Top of the evening to you Lyon!

Just watching your photos hoping that I could touch you or hold you,so close yet so far. Never mind Grandpa Tom is there with you.   You are so precious Lyon Tehananai'a. Have courage Little one, you are in good hands. And your family is everywhere in the world (The Family of God)   There is a whisper coming from a soft wind: who is it I wonder? Then this little voice said, Now I can see you and also smell you. Oh! how wonderful! Oh!!!Top of the evening to you Grandson.   Will talk to you soon. Grandpa John.

Hi Friends and Family,
This is my first blog posting since Lyon came roaring into this world at
moment's notice. Ariki and I are currently on Oahu to be with him and as of
yesterday, 7-11-07 Lyon finally made 2 lbs 1 oz!!! Every little step he
makes in the right direction is huge for us. Ariki also got to hold Lyon for
the first time by putting his hands inside the isolette (incubator) and
holding him in both his hands. That is the first time either one of us has
held him. We also had a meeting with the neonatologist yesterday, he said
Lyon is making impressive progress for how small he is. If all goes well, we
should be able to take him home in late October or early November.

We can't thank our family and friends enough for everything they have done
for us during this hard time. We love you all very much!

Aroa mamaata kotou katoatoa,
Marie & Ariki

Aunty Esther greets you

Hi! Lyon Tehananai'a. Welcome to the new world.I've heard that you're already born,that was  good to know, and I feel happy about you, baby I love you so much and may God bless you too.      Many Aroa from Aunty Esther.

The Pleasure is yours Lord

Just imagine the power of God when He said," It pleases me to see my children rejoice in the gift from heaven." It also gives us pleasure in receiving the good news that you are a blessing to us.   Ariki! 23 years ago was your time and 23 years later Lyon Tehananai'a's turn. Both names are of distinct heritage. They are God given names to your Tupuna and Kings and Queens of the Pacific ,especially Hawaii, Rimatara (Tahiti) and of course Rarotonga (Cook Islands)   At this moment our thoughts and prayers are that , the healing process is done, the building begins. Let us believe the power of God is with us. Gods power is unrivaled in sublimity. Power belongs to God . It is absolute, inexhaustible,ever and everywhere operative. And -   The Essential Goodness of His Character and All - sufficiency of His Protection. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble: and He knew them that trust in Him."(Nahum .1:7) Niv.   May the good Lord take care of you Ariki, Marie, Lyon Tehananai'a. There will be more to come. Akamaroiroi e tama. To maua ngakau ete inangaro. - The pleasure is yours Lord Almighty. Luv uz.Mum, Dad &Esther.

Yesterday, August 9, 2007 was a great day. I had the privilege of flying back to Oahu to spend the day with Marie and Lyon. Lyon is doing quite well, having gained one ounce and now up to 1lb 15oz. The nurse said that he is now receiving 4cc of mother's milk every 3 hours. This is a huge gain from 10 days ago when he was taking only 1 cc every 4 hours. So, more progress. The nurse also said that they expect that he should now be gaining one ounce per day. Wow!!! I read to him from The Frog And The Toad and he would try to open his eyes and look toward the sound of my voice frequently while that was happening.

When the nurse asked me if I wanted to be the one to change his diaper I thought to myself that I have done so for all of our three kids, so why not my grandson. When I was done he opened his eyes and looked at me with what appeared to be an expression of comfort and gratitude.

I really enjoyed the time spent with Marie. What a great mom she is!

Grandpa Tom

Nourishment

Carmen flew the mother’s milk over to Lyon last week Friday and the great staff at Kapiolani began giving him 1cc every 4 hours. After the first 3.5 hours I noticed a significant improvement in his appearance and energy level. Wow! What wonderful Mana in that mother’s milk. We are so grateful that he is improving daily.

Grandpa Tom

Lyon Tehanana'ia Foster update

Progress!!!

Lyon is a fighter. I was so happy to hear from Marie last night, Saturday August 4, that Lyon has gained 3 ounces and is now weighing 1 lb. 11 oz. Please forgive me if I don’t have this exact, but I know I’m close. In any event, he is gaining weight and that is a good sign. Marie also shared that he is opening his eyes and looking toward the sound of her and Ariki’s voices. I am most grateful for everyone’s prayers and support.

-Grandpa Tom