Bennett Mitchell Speck

JOURNAL

Bennett's adventure with rice cereal
posted on 02/10/2008

Today was a fun day in our "land of Bennett" - he ate rice cereal for the first time and it was not a total debacle!  His mommy and daddy were expecting the  worst (i.e. the spoon in his mouth causing a complete melt-down with no cereal even getting close to going down this throat).  We were pleasantly surprised that he tolerated a few spoonfuls into his mouth before getting fussy and declaring the eating session OVER.  See the pics for documentation of this glorious event!

When Bennett was first born some dear friends sent us a CD that had some songs that really ministered to us during his 70 day NICU stay.  One song in particular became Bennett's theme song in our minds- "You Never Let Go" by Matt Redman.  We listened to this song every day in the car to and from the hospital.  Another dear friend included this song on an amazing DVD dccumenting Bennett's journey.  I couldn't help but think of this song again today as we were feeding our boy- a true gift and honor for his mommy and daddy.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death; your perfect love is casting out fear.

And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life; I won't turn back, I know you are near.

I will fear no evil, for I know my God is with me.  And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?  Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, you never let go through the calm and through the storm; oh no you never let go, in every high and every low; oh no you never let go, Lord you never let go of me.

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on; a glorious light beyond all compare.

And there will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, we'll live to know you here on the earth.

And I will fear no evil, for my God is with me.  And if my God is with me, whom then shall I fear?  Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, you never let go through the calm and through the storm; oh no you never let go, in every high and every low; oh no you never let go, you keep on loving and you never let go.

 




Comments:

comment by Jerri Harrington on 02/22/2008
That song is perfect for what you have been through. Bennett is precious! I'm so thankful God is continuing to answer all of our prayers for him. I think of Bennett almost every day when I am caring for my little grandson, Conner, since they are so close in age. Praise God for what He has done in Bennett! I know you are so happy!
comment by Tom & Georgie on 02/22/2008
Great photos! Travis, Kelly and Bennett all of you remain in our prayers. May HE continue to bless all of you!
comment by Debbie Hodges on 02/21/2008
TKB, you guys remain in my prayers and now that I know you're trying to feed B rice cereal, I'll have to add extra prayers. K, have you been feeding him breast milk? Have you ever tasted it? It's sweet, like Eagle Brand milk. Rice cereal tastes like pureed cardboard. Yuk! Hang in there Bennett! K, met Katie Coldwell this week when I went to Sing Song. (Elaina is in Siggies. They had an awesome performance.) Anyway, the first time Katie saw Olivia, she was spooked. She knew O couldn't be your sister, but still... It's amazing the number of people who ask. It's just so funny. Travis, we talk about you at Worship Team meetings all the time. We miss your songleading. TKB, you're all the greatest. If I were there, I would wrap you in my arms and try to take care of you. K, take care of yourself. It's one of the best things you can do for Bennett. Much love, Deb
comment by g and b on 02/20/2008
Jeremiah 33:3 Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. How very far Bennett has journeyed these last 6 months. We are enjoying following his progress and seeing the precious pics that you so thoughtfully continue to share with us. Our prayers continue for each of you and we give thanks to our Lord who has been so gracious. g and b
comment by M. Woody on 02/17/2008
How wonderful! I remember the first cereal experience. Scared me to death and was a mess but we got through it. What a wonderful song. Thank you for sharing the words with us. We all need to be reminded of how much a wonderful God does for us. God bless you all!
The Woody's
comment by Kate Martin on 02/15/2008
I am so glad that Bennett tolerated his first encounter with rice cereal so well! As a side note, did you by chance taste that stuff? It is horrid! I tried it when Jackson started eating it. That was the first and last thing I tried of his. : )

I read your website often, but I have been bad "commenter" lately. I think about little Bennett a lot and pray for him and his parents!

Love, Kate
comment by Jay Riley on 02/15/2008
Travis & Kelly,
I am Chris Riley's dad and I just want ya'll to know that I have been praying for you and your beautiful boy since he was born and I will continue to do so. Your attitude and spirt continues to be an inspiration to me as well as to all those who know you whether through this blog or personally. May God continue to bless you and your precious son.
It's so great to see him laughing with his dad.
comment by Jennie on 02/14/2008
I'm so glad to hear about all of these fun milestones Bennett is experiencing...laughing and eating cereal. Isn't the giggle from your little baby just the best sound ever! Love you.
comment by Betty Pandit on 02/13/2008
Hi Kelly, Travis and Sweet Baby Bennett,
I loved the "grandmother" picture with Bennett today.....those pictures are very dear to me these days....We love your family and are so happy to see Bennett growing and loved so much....(you should see our new little baby)
comment by Tracy Machinski on 02/13/2008
Can I just say...Bennett is darling!!!!! He just keeps getting cuter and cuter!!!! I wish I could squeeze those cheeks. How is his reflux? I pray it continues to improve!
love to you all
comment by Deborah on 02/12/2008
I love this song! Now I will never hear it the same way again, knowing it has meant so much to you.

Yea, for rice cereal!
comment by Rachel Klick on 02/12/2008
those pictures were too funny :) I'm so glad little B has made it to this milestone! What a precious family you are Specks...you bless so many!
All my love,
Rachel
comment by Randy and Carolyn Wright on 02/11/2008
Hey you three! I guess you think we disappeared and right after I knew you were safely here for the holidays and so busy with Bennett meeting new loved ones, I did for awhile, but I've always been reading you posts and looking at the sweet pictures!! Was that a long sentence of running on or what?!! Anyway we were gone late December into early January, but Popper and Nana brought us up to date. I love the family New Year card of everyone!! You are each in our prayers as we pray for the future of you sweet family. Rice cereal is always fun and I think he ranked right up there with his first experience. Please let him know and I will also tell him when I get to hug the little angel that I'm honored he chose to do any first on my birthday, but a giggle is really a good one!! Thanks to for sharing the words to the song, it's a new one to me. I've been home in Jackson during and after the tornado this past week and I'm certain many could find comfort in those words in that circumstance too. We are all so blessed in so many ways even with all the bumps of life we are put in place to deal with. One day at a time and pray faithfully and love to one another is the only thing we can do. May things keep moving along well and the little "firsts" continue to thrill us all. Love to you and God bless.
comment by Brady on 02/11/2008
Yay Bennett! Eating food is sooo much fun. Just wait until you try sweet potatoes! It's fun for you and a project for your parents to clean you up afterwards!
comment by Sara Hyden on 02/10/2008
Hey Guys! What a fun thing to do-the first cereal tasting. I'm so glad to hear how far Bennett has come. I think of you guys often. It's funny that you mention that song. We've sung it the last two weeks at PR and I'd never heard it before that. It is great to know how much he never lets go of us-Thank you God. Keep getting better Bennett and keep enjoying each thing he does Travis and Kelly. It all happens so quickly!
comment by Dad on 02/10/2008
What wonderful pictures and beautiful words to the song.
Praise God. We love you three in DC!


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