HAPPY BIRTHDAY UPDATE
for
William Goforth
January 21, 2003

"Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us no one can recount to You;
were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare."
Psalm 40:5

A GLANCE BACK — William at 4-days-old

William at 1-year-old today!
A GLANCE BACK — UP TO THE MOMENT. . .
Almost a year ago to the day, William was awarded Preemie Bear—a special Beanie Baby that is made exclusively for the Neonatal Intensive Care Units for many hospitals nationwide. Each month, the hospitals present their Preemie Bear to one recipient. The reason that the Colorado Springs hospital staff chose to award William with that month's Preemie Bear was that, of all the preemies in the NICU, they recognized William as—"the one who needed the most encouragement." That may have seemed like only a trickle of encouragement, when at that time Josh, Noelle, and the whole family needed an open floodgate of miracles. Now a year later, we can testify that as the days, weeks, and months progressed, we have witnessed the constant superintending care of the Lord of Miracles, Who has been ever-gracious to answer so many prayers of William's faithful intercessors.

When William was first released from the hospital, he was attached to various supplemental support systems. It took two people just to move William from room to room, with all the weighty paraphernalia and tangling monitor wires and cords. Josh and Noelle rose to the challenge, though, and rigged up a "preemie mobile" out of William's stroller, to more easily transport all the heavy equipment and accommodate all the "strings" that were attached—the sleep apnea monitor, the pulse/ox monitor (measuring pulse and oxygen saturation in the blood), and a heavy oxygen tank for the nasal cannula. Praise the Lord; they were soon able to convert the "preemie mobile" back into a regular stroller with no strings attached, and William was soon free of even his N/G tube for supplemental feedings. All as a result of God's gracious answers to his intercessors' fervent prayers. Now "Grandpa Bear" endearingly calls William his "Little Pinocchio"— "a real little boy without any strings." :)

Throughout the course of this year, another huge weight—the accumulated medical bills, has been substantially lifted in miraculous proportions. Expressing the gratitude we feel to so many is foremost on our hearts. The overwhelming financial support that has been given through the sacrificial contributions of all the individual intercessors and through Vision Forum Ministries' gracious provision of the Baby William Fund, has been living proof to us that God is still faithful to answer exceedingly above and beyond our prayers. Josh and Noelle continue to trust the Lord for His ongoing Divine provision to meet all remaining financial obligations.

William now weighs 14 lbs. 8 oz., is trying his best to crawl (and he's sure to cover more ground as soon as he gets a bitmore lift off the ground,) and sleeps through the night (for the most part). He has started baby food since the last update (and is getting a reputation for having quite a sweet tooth even though he hasn't yet cut his first tooth.)Since he isso free with his smiles, we've started to call him "Guy Smiley the second," (Uncle Joshbeing the first.) :) His daddy can even gethim to laugh wheneverhe does the raspberries on William's neck.He likes to play seesaw on his mommy's knee, and even throws his weight back in anticipation, then gives us a big grin when he is brought back up to a sitting position. He will entertain himself for quite a while bouncing in his Johnny Jump-up, and even carries on a conversation with himself in beginners' baby babble. Again we recognize—all as a result of God's gracious answers to prayer.

THE VERY LATEST EDITION — THE GOFORTH FAMILY ADDITION. . .
The most up to date news that we are excited to report is that in just a matter of a few weeks, our "not-quite-so-tiny-anymore" William is to be BIG brother to his baby brother-on-the-way. Josh and Noelle's baby is due Feb.15th, (or there about.) Noelle is approaching her 36th week, already 12 weeks further along then when she gave birth to William. She is feeling great, and thank the Lord for answers to many prayers, all her check-ups have been great! To think—William and the new baby will be only 13 months apart. And because of William's premature birth, it will be very much like having twins for some time. Noelle has always said that she wanted to raise twins. Both she and Josh are very excited, and it goes without saying, so are all the rest of the Wheeler/Goforth families. Prayers to the Heavenly Father for a safe delivery for Noelle and our grandbaby-on-the-way will be ever appreciated.

PRAYER REQUESTS. . .
We firmly believe that William's life was spared and continues to be healed by the Supernatural-intending Care of the Lord Jesus. We stand amazed at the dedication of so many who have walked alongside us through a year-long prayer vigil for William. We can rejoice in the fact that the Prayer Alerts! and the follow-up reports have been few and far between lately, since that means William "the conqueror" is waxing stronger and stronger. Glory to God! We would still covet your intercessory prayers throughout the coming year for our "little warrior" as the Holy Spirit leads and brings him to mind—especially for the following specific needs...

  • ongoing protection from respiratory infections, as well as all other infections.
  • healing of the reflux involving his digestive system and continued weight gain.
  • continued muscle control and neurological maturation for improved eye functions and eyesight.
  • continued healing neurologically for normal gross and fine motor coordination and movement.