If half my heart
could make yours whole,
I’d be repaying the gift
you’ve given me.
Heart of Beckett
The Journey of Beckett Jude Rupp
November 16, 2013
UPDATE (11/16/13)
Another week down. This week went by fast. You know those weeks where last Friday literally felt like yesterday? Not sure what to make of it, but what I do know is Beckett is doing well! I posted a picture yesterday of he, Leah and myself going out “on a date”. We had some gift cards to Olive Garden…so we “did it up nice!” 😉 At one point during the evening, I looked over at Leah and said, “Look at us…we’re a family.” Without even saying a word, I knew Leah was soaking it in as well. At a few points we had “that whimpering baby”, but also “neighbor table admirers”, a few people noticed his feeding tube, but you could tell that some people who even spoke with us had no idea what all he has been through. He’s such a strong and good little boy. He rarely “acts out”, and he just loves so affectionately. When it’s just Leah and I, he just reaches out both his arms as far as they can go to simply touch our faces, or grab our hands, or even reach out to be held (he’s doing that now). He’s recently learned how to wave, and it’s the most precious thing ever.
Beckett’s therapy is going well. Our therapist believes that she can see progress. Beckett is beginning to show strength in his core, and he’s been tolerating longer and longer stints of “tummy-time”.
We’ve officially established a bed-time (yes, he was getting away with staying up as late as he’d like until now). As the days go by, we are trying to establish more and more elements of normalcy, and he’s been acclimating to it all quite nicely.
Please continue to vote (see below)! 😉
Please continue to pray for healing and progress.
Please consider a Beckett wristband (if you want).
And please keep me (Jonny) in your thoughts and prayers as I finish up the semester. I actually end early this year at Thanksgiving because I’m leaving for a conferences in England shortly after Thanksgiving. Sooo, two things: please pray that I finish the semester strong (as I have what seems like a million papers and projects to finish before Thanksgiving), and please pray for Leah and Beckett while I’m gone. I’ve honestly never really been homesick before ever in my life (even as a child), but I think this may be my first experience with homesickness. I’m truly looking forward to this trip, and honestly…I’m dreading it at the same time. The closer it gets, the more my stomach churns. So anyway, that’s another thing to please keep in mind for us.
Thanks everyone! You all are amazing (I truly mean that from the bottom of my heart)!
Vote for Beckett!
https://gerber.promo.eprize.com/photosearch/gallery?id=265400
#GoBeckett
#ODAAT
November 15, 2013
Stylin’ once again…but this time on a date with Mom and Dad. Never done this before!
November 10, 2013
UPDATE (11/10/13)
First, Beckett has officially been off of Methadone since Wednesday morning! We actually do not believe we have properly celebrated this yet (Leah or I). But we think it’s because it was such a long battle, and it’s kinda hard to even believe it’s behind us. Buuut, it truly is!! Sooo, that’s a huge milestone.
Secondly, Beckett has officially breached 20 lbs! That’s amazing, especially with all his reflux and throwing-up issues. And though that hasn’t really subsided at all, he really handles it quite well…not necessarily in the moment, but he recovers quickly. At night, however, we have to “watch” (or, more-so, listen) for it (the throwing-up). It happens quickly, and he always needs help with it (and could potentially choke if we aren’t there soon enough to help him). Thankfully, both Leah and my ears are pretty tuned in to it, but the mad-dash to his room in the middle of the night when we hear him gagging through the monitor is quite disorienting….but we’re making it work.
He actually sleeps quite well. Yes, there are times we wished he slept in a little longer, but all-n-all…we really can’t complain. He loves his crib, and just rolls around all night long from one side to another. No exaggeration, he genuinely seems to make a least two full rotations in his crib throughout the night. He definitely takes advantage of the entire real estate offered in that lil crib. I think it’s funny, but we do get concerned because there is a feeding tube connected to him, and we certainly do not want that to get wrapped around anything and create an unnecessary issue. But on a lighter note, that tube can be fun to dig out in the middle of the night when we need to give him meds and he’s sleeping on the part we need to get to. I’ve had to be quite creative during these situations, cause he can tend to be a light sleeper (at times….not always). Once he sees ya, it’s game over….you lose! 🙂
Therapy has continued to go well. He needs a lot of attention to catch him up, but Leah does a fantastic job with him throughout the week, and I certainly enjoy contributing when I can and throughout the weekend.
I took him to church for the first time today. We just hung out in the back and I strolled him around to keep him satisfied. But honestly, he’s such a good lil boy. He just looks around and soaks everything in. It’s a lot of work to take him out, but it’s worth it, and it’s good for him.
I had a fantastic birthday party last weekend. It was great to not only celebrate another year, but to celebrate this year as a father. I’m truly blessed with an amazing son and family, and even an amazing heritage. It’s my father’s birthday today, and I couldn’t be more proud to be his son. I only hope and pray to be able to pass along his work ethic, generosity and love to my son (and future children). He’s trained me well, it’s now my turn!
Don’t forget to vote for Beckett. Well, don’t feel like you have to, but we just find this something fun to do, and we obviously think Beckett is ridiculously cute and deserves a title such as “Gerber Baby” (whatever that means). He’s just cute, and if you agree…..vote! 😉
Lastly, you may have noticed the post that my sister and brother-in-law did for us on our website. We have new Beckett Bracelets. The first edition of these went so well, and we’ve consistently received requests for more, so we decided to make some new ones. I think they look great! If you live near Macomb, MI, Archbold, OH, or Upland, IN and would like one, you can look up one of us “venders”. Otherwise, we can accommodate shipping from our website. Yeah, of course this is an opportunity to raise a lil money for Beckett, but really, I like how this can be a representation of Beckett’s journey and what that has meant to you. Sooo, if you like ’em, be sure to order some soon (cause they may go fast).
God is soooo good. We’ve come so far! I was literally crying like a big baby the other day while just sitting and playing with him. Occasionally, “it all” just hits me, and I tend to get a lil emotional of how amazing my son is. God has sustained him, has sustained our marriage, and so far even my schooling. Leah has been a rock, family has been so helpful and supportive, and I couldn’t ask for better friends. AND to all you who I haven’t even ever met…..are you serious?!….your consistent support has literally stopped me in my tracks. It’s amazing. Beckett’s website has been hit way over 100,000 times in just 10 months…the support is astounding. I just hope this journey has been seen as a journey of hope and a vicarious opportunity for you to discover how you do and will decide to respond during trials. We have certainly not done it “right” everyday, but by God’s grace and strength, we are still standing…
Alright, alright…I’m done.
Remember:
Vote (if you wanna) – Gerber Photo Search 2013
Get a bracelet (if you truly love Beckett….just kidding)
And never doubt God’s sovereign plan. He will bring you through, even if it’s not how you had it planned.
Beckett Wristbands
We’re excited to be able to offer some Beckett wristbands as a fundraiser for Jonathan, Leah, and Beckett. We hope these will remind you to pray, keep you connected to Beckett’s journey, and raise money along the way.
#ODAAT Wristbands (Suggested Donation $3)
Two Sizes Available: Youth (7″) or Adult (8″)
OPTION#1 – PICKUP
If you’d like to pick up a wristband/s, simply choose a location that’s closest to you and contact the name listed. Donations can be given online or as cash /check (“HLHS Support Fund”) in person. This is a fundraiser so please give generously!
PICKUP LOCATIONS/CONTACT INFO
Upland, IN – Jonathan Rupp (765*293*RUPP)
Archbold, OH – Linda Rupp (419*445*6646)
Macomb, MI – Raelyn Hossler (586*246*7467)
OPTION #2 – SHIPPING
If you’d like to have a wristband/s shipped to you, simply donate online (suggested $3 per wristband + shipping ($2 for 1-10, $4 for 11+)), and fill out the Shipping Form below. This is a fundraiser so please give generously!
SHIPPING FORM
Once you’ve submitted a donation via PayPal please enter your shipping info here. If you have any questions please email Raelyn Hossler at raelynhossler[at]gmail.com. Thank you!
November 4, 2013
Hey y’all. The time has come. If you feel obliged or encouraged to, please feel free to click the link below and vote for our precious lil Beckett’s photo. He’s such a cutie!
Oh, and I think you can share the link too. The voting is for nearly a month (I think)….sooooo, spread the word!! THANKS!! 🙂
October 31, 2013
Here’s the Gerber link…go check it out!!
October 31, 2013
UPDATE (10/31/13)So many little things to cover. Let’s dive right in…
First, just a few days ago Beckett turned 10 months old! ……..if you’ve been following his journey closely, many of you will realize just how amazing this really is. I try not to overly think about Beckett’s fragility, but in reflecting upon Beckett’s journey (especially throughout the first few months of his life) I am truly amazed and sincerely grateful for each day and every milestone.
With that being said, and on a slightly more sobering note, one of Beckett’s therapists has labeled many of his physical abilities at the level of a 3 or 4 month old. Beckett struggles sitting up without support, he still doesn’t know how to eat orally, and “tummy-time” is very uncomfortable (the distinction we’ve been given is that he shouldn’t necessarily be in pain due to his numerous chest incisions, but rather uncomfortable because of how unfamiliar it is to him). This is justly disappointing, but understandable. Clearly, Beckett has not had a very typical first 10 months of life, but he has certainly proven his resiliency…and so I strongly believe we can get him caught up eventually.
This past week we had another evaluation for additional therapy. I’m continually thankful for each of these opportunities and am excited to continue to watch Beckett “develop” and make up lost ground. Leah spends most of the time with Beckett and his therapists, and has shared with me that she is very pleased with their intentionality and skill with him.
Furthermore, Beckett’s G-Tube is doing well. We have some ground to make up on healing his skin around the site, and it’s looking much better.
Ummm, let’s see….he’s been sleeping pretty well. Oh! And we are almost done with his methadone wean!!!!! Ahhhh!!!!! That’s so exciting for us. We literally have less than a week to go!!
A few more things. Many of you may have seen the last picture I posted of Beckett in a Pumpkin Patch (cute as can be…may I add?). Coincidently, I believe we found our Gerber Baby Photo to submit. One of the stipulations was having a photo of our baby that had been taken within the past 30 days (so unfortunately we were unable to use any of the other super cute ones from months ago). The voting begins on November 4th, and I’ll provide a link soon for where and how to vote (though, you should know, it’s only done on Facebook). BUT, if you can, please vote! #GoBeckett
Lastly, we have some exciting news literally a few days away. We have ordered and received NEW Beckett Bracelets. My brother-in-law will be posting details on how to order them….but until then, BE EXCITED! 😉
Lastly, please pray for our good friends who just lost their son this past week. They were a family we met when we lived in Michigan. They were blessed with a beautiful son named Eli. Unfortunately, he was born prematurely, and fought hard since birth for about 6 weeks. Please pray for peace and comfort as we can not even fathom the pain they may be feeling. They are an amazing couple, however, and have handled this journey will courage and great faith!
Thanks everyone…for everything!!! We’ve come a long ways, but we have a ways to go! #ODAAT
“Take Them A Meal”
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=ENMX4112
— with Leah ‘Whiteley’ Rupp.
October 25, 2013
#PumpkinPatch
October 19, 2013
UPDATE (10/19/13)
Just a quick update. The “procedure” went really well yesterday. We gave Beckett some good ole fashion “drugs” he hasn’t had in a while, and needless to say, he was in his “happy place”. The procedure literally took less than 5 minutes. They are pleased with how everything looks, and like always, we will have additional follow up appointments.
That’s about it for now. Thank you for keeping us in mind and in your prayers. It was fairly surreal to be in an “outpatient” situation like that…but we certainly appreciated it.
Thanks everyone! One day at a time…
“Take Them A Meal”
http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=ENMX4112
#GoBeckett
#ODAAT
Heart of Beckett 