be. Least it did for me. Hugs and prayers!
<3
Jeni
Saying lots of prayers for all of you!
Congratulations, Jen! We experienced a similar first 24-48 hours with our newborn who had heart issues and needed to be transported to a different hospital. I know. the stress, exhaustion, worry, anxiety. I’ll be praying for the Peace of Christ to be with you.
Prayers for you, little Joseph, and your entire family. Praying that you’re all together soon and recuperating at home.
Guardian Angels, surround them with protection. Holy Father, hold them in your arms. Holy Spirit, give the doctors wisdom. Mother Mary, send your comfort and love to Jen and ask your son to bless sweet baby Joseph with strength and health. Amen.
Praying of course for you and your lovely baby, a quick return to health for you both and a reunion at the soonest possible moment!
What a gorgeous family! Our prayers are still coming.
Saying lots of prayers for you! Being strong, not being strong, who cares?! God is with you, sometimes all anyone can do is just know that and hang on for the ride!!!!
Ohhhh!!! Congratulations!! and prayers, prayers, prayers for all of you and especially strong lungs for sweet Joseph. All will be well, Jen. Place him under the protection of the Divine mercy.
oh, and go easy on yourself, and give your husband and your Savior the opportunity to be your heroes.
Love to you from Iowa.
Felicidades,Que Dios te bendiba siempre a Ti y a toda tu familia,siempre que estuve rezando por tu bebe se me venia a la mente San Jose.Thanks Jen for be an exemple to the rest of us.JESUS I TRUST IN YOU.
Congratulations, Jen! We’ll keep praying for you and your little guy.
Sweetheart! Congratulations, first. And many prayers that you will be swiftly reunited with sweet baby. “Not being strong at all” and “being strong” usually look about the same to me. The truth about yourself is hidden to you, but not to God (and often, not to others!). Rest in Him. Lovelovelove, Erika
That’s a BEAUTIFUL picture of you all! Prayers to continue for you, your family, and little Joseph.
Praying for you, baby and your family. Remember that though it might not seem like it now, this is another opportunity to let God work for and through you. You have come so far with Him, He will not disappoint! God Bless you all!
So, let me get this straight. You went through all the stress of finding a new doctor to at the last minute to place the filter, the failed attempt to place the filter, a high risk birth, and your new baby being placed in the NICU at a different hospital, and you weren’t strong about all of it? I don’t think anyone could be strong through all that! If you are not a complete mess right now, I don’t think you are human! I am praying for your health and the health of your son, and that God will send you some peace!
I cannot help posting again because as I was praying for you some of the words of the Magnificat came into my head:
My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;
…
for He who is mighty has done great things for me;
and Holy is His name. Luke 1:46
God bless you Jen.
Congratulations!! Storming heaven for you, little Joseph and your family.
Congratulations! Have been praying, and will continue!
Wonderful feast day to be born! Fabulous name! I will pray!
Congratulations! I have been praying that you will get through this and will continue to do so while you heal and little Joseph figures out this breathing concept. But how hard for you that he’s in a different hospital now … I can’t imagine what that must feel like. Is there any way for you to Skype over to the other hospital with your hubby at the other end so you can see him? It’s not the same as holding him, I know … hopefully the time you two will be separated will be short. Adding prayers of God’s comfort for you and little Joe — he’s always with you…
Prayers for your little Joseph! When my Benedict Joseph was born, he came a little early and a little fast (2+ week and about 2 pushes) so he didn’t get all the fluid out of his lungs. And apparetnly, boys are immature from the day they are born, and their little lungs aren’t as strong as the girls 🙂 6days later, we were out–it feels like an eternity, but do try to get some good rest while he’s being well taken care of!
Congratulations, Jen. He’s beautiful. You are all in our prayers.
Congratulations, Jen–the Feast of the Annunciation, how perfect! Continuing to pray for you and baby Joseph. God bless.
Congratulations and lots of prayers coming for you and baby Joseph!! What a beautiful name. Also, lots of prayers for you and your medical issues.
St. Raymond Nonnatus, pray for Jen and baby Joseph!
Praying for you and baby Joseph! God bless you and your beautiful family!
Congratulations on your sweet baby. Continued prayers for you, your new blessing, and for your whole family. Wish I lived closer so I could help.
Fantastic news all the same. Prayers for all of you xXx
Welcome Joseph Thomas! Praying for a swift recovery for both of you. Keep us posted.
Praying for you both Jen! It doesn’t matter how your doing it…your doing it. Praying that you will be home in bed together SOON.
praying for you and for baby Joseph Thomas-
I’m a NICU mom alum and no, it’s not easy. you don’t have to be strong-let Jesus and Mary do that. prayers for healing for you both.
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy! Many, many prayers from my family and my Church community for both of you to regain your strength and good health!!!
Praying for you and Baby Joseph. Congrats, he is just beautiful. Get some rest and God be with you both!
In Christ
Liz
Congrats Praying for Baby and Mama. Blessing for all the family.
Thanking God for a successful delivery and praying for you all! Welcome to the world little Joseph!
Congratulations on your new son!
I am so sorry that you’ve been separated. I know how difficult that is (I went through something similar with my first). My prayers are with you and him.
Congratulations on the birth of Joseph Thomas! We will pray that his breathing problems resolve quickly and that you are healthy enough to be with him soon! My twins are Joseph and Thomas so I have reminders to pray for you and little Joseph Thomas often! Saints Joseph and Thomas, pray for them!
Praying! Things that blow, 101, huh.
Offering up my mastitis today for you and baby Joseph.
Congratulations! Your pic is beautiful. Prayers for you and your sweet Joseph.
Congratulations, Jen! This is a tough time but I know Our Lady is with you!
Praying for strength & health for the handmaid of God, Jennifer, & for her precious son, Joseph Thomas! May the Blessed Virgin, the Theotokos, intercede for you both! CONGRATULATIONS!!
Today is the beginning of our salvation,
The revelation of the eternal mystery!
The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin
As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.
Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:
Rejoice, O Full of Grace,
The Lord is with You!
O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts!
We, your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos!
As you possess invincible might, set us free from every calamity
So that we may sing: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!
We’re praying for you both! Hang in there!
I read and love your blog as you have kept me in the church several times over. I am lifting your family up from a true place of empathy. My husband and I have adopted 6 kids and have one bio daughter. All of our adopted little ones have medical issues and I am sitting in the PICU with one as my husband is home with the other 6, including our newest addition who is 3 months and has his own medical problems right now. So you are not alone! I have often questioned if it “counts” as being strong or faithful when you don’t have a choice! I hope it does because I’m not sure I would be either if I was sitting on a beach right now…..
In Christ,
Mary Ann
Congratulations! I will pray for a quick reunion and a healthy baby boy (and mama). In the mean time, I will pray that you actually rest.
So happy that you had your baby boy! We’ve been praying for you during your difficult pregnancy. May God bless you and bring you healing after birth.
We will now pray for baby Joseph for his healing as well. You don’t have to be strong but you can always lean on HIM. We are weak but He is Strong!!
Jennifer…prayers from Louisiana…Praying for your peace of mind, your mother’s heart, and reunion soon!
My youngest daughter had breathing difficulties when she was born, and I only got to hold her once when they took her away to an NICU. I was reunited days later. The bonding happened very naturally, and she was such an angel baby. I know it can be hard. Praying for Our Mother to put you both under her protecting mantle!
Oh no! You’re a NICU Mama now. Poor thing. This truly sucks. It is torture being at different hospitals far from your little one. We’re going to pray him and you both home.
Jennifer,
Congratulations on the birth of Joseph Thomas.. Hang in there and KNOW the Lord is holding BOTH of you and HE will make all things come out for good.. Trust in His unending Divine Mercy..
Love his name. Prayers for good health for you and baby
O jennifer!! God Bless you and your new precious baby boy!! How stressful this must for you and your family!! I will be praying for you and Joseph and that you both receive quick healing and you can both be reunited again. XOXOXO
Congratulations on the birth of little Joseph. You and he are in my prayers.
Yes you will have my prayers for you, baby Jospeph, and the rest of your family. Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy.
Congratulations on your beautiful new son! Praying for a speedy recovery and reunion! There is so much we can’t control, but we do know Who is in control. Here is a prayer that has helped me in times like these:
You know the way for me
You know the time
Into Your hands, I trustingly place mine
Your plan is perfect, born of perfect love
You know the way for me
That is enough
Love and hugs to you! And many prayers. What a beautiful family.
Congrats on such a sweet boy. Great name! (My 4th is Joseph.) Praying that you are released soon, that Joseph gets his breathing under control and healthy, and that you will all be home, happy and healthy, in no time. Also praying for peace for you. You are strong, but I’m sure you could use the comfort of God’s arms right about now.
Praying for you and baby Joseph, and the whole family!
Our family will be praying for you. We will pray the divine mercy chap let for you and beautiful Joseph Thomas
Jen, you are such an amazing example of the value of new life, and what it means to sacrifice for the sake of another. You are living Gods will for you and your family in spite of everything and I admire you so much. Praying for strength for you and healing for baby Joseph.
Prayers for you all, Jen! Congrats on your beautiful baby boy, and hang in there!
Congratulations on your beautiful boy! I know how hard it can be with a difficult birth, time in the hospital and a little one in the NICU. Sending happy, supportive thoughts your way. You are stronger than you know.
I’ll pray a rosary this evening for you and the baby! Congratulations.
Congratulations! Welcome, Joseph! <3
Congratulations Jen, what a beautiful picture of you, baby and those adorable kids. My (now 10 yo) son went straight to the NICU when born – no opportunity to even hold him! while it’s very difficult to not have him in your arms, those NICU nurses are Angel’s sent from above (they taught me how to nurse just perfectly, too!). Praying for God to keep Joseph in the palm of his hand, that he recovers quickly and you both are brought back to good health and home soon. Blessings ♥
Congratulations on the birth of a beautiful baby boy. Praying for you all.
Will be offering up my afternoon rosary for you and baby today. Hugs!
Congratulations on the birth of your son! What a great, strong name with two (unless you are going with multiple T’s) amazing patron saints! Many prayers for Joseph as well as for you and your family.
Sending prayers!! I’m sure it is hard to not be with your little one. I work in NICU as a respiratory therapist & know they are doing the best for your little man. Remember when you are weak God is strong. Hoping you are reunited soon. In meantime, ask the nurses for a pump and when baby can eat they can give him your breastmilk.
your sister in Christ in FL
So on it!
YOUR Saint name generator gave our family 3 Saints (of 4) who share his names: St. Joseph Cupertino (DD), St. Joseph (THE St. Joseph :)) (DH), and St. Thomas Aquinas (DS). We will ask our buddies-for-the-year for special intercession for your little man!
I have St. Paul the Hermit, who is just awesome, and patron of clothes and clothesmakers – so I’ll pray that you’ll be “clothed” with mercy, grace, consolation, and healing.
Also, I just started “Reed of God” (Houslander) in honor of the Annunciation – so so awesome – she says we have to know what material we are made of so that we can be filled with God – and one example is a golden chalice so that He can be sacrificed in us. Sounds like He is being sacrificed in you in so many ways. (Thank you for sharing the journey with us so that we can see the beauty of your trust and acceptance as you receive each new challenge!)
Hang in there Jen – this too shall pass!
Prayers coming to you and your family from Paula and family in Limerick, Ireland, may God bless you all.
Come, Lord and heal baby Joseph! Congratulations to you and your family!
Prayers for you, baby Joseph, and the rest of your family!
Dear and good Jennifer,
My goodness, Congratulation’s and God’s Peace be with you! You’ve been through the fire, little lady. Know that I keep you in mind, heart and prayer, always. As you well know, our Great God is in control and He only wants what is best for His beloved, Jennifer!
When you come up for air, let’s talk about getting you on The Good Fight again! You have quite a story of Faith, Hope and Love to tell!
Much love to you,
Barbara
Hugs! I’ve been there too! (actually with our little Joseph) and it is so tough. Prayers for you all and for your speedy recovery so you can see him!
Praying for you and sweet Joseph.
CONGRATULATIONS….he is beautiful.
So is your hair.
Congratulations and praying Memorares for you and your lil one.
Had the same problem as you …. Baby had a little trouble also . That little girl is now a mother of three and a nurse! God is good He will provide
Praying for you and Joseph Thomas!
Praying for you and your family!!!!
Jen! YOU are amazing! My prayers are with you for little Joseph and for your continued return to good health! God is good!
After all you’ve been through up to this point…
I’m just crying.
And praying. And asking for prayers for you and little Joe – and big Joe, too.
Prayers for your lovely baby, as well as for you and your family.
Jennifer – I will be praying for you, baby Joseph and your whole family. Congrats!
Glad he’s here, and I will definitely be praying!
Please be assured of our prayers! Congratulations on the birth of your handsome little guy! You continue to be such an inspiration. Will be saying the Memorare for you and your family (nine times, as I believe I heard the Blessed Mother Theresa said- 9 times and it counts as a speedy novena! 😉
Thanking God for a safe delivery for you both! Will continue prayers for all of your needs and especially baby Joseph, especially that he is soon reunited with his mom!!
Hi Jennifer,
You and your little man have been on my mind/heart all week end. I’ve been praying for you extra hard today! Congratulations, and hang in there. God bless you!
God bless you in a little Joseph Thomas! God bless your whole family! You are so blessed!
Prayers, Jen and family! I’ll especially turn to Mama Mary and her husband St. Joseph.
Remembering when my little boy was in NICU for breathing problems at birth. Praying that your little one ends up with a clean bill of health real soon. You, too! And congratulations. Remember, being strong is overrated. Just lean on God. It’s more important – and much more helpful.
Congratulations!!! Sending prayers and hugs xo
Congratulations! Sorry he cannot be with you…prayers for you both to be strong!
Praying for your precious son’s healing and for peace for you and your husband.
Praying for you and baby Joseph!!
He is in amazing hands with the NICU nurses. They are angels. My son (Thomas) was a NICU baby and I remember the tangible ache in my hands of wanting to hold my son but being unable to.
Will be praying for comfort for you during this time and that Mary will hold Joseph in her arms until you can!
I don’t even quite know what to say at this juncture, except that you and Joseph continue to be in our prayers.
Hey beautiful! So you are surfing those extra comfy NICU chair beds tonight. Shoot. Hope those are good for your DVT. You hang in there. The hours as a NICU mother are long and the days are longer. You can do this. Stay in the present. Your son is here. He’s handsome. He’s with the experts. He’s now breathing better–that is a big step forward for the end of a first day.
My biggest tips for the NICU is that actual vegetables need to get into your body every day. Force yourself to eat real food, even when your stomach doesn’t want too. And pick a silent prayer buddy. Pick another baby, or pick another Mom and pray for her during your stay.
Many, many prayers for you and baby and your “big Joe” husband tonight.
Especially prayed for you yesterday (Monday) along with the many others who follow your blog. What a wonderful picture of you with Baby Joseph! Will continue to pray for him and you. So happy for all of you!
God bless you and your sweet baby. You are all in my prayers!
What a beautiful addition to your family.
Prayers for peace, for both of you. My heart hurts for you. When Elsie was born we were separated for a short time and that was just down the hall. I felt like there was an umbilical cord still attached between us; between our hearts, and it was being stretched too far.
I’ll be thinking of you and saying prayers…
Heather
Congratulations! I will keep you and your family in my prayers!
Prayers from us, too.
Our prayers are going out to you and your family, Jen! I know what it is like to be separated from your new little ones. My son was a preemie (11 weeks early-he’s 19 now!) and my daughter was a week old when I had to go into the hospital for a couple of weeks. Just know, this soon shall pass, and all of this will be a faint memory. Your happy moments to come, will cloud up this small fragment of time for you and your family.
Keep your chin up and remember that God is with you and your little Joseph every second of every day.
Blessings!
How you can look that beautiful after having a baby is beyond me! Love that shot with your children around you:) Prayers for you all and especially Joseph…what a cutie!! Annnd…did your epidural work this time?
You look fantastic by the way!!
I will say prayers for you. And even better, I’ll get my three year old in on them. She says the sweetest prayers 🙂 You are doing amazing Jen.
Lifting all of you up in prayer. He is beautiful and you just look so radiant! A Marian glow!
Congratulations! Welcome Joseph! Praying for you both–rough starts can be overcome. Hang in there. Wishing you peace, and soon!
Congratulations and many blessings! We will keep your precious little one and you in our prayers!
The Cook family
Congratulations on the successful delivery. Prayers are flowing…for both of you.
God bless both of you. Everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we find out why, other times God waits till we’ve entered our eternal home before He reveals to us the reason He allows such things to happen. You and precious little Joseph Thomas are in my prayers for a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. P;acing both of you in the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mat she and her Son watch over you and grant you His love and healing power! Never forget; NOTHING is impossible with God!
My NICU baby turned 4 on Sunday.
Let me assure you… you’re focused on healing so you can be with Joseph — that’s strength. Crying is just fine. It gets the bad out so you have more room for the good.
Besides, you had the filter procedure, had to stay overnight to be on heparin, pushed out a baby, have been poked and prodded like nothing else. I’d say you have nerves of steel.
He is beautiful! Congratulations. Prayers for rest and peace for you all.
I understand totally your comment about being strong Jen–it inspired my own post today. But you are indeed a strong woman. And the baby is absolutely beautiful, and what a great name, too! May God bless you both as you recover.
Praying.
Just wanted to say how absolutely sorry I am that you are going through all this. We have a 4 yo who had to be transferred to the NICU when he was born, at a different hospital. It was absolutely terrifying. I still cannot tell the story of how three pediatric nurses dressed in jump suits came and took him away in a little incubator without crying. He is 100% fine now, but wow, heavy, stressful stuff. 4.5 years later and I am still traumatized, and we had a wonderful outcome. All that to say that this is not easy, and if you are freaking out and not strong, that’s okay. This is hard stuff. Give yourself the space to be weak and hang in there- I pray that he will be home with you guys very, very soon.
Praying for you.
Isn’t it time for Hallie to sneak in some booze?? 😉
Praying you are able to rest and that God takes care of your blood even while He strengthens baby Joseph’s lungs. Also that you are reunited very soon. God has something powerful in mind for this baby born through many trials.
Congratulations!!!!
Mazel Tov! Beautiful baby boy. Hoping both of you recover quickly and can join the rest of teh family at home!
Continuing to pray. Hugs xxx
Prayers for you & your family! I love his name!!
Your family picture is really, truly gorgeous.
When my son was born, he had a pneumothorax (air outside of his lung) and was transported to a NICU at another hospital. I had him and within ten minutes he was swept away to the hospital nursery and then taken to the other hospital a couple of hours later. I am not a crier and I was fine for about fifteen minutes and then I started sobbing uncontrollably. There is something about not being with your newborn that hits you at almost an animal level, if that makes sense. I was able to follow him and I hope you are with your son soon, if not already! Prayers for you and baby Joseph and your family!
Jen, Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy…will be offering up some things for his recovery. Hope your recovery goes well…God bless.
Good morning Beautiful! Have no idea where you are in the process, but hoping that “kangaroo care” for baby is somewhere on the horizon. I used to think the skin to skin contact thing was more to soothe my health than the babies. Oh and my husband read a long kids chapter book to the baby in the NICU. It helped us feel more normal. Praying hard!
A beautiful picture of you and your family. All of you have been in my prayers and will continue to be. Keep praying and gather your strength from the love of God as seen by the supportive comments you are receiving.
Prayers for the whole Fulwiler family! Welcome to the world baby Joseph!
Congratulations!
Both of my kids were premature and spent weeks in the hospital, so I always feel a special tug on my heart to pray for babies and parents going through anything similar. I pray that you will both soon be well and strong enough to go home together!
Sending prayers your way! My first went to the NICU right away for meconium aspiration. It was some of the hardest days of my life. I was in a fog. My priest came to visit (which was very helpful) and told me not to worry about praying at this point (I couldn’t) because others were doing that for me. He also brought Communion. It is painfully hard to be so close to the Our Lady and the Cross, but it is a small comfort to know that she has felt this way too.
We will be praying.
You look like a million bucks! Congrats!!
Look at that little baby surrounded by his beautiful, loving mama and siblings…and probably daddy’s right there, too, since somebody had to take this picture…! What an astonishing miracle this whole thing is! Your lives, your faith, and your chance to be together at moments like the one you’ve captured here! On the feast of the Annunciation, for Heaven’s sake!
Your family is full of life, deeply blessed with the Father’s love and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I don’t know any of you personally, but your generous sharing of your experience has moved me (a Catholic re-vert) and given me encouragement. Thank you! I’m so grateful for what you’ve done! I only wish I could give something back to you from across the miles! I would gladly bring food over or help out with the kids or sit with the baby or bring you something great to read, if I could. 🙂 I’m sure that MANY, MANY, MANY of us moms are feeling just the same way! From here in South Bend our family will be sending up extra prayers for you and little Joseph and the rest of your family tonight! May you be blessed with peace and a secure knowledge of God’s loving hand in your life. May all of your children be protected, with Mary watching over them especially in these hard times, and may they grow strong in faith. –Beth
Congratulations. I’ve done the blood thinner thing during pregnancy and after. It really will be okay. God bless you and the babe. You are in our prayers. P.S. If you need injections at home, never ever let your husband do it!
Prayers!
don’t worry about being strong, just give it all to Mary.
praying for baby Joseph.
I’m praying for you and sweet Thomas! What a lovely picture. God has all of this in His control. Praying that you will be reunited SOON! Get well! You have a beautiful family!
I am praying for you and Joseph. My son had similar problems (21 years ago)!
Congratulations! Beautiful family pic! Couldn’t access your site yesterday for some reason, but all is well today. Keeping you and the new baby in prayer.
CONGRATUALATIONS JEN, JOE AND THE REST OF THE FAMILY!!!!
WELCOME TO THE WORLD BABY JOE!!!!!!!
MAY OUR LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU ALL!!!!!
Praying for you and Baby Joseph, Jen.
I will pray the rosary for you both today.
Jen,
Done, and more will be said!
Congratulations to you and the family – and don’t worry, it’s all in the Big Doc’s hands and He’ll take care of things.
Welcome, little Joseph! (My dad’s name!! 🙂 ) Love and prayers to you and your family — especially that awesome mom of yours!
Hi Jen! I wrote a short post for you- I hope that others will give more practical advice in the comment box
Also- jen of Meditatio has a baby a month and half youger than my baby- their due dates were almost the same! I’m sure she’s blogged about the NICU too
Been praying for you. Thanks be to Our loving God.
Praying for you and baby Joseph Thomas all the way up here in Minnesota.
Kelly
Sometimes it takes all your strength just to keep going. You’re doing it Mama! Sending prayers that you and your sweet baby will be staying together full time soon!!!!
We have a Joseph here too. 🙂 St. Joseph is a very powerful patron; I’ll be praying to him for you!
WOOHOOOOO!!! Congratulations to the lot of you!! What a beautiful family.
Congratulations Jen and Joe on your new edition to the family. Sorry about the babies breathing problem. I am sure by now he is well on his way to breathing on his own. The NICU nurses I sometimes work with are phenomenal. Praying for you and the family.
I’m pretty hormonal from giving birth myself three weeks ago, but I’m about to start crying reading that you have to be at a different hospital from Joseph. I think being strong in this situation means that you keep inhaling and exhaling. I will be praying for you! Your baby is beautiful. And you look WAY too gorgeous in that picture to have just been through an induction.
Our youngest son (who is now 13 and taller than I am!) was born eight weeks early and was in the hospital for three weeks. I didn’t feel very strong either, but the prayers and presence of my family and friends held me up. You will make it through this! While you are going through it the time drags, I know, but later you will forget all about that. That’s because you will be sleep-deprived! Haha. But it will be for a very good, very lovable little reason.
God bless you and baby Joseph and all of your beautiful family! You are in my prayers.
Jennifer, congratulations to you and your family!! Prayers are going up for baby Joseph. <3
Praying!
Such a beautiful family, and you are a needed inspiration, Jennifer.
God Bless.
Congratulations! Adding my prayers for baby Joseph and you to the many!
A prayer for you and your beautiful baby Jennifer.
Still praying! I hope that everything has started to smooth out. Mary is cradling you all in her arms, a Blessed Mother that understands all our motherly pains.
Praying for you, little Joseph, and your family!!
Hey Jen, I have been reading your blog for a few years, I never comment, but I have to tell you that you are being prayed for, and your adorable son!! you are awesome, and super funny, I cant tell you how many times I have read your blog posts, and laughed out loud! Praying for a speedy recovery!!
Congratulations,Jen. Welcome to the world,Joseph Thomas.
Praying for you all! I can’t imagine how frustrating it must be to not be near your son. Hopefully you will all be home and together very soon.
Hi Beautiful! I really wanted to visit you in the hospital today. I’m to far away. I went to the Tabernacle to pray and lit a candle for Baby Joseph. Then in your honor, I took my daughter to visit a girl in her Girl Scout Troop who is currently in the ICU. The doctors want her to go to Children’s Hospital in Downtown DC, and her parents don’t want her to go. I went outside and cried in the parking lot. I love that hospital so much and it just hurts when people can’t access the same level of care I got for my kid Tess. Then on the drive home, I got to talk to my daughter (the future Sister) about the “ministry of presence.” How even if we don’t know someone well, or the visit goes awkwardly, or we don’t say the right things–it’s still good to visit the sick. We are a ministry of presence not “words.” She got it right away. That whole day came out of carrying you in my heart today. Thank you!
Congratulations! This must be real mix of joy and frustration. We’ll pray for you all from ‘over here’. Prayers from all over the world are coming in for you.
Prayers for you, Joseph, and your family. I’m sure Mary has little Joseph under her protection! Congrats and I hope you all get to be home together soon.
Sincere prayers for strength and steadiness for both you and your new baby Joseph. If it was easy, everybody could do it. God Bless you and keep you.
Want to add my thoughts and prayers for you, baby and your entire family! Thanks for keeping us posted.
Prayers of thanksgiving for both of you! And additional prayers for good health and a quick homecoming!
Congratulations Jen and family! Prayers for your little man and for your recovery.
Many prayers for your sweet baby and you!
I’ve been thinking about you both a lot and then even more today because I learned of a website called Feedly (www.feedly.com) and it works just like Google Reader! It will actually convert your Google Reader feeds over for you! Brilliance I must say! And so exciting for all of us.
I hope that brings some brightness into your day!