Two months old!!

I can’t believe that it’s already Friday!  Where did this week go?  We have had a busy week and I haven’t had much time to update and type.  It is my finals week for my class and I have been swamped.  It is amazing how life takes you by surprise and before you know it, weeks and months have passed.  I cannot believe that my sweet little miracle is two months old!  How awesome this is!  We are so blessed by his life!!  Two months ago we were scared that he was not going to survive.  He has beaten the odds and remains a glorious representation of God’s power. 

Jordan has had a few issues that he is working through.  Two days ago on the 8^th we were informed that he had fluid around his liver.  This as well as gas was causing his abdomen to expand.  When his tummy expands, it pushes up on his lungs causing him to have difficulty breathing deeply. He has to work harder to do so.  The doctors wanted to take him off of the ventilator this week but they would not be able to with this issue.  When we visited on Wed he was having trouble with keeping his oxygen stable.  They had him on a higher level of support than previously.  They were unsure as to why the fluid is around his liver.  They had also stopped the antibiotics thinking that his CRP was still 2.4 because of a fungus.  They were using a fungal medication instead.  Today we received updated news.  All of their cultures for infections and fungus have come back negative.  They do not think he has a fungus or an infection and are still not sure as to what the inflammation is responding to.  Last time they stopped the antibiotics, his CRP went up quickly.  This time it went down.  He is now at 1.4 CRP so they also stopped the fungal medicine and will observe him.  We are so thankful that he doesn’t seem to have an infection.  Pray that his inflammation will decrease to negative levels.

There is still fluid around his liver but it does not seem to be getting bigger or causing any problems.  They ran some testing and his liver and kidneys are functioning perfectly.  They will keep an eye on this issue.  The biggest issue today was severe constipation.  They said his stool was rock hard.  Because of this, his intestines are enlarged.  They also push up on his lungs when they are enlarged which in turn affects his breathing and they cannot take him off of the ventilator until it is fixed.  They doctor does not seem to think this issue will take a long time to correct but it is the priority treatment right now.  They are giving him several medications as well as suctioning air from his intestines and adding fluid.  His body is tiny and constipation is not something he can deal with as quickly as an adult.  They are giving him IV nutrition today so that they can give his intestines a break.  They will continue breast milk feedings when his intestines start to shrink hopefully tomorrow.  We pray that God would have his hands on this problem.  The reason this is stressful for us is because it seems like issues keep getting in the way of him coming off of life support.  We so badly want him to graduate to CPAP.  God’s timing is perfect and we are learning patience and understanding. 

Another issue is that of his eyes.  It is common for premature babies to have issues with their eyes because they were not fully developed and then are required to develop quickly.  His eye checks have shown that his eyes are cloudy.  This means that the eye doctor cannot see the back of his eye clearly to determine if he has any sight issues from the premature birth.  Dr explained that Japanese babies have very dark eyes so it is easier to see through the cloudy but Jordan’s eyes are lighter and they cannot see it as well.  He said that his eyes should be clearer at this stage of his development but they can give him a few more weeks for the cloudy to clear up alone before they talk about solutions.  His future could involve laser eye surgery to correct any issues.  I am thankful that technology is advanced enough to have such options available to us.  I was able to see Jordan’s ultrasound today and it was really cool to see the different parts of his body.  I really liked to see his heart pumping on the ultrasound.  Doctor also showed me his brain.  I am so thankful that Jordan has not had any issues with brain bleeding.  Praise God for this release of anxiety.  Our journey is filled with highs and lows.  We are secure in the fact that God knows what he is doing.

Jason has been a little mommy’s boy recently.  He is getting his two year old molars in so he’s been slightly testy.  I have enjoyed his cuddles very much.  I think both him and I need some extra lovins every once in a while.  He has been playing cars with his toy cars.  He copies scenes from the movie.  My favorite is when he takes a big car up to a little car and says “VROOOOMMM!!!” He then proceeds to make the little car flip over on its back like tractor tipping.  It is adorable and I even caught it on video!  I love my sweet boy so much.  I can’t wait to have both of my boys home to cuddle and adore.  We are getting closer to getting him interested in potty training.  He will sit on the potty for me several times per day to “try” but he doesn’t ever actually go in the potty.  I know he will get it eventually.  He just needs to decide when he is ready.  He thinks its fun now to try so that’s a step in the right direction.  When he shows resistance we back off.  We want him to do it when he is ready and not feel forced.

I hope everyone is working hard on their quilt squares.  The deadline for these to be mailed is August 31^st.  A few of the ones I have seen look amazing!! 

Lord I want to thank you for the little and big blessings in my life.  Thank you for my wonderful and loving husband.  Even when we drive each other crazy we still enjoy each other and support and lift each other up. I can always count on my husband for the perfect hugs.  Thank you for blessing me with him.  Thank you for my sweet little two year old.  Thank you for the extra cuddles that he has been giving me.  I sometimes lose my patience but I know that you are teaching me and guiding me through it all.  I pray that you would guide his potty training progress. I thank you for my sweet little miracle Jordan.  We are so blessed to watch the miracles that you are doing in his life.  We have many ups and downs but you are teaching us daily to rely on you.  Give us strength as we grow weary.  Remind us of our purpose through this and allow us to glorify you in all we do.  Infuse Jordan with your strength Lord.  Please place your healing hands on these issues that he is having.  Allow these to clear up as soon as possible.  Please protect him from further issues that will delay the removal of the ventilator.  We also ask that you would place your hands on his eyes.  Clear them up and allow the doctors to see.  Heal his eyes and allow them to have no damages from prematurity.  Lord give me strength and courage.  Allow me to be unafraid to share my story and your purpose.  Guide us on the paths.  Lord please set up our move and guide us in that process.  Allow things to be smooth and not stressful.  Speak through Jacob and me to reach many for your kingdom.  We ask all these things in your name, Amen.