Tuesday, June 19, 2012

11 days old 6-19-12


Today was the first day that we did not visit with Jordan.  We decided that since the hospital is an hour and a half away, it would be best to plan a schedule that we could physically handle.  So we are only visiting Jordan 4-5 days per week.  It has been a little hard on my emotions to not see him today.  I really do wish that we could visit him every day and still keep up with the rest of our lives at the same time.  I know that he is in awesome hands though and because we have a few amazing friends that speak Japanese, we are still able to call and receive an update on his condition. 

Jordan’s doctors are working with his body on two steps right now.  These include his digestive system and his lungs.  For his digestive system, the doctors are increasing the amount that he is eating slowly and making sure that he is having regular urine output and bowel movements.  His digestive condition is continuing to increase.  This is a big praise as we want his food consumption to increase so that he can grow big and strong.  As for his lungs; it is not beneficial for his lungs to be on the ventilator for a long period of time.  The pressure of air flow and tubing can cause lasting damage to the inside of his lungs and give him future respiratory problems.  Based on his gestational age, he is still unable to breathe on his own because his lungs are not developed enough for this task.  The forms of treatment include surfactant treatment, steroid treatment, and a high frequency ventilator.  Today, Jordan was put on a high frequency ventilator to start the treatment process with his lungs.  This ventilator, instead of breathing in a slow normal pattern, uses high frequency meaning that the number of breaths he takes is increased greatly, but the pressure that is used to inflate the lungs is less.  Because the pressure is less, it is supposed to cause less damage to his lungs in the process.  The doctor said that I might be surprised tomorrow when I visit him because of the High frequency ventilator.  I don’t know if this is because it causes a lot of movement or what.  The doctor also said that Jordan is being really active.  Although this is awesome new for us, it does interrupt their medical systems and sets off alarms.  I praise God that Jordan has such strength and fight in him.  He doesn’t want to make things easy on them. Or he just has too much of his daddy’s energy in him.  One of our friends was saying that we should get toothpicks and put them in his hands as drum sticks.  LOL

Today we had several things that we had to accomplish.  We had a WIC appointment because this was the only way to get a breast pump that the military would pay for.  We got all set up with WIC and received our pump.  I am still unsure if I like it or not.  It is not the same type that the Japanese hospital is recommending.  Since Jordan is so premature breast milk is very important toward his development because it is easier to digest.  The doctors are concerned that my milk would dry up before I could feed him.  I am not sure if the type of pump really has any effect on keeping my milk producing or not but the Japanese doctors did seem very adamant on their style.  We had an entire meeting just to talk about breast care and its importance.  That was a little awkward.

I was able to take a nap today.  That was very nice.  Then, Jacob and I spent a few hours playing various games with Jason.  I enjoy watching Jason play.  He has so much energy and excitement.  He also loves learning.  I think it is amazing how quickly he picks up on things.  I really enjoy being able to connect with him again and watch him learn new things daily.  He melts my heart with his loving spirit.  I am looking forward to the day when both of my boys can be home and playing.  

We have to be much more organized and prepared now.  It seems like the easy going lifestyle that we took for granted before is no longer here.  I am sure that once we develop our routine and get used to things, it will become easier.  I am so thankful for Jacob and thankful that his work has been allowing him this time off.  He did most of the chores for me this morning without even asking him to do so.  He has really been my supporter.

Today in my devotional reading, we were discussing how God created us for his pleasure and that we please God when we worship him.  Worship is not just an act of singing or praying but rather a lifestyle that we can commit everything that we do to Him for his pleasure.  I think this is an awesome lesson because we often go with the flow of the day and leave God out of the picture.  Instead we are to be praising Him every minute.

Lord, we ask that you would continue to be our rock and our strength.  We are so thankful that you have given us this opportunity to do your work.  We know that our testimony is already touching many hearts and planting many seeds for you.  We understand that your timing and perfect will has been preparing and developing us for these moments.  We ask that you be with Jordan as his is continuing to defy the “numbers”.  We are so thankful that we have been given a front row seat at the miracle that you are doing through him.  We ask that you would place your healing hand upon his lungs and help them to grow and mature so they are ready for him to breathe alone.  We ask that you would give the doctors wisdom as they control the pressure and timing of his treatments to provide him the best benefits and advantages.  We are thankful that you have placed us where we are in Japan so that Jordan can receive this care that he needs.  We ask that you would help us to develop a routine and help us to praise you as we work.  Be with us as we struggle with emotional highs and lows and allow us to lean on you for strength.  We love you Lord and we praise your name.  Please be with Jason and continue to use his talents and strengths for your glory.  Allow us to be Godly parents and true examples of your grace.  We ask for your continued strength and guidance along this journey.  In your name we pray, Amen.

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