Mitchell photos

Baby Mitchell Update

Jodi is resting comfortably and already has some company this morning - her mother, Madison and Mackenzie, and the Humphreys. Ted has taken Jean and Madison to NICU to see Mitchell, and Mackenzie will be going up later as she will only be able to see him through a window.

The ECHO has shown that the ASD (atrial septal defect) is inadequate; apparently this causes problems with the mixing of the blood and will probably necessitate an earlier intervention than had been planned. At this time, it looks as if Mitchell will be transferred this afternoon to Eggleston Children's Hospital. It's unclear whether he will be going to the cath lab immediately or if they will wait until surgery. Ted and Jodi are expecting that surgery will most likely be tomorrow or Friday. Even though this may not be the most ideal situation, there were other possible defects that he does not have, so we are thankful for that and again ask for prayer for the doctors and other medical staff who will be involved in his care and procedures in the coming days.

Thanks again for your continued concern and support.

Baby Arrival!

We (Ted's parents) are happy to report that James Mitchell Holz was safely delivered into the world via C-section at 8:35 a.m (Eastern time). We apologize for the delay in passing on this information, but after Ted and Jodi arrived at the hospital at 5 a.m. for a scheduled delivery at 6:45, they were informed that it had been postponed to 8:15. Other than a slight(?) problem with Jodi's epidural, all went well, and, to quote Ted, Mitchell "was squawking." His Apgar scores are quite acceptable - 8/8 - and at the moment he is having what will be the first of many tests, an ECHO to determine more precisely what needs to be done. The cardiologist whom Ted spoke with indicated surgery may be on Friday, but we will know more as the day progresses.

Mitchell weighs 6lb., 10 oz., just two ounces shy of what had been estimated, and is 19 " long. Jodi's initial evaluation of his appearance is that he probably looks more like Mackenzie did as a newborn; Ted is going to withhold his judgment, at least for a few hours. Apparently he has quite a lot of fairly dark hair, which would be more of a Huff characteristic, but we will wait and see!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for the family and for little Mitchell during these past months and also for the many kindnesses you have shown to them. It has all been very much appreciated.

As more information becomes available, we will be sure to let you know. Please continue to pray for Ted, Jodi, Jean, the girls, and Mitchell and for the doctors as they make plans for the first surgery.

bumped til 8:15 am eastern

Atlanta Perinatal 38 weeks 2 days

Not much to report after our visit today. Mitchell is estimated at 6 lbs 5 oz; Dr. Matsumoto guessed about a 6 lb 12 oz delivery (which happens to be the same as Mackenzie).

We enjoyed a nice visit with Bob & Carolyn Humphreys last night & this morning; They left us after praying for Mitchell & our family; It is so wonderful having them around- can't help but be reminded of my dad whenever Bob is around. His prayer sounded just like Dad's would be for his grandson. We are blessed- I know that Bob prays for us just like he would his own family; he's taken over in Dad's absence.

We're doing well, just a little tired. It's a little after 7 here, and I'm ready for bed. Ted made time to play with the girls for a bit at a park near the hospital after our appt. We are so glad that they are here with us; can't imagine if we had to leave them behind in Pensacola.

Thank you for the comments, emails, cards, phone calls and texts- we appreciate your support & knowing that you are praying for us.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

In Atlanta

Thank you for your prayers as we traveled today. We arrived at our hotel about 5:30 this evening. It is a beautiful place- we are very thankful for the accommodations. We arrived in time to eat dinner here- It was Greek night, so we had Gyros, Greek Salad and soup; the girls & Ted also enjoyed the cookies they bake here for dessert. Ted had the fun job of unpacking all of our stuff- I think we had the car filled to its capacity. After being up since 5 & cleaning before we left, I am a bit exhausted. I think I'll save unpacking the suitcases for tomorrow. I am resting, Ted is watching basketball, and the girls are enjoying going thru their basket of new toys & games.
Thanks to Landrum, Ted's office for their overwhelming generosity and send off. They sent enough food with us to stock our kitchen, so I don't think Ted will have to go to the grocery store anytime soon.
Our schedule this week is fairly relaxed. Tomorrow we get to see our close friends, the Humphreys with Jewish Missions. Bob & Carolyn will be at a monthly Bible Study in Atlanta tomorrow, so they are staying to spend some time with us; Wednesday will be an appointment with the Perinatologist, and Friday another appt with the OB.
Scott will be bringing Jodi's mom on Monday when he comes to Atlanta to record.
We will keep you posted on our progress. At the moment, we are still scheduled for Wednesday morning, May 20th at 6:45 a.m. (EST) Will update if things progress sooner, and Ted's mom will post after Mitchell delivery.
Thank you for continued prayer & support.

OB Appt.

Not much new to report- it's hard to believe that we will be in Atlanta this time next week.
Had a follow-up appointment with our OB today; Mitchell's weight is now estimated at 5 lbs 12 oz.
We're planning on spending Mother's Day here in Pensacola and heading to Atlanta on Monday. We have appts. with the OB and Perinatologist next week before the delivery.
Will update as we have more details regarding Mitchell's arrival and pending surgery.
Hope everyone has a Happy Mother's Day!