2:07 PM Wednesday October 22

We were in Savannah Monday and Tuesday, we crashed at the Ronald McDonald House for a night where we saw some families that we knew during our stay there.  We saw Holly’s mom (the baby we requested prayer for earlier) and things are going great for Holly.  For those who don’t know, the week we were getting ready to leave the hospital with Zoe, Holly’s family was called in because following a surgery she had, she got septic shock and was not expected to make it.  It took her a while to recover from that, but she is now over 4 pounds, and they expect her to go home soon.  Her due date was Thanksgiving and she was a tiny thing, born a week after Zoe.  When we left RMH Holly was only 2 pounds.  God has brought healing to her body and now she will be able to be home with her family for the holidays, she is doing very well now.  Thank you for your continued prayers for her and her family. 

We have prayed in faith, believing God’s word for the continued and complete healing for our son, Zoe.  So when we continue to get good reports, a word that comes to my mind immediately is ”UNBELIEVABLE”!  But that is just an expression, seeing as how we are BELIEVING what God’s word says, and waiting to see how His plan unfolds.  So, here is the “unbelievable” good news that we have been believing for…

Zoe was very awake and alert for both appointments, one with the neurologist and one with the neurosurgeon.  (He is not going to have surgery, this was just a check up since he was seen by the neurosurgeon in the hospital).  The neurologist was pleased with how alert he was and noticed that Zoe has good movement in his arms and legs, using both sides of his body.  He said there was nothing he was concerned about, so we don’t need to visit him again until JFebruary.  The neurologist did a CT scan, and found that where there had been blood in his brain, it is now gone but there are deposits of calcium and iron, a result of the blood having been there.  That is not a concern.  He also commented on what good control Zoe has of his arms and legs.  Zoe has good reflexes with his eyes, blinking and all that.  Those are the things they look for as indications for the brain function and nervouse system.  He was pleased with what he saw, and we don’t have to visit him until January.  We talked about how Zoe’s sickness that he went through is all such a mystery, and he said that he can’t really make any predictions because of that.  We understand, and don’t expect him to attempt at predicting anything for the future of our son.  One scan they did on Zoe’s brain when he was critically sick showed that his cerebellum looked completely dead, no blood flow through it, so it was not supposed to function.  This scan showed that there is working tissue in the cerebellum, so we will wait as Zoe grows and watch how he developes.  That brings me to the visit we had today from the developemental therapists who came to our home.  The things they look for are like how he moves his hands, placement of his thumbs and fingers, use of arms and legs, and how he follows objects with his eyes.  She was happy with how Zoe did and said that he does everything normally.  That is amazing to me, because we have medical documentation that shows that his brain would not be able to tell his body to do the things he is doing–breathing, swollowing, moving his arms and legs normally, etc.  I am in awe of it all, and excited beyond description.  Zoe is doing well, and adorable as can be.  I haven’t forgotten about posting recent pics, I just don’t know how to, I will ask Jim or BB to do so soon as they can.  Since today is Wed, Jim is consumed with getting ready for youth group tonight, so it may be tomorrow. 

Once again, thanks for checking the updates, and thanks to those who labor in prayer for Zoe.  We’ll type more later, until then, may God bless you and your family!

1:38 PM Sunday October 19

Friday’s appointments in Savannah were very encouraging, and we got good reports all around.  First we saw his Liver Doctor, who said that Zoe’s liver is continuing to return to normal size; it is only minimally swollen as of Friday.  His color looks better over all, and the whites of his eyes look better than ever.  He ordered some more blood work to check bili count and platelets again, we should know the results by Monday, hopefully.  The doctor was very pleased with how Zoe was looking, etc.  Next we visited the eye doctor.  He commented something to the effect was that Zoe’s eyes have done such unusual things, some he has never seen, and some he had not seen in 20 years.  Friday was the first time he could see past the blood clots that had been there, so they seem to be disolving.  His optic nerves appear to be smaller than normal, but that does not seem to be too much of a concern.  We will know more about that after future check ups.   His eye health continues to improve, and we see that doctor again in apx. 6 weeks.  It was a rough day for Zoe, getting pricked in the foot for blood, and having his eyelids “pinned” open for the eye exam.  He handled it well, and made up for it on Saturday with some good nap time.  We head back to Savannah tomorrow (Monday) and will stay overnight for more check ups.  We will post the results following those appointments.

Since Zoe’s birth, I have felt emotions that I have never known before.  Jim and I have been moved beyond ourselves, to grasp for something real, a deep trust that God’s ways and plans are far greater than ours.  Though we don’t understand, and wish to have some answers, we may never fully know the “why” to the complications that our son has faced.  With that in mind, we continue to trust God for the future of our family, and will forever seek Him as we trust in His ways.

May you and your family have a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

3:25 PM Wednesday October 15

Our little man is growing into a big guy, a whopping 5 pounds, 13 ounces, 18.5 inches long big guy.  His visit with the doctor was very exciting yesterday.  Everything looks good, she said she was, and I quote, “amazed” at how well he is doing.  We follow up this Friday with some more doctors, and we expect more good results.  Zoe is doing good on his schedule of eating and sleeping.  He is having several hours of awake time in the morning and afternoon.  He is gaining good strength in his neck and he is able to move his head back and forth a bit.  We are still not having to use the G-tube, and we expect to have it taken out in just a few weeks, according to one of his doctors.  There is just not a whole lot to say, except that he is doing so well, and as he gains strength and gets a few more immunizations we will then be able to take him to church.  We are not impatient, we will let him continue to grow and do well, and that will come in time.  Again, thank you to all who have helped out.  Many have cooked dinner for us, brought goodies, helped clean our house prior to our return, kept up our yard, sent cards and gifts, and we are so incredibly grateful for it all.  We are surroundeld with wonderful people who trully care.  Thank you.

8:43 AM Tuesday October 14

Round the clock bottle feeds, changing diapers, playing princess dress-up with Katelyn, phonics and math worksheets for Isaac, leaving sidewalk chalk messages on the drive way for daddy…such are the activities that consume the daily schedule at the Simpson house these days.  We are blessed to have such activity, and it is a good kind of tired that lingers because of being up at night.  Zoe is doing so tremendous, he is now taking 70 cc’s, always in a bottle.  He does not need to use the G-tube for feeding, he is strong and able and willing to drink his bottle every 3 hours.  This morning he has a check up with his pediatrician, we will post the good results later today.  I say “good results” because we expect nothing less, you would not believe how good he looks and how good he is doing.  We praise God and give Him all honor for who He is, and what He IS doing in our family.  More later….until then, have an awesome day.

7:23 PM Thursday, October 9

We got word today that Zoe’s platelet count is climbing higher since he left the hospital.  He never was transfused after G-tube surgery, so this is occurring naturally, and we are so excited about that.  Also, his bili count is down about 25%, which is also good.  It is believed that this is connected to the problem with his liver, so possibly this good news reflects improvement of the liver…we have yet to find out.  We will post more as we know more, and again, maybe Jim or BB can post pics and video soon, or at least teach me how to so I don’t have to always ask them.    Have a wonderful night, all!

3:46 PM Tueday, October 7

Zoe saw sunshine for the first time last Friday when we left the hospital.  It was the afternoon, and it was a beatiful, sunshine day…it couldn’t have been more perfect.  We settled in that night at home and had a smooth evening, adjusting to feedings and giving medicines.  Isaac and Katelyn are so glad to be home, they are doing well.  We were home for less than 24 hours when Zoe’s G-tube came out.  I put it back in, we rushed to the ER here in Hazlehurst, and that trip was unsuccessful so we ended up rushing back to Savannah’s ER to have it repaired correctly.  For those of you who don’t know, we live 2 hours from the Savannah hospital, so Saturday we spent 4 hours in the car.  G-tube problems are gone now, so it was worth it.  Sunday AM Jim and the kids went to our church for the first time in 8 weeks.  Sunday PM I went, and it was refreshing to see familiar faces and socialize.  Monday we drove the 4 hour round trip to Savannah again where Zoe was checked by his G-tube doc and liver doc.  Both were pleased with the check up and if Zoe continues to take all of his feedings and gain weight, in about 6 weeks they will remove his G-tube!  Woo hoo!  We are excited about that.  By the way, Zoe is taking every bottle, now 50 cc’s, in under 20 minutes, which is what they require of him.  I have not had to use the G-tube to feed him since Friday night.  His liver is still enlarged, so please pray for that to be resolved.  They took blood to test his bili count, we should know something in a few days.  Today he had a check up with his pediatrician here in Hazlehurst.  He weighs 5 pounds, 1 ounce and is 18 inches long.  We are so happy with his pediatrician that he sees here, he goes again next week for a check up.  Overall, he is doing so great, and he seems to really love being home.  He has several hours of awake time each day, and discovered he loves his baby swing.  Kate Kate and Isaac love having him home, the first thing we did Friday when we walked in the door was let each of them hold him.  Katelyn sings to him, it is so adorable.  Having him home is like having a little piece of heaven to hold.  He is a snuggle bug, and we soak it up.  I am completely illiterate when it comes to computer stuff, so I have no clue how to post the pics and videos, so Jim or BB will have to do that soon.  For now, you are stuck with text from me…it’s all I have to offer. 

Please take a minute to pray for another little girl whose relatives attend our church.  Her name is Cassidy Clark, she is 5 years old, and she has leukemia.  She is on her second round of treatments in 2 years.  Her mother, Myndi Clark, died of cancer over 2 years ago, and did not know of her daughter’s condition.  Her daddy is a youth pastor in California, and he previously was on staff at Southside Baptist here a few years ago.  The doctors are not as optimistic this time around, but we know that God can heal, so we pray in faith, believing.

Another Update from BB

It is true… Zoe is home!!! It’ll take a few months for him to be healthy enough to be out in public so don’t expect to see him chillin at Wal-Mart or The Wagon Wheel anytime soon…

Jim and Carmen promise they will post in a few days and they will continue to update you all on Zoe’s life. I know they are very thankful for your prayers and words of encouragement!

A Quick Update from BB

The internet at the Ronald McDonald House is not working so the Simpson’s have been unable to update today. I’m online at the place I’m staying at so I thought I’d fill you in on what’s been going down the past few days… (Jim will post with more details as soon as he is able to)…

1. Zoe is scheduled to be released from the hospital sometime later today (Friday). We don’t know exact times or anything like that.

2. WSAV NBC News 3 did a story about Zoe again on the Thursday night late news. You can view the story and read about it by click HERE.

3. All of the Savannah stations will be doing reports on Zoe on Friday night at 6pm, 10pm, and 11pm.

4. The Savannah Morning News will have an article on Zoe this Sunday. It will be in Anne Hart’s column in the ACCENT section of the paper.

That is all I got. Again I’m sure Jim will post at least one time tomorrow either before he leaves or when he’s back. I do think they’ll want some privacy the first few days/nights back home so please respect that wish if you are one of the many Hazlehurst’ers who want to meet Zoe… the time will come soon!

11:44 AM Wednesday Day 50

There is an urgent need with a baby here at the hospital named Holly.  Holly’s family has been called in because she is not expected to survive.  I want to ask those of you still checking in on our little Zoe to please pray right now for Holly.  Holly was born extremely premature, but has been fighting to live for more than a month.  I do not know the details of what is happening I just know it’s critical.  Holly’s mom Lauren and Great Grandmother Linda have been staying with us here the Ronald McDonald House since her birth.  They are truly wonderful people and I am very saddened to hear this news.  Please pray and I will post more info as soon as we get it. 

The doctors have decided to hold off another day on releasing Zoe.  He has a minor infection around his G-Tube and they want to watch it for another day.  I will also post mor info on Zoe as we get it.