CT scan

Ryan is doing good today. Her vitals are stable and she is getting some much needed rest. She has a CT scan scheduled for tomorrow at 8:00am to take a closer look at her heart. When speaking with the cardiologist today, he told me that he has a gut feeling that Ryan's pulmonary artery is capable of sustaining her. This would be an answered prayer. We could then take her off of the prostaglandin, which would allow her PDA to close and give us a real chance to take her home in a few weeks. She would still need surgery to fix her heart but it could then be delayed for up to 3 months. Please pray that the Doctor is right. We want nothing more than to bring her home. Thanks so much for all of the prayers and support. May God bless you all, Jared

Prayer request

As you all know Ryan's surgery to close her spine was a success. Our next concern is the cerebral spinal fluid that has built up in her brain. If her body is unable to somehow absorb the extra fluid she will have a shunt placed in her head to drain it. This is yet another invasive surgery for a little girl who just arrived into this world 2 days ago. Please pray that the fluid in her brain will subside. We are taking this one step at a time and right now the excess fluid is our focus. Thanks again to you all. Jared

Count it all joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 ESV)

New info

Well the good news is that Ryan made it through surgery and is doing well. What A relief it was to see her when she returned. I do however have some news that's difficult to hear. We found out earlier today that she is missing her corpus callosum in her brain. It separates the cerebrum into 2 hemispheres. They are unsure how this will affect Ryan. Apparently there are perfectly healthy people walking around without one but also people who are severly affected by it's absence. All we can ask for is continual prayer. We are trying to be strong but we are truly broken. Love to you all, Jared

What a day

It's been pretty crazy here at the hospital. Though Ryan is here, it wasn't easy. When she was pulled out of Michelle's womb, she was cyonotic and limp. It's pretty difficult to see your baby arrive and immediately need resuscitation and intabation efforts for her to be able to breath. By the grace of God I was able to remain strong and stay calm. The last thing I need was for Michelle to see me distressed. Once the tube was placed she was then rushed to the nicu where she began to breath on her own. What a relief that was. Her vitals stabalized and Michelle and I were able to take a deep breath and relax. She remained stable for the rest of the night. Please continue to pray for Ryan. She is in surgery to close her neuro tube defect as I type this entry. We love you all and may God's will be done. Jared

She's Arrived

She's here and she's beautiful! She came in at 5lbs and 6oz. She is doing good. More updates to come.

We've Arrived!

We just arrived at St. Joe's! Michelle is getting an IV put in her arm at this very moment! Please continue to pray for us and I will keep you all posted. Jared

Directions to St. Joseph's hospital

For anyone who is planning on stopping by to see us on Thursday here are the directions: To St. Joe's hospital take I-10 East to 7th Ave, head north over the bridge and continue on until you get to Thomas Rd then take a right onto Thomas Rd. Once on Thomas Rd you will then take a left onto 5th Ave, this will take you into the hospital. Then follow the signe to the parking garage. Take the elevator in the parking garage down to bottom level then walk in the direction of the valet stand. You will then continue past the valet stand, around the circle drive and enter the hospital through the chapel doors. Walk through the sliding glass doors and go left towards the elevators. Get on the elevator and head up to the 5th floor. Go left to the check in desk at the OB/Traige unit. There you should be able to find us.
Also, Michelle's c-section is at 10am, but you might not be able to see her until 12:30 but Jared will be around to tell everyone how things are going. Also, there is a chance that Ryan will not get to have any visitors for the first 2 days...but that is just a possibility because we are hopeful that Ryan will come out a healthy little lady.
Thanks again for all your support and prayers! We are just days away from meeting little miss ryan!!!

Food Tidings

Hi there all,

The due date is fast approaching! We are so excited to finally meet miss ryan. We wanted to let you know that we have had some friends start a food tidings site for us for the first couple weeks after the c-section. If you are interested in signing up here is the web address:
http://www.foodtidings.com/SignUp.aspx?ScheduleGuid=138352ef-98bc-4aa0-a577-e3210184d0de
Thank you all for you prayers as we narrow in on the big day and as always we are so thankful for each and every one of you.
Love Jared and Michelle

Its Official

Ok its official, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Ryan Lynn Clifford will enter this world July 28th 2011 via C-section. I have a strong feeling that God is going to do miraculous things with and through this little girl. She has already changed my life. I have loved the Lord for quite sometime but since learning about the difficuties that my sweet angel is facing, my desire to know, love, obey, acknowledge, and please God has increased exponentially. Some things that used to seem so important to me now appear to be so meaningless. I used to be insecure about my ability to share my faith, over the last few months I have shared the good news of Christ on a regular basis. Now I'm sharing without fear, not worrying about my deficiences but resting completely in the Holy Spirit to speak through me. I've seen people who would not give God a second thought who are now willing to read books about Jesus. This is the power we have when we give Christ complete control of our lives and Ryan has helped remind me of this truth. I'm certain that no matter the outcome, Ryan will continue to bless my life as well as those around her. Thanks again for the many prayers. Michelle and I feel so blessed by you all. With love, Jared

C Section dates

Just to let everyone know, we have two possible dates for the c section. Its either going to be July 18th or the 28th. I will keep you all posted. Thanks again for all the prayers. Jared