04 January, 2010

Update.

As many of you know, our 8 week old Gavin was admitted to Primary Children's Hospital late Tuedsay night (29th of Dec). After a few days of struggling pretty intensily with what we were told was a case of RSV, Gavin was just not responding to treatment or stabilization efforts. Thanks to the courage of one very attentive nurse, Gavin was rushed successfully to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit about 4 days ago (I really have ZERO concept of time anymore. I truly don't even know what day it is).

Upon arrival at the PICU a gamut of tests were performed and one came back positive. Pertussis.
On top of the RSV.

As luck would have it, it's at the 8 week well baby apointment that the first Pertussis vacine is administered.

Don't even get me started on my newfound commitment to vaccinations. Another day, another post.

At this point we're touch and go. He's got tubes and wires coming from every inch of his tiny body. Fluid drips are causing him to appear more like a marshmellow than a baby. He's so pale he's almost transparent. He's being kept alive by a ventilation device and a million well trained specialists that I truly owe my life and love as deeply as I know how.
How am I? There are prayers coming at Gavin and I (and our family) from every corner of the Earth. I've been showered with love and support from fellow bloggers and twitter friends. Friends (of the physical and virtual variety) have been requesing prayers from their networks (and on and on down the line).


I want you to know that I feel these prayers.
.
I feel them to my core.
.
As I travel back and forth from the lactation room to his little room in the PICU (and then back and forth again and again and again. . .and again). I feel your strength.
.
As I struggle to understand all the medical jargon that's being thrown around like it's all elementary, I feel my mind being enlightened and my understanding hightened.
.
When I'm rolling out of bed in the wee hours of the morning, after what feels like only moments of rest, I feel as though I'm being carried on the wings of angels.
.
And every now and then when I do inadvertently succum to my terror and tears, I can feel the arms of so many mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, angels from on high (one in particular) and friends around the world comforting me and helping me to go on.
.
so yes.
I feel your prayers.
and they are creating miracles for my son and I.
.
God is real. God is good. God is truly holding my hand as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (literally. . . though I have to admit sheepishly that everytime I hear that line I think of that rap song from the 90's).
.
THANK YOU for your love and support.
Please keep those prayers and happy healing vibes a comin'.

65 comments:

jaclyn kaiser said...

lots and lots of prayers for baby gavin. and for you, richie, and the boys. love you guys.

Truly Silkes said...

Prayers for Gavin and for you Natalie, from a mother of two in Germany. I know how scared you are.

Silke

Pamela Ellis said...

more prayers from someone you've never met...(in NorCal) another mom who can only imagine what you and Gavin are going through... my prayers are with you and everyone, the medical professionals and your other children..

Ashley said...

I can't stop praying and thinking about you guys. I wish there was something more I could do. Please don't hesitate to ask for ANYTHING.

stef j. said...

gosh nat, love ya tons. so so sorry you're going through this...

prayers. love. fasting. thoughts. everything... coming your way.

Stephanie Newbold said...

Oohh, Natalie...sending you love and healing prayers from Tucson, AZ. A creative passion made me a fan, FaceBook made us "friends", and God made us "sisters". Thinking of you....
Stephanie

Erin said...

Sorry to hear about your troubles. The people at Primary Childrens are fantastic. My sister used to be nurse there. They do amazing things at that hospital. Praying he gets well soon and go both go home to be with the rest of your family.

Emily Ruth said...

Prayers from San Diego.
Love,
the Childers

Alicia Nelson said...

prayers from Houston,
Alicia

Krista Hansen said...

Prayers for you and your family.

Olivia said...

Thank you for sharing with all of us. You are so strong! Prayers are still being sent your way on behalf of the entire ward here in Edinburgh. We Love You! Please send Richie our love as well. I can only imagine what it must be like for him to have to be so far away.

Keep Going! We are all there to help Heavenly Father lift you up.

Unknown said...

I am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time, especially little Gavin. Love from Manchester, England! x

Gisela Holguin said...

Prayers from Orlando, FL... Stay strong for your boys
Love,
Gisela & Baby Wes

Holli said...

so sad for you, nat. thinking of you and definitely praying for you and baby. love, holli

Jessica said...

Oh my goodness, i'm so sorry! This is terrible. Your sweet baby will be in my prayers.

Krista Lucas said...

many many prayers from california. no mom (or 8 week old) should ever have to go through this.

Malia said...

We love you guys! You are in our prayers for sure.

Melissa said...

Thanks for the update Natalie, I've been thinking about you and your family. I'm praying for you guys with all my heart. (*hugs*)

Brook said...

Wishing Gavin (and his family) strength. Might thoughts are with you all.

Marti said...

Again, a comment from someone you don't know. Thoughts and prayers to your entire family. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You are an amazing mom, hang in there.

Shnuggle said...

Dear Natalie & Gavin,

Our thoughts are with you from the UK, but here is my story with hope for you.

Our daughter was born with MDS, and was very ill from day one, with extremely bad skin rash, caused by AML Leukemia, within 5 days of being born, she developed acute pnemonia due which caused her admittance to PICU in the Royal Hospital Belfast.

She spent a full week in PICU on full life support, whilst being fed breast milk through intubation, and completely asleep with meds.

This was the toughest week of our life, but this is what they do for a living in PICU. Have trust and faith in the skilled people there - they will do everything humanly possible to make your baby better.

We cannot ever guess the challenges that life throws at us, but we now have a very happy and healthy 2.5 year old girl called Rose thanks to the amazing work of the people in that hospital.

Our thought are with you
Adam, Sinead, Rose & Liam
(Northern Ireland)

Lorien said...

I've been a blog stalker for a long time now and you've inspired me more than you know. Our God is a God of love, hope and miracles! Know that many prayers are being lifted up for you and your precious family from a sister in SC.

The Tafuna Family said...

You don't know me, but I'm a big fan of your work. You're a magic maker with the camera I'm a friend of Leeyens. Being a mother, my heart goes out to you and I pray that you keep feeling the Love our Savior has for you and your son.

Brady and Rachel said...

Wow, its amazing to see how many people you have touched and inspired Nat throughout your life, whether it be as a friend in person, classmate, photographer, mother, etc. Am I surprised? Not the least bit. You are amazing, as is Richie. Though I've never met Richie, just your 3 older cute boys, from the fact that you chose to marry him, I can only imagine how amazing he is, because I know you wouldn't settle for anything less. And from the way my father-in-law (Judd Whetten) talked when talking about Richie and you when Richie was SBP (I think) at BYUH. Thank you for sharing your testimony of our Father in Heaven and angels and so many others beyond the veil through your post. You've always been someone I've looked up to in so many ways, I've always wanted to be like you Nat. Okay, maybe not so much when you decided to swallow your CTR ring during class in 2nd grade :), but other than that, you've been a great inspiration to me. Love you lots. Prayers coming from Oregon too of course. - Rachel (Pack)

shari berry bo-berry said...

Natalie,

I have been following your blog for almost a year now and even though I don't "know" you, I feel close to you through your words and photography and my heart just dropped when I read this post. I am so sorry to hear about Gavin's illness and the tough times you and your family are going through.

I too know that God is real, and that He loves us and knows us. I also know that angels do attend us and prayers are answered and offer peace and comfort to those we pray for even when we can't "do" anything for them.

My family will be praying for your little sweet Gavin to get well soon, and also for you to continue to feel strength from above as well as from the love and prayers of all of us out here who care about the Nortons!!!

hugs and prayers from Huntington Beach, CA

~Shari

Anonymous said...

Praying praying praying from Canada

~ Mackenzie

Ryan, Melissa, and Family said...

Hey Natalie,
Thanks for the update...I have been thinking about you, your family and your little boy a lot...My heart goes out to you, we are hoping and praying for the best. You are amazing & I know you will pull through it;)
With Love,
Melissa

Unknown said...

Prayers coming from Brazil, Nat. Gavin and you are in our minds and hearts.
Much love.

Mummy Outnumbered said...

I cant even imagine how you are feeling. My heart goes out to you and your family and my thought are with you.x

Unknown said...

Natalie, We are hoping for the best with sweet baby Gavin and will keep your family in our prayers.
Lots of big hus and all our Aloha,
Rex and Natalee

Heather said...

I can honestly say I've never prayed so hard for something in my entire life. I love you! I love Gav! xoxoxoxo

Elizabeth said...

Praying for baby and you all!

stephanie said...

fervently praying for you and your sweet baby boy Natalie. May God carry you during this time -- and heal him swiftly.

Jer 29:11

sarah.elizabeth<3 said...

prayers from your virtual friend in arizona!! i wish your family the best of luck with your little one!

jo said...

prayers are on their way. i'll pray every chance i get.

richie said...

Thank you SO much everyone for your prayers and support. It means the world to us and helps lift us up. THANK YOU with all our hearts. I know all our prayers are heard and we WILL pull through! Go GAV!

Shurandy Thode said...

My prayers for your family, hope everything will result positive and that all will be good again.

I support you with my prayers and will spread the message.

Regards,

Shurandy

Unknown said...

More prayers coming from someone you don't know. I have read your blog for over a year and enjoy your photography and children updates. Praying for you, your family and most of all your little guy.

diana palmer said...

prayers and strength vibes for baby gavin and for you and your family. still remember seeing you and your adorable boys around laie.

mike steelman said...

Sincerely praying for you, your family and baby Gavin. Hang in there, hold onto Christ. May God bless you all...

Von Orgill said...

Aloha Natalie and Richie,

Know that the Orgill family is including Gavin and all of you in our prayers! We know the feeling of being in the hospital and wondering what the next day or even the next minute might bring. We also know the difference that faith and prayers make and the miracles that come from above as a result of the many reaching towards Heaven to bless those in need.

We love and care about you and will continue to pray for you all.

With much aloha,

Von & Sherri

Leslie Houx said...

Our prayers are with you and your beautiful family...

Chris said...

Wow! Thoughts & Prayers coming your way from the Stokes Family! Get well Baby Gavin! So glad you have so much Strength & Love surrounding you!

Snapshotsofhappiness said...

Oh I am praying for little Gavin!

Jennifer Chaney said...

I have no words... sending lots of love and prayers you and your family.

Lourdes said...

God Bless your little one. He sounds like a fighter.

From another mom.

Nellybelly said...

Hello stranger.

I follow Mike Colon on Twitter and came across his prayer request for you and baby Gavin.

I am a mom of two boys who have had respiratory issues. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.

With love,

Nellie G. from Norcal

Michelle O said...

Praying for you and your family...stay strong and keep the faith.

David and Jessi said...

Thinking of you and yours during this difficult time...We're sure the New Year will bring health and happiness!

Brooke said...

We will be praying for you too!! If you are in Utah--we are too and if you need anything let me know. WE are only about 30 mins away. If you need a place for the family to crash...need a break. Food. ANYTHING!! Please call me...
Brooke Bagley
435.232.6311

sarah dobbins said...

Praying for sweet Gavin and your whole family. I have a 9 week old baby boy and my heart is aching for you all. Sending fervent prayers on behalf of you all.

lyn. said...

Prayers from Provo coming your way...

Anonymous said...

fasted for baby gavin on sunday--praying for you guys!!!

Angie said...

Hang in there! You're in my thoughts & prayers.

stacia hehenberger said...

Sending you, your family and your little boy all the positive thoughts one can muster up. Wish there was something more I could offer...

liko said...

i can relate to every emotion you are experiencing right now. this is where faith comes in, as well as the power and miracles of prayer and priesthood blessings. hours after faith was born we learned she would need to be flown to california for open heart surgery. i remember new mothers complaining about how hard those first weeks home were - hardly any sleep, yadayadayada. at least they could take their babies home and could hold and comfort them when they cried. hang in there. stay strong.

Jill said...

Lots of love and hope we are sending your way. Stay strong, and know that everything will be ok. We met you at the Library downtown when you took our family photos last year, which are priceless to me :) We've spent to much time at Primary's ourselves, and the only good to that is that I've learned they know what there doing. Be Gavin's advocate. Best Wishes and a speed healing for sweet Gavin, love Jill

Budget Mama said...

Love and prayers for baby Gavin, you, and your family. I can't image what a difficult time this must be for you all. If I can do anything for you or your boys, please don't hesitate to ask.

The Ah Quins said...

I'm one of your many fans and faithful blog followers. I'm keeping you and baby Gavin in my prayers. Praying that he gets better and that you are kept strong and that the arms of our Father in Heaven surrounds you and you feel His love for you and your precious baby.

The Ah Quins said...

I hope he keeps getting better!! I think you and Gavin are tough cookies! We are still praying for more healing for your little angel.

Beverlee Barthel said...

I am a fellow photographer and a Mother of 5 children..a stranger to you I know. But My heart and soul are praying so hard for your family and little Gavin..God bless you and keep the strength and hope..I know you can feel our prayers..Wish I was closer to help in some way....but will keep praying and pass on a prayer chain..Huge hugs!!!

Anonymous said...

My prayers go out to you and your little boy, god bless xxxxxx

Mandy said...

Hi, I was linked over to your story from Kara Allen. I can't even begin to imagine what you are going thru right now, but we will add our prayers to the many others and our faith that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and intimately knows our needs and desires.

k. said...

Lots of love & prayers to you & your family - I've seen your story linked several places & had to leave a comment. I'm a seminary teacher & our lesson this morning was on trials. I know now more than ever that God truly is good & never, ever leaves us.

xo

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I know this is a few years later and I'm sure the pain is fresh. My son acquired RSV from us at 6 weeks old. I remember the fear, panic, and worry as they said there was nothing they could do but oxygen and nebs. He's 2.5 now but the lasting affects of severe RSV are with him. Every cold = bronchiolitis. When we christened him, he was in a state where we had to rush home and neb him. Now he's almost three and every cough takes me back to that day. I can't sleep and I get scared even though the doctors tells me he's fine, better, and just stay on top of the nebs. But still....I found out last week that he will be my only child. I can't lose him. I just wanted to let you know that I"m sorry and I do understand your pain.