note: this was written last night and posted today
This is written with tremendous heartbreak as we have some sad news to share. We are afraid to say that despite everyone’s prayers, thoughts, and best hopes, the worst-case scenario has played out.
This afternoon we received the results of the MRI and EEG from a team of Doctors and Neurologists, and Liam has suffered severe damage to large parts of his brain. The irreversible damage is seen throughout his brain, in nearly all areas and deep into the gray matter. It does not extend to his brain stem as far as anyone can tell. He has officially been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and will likely face a severe level of mental and physical retardation. We don’t know exactly what that means when it comes to quality of life questions, but we do know that things will fall on the severe side of the answers.
The initial thought about what happened was a placenta abruption, but the Doctor’s now believe that what occurred was something called an acute cord compression, where the umbilical cord becomes squeezed during the delivery process. It’s sudden and unpreventable.
Liam is still fighting off lots of seizures, and he has subsequently been loaded with aggressive doses of medicine to help in the battle. This also means that he has been largely sedated for the better part of the past two days. His other serious medical struggle is with maintaining a good blood pressure, but there are lots of factors going into that right now that makes it difficult to know if it is a struggle that Liam is having, or if it is due to a number of the meds, or if it is a combination of both.
Tomorrow, we will attempt to remove his breathing tube and see how that goes. Since he has been over-breathing the ventilator for several days, there isn’t too much suspicion that he will have too much difficulty breathing on his own. The next step will be ensuring that his seizures are under control, then addressing the blood pressure question, then going down the path of seeing if he will feed. The question about feeding seems to be the big unknown right now, and it’s possible that he might not even be able to do it on his own.
This afternoon we were able to each hold Liam for the first time, which was a wonderful, wonderful thing to be able to do. We are looking forward to being able to do that as much as we can.
Ahna and I struggle with this news, as I am sure that you will too. There are a lot of difficult questions that are being asked and we ask for all of your support, love, thoughts, and prayers as we go through the next few days of tough decisions. At this time we are not taking visitors, but keep checking back with us over the next few days. We have loved receiving all of the texts, phone messages, e-mails, Facebook postings, blog comments…and most importantly all of the thoughts and prayers that you have been sending this way.
We are planning on splitting our Christmas Eve and Day time between both hospital and home, and hope to have a wonderful celebration with Ezra as he is really into the holiday season this year. We are so thankful to have Ezra in our lives as he brings so much joy to us.
Subsequent updates will be posted as they are appropriate. We appreciate all of your understanding.
Love to each of you.
Oren, Ahna, Ezra, and Liam
The Life of a Little Hippie 
Oh, I wish I could squeeze you both with a big hug that fills you up with love and peace and comfort. You are in my prayers through the heartbreak and beyond.
I did not realize what was going on in your lives til now. I am so sorry to hear of all this. Sounds like little Liam is a fighter. We have been down this road you are on and it is not an easy one. We will be praying for all of you. I have no answers, I can only say we are here for you if there is anything we can do. Not sure where all your family is but we would love to help out in any way. I promise to spoil Ezra rotten if you will allow us to watch him for you! We do not have any extra children at our house so I can even come to your home and watch him. Whatever we can do…we will, just let us know. Leigh Ann
As you know we will do anything for you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and our support is there for you all. We love you all and will do anything to help.
sweet angel baby. you both are examples to us all as you face each new day. god bless.
What heartbreaking news. We’re thinking about you constantly and sending you all our love and support. We pray that you continue to find strength to face what lies ahead.
We have been closely following Liam’s and Ahna’s progress this past week, gratified that Ahna is well, and greatly saddened to hear this last bit of heart breaking news. The four of you are in our thoughts and in our hearts. We wish you strength through this ordeal and through the days to come.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. May you be blessed with strength and love.
You are all in our hearts tonight and will continue to be for the journey ahead. Wishing we could give you all a huge hug right now. what a beautiful boy. Much love from the M’s.
Ahna and Oren,
This is the Longs, the Lewters, and the Kneifls. We wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you and you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers!!
Merry Christmas to the Briese family! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything at all. Thinking of all of you…
I’ve thought of your sweet family all day. Be strong! Lots of love, Tory
Oren – You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Sue Morgan
We continue to pray and hope for little Liam, as well as your entire family. We are thankful you guys are in a situation where so many of your family members can be with you during this tough time.
XOXOXO
Billy, Teri and all the little G’s