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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

He's Here, Praise be to God!

To all who are following our blog, passing it along to others, praying for us, and even to those who are fasting, we want to thank you. Your actions have touched us more than you will ever know.

Jacob Elliot Tuley was born on January 26, 2009 at 7:46PM. He weighed 6 pounds 13 ounces and was 21 inches long.

It was a beautiful experience and God was SO present throughout our labor and eventual delivery. We had to have a C-Section because Jacob's heart rate was going way down during contractions. Later, in the OR, we found out that the cord was wrapped around his neck, causing the problems with his heart rate. However, God was definately in control and Jeff and I felt the prayers throughout the whole day and the Peace that only God can provide.

Here's what we were previously told about our delivery and prognosis...
and here's how God responded yesterday evening during our delivery.

1) We would not hear him cry.
He cried two little squeals.

2) He would not be able to take any breaths.
He took breaths before the doctors were able to intebate him.

3) He would immediately turn blue and pass.
He pinked up and was even kicking around.

Upon delivery Jeff was able to get a few pictures while the NICU doctors and nurses worked on Jacob. They were able to stablize him enough for the long trek to Children's Hospital in an incubator. They briefly showed him to me and then whisked him away to the NICU at Childrens. Jeff was able to go with him and the doctors as they transported him in a capsule. Jeff got to move him from the capsule to the bed. As of right now, Jacob is still in the NICU at Vanderbilt Children's hospital. We made it that far! Yay! We weren't even sure whether we would make it past labor and delivery before he would pass from this life, and yet, God showed us that Jacob is a FIGHTER!


Jacob is breathing with the help of a ventilator, but taking his own breaths as well, about 20-30 a minute. His heart rate and blood pressure are consistant, like other babies that have had Diaphragmatic Hernia. His kidneys are working and he has made it past the first steps of the process. He is even opening his eyes and looking around. He has stablized on a ventilator and is not on ECMO (a bypass machine), which is a good sign.

I was able to see him later that night, once the epidural had worn off and I could move my legs again. :) They had to wheel me over to Children's, almost a half mile walk, so that we could be together. What a joyful time for Jeff and I to be together with our son. We were so blessed to have that time with him together.













Today the doctors will come and assess how Jacob is doing, and how his body is responding to the treatments. If they think he can handle surgery without ECMO, they will attempt that some time today. They may have to put him on ECMO, but we are hoping that Jacob will surprise us all! He already has.

We are definately not out of the woods yet, and we have a LONG way to go, but we have treasured the hours we have had with him and what a JOYOUS few days it has been!
Please keep the prayers coming! Praise be to God that we have made it this far!
























43 comments:

  1. PRAISE GOD!!!!!! This is absolutely wonderful news! I will continue to pray for Baby Jacob and your whole family. Thank you so much for sharing both your struggles, faith, and progress. Our God is a Mighty God, indeed.

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  2. What a wonderful day. I am so happy for you. There are a lot of people praying for you all. I will keep Jacob and the doctor in my prayers today, as well as you and Jeff. God is good!

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  3. Praise God that you have had this time with Jacob and that he is already exceeding expectations! I am praying for you all. Go, Jacob!

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  4. Praise God What a mighty God we serve !!!

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  5. What wonderful news--I found your blog through Laura Beth's and am and will be praying for Jacob. He is precious.

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  6. Julie and Jeff, tears are streaming down my face. I will continue to pray for Jacob's health and your strength.
    Love,
    Megan

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  7. What a beautiful testimony to God's faithfulness! We have asked the intercessory prayer ministry at 4th Ave to keep praying for you all, as we will continue to do. I am so thankful that you were able to spend those precious moments with your sweet son yesterday and that God is showing all of us through Jacob how mighty he is!

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  8. How great and Awesome is our God!!! Praying for you all through out yesterday. God is already doing so many wonderful things through Baby Jacob. Will be so prayerful for all of you guys!

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  9. AWESOME! He looks great. We continue to keep all of you in our prayers each and every moment of the day. Thanks for taking time out to update everyone, there are so many people out there that are pulling for Jacob! Praise be to God!!

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  10. He is beautiful!!!!
    Thank you, thank you for sharing with us.
    How Great is our God!

    Praying for all 3 of you and your nurses and docs non-stop! :)

    Grace and Peace,
    Suzanne

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  11. PRAISE GOD! He will be glorified through little Jacob!

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  12. What wonderful news. He is so beautiful! I will definitely be praying for you all today. God is good!

    (I'm a high school friend of Laura Beth).

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  13. What strength you exude! We are praying for you in Knoxville. I am Ryan's sister and she has kept me up to date on Jacob. God Be with little Jacob!

    Love,
    Samantha

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  14. We are so thrilled and praising God for the first set of miracles! Not to mention your strength Julie to be blogging the morning after birth! :) We're continuing to pray and are waiting in faithful expectation for more good reports!

    Love,
    David, Jennifer and Bear :)

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  15. Praise God!!! What a blessing that we rest in God's hands. We will continue to pray and are rooting for Jacob. He is beautiful!!!

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  16. Julie and Jeff-
    Thank you for updating us all on your little miracle. How wonderful that you were able to hear him cry and see his eyes. May your prayers continue to be answered. Our family continues to pray for yours and the caregivers watching over Jacob.
    Megan Cooper

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  17. In awe and amazement at the great news of your sweet son! We are so happy for you and continue to intercede for his strength to undergo surgery and for his doctors to work diligently and carefully. All praise to our great God!!!

    Benjy and Carolyn Brednich

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  18. I heard about your journey and precious baby through my niece. I just wanted you to know that I am keeping sweet Jacob in my thoughts and prayers.

    Robin McCain

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  19. Julie, Jeff and Jacob,
    Your story is an absolute miracle. We will be praying for your family and continued miracles. Your pictures are testimoninals to the fact that miracles do happen.
    Cindi Rule (Jennifer Rizkalla's mother)

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  20. The Robersons from Otter Creek Church are praying for you. Ten years ago today we gave birth to our own Jacob so I immediately feel a connection to your sweet baby Jacob. I lift each of you up today to our Father. Praise Him for what he has done already. What a miracle! Thank you for your faith. Although I don't know you, I am encouraged by your walk of faith and love for your son. This little Jacob is a precious child of God. May God be glorified.

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  21. Congratulations on the birth of your precious baby boy! He is beautiful. Praise God for the miracles that have already taken place. I will pray that He continue to watch over Jacob and that He give the doctors the wisdom to make the best decisions for Jacob's care.

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  22. Dear Julie and Jeff,

    Your experience with Jacob is so touching that I am crying. He is so precious! I am so glad you have had time with him and I'm wishing you a lifetime with him! You are such wonderful parents.
    Love,
    Susan Denny

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  23. what amazing miracles you saw firsthand yesterday! thanking God for these precious moments with jacob, and praying for more!

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  24. Oh Dear God, Thank you for this gift. Please protect Jacob and let him pull through this surgery. He is your child Father. Please help him to live to tell the story of your kindness and love. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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  25. Your story and seeing sweet little Jacob has definitely brought tears to my eyes! God truly is an AMAZING God and it is so comforting to see a faith like yours being lived out! What a wonderful testimony to our wonderful God! We will continue to pray for you and your beautiful baby boy! (friend's of the High's)

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  26. Jacob is precious! We will continue to pray for him!

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  27. What wonderful news you have had to share with all of us! He is absolutely beautiful! His color is nice & pink and his muscle tone looks fantastic (his little legs and arms are flexed in the photos - those are things we NICU nurses looks for). I was surprised to read that he was not on ECMO at this time. That is such great news. Jacob's a little fighter! We will continue to pray for him. What a special blessing this little boy is! Don't forget to rest Julie....you have had surgery and you need your strength for the days ahead. Bless you all.
    We love you
    Lynette & Tom

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  28. Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS flow!!! We are so thankful Jacob is here and that he is fighting. I enjoyed visiting with you yesterday:)

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  29. What a miracle Jacob is. My family and I will contune to pray for you and your beautiful family.

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  30. What an amazing litte guy! I could not wait for Jenny to give me updates on the little fellow the night he was born. Please know that my family and I will continue to pray for Jacob and you during the days, weeks and months ahead.

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  31. Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing, power and majesty praise to the King. Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of Your name.

    I am a friend of a friend that led me to your blog...and will be checking in on little Jacob the miracle boy! I will be praying that God will continue his strength as he breathes and moves and grows...

    I can't help to Praise Him from whom all blessings flow.....

    Joy, DeeDee

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  32. PRAISE THE LORD! PRAISE THE LORD! What an awesome God we serve. Look and see what the Lord has done! What a beautiful little boy he is,definitely a fighter. We will continue to pray and EXPECT more great news and answers to all the prayers. Great is His faithfulness, strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow! We love you Jeff and Julie.
    Uncle Steve and Aunt Vicki

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  33. Another teacher directed me to your blog and I'm so glad. What a blessing you've received in this precious baby this week. I am praying for you all and hope that this is the first of many miracles for sweet Jacob!
    amy maze
    www.myamazeingjourney.blogspot.com

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  34. Julie and Jeff,
    Thank you so much for sharing your story. It is truly amazing. I have not had much time to take a look at your blog and read it but I'm glad to know it's there so that I can follow the progress. Sending all of you my prayers and blessings.

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  35. Just want you to know how much we are thinking and praying for you all and little Jacob. We lifted you all up in the elder's meeting tonight. Just know we're all with you and love you so much!

    -Dean

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  36. You all are in my prayers. Miracles happen every day.
    -Katie R. (friend of Danielle M.)

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  37. God is GOOD and able to do much more than we can even dream! Jacob is a fighter because he has two parents who have never stopped loving him, believing in him, and fighting for him! I am praying specifically for strength and endurance for all three of you during the uncertain days ahead! Many prayers and so much love are with you all the way from the great northwest!

    Love, Jenna

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  38. How awesome that you have been able to see and touch and smell your precious baby boy! God is definitely working and there has been a constant prayer lifting you guys up and your sweet baby Jacob. May God continue to give you strength and peace and that fighting spirit to Jacob!

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  39. We're hugging each other and crying tears of joy and love here in Georgia!!! Jeff and Julie you are the most stunning parents we've ever witnesses! Your love for Jacob pours from your expressions!
    Wishing you the peace and courage of Christ as you press through the next few days, weeks and months!
    Always loving you both so dearly! Love Angie and Mike Crane

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  40. God is GOOD Julie! Praise God for your little yelps! :) Lifting you guys up in prayer!
    Love,
    Jessica Terlau

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  41. What a beautiful son you have! I am Hannah and Hunter's grandmother Jeanine Hood in Easley,SC. Heather has kept us up on your story and I am glad to be able to check your blog and see the story unfold. We are keeping your family in our prayers and our Church prayer warriors are praying as well. You are two amazing God-filled parents and Jacob has alreay led a deeply enriched life already.

    Wishing you many many years with this most precious gift.

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  42. My mom & dad (Bob & Laurie Nickel) have been updating me & keeping me up-to-date on the amazing journey that the two of you have been through with your son Jacob! I began to cry when my mom informed me that he's alive & doing so well! I am so happy for both of you & hope that he does great in surgery & continues to grow even stronger each & every day!

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