# PonderIt

## Wednesday, December 20, 2006

### Email Me a Cigar

On Monday evening, our little boy, Gideon, was born. He came out with a bruised face as you can see in the picture, but I've confirmed with several of the nurses at Primary Children's Medical Center that he is among the top 5 cutest babies they have ever seen. Being health care professionals, I'm sure they wouldn't lie to me. :)
If you follow this blog with any regularity, you probably knew this boy was coming and that he has some extra medical challenges. Our family has fasted for him and sent a lot of prayers heavenward in his behalf. At least one of the petitioners must be on the good side of heaven. His birth and subsequent surgery have all gone very well. He is recovering well from the surgery that closed up his open spine. He has a nasty gash on his back, but the nurses tell me they've seen a lot worse.
Lots of tests are still pending, but early indications show that he can move his legs and may have some control over bowel and urinary functions. We feel so tremendously blessed to have this precious soul in our family. Whatever his physical abilities or disabilities, he has moved from the vague womb-baby-with-spina-bifida to a living, breathing, precious baby boy. Our baby boy.
The nurses, doctors, and staff at both the University of Utah Hospital and the Primary Children's Medical Center have been beyond wonderful to us. Keryn was treated like a queen in the room where she recovered from the childbirth. (She's doing great!) The nurses over here in the infant unit of PCMC have been terrific too. We've met more doctors than I can reliably count, but each comes in with a bit of information and gives us the opportunity to ask questions.
Thanks to all of you who have inquired about our little boy and have offered up prayers in his behalf. We are truly blessed.

#### 10 Comments:

- Congratulations Bradley and Keryn!

  By Eric Nielson, at 12/21/2006 6:48 AM

- Congratulations! I'm so happy for you!

  By gsbbyu, at 12/21/2006 8:27 AM

- Keryn and Bradley, congratulations and best wishes!!

  By Michelle J., at 12/22/2006 10:30 AM

- Indeed, congratulations!

  By J. Stapley, at 12/23/2006 2:02 PM

- To Gideon
  Thresher of wheat and hewer-down,
  Thou mighty man of valor,
  A tiny one, all fist-clenched
  Born in pitiable pallor.
  Sing thy heritage, Gideon.
  Lo, the angel facing!
  Fear not fire's consuming force
  Tho' thy heart be racing.
  The fleece, dew-wringed uphold thee
  Through the nights to come
  Bless Israel and all who cradle thee,
  Blow thy trumpet home!

  By Bored in Vernal, at 12/30/2006 9:29 PM

- Did you just write that? That is awesome!

  By Bradley, at 1/01/2007 8:49 AM

- Your boy is absolutely beautiful. I'm grateful that things have gone well. I pray for you and your family to successfully face the challenges ahead.
  Don't fret too much about the scar on Gideon's back. Infants are still in a formative stage and have enhanced epidermal healing capacities. The scar will probably look much better a couple of years down the road.
  The scars my son had following hand surgery at nine months of age eventually completely disappeared. Eight years later, there is no visible evidence of the incisions. However, my daughter still bears scars from hernia surgery at age 2½. She was past infancy by then and didn't have the enhanced healing capacities.

  By Reach Upward, at 1/04/2007 1:54 PM

- Bradley, Yes, I wrote the poem for your son and your family. I thought you might like it more than a cigar.

  By Bored in Vernal, at 1/11/2007 11:44 AM

- I have tears in my eyes. Congratulations on this precious little life that has joined your family. Each one is such a miracle.
  Beautiful poem, BiV. Love the follow-up comment as well.

  By M&amp;M, at 1/15/2007 1:19 PM

- Hey, I was just browsing various sites online and I came across your blog.
  At the risk of sounding too forward, I felt very strongly connected to you as I read what you had written.
  As I read this blog, I got chills.
  Last August, we were also told that our unborn son had spina bifida. Our son, Gideon, was born last November. In two weeks he'll celebrate his first birthday.
  I wanted to reach out to you in a spirit of brotherhood and say that I share your pain, your joy, and if you agree, I would like to become more acquainted with you and your family. I sense that in some way, our lives should become intertwined and that we should share our journey as we grow through these life circumstances.
  Many thanks for your inspiration,
  Chad

  By Chad + Julia, at 10/30/2007 1:51 PM

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