Gus at the House

Hello all. This is Cameron Augustus Covert. He was born yesterday at about 8:03 a.m. It has been a whirlwind. Everyone is doing fine and we are trully thankful for this gift. Talk with you soon.

Clancy

Waiting on Gus

Hello Everyone!

God has provided us with another gift that should arrive tomorrow morning. Cameron Augustus "Gus" is scheduled to be born tomorrow morning. I will keep everyone posted. Many thanks to all for the prayers and support

Hopeful and excited,

Clancy, Christie, Houston and Jackson

Sundays in October in Tennessee

Not much is prettier than a Sunday in October in Tennessee. We returned from Florida yesterday after a much needed Fall-Break. It has been quite some time since I posted anything on the blog so I just wanted to post a quick note. I hope everyone is doing well. Back to work and school for us tomorrow. Until next time.... Clancy

Houston's 13th Birthday! Happy Birthday HUEY!

Today is Houston's 13th Birthday! He has finally made it to his teenage years. I will post pictures later, but I wanted to share Huey's special day with everyone. Kids are out of school today and I made sure they were up before leaving this morning. (Just kidding). Hope everyone is doing well. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOUSTON! WE ARE PROUD OF YOU! Trying to keep warm and always praying, Clancy

Monday, January 12, 2008

Hello everyone! I have not posted since last year, but with the holidays and kids being out of school, a lot has been going on. We did survive the holidays and it has been a roller coaster ride. We were able to get away for a few days and visit my Dad and Sandy in Florida. Although it was not warm enough to swim, we did have good weather all but one day (cold). It was nice to get a change of scenery for a few days and we all had a great time! We thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas cards and gifts! We hope everyone had a safe and Merry Christmas and New Year's. Thanks as always for the prayers, comments and uplifting words. Please keep Raymond Powell and his family in your prayers. Raymond went home from the hospital today and is waiting on a report from his doctor later in the week. Also, please keep the Broome/Miller family in your thoughts and prayers as they have a loved one in the hospital at present. I will write again soon and try to remember that the God that brought you to it will be the God that brings you through it! Keep moving along boys...you too Zman. Love to all! Clancy

Sunday, December 14, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. We hope that everyone is having a restful and warm weekend. Not much going on around here. As you can see from the picture, Christie created our Christmas card, so I decided to scan it and post it to the web.

The boys are doing well and it is hectic around here. Houston's last day of exams is tomorrow and the

last day for school before Christmas is Thursday. Christie is also trying to wrap up things at school before the end of the week.

We are planning on going to visit my Dad and Stepmother in Florida at the end of the week. We need to get out of here and get our minds off of things...if it is possible. I doubt that our minds will be put at ease, but the change of scenery will be good for us as a family.

Although Christmas is quickly approaching, I can honestly say that the spirit of the season is largely overshadowed. It is difficult to know that we will not be able to see Zander's smiling little face as he tears into his first present or wear his Christmas outfit. We are truly thankful for what we have in terms of family and friends, but a huge void will always exist in our lives and in the lives of the people that Zander touched. In time, I hope and pray that understanding and peace will set in.

As our pastor spoke about this morning, Christmas is not about presents, food or any of the other festivities. It is about the one gift that we were all given some 2008 years ago when our Savior was born and laid in a manger. A gift that through faith assures me and Christie that we will see our beautiful baby boy once again.

We love you boys. Rest easy.

Struggling but still pursuing His grace,

Clancy

Monday, December 8, 2008

Good morning all. It has been a while since I last posted and I am sorry for the delay. It is difficult to explain my hesitancy in writing, but everywhere Christie and I turn at this point and taking into account the holiday season, reminders of Zander are present. It is not fun and I do not wish it on anyone; however, we are hanging in there. Houston and Jackson are doing well and growing with anticipation concerning Christmas. We put up the Christmas tree this weekend and Zander's ornaments are on the tree with the boys'. He is with us...we know it, but selfishly, we wish here were here physically with us. Please keep Ethan, Raymond Powell and Dr. Swingle in your prayers. At last report all are doing well, but prayer is still needed for them. Dr. Swingle is back in Arkansas for another round of treatment and strength through the journey is needed for him. Thanks to everyone for the prayers and love during this time. We still need it. We know God is with us, but it is difficult to see at times. God led us here and he will lead us out in His way and on His time. Keep moving along boys. We love all three of you. Clancy

Sunday, November 23, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. Not a lot going on here tonight. Over the weekend, Houston, Jackson and I raked the leaves from the yard and it looks 200% better. We will have to do it again in the coming weeks since all the leaves are not off the trees, but it will make it a lot easier. The boys really worked hard at helping out. Jackson is asking for his two front teeth for Christmas as he has lost them both within the past 2 weeks. Christie is downstairs grading papers and the boys are in their rooms watching TV and playing on the computer. Not much really going on here tonight. We are all headed back to work and school in the morning. It is quiet and still difficult around here. They miss their brother and we miss him as well. We hope everyone has a nice Thanksgiving and we prayer for traveling mercies for those that are traveling. Please keep Raymond, Ethan and us in your prayers. Thank you as always for your prayers, comments and encouraging words. Sleep well boys...you too Zander. We love all three of you. Mommy and Clancy

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Hello everyone. It has been a rainy dreary weekend here in Chattanooga. This past week, although productive, was difficult. Many times throughout the week, I caught myself looking for the Zman or hearing his soft purr or his air machine at night, but I have yet to find the source. We did get his room back in order and have made a few changes with the furniture, but in my mind, it will always be Zander's room. We hope that God is holding him close and giving him lots of kisses. Christie is returning to school in the morning and I am headed back in to work as well. Please keep Ethan, Raymond and our family in your prayers. We love and cherish each of you and hope that the week starts off well for everyone. We love you boys! Until next time, with Love, Clancy

Monday, November 10, 2008

Fall in Tennessee truly reveals God's spendor. It has and will always be my favorite time of the year. Our beloved son Zander was laid to rest this past Saturday surrounded by the cornucopia of colors that God reveals to us each year. He is surrounded by many trees upon a hillside that will always allow him to enjoy the outdoors, a place that he truly loved being during his short time with us. We will forever miss the sparkle in his eyes when we strolled with him daily, as he looked at the many shapes and colors that this time of year brings. The silence around here is deafening. I can only hear the purr of my son breathing and the images of last week will forever be etched in my mind's eye. The sufficiency of God's grace evidenced by the outpouring of love and generosity of everyone during this time is all that sustains us. I do not think that grief has set in for Christie nor I as of yet. I cannot adequately describe in words the familial and community love and support received by our family. All I can say is thank you and may God bless and keep each of you. Please keep Ethan and Raymond in your prayers. Pray also for strength for our family as we embark on yet another journey. We know that God is with us although it is difficult to see. Rest easy Houston...sleep tight Jackson...we love you both. Zander, we miss you and love you. Clancy

Hello all. Our beautiful son Zander is now being held by God. He left his earth yesterday at 11:01 a.m. He was not in any pain and he was surrounded by many people that loved him. We are having visitation on Friday, November 7, 2008 at Red Bank Baptist Church (main sanctuary) here in Chattanooga/Red Bank from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. We are having a private graveside service on Saturday for Zander and he will be in a place where he can enjoy the beautiful trees. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE AT ANY SUNTRUST BANK IN THE NAME OF ZANDER COVERT. We love each of you and thank you for the many blessings that you have given our family. Please keep Ethan, Raymond and the Weekend #31 men's team and candidates in your prayers. I will write again soon. Love to all. Zander, you don't have to move along anymore. You are home. Clancy

Election Day, November 4, 2008

Good Morning All! Today is the day we have all been waiting for. Tomorrow there will be no news. Yeah! Just kidding. I hope everyone is able to vote today. You will be a part of history today no matter who you vote for. Sorry for my delay in writing, but it has been hectic around the house and at work. Houston and Jackson are doing well and school is going well for both of them. Zander is doing well. We did see the ENT in recent days and this Friday, Zander will undergo surgery to dilate his esophagus again. Once Dr. Kelley finishes this part of the surgery, Dr. St. Charles will insert tubes into Zander's ears and then have an audiologist perform a detailed hearing test. As I understand it, it will be while Zander is under anesthesia so that the test can be as accurate as possible. The goal, at this point is to get Zander hearing something for developmental purposes. The quicker he can hear something, the better off he will be in his development. We are praying that the tubes assist him greatly and we still know that God is in control. Please pray for another miracle in our son's short life. Zander also sees the cardiologist tomorrow. Hopefully his heart problems are continuing to fade, but we will know more tomorrow. Thanks as always for the prayers, comments and encouraging words. We hope everyone is doing well and please keep Zander, Ethan and Raymond Powell in your prayers. I will write again soon. Keep moving along boys, We love you! Clancy

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Good Evening All! Zander wanted everyone to see his costume. We go to the spine doctor on Friday, but we wanted everyone to see Zander in his pumpkin (Yes he is really in the pumpkin).

Please keep Zman, Raymond, Ethan and Dr. Ted in your prayers. We got word tonight that Dr. Ted is coming home from Arkansas! Yeah!!!!! I will write again soon.

Happy Birthday Grandpa Paul! Go Devil Rays!

Love to all. Keep moving along boys.

Clancy

Here is Zander working out with his mobile earlier today. I hope the video works. I am testing this out.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. We hope that everyone is having a great week. Fall is definitely in the air and the weather is wonderful. This time of year in East-Tennessee is beautiful. Above are pictures of the Zman during physical therapy. The first one of him is his way of saying "your hurting me". The second one is of him saying "I'm going to the bathroom" and the third one is of him saying "Look, I'm a big boy!"

Jackson and Houston are at Jackson's soccer practice tonight. This is the last practice of the year and the last game will be this weekend. School is going well for both of them and they have been a great help around the house in recent days. School pictures for Jackson are tomorrow so I am sure that we will have to get up a little early to make sure everything is copacetic with his hair in the morning.

Zander saw Dr. Devoid (his GI doctor) yesterday. Great news. His liver enzymes are where they need to be and he no longer has to take medicine for the cholestasis (jaundice). More importantly, Christie learned how to take out the feeding tube and place a new one in. According to Christie, the doctor took it out and dropped it on the table and said "Okay put it back in." Neither she or I have taken the feeding (G-tube) out and changed it before so after she overcame the abruptness of it being out, she was able to successfully pull it out. Lastly, Dr. Devoid said that he no longer needs to see Zander!!!!Yeah! One doctor down 12, 13 or maybe 10 to go.

Zander also had his esophagus dilated today by Dr. Kelley. We were at the hospital today at 6:00 a.m.; however, we were not released until this afternoon. Dr. Kelley said the esophagus was significantly restricted, but this was to be expected. The procedure went well and Zander has slept for the most part since then. We will see Dr. Kelley again in three weeks for another dilation.

We have heard from Ethan's parents. His is currently about 12 pounds and is doing great. They did go to the transplant specialist in Cincinnati, and thank God, they have been approved for the transplant program. We are so happy for them and it was good to hear from them. We will keep you posted on Ethan's progress.

Tomorrow, we go to see Dr. St. Charles, Zander's ENT doc. We pray tomorrow goes as well as the past two days. We pray specifically for good news regarding Zander's cohanal atresia and hearing issues. We know that Dr. St. Charles is a great doctor and we hope (and pray) that Zander will be able to hear soon.

Please keep Raymond Powell, Ethan and Dr. Ted in your prayers. Thanks to everyone for the comments. It has been hectic and these kind words keep Christie and I going each day.

I will write again soon. Love to all,

Until then,

We love you boys. Sleep tight. Smile big tomorrow Jackson. Keep moving along Zander.

Clancy

Sunday, October 19, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. I hope that everyone is well rested. Sorry for my delay in posting, but we have been busy this past week with Fall Break and just life in general.

Houston and Jackson had a restful Fall Break. Grandma Pat took Christie, Houston and Jackson on the new River Valley Gorge ride, a new boat excursion through the Tennessee Aquarium over Fall break and above are some of the pictures from their adventure.

Zander is doing well. This past week, he discovered his tongue. It has been going non-stop since then. Think Michael Jordan. He is really starting to wiggle around a lot and he is noticing every aspect of what is going on around him.

Starting tomorrow, Zander has doctors and therapists appointments all week. Tomorrow he will see his GI doctor and attend physical therapy. Tuesday he sees Dr. Kelley for another dilation and overall check-up. Wednesday, Zander is going to see Dr. St. Charles, his ENT. Christie will be on the run for most of the week, so please keep her and Zander in your prayers as we should find out quite a bit with this week's appointments. Hopefully we will learn more about the hearing issue from Dr. St. Charles on Wednesday.

We remain prayerful for Zander's health and medical care. We have not heard from Ethan, but trust that he is doing well. Please keep him, Raymond Powell and our doctor friend in Little Rock in your prayers. Get well Ted.

Christie and I are tired, but doing well. We have had a few hiccups this week with insurance and nursing issues, but we know that God will take care of it all.

Thanks as always for the prayers, comments and encouraging words. They mean the world to us and we read and re-read them often. I will write again soon. For now,

Sweet dreams boys. We love all three of you. Keep moving along Zman.

Clancy

Tuesday, October 14, 2008 in the Evening

Good evening all. So sorry for my delay in writing, but we have been otherwise occupied with Zman and life in general over the weekend. Houston and Jackson had a great weekend with their Dad and Christie and I had a restful weekend with Zander until about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Ashley, Zander's night nurse woke us early Sunday morning. Zander was bleeding from his nose, mouth and trach. We quickly readied ourselves and whisked the little guy off to the ER. On our way he had an outpouring of the red stuff and we proceeded to accelerate our arrival at the ER.

After being in the ER for a few hours and Zander receiving a breathing treatment that assisted in closing the capillaries in his nose, throat and lungs. Dr. Ledbetter (pulmonologist) came in to see the little guy. We felt so bad that we pulled him in from church, but Dr. Ledbetter said we did not need to worry about it. We are fortunate to have him as one of Zander's doctors.

In any event, we were admitted to the hospital and Dr. Harvey (Dr. St Charles partner, an ENT) scoped the nose, the mouth and the lungs/trach on Monday. We are happy that he did not find anything, but at the same time concerned that he did not find anything. While performing the procedure he did enlarge the left nostril/cavity, but told us that Zander will need surgery to correct and expand the nasal cavity and to correct the cohanal stenois in his nose/sinuses.

We were discharged late yesterday and Zander has been just fine since then. There have been no signs of blood at all since coming home. Dr. Harvey and Dr. Ledbetter both said that he may have had an infection that came to a head, so he is now on a new antibiotic. He does not agree with Demoral (sp?) a pain killing medicine that was given to him during or soon after surgery. While the Zman was coming down off the medicine he thrashed around and acted violently. Chrisite and I found it amusing a first, but soon realized that he may be allergic to it.

At this point, Christie and I are trying to catch up on sleep. She got little if any sleep while at the hospital. I came home Sunday night (there is no room at all in the rooms) and tried to sleep, but those efforts did not produce much sleep at all. We are happy and thankful that everything went well. Zander did just fine on his 69 night in the hospital. Before being discharged, Zander had visitors from church.

Machelle and Abby Hall came by to visit today and the above picture is of Zander and Abby. She has been praying for Zander everyday for several months. Zander enjoyed his visit with her and it was good for Christie to see Machelle and catch up.

Thanks to all for the prayers, comments and concerns for our baby and family. We will keep you posted. Please keep Raymond Powell, Ethan and Zander in your prayers. We are blessed. God is still in control and we are thankful for each breath he gives us.

Rest easy boys. Sleep tight Zander. We love you all.

Clancy

Friday, October 10, 2008 JACKSON's BIRTHDAY

Hello all. Yet another week under our belts. We hope everyone is doing well. Today is Jackson's 7th birthday and as you can see from the pics above, we had a little party for him.

He was very excited and I think he is going to turn it into a weekend long celebration.

Houston has wrapped up his exams and report cards come out soon. He says that he did well and I am sure that he did.

Zander is having a good week. He has been a little blocked up so we have had to utilize enemas and now Senakot Syrup (per Dr. Kelley). Zander has a few more doctor's appointments coming up next week. I will have to consult the calendar to see which doctors he will see next week. We have been able to get him out of the house for walks this week and he seems to enjoy them. For now, he is just a wiggly happy little guy. Zander is now resting. I guess he is getting ready for football on Saturday.

Christie and I are doing well, but tired. Christie has been a trooper this week and I know taking care of everything around here, while I am at work, takes a lot out of her. I know she enjoys it, bue she does not let on that she is tired.

Please keep Ethan, Raymond Powell (and family) and everyone in your prayers. Please also keep a friend of ours in your prayers. He is in Little Rock, Arkansas getting treatment for cancer (which involves stem cell transplantation) and it appears things are going well.

Thanks as always for the prayers, comments and encouraging words. I can't forget the food from SMMHS teachers and staff. We thank each of you very much and I especially want to thank each of you for keeping my wife and family in your thoughts. I know what each of you have on your plates on a daily basis and I am truly thankful for your generosity to my family and friendship to my wife.

I will write again soon. Until then,

Rest easy boys...keep moving along...we love you.

Clancy

Monday, October 6, 2008 in the Evening

Good Evening all. Just a quick post tonight. We hope everyone is doing well. We had a great weekend and Zander, Houston and I watch football together on Saturday. Notice Zander has the remote next to him.

We are still praying for intervention into Zander's hearing issue. The boys are well and Houston is in the middle of exams this week. Christie is doing well and it appears that it will be another hectic week.

I will post again soon. I have to get the boys bathed and in bed. Thanks for coming down today Grandma Judi. It was good to see you.

Please keep Zander, Ethan and Raymond Powell in your prayers. Thanks as always for the comments, encouraging words and prayers.

Rest easy boys. Keep moving along.

We love you.

Clancy

Friday, October 3, 2008 in the Evening

TGIF everyone. We hope everyone has big plans for the weekend. Jackson has a soccer game tomorrow and it appears that Houston and I will be watching a little football with the Zman tomorrow.

Zander has been busy the past few days. He has been out in the neighborhood the past few days and we took him on a long walk this afternoon. Earlier today, he visited with Dr. Ledbetter, his pulmonologist. Dr. Ledbetter said that everything looked good and he actually discontinued the use of the apnea monitor. Yeah!!!!! That is one less monitor that he is on. The only monitor that he is on now is the SAT monitor which measures the oxygen saturation in his blood. Better yet, he only has to be on it at night as long as we keep a close watch on him. Of course the nurses are keeping a close watch as well.

Zander also went to physical therapy today and it went well. We did get some bad news today after he had a more complete hearing test. At this point, it does not appear that he is hearing anything. The audiogram was not an all inclusive test and Christie and I are still praying that the coanal stenosis (narrow nasal and sinus cavity on the left) is a significant factor in his lack of hearing, but I am worried about his lack of hearing at this point. The audiologist has referred us to his ENT (who we see in about two weeks) and hopefully he will give us better news in this regard. Each day with the boys, including Zander is a blessing, but I am down on the hearing issue at this point. I know that whatever the outcome, it will be okay, but the little guy has overcome so much already...it just is frustrating.

Chrisite and I have decided that Zander will be more mobile with us around the house. He has now been home for two weeks and since he does not have as many monitors anymore, he is going to be with us where we are in and around the house. If we watch the game downstairs, Zander will be there. If we are on the porch, he will be there. He has essentially been in his room for the past two weeks and now is the time to include him in family activities. In fact, he watched the nightly news with us tonight before the nurses' shift change.

Thanks again to everyone for the comments, prayers and encouraging words. Please keep Raymond Powell and Ethan in your prayers. I did hear from Ethan's mom and they are headed to Cincinnati this weekend, so please bathe them in prayer as they meet with the specialist for Ethan. We will keep praying for them and also for Zander's many issues including his hearing. Let us know if we can pray or help any of you in any way.

Godspeed Ethan. We hope you have a safe trip and a good visit with the specialist.

I will write again soon.

Rest easy boys...Play hard tomorrow Jackson. Keep moving along Zman. We love each of you.

Clancy