Update on JT

Hey all

So, the good news is that JT has had all of his discharge tests and passed every one! All we are waiting for is for him to eat (by mouth) all of his meals. Right now he is doing an average of 6 a day, he needs to get to 8 in order to come home. He is doing a great job and Jake and I are anxiously awaiting the news that we can bring him home. Should be in the next week... we hope! One of the tests JT had was done by the developmental specialist. I was there when she performed her exam and she told me that if she didn't know he had signs of PVL she would have never guessed it. (PVL is the damage to the brain we have been praying for since the first week). Due to the PVL he also had an MRI this week. It turns out that the damage to JT's brain is "extensive". They have told us that he does have cerebral palsy. With that said, they do not know to what extent the CP will affect him. I know some of you will want to go to the computer and do all kinds of "research" on this, but I would encourage you not to do that. Jake and I although unsure of what will occur in the months and years to come love our son and NOTHING will change that. We know that Justin Richard Foulke is fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139 tells says:
¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. ¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
We also know that God has plans to prosper JT and not to harm him or us. God tells us in Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Knowing those two things brings peace to us. Justin is a gift to us from God! He is God's child first and God has big plans for him. We don't know what they are and we don't understand, but we will trust in the Lord with all our hearts!! Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. - Proverbs 3:5

We are so thankful for your prayers and encouragement. We are also thankful for the time and space we will need in order to process and adjust to the changes coming our way. At this point in time JT will be seeing a neurologist at Children's Hospital every few months to be evaluated. Obviously, we would greatly appreciate your prayers in this matter for the next several years. Our prayer is that JT is a fully functioning child and that the Cerebral Palsy doesn't hinder JT in any way. We are also praying that God will use JT for His glory! We would also like to encourage you all to remember the great blessings and answered prayers that have been bestowed upon us so far! God has answered SO many prayers throughout this process. He is a good God and He loves us! Our family is facing challenges in the coming year but the Lord is our Shepard and we will not fear!
Thank you again for all your love, patience and understanding.

Many blessings to you all! We will be sure to let you know when JT is able to come home. Then once he is home, we will let you know when we will allow people to see him. Please remember, those of you who are in the area that a cold for JT isn't just an annoying cold. He will have to go back to the NICU if he gets a cold :-(

Love in Christ Jesus our Rock!
Jake and Melissa

PS - remember where JT got his name.... Just in time! Just in God's PERFECT time!!