Photographer, Educator, Student, Mother & Wife Obsessed with sharing moments through pictures & words
“That which is taken away from those who love the Lord will be added unto them in His own way. While it may not come at the time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude.” –Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin Since […]
Amanda,
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers today and in the upcoming weeks. Please keep us posted. Even though we have never met, I think all mothers can relate to what you are feeling and going though. I can only imagine. Big virtual love to you and yours,
-K
Amanda,
I have so been there! Hoping he would be the one that didn’t need the shunt. And even though in your heart you know he likely would, and you know it’s better when he’s in the hospital than to come back. It doesn’t really make you feel any better when the shunt day happens.
Hopefully this will mean one more step to coming home.
I know his shunt looks so noticalbe to you. But where is it? Is it behind his ear or above his temple? When my Nick had his – they shaved the whole area. It was all I could see for months!
The pictures of him looking at you with the respirator in his mouth is heartbreaking! I can only imagine how you felt!
I know you have facebook and baby center, but if you ever need anyone else – I’m just an email away.
Dear Amanda and Jason
My prayers are with all of you. Chance looks wonderful. Rest when you can and thank you for sharing. God Bless you all.
We continue to pray for Chance, his sweet mom and dad, and brother and sister.
My brother was born with hydrocephalus and had a shunt in place when he was just hours old. He is now 21 years old and he just finished college. He is an inspiration!
God has big plans for your little fighter. Chance is absolutely beautiful. My husband and I were just admiring his pictures. I love his cheeks!
Blessings,
Melissa
These photos are beyond amazing Amanda. You and your family and Chance are a real inspiration for me. I will continue praying for all of you.
Hi Amanda,
I know that all of us who have had babies born with SB wish SO hard that ours will be one of the 10% that don’t need the shunt. Elizabeth was able to go 1.5 weeks until we got the news. The shunt is a hard thing to stomach….but, on a positive note….those babies born 30-40 years ago didn’t have the opportunity to have a shunt and the first shunts were not programmable….technology has come so far. Hang in there and take care of yourself. You need to be healthy and strong to take care of your handsome little boy…let the hospital take care of him and yourself. It all seems so long and overwhelming now, but it WILL become a memory and a story one day (a well documented one at that!)
You are in my prayers.
Melanie
“In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” ~ Charlie Brown Today Chance turned one week old. He spent his one week birthday in a new room in pod 8 in the NICU. He’s now in a crib still sleeping on his belly. We arrived this morning to greet my baby boy […]
by Amanda Kern
3 comments
these images are beautiful and inspired by so much love.
I hope you start feeling better soon. I know it is so so hard to be away from Chance, but you have to take care of yourself as well. Remember you are recoverying from major abdominal surgery (and I know you know) not something to be taken lightly.
Sorry that’s the nurse in me coming out!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE your pictures, as usual. The one of your husband through the bars of the crib. That just about sums it all up.
I’m wondering if the nurses will be able to play a tape recording of your voice, reading a book or something? It might help at those times you can’t be there.
I’ve been thinking of you and Chance this week!
I love CS Lewis & i’m posting that quote.
I hope I can come visit you all soon, not sure where everyone will be early next week, but I’ll call you! x
“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt If you’ve been following me in facebook, twitter, or flickr you’ve probably seen updates since my last blog post. I realize it’s been several days since my last update and now that I’m home I figured […]
by Amanda Kern
8 comments
I know it seems huge now, but it’s just a blip in the big picture, Amanda. Lord be with you all as you journey though this difficult time…
Exactly one year ago, hudson was in the nicu and I remember how hard it was leaving him each day and counting down the days till we got to bring him home. it was an extremely hard month for us, an emotional roller coaster for sure, and we didn’t even have the added concerns of surgery and recovery. I pray that chance will heal quickly and you get to take that sweet boy home very soon.
awwwwwww so precious! he is such a cute little guy! congratulations to you and your family and welcome Chance!!
awesome. i’m amazed by how focused, alert and mesmerized by his daddy chance is! 
*tears* praying for you and that perfect baby!
He is just so beautiful Amanda. I know it’s hard not being together right now but he will be home soon. You have been blessed with this precious little boy. I assure you he will continue to amaze and impress you with all that he will accomplish. His back looks great and I’m confident will heal very nicely. My daughters opening was quite large and she was (is) very tiny and it’s healed beautifully.
We will be praying the Chance continues to heal and that you will all be home as a family as you should be.
amanda
i have a three year old with sb and i followed your story on babycenter. your little boy is adorable. i feel your pain that this is not how the birth of your child should be. you should not have to think of the nicu, back scars, numerous doctors etc…but this will pass and life will be more normal then you ever thought it would be. it is ok to feel these feelings and i wanted to validate them for you.
however, you are going to experience so much joy over the little things that people take for granted that your little boy will do. it is a joy and a sense of pride that i have never experienced in my entire life. your photos are absolutley incredible. i will continue to pray for your peace of mind and the health of your baby. sincerely, monica
Please, I MUST have that photo that Gian Carlo took-his fatty cutie face so close up. I would love to have it on my iphone as a reminder for strength. Chance is such a fighter!
These photographs are beautiful and you are doing extraordinarily well emotionally Amanda.
What a long day today has been. We started the day with some great news. The neurosurgeon stopped by and informed us that Chance is doing really well since his surgery yesterday. She said he looks good since the surgery was done to close his back. She was impressed to hear that overnight he chose […]
by Amanda Kern
9 comments
Congratulations Amanda and Family. He is just beautiful! So very happy to read that he is doing so well. Wish you all the best.
Oh, Amanda, he’s beautiful! I hope you enjoyed those first few moments, just the two of you. What a wonderful time. Congratulations to you, Jason, Hope and Jaylen, and welcome, Chance! xx
I’m crying reading this. I am so happy for you Amanda and Jason. I love you guys and God has really blessed the two of you. I am proud of your decisions and support you all the way (from Va). Please give Hope and Jaylen a hug for me and kiss Chance on the cheek.
I had to comment that I am thrilled you’ve been online. Sharing this experience through your words and your pictures has been, in a word, awesome. No head-shaking here!
I’d be worried if you weren’t tweeting and posting. I am deeply happy for you, Chance Matthew and your family. My prayers continue for you all, and there is so much to thank God for. (((HUGS)))
I think you look absolutely awesome in those pics(I looked at them before I read
I couldn’t believe you were already up and around. I do remember not being able to see Leighanna for a day after she was born(she was in the NICU and they wouldn’t let me up either. It was tough.
I am so happy for you guys… his name is beautiful and fits perfectly. I will keep praying for everyones strenth and also for the ultrasound to go well
Great news and update. Keep the photos coming. Chance is so lucky to have such wonderful parents!
Wow Amanda:
You really know how to make my day! I am so thrilled about this wonderful progression of events. I cannot find words to express my joy for you, Jason and Chance’s silblings Hope and Jaylen. My God continue to bless you and keep your family well.
Scott
Dear amanda and Family…I have just seen your wonderful news about Chance and I wanted to send all my love and Congratulations to you
Jo xx
Chance Matthew was born this morning at 8:18am weighing 6lbs 7oz and 18 inches long. It was confirmed that Chance does have an opening in his back about 3cm’s in size. Chance underwent his surgery this afternoon and is doing well. He is still on a ventilator to assist him in breathing until the anesthesia […]
by Amanda Kern
26 comments
OMG… Congratulations 
so very happy for you guys!!!
…can wait to see the ton of pics you’ll have as soon as you get some well deserved rest :]
BIG HUG
What a beautiful set of photos for a beautiful family! I am glad the news is so optimistic. Sleep well tonight and tons of prayers for a day filled with good news tomorrow too.
Keeping you all in His light.
BEAUTIFUL!!! Congrats to your whole family. I am glad to hear the surgery went well and I look forward to watching his journey through your photos <3
CONGRATS!!!!!!! Glad to see everyone is doing well.
Congratulations to the Kern family, now one member stronger! He’s absolutely beautiful.
What wonderful news! I’ve prayed for a peeing baby before, so I understand how important that is. I hope that the news keeps coming in as fantastic and reassuring.
i’m only on photo number one and i’m already impressed!! bravo you two! i’m sooooo happy for you!
He is beautiful. And we are praying for the best possible outcome. We love you all. Bill and Barbara
I’m in awe and so grateful to hear that momma and baby are off to an auspicious beginning. I love seeing Hope play photojournalist to her beautiful momma! What an amazing blessing and things are sounding hopeful. Your family continues to be in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so glad he’s here and doing quite well. The pics are beautiful! Congratulations again! Will keep you all in my prayers. Thanks for the update, been thinking about you guys all day.
Thank you for sharing and congratulations on the birth of Chance! What a perfectly beautiful boy!!
He is so beautiful! Oh, that hair and those cheeks! What a little angel. We will keep praying that you both are comfortable and that you recover quickly. God is good!
Blessings,
Melissa Lehman
Dear Amanda,
Chance is beyond beautiful, I know you are proud and you should be. Chance and your family are in my prayers, looking at the pictures above brought tears to my eyes. If you need anything please have Jason call Jeff and we will make it happen. What an amazing little man you created, I just love him so much and he’s not even mine! Congrats Amanda, I am overwhelmed with joy with all your good news and good signs. God Bless.
Welcome to Chance Matthew, and blessings to all of the family! What a beautiful, baby boy! Thanks for the photos & information, please get lots of rest. Take comfort in knowing there are many multitudes who are praying with you, stay strong in your faith, God is with you.
With God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26
Amanda!!!
Chance is beautiful and I feel so good about all the encouraging signs you have mentioned. Please know that Elaine and I have Chance, you and the whole family in our hearts and bless this most wonderful occasion. I love it when a plan comes together!
Scott
Congratulations! My best to the whole family.
Awesome and beautiful child…an answered prayer, a promise for the future, a reminder of the miracle that marks the beginning of every human life. So happy for you all.
I’m crying as I write this. He’s so beautiful, Amanda. And so much hair. And so perfectly beautiful – not a surprise since Hope and Jayden are gorgeous. I’m happy to hear that he’s peeing (lol) and moving his legs and feet. Team Montalvo is here for you. Just say the word. We love you, Family Kern. <3
Yay congratulations Amanda! We are hoping for the best for Chance and that the recovery goes smoothly! Betty and I are looking at your photos from Piedmont Hospital up here in Atlanta as they induce her today
Congratulations! So happy for your family. The photos are great and I can’t wait to learn of Chance’s progress. Blessings to all of you!
Happy Twig Day Chance!
Thanks so much for the quick updates! Take care of each other.
crying tears of joy for you right now!
congratulations on your baby boy!
he is so beautiful and i love his name.
he’s perfect.
it sounds like you’ve had some very good news so far.
you go, little chance matthew!
Congrat’s Amanda!!
That is the same size that Nick’s opening was as well. Peeing on the doctor is very, very important! My husband didn’t get why all I wanted was to hear that first cry and then for him to pee!!!
I’ve seen your pictures on FB. He’s adorable!
PS I am a obstetrical nurse, feel free to contact me if you have any questions!
Am further encouraged by your story. My first child Festus is living with Hydrocephalus and through this i have established a foundation in his name based in Nigeria by which other affected children are able to reach to the outside world. I join you in your optimism and i can Chance becomin great in life.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by amandakern and Joshua Murdock, Valencia LTAD. Valencia LTAD said: Welcome Chance – Congrats Amanda “@amandakern: Chance Matthew is here: http://www.amandakern.com/blog/2011/02/chance-matthew-is-here/” [...]
by Amanda Kern
6 comments