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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Ivy Update....

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Thank you all who have been here in prayer and thought for us today!
Ivy is in ICU. She will remain sedated and comfortable through the night and tomorrow at 7am she will undergo her 3rd open heart surgery in 3 weeks.

The problems going on with the right side of her heart,  are all secondary. The real problem is the mitral valve.  Again.

It's been repaired twice but the gouge in it is just too severe to hold. She needs a replacement. A new valve. Dr Baird feels at this point, a mechanical valve would be the best choice for Ivy. It would mean no more replacements until her 20's.  It also means blood thinners and lifetime precautions due to that, but we can handle that.

Oh how I hurt for the continued suffering my tiny angel continues to endure. I don't understand it, I hate it, but I know there is a reason beyond compression and I choose joy again today, for my sweet girl, for my incredible family that has made this all so much easier by the love and strength that they have for each other. For my husband whom I love  so much and can not imagine doing life without him by my side.

Ivy and I are teaming up, and we are going to bust out of this place in no time!!!!  My hope is that we will be eating turkey and mashed potatoes together next Thursday in 8 East and giving Thanks to God for her life and His plans for her!!


Father God,
"Thank you for sustaining me today. Thank you for embracing  Bryan and I, and our family. It is by your Grace that we are all still standing tall. Please let tomorrow be the final phase to Ivy's healing. Let her come out of the Operating room with a fully functioning heart and allow her to come off bypass and the ventilator easily. Let her recovery be miraculous now. Let her soar to a new level of health and growth and development. Ease her mind, diminish her fears, erase her pain and all memories of her suffering. Use us in whatever way you see fit to bless others, to encourage others, to bring glory to You." 
Amen
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73 comments:

Lisa said...

Amen.

Anonymous said...

praying!

Anonymous said...

Praying and praying and praying.

Best,
Antinette and Hadley

Dianne said...

I'm so sorry for this news, brings tears to my eyes. My heart goes out to Ivy, you, and your family. I have a mitral valve prolapse and need to take precautions, but it hasn't been bad.
Your strength and choosing joy through such a difficult time is upmost exemplary. You and Ivy are not alone! Praying!!

LaKasha Strickland said...

I am in agreement with that!

Diane said...

Oh Mary. Praying. Praying. Praying

Anonymous said...

Praying in Georgia!!!!! On my face!!! Lifting up Ivy Joy!!! Praying for this entire family!!!

Mom of Fab Five!!

Jennifer said...

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
The righteous run to it and are safe.

Jennifer said...

Praying for sweet Ivy Joy.... Wish we could do do much more for you guys.

Suzanne said...

Praying in SC. In 20 years who knows what advancements will have been made. Praising God that the mechanical valve will work for her.

God is Amazing!

The Heald Family said...

Oh sweet Ivy.
I am praying for wisdom for the doctors and perseverance & peace for Ivy and you!
Cathy Heald

Anonymous said...

Praying

Ally @ Even Miracles said...

Words cannot express how sorry I am to hear Ivy is going through this. May God bless and watch over you all. Praying for you and with you for your precious daughter.

the meaklims said...

Holding your family to the throne of Grace - because right now... it's all we can do.

Jill

Anne B. said...

Praying so hard for you....asking God and thanking him for all he has done and will do in your sweet little munchkin's life. (((BIG HUGS)))!!!

Carmen said...

Lay it all down at his feet. His Grace is sufficient.

likeschocolate said...

My heart is aching for you and for Ivy! Poor little girl! My wish is that the surgery tomorrow is successful and that you will definitely be eating turkey next week.

Unknown said...

Praying from TX. I have faith that Ivy Joy will be just fine. The strength and courage this amazing little child of yours has shown, is just amazing! She has already shown that she is a fighter & survivor at such a young age. What a strong & powerful woman she will grow up to be!

Anonymous said...

Praying your prayer to the Lord, for Ivy, for you, and for your family.
Psalm 121 1 I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.

Praying Grandma in Nebraska

jennifer said...

Praying in Louisiana! The girls and I will be wearing our Team Ivy "joy" shirts tomorrow...cheering you both on!!

Candy said...

My thoughts are with you as you once again go through the Open Heart Surgery. I pray that Ivy Joy comes out of this strong and that you will be eating Turkey together on Thanksgiving.

Jamie Lynn said...

Amen. Prayers a thousand fold being sent your way.

Jules said...

you will not leave my thoughts!!!

my heart is so heavy for you both and I know this must be hard to go through and not have your husband there by your side.

Please know we all stand side by side with you lifting you and sending our prayers and healing thoughts!!!

Karen said...

I am so sorry to read this. I am praying that this surgery goes well and Ivy recovers quickly. I will bring you turkey and mashed potatoes and whatever else you need on Thanksgiving to 8 East. In the meantime, what can I do for you. Do you want me to come and sit with you at the hospital tomorrow? Please let me know. Sending you a big hug.

Unknown said...

praying for beautiful Ivy and you, Mary and all of your family

Unknown said...

Praying here as well.
Love and hugs from Michigan

Anonymous said...

Prays being sent to you and Ivy.

Caryn said...

What a sweet baby girl. We are praying for her.

Chasing our Dream to China said...

Team Ivy is ready. Jesus is ready. We can do this. Fasting for Ivy tomorrow. We love you! On our knees in AZ!
Laurie and the "C" Crew

Anonymous said...

Praying that ALL will be lifted up to the Great Healer,The Great Physician, Our HeavenlyFather ,for a healing surgery for Ivy Joy!! Your Faith is so beautiful, so PROUD to be a part of Ivy"s prayer team!! God Bless, Cathy in Illinois!!

Unknown said...

Good grief pumpkin!!! We have been praying in Washington state! Your strength is amazing. God bless and much love, The Martinell Family (Shawn, Stephanie, Mason, Landon and Lily (currently in China)

Anonymous said...

Praying for you, Ivy Joy and your family. What a testament of strength and faith you are to all!

John G. said...

I'm so very sorry Mary. I really believed you were leaving in the next few days. I'm heart broken with you. We will continue to pray for sweet Ivy. May you find peace during this time and know we are praying for Ivy, for you and your family.

Hugs and prayers from CT.
Caroline

Y said...

Be still,my soul: the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of greif or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide; In every change He faithfull will remain. Be still, my soul; thy best thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Maggie said...

Praying with and for you.

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

Praying for you all sweet Mary! God bless you beyond measure!!! XOXO

Ragena said...

Oh Sweet Mary! So so Sorry! I've prayed and prayed today...and will continue to do so.

1001tears said...

Oh, sweet, sweet baby girl. Praying in
Chicago from one heart mama to another.

Tiffany Marston said...

hugs and prayers!!!

Susan said...

I come into agreement with you, Mary!!! I know Jesus has sweet Ivy in His care!!!! I will wear my Joy shirt tomorrow and stand in the gap as a team member!!!! Much Love to you!!!!!!

Unknown said...

Praying in Canada..

Rachel said...

Canadian Prayers sent your way. My thoughts and love and faith are with you and God as he heals and repairs Ivy's little broken heart.

LA said...

Praying for you and your sweet Ivy! May God hold your family in his hand.

Stephanie said...

My prayers will continue!! Your precious Ivy will be eating turkey with you on Thanksgiving. May God be by your side to continue to bring you the strength to get thru another surgery. Stay strong, you have so many prayer warriors.

Lori said...

Lord~ You say in your Word that you love children and most specifically the very least of these among us... the orphan. So we rest tonight, knowing your heart explodes with love for precious Ivy Joy. You've proven that already by giving her the miracle of life, the miracle of a family and a home, and the miracle of the physician's hands... And yet, tonight we admit that we don't understand. We long for Ivy to be free of the pain and suffering that has already marked her young life. We long for the joy and completely healing over her that only You can bring. Ivy's life is in your hands... remind us that she is safest there. Give those of us that love Ivy, a greater trust in your goodness than we've ever known before. Help us, in our weakness, to submit ourselves to your perfect Will... founded in your great love for us. Glorify yourself abundantly through your answers for this precious child and the family that loves her so much! We wait expectantly for all of your wonderful plans to be revealed. How we love you and pray you'd be honored... Amen

Anonymous said...

You and your beautiful Ivy Joy will be in my prayers.

Kristi said...

Oh, so sorry! Will be praying for ur sweet tiny angel this evening and tomorrow. ...Did Dr. Baird indicate how long he thinks she will be in surgery tomorrow? Or, how long they plan to keep her sedated post surgery? As unimaginably difficult this 3rd open heart surgery in 3 weeks has to be on your mommy heart and on Ivy's little body, ...if the valve was going to not stay due to the extent of damage, it is 'good' that this was discovered now as opposed to say, a month or two once u r home, right? ...You are an amazing mom to an incredible little girl. Stay strong...

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, we all hoped she would be going home....Gyll Gramma to ryleigh ( XinYi)

Harlow Family said...

Amen...sending prayers and hugs your way!!

Di said...

Thinking of you all and wishing that this time is really the last time!!

Tracee said...

Sweet Ivy Joy...my heart aches for you. I have a question just out of curiousity, is a heart transplant a option? I'm ignorant to such issues but I just hate to see sweet Ivy enduring so very much. This has to be so terribly hard on you Mary and I just wish there was something...anything...we could do for you both.

Anne said...

You don't know me, but I've been following your blog for a long time. My heart just sank as I read your entry today. Please know that you, Ivy and your entire family are in my thoughts & prayers. God Bless you all.

Love,
Anne in Colorado Springs

kim647 said...

Praying for your beautiful angel. can't wait to see more pictures of the pointing to get out and the pouty lip. Love her spirit.

JB said...


Prayers, prayers and more prayers. For peace of mind for you and your family, for comfort and strength for Miss Ivy Joy, for skill and confidence for her surgeon.

stephanie said...

Amen.

Kim Crouch said...

I have been keeping up to date with sweet Ivy and you. I have no idea who you are as you have no idea who I am and I can't remember how I stumbled upon your blog....but I am a Mama too and I can't imagine all you are going through. Please know we are praying for all of you.

Anonymous said...

prayers for you all.......

Anonymous said...

'All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me.'

Sweet baby Ivy & family,

Us prayer warriors have your back ... never lose sight of that!

Prayers for tomorrow and beyond ...

~ Deb xoxo

The Harlicka Family said...

Oh Mary,
This is the first time I've had a chance to check in since your update this morning and my heart just aches for that sweet little girl and for her mama and all your family at home missing you both!!! I was praying all day and will continue to pray that the surgery tomorrow is a total success and there are no more complications! Praying for more miracles for "our" girl! :) The girl's and I will be wearing our Joy t-shirts tomorrow!!

Ladyblog said...

Praying for you from Florida! I pray that this is the last surgery precious Ivy Joy will endure for her complete healing and miraculous recovery. I can't imagine how disappointed the doctors and you were with this news and I admire your strength and faith! Hugs!
Rebecca

betsy said...

Sending prayers and healing thoughts to all of you...

Dan and Karen said...

Great Physician,

We know that you hold the future in your hands, and that you know each and every one of Ivy Joy's breaths. You have already charted out every day she has, none of this is new to you, and we trust that you have a divine plan.

We ask that you guide the surgeon's hands, give him strength and confidence in his task, give him clarity of mind and keep him from fatigue and discouragement.

Lord in your Word you say if two or three are gathered you will be there. There are thousands gathered and we know you will be with Mary and Ivy tomorrow. Surround them with the peace of your ever knowing presence, wrap them in your comforting peace.

Father, you know every wish we have for Ivy, you have watched every tear fall, you have heard every silent prayer and we know you care about each hope, wish, prayer and tear. You tell us that if we ask in your name it will be granted. Jesus, we ask in your Holy name for Ivy to be healed and whole. That she may recover and grow in the love that only you can provide through her loving family.

We plead on behalf of Ivy for each of these requests. In you name,

Amen



Anonymous said...

Blessings to you and to Ivy, especially tomorrow. I am so sorry to read of this latest development. She has been through so much suffering, I pray that this is the last of it and will lead to perfect health! With Love, Dale ( and Sophie)

MAM said...

Thank you for that beautiful and perfect prayer, Dan and Karen!

Ivy Joy: Fight, my little friend....your prayer warriors are lined up and ready to lead you into battle tomorrow! With love, mam & mrm

Sarah said...

Mary... continuing the prayers for your precious Ivy Joy! What a little fighter you have! She is going to prove how mighty she is very soon!! Can't wait to see her home with Lexie!

Hugs and prayers!

Sarah

Anonymous said...

Prayers tonight and tomorrow morning! Sweet, sweet baby girl, we are lifting you up in prayer to an amazing, powerful and magnificent Almighty God!! May His hand be upon that sweet baby and with those doctors and her amazing parents who are pulling their strength from the Lord! May you all have sweet and quiet rest tonight as you prepare to face the challenge that tomorrow brings, knowing that God has His hand on it all. Jenny

FullPlateMom said...

Praying for Ivy Joy!!! Hoping to wake up tomorrow (we're in China) to hear that her surgery was a HUGE success.

Ana said...

Sending prayers your way!

Alison said...

Standing by your side in fervent prayer for Ivy's heart, and for YOUR heart as well. I am praying for strength for all of you. Continue to fight the fight, and we will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Alison D

Anonymous said...

Praying in Buffalo, NY

God Bless!

Annette Duty said...

We are always praying for you both. I cannot begin to even imagine what you are going through. This just breaks my heart that your little angel has to go through this again. I just cannot imagine what your little angel is thinking about all this. We pray for a safe surgery and a quick recovery!!!!!! We pray you will be home for Thanksgiving. We pray Ivy opens her little eyes from this surgery quickly and her little body heals ever so fast. We pray for your little angel that she will be safe in God's hands and she'll soon be mending and on her way home.

God Bless you all,
Annette

maggie k said...

Mary - Still praying hard in CT. Love M

Anonymous said...

Praying here in Ithaca,NY

 
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