Finn Update

Hi everyone! Finley had a neurologist appointment on Friday, February 9. This appointment was for a follow-up EEG (read: brain waves, seizures, etc.) and we are so glad to report that he had a somewhat "normal" report. He will always have an abnormal EEG because of the stroke, but this time there was no seizure activity! What a blessing. The neurologist also said that Finn still has a very impressive and NORMAL newborn exam. He acts just like a chubby little baby should. With all of that said, he started running a fever on Thursday, Feb. 15 and was rewarded by the pediatrician with a first-class ER visit. With babies under 1 month, any fever deserves a nose swab for RSV, blood count, IV, blood and urine cultures, and - prepare yourself - a lumbar puncture... a.k.a. spinal tap! You can imagine how much fun we had that day and to top it all off they kept him in the hospital until Saturday night. However, everything is still negative to date and he is doing well. (the little stinker just demands attention doesn't he?) It's a good thing that he is so cute. Our little sweetie is 9 lbs. 13 oz as of yesterday! (overachiever) I am posting some pictures of the boys when Finley was 2 weeks old and will hopefully be posting some more recent ones in the next few days for anyone who is interested. Just a little side note: J.T. is such a wonderful big brother. He hovers over Finn when he is crying and looks at John and me with the sweetest face of concern as if to say "Do something!" He tells Finley "don't cry baby Finn." And when it is really quiet, we can usually find J.T. standing in front of the baby and talking in the softest and sweetest voice while trying to give him his pacifier..... then he looks up at us and smiles his newly dimpled smile. I am crying just thinking about it. I am so blessed!!!

On a different note, we are going to the Stroke Clinic on Friday. Please pray for the physicians and specialists that we will see while we are there and also for Finley as he will be donating even more blood at this visit. Also, as always, please pray for the health of both of our children as it is always risky to go anywhere during the cold and flu season. (If you aren't sick when you come, you are sick when you leave!!!!)

Thanks for reading!
Love,
Meredith Templin

A Letter from Mom

Dear Family and Friends,

I am sorry it has taken me this long to update everyone myself.... but if you know me at all, you know that I don't answer my phone or check messages on a good day!!! Anyway, I wanted everyone to know that I sincerely appreciate all of your prayers and concern for our family over the past few weeks. I will never be able to express how grateful we truly are because there just aren't enough words.

Today, Finley and I went to the hospital where it all began and he had his hearing screen. I didn't realize I was holding my breath until the audiologist told me that he passed the screening in both ears and I was completely overwhelmed. I immediately started crying and hugging Finley and thanking the Lord. Of course the audiologist thought I was completely psychotic - it is a routine hearing screen - but for me it was so much more. My little boy has gone through so much in such a short time already and this is the first "test" that he has passed - no exceptions - just PASSED! Next, we were off to the Children's Hospital for some blood tests to make sure that his anti-seizure medication is in a "therapeutic range". PASSED! Okay, so I know that isn't really a test-test but we'll take what we can get! While we were at this appointment, the nurse drawing his blood told me that her daughter, at the age of 23, was in a car accident that left her in a coma and on life-support. All of her doctors told her that she would never leave the hospital - but this nurse has a 13 year old granddaughter today that was born to her precious child who had learned to walk, talk, and speak again. Immediately after telling me all of this she picked Finley up and began praying over him for healing and restoration! What an amazing day.

Anyway, what I really wanted to say in this letter is that our God is a miraculous and wonderful God. While I was praying in my car on the way home this evening, just after J.T.'s shoe hit me in the back of the head and just before I slid on a huge patch of ice in our neighborhood, I realized something amazing. As scary and emotionally trying as these past few weeks have been on me and my family - I am happy. I am the happiest that I have been in a long time. I have two beautiful and HEALTHY boys, a wonderful, handsome and supportive husband that I love, a family who loves us all, and a God that is able. My God has given me a peace. I have a peace that no matter what the outcome, we are all going to be okay. "I waited patiently on the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cries. He lifted me out of the pit; out of the mud and mire. He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth; a hymn of praise to our God. Many people will see and fear and place their trust in the Lord." Our God is a God of kept promises - He keeps his word. I am thankful for His word and for all of you who have been praying for us and reminding us of His love and His promises. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,
Meredith Templin

A Poem for Finley

This poem was written by Finley's great-grandfather, Papa.

FINLEY PAUL

God’s tiniest “fair-haired soldier” boy
felt alone in the crib where he lay.
He, somehow, knew he was special . . .
he had waited nine months for this day.

His mother and father were jubilant.
They were, both, as he knew they would be.
Even now, he could only hear their voice . . .
those voices had arms which held lovingly.

He knew he was destined to break new-ground
in this family that God had ordained.
A mother, a father, a brother
who loved God, and never complained.

Such were the qualifications
of a family who would rear a son
who was born to change the fabric of love
between four, whom God would mold into one!

His name is Finn. He was touched by God.
He is different, but no-one’s to blame.
God touched Finn’s heart and soul from within;
(whoever God touches is never the same)!

Finn will forever be one-of-a-kind.
God creates only the VERY BEST.
Sometimes it takes a fair-haired soldier
to mold in His likeness . . . ALL the rest!

Finn, you have changed us forever.
We will nevermore be the same
You are to us a light in the darkness
that calms every storm in God’s name.

Jesus does always know what to do
(where potential is high, but zeal is low).
At times like that, comes a fair-haired one
with a flair to make earthly things grow.

PAPA

© John F. Templin
2-1-07