17 days old 6-25-12

Today was a great day with several blessings from God.  My double alarm clock system was successful.  Hooray! Jacob and I started our normal routine of waking up, dropping Jason off at one of the wonderful babysitters’ houses, and then heading to Aomori to visit with Jordan.  We were being really big goofballs on the entire drive.  We were just thankful for the time together.  When we visited with Jordan, he looked so good.  His alarms were not going off like crazy and he seemed to be resting well.  His skin condition is very much improved and he is starting to look like he is gaining some weight.  His back is more rounded and less bony than before.  The nurses showed us a picture that they took of him that shows both of his eyes open staring at you.  They put the picture in his NICU baby book that they have been making and keeping during his stay.  I don’t know if every NICU does things like that but these nurses really seem to work hard at making his stay and our journey personal.  They have made him a baby book, they update photos of him often, and they record special events on his calendar.  I really enjoy that they work so hard to make this time special for us.

The doctor sat down with us like usual and shared his thoughts about Jordan’s condition.  Today Jordan was being fed 4.5 ml of milk eight times per day; so about 36ml in one day.  Based on this increase and the stable output of urine and bowel movements, the doctors have determined that he has no issues with his digestion and nutrition.  This means he has overcome the second largest hurdle for a premature baby.  Praise God for His power and grace.  We are very overjoyed by this news because this is one step closer to health.  The doctor also explained that his respiratory condition is almost stable and much improved within the past few days.  The respiratory system is his third largest hurdle to overcome and is also the longest process.  The doctors will try to take him off of the ventilator, depending on his lung condition, around 30 weeks gestation.  So around 4 weeks from tomorrow.  After this, he will probably need CPAP which is a different form of oxygen treatment that is like an oxygen mask over his nose.  Continue to pray for his lungs and that they would continue to grow and develop and mature so that he is able to come off of the ventilator within the normal time frame. 

We have a big meeting tomorrow morning with the doctors from the base and the doctors that are caring for Jordan currently.  They will decide many things about Jordan’s future care process and what that plan means for our lives in the near future.  We know that God has everything under control and will direct us in the paths that are best for us and for Jordan. 

After we visited with Jordan and the doctors, Jacob and I decided to head to the mall to grab some lunch.  The town of Aomori is not as used to Americans as Misawa is, so it was interesting.  Jacob tried to play charades with the waitress and it was pretty unsuccessful.  We both laughed pretty hard about it though.  I told him to stop embarrassing me.  LOL.  I love that Jacob and I can still be goofy and fun during our time together.  I even shoved my ice cream cone into his face after I had convinced him to take a lick lol.  It was really nice to just act like goofballs and not take life so seriously.  With the crazy events that have gone on, we haven’t had much time to be nerds.  Everyone needs some nerd time in their lives occasionally. ;)

Jason had a great day also.  He woke up late; not until after 9!!  During breakfast we giggled and talked about silly things like bugs and trucks.  Then he had a blast at the sitter’s house.  He ran around outside and chased bugs and did normal boy activities.  He did not want to leave when we came to pick him up.  I am so blessed that he is such a normal crazy little boy.  I love it that he likes all the boy things like bugs and trucks….I just hope his love of bugs stays outside of the house. I know, I know…probably not going to happen.  I am looking forward to watching both of my boys play outside chasing each other and looking for bugs together and all the fun things that little boys should be doing together.  I pray so hard that my desires for their futures match God’s plans.  We have seen so many miracles already through Jordan’s life and I pray that God will use his life as a great testimony.

Lord, we want to praise you and thank you for your strength.  We are so grateful that Jordan has overcome another big hurdle toward health.  Never did we imagine that your plans for his life were so grand.  We are so grateful that your love never ceases.  Every moment that we are put through in life is preparing us for something else.  We ask that you would continue to put your blessings on Jordan and continue to hold him in your healing hands.  We ask that you would develop his lungs quickly and stabilize his respiratory system so that he might be able to come off of the ventilator very soon.  I praise you father for placing us in this location so that Jordan might receive the best care possible.  We are so thankful and we know that your plans are perfect.  We have been learning to lean on you and trust in your path.  We do not need to stress or worry about things in life because you have already planned them out and are in complete control.  We ask that you would continue to bless Jason and his learning.  Allow us to give him the time and attention he needs.  Lord we ask that you would place your hands over the meeting we have tomorrow.  Help the decisions that are made follow your perfect plans.  Give the doctors wisdom to decide on a care plan that is going to provide the best benefits for Jordan and our family and allow us to be in a location where we can have the greatest impact on reaching people for your kingdom.  Please bless us as we rest and give us the strength to keep up during the day.  We glorify your name.  All these things in your name, Amen.